Winter Wonderland

I have a memory from a long time ago, where a family friend bought over a video one night. I remember she handed it to me and said the girl on the cover looked like me, as I had long blonde hair and was wearing a blue dress. That memory is never far from my mind because secretly I think I am Alice in Wonderland.

At home, in New Zealand, I always knew there was more to me, more to Sammi,  but it was as if I was restricted, as if the culture and social standards inhibited my inner most desire. The most important desire, that of freedom, to be free to think what you like, say what you like, wear what you like and express yourself in anyway you feel fit.In Korea that desire has been released. I can say that I officially feel liberated and at peace.

At this point in, only 3 weeks. I am yet to officially decide whether it is actually this land of Korea that has allowed me to be at peace, or if it is just being in a new place and actually having to survive. I guess time will tell. What I do know though is that I am very fond of the Korean culture that I have experienced so far. I love how meals are all shared and generally are all eaten off one plate. I love the closeness, Koreans hold hands and hug and show affection a lot. I love how alive every part of the day and night is and how busy and festive every place is. And I especially love that I can nurture the children at my preschool with hugs and kisses (on the cheek)  and pick them up and swing them around. It just feels so natural.

I wonder if 'just like Alice and Wonderland" I will wake up at some point and realise that I just fell down a rabbit hole? I don't think so to be honest!

And did I mention I love, love, love the food here. It is amazing and my Korean work mates are always telling me to eat more!