Bare Korean Essentials

Living in Korea would not be the same if I did not have these basic necessities to begin with. My apartment would be a hot mess.

In no special order, The List:

A drying rack: A typical Korean home will not be equipped with a dryer, which usually comes along with a washer. So, better hope the home is equipped with a drying rack.

Those are my clothes.

A bottle of fabric softener: Without it, your clothes will end up smelling like mildew after air-drying.

I did not pack this. I bought it at E-Mart for a reasonable price.

A pair of shower shoes: A typical Korean home does not have a big huge bathtub or shower stall, the bathroom itself is the shower stall. So when you only need to use the toilet, your floor will still be wet from the shower you took an hour ago.

This really is my bathroom floor.

A body scrubber: From the long day work and all you want to do is shower and rest, this thing will literally wipe all the dirt off your shoulders. Sure, you've got a loofah, so? Don't forget to take it with you to the sauna/spa.

Apricot Scrub doesn't compare.

A pair of indoor shoes: A typical Korean home will have a pair for each member and a few extra for guests. I adapted the idea, because I have a pair of indoor shoes at school too, they're knock-off Crocs though.

I enjoy standing out in everywhere I am.

An internet router: My computer is finally detached from it's enormously long LAN wire. I can finally see my floor! Not to mention, I can use my Android on wi-fi to save energy.

Before: LAN

After: Wi-Fi

An American plug adapter and an extended 3-way plug socket: This isn't much of a "Korean" necessity, but if a Korean were to import western electronics, they would need these. But I need them especially.

A pair of noise-cancelling headphones: A Korean city is typically loud from various things: stores blasting K-Pop tunes, saleswomen handing you their newest BB Cream, salesmen offering you the newest "handphone", and ajummas offering you kimchi. Seriously, it's AT you. Unless you enjoy the city's soundtrack, these will come in handy when everything gets overwhelming.

Three things are always with me: headphones, glasses, and keys.

What are your recommendations?

A Bucketful of Lists

In the following week to come before I depart for my year journey to the Hermit Kingdom (South Korea/Republic of Korea/ROK), I'm preparing myself from the future homesickness I will endure. I still have many tasks to accomplish before I can comfortably leave Minnesota. I have yet to tell my Grandparents. Fortunately, my Grandmother on my Mom's side, knew before she had passed away yesterday evening (my Grandfather passed away in 1995). This unexpectedness has my mind boggling that anything can happen in the following year.

I don't know the exact way to translate my message in Hmong to my paternal Grandparents that I am leaving in a few weeks, although I have the feeling that possibly one of my Aunts have already told them. How would I say it? Casually? Enthusiastically? Sadly? The Hmong language really can't be expressed with emotions, I have realized, unless it's about love and hate, both consisting of many tears and lots of yelling. Why does this matter anyway? Due to my family circumstances that have happened in 2010, I want them to know that I am not running away from the situation or neglecting my obligations as a daughter, whatever that may mean. I'm simply living out my life in the world as an educator.

I am on a time crunch. I have to make a quick run to the bank to copy and notorize my diploma (again) and drive across the street to the MN Secretary of State office to apostille the notorized diploma copy. Then, head to wash the family's laundry (I can't help being so available to my family). Hit 2PM (no pun intended), my eldest sister, Mom, and I are headed to Chicago for my 10AM interview with the Korean Consulate.

My packing list is all over the place. I absolutely am packing a bottle of Smirnoff, cans of Dr. Pepper, and couple of Saigon-wiches. Something has to relieve my stress that I will endure the minute I land on Incheon's landing strip.

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