How does it really feel like going home for the holidays in the Philippines? Okay, it’s not like I have been in and out of the country for ten or twenty years to fully capture this whole “homecoming” and 
I can’t emphasize this enough. It’s just Rain and the abs. Nothing about the plot and other whatsoever’s. Wahahaha. Ok, so I am being such a 'perv' again.
Given that South Korea also boasts of a dynastically rich history and culture, efforts to portray them artistically abound. Theatrical plays are common in the country, and most of them showcase Korean history, dynasty, culture, and tradition as general themes.
One of the very first adjectives that I came up with to describe my first few months of stay in South Korea was QUICK— quick, quick, quick on anything! Quick subway travel time, quick (brisk) walking of people on the streets, quick (rushed) polishing of any kind of work. Everything seems to be done in some speed above the normal. But when I said anything, I never thought they wouldn’t spare weddings. Yes, weddings! Weddings where even that simple walk in the aisle by the bride would normally take some time and a couple of yawns from guests already. That of course, had you been in the Philippines. But here? Hell no! 
It was a random and almost careless mention of a plan to go to the Seorak Mountains with a friend, as she browsed on a Korean survival guide book while we were on our way to one of our earlier “cultural travels". We were practically preparing for our next trip while experimenting on one. Weeks after that, I get to hitch to a black sports car of another friend’s officemate. Coooool-ness.
This is my second time to celebrate Thanksgiving Day in South Korea. I remember just staying at home last year, so I don’t think I can still forgive myself if I lock myself up in my room again. I have long been craving for travel that will technically throw me out of Seoul— with a cultural feel at that. And when you are not really sure how culturally blessed a place is, you basically just depend on titles attached to these places.
Jimjilbangs are a pretty common place to go (or at least try out) here in South Korea. They are public bath houses or saunas that help you keep up with your personal hygiene as you get bored with the same, old bath tub and find it inappropriate for a relaxing, night-time treat. Of course, for a Southeast Asian whose life back in her own country wasn’t much into the lavish “pampering”, it can really be a sophisticatedly cool experience. Then you talk to people and find out that there have actually been dirty connotations on preferring jimjilbangs for bathing, for the simple reason of being the “public” kind.
I first cried over a severe back ache that started with a stiff neck back in January of this year, enough for my housemates to rid themselves of such an unbearable face, as they finally brought me to a nearby massage place when it has reached my lower back. It was mainly brought about by the double wham of the very cold weather and the stress at work during that time. Seven months later, and I am at it again. Except that this time, my body seems to have gotten used to it. My back has been getting a great deal of beating lately, and I am afraid that the pain is becoming bearable. My body is forced to get used to the pain, especially when my mind is more occupied with deadlines and crammed reports everyday. Practically, there’s just no time to feel it. But when you finally steal a minute of relaxing and not thinking too much, you suddenly get overwhelmed by the weight of such pain in the back that has seemed to have temporarily muted, since there was just no space in your brain to process the pain. That’s exactly what just happened to me.
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