For my second trip of the year, I finally chose New York! It was a long-overdue trip. After visiting so many places, America was next on my list. I’m publishing this a little late because life has been life-ing, and I honestly didn’t have the time to write or sort through all the photos to pick the best ones.
New York is exactly how people described it to me. It is BIG. It never SLEEPS. It is CHAOTIC—and I loved it! Having lived in London for quite some time, though, I wasn’t completely blown away. It felt like London, but on steroids. I guess once I spend more time there, it’ll make even more sense to me (giving you a little clue about my next chapter… wink, wink 😉).
New Yorkers are NUTS, but I loved their energy. It also gave me a sneak peek into how Americans think, and it was interesting to hear their perspectives on the Trump administration, on blackness and on the state of the world.
In terms of budget I was quite surprised as it wasn’t as cheap as some people described it but at the same time my hotel was 10 minutes walking distance from Time Square, I was pretty central so my « cheap » option were limited.
I didn’t plan too much, apart from visiting the main attractions, and I got lucky with the weather. It was agreeable, although a little temperamental: freezing cold one day and then surprisingly hot the next! The end of April was a great time for me to travel—not too crowded with tourists, but warm enough to walk around and enjoy the scenery.
Overall, I really enjoyed my solo trip. As usual, I ended up making new friends and doing plenty of activities with groups. :)
This is crazy because I still feel like a teenager sometimes. This adult life is not what i thought it would be. All the questioning about my purpose are still questions without clear and direct answers but I guess it won’t change with age.
So I am turning 40 in approximatively 40 weeks.
This will be an interesting journey and of course it will be documented.
As I was wandering the streets around Dam Square by following the instruction of my apps, I couldn’t stop thinking that everything felt familiar.
Of course, most European cities have a « déjá vu » feeling but still. When was the last time I got lost, like totally lost and needed help? That’s when it hit me: I wasn’t exploring, I was executing a plan, following instructions and ticking boxes.
Talking to my sister, we came to the same conclusion: as a society, we are losing the art of getting lost as our lives become more and more controlled.
We love a checklist and most of us have similar routines:
We wake up and scroll. We follow schedules. We optimise productivity. We measure steps. We track calories. We pre-book tables. We curate travelling moments.
We don’t deviate and for the rare occasion when we do, our smartphones remind us the planned route. And when we travel, we bring that same obsession with control with us.
One of the reasons I enjoy travelling so much is that I can get out of that rhythm for a few days. For a short period, I can finally break away from that controlled system we all live in and let my nervous system adapt naturally.
Travelling made me realise that I am more instinctive in a less rigid environment.
In Amsterdam, at first I went to eat, drink and sleep in the popular restaurants, bars and hotels that tiktok shoved into my throat for the past couple of months. I barely spoke to any local, and have not learned a single word in Dutch.
But because I followed a schedule and not my instinct, I wasn’t able to fully grasp at first how incredible the city is. It was only when I dropped Google Maps and went off route that we found this African restaurant tucked away near Vondelpark that no algorithm had shown me.
Coconut whipped cream, caramelised pineapple and mango sorbet
Getting lost has benefits, it forces us to engage:
A stranger took our picture.
We got slightly lost
A local redirected us.
We mispronounced words.
We laughed.
We say social media enhances travel and sometimes it does but it also scripts it. That’s why all the travel blogs and vlogs sound and look the same. By heavily controlling our travel experience, we outsource our instinct to algorithms and we lose our curiosity in the process.
Getting lost forces humility.
Maybe we avoid getting lost because it reminds us that we are not in control.
But isn’t that the point of travelling? Not to prove we’ve seen it all but to admit we haven’t.
Maybe the next time we book a trip, the real challenge isn’t finding the best-rated restaurant.
Maybe it’s turning off the map and seeing who we are without it.
Best wishes for this new year and hopefully 2026 will bring us a lot of good news.
