Well, it's getting to be that time again. That would be the time when the summer rush of new people is arriving. Which also means that this is the time when you realize that all the friends you make when you're travelling are transitory and will leave you at random moments of the year.
It sucks.
Having to say goodbye to someone who has been a major fixture in your life is akin to cutting an appendage off. In many cases, the people you say goodbye to were here from the moment you got here. They may have shown you around, or helped you settle in, or have just been there when you went through the random moments of awareness that you're in another country and can't speak the language.
The atmosphere around the local hangouts is changing because of this. There's been quite a few people who've left lately who have either been here for a long time or just made the world a better place in general. It's not that the atmosphere is getting worse, it's just becoming much different from when I first got here.
When you first arrive in Korea, it takes about three or four months to get used to your surroundings and find a strong group of friends to connect with. Then you spend the next four months having the time of your life and, somewhere along the way, you begin to realize that Korea is temporary. People start to go back home or onto another great adventure and it feels like parts of the world are crumbling away. But then comes the realization: this is exactly what life's all about.
One thing I love most about travelling is that it causes you to connect to people quickly and firmly. Sure, the foreigner community here is a little fiery every once in a while but it's only because we've become each others' family. Who else can you go to when you're having a rough time of it than the friends you've made who have probably gone through the exact same things as you?
So, although I'll have to say goodbye to some really great people, I'm happy to welcome new friends and experiences in the rest of my time here. Only three and a half more months to go!
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Wow, I can't believe you are almost done your year! Time sure does go by fast! I am officially moving back to Vancouver for Sept. 1st!!! So excited! I don't know many people there anymore and it is going to be weird starting a new chapter in my life. I really wish I would have been able to come out and visit you! When you get back though I would love to go on a trip somewhere with you! I am always up for an adventure!!!
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