August 23, 2010

Waiting and Packing in Lake Forest

I only have 3 days now until I leave for South Korea. Stressed out? Not at all. I should be running around like a chicken with its head cut off but for some reason I am completely calm. I think it is because I have been mentally preparing for this trip the entire summer and because I could not be happier and more excited to start this amazing experience.

I have been talking to a couple friends of friends who are in South Korea right now pretty much doing the same thing I am about to head there to do, teach ESL to Korean children. They gave me some advice on what to bring and expect but the most reassuring thing was that all of them said they have been having the time of their life. I can't wait to join them.

Packing for a year is fairly daunting, especially when you know that you will not be able to purchase a single pair of shoes or pants for the entire year. (Since I am 5'10 there are no shoes or pants in Korea that will fit me, so I have to bring enough to last me the entire time I am there!) I am starting to get everything put together and figuring out how my life is going to fit into two 50 pound suitcases. (Pictures of packing to come!)

I recently purchased my first SLR digital camera (Canon Rebel T1i). I have been waiting to get a new camera for a long time now and this trip was my perfect opportunity. Photography has been a passion of my since high school; however, I have not had the time to fully pursue it. I am looking forward to my time in Korea to explore my new camera and what Asia has to offer as my new muse.

I will leave you with a couple of my first photos on my new camera. Playing around our house and garden in Lake Forest with Katie (my youngest sister) and Chappy (our family dog).

9 comments:

  1. Chris! So I love blogs and travel blogs, and saw Sutton post something on your wall which showed up on my news feed - HOW EXCITING! What an adventure! Good for you for leaving to explore the world. I'm adding this to my Google Reader as we speak so please update because I would love to hear about your travels! Be safe and have fun!

    P.S. Gorgeous pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am so excited that you set up a blog for this trip! I cannot wait to follow you along this adventure!! I'm so proud of you for seeking out this opportunity and going for it. I also cannot WAIT to see your pictures... yay for the new camera! I love you so much! XO Kaitlin

    ReplyDelete
  3. Chris...I'm so excited for you. I am surprised and curious as to how you decided to do this. I hope you have a wonderful and amazing time...it surely will be life changing. I look forward to hearing about your daily life over there. Love, Diane

    ReplyDelete
  4. Chris - this is your Aunt Barb, your Dad's aunt - I am so excited for you and looking forward to following your adventure. Great pictures. Be safe!!
    Love, Aunt Barb

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hoping you have the time of your life and lasting memories being made during your year. We will miss you so much at the family gatherings. Will you be home in time for Laura's wedding? You will be in our thoughts and prayers as always. Enjoy the adventure and we love you. Aunt Virginia, Uncle Randy, Audrey & Paige

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Chris, it was great seeing you over the summer. I am sure this year will pass so quickly you will forget you haven't purchased any new shoes!! Have a grand time, enjoy the sights and sounds of this different culture -- I have to admit I am looking forward to the pictures of packing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. you're so cool and your spelling isn't too bad either

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am obsessed with the picture of the bridge! regan told me about it but it is way cooler than I anticipated, very impressive. sorry i have been so bad at keeping up with you- first paper was due today! I have some actual free time coming up so let's make a skype date otherwise I'll send you an email. MISS YOU

    ReplyDelete
  9. Just realized you got that off google images and that you would have needed to be like in a helicopter to take that pic. law school is making me smarter.

    ReplyDelete