I'd never thought I would ever do a trip where I would fly in to a country, spend a few days on my own (or with new-found friends) and then kind of part ways with everyone I'd met and everything I'd experienced and leave it all behind. The main thing about leaving things behind is that even though you feel that nothing in that short period of time might internally change you, having that very experience there 100 percent on your own, would actually form one (untouchable) chapter in your life story.
That chapter you made completely on your own will be uniquely yours, untainted by a travel companion, uninfluenced by someone else's retelling of the story, and the memories made will be extra special in that same way.
Travelling alone means sitting with a stranger right? In all honesty, this was the highlight of both my flights. You never see the best parts of yourself until you travel alone on a rather long flight (~6.5 hours) and sit with quirky seat-mates. To be fair, I think the ladies who sat with me (both of them to and from Seoul) probably thought I was equally quirky and strange.
On my way there, I got an auntie for a seat-mate, and that is my idea of a quick summary. ;) She was quite obtuse, but made for an interesting flight where somehow I had within me sufficient patience not to lose my patience with her...
I had an incredible and fun roommate by the way. We were casual, spontaneous and literally did not give much of a damn for cleanliness - which was strangely fun in itself. I think we really let loose. Lol.
YOLO, man.
So well, challenge accepted... and my classmates and I survived!
So much joy.
Filing obediently into Gyeongbokgung Palace for the second half of the changing of guards ceremony.
Even as the palace exists against the backdrop of skyscrapers and office buildings, everything within the palace stays as traditionally Korean as it should be.
Early signs of Autumn with lovely sights of yellowed trees and weather like cool air-conditioning.
I wonder if one day I will tire of visiting Korea. In this trip it's my second time, and I would honestly say Seoul has lost a little bit of its initial sparkle, I emphasise, since it's the second time. I am more inclined to explore other major cities of Korea, of course I am still limited by my Korean ability, since going into less commercialised/touristy cities means relying more on my conversational skills. The depth of its culture, societal behaviours and norms, entanglements of rich history and modern developments maintains Korea's unique branding, which will probably keep me returning.
If you have some degree of Korean ability, and a streak of independence, I'd say you need to take a solo trip to Korea too. You never know the extent of your ability to survive on your own until you take that trip. Of course, going to a developed country on your own means your family or friends will have less to worry about so this is one place to definitely try. The most liberating thing about Korea is that you can tune out whatever you don't understand, and all you need, you can communicate and ask. Passers-by and strangers are always helpful and friendly especially if you're alone, and in such instances you really do feel that faith in humanity is restored. Even if they can't speak a word of English or are too embarrassed to utter a word (even though they know), they'd helpfully guide you along a route and point out where to go, with a very hospitable and comforting smile. I'd like to think that they're proud to show you around their country.
Closing this, solo travel is a completely zen experience that will bring you a lot of inner peace (I'm not even exaggerating) and also teach you a lot of yourself and human behaviour. Everything else now just can't help but fade in comparison.
