So What Happens Next: Overcoming the End of the Honeymoon Period

I am so excited to share some great news: Today I am guest posting at Found Love Now What. Over there, I am talking about the honeymoon period of travel, and telling you story about when my honeymoon ended in London. 

Because you love me, I know you'll go over there and check it out. Plus, this post will make a bit more sense with the background of my guest post. 

And if you are over here from the lovely Belinda's blog- Aloha and Welcome! Many thanks for stopping by, and I hope you stay awhile.

{Vancouver, Canada- Since this is an after the honeymoon post, I thought I would share a picture of where Matt and I honeymooned.} 

 Since I talked about the honeymoon period over at Found Love, I wanted to talk about how to overcome the end of your honeymoon period. What to do when you are stuck with culture shock and feeling a little depressed about your move.

When we are traveling, especially for long periods of time, it can get easy to start resenting your experience and the place you are in. That is completely natural, and I think needed to start truly experiencing the place you are in. To be a traveler is to see the good and the bad of a place. 

But how do we get out of that culture shock funk? What helps us move on? 

I've been thinking about that lately because I know I am about to hit the end of my honeymoon period here in Korea. I can feel it when I go to the grocery store and can't find Three Cheese Macaroni (don't ask me why all of a sudden I am craving it). I can feel it when I can't understand any thing that is said around me. I can feel it when I see whole squid and octopus for sell in the seafood section of the grocery store. This does not mean I don't love being here; it just means life is about to get a bit hard for a little while.

So I've come up with a plan to try to make the transition from culture shock to acceptance run a bit more smooth, and I hope this can help you guys. 

Here's what I've come up with: 

Put up pictures of your family- This always makes me feel tons better. When I see the faces of those back home it makes me feel closer to them. If you have a work space, bring pictures to work as well. You will love seeing them, and I'm sure your co-workers will as well. Speaking of family, I swear by Skype. I think this past month has been so smooth because I get to see my family via Skype. Just talking to them for 10 minutes can make such a difference in my attitude. 

Make a list of all the things you enjoy about the country you're in- If you can find the positive in the place you're feeling negative about- it might help pull out of the culture shock. For example, I always feel really happy when we visit our favorite Korean BBQ place. I love the owner and I love the food. I know when I start feeling down- I'll be going there a lot. Focus on what you like about the place, and try to ignore what you don't like (at least for the first little bit). 

{Mmmm Korean BBQ} 

Give yourself a break- I am a strong believer that you don't have to immerse yourself in the new culture 24 hours a day -7 days a week -365 days a year. Go eat a McDonalds. Go watch a movie or your favorite T.V. Have a weekend just relaxing by yourself doing what you want to do. I often feel like because we are in Korea, every waking moment that we are not working we need to be exploring. That is not the case. Sometimes you have to just relax. 

Instead of thinking 'This is Weird" try "This is Different"- I am having such a hard time with this so far because Korea is very different. But to truly get past culture shock we can't think weird weird weird- it's just different. Weird has such a negative connotation. Whereas, different is more neutral. Different doesn't mean it's bad. I think by changing our mindset in this small way could potentially have huge rewards. 

{Matt and I on the Island of Hawaii aka The Big Island} 

Be honest with what you didn't like about your home country- It's easy to put our home countries on a pedestal. When we get into this culture shock phase, everything back home is better. Phrases like, "Well in America we do..." or "Americans don't...." But let's be honest- our home countries are not perfect. Try to remember the memories that make your home country real. For example, I hated my hour commute to and from work when I lived back in Hawaii. Or I hated how expensive Hawaii was. If we can remember the real moments of home it won't hurt so bad that we are way. At least that's my theory. :) 

{Sunset Beach on Oahu. This is where Matt and I lived for the first two and a half years of our marriage. This was our after the honeymoon home.} 

And lastly, Research your country- If you are having a problem with a certain aspect of the new culture you're in, research it. Try to see the reasoning for why they do certain things. If you don't like a certain food- try to see why it's so popular. It might not make you all a sudden love the practice, but you will understand it better. And through understanding there is tolerance. 

If you are in a new place and are feeling overwhelmed, just know you are not alone. This happens to everyone, and it's perfectly okay. I know for a fact getting over culture shock is an ongoing and active process, but it is definitely possible. 

I know this list won't solve all your problems, but I hope it helps a bit. 

