The past few months haven’t been easy. Much of the chaos could be accounted to the new changes in our lives. Given a choice, I will try to avoid change and probably run miles away. And this I find it hard to understand. I’m someone who gets bored easily and needs to do something new constantly. I’d hate to write the same post everyday or eat the same meal – more than twice. That should make me open to new possibilities. I’m not sure why ‘fear‘ gets in the way.
We complete two weeks in Seoul, today. Two weeks back, at this time, we were lugging our suitcases across the subway, and doing the delicate balancing act on the escalator. But, the minute we set our eyes on the first few blossoms, we knew it was worth it. Our timing couldn’t have been better. We had made it for the narrow window, in which, nature puts up her best show. And guess what? We had front row seats.
Before our trip, I was plagued with countless uncertainties. On our last trip, while Basil went for work, I found the isolation to be overwhelming. I’m not one who likes to talk (I can see Basil smile and shake his head in disbelief) and yet, there were times, I’d want to stop a random stranger and start a conversation. And reading the works of Jhumpa Lahiri, Khaled Hosseini, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie wasn’t a very idea. I guess, the best way to get over alienation is to join the crowd and stop thinking you’re different. The stares will eventually melt away.
This time, I didn’t want to repeat the mistakes of the past. I got in touch with old friends, registered in a volunteer programme for expats, and kept writing in this space. On her part, nature kept her show on. She was everywhere β donning her spring collection. Down the road, in the local park, and our favourite hangout in Seoul β along the Han; it was blooming blossoms. I don’t believe in fairies or neverland; strangely there was little keeping me from doing so now. And believe me, nothing can weigh you down, when you look up at those gorgeous shades of pink β trying to compete with the big blue sky.
Sadly, all good things have to come to an end. The blooms have faded, giving way to fresh sprouts of green. Basil pondered, how in their death lies their true glory. It’s time to get back to the real world. Summer is almost here and we’d have to return to crossing signals and taking subways.
Thank you, Christina, for inviting me to participate in the Seven Day Nature Challenge. I truly enjoyed the journey!
This will be my last post in this series. As you might have rightly guessed, it’s time to write about Seoul. We still have couple of weeks left and I hope I can stick to three posts per week. I’m in a different time zone and I might probably miss posts that I regularly follow. We’d like to thank you for your likes and comments. It keeps us going and means a lot to us.
twobrownfeet 
Fabulous blooming flowers, I can look at them endlessly, why there is no “smell” button here! He-he-he!
Haha! Most of them don’t have a fragrance. It’s strange. π
So pity!
I know. But, there are some (not in this post) that have a wonderful fragrance.
Super, then I will need this button there, ok!
Haha! I’m sure some tech geek is working the details somewhere. Until then, you’d have to wait. π
This is a wonderful post. I think I understand your feelings about being isolated. Glad you made it to Seoul to experience the beautiful scenery. Basil’s comment about beauty in their dying was poetic & insightful. In France now, so catching up on posts & posting on the fly. Your posts are always worth reading. Lori
Thank you, Lori! π Your comment truly made my day. I’m trying to keep a positive mind and it’s working. Thank you for following our blog whilst travelling. Your posts remind me of our trip to Paris and it’s hard not to get nostalgic. Have a good weekend! Cheryl
Oh! Those blossoms are so pretty, Cheryl! I would love to see that. You’re not alone is feeling isolated (is it just me, or does that combination of words look weird?) . I think your title for this post said it all … Buds of hope. If you have hope, you’re half way to keeping positive π
I know! They look gorgeous, Kim! More posts coming up next week. Haha! Now that you mention, they do. But, it happens to me all the time. I over analyze what I write and then I feel none of the words make sense. Got too many editors reading. π¦ Fingers crossed. My positive spurts peak and dip. π
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you π and I can’t wait to see your posts over the coming weeks xo
Hugs! π
Beautiful blooms that always give way to hope and renewal in life. Such a lovely post and I wish you well Carol, the feelings of isolation will fade just as the blooms have faded and you can look forward to new beginnings and experiences. Take care.
Thank you, Miriam. π The blooms were just the sign I needed.
And sometimes that’s all we need, isn’t it?
True! π
Very pretty! Love the fence with forsythia.
Yes! It was fantastic. Colour bursts everywhere.
So beautiful! Blossoming flowers is like a never ending love story. I enjoy the walk! Thank you π
Thank you, Maria! Glad you liked it. π
Another lovely post Cheryl..and these sentiments are so real, so poignant & relatable.
I love these blooms, it always evokes hope..meanwhile we may feel so burdened & alone but when we looked at nature’s beauty we could erase this feelings of isolation and be encouraged.
Thank you so much, so far I am really enjoying your posts..Its been a pleasure to be in your page for words of insights about Life.
Cheers to new beginnings & a happy day to you.
Thank you for your warm comment, Christina. Surely makes my day reading it. And it was fun taking part in the challenge. The timing couldn’t be perfect with all those blooms. Have a good week! π
Gorgeous blossoms and really looking forward to hearing of your two weeks in Seoul. Have a lovely weekend and I hope you overcome your anxiety about isolation. And I am happy to hear you got in contact with old friends and did things different this time – well done you!!!
Thanks a bunch! I learned a lot from the mistakes of the last trip. π I’m glad there’s always a new flower or colour to spot. Doesn’t get boring. Matching time zones to chat with friends have been confusing. But, it’s worth it. You too have a good week ahead. π
You too…
π π
These are lovely shots. It is also Spring here in Canada and I am basking in the flowers I see everywhere. I never get tired of looking at trees and bushes in bloom.
Thanks, Debbie. I went crazy clicking these. I agree. I wouldn’t get bored either. The blooms have given way to brightly coloured flowers. π
Loneliness can be a by product of travelling but you learn stuff about yourself. And thd blossoms were worth it!
Isolation can be liberating. I’ve learned that on this trip. π And those blossoms couldn’t have made it more rewarding.
there is something so special about these blossoms and their transient beauty… and it comes to show us that everything changes all the time π you may feel sad today, but tomorrow you will be full of adventurous spirit again π this is how life is… and thank you for reminding us of this π hugs…
“There is something so special about these blossoms and their transient beauty.” Very rightly said. π I don’t think anyone can stay sad with nature in full bloom. I’ve noticed an extra bounce in my step. π
Gorgeous pics! I think I could spend days here! These #blossoms ! β€
Thanks! π i wish the blooms would’ve have lasted longer. It’s back to green.
Hey Cheryl, are you moving to Seoul, or just travelling there?
Hey Kat! That’s an interesting question. π For these two months, Basil will be working here. So we aren’t traveling strictly and life’s pretty regular. If things go as planned – we might make the move. The next few months will make things clearer. It’s too early to say. Will keep you guys posted. π
Maybe you can start going for Korean language classes? Good luck! Will look forward to your posts π
Haha! Thanks Kat! If things do work out, there’s no escaping learning Korean. π