Long conversations
beside blooming irises –
joys of life on the road-Bashō
Today I depart Seoul after two months of living in a tiny apartment near Toppoki Street (and I’m not really a fan of eating toppoki; it’s not bad, but I just don’t like gluttonous rice cakes much). I’m heading to Italy for a while–I get to see my parents and relatives for the first time since I left the US last October. It’s exciting to continue the journey, but bittersweet to leave what has become somewhat familiar.
I’ve had a great time here, despite a rough start to my stay. I’ve made friends and seen some interesting sights. I’ve enjoyed Korea more than I expected, and I still haven’t visited the popular destinations of Busan and Jeju. There’s enough remaining here to remind me to return.
The food in Korea has been great–I’ve had the best fried chicken here (although I know I shouldn’t eat that). And I’ve even discovered some blossoming microbreweries to counteract all the cheap light beer that is so prevalent throughout Asia. And, of course, there’s always the beautiful mountains to keep me entertained.
What would make you return to a travel destination?