So what do y'all think? Could this list help ease culture shock? 

If you have any comments or suggestions to add, I would love to hear you comments. Again, those that have stopped by from Found Love Now What thanks for reading. Make sure to check our Our Story to learn more about us. 

Seoul Grand Park: Seoul Zoo

Last weekend Matt and I traveled to Seoul for the very first time. We decided to go visit Seoul Grand Park, specifically Seoul Zoo. 

{Main street of the park. There are vendors all lined up along the sidewalk. If you want to eat cheaply before the zoo- eat here.} 

Seoul Grand Park is home of the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the Zoo, and the Gwacheon National Science Museum. 

Matt and I planned to leave our house around 11 to be able to see the zoo and the museum, but of course we slept in late and we just had time for the zoo. 

Seoul Zoo

Price: For the tram ride to the zoo, the ticket in, and the sky lift out of the zoo it was 8,000 won per ticket. *You can just walk into the zoo for free and if that's the case the zoo ticket is just 3,000 won.

Location: Seoul Grand Park (Take subway line 4 and take that stop exit 2) 

Time: 5 hours 

The Seoul Zoo is the 10th largest in the world, and they have loads of different types of exhibits. Matt and I had a pretty good day going through the zoo. I don't really know how to compare it to a stateside zoo because I haven't been to one in a while. I feel like I was a lot closer to the animals here than in zoos in America. At one point, I could literally put my hand in the fence and touch the animals. {I didn't- but I could have.} 

{There was a vendor selling all sorts of headbands and I really needed this one. I am proud to say I wore it the whole day throughout the zoo.} 

The zoo has tons and tons of animals. We were there for about five hours and we didn't see all the animals. There are a lot of shows throughout the day, but the last one is around 3:30. So if you want to see the dolphin show or the petting zoo or whatever- go in the morning. The plus side with going in the late afternoon was that the crowds had gone, so I guess it depends on what you like. 

What we learned was that you should see what you want to see before 6 because they start bringing in the animals in for the night around that time. I really wanted to see the primates but we didn't make it until 6 and all I saw were the butts of the baboons as they made their way into the shelter. 

I did get to spend some time with this guy though, and it kinda made up for it. 

Matt and I took the sky lift back to the main gate, and it was a perfect end to our trip. It was great not having to walk back and the view was perfect. 

 {That's the trolley you take to the park.} 

{That's Seoulland- we are going there this weekend. It's just one exit up from Seoul Grand Park.} 

Matt and I plan on going back to Seoul Grand Park for the museum. I don't think we will go to the zoo again, but I'm glad we at least tried it. And for 8,000 won why not! 

So, do you guys like zoos? Would you go to the zoo in your city?

Side Note: The whole time I was at the zoo this is what was running through my head:


PS- Tomorrow I'll be guest posting over at Found Love Now What, so go check it out! 

Friday Letters #5

Dear Teaching, I think after two and a half weeks I have gotten back into my teaching groove. I have been on summer break since June 24th, and I thought I would hate going back to work. While I don't love working, I am happy to be teaching again. This week went by a lot faster than last, and I think it's because I knew what to expect from my classes. I think I am going to enjoy teaching English. {At least I better since I'm in a year contract.} 

Dear Pho Noodles, I seriously could eat you every night of the week. And fun fact- I have mastered eating noodles with my chopsticks. I think that puts me in the intermediate chopsticker category. But back to the noodles- mmmm mmmm good. It's been good this week because it's been so rainy, so eating something warm perfect. 

Dear Family and Friends, I really do miss you! Can we please Skype sometime? {I'm talking to you Abuela, Chantal, and Beth!} Matt and I are getting a futon sofa bed, so when you visit you have a place to stay. Hint hint... you should visit us! {Aunt Nickie, Let Jessie come for a visit. It will be fun.} I still haven't received any candy corn care packages... I'm assuming they are in the mail. If you need my address just ask!

Dear Chuseok {Korean Thanksgiving}, I am so excited you are next week! Three day holiday here we come! Although it's a bit sad we won't get American Thanksgiving off, I'm glad to be getting a chance to explore Korea a little bit more. I asked Matt if this means since Thanksgiving is next week if we can start listening to Christmas music then.... he said no... but I might do it when I'm by myself. :) {By the bye, I asked two other Korea expats and they said go for it.} In other news, Matt and I will be taking our tour of the DMZ, Olympic Village, and visiting Everland during this break, so stay tuned for updates! 

