Thailand with my Mom

I'm definitely an adult now

Completely over eager I got up early this morning and rushed to the bus station. I had some stuff to buy before heading overseas but I didn't have to do it at 10am. Now i'm on my way to the airport about 5 hours early. Yeah a bit over eager. But I'm definitely excited to see my mother for the first time in 4 months. 

The 18th Boryeong Mud Fest 2015

Let's get dirty.

Well this weekend started with a bang, literally!!! 9am we climbed on the bus and somebody didn't check the volume of the speakers and the first song that came up started with a big drop. Heart attack! But after that things just escalated with awesome club music and surprisingly, South African music. Strobe lights and coloured lights lighting up the bus in the tunnels. It's definitely going to be some weekend to remember.

And that it was. I had a splendid time. The group we went with was amazing. We arrived at the pension around noon. It wasn't long before we left the pension on our way to the Mudfest. We quickly grabbed something to eat, got our entry tickets And off we went. 

There was great music and so many things we could do. First we went to stand in line for an obstacle course where you start off by getting thrown with mud. And as you go through this course they also dump mud on you so by the end EVERYTHING was full of mud. There was mud in my mouth, eyes and ears. 

Thereafter we went to a mud pool where we had to dance in a circle singing a song. When the woman scream a number we had to make groups and if you're not in a group or if your group is outnumbered you get splashed with mud by everyone else. So once again mud EVERYWHERE. Next, we went to a giant slide where you had to race up with your partner. They splashed you with water at the top and as soon as you get to the bottom you were once again covered in mud. I definitely felt like a kid again. 

It reminded me of how I used to smear myself with mud as a kid at Robertson where we used to camp. It was great fun back then and awesome to relive it in a way. 

We took a mudbath and went directly to the ocean to wash all the mud off and semi clean ourselves. Splashing in the water was great fun. But with all the salt on our bodies a good shower was necessary. Knowing our pension didn't have a bath or shower a public fountain on the way home made up for that. It was quite refreshing. 

We had dinner at the pension and then headed out to find a noribong (kareoke bar). We had a blast singing all the legendary songs we have known all our life. But after being there for an hour it was time to move to the next thing. There was a big fireworks show on the beach so we headed off to the beach. It was truly amazing and really romantic. 

We played some frisbee and did some sand drawings before heading to town. 

Strolling around in town we came across a fun park with a Tornado ride and we just had to ride it. And so we did. I tried to surf this ride but that G-force pushed me right back into my seat and at one point me and King (friend) both tumbled over each other to the middle of this thing. It was great fun. 

There after most of the group went back to the pension but King and myself didn't have enough. There was a SSUM club waiting to be explored. We danced so much and had such a fun time at the club. But round 4:00am this morning it was time to head back to go to bed. We still had quite a walk ahead of us or at least at that time of night it seemed really far back home not to mention that we got lost in a parking lot. 

Thank you Leigh, Ashleigh, Mashadi,Tubs and King for making this one weekend to remember.

Playing the 6 String

"Music gives soul to the Universe, wings to the mind, flights to the imagination and life to everything" - Plato 

On Saturday night I went to watch a gig of my good friend Phillip and I thought I would share his one song with you. It's quite nice to just go out and listen to so many talented people. I love to musical culture of South Korea. In most coffee shops or bars there will be someone sharing their talents. In certain parts of town streets are closed off to allow street performing to take place. It's quite cool. I will post some awesome stuff when I see it again. But first a video of Phillip... 

Pakkie Huis

Home is where my story began.

Ek kom ook nou agter my afrikaans is so bietjie vrotter as wat ek gedink het dit is. Kom van heeltyd engels praat. 

Met speckled eggs wat ek gewoonlik geëet het as comfort food in stresvolle eksamens en droppies wat ek net verbind aan 'n liefdevolle ouma wat ek vir altyd bierbaar sal wees voor en tee wat my ma vir my gegee het van baba tyd af as ek siek was, hartseer of net om 'n koppie tee saam te geniet kan ek sê my dag was gemaak. En koekies om my besig te hou as ek die dag te veel dink aan huiskos. 

Ek het ook 'n bottle mayonaise en Chutney gekry. My vriendinne wat my ken weet al elke bord kos kort chutney. Dis maar net een van daai dinge. Dis net te flippen lekker. En dan die Chicken spice... hoe kan mens sonder dit gaan. Dis die beste ontdekking in die mens se geskiendenis van speserye. 

