A Solo Journey

I had my first solo journey since coming to Korea. From the moment I stepped foot into this country, I am constantly around people. As an extrovert, I don't mind this one bit.
I definitely take moments to myself, and they are often necessary to recoup, but I always love being around people.
Over the last several months, I have felt extremely grateful to be able to travel with people. Before coming to Korea, I usually traveled by myself. There is nothing better than wandering around an airport by myself completely lost in my own thoughts.
Travelling has been sweetened by the constant companionship of my school friends.

On Sunday, I had to take the bullet train up to Seoul to meet a friend from North Park. BY MYSELF.

This was a mental test for me. Could I survive the train by myself? Would my extremly poor Korean skills suffice in the monstrous city of 20 million? Did I remember where everything was? Could I tackle the subway by myself?
I had to reassure myself numerous times that morning. I knew where to meet my friend. If I could take random busses all over Ecuador and Europe by myself, I could do this. For pete's sake I HAVE A CELL PHONE!

I failed numerous times. I got lost on the subway four times and wasted at least ten dollars in subway fare. My confidence was deeply stirred. I am great with directions! How could I get lost? I wanted to start crying because I felt so inadequate.

I stopped myself, took a deep breath, and studied the subway map for the fiftieth time. No big deal, just study a little closer. Don't be afraid to waste five more dollars if necessary. Trust that you will get to your destination and look a little silly to your friend. This too shall pass. Smile and continue.

Why is all of this a big deal? This small failure depicts a foreigner's constant struggle to survive culturally, socially, linguistically, emotionally, and mentally in a foreign country. On a grander scale, it is humanity boldly saying we are not afraid to make mistakes. It is trusting that God will lead me where he wants.

The solo journey was a hidden delight. I forgot how much I liked traveling by myself. I forgot how much fun it is to people watch. I forgot how much fun is to be lost in my thoughts. Ironically, I missed my friends on the ride home. I missed having a companion to excitedly debrief about the adventures of the day. I missed doing yoga stretches with friends to provide some relief to our aching legs.

My solo journey won't be my last. I won't always have a traveling companion, but I won't always be myself. I am just learning to appreciate each adventure as they come and be confident in every situation.