Today I’m super excited to link-up with Belinda at ‘Found Love Now What?’ for a sweet new expat link-up series. Both Belinda and her co-host Hemborg Wife are expats, and wanted to get a little bit of perspective about what things are like worldwide. This month? The Q&A is about weather, which couldn’t come at a more perfect time with the changing seasons!
So here we go:
What was your favorite season back home and is it the same now; why or why not?
-I’m in love with spring. I don’t care where I live, there’s nothing like renewal and regrowth. Besides green is my favorite color! Some would say I’m obsessed with this season, and it may be partially true. I love the smell of fresh cut grass, blooming flowers, clean air. Mmmmmmmm
Is there a place you would want to move to based solely on the weather?
-There’s still a huge chunk of the world that my husband and I have yet to explore. As of right now, I’d be ok with moving to Hawaii. I’ve heard the weather there is perfect year around: there is no extreme hot or cold. I’d rather live on the hotter side anyway.
What is a piece an article of clothing that you had to buy for your new home due to the weather? i.e. galoshes, winter coat, etc
-Coming from Portland I was used to the rain. I thought I came fully prepared with my raincoat and everything…but then I realized that it doesn’t rain, it pours here. I’m talking full on monsoons. Even with an umbrella you get soaked to the bone. I was so thankful to purchase rain boots last year. There’s nothing worse than teaching in wet socks all day.
Have you found the weather stereotypes of your new home to be true?
-As far as I know there are no Korean weather stereotypes.
Is there somewhere you would never live based solely on the weather?
-I’m more than willing to try living in most places. I can deal with the weather. I’m really not a huge fan of extreme cold, so if there’s a place where it’s cold all the time, that may be my deal-breaker.
What are you looking forward to most this spring?
-The Korean festivals! Although this country holds festivals year around (can you blame them? There’s not much else to do around here with a country so small), spring is the unofficial kick-off point for them. Cherry blossom festivals, mask festivals, light festivals, food festivals, ship festivals…you name it, Korea probably has it.
Where you live, what is your go to outfit for spring?
-A pair of skinnies or leggings, a long t-shirt, cardigan, and scarf! I realize I wear some variation of this outfit at least 3-4 times a week. It’s so comfy!
What is one thing or event that you miss that happens back home at this time of the year?
-I miss sitting in the grass. Strangely enough, Korea really doesn’t have much grass. Taking a minute to think about it, there’s only ONE place I know of on Geoje Island that has good grass. And it’s in a busy park. Forget quiet, secluded picnics on a grassy meadow. It’s not happening here.
What type of flower bouquet would you love to have as a surprise?
-I just love flowers in general. I’ve always been a rose person, but if D ever surprised me with anything (just as long as it smelled good) I’d be happy!
What does your perfect Saturday look like?
-Enjoying a nice sunny day on the beach, drinking cocktails and reading a good book. Maybe taking out the hammock, finding a tree (harder than you think), and enjoying a good nap. Then, socializing with friends at night.
Are there any special holidays in your new country in the month of May?
-YES! Buddha’s birthday is in May! I’m super excited about it, I get a three day weekend. :D
Oh yes, and Children’s Day. This holiday is (just as it sounds) for kids. Not only do they get to eat as much candy as they want, they don’t have to go to school! My students are more excited about Children’s Day than any other holiday in Korea. Even Christmas.
Thanks for the questions Belinda! Readers, if you ever have any questions about living in South Korea, don’t hesitate to contact me!
Happy Thursday.