My moeder het ook vir my 'n baie mooi christelike boek ingepak wat ek begin lees het om my steunpilaar in my lewe terug te kry. Ek dink dis belangrik om te weet waar jou wortels le en om dit by die regte plek te hou. Maar 

Dan supplies... Korea het wel Tampons maar dit het sy verskyning eers twee jaar terug gemaak wat beteken dat die verskydend minimaal is. Ek neem aan dit het te doen met die konserwatiwiteit van die Koreane en die stiegma wat daarmee gepaart gaan. Enige vrou sal vir jou kan sê dat hulle wel dit waaraan hulle gewoont is verkies in daai sektor. 

Elkgeval dis awesome om tenminste net 'n paar van jou vorige lewe se daaglikse produkte in jou kas te he. 

Dankie Mamma en Ouma 

Green Irish Fever

Gaelic Football and an Irish Pub.

I was invited by my awesome friend and next door neighbour to watch her game of gaelic football. It was the first time I saw this quite confusing but fun sport in my life. I haven't heard of it before she told me about it when I arrived here but I'm glad I got to see it. I don't know much about the game except that it's sort of a mix between volleyball, soccer, rugby and basketball. Confusing much?!

They had a tournament on Saturday. The tournament was the whole day and the scorching sun didn't make it that pleasant and I take my hat off for every guy and girl who played. I know there was various blisters burned through the soles of shoes from the burning astro. But played they did. Every team played almost 8 games. I would've passed out. No!!! Seriously. I was so sweaty that even my eye liner started smudging making my eyes look as if someone hit me in the eye.



The clubs that played came from all over South Korea and most of the players were foreigners. Most was also Irish. But to my own surprise there was also a few Afrikaans speaking South Africans in the mix. I met them and the guys were really nice. Normally there is this ritual that everyone goes to the Wolfhound in Itaewon after a tournament. Main reason being, it's an Irish pub who also happens to be the sponsor of the Seoul Gaels team. And the Seoul Gaels also won the tournament. So obviously there was going to be a big celebration.

The boytjies, from Busan Gaelic club,  invited me to join them for a party but first it was dinner time at Braai Republic. And I do love that place. Their Lamb potjie was a winner as well as their super nice South African wine which costed way too much. After Castle beer (only available at BR for 7000 won - R70), Potjie (18000won - R180) and a super nice glass of red wine (free) it was time to make myself really broke for the rest of the week and pay my expenses.

And off we went to the Wolfhound. I obviously also needed a bed to sleep so the South African guys offered up their empty bed in their hostel only to find out later the evening that it wasn't that empty. But anyway. I guess it was that or pay money which I didn't have leaving me with staying in a 24h coffee shop until the train comes the next morning at 5am. I really had to put my head down. It was really a fun night out. I had a langarm sokkie, something no-body here knows and I'm also quite sure that's why I have a major big bruise on my knee. I had a nice cold beer which tasted like heaven considering how hot it was. Time flies when you have fun. 

It was really nice to speak afrikaans to the guys and having a nice conversation about South Africa, Student life, Korea, rugby and rugby and all the other drunk nights (typical between guys conversation)... I felt a little at home. And they took great care of me. The Irish girls from the Seoul gaels team was also fun to hang with. I also happened to get a Korean guy buzzing around me but that got sorted out quickly. I don't care what afrikaans rugby guys say but let's just say there is a reason for the Afrikaanse Boertjie Stereotype. Let's just say he got a warning sign.

All in all it was so much fun. Wish the night went on forever. I like the Irish vibes with an African twist.

Lekker Braai Republic. We had to explain the menu to the Irish. 

Lamb Potjie.

Boytjies. (Top left: Not a boytjie, Top right: Niekie,
Bottom Left: Pg, Bottom right: Me)

Next to me: Henk. 

The Downside to moving Overseas.

The truth...

I think most people who moved overseas will agree with what I have to say in this post. It's not really a big secret that I probably made one of the most selfish decision of my life. And I'm not a selfish person in nature at all so making this decision was hard.

I have only been to one country and thus I haven't fully experienced the whole traveling thing. Yes, traveling to another country for 2 weeks also counts but it merely gives you a glimpse of that country and you never really settle down and evaluate life since it's so damn busy. 

People told me how awesome it was to travel overseas and how it will benefit you, how it broaden their horizons and makes you a more open-minded person. People told me all the great, fantastic things that they experienced but there's the flaw in their comments and their stories. They don't tell you what they went through emotionally to get there. They don't tell you the negatives, only the positives. 

