The future

“People tend to think that happiness is a stroke of luck, something that will descend like fine weather if you're fortunate. But happiness is the result of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly.”

― Elizabeth Gilbert

October is a good month for me. I am feeling pretty positive and blessed. I have achieved a lot in my life and I know what I want to do in the future. 

I have travel the world. Experienced different cultures. Met people from all walks of life. Studied and worked at many different places. Seen the most beautiful sites. Eaten the the most delicious food. All this by the age of 27. 

I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to do this. My parents were not born rich, but they both worked hard for me and my brother and because of this we have had the most wonderful lives. Both also worked and are still working for their own dreams. To me they are inspirational. They did this either by studying or changing jobs. They simply work hard to enjoy their lives. I have not seen a day my mum doesn't smile. Even when she is grumpy, she still smiles at least once.

Not only this. They also gave me freedom. Freedom to chose my own life and path. They supported every choice I made. Even when I traveled across the world to japan. In which, my mum still reminds me I broke her heart in doing so..... They supported me when I moved in with an ex boyfriend  and even helped me move back out a month later. They supported all my mistakes, but were always there to pick up the pieces after. They only ever gave guidance and help. For this I thank them both. I hope to be just like them if I ever have children.

There are times we are all in a dark place. For me this is when life becomes repetitive and stale. I never want to just live day to day. I wish to enjoy everyday. Of course this is impossible. Some days (or some months even) we are just simply in a bad mood. But when those days come, it is good just to have the good days to look forward to or even look back on. Also, surround yourself with good friends and family.

These few months I have been at my happiest. I think this is because I know what I want to do. I really thought about what direction I want my life to take after I leave Korea. Before this year I always had a nagging at the back of my head. It was telling me I should be doing something towards my dream. But, at the time I didn't know my dream so it was like a cycle of thoughts in my head. 

To be brutally honest. I always thought I should get a job, marry have kids. What was expected from society. But, my heart was never given to any of my ex boyfriends. As soon as the lust was gone, I went back to having a strong desire to be alone and pushing them away. I think no-one can fully give their heart until they know what is in it. What desires and wises reside in that heart. 

I never knew my dreams and wishes. Not until over a year ago. I had a bad break up.  I thought I had found the 'one'. I soon realised he wasn't the one, and during that time I discovered I need to know my own wishes before focusing my energy on another person. I would never be happy until I did that. 

I tried really thinking about my wishes for the first time in my life. And I mean really thinking. A years worth of thinking in fact. I decided to try to do a CELTA. There I discovered I wanted to go back and study and do a second degree to get in to my field of interest. I will have to work hard for the next 4 years, but it is all for the end goal. 

There are going to be days when I won't see the finish line and may feel sad. But during those days I can think back to what I have achieved and what is to come. I can remember sitting in Chiang Mai eating strawberries and surrounded by flowers. I can also remember meeting a geisha. I can remember all my friends from around the world, and perhaps my itchy travelling feet will subside for a few years,

I have 4 months left in South Korea. I have spending my time applying to my course and making plans for when I return to England. I don't know my future but I realised it's starting to seem a lot less scary,

DMZ with Adventure Korea

DMZ

Yesterday, I went to the DMZ. I thought I should go because I am leaving in 4 months and I wanted to know more about both Korea's before leaving. I booked with adventure Korea. I like this company. The people in charge of tours seem to actually like their job. Unlike the guy from WINK. He always seems angry. They are also very organised unlike WINK.

I met the coach at 9am at Express bus terminal, whilst other met us a little later on at Hongdae. Then we headed for Imjingak. Unfortunately, there happened to be a bike festival that day so we were stuck waiting for the bikers to pass for 20 minutes. But, there was positive to this. It was more quiet than normal we were told.

Bike festival

Imjingak is strange. On one side there are buildings and monuments. On the other side this are fun fair rides. It seemed very touristy. There is a shrine for the north Koreans who cannot return home. This is so they can pray to their ancestors during important holidays. It seems strange that somewhere so important to people also sells DMZ cups and footballs.

DMZ

DMZ

The freedom bridge is where they exchange prisoners are the Korean war. People have written on ribbons and flags. Many are about the unification of the two Korea's. There was also the peace bell and pictures from a span of 60 years that relate to the DMZ.

