Reflections on New Beginnings
Although 2025 is still far off, it feels like a homework assignment that I keep postponing and avoiding. So, I'm boldly setting aside the remainder of 2025 and starting with 2026. For now, I will begin with what I want to write.
I want to follow my plans step by step, but the reality of who I am and who I want to be is so different.
When I plan to do something, I should start acting without overthinking.
I purchased a book recommended by my friend before heading to Seoul: "The Novelist as a Profession" by Haruki Murakami. I hesitated because I don't think Murakami's style suits me, but since it comes highly recommended, I will give it a try. I still have to finish reading the first volume of "Kafka on the Shore," which is sitting on my shelf, about two-thirds read. It's a polarizing novel, and I'm curious about why some people love it.
After returning home from my trip to Mukho, I immediately packed my bags for a month-long stay. Carrying a heavy suitcase and a backpack, I felt both excited and anxious as I headed to the train station, unsure why a month felt like a complete departure.
Before coming to Seoul, I finished reading "The Novelist as a Profession" and started a new book: "No People Zone." I liked the title right away. I read while traveling but dozed off in the middle, accompanied by my favorite gummy snacks.
Carrying my heavy luggage alone made me feel superhuman at times. I tried to pack lightly but ended up layering my clothes (not realizing the cold wave that awaited me in Seoul).
The next morning, I made breakfast. The bulgogi wasn't made by me but was leftovers my mom had prepared months ago. The two cats in the background were brought from Mukho, and I got scolded for bringing them along. I was so full.
I arrived in Seoul earlier than planned, having confused the date of my appointment. I rushed to meet friends in Seongsu-dong, stopping at a cafe called "High Mountain" but left due to the long wait, opting for another cafe instead. The cold weather made waiting outside unbearable. Fortunately, I found a seat inside, ordered madeleines and milk tea, and enjoyed reading a good book.
Before my friends arrived, I went to the cafe we agreed to meet at and put my name down for a table. Luckily, I could wait inside, which was much warmer.
I finally visited Permanent Habitat, a place I had long wanted to go after seeing dessert photos on Instagram. I was thrilled to be there. I ordered a night milk tea that had a unique flavor, and it was delicious. I savored it, as it was unlike any milk tea I had ever had. I also tried a cherry dessert that paired nicely with the refreshing lemon cream.
After dinner, I went to a ramen shop. As someone with a cold, I debated whether to drink alcohol but ended up having a little. It had been a while since I enjoyed a highball and beer, even if just a small amount.
On a cold day, warm soup is always welcome. It was delicious, but I found myself thinking about a particular ramen place I wanted to visit. I need to go down there for it.
While exploring Seongsu, I was struck by the pop-up shops and the vibrant atmosphere. Seeing Seongsu Station become the 'Musinsa Station' made me realize how much this area had changed.
At my friend's place, I was greeted by strange and quirky Demon Slayer dolls. I refused to take them home, as I didn't need such odd collectibles.
After a good night's sleep at my friend's house, I ventured out to Seochon, braving the cold. I craved dumpling soup, so I went to Andeok and ordered fried peppers and dumpling soup. The fried peppers were pricey but incredibly tasty. The dumpling soup had a mild flavor, but my friends assured me it was good, which put me at ease.
Someone had to do the dishes, and that was me. I even slurped down the soup. I could have filled a thermos with it and enjoyed it throughout the day.
As I frequently visit Seochon, navigating the area has become easy for me. I stopped by my favorite shop to look for some supplies I needed. The two kids sitting there were adorable as they enjoyed their time.
I visited Aets Coffee, which I had saved as a cafe to try. They served warm water, which was a lovely touch on a cold day. I ordered an Earl Grey roll cake and mugwort tea. The roll cake was delicious, and the mugwort tea had a different taste than what I made at home, which was intriguing.
I unboxed my recent purchases. I had always dreamed of owning a stationery store.
After exploring, I found it a bit too early for dinner, so I went to Masamadre. It was my first time visiting since they remodeled, and they now had seats on the second floor. The entrance smelled amazing, almost intoxicating. We shared sandwiches and drinks, and everyone agreed they were delicious. It was genuinely one of the best meals I've had in a while, and I can't wait to try their soup next time.
After parting ways with my friends, I went grocery shopping with my friend at E-Mart. It had been ages since I visited a big supermarket. I filled my cart with supplies to stock my friend's empty fridge, almost like preparing for a survival mission.
For dinner, I made pork cutlet and soft tofu stew. An air fryer is a lifesaver for someone living alone.
This is my desk decor. It's a temporary setup, but I want to make it my own, so I arranged things to create a sense of stability.
I warmed up a basil tomato bread I bought from Seochon Heoja Bakery.
