I woke up with exactly 23 minutes to get ready and get downtown for my coffee date with a close friend of mine so I jumped out of bed and threw on whatever laundry was hanging on the boxing ring ropes. I washed my face, ran my fingers through my hair, grabbed my the breakfast I had prepared the night before, and then I ran out the door and down the street to grab the bus. Just then someone called my name. I turned and there before me was my friend Peter. He was heading into his office for the day when he had saw me so he offered to drive me downtown. It was definitely a super sweet way to start the day.
I always feel funny when I run into people I know, like friends, as if I'm still somewhat of a tourist here or new comer. Running into people I know in a foreign country always makes me giddy, as if I shouldn't expect it after living here for more than 10 years. This is my home, right.
Arrived at my coffee date and was treated to an extra strong cappuccino and a good chat with a friend.
Later on, after I had returned to Hulk's, cleaned the club and opened it for club hours, I was then pleasantly joined by another friend of mine. She's a Korean gal married to an American and together they live in Japan. She's just here visiting family for a short time but upon hearing that I am leaving the country she decided to come see me. She brought me a treat too... let the nightly cravings begin!!!
No sooner did she arrive but then another friend stopped by and then a third. I can't remember the last time I've seen this many friends in one day here in Korea so it definitely jump started my work day on such a positive note.
I've been getting a lot of mixed reactions with me announcing my return to Canada for a year. Those who I consider good friends have been exceptionally supportive because even though they may not fully understand the details of it they know and respect me enough to respect my choices and support them. It feels so incredible to be backed by such friends, really, because everyday I feel like I go through a roller coaster of feelings regarding it, ranging from fear and excitement to sadness and giddiness. Today I was bombarded with nothing but ultra positive comments, big smiles and huge hugs from friends who all think what I'm about to do is a big jump but a much needed exciting one.
It's going to be hard to leave Korea, I know this and I am most definitely feeling this as I type this very sentence. I don't want people to think that I don't love Korea and those in it because I do love Korea and I love my friends here but this year isn't about that or them. There are just as many reasons for me to stay here as there are for me to leave for a year. Today it certainly felt like there were more reasons to stay, I'll admit that, but I know to not go at this point would definitely robbed me of something that has so much potential to be the greatest adventure I've ever ventured out on. Having said that, I am reminded of all the people who called me crazy and questioned me when I first moved to Korea. More people than not thought my move to Korea was a bad decision on my behalf, I guess I proved them wrong. I'm not out to prove anyone wrong with this sabbatical year in Korea though just like me moving to Korea wasn't about proving anything to anyone beyond that I could do it. As for this next year in Canada, it's about proving my potential to myself and making those who already believe in me proud.
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