If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the last 5 days of travel, it’s that I’m completely addicted to my iPhone. This becomes a major problem, a major crabbiness factor, and a major source of marital stress when my iPhone doesn’t have service OR WiFi. And my computer battery is dead. Breathe, breathe, breathe.
I am not a control freak. Really. Not.
Add to that a laundry list of travel mishaps:
almost missing our international flight as a result of poor ticket reading
discovering a singing Korean boot locked onto my suitcase upon arrival in Seoul
losing the water bottle cover for my brand new water bottle
going to wash my face and getting sprayed by the shower instead
realizing that there is no way for me to fix my wet hair because we don’t have an adapter
realizing that there is no way to contact the world with our battery-dead electronics because we don’t have an adapter
not being able to pick up even ONE spicy noodle with my chopsticks
watching Bjork scoop up heaping, spicy bites of noodles with.his.chopsticks.
and crying over my chopstick disability, in public.
Luckily all our battery things were dead so we did not get a picture of that.
{oh the joy of finally having a hot straightener in my hands.}
Here’s the other thing I’ve learned in the last 5 days of travel. A handful of M&M’s, a good night’s sleep, a few bottles of water, and a morning run around a royal palace (whaaa?!) can make me a new person. And guess what else? I haven’t had my iPhone at ALL over the last 2 days and I’m starting to breathe normally again. It might even be a little bit liberating.
Seoul Is Amazing
Seoul is a beautiful city and the people are polite, generous, and helpful. Our bed and breakfast is adorable and the food is different and yummy. Who needs an iPhone for that? (Well, me, but I’m training myself.) They also have a really amazing store that sells adapters. I love Seoul.
{the English translator for the menu took the liberty of calling this pan fried rice.}
I know I’ve said it already, but thank you for your sweet words of encouragement during these transitions. In my darkest chopstick-depression moments, I can plunk down on my floor mattress, grab some garlic parmesan pretzel chips (no chopsticks required) and smile at all your comments and emails.
Love to you all!
Want to hear more about my time living abroad? Check out posts here!
I had a dream last night where I went travelling and forgot my hair straighteners…I must have been able to feel your pain from here 😉
I’m glad you’ve got to Seoul safely, it sounds like such a remarkable place.
I would love to see a picture of the singing Korean boot attached to your suitcase. hahaha!
My straightener makes me that happy too. 😉
It was hilarious. It had the most happy tune, even though usually it’s put on bags that have some sort of contraband. My contraband was a kitchen knife. Woops. 🙂
Glad you got there o.k. you really didn’t think no problems would surface. take care and you’ll be able to adjust .So far I’m fine .L grammaRob.
Grandma, I’m so glad you commented! 🙂 We can’t wait to video chat with you once we get to Cebu! LOVE YOU.
What what an inspiration you and your husband are! Sometimes it we need to be stripped from all the electronics and worldly stuff, to realize ow truly blessed and unnecessary all those “other” things are. And learn to cherish the more important things, as well as treasure moments rather than things. Blessings and prayers!
So happy to hear an update, keep them coming!!!
Oh man! I admire you guys so much for jumping into this big unknown. It’s going to be the adventure of a lifetime–and sounds like it already is. Hang in there! And I’m sure your chopstick skills will be honed very quickly.
Seoul… so now we’ll get to see more pinches of yummy Korean food here 🙂
It looks like you’re doing great, what an adventure! Those travel mishaps are totally minor, although losing your water bottle cap is one of those oddly horrible things, like what are you supposed to do? I’m also terrible with chopsticks, sushi is about the only thing I can handle. You’ll be a pro in no time I’m sure!
Travel and having things go NOT as planned is a guarantee. You are doing marvelously. Hang in there and deep breaths 🙂 I can only imagine the stress & anxiety you are having but are handling it like a champ.
Glad you arrived safely and despite it all, seem to be adjusting just fine. As for chop sticks, you’ll either adapt quickly or carry a fork in your purse!
Oh my gosh, genius idea.
I have a wicked iPhone addiction but when I can’t use it, I find it to be so freeing!
iphone withdrawal can be terrible… but enjoy every moment!!!!
Haha, I’d say “rice” looks to be a rough translation. 🙂 Sounds like you’re already having an adventure and I can’t wait to hear more!
Sounds like an adventure, indeed. I hope you secure an adaptor asap!!
Hi. Just started reading your blog and I’m not much of a commenter but wanted to say I really admire what you guys are doing. It is so encouraging to see examples of “normal” people packing it up to serve where they are needed. Best of luck to you and I’ll be following along! (Also, I’ve already pinned several of your recipes that look great!)
-Celice
Thank you Celice! What an encouragement. 🙂
Thanks for the update – we can be adventurous through you and Bork. Prayers continuing for you and the kids with whom you will be working.
You see? you may have left/sold all those THINGS before leaving but you still have your friends to stay connected. Can’t wait to read more blog entries.
Message me your address and I’ll send a pair of training chopsticks. That’s what Flanagans use… No joke! 🙂 If you’re lucky, I might even throw in a box of Belvitas. Oh, and in your honor, I am baking Mimi’s chocolate cake today.
So glad you got a chance to visit Korea. I was born there and lived for many years before moving to the midwest. My parents are visiting Korea currently. Did you run into them? You know the short Korean couple in their 50’s. Just kidding. haha
You are so inspiring! I want to travel the world someday and tell everyone about Jesus!
Too funny. This is where we are different. I didn’t even own a straightener until about 3 months ago. I always felt like traveling to other places was liberating because I would never.ever. see those people again. Welcome frizzy, crazy hair! And running around a palace?? sign me up!! Good luck you two!
Hi! I’m confused, and since I’m currently living in Korea I had to ask-did you teach English in Seoul and the Philippines? I clicked on your add because I thought there would be a place to donate for clean water in the Philippines (or something along those lines)…anyway, just curious. Looks like you had a great time in Seoul, I hope you go back-beautiful city!
Hi Rachel! We just visited Seoul for a few days on our way to the Philippines, where I taught for a year at this orphanage: https://cebushelter.org/