Some of us are already reverting back to our emails at work but for those who are lucky enough to take it easy in January ,I have prepared a quick list of a few kDrama that I watched in 2025 that you should binge in the comfort of your home. Enjoy! :)
When Lifes gives you Tangerines – 16 episodes
Great stories, long episodes, lot of characters to remember so sometimes it can be a tad confusing but overall probably the best Netflix drama of 2025. All the characters are so likeable from the Grandma dreaming for a better future for her daughter to the granddaughter being actually the one realising those dreams. I love a full circle moment and this serie didn’t disappoint. 9/10
The Trunk – 8 episodes
I would describe it as the story of a dysfunctional divorced couple where the ex-wife, as a way of torturing her ex husband that still loves her, request him to marry a woman via a wife assignment company. Things were going well until a trunk is found by the police bringing to the surface past trauma and secrets. Manipulation, Sex and drug abuse, rare subjects for Korean movies, but it was worth the watch. The characters are all toxic, including the assigned wife, and all have their redemption arc except the ex wife. Not an easy watch, but I liked it. 9/10
Burried Hearts – 16 episodes
I enjoyed the twisted family story. I think it was the best work for Park Hyung Sik as an actor – he plays an orphan but very ambitious young man in the middle of a chaebol family that is somehow connected to his mother death. Trahison, murders and revelation made this a good watch but the big surprise was to know how connected he was to that chaebol family! There are holes to the story, like what was Seo Dong Ju initial revenge plan ? Why Yeom Jang Seon was so mean ? The ending is questionable but still, I was glued every week to Disney +. 7/10 for the initial intrigue
Typhon Family – 16 episodes
The story is set during the financial crisis of 1997 – costume and the vibes of the 90s are well captured with the life of a young man that lives carefree until he has to take over the family business at his dad’s death. It is not a must watch but if you are looking for an easy watch on a cold Sunday, it is perfect. 6.5/10
Our Unwritten Seoul – 12 episodes
I told you I like complex or twisted family story. This one is just complex, the story of twin sisters that are not close but exchanged their lives just to give a break to each others daily struggles. Life is about the choices we make everyday, we either see the glass half empty or half full and I think the story describe that to the perfection. 8/10
Bon appetit You Majesty – 12 episodes
I think is the second best drama of the year after WLGYT. A really good surprise after a summer of disappointing series. It aired while I was in Seoul so I was trying to catch up while on holiday. I really enjoyed it and as a food lover, I take great pleasure to watch people eat and/or describe their food. The cooking aspect was a bit too much in some episodes so I skipped but again, it is called kdrama for a reason. 8/10
The oldies
Moon Embracing the Sun – 20 episodes
Oldies but goodies and still watchable in 2026. I love a good historical story during the Joseon era and this one will keep you on edge. Kim Soo-hyun is still cancelled in my books until proven innocent but I can’t deny his acting skills when it comes to yearning for a woman. That man knows how to cry for the one he loves!!! 20 episodes though ? Some scenes are definitely filler scenes but I laughed and cried at the same time. 8.5/10
Alchemy of Souls – Part 1 , 20 episodes
It is on everyone favourite list and I have to admit – it is also on mine now. Part 1 is worth the watch, the romance is present but is not overpowering every episodes and the sides characters are different, all adding something to the narrative. Some scenes are unnecessary but I guess with 20 episodes, that is inevitable.
I am not a fan of Part 2 – not because the female lead changed, as it was expected following the story – but I think the couple didn’t really match the energy of the first pair. I didn’t like how cheesy the female lead became but i enjoyed to see how dark the male lead became under his new responsibilities. The banter was definitely missing and side characters became all useless to this part, which is a shame.
