A Place Where I Feel at Home - Blog Assignment #3

I would have thought that by now I would be missing home greatly. To my surprise, I still haven't gotten homesick. Though she was excited for me, my mom kept half-heartedly trying to talk me out of leaving for this long. She was afraid that I would miss home too much and that being this far from home would be overwhelming for me. She probably wouldn't like to hear it, but I feel extremely comfortable here. I think I feel like I fit in here partially because everyone here has been so welcoming, partially because I was somewhat familiar with Korean culture before I left, and partially because I have already made really awesome friends here. 

Everything is so convenient in Seoul and Ulsan. It's almost a little bit hard to wish I was home when food and entertainment is in such close walking distance, stores stay open late, and if there is something out of walking distance there is public transportation and taxis at our disposal.

I think I can understand why I don't miss Fort Smith, but I am surprised that I don't miss my family and friends to a point where it makes me sad yet. Of course I miss them, but I think because I constantly have Jen, Giau, Matthew, Luis, our new friend Eric, and all of the other UIP participants and staff to distract me, I never feel lonely. It's really nice that I have so many great friends to share the memories with. 

I wonder if eventually homesickness will set in. Traveling with friends I think improves the experience because I won't have to feel alone. I'm thankful that Luis will accompany me in Japan, so I can hopefully feel at home there too.