Hearing From Paul

Today I heard from an old friend who I haven't heard from in over a year. Paul messaged me to see if I wanted to meet up before he left Korea for good in March. I had a mix of surprise and joy to say the least.

We met in Ulsan just days after I first arrived. He was several months in to his second year and I was fresh off the boat. We became good friends and at one point in 2010 were talking almost daily, certainly weekly. Over time that became bi-weekly, monthly and then suddenly a year and a half. No falling out or anything, just drifting apart I guess.

Last time I talked to Paul he seemed ready to leave Korea but wasn't sure what to do. I am happy to hear that he figured it out. Eight years is a long time to be in Korea. Being that I will finish at seven almost on the nose I can tell you now that I don't think I could do an eighth under any circumstances. Not that I haven't loved my time here, but there comes a point where you need to settle down in Korea (emigrate), move home and settle down, or head off to the next destination (for career, enjoyment and sanity). Last time we talked Paul seemed unhappy here but didn't see a way to move on, so I am more than a little interested to learn why he decided to go now and what he has in store in New Zealand.

I can also add him to the growing number of friends I have leaving this year. After Paul I say goodbye to Bobby, who will be out by the end of April.

Going from stress over Yens visa and her job (another story altogether) to her getting the visa and a new job offer and Paul messaging me in 24 hours. Nice upswing after a shitty January.