It snowed overnight, marking the beginning of an extreme cold wave (I had no idea it was coming). When I wanted to enjoy the view outside, I took the bus. Listening to music on the way is always fun, but I didn't have a song stuck in my head this time.
I visited Uirang Coffee in Hyochang Park, a place I had seen on Instagram. I wanted to visit all the spots on my list. The cafe's clean atmosphere was delightful, and the owner was reading a book when I entered, which felt like a warm welcome.
I ordered biscotti and milk tea. It was my first time trying biscotti, and it was a bit tough for me to eat while I was getting orthodontic treatment. I took small bites, hoping not to break my braces.
I finished decorating my second notebook and was proud of my big clip purchase. It’s versatile for holding various items, and I'm also using the fluorescent dot stickers a lot.
While writing my diary and reading a book, I spent time alone at Uirang. The cafe is on the fourth floor of an old building without an elevator, making the climb a bit of a workout. I noticed that older buildings tend to have higher steps, which adds to the challenge.
After braving the cold, I went to a lamb skewer place (though it was quite far). The food was so delicious that I shed tears while eating. However, the oil from the lamb skewers caused some unintentional flare-ups at the tables. When that happens, just remove the skewers for a moment before putting them back on the grill.
After indulging in the lamb and crispy pork, I considered ordering more but decided against it. I was already full, and it’s true that too much of a good thing can be overwhelming.
The next morning, as someone who needs to eat breakfast right away, I made sure to have a meal. I placed strawberries on a beautiful plate, which looked stunning in the sunlight.
I bundled up and headed out again, becoming a pro at layering clothes.
I arrived at Mullae-dong Loft House, where many people were working. I caught up on my diary and read a book, but the cold outside was unbearable.
I read a book I bought from a Mukho indie bookstore. Initially, it felt difficult, but as I continued, I found many beautiful sentences that made it enjoyable. There’s a line about needing to have a 'winter heart' in winter, which resonated with me, even though I usually dislike winter.
I did my first yoga session in Seoul, taking photos to document my progress (even if most of them aren't yoga-related). I started with a group class, and it felt refreshing to stretch my body again. I hope to keep it up!
My friend’s signature dish is vegetable shabu-shabu. On cold days, warm soup is always welcome.
To my surprise, I woke up early to book tickets for a holiday event. Seeing my waiting number jolted me awake. I wondered how everyone else managed to secure tickets during the busy holiday season.
I bought half a cabbage and diligently made salads.
Despite the extreme cold, I ventured out. I can’t bear the thought of wasting a day at home, so I always feel the need to go out and do something.
I finally visited a cafe I had wanted to check out. I enjoyed a matcha cappuccino and lamington. The froth on top was adorable, and while the lamington didn’t taste exactly like the one I had in Australia, it was still good. I wish it had been a bit more moist, though. I made a bit of a mess while eating, but I cleaned it up afterward.
I read a book and wrote in my diary, doing my usual activities.
It was a week of extreme cold, with temperatures dropping to -12 or -13 degrees Celsius. Going out was daunting, and I felt the chill as soon as I stepped outside.
I visited a cafe in Yongsan and then the National Museum of Korea. I initially planned to explore the history from the prehistoric era to the Joseon Dynasty but ended up getting sidetracked by another exhibition. I vowed to see the prehistoric history next time.
I checked out the exhibition on Admiral Yi Sun-sin and modernist painters. I wanted to buy a bookmark from the Yi Sun-sin exhibit, but it was too expensive, so I just browsed.
I'm a fan of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. I sometimes feel a pang of emotion when I visit places like Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Whenever I hear the name Toyotomi Hideyoshi, I think of my history teacher who would passionately shout "Fengshen Shuqiu" during lessons. I wonder how they are doing now.
The 'Room of Contemplation' at the National Museum is a must-visit, but it’s usually crowded with people taking photos. I think spending about five minutes there is just right.
Feeling cold, I decided to head home. Although I left earlier than usual, I ended up in the evening rush hour, experiencing the hellish commute. I felt frustrated and wanted to push everyone aside. But for the people commuting in Seoul, this is just everyday life.
To survive the hellish commute, I indulged in some fried food. I had never tried half a fried chicken before, but it was a delicious first experience. I guess living alone makes me more open to trying foods I wouldn’t have eaten before.
I made a meal that looks like dinner. I also brewed tea using the tea set I bought from Mukho.
I read "Poetry and Walks" by Han Jeong-won. It started with a sense of excessive self-love and arrogance, leading to melancholy. I thought about how aging is not something to be ashamed of but rather a result of living fully.
As I continue to reflect on my experiences, I realize that perhaps aging might not be so bad after all.
...To be continued...
Source :https://blog.naver.com/mylovegmlwni/224187111889
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