Jeju is known for its rich cultural heritage, and Jeju Stone Park is no exception. The traditional homes and relics transported me to a simpler time — and I loved every moment.
Field Notes: The Inspiration For Gukje Market
A few weeks ago, I was able to spend some time wandering around Seoul while being introduced to several artists in the area. Though most of them were classmates of my dear artist friend, Yang Yun Jeong, others were artists who exhibit their work together at several local galleries. On this specific day, the group was having a meal to …
Field Notes: Coastal Living in Jeju Island
I am an island girl at heart. In fact, if you were to ask me what I miss most about living in Puerto Rico, I would tell you, hands down, I miss la playa (the beach) with its beautiful blue and turquoise waters. Driving around the coast and taking in the salty air while savoring the local delicacies is life …
Field Notes: Blessing in Disguise | Homigot
Though I would consider myself to be a world traveler and explorer at heart, I have not always been so adventurous or fearless. But then, I traveled to Korea once, twice, and now I am on my fifth trip, solo, with little planning, little funds, a small command of the language, with two large suitcases and a false sense of …
Field Notes: Seoul, South Korea
After seven days of quarantine on the outskirts of Seoul, I rode a taxi for about an hour and a half to the popular neighborhood of Itaewon in the city of Seoul, South Korea. Here’s how Trip Advisor describes the area: Neighboring the immense Yongsan American Garrison, Itaewon was once shunned by locals as a seedy, red light district. But …
Have a Good Cry!
We must understand that sadness is an ocean, and sometimes we drown, while other days we are forced to swim. – R. M. Drake Growing up in Puerto Rico, my family spent New Year’s Eve at church welcoming in the New Year with prayer and meditation. Then, after a collective countdown and at midnight, we would hug, kiss, and cry. …
Chasing Joy
From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another. The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other. – Emily Matthews It’s Christmas season once again! This year, I get to spend Christmas home with family and close friends back in the United States given that, thanks to COVID and its variants, my …
Field Notes: Raggedy This and Raggedy That!
I remember as a child how much I enjoyed playing with Barbies. They were my favorite childhood toy, but I also remember hugging the “life” out of a Raggedy Ann doll I had. At one point I even dressed up as Raggedy Ann for a play at church. The one thing I found fascinating was the red hair (or red …
Field Notes: Making Perfume
Aside from those suffering with allergies, I think most people feel special when they wear perfume or cologne. I must admit that I am one of those people. From an early age, my mother would not allow my sisters and I to leave the house without putting on perfume (and baby powder… why? No clue). Of course, at the time …
Field Notes: Making Mandu (만두 만들기)
Last week, I kicked off my new series, Chasing Life: Field Notes, with a blogpost about aging. The purpose of this series is to share some of the things I have been doing to make my latter days better than the first. Some of these things include traveling, meeting new people, making and trying new things, and always learning! One …