02/26/2026
Small Moments, Big Memories ✨
This trip over the holidays was my fourth visit to South Korea, and it continues to be an incredible experience each time. The people are kind, the food is unforgettable, and traveling abroad always brings a fresh perspective to life.
Mishka: 👼
This time, I was able to spend meaningful time with my nephew, Mishka. He’s about a year and a half old — full of life, personality, and born with a frohawk. He never seemed to want to leave my side, and even now that I’m home, we still see each other every other day on FaceTime.
While I was there, I kept trying to get him to walk. He’d get frustrated with me for encouraging him to use those “power legs.” A few days after I left… he was running around. That’s how quickly these moments move.
He’s the center of attention (as most little ones are), and I’m grateful to have spent time with him at this age.
City Hikes: 🚶💨
South Korea is an incredibly safe place to visit. I never hesitate to walk out the front door, point in a direction, and head out for a 5–10 mile walk through the city.
Cabs are inexpensive, so if I get tired, I can always grab one and head home for $5–10 USD. Or you can hop underground and take the subway back just as easily.
While wandering, I pop into shops, cafés, and small eateries simply to take in the sights, the culture, and the differences. Many owners welcome you warmly, and with translator apps now, it’s easy to read menus, get guidance on what’s traditional, and even get a little AI help deciding what to order.
Travel feels different when you’re not rushing or have an itinerary to hit daily — just walking, observing, and taking it all in.
Local Park & Gamcheon Village: 👋
On the left, I met a group of new friends while hiking up to a local park at the top of a mountain. They were so excited to see me, and we ended up chatting for quite a while. Moments like that remind me how welcoming people can be, even across language and cultural differences. The views did not disappoint. The entire city was visible, with 360-degree views of the skyline, ocean, and beaches.
On the right, the owner of a small shop in Gamcheon Village. It’s rare to see a dog of this size there, and it happened to be the same breed my dad has, a Golden Creme. That unexpected familiarity made the moment even better.
Travel has a way of reminding you how connected the world really is. 🧡
