Back to the Motherland

I got to Korea! This is pretty funny. I got to the airport, and I went outside hoping to see some family out, but none of them were there. I did receive a text from my aunt once I had Wi-Fi informing me that no one is going to be there and I needed to take a cab. I took the cab to my aunt’s apartment and again, no ones home. This story seems like a lonely one, but I promise it’s not.

I unpacked and repacked my luggage bag to take back to Hong Kong. I am so happy that I am going have everything I need in Hong Kong. All my clothes, computer, and etc. will be in my passion again! Once I’m almost done, I get a call from my older cousin to ask if I got home okay, and if I’m alone. I guess we were supposed to have other family come before me, but they never showed up, and later, they told us via text that they will come to the bus stop the next morning.

My cousin and her new husband came to pick me up for dinner and drinks. Korean BBQ and soju, what more can a man ask for? We enjoyed a great meal and conversation about their newlywed life and Bali, and I shared my stories of traveling to Australia and Brunei. After the meal (which was paid for by my “brother-in-law’s” coworker), we picked up some sushi rolls and got more drinks, and we drank at their house! It was nice to see family again that’s for sure. I was too lonely in Aussie land and Hong Kong.

Fell asleep drunk and early next morning, I was dropped off at my aunt’s house to get dressed and ready for my cousin’s wedding! Took all my shit and myself down in the fucking cold and waited for all of my family to arrive, so I can give direction to a place I barely knew. What could go wrong? Actually nothing! We got to the subway station where our charter bus waited, and we got settled in to our seats. Off to Seoul we go! A little bit into the trip; it was time for snacks and drinks. I felt like a flight attendant serving food and drinks to all the guest on the bus handling special requests about how much food and drinks they wanted and etc. etc.

I passed out afterwards, and I was in Seoul! Gangnam to be exact. We arrived earlier than we thought, and so my “sister-in-law”, younger cousin, and I had a cup of coffee and convoed about nothing and everything. Soon we were allowed into the wedding hall to take pictures with the bride and see the groom and everything! The whole shindig. It was rushed and busy and loud as usual, you know this isn’t my first Korean wedding (hairflip). I was too busy being a half ass photographer next to the professionals.

The reception about the start, and it was gorgeous. Didn’t last very long, they did their vows and bows. On with the walk together out of the reception hall to change into the Korean traditional garment, while that’s going on, the guest all left the hall to get the catered food. it was really good, and as we enjoy our food, the newlyweds came out in the traditional clothing to greet everyone and thank everyone. They looked good! It was like a blink of an eye. They left for the airport for their Italian honeymoon… UGH so jealous!!! I want to go back to Italy!

Just like that and everyone was board the bus to go back to Pusan. I had other arrangements to stay up in Seoul to pick up the rest of my stuff in Seoul. I called my friend Jay, who has my stuff, and he and I met up in Gangnam and went back to his place! We went out to Myung Dong for a quick bite and some sock shopping. Man is Korea different this time around. I don’t think it will ever be the same like it was when I was a student here. I know that about a month ago, and I didn’t expect this much of a difference, but it is. I miss everyone even more. We walked around some more and went back home, and I was asleep.

Sunday (January 19, 2014), I went to swim practice! You know the gay swim team I told you about like 17 posts ago? Well I never got a chance to say good-bye to them before I left because I was too busy drinking. I saw them and they were super nice and friendly to me; they took me out to eat and desert. It was nice to see them at least; knowing I have friends here feels really good! Later that night, I met my friend again for some chicken and beer! (My favorite)

Dinner was great; after I got a little buzz going, we went home and I finished packing all my stuff, and to bed I went! I woke up, and I’m on a plane in the morning to Shanghai and Hong Kong.

This was a really weird trip. Korea will never be the same I think. I enjoyed it for what it was, but Korea was conquered already! Thank you everyone who made Korea, well Korea.