Tour Asia 2013 - the Philippines, Sri Lanka and More

I’m leaving!

I’m leaving again. After getting back my Koreanness for last two months, I think it’s time to embark another adventure. It wasn’t an easy process for me, coming back here. I was more worried than happy before landed in Incheon in fourteen months.

But now? I’m happy I came back. ‘Blood is thicker than water’ for sure. No matter how much they are not happy about my life choices, they still are my family. I got to spend a lot of time with my mum, and rest of the family. My nephew just started the first grade, my brother moved to different city, and my parents have their own busy routine as a retired couple. It was good to see that everyone’s doing it very well.

I met same-minded people here and opened a workshop with them. It went well. We are planning a long-term project together. Korea is changing. I got to meet a lot of people who are seeking something better in life. Felt good to be inspiration to them.

I’m leaving tomorrow. To where?

the Philippines (south), Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India and Nepal.

I’m leaving tomorrow to Kalibo, Philippines, and thinking about coming back to Korea at Chuseok in October. I’m not sure how long it will last, but this is the plan so far. But just like any other plans, it is changeable by unexpected (or expected) trip in the middle. It won’t be easy to flying back and forth to North America, but Toronto TBEX and Portland WDS 2013 are on my possibility list. I am happy to see different parts of the world but I’m excited to develop my project ideas during the time. I will be traveling and working for the time being. I can say I’m traveling with my office: my laptop and notepad.

People often ask me why I’m traveling and when I’m going to stop. I can’t say ‘I’m never going to stop traveling’, but I don’t have any plan to quit in a short future. Traveling makes me stronger and wiser, and I like it. I’m in love with the joy of discovery: similarities and differences. Just like engineers go to the office everyday to work on their career, I travel for my career. I’m excited to inspired by the world, develop my new projects and figure out my next step. It would be tough to travel and work at the same time but it will be more exciting, I’m sure. It’s funny, I don’t feel like I’m leaving for a long trip. Maybe because I’m flying to Asia. It’s my first time visiting the Philippines, but I feel some what comfortable.

A few special items

Kindle

Lucky me, I got a Kindle Paperwhite for last Christmas. No more thick guidebook! Now I can fancy it up, and read e-guide-book. I have a good reading list as well.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? – Mindy Kaling

You would know if you are personal friends with me; I really like TV shows (especially comedy and musical). My broad knowledge of comedy may shock you. Mindy Kaling is one of the four female celebrities I like: Tina Fey, Amy Pholer, Kristin Chenoweth and the creator of Mindy Project, Mindy Kaling herself. She doesn’t feel like Hollywood big shot to me. She’s quite down to earth, and honest human being. If not, she’s really-really a good actress. I got her new book ‘Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?’ and read the introduction; I can’t wait to read rest of it. It’s been quite long since I was this excited about a book.

Video

Cosmos – Carl Sagen

I got 13 episodes of Cosmos, but haven’t watched it on purpose. I will watch this in some remote village without any Internet connection. What can be better than watching the mystery of deep Cosmos deep in the mountain?

Toiletry

Italy Towel

I talked about how much I love infamous Italy Towel. This time I’m packing two extra Italy Towels. No doubt.

Paper soap

Because I think I’m going to more rural area, I packed extra peper soap I got from Stephen’s mom last year. I used parts of them in the deepest mountains in rural China and Laos, and I have a feeling that it’s time to re-use the magical product.

Thankfully, my bag is lighter than my last one. Mainly because I’m going to follow where Summer goes. But I have to be careful, because I’m planning to buy clothes in Sri Lanka, India and who knows where! Cute tops and sun dresses in Southeast Asia are just too cute, don’t you think? I’m starting with half-empty bag, and I will do my best to keep it this way.