I saw this post on Facebook and I thought I would post it on my blog as well since it's extremely relevant to how I currently experience things. 

1. Your loved ones will be devastated. 

No matter how you try to sugarcoat it, moving abroad is essentially a selfish decision. It's great because you are following your dreams and you are choosing a life you would want to live but in reality you are not making anyone other than yourself happy.  Someone will get hurt. I think if I decide to stay overseas for longer than a year there will be family members who would get really upset. 

I think my amazing friends hide their feelings from me in order to show support. They don't want to share their doubts, fears and "What the hell are you doing" thoughts. 

I think the bottom line here is that although you are the one moving and making the big change leaving everything you know behind, you are causing everyone else's life the change. 

2. You feel guilty all the time

Every time someone from home wants to talk or want to skype with you and you are busy or out and about exploring and making the most of your time you feel guilty. 

A good friend of mine broke the news to me that she was 5 months pregnant just before I left for Korea. I climbed on the plane knowing that I won't be able to be there for her when the baby comes, nor will I be able to help her arrange the baby room or make a list of the things she needs, for the babyshower.

My grandfather had a health scare very soon after I left for Korea and I couldn't be there just to ask how his feeling or make him a cup of tea. 

This might sound stupid but I couldn't give my cute doggie a tummy rub or a cuddle after he go run over by a car. 

You aren't there for he lows nor are you there for the highs. I missed my grandmother's and father's birthday and I know already now that I will miss my only brother's 21st. And in the future... how do you choose between a family members birthday party or a friends wedding or the cressening of a baby? You can't fly back and forth the whole time. And choosing one will prevent you from going to the other.

I think it became clear to me that time and finances will ultimately be the determining factor of my social life and the choices that I make. 

Life goes on back at home and you aren't apart of it and you can't support anyone. It makes you feel like a horrible person especially when your family and friends start telling you how much they wish you shared some memory with them. 

3. You'll feel really, really lonely 

Everything is so new that you feel overwhelmed at first. It suppresses the feeling of feeling lonely even though you are pretty much alone. But after a little while it does crawl in. 

You meet so many people and you create new friendships and life is just awesome but then you still get that feeling. The feeling of being alone becomes very prominent even though you are sitting at a dining table with 10 great friends or if you are surrounded by smiling little faces all day. It's inevitable. It happens. 

The reason? Well it's pretty simple. No one shares your previous memories or stories with you. The friendships you have are very fun and exciting but they aren't really relationships or deep concurred friendships. You hardly know their past and you don't know how you should or shouldn't act around them. You throw balls at them and you see what sticks.  

Sometimes it feels like that first few days of University but the difference is your loved ones aren't as close as they used to be... They are in a whole different country. 

4. You won't fit in anymore.

Moving here, and yes its only been 3 months, changed me already. I discovered things I love and hate and also came to terms that it's okay not to like something and voice it. I learned really quickly how to take control of my own life and make decisions for myself without the input of somebody else or considering somebody else for that matter. Some things/ mindsets/believes I had to change because it just wasn't relevant anymore (Pointless). 

All of this is good but in reality or in the bigger picture it's also alienating me from those I used to know and from what I used to call home. Because a big part of me growing into an independent adult is happening somewhere else entirely it's hard to identify with what used to be making it rather in some cases impossible. The problem with this is that when I'm gonna go home after being away so long people will expect the old me to pitch up at their doorstep where as this will not be the case.

When you are in a different country you make yourself at home. You build everything from the ground up. You start with a suitcase and build yourself up to a house filled with the things you like. You build memories in that house and attach meaning to certain things. But you still lack the roots and history since you haven't been there your whole life and despite your best efforts you will never fit in completely. 

Some people ask themselves where they want to get old and retire. As a traveler your biggest problem is that you have alienated yourself from your home country and you never really completely fit in at your current destination so you end up moving from one place to the next in the hopes that you would find a place to call home, but this never really happens. Answering questions like "Where do I belong?", "Where is home?"  becomes a struggle causing most people to hop around the globe. 

5. You lose dear friends

You grow apart. What might have been the best friendships and the strongest bonds disappears. And it's no one's fault.  

My simple reason for this: you live it separate realities. 

Choosing different paths ends friendships, just like it ends relationships. It's inevitable, it's life but that doesn't make it easy. By losing friends you lose a part of yourself and your history. 

