Well, the family below me is moving out today. All kinds of racket through the night (apparently I live above a bunch of procrastinators) kept me nearly sleepless. I'm looking forward to having new neighbours; these ones made me feel down; the whole family unit seemed to be held together only by thin threads of duty and obligation. I'm especially pleased to see the husband of the house go; ever since he got taken away in handcuffs for putting his wife in a stretcher (though he was back a few days later... such is life in some Korean marriages), it's been awkard to say the least. He knows that I know, and I can't help but fire off an occasional hard look when our paths cross at the front entrance.
This is the third or fourth neighbour I've seen go and be replaced now. Also, a number of public improvements have been made in my area of town, including an ongoing project to beautify a local river with stone embankments and walking paths, as well as newly-built hiking trails and staircases on the nearby mountain. Changes are always gradual in a town, but all added up, Sanggye-dong looks quite a bit different than it did a year ago.
Feels a bit like I'm in Korea on borrowed time these days. It's really only 3 months and change before I'm on a plane to, as it appears at the moment, Spain. A friend of mine in Canada by the name of Emily (do you read this blog Em?) and I will embark on a nearly-three-month backpacking trip through Europe, India, Nepal (maybe), and Thailand. It seems the Kosher thing to do these days for middle-class 20-somethings to trot around the globe finding themselves, posting facebook photos along the way. I don't know about wisdom, but there certainly is inner strength to be gained by spending time out of one's element.
After that it's home. Six months, give or take, from now. I can see the Victoria airport already, my family at the arrival gate, and grandma's van in the parking lot.
I've been playing a lot of piano this year, and I've decided to have one more go at music school auditions in April. I'll apply at UVic and perhaps UBC. Hell, maybe even McGill if I have enough material ready. Playing the piano is the only dream I've consistently had, that could also be a career. Every other idea that crosses my mind feels like a plan to just make money. I was born into such a priveleged position on this Earth that I can and will put down my betting chips for more than a comfortable life. I need to know where this music path goes, even if it means venturing into my 30's without a pot to piss in. So be it!
This is the third or fourth neighbour I've seen go and be replaced now. Also, a number of public improvements have been made in my area of town, including an ongoing project to beautify a local river with stone embankments and walking paths, as well as newly-built hiking trails and staircases on the nearby mountain. Changes are always gradual in a town, but all added up, Sanggye-dong looks quite a bit different than it did a year ago.
Feels a bit like I'm in Korea on borrowed time these days. It's really only 3 months and change before I'm on a plane to, as it appears at the moment, Spain. A friend of mine in Canada by the name of Emily (do you read this blog Em?) and I will embark on a nearly-three-month backpacking trip through Europe, India, Nepal (maybe), and Thailand. It seems the Kosher thing to do these days for middle-class 20-somethings to trot around the globe finding themselves, posting facebook photos along the way. I don't know about wisdom, but there certainly is inner strength to be gained by spending time out of one's element.
After that it's home. Six months, give or take, from now. I can see the Victoria airport already, my family at the arrival gate, and grandma's van in the parking lot.
I've been playing a lot of piano this year, and I've decided to have one more go at music school auditions in April. I'll apply at UVic and perhaps UBC. Hell, maybe even McGill if I have enough material ready. Playing the piano is the only dream I've consistently had, that could also be a career. Every other idea that crosses my mind feels like a plan to just make money. I was born into such a priveleged position on this Earth that I can and will put down my betting chips for more than a comfortable life. I need to know where this music path goes, even if it means venturing into my 30's without a pot to piss in. So be it!
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