We took a train to Busan, flew to Tokyo, managed the subways in Seoul, and are still confused why taxis don’t just put the address in the GPS to take you there. It’s been a full week full of surprises, lots of walking, and lots of fun. My sister came to surprise me in Korea and my mom also surprised me by getting stuck in Japan the first night. She spent the next day at the airport and I spent the next day in class while Hannah stayed at the Airbnb. Then we went to Tokyo too. We spent 24 hours in Tokyo, and only got lost on the subway once, though we did stay on the same line pretty much the entire time. We visited Tokyo Tower, a temple, this big shopping district, and briefly saw the Imperial Gardens. It was a little rainy and cold, but overall Japan was incredible and I look forward to going back one day for longer then 24 hours.

Thursday I had class, but I was able to take them out for dinner before we went and saw a movie, a thanksgiving tradition. Friday night we left for Seoul and spent a jam packed day in Seoul visiting palaces, Cultural parks, Namsan Seoul Tower, Insa-dong Street, and more. We visited different coffee shops, including the Harry Potter cafe. Seoul’s subway system was much easier to navigate, but I can’t tell you how thankful I was to get back to Busan where the subways system is simple.

I’m so thankful that my family had the chance to come to more and I had the opportunity to show them around a city and country I’ve come to love. It was truly an incredible week and I wish they could’ve spent longer here because Busan alone could take a week to see, not including Seoul and Tokyo.

This week is the last of some of my classes. I’ve got three weeks left in South Korea and everything is beginning to wrap up. I’ve got so many things I still want to try and do these next few weeks but I know I’m short pressed for time. I’m ready to come home, but I’m gonna miss the life I’ve had here and independence I’ve had. It’s different to be in your own country, speaking your first language, and living away from home. The environment I’ve been living in here in South Korea has opened me up to so many different opportunities and given me chances to grow as an individual person. I’ve made new friends, gone new places, and eaten a lot of rice. I’m gonna miss Busan.