Unexpectedly

It's my last day in Korea. noooooo~ 

These 2 months here have been the happiest time of my life due to a few unexpected turn of events. 

Was supposed to help out at a guesthouse in Jeju but the host decided to sell his place a week before I was supposed to go there. So I frantically searched and spammed many guesthouses in hope of still being able to continue my plan of staying in Jeju. And after receiving more than 12 "sorry, no", I finally got a "yes" from Coshe just a day before ending my Hualien trip. 

and because of Coshe, I was introduced to the Olle trails and Oreums (small mountains). and because of that, many people whom I've encountered were through these activities. 

and because of these activities, I bonded with Samchon so well he became a second father figure to me.  

Have to admit though, I've been really lucky this trip, to have continuously met with good hearted Koreans who were genuine in their interactions with me. When I worry about certain things, somehow someone will come by miraculously and get me out of the situation. It's an incredible feeling when unexpected help comes along :) kinda restores your faith in humanity~

Here are some unexpected moments that made this trip so special: 

• When the bus took too long to come and Angelina from Cafe Oreum offered me a ride back

• Joined by dog (which I named Kachi) while climbing Jimi Oreum alone

• Met Seohyung Oppa who was fixing ribbons along Olle Trail 8 and he gifted me with a limited edition Olle keychain

• Because of this encounter, Seohyung Oppa invited me to Olle Clean Day, when I coincidentally interacted with one of the founders of Olle Trail, leading to certain opportunities

• Ate legit firewood bbq at Byul unnie's farm while it was raining

• Impromptuly cooked Chilli Crab pasta for Coshe family  

• Had a heart to heart talk with Samchon while trekking and suddenly 3 deers appeared upclose in the misty forest  

• That night I cried while looking at the stars with all the Unnies and Samchon by my side

• When Coshe (dog) followed closely behind me when Samchon had to go toilet and asked me to continue walking Coshe. Super happy because he ignores me most of the time :') 

• Said goodbye to Léon Oppa but he ran after us to gift me one of his most cherished iconic shades

• Planned an impromptu trip, just a day before, to Paju to fulfil my dream of being near north korea 

• Was dreading the 2 hours train ride with many transfers back to Incheon, but another guest Wuseob Oppa offered me a ride

Today, because of the ride I was offered, it felt like a beautiful way to wrap up Korea for me :)  

Arrived 2 months ago with my minimal anyhow-whack-korean. But through meeting many people who were patient and willing to teach me, I can now hold proper conversations :) it's such an interesting feeling! 

Thank you Korea~ you've fed me well and pampered me with kind weather these 2 months. 

and thank you to Samchon, whom I've grown overly attached to, for giving me a chance and for the many many heartwarming conversations we had. 

Didnt have any expectations at all but now I leave with a heart filled with warmth from many strangers turned friends :)

loves, 

marilyn