I took the trip every Mum dreams of. But it turned out differently

A solo trip to Seoul for some pampering made me realise 'Single Diane' is part of me, but in the past. It's time to fully embrace my identity as a parent.

- Diane Leow

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.