Happy August fellow readers! I can't believe how fast 2013 is going! The start of the month brings another addition and link up to the series The Expat Diaries brought to us by Chelsea from Lost in Travels and Rachel from Postcards from Rachel. If you missed last month click here.
As most of you know, my husband has been in South Korea since the end of May, and I will be joining him on August 9th. As my travel date gets closer, I find myself in this weird wishy-washy state.
I am beyond excited to see my husband after 8 weeks of separation. I am excited to see this new place and be able to experience a new culture. I am excited to have a new adventure with my husband. I know living in South Korea is going to be awesome, but it doesn't make me any less nervous/ apprehensive about leaving the United States.
There are a few things that scare me about moving across the world, and I thought that would be the topic of this month's Expat Diary. My hope is that experience expats could give me advice on how to handle/ overcome these few concerns about moving.
Alex's Fears and Concerns About Moving to South Korea:
1. Food- This is probably first because without food- I am going to starve! You are reading about the girl who lost 35 pounds in London, England after only being there for 6 weeks! Seriously, if I can't eat in England- how am I going to eat in Korea. I have heard the food is good. I have met tons of people that have lived/ visited Korea, and they rave about the food. And then my hubby sends me pictures of food that really just looks like blood soup and it completely freaks me out. Trust me- I will be happy to lose weight in Korea, but I also don't want to be starving my whole trip. Now don't get me wrong- I am going to try new foods, and I am going to give Korean food a chance. But I am worried about this.
{image sent from Matt}
2. Crowds- I hate being in crowds. I really do. I don't even go to Wal-Mart all that much because there are way too many people. Don't ask why I am moving to one of the most populated countries, but there you have it- I am really concerned about loosing my personal bubble. When I was in England one of my professors explained that each culture has different views on personal space and what is and is not appropriate. But understanding that fact, and being used to the differences are two different things!
3. Language- There is something a little unnerving about not being able to understand the conversations around you. I don't think this is as big of an issue for me as the food is, but I know initially it's going to be hard to get around. Plus, I don't want to go all paranoid that everyone is talking about me behind my back- there is no need for me to relive middle school.
4. Family- I have never gone a year without traveling home to be with my family. In Hawaii, Matt and I couldn't go home too much, but we still saw our families about every 6 months or so. I talk to my mom on a daily basis, and I can't imagine going a year without seeing my family. I am so glad we got everyone worked out with Skype and FaceTime!
I don't want to sound really negative before I leave on my new adventure, but I think there is something about really facing your concerns and trying to overcome them. I do not want to leave for Korea with this impending sense of doom, but I wanted to share with you guys that I am nervous. And I really think that is okay. Because overall, I am just excited and very thankful that we are getting this opportunity.
If any of you have any suggestions for me, please leave your comments below!
I am beyond excited to see my husband after 8 weeks of separation. I am excited to see this new place and be able to experience a new culture. I am excited to have a new adventure with my husband. I know living in South Korea is going to be awesome, but it doesn't make me any less nervous/ apprehensive about leaving the United States.
There are a few things that scare me about moving across the world, and I thought that would be the topic of this month's Expat Diary. My hope is that experience expats could give me advice on how to handle/ overcome these few concerns about moving.
Alex's Fears and Concerns About Moving to South Korea:
1. Food- This is probably first because without food- I am going to starve! You are reading about the girl who lost 35 pounds in London, England after only being there for 6 weeks! Seriously, if I can't eat in England- how am I going to eat in Korea. I have heard the food is good. I have met tons of people that have lived/ visited Korea, and they rave about the food. And then my hubby sends me pictures of food that really just looks like blood soup and it completely freaks me out. Trust me- I will be happy to lose weight in Korea, but I also don't want to be starving my whole trip. Now don't get me wrong- I am going to try new foods, and I am going to give Korean food a chance. But I am worried about this.
{image sent from Matt}
2. Crowds- I hate being in crowds. I really do. I don't even go to Wal-Mart all that much because there are way too many people. Don't ask why I am moving to one of the most populated countries, but there you have it- I am really concerned about loosing my personal bubble. When I was in England one of my professors explained that each culture has different views on personal space and what is and is not appropriate. But understanding that fact, and being used to the differences are two different things!
3. Language- There is something a little unnerving about not being able to understand the conversations around you. I don't think this is as big of an issue for me as the food is, but I know initially it's going to be hard to get around. Plus, I don't want to go all paranoid that everyone is talking about me behind my back- there is no need for me to relive middle school.
4. Family- I have never gone a year without traveling home to be with my family. In Hawaii, Matt and I couldn't go home too much, but we still saw our families about every 6 months or so. I talk to my mom on a daily basis, and I can't imagine going a year without seeing my family. I am so glad we got everyone worked out with Skype and FaceTime!
I don't want to sound really negative before I leave on my new adventure, but I think there is something about really facing your concerns and trying to overcome them. I do not want to leave for Korea with this impending sense of doom, but I wanted to share with you guys that I am nervous. And I really think that is okay. Because overall, I am just excited and very thankful that we are getting this opportunity.
If any of you have any suggestions for me, please leave your comments below!
Oh Dave and his personal space lesson. Gotta love it.
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