Revisiting My 2014 Trip to South Korea and Japan
*A look back at a cherished journey and the lessons it taught.*
The Purge and the Regret
I recently found myself thinking about my 2014 travels to South Korea and Japan—a journey that I had once documented on this very blog, only to delete it later during one of my routine purges to keep things feeling tidy. In hindsight, I regret erasing that post. Maybe it felt like clutter at the time, but it was a memory—one that deserved a place here, even among all the noise.
The Magic of Firsts
That trip stands out more than most. I remember wandering through lively streets, sipping coffee in quiet cafes tucked away in Seoul and Tokyo, and tasting dishes that seemed to somehow have more depth, more soul, than anything I’ve had on more recent visits. Things were cheaper, quieter, and honestly, just better back then. Whether that’s nostalgia talking or the magic of experiencing something for the first time, I’m not sure—but I’ve learned not to dismiss those feelings so quickly.
Looking back, I’m grateful I went when I did. It was a different time, and I had a different mindset. Those moments, ordinary as they might have seemed then, have grown into cherished memories now. In contrast, my 2025 return trip, while enjoyable, felt a little more crowded, a little more expensive, and a little less enchanting.
Time Doesn't Wait
This kind of reminiscing reminds me that time doesn’t wait. Cities change. Cafes close. Prices go up. Crowds grow. And we change too.
So this post is both a recreation and a reminder—not just of that particular trip, but of why it’s important to hold onto memories, even the cluttered ones. Because sometimes, those are the ones that end up meaning the most.
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