Move to Heaven – 10 episodes
Fact about me: I am weak on my knees when the story involves the death of a parent. Autism is a delicate subject on its own and usually movies that depict it are full of prejudges and biases. Add this with the subject of life after death for the living entourage. Got me crying at every episodes. Each episode is perfectly written with some heartbreaking stories, but it just show the reality, our reality, compared to the reality of someone that see life as simple as it should be. Brilliant. 10/10
The disappointing ones
Marry my husband – 16 episodes
Not 2025 drama but still. I have mixed feeling about this one. The story is not revolutionary, a woman travel back in her past to change her life story and finally stand up for herself. I didn’t like how weak she was in her past but it didn’t make sense that she was able to stand up for herself so quick. I finished it and I love Park Min Young (she needs to slow down with the cosmetic surgery) but really, it was not that great. I should have watched the Japanese version instead which, following the comments, seem much better. 5/10
Weak Hero Season 2 – 8 Episodes
I watched the season 1 early 2025 so I didn’t feel the wait the same way that some fan did. I hate when a serie takes too long to come back (2+ years). Anyway, the second season didn’t really do it for me. I think the first season was great as it did describe perfectly the birth of a “villain”, the powerless parents facing a failing school system that privileges rich families, the bullying and the everyday violence that teenagers are facing. Second season was too unrealistic , the fighting scenes were too choregraphed , and even though it is a fiction , we are talking about highschoolers that have excellent grades AND are fighting gang crimes run by adults, after school hours ?!? Yup , no. 4/10
Dear Hongrang – 11 episodes
Disappointing. I love the male actor Lee Jae Wook and he performs the best in this genre but Jo Bo Ah is not great at showing emotion, in my opinion. It was hard for me to feel sorry for her character, the way she was describing her young brother that disappeared, was not convincing to me. She was talking about him like he was her lover( yikes) and even though she knew that man was pretending to be her lost brother, her falling for him was still strange. The writers should have focused on the real story of the those young boys being abused by the Prince, instead on having this pseudo love story with a sad ending anyway. 2/10
Twelve – 8 episodes
I have one word to describe it: Terrible. I couldn’t finish it. The worst Kdrama I have watched so far. It has all the favourites actors but that budget for special effects was not giving! 0/10.
What I didn’t know was that my last conversation, once back in Seoul, would change my perspective completely. As I mentioned, I came back from Tokyo well rested and well fed. I was proud of myself too. Big girl doing big things—traveling to two countries on her own and not having a single crying moment! Round of applause please!
I was still searching for my answers though. What was next for me as my initial plans failed?
Back in Seoul, I hadn’t planned anything for the last days—just some last-minute shopping and a bit of reading. So for my last accommodation I definitely spoiled myself.
The Mondrian Hotel in Itaewon is above my usual choice of hotels. It was more expensive, but for three days, and with the perks my credit card offered, it worked out great. I loved the design, the rooftop was cool, and the room was nice enough for my late nights selfies. Still, I felt out of place somehow.
On my way to the front desk, there was a lady who complimented me, though I can’t recall on what.
Sidenote, I like that- women’s ability to compliment complete strangers or simply smile at them, almost as if to say “I see you".
Anyway, we started chatting. She was well dressed, with a warm and welcoming smile. I told her I had just come back from Tokyo, so naturally her next question was, “Which country did you prefer?” From there, we talked briefly and then went on our separate ways.
The hotel offered a free drink upon arrival, and because I arrived quite late the night before, I decided to get mine on my last night. I managed to find the courage to go to the bar on my own—and the lady from the previous day was there, also alone. We started talking about life.
She was in her late forties, lived in New York, and was a columnist. It was her third time in Korea this year, as she reviews hotels for a living.
I was internally gagging. This woman had what looked like a dream job to me. She gets paid to travel, stay in beautiful hotels, enjoy every amenity, and write about it? Where do I sign up, please? Of course, she also shared the downsides of the job, but still—I was impressed. She was classy, a go-getter, and a no-bullshit kind of woman. I remember thinking, This is the woman I want to be.
We shared stories and joked about how women like us, unmarried, no kids, and not miserable are often perceived in a society that loves to put us in boxes. We talked about how similar our lives were, despite her being Korean-American and me being African, born and raised in Europe. She felt like a multiverse version of me: different, yet similar.
