Somehow it has become my last night in Korea and it only seems appropriate to sit, reflect and reminisce about my time that I have spent here, as melodramatic as it all may seem. I still remember the very first meal I had when I came to Korea (Kimchi Jjigae!) to the very first moment I had finally met Kevin (KISSme Day!) to the random-ass signed CDs I received (ZE:A5, Davichi…?) to the last piece of clothing I bought in that one Hongdae boutique (a cute summer dress!).

I came to Korea expecting nothing. I decided to come here because I thought, “Hey, I’ve been fawning over Korea since 2000s, I might as well visit this place”. Of course I had underlying hopes, such as “Maybe I’ll finally get a chance to see Kevin perform” and “Gotta get me some of that soondae”. But I don’t think I could have ever imagined my time being better spent. I wanted to travel that was it. I told myself that if anything amazing were to happen, they would naturally happen.

And they did.

I met the most incredible people on exchange, had the amazing opportunity to meet fellow fans, support alongside and attend U-KISS’s 3rd album, and even first sub-unit, events (What happened to just wanting to see U-KISS perform once? Nope, the universe wouldn’t have that and gave me the fateful situation of being a full-fledged KISSme), and even had the craziest chance to do a very short internship at Arirang. The windows of opportunity in Korea kept opening for me, and it really has just been amazing. I’ve had such a spectacular time here that I don’t want anyone to think that I’ve taken anything for granted. I’ve breathed it all in and appreciated every bit of it. My time here has made be extremely happy. An extended vacation with so many perks, and those perks you will read about in future blog posts.

The mere fact that I was overwhelmed about what to post about on my personal blog made me take a step back and think, “Well I think I need to absorb all of this before even writing about it”. Now that it’s just about over, I am thrilled to say that I don’t only dream about Korea anymore (hey now~ hey now~ don’t dream~ it’s over~). I’m no longer the weird chick who was utterly supportive of Kevin for seven years without even meeting the guy or seeing him in the flesh. And it’s completely okay if I didn’t make an impression or whatever people usually strive for. I was just ecstatic to know that the people I have learned to love and support weren’t bad people. Which sounds completely stupid, right? But you know, I’m stupid like that.

The funny thing is this all started because of a little tune called ‘In Your Hands’. I wonder where I would be if I never heard that song in 2006. In that alternate universe, would I still be having such a rockin’ time?
Whatever is making these things happen, I want to thank you for the friendships that have been made, food that have been very willingly eaten, performances that have been marvelled at and opportunities that have been met. It has already made 2013 unforgettable.

Will I be back someday? Definitely.
But perhaps not any time soon because, well you know, there’s still the rest of the world to tackle.