I miss living by the ocean and the mountains. I miss being able to go hiking and hear monks chat echo across Palgongsan. I miss feeling anxious, excited, unsure, and overwhelmed– all at the same time. And I definitely miss being able to shop for fresh fruit and vegetables at a corner market in either direction. It doesn’t take long for reverse culture shock to be a genuine hurdle for settling back into life at home. American Reverse Culture Shock is a phenomenon that goes beyond the anticipated cultural adjustments of moving abroad and reintegrating back into life in the USA.
Category: LIFESTYLE
Get practical tips from DuffelBagSpouse Travel for maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a military spouse on the go. As an Army Wife and Air Force & Navy Mom, she offers straightforward advice on eating right, exercising regularly, and keeping a positive mindset. Her blog provides insights on balancing home and family life, engaging in self-care, and nurturing relationships. Learn about her favorite hiking trails, beauty routines, and spa experiences. It’s all about making your well-being a priority and thriving through the ups and downs of frequent moves.
LIFESTYLE
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Hiking in Daegu, South Korea: Apsan, Gatbawi, and Palgonsan Mountains
Daegu offers a variety of captivating hiking trails, with three standouts: Apsan Mountain, Gatbawi on Palgonsan Mountain, and Gumi Mountain. Apsan Mountain promises lush landscapes and rewarding panoramic views, Gatbawi features Buddhist statues along a cultural-rich trail, and Gumi Mountain offers breathtaking vistas and a challenging ascent. These trails contribute to Daegu’s vibrant hiking scene, catering to outdoor enthusiasts with diverse landscapes and difficulty levels.
LIFESTYLE
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Finding Purpose: 6 Things We Should All Unlearn in 2024
This is my first blog post about the upcoming new year. I want to write something other than a New Years Resolution. I want to challenge norms, embrace mindful choices, and hold myself accountable for a life abundant in experiences and authenticity. Brace yourself to navigate a narrative that transcends the ordinary, fostering a more intentional, purposeful, and interconnected way of living. Join the exploration as we uncover the keys to unlocking a meaningful and fulfilling existence in the year ahead, finding purpose and unlearning things that aren’t going to bring me joy, love, or income in 2024
LIFESTYLE
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How to Travel the World with Chronic Pain or Injury
For more than fifteen years, I have been traveling with chronic pain– a herniated disk, eye pain, and several foot issues. I have had great leg and back pain. It forced me to alter some of the activities in which I participated. But many of my friends had no idea I was in so much pain. I didn’t want anyone to know because that wasn’t what I wanted to be known for. Ultimately, I learned to cope with the pain until I couldn’t. I even ran a few half marathons because running felt better than walking. Two years ago, I had back surgery.
LIFESTYLE
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Finding your Tribe in Korea: the Secrets to Making Friends While Living Abroad
Over the past eight years, my journey of getting to know a different culture and immersing myself in Korean traditions has proven to be an eye-opening and rewarding experience. During my time in South Korea, I’ve had the good fortune of making some wonderful Korean friends. However, amidst these connections, I’ve observed the existence of certain cultural barriers that sometimes make it challenging to forge deeper connections. It’s quite surprising that despite having a few close friendships, my exposure to Korean weddings has been limited to just one, visits to Korean homes have been infrequent, and meeting a Korean husband has been a rarity.
LIFESTYLE
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Living Rich: Are You Living the Soft Life?
I may be late to the part, but I recently watched a bunch of videos titled “soft life”. While most IG influencers sell the soft life hawking expensive handbags, face creams, or designer candles, the term didn’t originate that way. #Softlife is a trend that started in 2020 because people began advocating for a stress-free life. The “soft life” philosophy and the spending habits of rich people are connected through their focus on choosing quality, long-term benefits, and transformational experiences over short-term indulgences or fear-based decisions.
LIFESTYLE
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Fah Lanna Spa Chiang Mai’s Multi-Sensory Journey in Thailand
Fah Lanna Spa is an authentic Thai bliss to discover the perfect sanctuary for relaxation amidst the historic charm of Chiang Mai’s Old Town.
LIFESTYLE
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Through My Eyes: Cataract Surgery at Daegu Catholic Hospital
I am finally getting cataract surgery in Daegu in a few days, and I couldn’t be more excited. This surgery has been a long time coming. My eyesight has been problematic for quite a while. While I can see, it’s not clear; I’m peering through the fog, and bright light, incredibly white light, is almost unbearable. Over the years, I’ve had to update my eyeglasses prescription twice annually. I’ve also experimented with contact lenses.