She was A woman who is free. A woman who loves gathering her friends around a good dinner. A woman who enjoys deep conversations with strangers in foreign countries. A woman who appreciates being part of a village.
That doesn’t mean she isn’t anxious about the future. But it does mean she is also walking a path that is still new for many women who look like her, or like me. And sometimes, it can feel heavy.
This is what I needed—a boost for the rest of my journey. A representation of how good life can be when you are true to yourself and enjoy every step, even the setbacks life throws at you.
She was not who I wanted to be, but who I already was.
I left that conversation a little drunk and smiling like a fool—with an invitation to visit her in New York.
This is why I needed that trip.
I thought about all the people I spoke to during those two weeks, and throughout the year. Every conversation stayed with me. For the past couple of years, I had been so focused on “making it” that I didn’t realize I already made it. I am that woman.
I pushed myself like never before. I made myself stand tall even when I didn’t feel like it. I forced the elevation, I put myself in position. In 2025, I’ve been in rooms, places, and had conversations with people I never thought I would access.
I made it happen. My old dreams, I achieved them, and more. It was time to create new dreams and new goals. I felt lost because I had outgrown my old self and dreams that were never mine to start with.
For the first time in a long time, I stopped running and started cruising. In the middle of that process, I realised that I’ll be alright, wherever I end up.
None of us really have it all figured out—and that’s not a flaw.
Incheon Airport. 7am, I checked in for an early flight to Tokyo. The trip from Seoul is barely three hours, so honestly, how could I resist? I’ve always wanted to visit Tokyo and lately, it felt like everyone had been to Japan except me. The FOMO was real. Was I influenced to go this year because of social media? Probably.
The weather was a little hotter than Seoul and the mosquitoes were on demon time, but as soon as I dropped my luggage at my Shinjuku hotel, I was out the door.
Tokyo is BUSY. My first thought was: why is everybody and their mama outside?! I’m rarely overwhelmed by crowds, but Tokyo is a different beast. Sure, Shinjuku isn’t exactly the quiet part of Tokyo, but still, it was suppose to be low season . This city genuinely does not sleep. The lights, the people, the cars, and the shops blasting music.
Transport
Unlike in Seoul, I got lost so many times I stopped counting. Shibuya Station? Pure chaos—but like… organised chaos. Navigating the metro isn’t easy, and most staff workers don’t speak English nor have the patience to show the directions, so keep Google Translate or Papago on standby.
Activities
I didn’t pack my Tokyo days as tightly as I did in Seoul. I knew the travel fatigue would hit, and I still needed some relaxation time but with only five days, I didn’t want to “waste” time, so I spent most of my days sightseeing and soaking it all in. I mean… I was in JAPAN!I wanted to simply take everything in.
My first stop was Shibuya crossing, and it was smaller than I thought. Then Shibuya Sky , the rooftop where we can see the whole city and Mt Fuji if the weather allows it. I missed the slot for the sunset but it was still nice to see Tokyo at night.
I went to the Imperial Palace for an history walking tour. The attention to detail there is unreal—every tree, flower, and garden patch is perfectly harmonised with the city around it.
I also went to TeamLab Tokyo, which was a first for me. Really fun, but honestly, if you miss it, there are so many other attractions you can do instead.
Looking back, I should’ve booked a spa day, a sake tasting, or a matcha-making class.
Food
As a solo traveler, I’m usually more cautious with food—being sick alone is not cute. But in Japan? No restrictions. My taste buds came back to life during this trip. Every place I went slapped but special mention for Grill Bon, in Ginza, where I had the best wagyu sandwich ever.
Tokyo is food heaven. No extra seasoning, no extra sauce—everything is cooked to the perfection and you can eat well for relatively cheap.
