Notes | November in 10 Photos

so I lied, there’s actually 11 photos in the post, but since we technically celebrated Thankgsiving in December after returning from Cambodia, this photo doesn’t actually count. 

Fall is usually my most favorite time of the year, but this November was a bit of a strange month. First, the election… And then I spent the first half of November sick and feeling out-of-sorts. We finally gave the Korean medical system a try which was an overall interesting experience, especially the communication aspect of it. For example, we were completely confused that we hardly ever needed to make appointments, even for specialists. We could just walk right in and be seen the same day. Blink. Blink. Blink. Blink. And when we did need to make an appointment, we were able to do so in less than a week. Not months. But the most shocking thing of all was the cost. Without getting into the ins and outs of our insurance, we are able to see any doctor we want, but we often have to pay up front and are then reimbursed later. The first time I received a doctor’s bill I was confused as to why the entire cost of the visit, without insurance, was about the same as my copay for the same exam back in the States. Minds. Blown.

Sly’s parents flew over from the States to see us and visit with friends and family. In between some casual sightseeing, we hung out at home, made lots of good food, spoiled the kitties, and watched movie marathons. One weekend we took a trip down to Busan, where Sly’s mom grew up. After walking around Haeudae Beach, Sly’s mom said tearfully, “The only thing that hasn’t changed is the sand and the sea.” 😐 For dinner we ate once more at Jalgachi market, this time splurging on a huge, super delicious, crab (sorry crab). Nothing like a good meal shared with family to lift the spirits.

We spent the last half of November and first week of December exploring Cambodia. Our trip began on a quiet “bohemian” island and ended in the annoyingly touristic city of Siem Reap. In between we rode motor scooters up a mountain, ate the most delicious crab with Kampot pepper sauce, got ripped off by practically every vendor, rode on the longest 40 mile stretch of road ever (literally – it took 3 hrs) on a bus over packed with bags and people, and oh, yeah, did I mention we both got really sick? Again? We had so many amazing experiences in Cambodia, but there were also so many moments where we both looked at each other and said, “I guess this is what they call adventure?” or “At least this will make a good story?”

And then it was December. I turned another year older while in Cambodia, and while my birthday itself was for the most part pretty frustrating (neither of us were feeling well and we had a terrible, dishonest, tuk tuk driver who yelled at us in the middle of the street after leaving us stranded…more on that later), at least I got to enjoy a lovely morning by the pool, a long leisurely breakfast, and a mini tiramisu cake. Plus, all the other stuff took my mind off the getting old part of my birthday.

November flew by in the blink of an eye, as it always does, and as usual I’m in disbelief that it’s December already, that another year is coming to a close. Sly’s parents are still here so we’re squeezing in as much time with them as we can with them before they leave and then… WE’RE HEADED BACK TO THE STATES FOR THE HOLIDAYS! If you couldn’t tell, we’re both super excited. Strip malls, super-sized grocery stores, Target, and drip coffee here we come!