Due to all the love and new readers I’ve acquired over the past few months, I decided it was high time to turn the tables and let you decide what I write about. There’s not a better way to do this then a little Q & A. Although the questions often give short answers, maybe this will help you get to know myself, my husband, and our lifestyle better! I have divided the questions into three posts: Travel, Expat Living, and Miscellaneous. Today we’ll cover the topic of Travel, but make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the next two posts!
Thank you again for your amazing response, I never thought I’d receive so many questions, or have that many people interested in what we’re up to. :)
“What are some customs that have stayed with you from your travels? What are some unique and interesting cultural customs you’ve seen/encountered?” -Iva
The biggest, most important thing that comes to mind when keeping certain travel customs with us would be: to travel modestly. We often visit areas that are economically miles behind us, and the last thing we want to do is flaunt our American ‘wealth’. Yes, if you live in the United States (or another well-off country), have a house, car, electricity, and cold food, YOU are considered overly wealthy too. You can read more about how we travel modestly in this post.
As far as unique customs? Korea and Japan both have insanely crazy customs! Most involve making sure not to insult others (i.e. no blowing your nose in public, placing your chopsticks just right on the table, and letting elders cut you in line). Unfortunately I learn most of these customs the hard way.
“If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose?” -Jenn
This question is super hard for me, mainly because there’s a lot of the world I have yet to travel! If I went by ‘looks’ alone, disregarding knowing nothing of the culture, then I’d have to say somewhere along the Mediterranean. They’ve got it all over there: yummy food, friendly people, gorgeous views…can you blame me?
“What is the VERY first thing you want to do when you are back in the States?” -Megan
Go shopping. Ugg, how materialistic do I sound right now? I’m so tired of feeling like I’m a giant trying to fit into little kid clothes, or maybe feeling like one of Cinderella’s step sisters trying to put on her magic glass slipper. Seriously that’s how I look every time I shop at the shoe stores here. Can’t wait to shop for clothes that actually fit! Also, getting a haircut from someone that knows ‘western’ hair will be like heaven on earth.
“How do you handle being so far away from your family?”-Leslie
Let me tell you, it can be really hard at times. I hate not seeing my family. I hate not being there as they discover new hobbies, interests, go through so many wonderful accomplishments and pursue their dreams. Often times I feel like I’m just that random cheerleader that’s cheering on (not from the sidelines) way outside the stadium. No one can see me, I’m not really there in person, but I’m TOTALLY there in spirit! Thankfully we all have social media to keep in touch! Also, if you have good internet (unless you’re like us and share internet with 8 other apartments…) FaceTime and Skype are awesome too!
“What is your favorite place you have traveled so far?” -Jenn
Each place we’ve been to holds a special place in my heart, but if you made me choose just one, I would pick the place that intrigues me the most, the place I’d love to go back to. After thinking a bit on this, I’d have to say Lima, Peru. I traveled there when I was 16 years old on a missions trip, and I fell in love with the people. I would love to go back (this time with my husband) and dig deep into the culture, gorgeous views, and ancient history Peru has to offer.
“Where do you think you’ll be living in the next five years? Do you have a plan?” -Elicia
Yes. We do have a plan, but I’m going to keep that to myself for now. Things change so quickly and drastically, I’d hate to give you a taste only to be like: “Oh wait, nope. That’s not what we’re going to do anymore.” I can say that we se ourselves living and working overseas in the next five years, but maybe not necessarily in Korea? Also within the next five years Derik and I may start talking about settling down and raising a family. Who knows. ;)