I am currently looking out of my living room window at the Pacific Ocean. I always enjoy the view, especially in the morning. Having a cup of coffee while looking at the ocean is very refreshing and is a moment I look forward to every day. And of course, walking on the beach is nice too. However, I recently fell and fractured my foot. No walking for me for 4 weeks…urgh! Balance is important.
I returned from my trip to the States 4 weeks ago. I spent 3 weeks in the US visiting kids, grandkids, and family. The main impetus for the trip was my grandson Mile’s 1st birthday. Anyone who knows anything about Korean families understands how important the 1st birthday is in Korean culture. Obviously, my wife and I had to travel to the US for his birthday. The birthday celebration went very well with the customary pictures and the traditional Korean celebration.
Being retired gives me the flexibility of course to make my schedule. It's easier to book trips to the US or elsewhere (as countries open up from Covid) than it was when I was working. My wife, however, still works and therefore is not as flexible as I am. Owning her own business helps, but she still has to worry about back office details all the time. So, its not like we are both retired, however, we are not tied down to jobs like many people are. We are flexible enough to travel when we want to. So when you retire I think you need to realize that balance is important. You need to balance your retirement plans with your spouse’s plans.
While in the US we visited several cities including New York, New Orleans, and Chicago. Bourbon Street in New Orleans was in full swing. The clubs were open, restaurants were packed (we had to make reservations or stand in line) and people were enjoying themselves---maybe too much. In NYC and Chicago restaurants were open and businesses were starting to re-open again. In Korea, we no longer have to wear masks, worry about quarantine, or be concerned about eating inside a restaurant.
I am hoping to enjoy more of Korea as soon as I get back on my feet so to speak. I still have to wait a few weeks.
A note about the Korean medical system. It’s fantastic! After I injured my foot I went to the emergency room of a local hospital. They immediately x-rayed me, put a cast on my foot, and then the doctor met with me and my wife about my injury. And of course, I was given medicine. All for less than $100. There was a follow-up a week later with more x-rays, a meeting with the doctor before and after the x-rays, and a new cast which cost a similar sum. What got me about the medical services besides the very cheap cost was the speed the services were given. There really was no waiting to see a doctor and no waiting (maybe 15-20 minutes) for the x-rays. I sincerely doubt I could have gotten this kind of attention in the US without a long wait, etc. Now I need to work on my balance.
