Goodbye Korea...It's Been Real!

The countdown has almost finished. It began with month, then weeks, then days and now hours. As of now, I’ll be leaving Korea in about 36 hours. There are only 6 hours of ESL teaching between myself and a 3 month vacation. 36 hours between me and Japan, travel, relaxation, long missed companionship and in a few weeks, family; all great things that I haven’t had the chance to experience in a long time.

A 5 year, ESL tour of duty in South Korea has wrapped up and new things are coming speedily. I’m going to travel around Japan for 2 weeks with Mai and then back to Canada. A few days in Vancouver…a punk show the night I arrive and then off to Ottawa. My studies begin this September and then I’ll be a “real” teacher! I’ve actually been a real teacher for several years, but now I’ll have the piece of paper that backs up what I’ve been saying for all this time.

I’ve had great times and bad. These days though, as things wrap up, I’ve been getting a little nostalgic about my time in Korea. Like I’ve said in the past, I’m not really going to miss the place. It’s the people I’ll miss. I’ve forged some wonderful and hopefully lifelong friendships while here. Whether in Ilsan, Sinchon, Songpa, Samsung-dong or in Busan, I’ve found people I clicked with. Good times and great stories were made and had.

I’m going to miss playing music on such a regular basis. The Hermit Kings was the longest I’ve ever played with a band. It was also the most relaxed experience; lots of free booze and no loft or even small expectations, a group of all-round great guys who like playing music.

This is the last time I’ll update this blog before I leave Korea. I may be able to update it in Japan…hopefully.

Well, to all of those in Korea, have a great summer. Those in Busan, enjoy the beaches, I’ll miss them like crazy!