Dear Apartment, We finally got your horrible smell out, but what the heck do we do with your wallpaper?!? We are torn because we don't want to put a lot of money or effort into a project, but it's just so hideous! Does anyone have any cheap and easy suggestions? 

Dear Belinda and Chelsea, I am super excited to be guest blogging over at your blogs within the next week, but I am so darn nervous! Thanks for being so patient with me these last few days. I can't believe this is my first time guest posting and it worked out that I did two in one week! Thanks thanks thanks again! PS- I love both y'all. I feel like a fan getting to go backstage at a concert and hang with the band. Haha. 

{*If you are confused, I will be guest posting at Found Love Now What this Sunday- September 15th and I'll be at Lost in Travels this Thursday- September 19th. Make sure to head over there and check them out!} 

Happy Friday Y'all! 

Love, Alex 

Friday Flashback #64

Four years ago, I was in my first weeks of my study abroad to London, England. Four years- has it really been that long.

 I feel like it was just yesterday when I met the always bubbly Brittany and her sister Ashael, two of my future roommates, and they helped me carry my suitcases up six flights of London stairs. The whole time Brittany was just chatting away, and I was just awestruck at how awesome the BYU London Centre was, and how lucky I was to be there. 

When I made it to the top of the stairs, out of breathe might I add, to what literally was called the Attic room- I could not be happier. There were only 6 beds and we had our own bathroom! Yippee! It was then that I met Jenny and Elliot, two more of my roommates. We were just missing Sarah who would be arriving in the morning. Elliot was a little less bubbly than Brittany, but a lot less scary than Jenny. Because let's be honest Jenny scared the crap out of me, and for the first week I was convinced she hated me. {Those that lived in the attic see the irony in that statement now.} When I met Sarah I thought, okay- so this is the nicest person ever... quick don't be mean! I instantly loved all these girls and wanted to be their best friends... except Jenny- I just didn't want her to kill me. :) 

{Sarah, Brittany, Ashael, Elliot, Jenny, Me} 

I wanted to talk about meeting these girls because these are friendships that have stayed with me these last four years. We were the Attic girls and we became close friends- one of the main reasons probably because by the time we climbed the 100 stairs to our room we were too lazy to go climb back down just to socialize. :) I truly believe it was because of these friendships that I had such a blast during my study abroad. 

Of course, we got annoyed with each other, of course there were fights, of course my chapstick and babushka were constantly dropping onto Sarah's bunk in the middle of the nigh, of course I thought it was strange Ashael had a Jonas Brothers poster hanging up :) ... that's what being roommates is all about. But I am so happy and so grateful that I was assigned the smallest room in the centre. I was assigned just 5 other roommates, and we became close. 

For anyone reading that is thinking about study abroad, I would so encourage it. And I bet if you ask any of these girls, they would too. I am friends with most of the girls I went to London with on Facebook and I see that all of them are still in contact with at least one person in the program. These programs build friendships that last forever. They are very similar to college relationships you build, but I would argue a bit stronger because you are thrown in a foreign country with just each other. Go study abroad. Go meet your Jenny, Elliot, Sarah, Brittany, and Ashael! You really won't regret it. 

 {At Mary Arden's Farm. Sarah "It's like Shakespeare Disneyland!"}

{This is one of my favorite pictures of us.} 

I am so happy I met these girls and that we continue our friendship to this day.

What do you say about a reunion sometime soon? {PS- Elliot, Are you aware you are the only one I haven't seen since London! What's up with that?}

I know this wasn't a typical Friday Flashback, but London has been on my mind. I know I am in Korea, and it's great, but it's no London. And for those of you interested, I will be sharing more about the good ole London days on Travel Tuesdays so get ready!

For those that have done a study abroad do you recommend it? What are your thoughts? Please share!

Reflections: Month One

*This post is inspired by Mallory from Sweet Smores. 

On the 10th of this month, I celebrated my first month anniversary of being in South Korea! I really can't believe it has already been a month. {Probably because the first two weeks I stayed in doors and caught up on sleep.} In this month, I have learned a few things, and I have found that I have PLENTY more to learn! 

