Bye Bye America Again

I'm up way too early here in my hotel near the SFO airport. Maybe I'm excited to go back to Korea or ready to get there, rest and prepare for the first day back to work.

I had a good time here in America and am so grateful to spend time with nearly all of my family. When I get the chance I will definitely continue to post the rest of my trip from Florida and D.C.

I'm not sure when I'm going to come out here again, as I need to consider saving money and also I still want to see other parts of the world.

I didn't really feel reverse culture shock while out here, but instead just tried to soak up the American life while I could. I found people are really into politics these days and very divided on their opinions. Also, I just enjoyed how nice people were and not sure if it was always like that.

Being here and seeing my family has put a seed in mind whether or not I should continue life in Korea or seriously consider being closer to the people I love. I just don't want to think about how hard it will be to start a life back here in America.

Anyways, it was a good trip and definitely allowed me to see some great sights. I also feel more courage and confidence starting back at work, and know I can only do what is possible when I get there.

Adios!

Sausalito

I'm down to my last 24 hours here in America and it is going quite pleasantly well. Except for my hacking cough that is now my closest buddy, I am trying to treasure these moments. I am in Sausalito, California which is across the bay from San Francisco. Actually, if you have ever crossed the Golden Gate bridge coming out of the city one of the tiny coastal cities you pass by is Sausalito.

This place has great houses and a cute downtown area, which I check out today. Above is a picture of where I have been staying.

 I parked the car in the downtown area, and had a look around the docks.

From this viewpoint you could see the city of San Francisco, Alcatraz island and Angel island. 

Some people were setting things up for sailing, where here a guy was on a surfboard and using a paddle to move himself and the buoys around.

I enjoyed some foliage.

Things were a little foggy this morning but it did clear up nicely. I made my way to where the boats were and I liked seeing their reflections in the water.

Afterward, I took a stroll around the downtown area peeking in on the little shops.

Nearby the bay was a strip of road with alongside it more little shops but mostly cafes and eateries. I stopped in and had a grilled eggplant sandwich.

After this very satisfying lunch I looked out across the bay and admired the view.

Some buddies joined me...

The parking meter was about to give up and being alone in a touristy area made me feel a bit lonesome. I headed back to the car with these thoughts. Soon I will be on a plane trying to catch some sleep or just not cough on everyone. Time to snap back in to my Korean reality.

See you there!

Vacation Video

We indeed took some videos while on our vacation. Instead of making one long version I have decided to make short ones.

Chicken Parmesan and the Berkeley Marina

I thought I would relieve you guys of seeing "The Great Vacation" in the title this time, although this post is on the same subject. Basically we are at the end of JH's visit, where we mostly just made our way to the airport. Along the way JH tried some good food and saw a site that left lasting memories.

Our last night in Nevada County was spent having an Italian dinner at a new restaurant. I think JH was starting to feel stressed out from knowing he had to go back to work. Poor guy.

It was here that he discovered his new found love for chicken Parmesan. I plan on making it for him when I return to Korea.

The next morning-afternoon, we had brunch at a diner before our drive out to the Bay Area.

 The place had the American nostalgic feel to it.

 JH got his usual hamburger and I got a waffle plate.

Yum! On our way to the Bay Area I let JH drive a good portion of it. When we pulled over to switch seats he couldn't help but get out and explore. We were in the area between Davis and the coastal mountains, where it is mostly farm country.

On our way to the hotel, I knew we were going to be a bit early so I took JH to the Berkeley Marina. Turns out he really loved the place and was truly amazed at the scenery and relaxed nature of Americans. 

I'll have to check but I am pretty sure this was his favorite part of the whole trip. Actually, it was kind of funny because he was very fascinated with the squirrels at the park. It was as if he had never seen one before and was very amused with how friendly they were. 

As we walked back to the car, very slowly, I knew he wanted to see more of everything in America, but his time was so limited. We promised each other to come back and that I would show him the Eastern side of the States. 

We crossed the Bay Bridge, which now has a toll of $6.00!

We checked into our hotel, which was near the airport and then took a look at the local downtown area where there was the Korean restaurant,"Mom's Tofu House".

 JH had that New Year's dumpling soup, while I had galbi.

It was our last night together in the States and I hope not forever. He's back in Korea doing his thing, but we miss each other a lot. I'm still here, as you know, in my family's area doing my little projects and enjoying life without work. Except, I do miss the kids...haha.