Macaiyla's Yapping

5/03/2022. 6:15am.

Today is my first official morning in Korea. We flew in last night around 2pm(ish). The flight was better than I expected but I think that is only because Tyler bought us both Delta One Suite Seats. I don’t even want to talk about the cost. I had to ask Tyler multiple times if this was really worth the money. As comfortable as it was, I don’t think it is worth that much money for anyone. I don’t think I could subject myself to spending that much even if I was flying to my dream location (Japan). Speaking of Japan, I was very eager and excited to take a week trip to Japan while staying in Korea however, they are not allowing foreigners into their country at the moment due to COVID. That genuinely broke my heart but when it’s meant to be it’ll happen. I digress.

We woke up around 2am today. Well, I actually woke up before Tyler. It was very peaceful. A few horns here and there, but a lot better than New York City. I enjoy the amount of lights and dainty stores that are open so early in the area we’re staying in. I sat by the window for a few minutes and tried to take it all in. But you can’t take in a city like this just by looking at it. I plan to explore by myself in the next few hours.

Respect is really important to me. Although I may not show it online, in person it is something that means a lot to me. I’ve downloaded 3 apps to help with my Korean adventure here. Dialog, Translator, and Korean Translator. I’ve tried so hard to make sure I’m respecting the people here and their social norms. I’ve learned that women typically lightly nod their heads. So I’ve been doing that to everyone I’ve met, and have gotten it back in return. I’ve also learned that you give and receive things with both hands, and you do not typically shake hands unless you do it with two hands or grasp your right arm with your left hand. I need to learn more and I’m going to try my absolute hardest to do so. I have heard that most Koreans understand that foreigners will not understand all of their mannerisms but to me you still have to try because you’d want people to do the same in your country.

I think my plan for today is to walk. Literally just walk anywhere. I want to smell the atmosphere of every street and alley, and try to force myself into conversation with others I come across. I want today to be a day full of observing and learning. So that will be the goal.

Many people do not know I am really into photography. My first camera ever was a Fujifilm camera. I think I got in back in 2012 for my birthday. I believe it was around $800 but I can’t remember the specific one. Anyways, I took photos every day. Not of myself but of nature and scenery. Photos hold a lot of value. It brings back a lot of memories. Having an iphone is nice, but having an actual camera is just different. You feel more emotion. I can’t really explain that in text. I think photographers will understand what I’m saying to some extent. It might sound stupid but try to use a good camera with a good lens someday. I plan to buy a good camera while I’m here so I can document everything and remember these crisp moments for the rest of my life. I’ll try to post those photos as well if I do get a camera.

There is so much I could type right now but I’d like to go and get a meal. I feel really weird going down alone and asking for breakfast but as I said before, today is a day for learning and observing. So I will go now. It’s just social anxiety. Gotta remember that. Don’t cringe at me for writing these things. I’m going now. Goodbye and good morning.