South Korea, September 2024

Days 1-3 (August 31- Sept 2): Mount Seorak and Naksansa Temple (South Korea)

What an experience so far. Travel teaches you things about yourself that you never knew.

You learn that you can talk to strangers and if you’re lucky, it comes with the reward of a great day with new friends, lots of laughs, and loads of pictures.

You learn that you can climb to the top of a mountain. Sometimes FOMO is powerful and wherever the motivation comes from, embrace it.

You learn that you don’t mind walking in the rain. Well as long as it’s a warm rain.

You learn that it’s okay not to like every new food that you try but it’s important that you try them.

You learn that you can navigate a foreign country where the alphabet is different than your own.

You learn just how little you know about the world and the passion you have for knowing more about it.

Tomorrow: more navigating Seoul and then heading to Hanoi.

Day 4: Seoul, South Korea

Today’s adventure: Changgyeonggung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Sungnyemun Gate, and the National Museum of Korea plus an international airport.

I may have overdone it. By 10am, I had already walked 4 miles. I was in a rush and didn’t eat first and never found coffee or water. 17,000 steps and 10 hours later, I finally stopped for food and water. Exhausted, dirty, and after guzzling a couple of bottles of water and soup, I’m not feeling so well. Here’s hoping this flight to Hanoi goes well.