It's Sunday night and I'm sitting in my apartment, anticipating what the next five weeks have to offer while at the same time hoping they fly by faster than that meteor from a few weeks ago.
Why? Because I have five more weeks left of teaching in Daejeon. Five more weeks that I'm sure will be some of the slowest in my life. Why am I sure they will be this slow? Because after these five weeks, I get to do something I've wanted to do my E N T I R E life: Go to Australia.
Well, actually, first I get to go to Jeju for a week. That's pretty cool, too. But then, then I get to go to Australia. And then I get to go home for a few weeks. And then I get to come back to Korea. Not only Korea, but back to Gwangju, the city I lived last year that I've missed this entire year while living in Daejeon.
Before any of this happens, I will get to witness my first full cherry blossom season, and I've been wanting this ever since I first came to Korea and caught the tail end of what turned out to be a very early season.
Jeju
Jeju is a large island south of the Korean peninsula that has been dubbed the 'Hawaii of Korea', and I'll be there for about 5 days. Because I booked my Australia flight before I had a definite leave date from my school, I ended up with an extra week between my last day at work at my flight to Australia. Sure I could spend it crashing on someone's couch (haha - more like floor), but why do that when it only costs $150 to fly to Jeju and stay in a hostel on the beach for a week? Of course I signed up for sand and sun. I wouldn't be me if I didn't. And in a way, it's great. I'll get to relax and get a tan before my official vacation, most of which is planned to the minute.
Australia
I'll get back to the Korean mainland about a day and a half before I fly out of Incheon for my next trip of a lifetime. Then I'll fly into Sydney, where I'll spend a few days checking out the markets, beaches, searching for 42 Wallaby Way, and, of course, exploring the Sydney Opera House. Now is the perfect time to mention that I've got a seat for the ballet under those iconic sails with my name all over it.
After checking out Sydney, I'll fly to Cairns - gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. It is here that I will spend a day meeting some tropical fish and snorkeling the reef. I'll undoubtedly spend my other days in Cairns perusing the local scene and tanning in the lagoon.
Then it'll be on to Melbourne for culture and more beaches, complete with tour of the Great Ocean Road and a photo op with the 12 Apostles rock formations.
I can't believe that something I've dreamt of for so long will happen in a matter of weeks. I have no doubt I'll meet some interesting people make some amazing memories. It's still surreal, and if it weren't for the plane tickets and tour confirmations, I wouldn't even believe it.
USA
After Australia, I'll fly home for a few weeks to spend time with my family. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and taking loads of photos. I'm also looking forward to going shopping again and eating some of my favorite foods, namely chocolate chip cookies and empanadas.
Korea
Then it'll be back to Korea for year three. I just got a job back down in Gwangju and couldn't be happier to be moving back down south to see what year three has in store.
Happy travels!
Why? Because I have five more weeks left of teaching in Daejeon. Five more weeks that I'm sure will be some of the slowest in my life. Why am I sure they will be this slow? Because after these five weeks, I get to do something I've wanted to do my E N T I R E life: Go to Australia.
Well, actually, first I get to go to Jeju for a week. That's pretty cool, too. But then, then I get to go to Australia. And then I get to go home for a few weeks. And then I get to come back to Korea. Not only Korea, but back to Gwangju, the city I lived last year that I've missed this entire year while living in Daejeon.
Before any of this happens, I will get to witness my first full cherry blossom season, and I've been wanting this ever since I first came to Korea and caught the tail end of what turned out to be a very early season.
Jeju
Jeju is a large island south of the Korean peninsula that has been dubbed the 'Hawaii of Korea', and I'll be there for about 5 days. Because I booked my Australia flight before I had a definite leave date from my school, I ended up with an extra week between my last day at work at my flight to Australia. Sure I could spend it crashing on someone's couch (haha - more like floor), but why do that when it only costs $150 to fly to Jeju and stay in a hostel on the beach for a week? Of course I signed up for sand and sun. I wouldn't be me if I didn't. And in a way, it's great. I'll get to relax and get a tan before my official vacation, most of which is planned to the minute.
Australia
I'll get back to the Korean mainland about a day and a half before I fly out of Incheon for my next trip of a lifetime. Then I'll fly into Sydney, where I'll spend a few days checking out the markets, beaches, searching for 42 Wallaby Way, and, of course, exploring the Sydney Opera House. Now is the perfect time to mention that I've got a seat for the ballet under those iconic sails with my name all over it.
After checking out Sydney, I'll fly to Cairns - gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. It is here that I will spend a day meeting some tropical fish and snorkeling the reef. I'll undoubtedly spend my other days in Cairns perusing the local scene and tanning in the lagoon.
Then it'll be on to Melbourne for culture and more beaches, complete with tour of the Great Ocean Road and a photo op with the 12 Apostles rock formations.
I can't believe that something I've dreamt of for so long will happen in a matter of weeks. I have no doubt I'll meet some interesting people make some amazing memories. It's still surreal, and if it weren't for the plane tickets and tour confirmations, I wouldn't even believe it.
USA
After Australia, I'll fly home for a few weeks to spend time with my family. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and taking loads of photos. I'm also looking forward to going shopping again and eating some of my favorite foods, namely chocolate chip cookies and empanadas.
Korea
Then it'll be back to Korea for year three. I just got a job back down in Gwangju and couldn't be happier to be moving back down south to see what year three has in store.
Happy travels!
thank you kate for sharing your thoughts, we are happy for you and we know you will have an exciting, wonderful holiday. australia will be lucky to have you as a visitor.
ReplyDeletekate, we enjoy your blogs, you are a good writer. enjoy your upcoming holiday - it will be great. love, mom and dad
ReplyDelete