Hair Update! Final Chapter (Outcome)

So I’ve been transitioning for the past 12 months in Korea. I wanted to stop using relaxers and deal with my natural state of hair.

While on this journey - on my blog - I spoke of the experience and my reservations. Mainly because of the maintenance part and the hectic work schedule I had. I’m really not devoted to hair and the patience is a struggle.

But after a year, I finally am weave free, and this is the result. I guess I thought it would be a disservice to myself if I never completed this chapter on my hair journey with a final entry on this blog. Since it’s all documented here.

Still in the adjustment period. Must say, not too shabby. Not too shabby at all . It’s good to challenge yourself and do things you thought you weren’t capable of.

I am glad I did complete, at least, this particular ‘things to do before 26’.

Before I set off on my next journey and bid this part of my love farewell..

I really wanted to share this video.. I just love gypsy and cultural intergration. Amazing how certain things can move you beyond reason.

I believe we all are connected in some sort of way .. And we have this moments. these moments which remind us of the past. Moments which shape and define your future self. Moments in which we love. Moments of dispare. Moments that keep moving and changing.

We keep moving to the next moment. Where we can connect. Or maybe fail to do. You should take something from every moment we have.

‘Cos these moments are precious..

I will keep moving and loving and Living.

And i thank the past few moments I had on this land.

Keep these moments and allow future ones to gain.. Thank you for this moment.

Can’t believe gone are the days when I’m subconsciously aware of my teeth when people wanted to take a snap of me.

I can smile now - without a second thought.

After a year with my dentist, can’t believe it’s over.
But I feel a new.
I can smile anytime, every time without ever having to cover my mouth.

Sadness follows not my smile no more.

Just so thrilled. Beyond. Blessed. At least I completed one of my things to do before 26 :)

African ? Or Asian?

(Source: yagazieemezi)

I would really love to be honest about ..this.. ethical dilemma I have..

As an African in Asia.. Mainly Korea it has penetrated tones under my skin.

I don’t know how to tell you 

But I hope you read between the lines.

Weird how being different in a sea of sameness conformity can.. set you  adrift.  

I hope i can tell you about it.. Maybe read between the lines.

?

Maybe I’ll come to share.

I have a list.. of things. Things that can be easily bought. Maybe buy me cheap happiness. 

If I have a market, should I not acquire this things.

That could belong to me. Might make me happy.

Will I regret it if I do - not do.

But maybe happy will mean different when i’m in different. But being different in different might not. So why not make different in same different and be different.

I hope you read between the lines.

Farewell African Girl in Asia

Throwback from my first group trip in SoKo.

Festivities. Bright eyed. All things new. So long ago.

So this was my last trip in SoKo. I had the opportunity to go to Jeju with the Department. As you know already, nothing is that simple in my life. I was the only foreigner who was invited to go, meaning the rest of the group of 200 were Koreans I didn’t know. It was going to be interesting.

I’ve heard so much about Jeju. People say it’s the best part of Korea. Actually most couples go there for their honeymoon. And I got to go all expenses paid for 3 days. 

I love flying. My dream job was to be a pilot. But my height and weight was against me. So was super excite to fly… but the take-off must have been my worst g-force experience ever. I usually sit over the wing, so I didn’t get why this time round it was so bad. 

So the tour reminded me of those Chinese tourist bus experience I would see in Vilakazi Street in Soweto. People are always in a bus. Stop 1 hour. Look, take pictures and bus again. Eat. Bus.Next location. Bus. It was like that for 3 days. So much packed-in and little time to chill and enjoy yourself. But i guess this is what a tour packaged trip is like. I’ve never been on one like this before. We usually do the wing-it-backpackers type of deal with my friends.

We did many a things, but my Highlights were:

Go-karting, Horse-riding, Sliding down the slopes, trampolining  Maze challenge, and .. yep. that’s about it.

I think eating the Jeju dream pork every 3 hours killed me. The luxury of eating it, faded away after the 3rd restaurant trip. 

I had to really use my solo travel inner struggles to get through the trip though. Being that everyone spoke in Korean, I was the only foreigner and my co and I had a LOT of awkwardness towards the tail end of the trip. Who knows what was happening. Being asked about the weather, age and relationship status has come to be the norm for me. Still feels uncomfortable. Not sure whether i will feel normal over the next few months when people don’t ask me those questions when I first meet em. 

G** I hope I won’t ask people those time of intrusive questions. But it’s a cultural thing you have to adjust to.

All in all. Everyone agrees that Spring or Summer is the best time for Jeju Island. We missed the blossoming flowers and envied warm weather. The most interesting part was going to one of those wax museums, and seeing a really horrendous version of president Nelson Mandela. I think it would have been better to keep him out of that. I did though, like that there was a lot of South African reference in the Peace Museum. The only African country to be there.

A small group of us got to fly back ahead of the pack. I enjoyed that part. Got to spend some time with one of the guys I’ve been working with over the past few weeks leading up to the evaluation tests. He just never had enough stamina to muster speaking to me. And with out his friend and others lurking around we got to chat quite a bit. And that Asiana landing was kinda rough there.  Not sure what was going on with them that week. Was my worst take-off and landing with them. Both at Gimpo Airport.

At least I got to finally see Jeju and say I was there. I was grateful for the opportunity and being the first foreigner to be invited. I’m glad i challenged myself and went out of my comfort boxed. Traveled alone without my friends and knowing there would be a language barrier. 

Jeju is a must see for all people travelling to Korea. Make it a week long event over the summer or spring break. They have a world natural wonder and I’ve never seen any volcanic remnants before I got to go. Eat their famous pork, but in moderation. The island itself reminded me of home. They had regular houses and that homey relaxed vibe. I wish I had the opportunity to go and see the pleasure park (adult stuff). But since it was a work trip I guess I couldn’t do that. I woulda totally gone to see that - the closest I’ve been to was the Penis Park in Samcheok last year. Penis explosion ^^,

morrisloyaltran:

Miguel - Sure Thing

Now this is my favorite Miguel song. Miguel live in Jozi 1 and 2 of March. 

There is no way I wanna miss this treat. 

I’d love him to perform: Don’t look back, All I want is you, Do you, Vixen, Adorn, Gravity, The Girl with the tattoo, Lotus Flower Bomb (if there is a way for him to do that one).. It’s endless.

Yes I am a fan ^^, If only I could twist a friend’s arm.