When I left the airport and said goodbye to my friends everyone promised me that they would keep in contact with me. They wanted to skype every week and follow my journey. And most of it was empty promises. 

In general your family and friends cannot fully relate to your stories despite your best efforts. Most of the time when you do speak to people back home they want to know about all your experiences since it's fascinating and different and why won't they? But by always speaking about yourself and about your life gets rather boring to be honest. 

Nevermind the fact that I, like many others, get irritated in doing so for the simple fact that it's all about us and we hardly get to talk about the things that's happening back at home. We are pushed to alienation since everything at home stays the same according to those back at home when, quite frankly it doesn't.

We make time and appointments with those back home to talk but a lot of the time those skype sessions are either cut short because life goes on or it's canceled because of routine. 

It's rather sad to me that I talk to my close friends maybe once a week or even maybe once in 2 weeks where I used to talk to them every single day. Most of the time I find out about things that happens back at home via Facebook which is not ideal. Imagine a world without Facebook or Skype for that matter where a post card takes a month to deliver. 

Muuido Island

4TH of JULY - Independence day

This weekend was a special day for Americans. Independence day. And as most people who had encounters with Americans before would know it's a big celebration amongst all Americans.

We went to an island close to the Incheon International Airport just off the coast of Korea. It's a rather small island with the weirdest sea tides I have even encountered. At high tide there is waves and you can walk into the ocean for a few hundred meters with the water only reaching hip- height. With low-tide you can walk for a few hundred meters without even knowing that there is an ocean. You can't see the ocean from the beach.

It was fantastic to share this awesome day with them. And that on a beach made it even better. What better do you get than a beach fire, Fireworks, alcohol or let me rather just say beer and absolutely great people around you, oh, a guitar and endless walks on the beach with great company discovering luminescent creatures of the sea. These are the elements that makes great memories. In our group we were 9 people of which there was only one guy so the girls took over. There was this amazing little Korean Restaurant on the beach right next to my Bungalow which means I didn't had to walk far to fill my tummy with some nice Korean pancakes and awesome Bulgogi.

We bought our beverages and the fireworks later the Saturday evening just before we started to celebrate with everybody else. We ended up with a big group of other Americans who also thought of spending their weekend on the island. Mind you we got caught in the cross fire of those Americans and their Roman candles (type of firework).

The next day we headed back in a really grand bus, after taking the ferry over the waters of course. Our bus broke down half way through our journey home but with such comfortability after not sleeping much the night before I couldn't care less.

One of my friends comprised this video that captures all the greatness of this weekend. Take a look. 

Arrival on the Island.

In the back ground you would see the awesome small bungalows we stayed at.

First Lunch on the island and our first cheers.

Eating a really expensive but really nice dish of seafood. 

This is how you sleep. On the floor with no mattress. 

Enjoying some mokali or Rice wine.

I had to take a picture like we normally
would take a picture with a glass of wine.

My friend, Nathalie, and I having some sparkling fun. 

Selfies always necessary. 

My Korean American Friends

This is a must for a beach party.
Every guitar player needs a break.

On our way home in a really comfortable bus. 

Wide seats, Foot rest and Coffee = Comfortable

WANDERLUST

(n) A irresistable desire or urge to wander or travel and explore the world

Lately I got the question: "When are you coming back to South Africa" alot. Obviously the answer would be after my contract finish but I'm not so sure about that yet. 

I have so many other things I'm thinking of doing and seeing that it's hard for me to give a specific date on when I'm coming back. Here is my current thoughts.

I finish my contract end of March next year. I really want to see Vietnam, Cambodia and China and I'm thinking of doing a nice 3 weeks, maybe longer, trip through those countries. Then after that I really want to go to Holland for a month and visit my amazing family on that side. And make some money to cover my expenses. I definitely want to visit Parys again sometime in my life and I would also like to go loose myself in Rome. Then I would also really like to go to England for a little while but maybe that's a little to much, I'll see. Then summer Camps start around June in America. I want to do at least on of those 3 month working camp. And save up some money to afford my flight ticket home. Maybe even travel somewhere else whilst I'm there... 

Naked Soul

"The body is meant to be seen, not all covered up"- Marilyn Monroe

I visited a Jumjibang this weekend for the first time since I've been to Korea and man was it a weird experience. A Jumjibang is a 24/7 spa with hot tubs and body scrubs available to your disposal. You can also sleep at the spa on the floor or in a separate room depending how comfortable you want to be since the rooms have aircon and beds.