Then I went to Sushi Yoshikawa Shinjuku. A 19 courses omakase booked month in advance. I am not new to solo dinning but I was sceptical, as my Japanese is non existent, I was not sure if I would enjoy the experience alone . My worries left as soon as I took the first bite. Everything that touched my mouth was immaculate (pause). Their famous Yoshikawa futomaki completely ruined all other sushi for me. The service was top notch as it only serves a limited number of people for the 2 evenings services. I left there with a full belly and a smile on my face. The best meal I ever had. I haven’t been able to look at regular sushi in the eye since, as I’m still recovering emotionally.
Also, all the convenience stores:7-Eleven, Lawson and Family Mart absolutely deserve every bit of hype especially with a limited budget. The egg sandwich? Hits every time. That coolish ice cream thing? Divine.
Shopping
Tokyo streetwear is edgier than Seoul. Tokyo fashion is avant-garde—Comme des Garçons and Issey Miyake are literally starter pack level there. Fashion feels like an art form, and as a Congolese woman, I was feeling right at home.
I like to call myself a fashion girl. And as a fashion girly, I feel like I didn’t do my due diligence correctly. I knew about the vintage shops in Tokyo, but I didn’t realise how affordable or shall I say accessible some luxury pieces could be. However, ten thousand Korean won is NOT ten thousand Yen—I learned that the hard way.
I can also confirm: you will need an extra luggage if you are planning to shop in Tokyo. Travelling from Seoul, I was already on my last kilos so it was inevitable as I did some damage. The highlight? Finding a vintage Celine Phantom *my dream bag*. I gasped, snatched my card, and didn’t think twice. The price was half of what I’ve seen on eBay; it was a no-brainer.
Now…Don Quijote in Shibuya… yeah, I didn’t even make it past floor two. That Don Quijote theme song alone is an experience—it’s a full sensory takeover. The overstimulation defeated me. I just grabbed the few things within arm’s reach—face mask, eye patches, strawberry KitKats—and escaped.
Note, the yen was low, but not that low. High end luxury is still luxury. TikTok doesn’t lie about the deals, but remember: good deals in yen hit differently depending on your home currency.
Overall
My five days in Tokyo flew by, and I’m glad I experienced as much as I could before heading back to Seoul. However, I might sound like a hater but I wasn’t that impressed.
Hear me out – TikTok is ruining the vibe.
Don’t get me wrong, Tokyo is absolutely that girl: futuristic yet traditional, stunning architecture, insane attention to detail, unmatched hospitality, elite street fashion, and top-tier food. Tokyo is worth the splurge.
Social media makes it incredibly easy to figure out where to eat, shop, or “chill” and take the perfect Instagram photo—especially in a country that isn’t exactly English-friendly. In exchange, we hand over our decision-making to strangers online and let their reviews dictate where we go.
The problem is that social media tells you exactly what you’re going to see, so the element of surprise is gone. Even grabbing a simple matcha at a new spot now means showing up before opening, lining up at dawn to get a ticket, then coming back at opening time… to line up again. All because one video went viral and suddenly everyone needs to experience it.
So why am I waking up at 6 a.m. on holiday for a pair of Onitsukas? I get the whole exclusivity thing, but when you really think about it, are the shoes actually that great—or is it just hype because everyone else is wearing them? Yes, they’re cheaper in Tokyo than in the UK, but do we honestly all need to spend hours queuing outside the Ginza store?
TikTok is killing the element of surprise. You don’t get to discover anything anymore.
By following every TikTok recommendation, you end up spending more time in line than actually exploring the city’s underrated gems. I try to avoid viral spots, but that’s getting harder when social media keeps pointing everyone to the exact same places. Most of the hype is about aesthetics, not substance( there are exceptions, of course). And many of these viral spots are overpriced and barely accessible to locals, which could explain the growing frustration toward tourists.
Is social media the cause of Japan’s over tourism? Probably not. But it’s hard to deny that it plays a role.
What starts out as a useful tool somehow ends up directing everyone to the same places, at the same time, to recreate the same photos we’ve already seen a hundred times.
