In April this year, I took my first trip to Seoul with my family and two cherished friends. The trip was not without its frustrations. I brought along my two-year-old daughter.
Little Miss had a tantrum in the hotel room and I didn't get to have the Korean barbecue meal I'd been craving. But in the process, I learnt something - she most cherished spending time with us and her godparents.
Months later, when I was looking at the airline miles I'd accrued, I suddenly had a random idea to take a solo trip back to Seoul. Just me.
GOING SEOUL-O
After a successful leave application (and the blessings of my husband), I decided on a week away to South Korea's capital to rest and recharge. I'd eat all the spicy dishes I could want, book beauty treatments, discover new neighbourhoods, all without worrying about the demands of tending to my child.
As my trip neared, my emotions swung in extremes. One minute I was exceedingly excited about what I was going to do and eat, the next moment I was consumed with guilt about leaving my husband and child behind.
Before leaving, I stocked the fridge, planned potential weekend activities, wrote down the week's menu and made sure my daughter's favourite snacks were replenished.
When I told some friends about my plans, they asked if it was a "redemption" trip for all the things I did not get to accomplish in April. Truth be told, that was not my intention at all - Seoul was just a convenient location that somehow had everything I wanted to do.
Denne historien er fra November 03, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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Denne historien er fra November 03, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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