<In the City> Cherry Blossoms.

Recently, it was that time of the year. A very short-lived period at that, but the appreciation and endearment for them soar accordingly. 

Nature can be so beautiful yet so fleeting. Beauties are probably more beautiful because they cannot be captured forever. Yet, one thing is certain: life may not be eternal, but life cycles repeat eternally.

<photo by me>

<In the City> Contemplation.

With so many choices, roads, and options in life, there are times when you become confused or lost by the vastness of it all. In this society, the ability to afford the space and time alone to meander in your thoughts is a luxury not easily bought. Constantly tethered to something or someone through something, the simple remedy of self-contentment through self-containment is sometimes forgotten.

Today, take time to do something you love for no other reason than for the sake of doing it.

<photo by Rob Lee>

<In the City> Namsan.

Namsan Tower is an undeniable icon of Seoul and seemingly omnipresent. This city-central tower embodies that nostalgic flare of Korean dramas and lures in tourists, families, and lovers alike. 

When you're commuting back home from work, take a moment to look up from the road or your cellphone; you might discover Namsan staring back at you. Its presence provides a kind of reassurance that as much as this city has changed, changes, and will change, some things will remain as is. 

Below are random snapshots taken at random moments at random times of the year. 

 

Can you spot the tower?

<photos by me>

<In the City> Homebody.

On perfectly London-esque overcast days, I feel this surging desire to just stay put in my bed all day, except to get some chamomile tea and dark chocolate and use the lady's room. Such longing is intensified when you must continue to go to work despite a severely congested sinus and insufferable sneezes.

Today is such a day. I wish to be just in bed all day. Alas, fast-forward 30 minutes from now, I will be madly sprinting out of my apartment, forgetful of either my cellphone or my wallet, furious at the elevator for not coming faster, exasperated at the continuous cold, cold weather. 

<photo by me>

<Out of the City> Tokyo, Japan: Two.

In contrast to the vividly dynamic and uniquely eclectic glitz of Tokyo, the city also embraces areas of simple serenity that are absolutely beautiful. I found the soothing spirits of these places quite indelible.

<photos by me>

<Out of the City> Tokyo, Japan: One.

Tokyo is like a facsimile of Seoul in more ways than one. In many other ways, the two cities wear completely different faces. Japan has been known to be very culturally similar to Korea, possibly due to the two countries' long, intertwined history.

What I find most charming about major Asian cities are their multitudes of layers.  It's as if you're gleefully pulling out an endless number of colorful sheets from a box. That and a million other reasons make traveling so irresistible.

So you are in Tokyo.  With the will of a tenacious tourist, you take that next step forward with your aching feet that even a pair of Nike cannot aid. Then, in a quick moment, you suck in a wisp of air and tilt your head ever-so-slightly. The glittering skyscrapers peel back to reveal the everyday lives of Japan. The backdrop paints a melted concoction of lights, people, and personality. As you wander around the city all day, you are constantly lost in various cultures and decades of time.

A collection of random shots of Shibuya, Harajuku, Akihabara, and Shinjuku.

<photos by me>

<In the City> Happy Lunar New Year.

As the 'real' start of the year 2014, I am truly grateful for this 4-day Lunar New Year holiday after practically living at work for the past couple of weeks. 

I adore being rolled up burrito-style in my ultra-comfy Costco blanky, cooking ridiculous amounts of food for no reason, and doing a lot of reading in fetal position, so this weekend will definitely be dedicated to all these things.

I wish everyone ungodly amounts of good fortune and prosperity.

 :)

<photo by me>

<In the City> Introspection.

It is that time of the year when I halt mid-step, frozen, because I could feel the stirrings of disharmony.  

The feeling is not quite an eruption or a chaos or a turmoil. 

It is like roaming aimlessly until you come to realize that you are unsure of your whereabouts yet lack the proper methods to find your way home. 

You plant your feet on the ground, hoping that clicking your heels three times will bring answers to all your questions, take you back home, and tuck you under your covers, safe and sound.

The inevitable question of the holiday season: What have I done this year?

I immerse in this discomfiting question in a pleasurable way. What I have gained and lost, only I know in its entirety, and who is to say 'becoming better' has to be quantifiable?

Definitely not I.

Roam. Wonder. Dream. Repeat.

<photo by me>