There and Back Again

I returned from South East Asia tour on 06FEB2011. I flew standby on a flight that was overbooked by three seats. I spent 10 hours at Singapore Airport... the butterfly garden, free computers, and plenty of space to walk got me through the minutes and hours. I explained that I really needed to get back early to watch a stupid barbaric sport called Football, American Football... Superbowl. Further explained there were some friends meeting in Seoul, I'd been traveling alone too long and needed some fraternity. Good thing for good natured people... I get the flight.

I meet Rob, Shane, and Matt. We make 90cent bets on winners, kickoffs, and so forth. I come out 7 bucks ahead. And it seemed awfully symetrical that my trip ends the way it begins... meeting old Jecheon friends in Seoul.

It's winter, and I've got no winter clothes... or they are at Jamie's. Jamie is in Cambodia, and I'm in a short sleeve shirt. I look like a monk of sorts with my Luangprabang hand made wrap... Its my blanket, scarf, pillow, and the idea of a "wished you were here" tshirt. I get back to Jecheon after the football game.

I get my Heckler out of Jamie's... change out my backpackers pack for a smaller pack... get some warmer clothes, more socks, and clean underwear. Then I bike to my old school, Hwasan Elementary School. I greet the Headmaster, and join him for lunch. I ask if I may visit the English Center, I end up coming each day for the week. I teach on Friday for Drew who is in Seoul for training. I greet old students, and eat free and familiar lunches.

Through the course of that first week I get my motorcycle, and scooter serviced. I move the TV and PS3 to Tristan and Arienne's. For the next couple weeks I stay in various motels, on the floor of Chad's, on a matress on the floor at Tristan's, on a blanket-atop-a-blanket on the floor at Matt and Seo-Yeong's, and on a down blanket atop an electric blanket at Jamie and Omi's. Great friends all around.

I go from highly independant traveler exploring the open world and dangerous places... efficient, quick, brave, cocksured, sociable, wise, to homeless dependant pretty damn quick. Time ticks off as I put together plans for work. I turn down a couple jobs based on salary, and vacation. I get ignored by others. I get offered, and offered again. Targets set on a university position.

Turning back... spoke to family. Everyone seems good. Uncle Jim notes, "Isn't it strange that you are back in Jecheon and feel comfortable to be back home." He hit square on the nose. I had some real Korean food because I needed some comfort food. I got back to Jecheon soon as possible because it is the closest thing to home I know.. such is why I returned to Hwasan... and spent each day there for my first week. Homeless, or a with a home so large it encompasses mountains, hundreds of families, and rooms all across the city.

Thank you to Christina who is my Korean mother who reminds me much of my own mom... Thanks also to Sara, Jin, Min, Headmaster, and each person who has borrowed me their floor.