I ended my Tokyo break with this thought and a visit to the Meiji Jingu Shrine. I went early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and it was so quiet and lovely. I said my little prayers and left feeling rested. I was still searching for answers as my return was getting closer. What I didn’t know was that my last three days in Seoul would finally bring me some direction…
Seoul, My flight was actually one of the smoothest I’ve had in a long time — I knocked out right after dinner, so I didn’t even feel the 14-hour direct flight from London to Seoul. The longest I’ve done so far. And Korean Air did their big one on this too; bibimbap and kimchi were exactly what I needed as an introduction to what would end up being the best 10 days as a solo traveller in SK.
Weather
The temperature in September was between 25 and 30 degrees ,80% of humidity on some days with minimal rain. So yes, be prepared to walk around with your mini fan. No complaints from me — you know I hate London weather, so I was more than happy to sweat.
Google Maps is not optimal in South Korea. Better to use Naver or whatever app TikTok or YouTube recommends. Seoul’s transport system is quite easy to use, but you can still get lost. Thanks to my paper map (I’m definitely a millennial). Seoul is big , and you feet will be defeated! To save my energy, I dedicated one day per area, it made things simpler and also gave me room to wander if I felt like it
Activities
My travel plan is always the same: I need to see (sightseeing), to learn (classes or museums), to eat (local food only), and to spend (local brands if possible). I usually know by day one or two if I’m going to do damage in terms of shopping, so I try to pace myself — a learning moment before a spending moment, just a way to justify my love for overconsumption. In Seoul there is a lot to do and to see!
I booked most of my activities via Klook and GetYourGuide application, but usually hotels or hosts leave you guides for things to do around the area. I visited the Gyeongbokgungpalace, after walking the Seoul wall. The entry fee is free if you wear the hanbok but I didn’t manage to rent the hanbok or visit the Bukchon Hanok Village. To enjoy most of the attractions, you need to get there early in the morning, as it gets crowded rapidly.
I went to the WAR&WOMEN’S HUMAN RIGHTS MUSEUM in Mapo-go. The exhibition covers the history of the Japanese Military Sexual Slavery- a painful past between Korea and Japan. It is an interactive exhibition and hard to watch sometimes, especially the testimonies, but worth the stop.
I also booked a pub tour in Itaewon via the app and the group was a vibe! Clubbing in Seoul was interesting: first because I haven’t been clubbing in ages and I really missed the feeling of being out all night. People my age are usually at home under a nice blanket with some honey tea. Second, the music style of South Korea is interestingly diverse, between US Hip Hop and kpop or EDM, everybody can have fun and I sure did. However, some clubs in Seoul refuse foreigners entry: we were actually stopped at the second club because one girl in our group was « overweight ». I kid you not.
The following day, I went to a baseball match and it was such a great experience. Baseball is so foreign to me, I was surprised to find out how huge it is in Korea (and Japan too). The atmosphere at Jamsil Stadium was out of this world. I was cheering for both teams because the vibe was simply impeccable. Even the Americans in our group were impressed. Incredible.
Did I watch the whole three-hour game, drink beers, sing in Korean and understand the rules? I sure did, when in Rome right ! Now I can rock my Doosan Bears jersey as an actual fan of the team, not just for the aesthetic!
I went to Busan too. I stayed only 24 hours — enough to see Gamcheon Village and hear the southern accent. Loved it. It was slightly rainy and very humid but I still managed to walk along the Gwangnalli beach and try some raw sea food.
Food
If you’re unfamiliar with Korean cuisine, let me tell you: you’re kind of missing out. Korean food offers a wide range of flavours, from the Korean BBQ to the tteokbokki, everything tasted soooo good. And I was finally able to try the makgeolli (wine rice) I was living my KDrama dream! However, one thing for sure: if you follow the most viral TikTok places, you might be disappointed. The best spot are not the Instagrammable places.
The best meal I had was in a small restaurant run by an “halmeoni” and her husband near the Dongguk University station. No guest Wi-Fi, minimal words exchanged, me pointing at pictures, but the food? 100 out of 10.
