mom comes to seoul.

For the last 6 months I have been living in Korea all alone (with the exception of great friends) and have relied soley on over-the-phone descriptions to communicate my surroundings. However, last Monday my mom came to Seoul! It's hard to put the last week into words. Nothing I write down could do it justice. While she was here it was a whirlwind of hanging out, trying new food, shopping, exploring the city, touring palaces, etc. Wonderful. I think in the last week I have seen all of Seoul's "hot-spots" in a matter of days. It was so fun to hop on and off the subway, explore the area for a bit, and then head to a different district to do the same. Myeong-dong, Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, Techno Mart, Jamsil, Gyeongbok Palace, Insadong, Itaewon, Namsan Tower, etc....we've seen it all.

I think it's hard for people to really have an understanding and appreciation for a place they've never seen firsthand. More than anything I am excited that Korea will forever be a place that my mom has experienced for herself. When I talk about different areas of the city, or friends that I'm hanging out with, she will have a connection with these things in her mind. Having the opportunity to share my love of travel and the world with family is the greatest thing. I know its not always easy having a daughter or sister that lives on the other side of the world, but I am thankful for a family that supports and encourages my dreams. I must be the luckiest person on earth.

A few photos from this past week:


shopping in dongdaemun market.


eating 돼지갈비 at a little korean resturant near my apartment. so good.


self-portrait taken after a long bike ride through olympic park.


my mom standing in front of the namdaemun tower...which burned down the following day.

I am so thankful for my mom's visit to Korea! It was one of the best weeks I've had here so far.