Freedom bridge

We headed for Tongilchon (unification village) for lunch. Hardly any one liked lunch. It was of a good quality, but very traditional. If you don't like traditional Korean food then bring some food with you. There wasn't much to do here to be honest.

We then got on the coach to the third tunnel.We first watched a movie, which was mainly propaganda, before heading to the tunnel. The tunnel is quite a walk. At the end you look through a peep hole then go all the way back up. I felt bad for the tall people. The tunnel is not high, therefore they had to crouch down.

We then headed for the Dora observatory. Here you can look at North Korea. I didn't get any pictures. There is a line which you can't take photos in front of. It was interesting to see. The buildings were all white and seemed abandoned.

Dora observatory

North Korea

The last stop was Dorasan train station. This is the last station before the north and would link South Korea railways with the rest of the world if opened. It looks brand new and it is creepily quiet.

Dorasan station

Dorasan station

Empty station

We arrived back in Hongdae at 6. By this point I was so hungry I ran to a Indian restaurant. I am sure my Curry had red pepper paste in it though......

Cat Cafe, Konkuk University

Cat rules

Cat cafe

After the temple I decided to pop in to a cat cafe. I have been to the one in Myeongdong 3 times so I wanted to try a new one. I shouldn't have gone!! Because it being a school holiday the place was packed. I only stayed for 10 minutes. All the cats were asleep or someone was playing with them. I think the best time to go to a cat or dog cafe is just after opening. They will not be fed up of attention yet. The owner of this cafe was really friendly but it was the busiest dog/ cat cafe I have been to. But, like I said it was the holidays.

Another peculiar thing was I got a set of rules, yet, none of the Korean customers did. And they were the ones waking the cats up!!! ><

Cat cafe

Like I said the cafe is good but go during the weekday whilst the kids are at school!! Perhaps around 1 after opening.

To get there leave exit 5 of Konkuk university and turn right straight away. Walk 30 seconds and it's on the third floor on your left. You will see a red, yellow and blue sign for it.

Anyways kitty pictures!!!

Cat cafe

Old man cat

Grumpy cat the second

Cat cafe, Konkuk

Sleeping cats

Evil cat about to wake the other cats up

Sleepy cat

Evil cat

Soft kitty

Ninja cat

Naked cat

Cat art

Bongeunsa temple

Bongeunsa temple

Wednesday was an national holiday, therefore we all had the day off. I have begun to be lazy due to already doing most of the things I wanted to in Seoul. I have a few items left, but I still have 20 days of holidays left in the winter so I am going to save some stuff.

Bongeunsa temple

Saying that, I believe this will be the last month of good weather. I decided to go to Bongeunsa temple whilst the weather was good. There are two stations near the temple. I decided to go to Chungdam station because it's on line 7, therefore I would only have to transfer one time. To get to the temple you walk straight out of exit 2. You walk over a hill until you get to a main junction. The walk is about 5-10 minutes depending on your walking speed. When you get to the junction then turn right and walk about 1 minute until you see the temple on your right. I had a kind adjumma point me in the right direction.

You can also get there from Samsung station (line 2) exit 6.

Bongeunsa temple

It was really hot yesterday. By the time I got to the temple I was sweating so I headed to the temple cafe for some omijia (5 taste tea). I am glad I went to the temple whilst it is still warm, there were many flowers which made the temple even more beautiful.

I read you can do temple stays there. I have already done a temple stay during my first year in Korea. There is a mini temple life experience on Thursdays at 2pm which you have to sign up for on the door for 20,000won. If you have a group of over 7, you can do it anytime.

Bongeunsa temple

The temple is in the heart of the city and is surrounded by sky scrappers. It is wonderful to see new mixed with old. I took pictures mainly of this rather than just the temple itself. I think it would be even better at night. I am not sure of the closing time though.

I am glad I went here before I left. I have a few things left on my list. These included Banpo bridge, Namsam at night, Gwanghanmun at night and the museums.

Bongeunsa temple

Bongeunsa temple

Bongeunsa temple

Bongeunsa temple

Bongeunsa temple

Bongeunsa temple