7-Eleven in SK is also elite: the banana milk? A classic, not so great mixed in the coffee and that lemonade though? Liquid diabetes. Use with caution.
Mentioned already on my previous post but the coffee culture is insane. Coffee hopping is my new favourite hobby — Seoul is the perfect city for it.
Shopping
The Korean style is either streetwear with sparkle of grunge/alternative but well put together, or girly with lace and frills. It’s fresh and young and I found good pieces and discovered a few brands like Tomboy Studio. I wish I’d done even more financial damage because the prices in London are pure robbery. Another reason to go back.
Accommodation
Prices varies but from I think it is reasonable compared to some prices in Tokyo. Since I’m in an existential crisis, I thought I might as well indulge in nice accommodations. My Airbnb was a loft in Dongdaemun area, walking distance from the Dongdaemun Design Plazza and Cheonggyecheon, so really central.
The Mondrian Itaewon Hotel deserves a mention here. I chose it for the second part of my Seoul stay. It’s in Itaewon but a bit of a walk from the station, and the service? Chef’s kiss. The rooftop is small but cozy, and the bars (both rooftop and on the first level) have a great vibe. It’s on the pricier side, but I don’t regret the splurge.
Seoul, even almost two months later, is still on my mind. The city is so vibrant! I made so many memories and I really want to go back. Looking at all the photos I took — and every photobooth I could find (they all have my pictures now) — I really enjoyed my time there.
This was my second solo trip, and I reckon it is one of — if not the — best trip I’ve had. I enjoy travelling with my friends and family but I found a new appreciation of solo traveling. The first solo trip felt longer although it was only 4 days, as I had less activities prepared, I felt at some point the weight of travelling solo. This time, things were different because I was intentional about it.
After an average of 25k steps per day and getting dangerously close to the weight limit on my checked baggage, I flew to Tokyo for five incredible days…
7th of October and I’m back in London.It’s 3 a.m. and I’m jet-lagged.
I somehow managed to avoid any jet lag on my way to Seoul, but now that I’m back in my routine, there’s no reason to fight it. I’m scrolling through my pictures, reflecting on the trip, and realising how amazing it felt to be in a different country, with a different language and a different culture.
This is what I love about travelling: the unknown, the slight discomfort, but also the surprising moments of familiarity. Familiarity because, yes, I may be far from home, but little things—like the daily walk to the convenience store, the daily stop at the coffee next door or finding a new route back to the Airbnb—quickly become habits. I rarely feel lost in a new city and I love that for me.
The looks people give you, their smiles or their curiosity… it makes me feel oddly at home every time I travel, which is a bit crazy when I think about it. Sometimes I actually wish I didn’t feel at home, so I wouldn’t start imagining my life in every city I visit. Every time I feel comfortable somewhere new, I can’t help but romanticise my life there. My ability to adapt amazes me, but it also scares me because it means I could live anywhere I want—it’s just a matter of making the decision.
As I mentioned in a previous post, I feel like I need a drastic change, but I’m stuck. Travelling helps me understand why I need to be where I am… yet I always come back with fewer convincing reasons to stay here.
On thing for sure and two things for certain ,Seoul got soul
I already knew that before going, thanks to the shaming amount of Kdrama I have binged and the countless YouTube videos and vlogs I watched after booking my tickets. I even felt like I recognised certain streets of my favourite series! Seeing them in real life was surreal.
And let’s be real, the chokehold that South Korea has on the rest of the world currently needs to be studied. Seoul wasTHE place to be in 2025 and the numbers of tourists outside holidays period truly surprised me.
I’ve always been interested in different cultures, but over the past couple of years—especially since moving into my new flat and gifting myself a big TV—I’ve really dived deep into Asian and Korean culture. From societal issues like the education system that disadvantages low-income families or the increasing amount of male suicide , to lighter topics like the unrealistic expectations created by K-dramas and the music idol industry. It’s fascinating to think of a country that lived under Japanese occupation, is under constant threat of a war with the North, was labelled a third-world nation not that long ago (60 years), and is now one of East Asia’s driving forces—with companies like Hyundai and Samsung.
