FEATURED
Here is a video of me reflecting on my life in Korea—why I came, what I learned and why I’m leaving. It’s the end of an era.
My time in South Korea has come to an end. If this were a video game, I’ve cleared the map. Saying goodbye was so much harder than I expected. I tried holding it together, I really did.
After a seven month process of applying, waiting, filing paperwork and more waiting, I officially have my school assignment and my visa! I’M MOVING TO MADRID, SPAIN!
Part 1 of my Is It Problematic to Teach English in South Korea? series. Is it ethical to teach English abroad?
This past month I combed through the 18,000 photos on my phone and delete the ones I don’t need. But wait, what counts as “need”?
Art has the power to make change. One person can make a difference. Art can be an act of resistance, and the lessons we learn from Rainbow Village can be brought home.
What noodles await you in Taiwan? All the noodles, my friend. What should you do in Taiwan—and most importantly, what should you eat?
This past January, after 13 grueling hours of an exercise in stasis, I made it home. Er, one of my homes. Which way is home again?
about
Hey there! I’m Ariel. I lived in South Korea for 3 years, where I spent my days writing my little heart out. Then, I lived in Madrid, Spain for 2 years (doing the same thing—swap the banchan for tapas). Now, I live in NYC.
This blog is my space to write about my personal life and all the favorites—travel, photography, art and food. I also wrote guides for teaching in Korea and Spain; trip itineraries and hostel living; and finding the best cafes wherever my feet take me.
I hope you find something here that connects with you. Stay a while!
most recent
This blog is no stranger to long dead zones. The no-post periods. I am not a machine and I’m also lazy—so that has meant I haven’t posted in…ah geez, four months. Alright, let’s see. How much has changed in that time?
I am glad to be here in Spain—glad even for the moments of panic, when I wondered if I could even do this. Maybe glad is the wrong word. But I acknowledge them. I allow them space to exist within myself. Here’s my first month in Spain.
Is it possible to apply for the NALCAP visa from Korea? The Spanish Consulate in Seoul does issue student visas. So, yes! Here’s my guide how to apply in Seoul.
Popular
Okay, so you’re thinking about living in South Korea. Everyone knows Seoul, but what are the other options? Here’s a breakdown of the 7 major cities and 9 regions in South Korea.
Behind Daejeon Station and riiiight next to the Daejeon Traditional Narae Hall, you can find a tiny Vietnamese café. It’s built out of a small house and it’s called Camon.
Part of my Daejeon Highlights series. While KAIST is a stressful place to attend, there’s a few things to love. Like cherry blossoms!
I am glad to be here in Spain—glad even for the moments of panic, when I wondered if I could even do this. Maybe glad is the wrong word. But I acknowledge them. I allow them space to exist within myself. Here’s my first month in Spain.