This past month I have learned that I will get stared at, and that I am just going to have to get over it and move on. I have had a break down in the grocery store for the sole fact that I couldn't read the labels on the food. I have learned that I love Korean BBQ. I have learned to use chopsticks like a pro. I definitely don't like Kim Chee, but I love bean sprouts and cabbage. I have learned that when you catch the bus you better find your seat fast because the bus waits for no one- not even little old ladies! 

The hardest thing that I am dealing with right now is feeling alone at work. {Again inspired by Mallory.} I am the only Native speaker at my work, and sometimes I go the whole day without talking to my co-workers. The other day, one co-worker brought lunch for everyone, except me, and they went in the break room and ate. I just sat in the main room by myself and was a bit confused. I don't speak any Korean, and most of the girls don't speak English that well, but it's still hard going a full 6 hours without talking to someone. In Hawaii, I had these amazing co-workers and we were always talking about life and the students. 

The students are another thing that kinda makes me lonely. I am surprised by this but I feel so left out when they are all speaking Korean and I am just standing there trying to get them to speak English. I just have to hope they aren't talking about me, and move on with my class. It's hard not to be able to have a real conversation with a student. I'm sure it will get better. There is just a learning curve, but for now this is where I'm at. 

But overall, I am happy here. 

There have been some road bumps. One being when we moved into our new apartment. {But that's a story for another day.} 

I know there are tons of things I still need to learn, and I know that at some point I am going to have some major culture shock. But the first month has been okay, and I look forward to the rest of my time here! 

Gratitude 101: Part 3 {A Link-Up}

It's time for another link-up with the always wonderful Erika and her Gratitude:101 link up. 

I have been linking up with Erika for the past couple of weeks. If you have missed any of the posts, click here to catch up. 

Last week, I mentioned Acts of Service, and the importance they can play in staying positive and showing gratitude. Today, I wanted to talk more about service and what we can do to help others. 

I firmly believe that by focusing on others we can gain so much in our own lives. Thinking of others first is what life is all about. This does not mean everyday you have to commit these huge acts of service- small acts are just as important as big ones. 

{via} 

Gratitude is all about finding things to be thankful for. When we are thinking and doing things for others this becomes a lot easier. In fact, I argue that it becomes natural. 

So what are some examples of Acts of Service? 

Here are a few of my favorite: 

1. Offer free babysitting to a friend or family member 

2. Opening the door for someone 

3. Bake a treat for a neighbor/ coworker/ friend/ etc. 

4. Pay for someone's meal at the drive through 

5. Offer to holiday shop for your mom or dad (my mom always loves if I offer to help out) 

6. Mow someones lawn

7. Buy school supplies for a child {usually the school has a list of supplies needed} 

8. Let someone in when driving 

9. Park clean up

10. Buy a meal for someone in need 

11. Donate to box tops or a can drive 

12. Giving up your seat on the bus/ subway

13. Donate old clothes/ household/ books items

14.  Letting someone with less stuff than you at the store go first at the checkout 

15. Volunteer at a hospital or nursing home 

I encourage all of you to try at least one act of service this week. 

Earlier this year, I came across a blog called Thirty Handmade Days, and on the 14th of every month Mique completes a Random Act of Kindness {RACK}. I decided to try to take the challenge. Lately, I have been forgetting to do my monthly RACK, but I want to recommit myself to this challenge. I am sure if I do- I will find myself with more things to be grateful for. 

{via} 

What do you think- is there a relationship between service and gratitude? 

What are some of your favorite acts of service? 

In closing, here are this week's Gratitude Moments: 

Our new bed! {This sounds stupid, but we have been sleeping on a bed that was a little bigger than a twin. It was way too small and way too uncomfortable.} Now we have a queen and we love it! 

Getting to talk to my cousin this week via Skype. She just started her first semester of college, and I am so proud of her! It was so exciting to see her dorm room and chat with her a while. 

Getting to talk to my little sister via Skype. {I know Skype again, but for real I don't know what I would do without it.} 

My director- I am so lucky to have such a nice boss. I had heard horror stories about directors here in Korea, but both Matt and I have great directors. 

{Seriously, how cute is my little sister?} 

Thanks Erika for the link up! 

In Remembrance

“The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead we have emerged stronger and more unified. We feel renewed devotion to the principles of political, economic, and religious freedom, the rule of law and respect for human life. We are more determined than ever to live our lives in freedom.” 

-Rudolph Giuliani, former mayor of New York City

{via}