A Trip To The Land of Morning Calm

#2024wish Having been diagnosed with several lung-related illnesses since 2016, I have had several episodes of pain that often leave me thinking 'how much time do I have left?' The year 2023 is a very meaningful year for me because this year, for the very first time, I have dared myself to travel abroad solo, a dream that I have kept for a very long time. Some of the memories that will forever be etched in my heart are the opportunity to visit South Korea and see the unique culture and history of the country, not forgetting the experience of wearing traditional Hanbok while walking around the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace! I remember all the Korean historical movies and dramas I have watched, and this is definitely a dream comes true! Always attracted to nature and scenery landscapes, Nami Island and The Garden of Morning Calm stood out to be the delightful moments of my trip to South Korea. Nami Island is such a small vibrant island, strolling along its small gravel trails giving out lovely vibes as potrayed in the Korean drama 'Winter Sonata' while the Garden of Morning Calm cheerfully boasting its Millennium Juniper tree, which is estimated to be around 1000 years old, symbolizing strength, wisdom, usefulness and beauty - reminding me that despite difficulties faced in life, there's always hope and that somehow we would survive it. I also had the experience of going through the underground tunnel in the DMZ Area that borders South Korea and North Korea, the same experience that reminded me of the unique experience of going through the Chu Chi underground tunnel while traveling to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam a month earlier. Both countries have had its shares of being affected by wars, and it made my trip to South Korea more meaningful as I could understand how it has shaped its people, their resilience and determination to rise up after such harrowing events. All these experiences made me even more determined to see more of this world, as much as possible, as long as I can and while there is still time. In 2024, my travel target is to feel some snow at the tip of my fingers (sounds like a child's dream I know, but that's what it is 🤭); I want to sip a hot drink while looking in awe at the wonders of nature such as the volcanoe craters landscape and to experience more culture of people around the world. Hence, I don't have a specific country yet, but I believe time will tell, some doors will definitely open and I will fly to those destinations with an open heart, ready to find more wonders! 🕊️