It was my 23rd birthday last Saturday. I've never celebrated a birthday away from home before and I felt that this one could go one of two ways. Firstly, I'd feel lonely and sad and miss all the people I normally spend my birthdays with, or it would be special because of where I am and the people around me here. I'm so happy to say that the second option is how I felt!
On the morning of my birthday, I had a virtual party with my Mum, my Dad and my brother Andrew, who happened to be in Adelaide for a bike race. We sat around our computers, I opened my lovely presents and there was even a cake with candles! (In Australia, that is. I expect it might have been a little stale had it been posted to Korea!) I was so touched by all the thoughtful gifts and cards I received from home. Thank you to you all, you really made my day so special! After the virtual party, Luke and I slowly got ready to take our usual hair-raising bus ride into Seoul.
In Seoul we wandered about, had cake and chai lattes at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and just generally enjoyed being out and about. We meandered around until it was time to meet our co-teachers for dinner at a gorgeous Italian restaurant called Felice Gatto. Young Ku, Ellie and her husband joined Luke and I for a lovely meal and once again, there was a cake with candles. I felt very well celebrated!
A Chai latte in Seoul
The group at dinner
Luke and I at Felice Gatto
Looking out the front door of Felice Gatto
After dinner, we all went to a beautiful traditional tea house. Set in a quiet backstreet, the tea house had the most inviting warm glow about it as we approached it. We sat on the heated floor, drank delicious teas (I tried the quince tea which was yummy!) ate cake, talked and laughed and had a really lovely time. It was unlike any birthday I've had before and I've got a feeling it will be a memorable one, for all the right reasons.
Tea and cake
By the end of the night, Luke and I were so tired we fell asleep on the couch with Dusty while my new "Mamma Mia!" soundtrack played in the background. As the day came to an end I thought about the distance between Korea and Australia and I realised that it hadn't really felt that far that day. I may be far away in terms of physical distance, but there's nothing like shared affection and kind thoughts to make that distance feel less daunting and less significant.
I had a great year as a 22 year old but I feel ready to be 23, I feel there are some great adventures in store for the three from the box and I'm looking forward to whatever they may be.
Lucy
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