New Introduction 4 years Later…and Pre-Travel Thoughts

Holy Moly! 4 years away from dating, Its been an interesting route in my life and one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. I took the time away from dating to redirect my attention. I made the goal that I wanted to visit a country other than my own. And anything not of my own nationality. See how differently we live, celebrate, convey our emotions, and communicate.

For those who forgot or have never met me, My name is Shannon. My friends call me Shae. I am a 37 year old female personal trainer and nutritionist. I have been working out everyday for the last 5 years and I can’t wait to take a food break from the chicken, broccoli, and oatmeal I eat during training seasons. I need flavor in my life. Only in the way of food, though my friends and coworkers beg me to not come back married. Lmao! It’s their cute way of telling me to come back but I’m not invested in prioritizing dating anymore. Ya’ll read my prior blogs. My dating life SUCKED. I think someone has to be pretty damn special in my mind to change that since I’ve actually enjoy being single. I just worry about myself. And my life. Why would that make sense to date when I’m there short time?

Could it be a possibility? I mean, I’m open to a actual real connection with someone who could really be into me back. I would never shut the door to that option. Am I looking for it? No.

I haven’t liked anyone in 4 years. Highly doubtful I’ll be into anyone on my trip. I actually don’t even know anyone there and I definitely feel I should have practiced/studied more of the language.

I really want to learn something new, pick up a new hobby, learn more of the language since I seem to enjoy that, and see things I’ve never seen before. Take recommendations, meet new people, and go make experiences and memories. I wish to see if it’s a place I would like to better/improve my language learning and go to school to stay in it for longer.

Pre-Travel Thoughts:

I said I would blog my trip and I intend to do just that. For the next month, I am going to document to the best of my ability what I’ve seen, how I’ve felt, what my first impression and last thoughts have been. 

I have never been to another country and if I could move to another state for a hamburger joint, (whats up Burgerstand at the Cashbah! 💕🤤 Lawrence, Kansas), I could surely visit another country for a month. and since I typically prefer to do things by myself in the states, I will be traveling solo to South Korea as well. I’ve actually read that it’s pretty safe for female travelers so that’s comforting. I kind of just don’t really know what to expect. 

People keep asking me ‘Why Korea?’ And they seem to be asking in a tone that seems negative, and questioning what I could possibly want to do with a country who they regard as unfriendly and/or/ below them. And my opinion of the matter is that I can see their ignorance. They associate the place I’m going with their northern neighbors because they watch the news. I prefer to live my life, read an article here or there, but talk to people about current events. And besides, once I found tteokbokki, it was decided. I need to try new food. If I’ve liked everything I could find here, why not go to the country and try it?

Who wouldn’t want to meet other people, see new things, experiment with food, and get out of your comfort zone? My simple hope is that people are kind. And that I don’t offend anyone. I’m a curious person but can actually get shy sometimes. But my curiosity overrides my fear. 

I’ve gone down the checklist of the things I think I should bring with me. My plug in adapters, clothes, money. Passport. Masks, liquid goods -, deodorant . sunscreen, toothpaste + brush, phone. I’m packed. Tomorrow, I leave for the airport. Covid cleared. “You are checked in with United.”