Love And Time

"Some ignore the feelings until it disappears and others talk about their feelings until it disappears"

I'm not quite sure which one works exactly. I guess both has its benefits and disadvantages. It just depends one the timing. I'm here to listen to your reasoning around this topic. 

"Home is where the heart lies"  - Unknown 

So I have been home now for almost 5 months and here is my thoughts on the current matters. 

Ok, maybe I sound a little melodramatic. I could be sometimes. 

Quick update - I have returned.

"No one realises how beautiful travel is until one comes home and rests his head on his familiar pillow"

I have returned home from the most beautiful trip I have ever been on. It was also my first Solo trip ever. With time I will give advice and write a whole lot about things I have learned and how my philosophy about life changed. But for now you could read all about what I've been up to and experienced in the link above (Southeast Asia). Keep in mind that I'm still writing and filling in the blanks.

A Life worth Living

"Learn how to love yourself"

I decided to write this post after I just wrote a sticky note for the new teacher who is starting next week. I won't meet her but I wish I did. I don't want to speak about school or the things at work which is ultimately what is expected of me to do rather I want to speak about the things I've learned.

Travelling far and beyond

"Travelling changes people into storytellers"

So I have been quite quiet lately. Sorry about that. I just haven't been up to much to be honest. I'm trying to save as much money as possible. I'm on my way around the world homebound in 2 weeks. By this time in two week I'll be on the first plane. So now you are probably wondering what I'm about to do as I'm going to be officially unemployed again.

Hapkido Black Belt Examination and Graduation

"You can achieve anything if you put your mind to it."

This past year I dedicated myself to a sport I knew nothing about. It was the best decision I made as doing hapkido really gave me so much joy and laughter every single night at practise. 

From a Distance I say Goodbye

"Saying goodbye is never easy"

Today is not one of the brightest days in my life. I'm filled with excitement for the new adventures ahead of me but I'm also extremely sad. I chose to live a life of my own which is all fair and right but as with every decision we make in life there are consequences. 

Locked in a Bus

"The wheels of the bus go round and round"

I scored a free bus ride back home from school which really doesn't happen ever in South Korea. The reason why I miraculously did I only sort of figured out as I was about to fall asleep on the bus. Again may I add. 

Only Progress Matters

"Arm yourself with the weapon of knowledge, something no one can use against you"

I have been doing Hapkido for almost a year now and it's been such a journey. I absolutely love it. I have an awesome master who allows me to reach my full potential, who challenge me in every single way possible, that is mentally and physically and who really became a friend in Korea. 

It was an artistic affair

"Beautiful art speaks to the soul like nothing else can" 

- Ania Botha

This weekend I was amazed by yet another form of art. I love it when artists make art out of natural things without the destruction of nature. Nature in itself is an art piece on its own and if that could be used to create a masterpiece it speaks so much louder. 

Sticks and Stones

"may break my bones" 

A week ago was a normal wednesday night and on wednesday nights we practice Judo at Hapkido. I was fighting or wrestling one of my fellow black belt trainees. Normally I'm quite a challenge to them and it was no different this time. 

Abandoned and Haunted: The Mental Asylum

"Thrills down my spine"

It's Saturday night. The cold creeps into the shadows of the bedroom as I hide under the sheets with closed eyes. " I don't think we should go tomorrow" Beca whispered in a trembling voice. "We should go check it out. We said we're going to" I replied. To scared to fall asleep as nightmares might possess my dreams I kept myself busy on my phone trying not to think of it. 

Buddhist Temple Stay

"The present is the present"

This weekend I took a step into the spiritual world of most Koreans. In Korea Buddhism is one of the main "believes" followed by the people and it's the reason why each mountain in Korea have a few temples. I didn't understand Buddhism at all before but I have a better understanding now and thought I'll share it. I joined the monks at Geunsunsa Temple to learn more. 

Let's go Rock the Snow on a Board!

"Toes, heels, toes, heels, ass, get up and start again" 

It's winter holiday and I have the week off to go and do whatever my heart desires. When I got to Korea and heard that snowboarding is on the table for the winter months I was adamant to go rock the slopes. I skies before in Europe with my awesome family members and I had so much fun. Why not do this awesome sport again?! 

My new year party horror story.

"Some feed off the vulnerability of others rather than protecting it"- Ania Botha

It's new year's eve and we are heading for Itaewon for a jol, dancing into the new year and to dream about the excitement the new year might hold in for us. As travelers Beca and I believe that everyday is a new adventure and we live for everyday to be the best day of our lives. We went out with that picture in mind, dressed up, feeling sexy and confident and filled with life.

My new year resolutions

"A New year means another chance to make things right" 

Every year we make new year resolutions and I think I speak for many of us when I say we hardly ever stick to them. Life just get in the way. This year I decided I'm going to make a list. A list reasonable enough to achieve doesn't matter what life throws in my path.

Nine months

Only time will tell...

Today, 24 December 2015, marks 9 months in South Korea. It also happens to be Christmas tomorrow and as for that reason I thought I'd share some butterfly thoughts.

It's snowing.

"Snow brings the promise of fun to the hearts of children" - Ania Botha 

It's snowing and like a child's heart this teacher is also really excited about the snow. I went out to join the fun and had my first snowball fight in my life today with my learners. My hands were freezing but it was awesome. The classes all took turns to go outside and play, making snowballs as big as soccer balls or just small tennis ball sized snowballs in order to throw each other. Snowfall brings joy to those who think it's still magical.

Trick Eye Museum

"Pleasure may come from illusion but happiness can come only from reality" - Unknown

This weekend I invited a bunch of my friends for a visit to the Trick Eye museum. I knew we were going to take a lot of photos but I didn't expect it to be that much. It was almost impossible not to take pictures at every single art piece because it was just so good.

The museum is in the university town, Hongdae. After a little search and first walking past it we found it, bought our tickets and entered the museum. It was quite expensive but I guess the artists have to get paid as well. There was something for everyone. For some pictures we had to use our imagination a little more than in others which really added to the fun. Almost all of us were teachers in Elementary and Middle school and as teachers go we have to be creative but at this museum our creativity were on a whole new level. It was fantastic to see and it caused a lot of laughter.

Traveling Tips for Solo Woman Travellers.

Follow you feet... And Go!!!

The only thing that you definitely need is a passport. The rest you can figure out as you go...

1. Don't have concrete plans.
2. Budgets are important, but don't be too hard on yourself. 
3. Have fun. 
4. Travel light. If you can't carry your own luggage it's to heavy.
5. Be open minded.
6. Look after your passport. It's worth more than gold.
7. Good trainers/ walking shoes will be your best friends. Keep in mind it should support your feet.
8. Shower Flip flops is a must.
9. Don't take too much girly things aka make up.
10. Leave your hairdryer/ straightener at home.
11. Travel by foot as far as possible. 
12. The best way to explore a culture is with your eyes.
13. Eat street food as much as possible.
14. You need a good looking hat. And don't forget to pack it.
15. A scarf is a must. You never know when you'll need to respect a culture/ religion.
16. Bikini should be the first thing you pack. 
17. Be willing not to shower for a day or 2 if you want to save some money.
18. Pack your bag and then repack it but eliminate half of what you packed the first time.
19. One accessory is necessary.
20. Take a small towel.
21. Alcohol in moderation.
22. Don't drink water unless you know it's safe.
23. Don't try do everything in one day.
24. Have hand sanitizer in in a reachable place.
25. Take tissues with you everywhere you go.