SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

As a self-proclaimed expert traveler, I haven't ever gone past the reaches of Europe. So when the opportunity presented itself to pick up my parents in Seoul, South Korea from their church mission, we couldn't say no.

My exposure to Korean culture started when I was little. Shin Ramen was a staple on cold winter days (and hot summer ones too) and my dad occasionally spoke Korean around us for different reasons. But something my dad has always wanted was to go back even just for a visit. And thirty years after living there as a young missionary, he did! With my mom! For a whole year! We were and are so proud of them.

Being the dutiful children we are, Oliver and I took it upon ourselves to pick them up from Seoul. Just so they wouldn't lose their way home...it's a long flight.

To say we fell in love with Seoul would be an understatement: the food, the people, the air-conditioning everywhere, did I mention the food? We only had 6 days so we had to prioritize. And we were not disappointed.

For my European friends, there is air conditioning on the metros of Seoul. Actual air conditioning. A life saver considering there was still a mask mandate in place and the days averaged 85-90 degrees F and 80%-90% humidity. Not to mention every single shop was airconditioned, down to the little mom-and-pop restaurants.

Speaking of mom-and-pop restaurants, the most unassuming building could hold the next greatest meal of your life. We had magic chicken in a restaurant down the street from my parent's office where the chicken was cooked whole on the street. And we were blown away.

We got dolsot bibimbap from a teeny tiny shop that was maybe 30 sq. meters including the kitchen. But the sweet ladies that work there run a tight ship! Never mind the miracle of fitting around 15 people into such a small space, the food was phenomenal.

One simply does not go to South Korea and not absolutely raid the skin care products. So that's what we did! And I will never not be amazed. That's it. The products are beyond words. (If you want recs, hit me up)

Something very sweet to witness was my parents connecting with the people they came to know over that year. My dad already spoke Korean fluently but you could tell that it vastly improved over that year. And my mom could really hold her own considering she only knew how to say 'hello' and 'I love you' at the beginning of their mission.

As Oliver and I got to shadow them saying their final good-byes, I was reminded of relationships we made as a family in a tiny village in France in 2008. I can feel that the friends my parents made will be friends for life.

So while this was a really quick and non-touristy trip, it was both eye-opening and incredible! We will definitely be back. I personally need to see Jeju island, springtime, and the west coast (which is apparently gorgeous!). South Korea, we will be back!