Another reason I chose Korea was, of course, the food.
I love letting my taste buds travel, and Korea did not disappoint(Tokyo was a another level! ) It’s hard coming back to London and feeling the same emotions in front of a Sunday roast with salty gravy. The great thing about London is the diversity, so if I crave Korean food of Japanese omakase here, I can easily find an excellent restaurant but the prices here though?!! outrageous. And the joy of eating sushi in Tokyo, tteokbokki in Seoul, or raw seafood in Busan? Truly unforgettable.
I mean 10 out of 10, no scrum left, literally.
Seoul is young and dynamic. The city is full of little corners, artsy streets and cosy cafés where you can sit, unwind, and let your mind wander for hours. They really value the idea of a “third space”—in sociology, it’s the social environment outside home (the first place) and work (the second place). Third places include churches, cafés, restaurants, and parks. They’re great because you don’t have to pay to exist there, and no one’s rushing you out.
Unfortunately, London has no beaches, and I haven’t found many places that truly offer relaxation and community. I’m not saying they don’t exist, but I do feel we’ve lost sight of the importance of third spaces since Covid. In Seoul, I found that feeling again. Of course, when you’re on holiday, everything looks softer and more idealised—I’m sure the reality is different. But reconnecting with that lost spirit meeting new people, sharing experiences, did me good, and made me realise it’s one of the changes I need to make in my own life.
I vlogged consistently during my holidays, which is part of my 2025 resolution to “document my life.” and will gather the courage to post those videos.
I have so many stories to tell that i am still writing as I met so many people and can’t wait to share them! More to come
I need a change, but I don’t know what kind. Family is fine (we thank God) but we are still on shaky ground, Health is good but could be better, Love Life is inexitent and Work. Well. I thought work would offer me a bit of a break after an emotionally intense 2024 — but alas, that wasn’t the case. I’m going in circles in my career, and to be honest, I don’t even know if I want to keep pushing. The 9-to-5 pays the bills, but there’s nothing exciting about paying bills. Starting my own business? The market seems saturated, and honestly, I wouldn’t even know where to start. I thought by this age i would have this figure it out or i would be [insert all the plan we have in our head] but i am still not there, so i think.
So, what’s next? What comes next when the plan fail ?
It’s another episode of burnout, like I get quite often (it’s cyclical), but unlike previous years, I can’t seem to find a solution this time. I feel stuck, at a dead end. Deep down, I know that the changes I need to make will have to be drastic, because they’ll determine, among other things, my future in London. So yes — no pressure.
I’m craving change, but there aren’t many options in sight. So what do you do in moments like that? To answer that question, I did what I do best: I grabbed my passport and my credit card and booked a round-trip ticket to Seoul and Tokyo. Maybe by being somewhere new, blowing money that I barely have, I’ll finally find some answers to my existential questions.
It’s at the boarding gate in Terminal 4 of Heathrow Airport that it really hits me: I’m going to Seoul!
All those countless hours spent watching my favorite K-dramas have clearly influenced me — they made me want to visit the city. I can’t wait to start my days with cheerful “annyeonghaseyo”s, taste dishes bursting with flavor, get tipsy on soju, and be amazed by the beauty of the scenery.
And then panic sets in: two weeks alone in Asia for the first time, to figure out how to redirect my life — it’s quite the gamble! What if the silence becomes too heavy, like on my first solo trip? What if I can’t step out of my comfort zone?
Anyway, I’ve made sure I won’t have time to feel lonely: on the agenda are museum and palace visits, five-star restaurants, a baseball game, shopping, shopping and sopping, reading, and a bit of rest. The first time I travelled alone, my reflections were about the past and my mistakes — but this time, I have to look toward the future…
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