Missing the City Life

Before I lived in Syracuse, I lived in Seoul, Korea, a city of about 10 million people. It's a place with excellent public transportation, good cheap Korean food, and a night life that will keep you up on the weekends.

But living in Syracuse, NY for the past 10 years has taught me a lot about life outside of a major city. It's taught me how to enjoy the finer things of life at little or no cost. Snowboarding every Monday after work in the winter? Done! Swimming in one of the cleanest freshwater lakes in the USA? Done! Running on the Erie Trail? Done! Sitting on my roof drinking beer? Done!

I've become so used to the laid back slow pace of life that is Syracuse that I was actually a bit astounded when we hit traffic outside of DC on our way down to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

I must admit though, there's still a part of me that would love to live in a city again. If only for the wider selection of restaurant (to satisfy my foodie spirit), the night life, and the ability to see my favorite musicians.

The Good Stuff

I think back to my grandfather. A man who after the Korean War started a business and was able to send all his kids to college. And as someone who's had the many benefits of a good life, I often wonder how much of a positive impact I've made in this life, and the answer that resounds in my head is "not enough".

Years after my grandfather has passed away, I still think of him and when I do, I can't help but cry.