I'm not saying the excitement is fading.

I'm not trying to imply I have any regrets here.

This is all so wonderful in so many ways. I must admit, though, I am finally calming down enough to realize all the little and big things I really won't have for a year.

It's a rather isolating feeling to have this language barrier. I struggle over understanding how much I owe after a meal, over telling a cab driver where I need to go, over buying a ticket for the bus. Imagine the difficulty I would have in finding out a stranger's hobbies and interests. Fortunately, there are certainly a handful of English speaking natives and expatriates- so there is a chance at good conversation in the near future; and this weekend was an amazing opportunity to catch up with my friend Shira in Seoul and also to meet several new friends from America, Canada, Ireland, and Scotland. It was a spectacular time- I even got to sing karaoke in the famous 'nori bang'.... a private room so you can take as many turns as you want and only your friends are there to hear! I was especially proud and surprised to find "Wig in a Box" for Kevin to sing- even further surprised that everyone in the room knew it, too! It was a beautiful night.

I realize I am going to have to work harder to latch on to the other english speakers here in Gwangju if I don't want to turn into a bit of a hermit.

I also really miss my guitar. I have a pretty serious plan in my mind to buy a violin while I'm here- though that may be a few months off. There are at least five adorable little music shops in walking distance from my apartment- but I am holding out hope that I'll come across a second hand one. Yes, less expensive, sure- but even more importantly, I would like the wood and strings to be a little broken in... more ready for me. Also, I am waiting until we move into the larger place, so me and my new friend don't drive Kevin insane.

As usual, music is my saving grace. Right now I'm the only person in a sweet little coffee shop, Serendip- one of the few open before noon (this town likes to sleep in and stay up late)... the ceiling over me is all windows, I'm sitting on a wooden swing with cushions (I've said it before, I will again: These guys have the market cornered in Cute) and who should I hear singing to me but Damien Rice? I am transported.

And yesterday morning, trying hard to get over the effects of Soju from our big night out, woken by the sun, I was gently serenaded back to sleep by a single violinist practicing a classical piece somewhere in a nearby building.

A lot of you who know me well already know this about me- but for those still learning my quirks, I'll spell it out: I have a hard time predicting how I'll feel. I don't think forward well, so consequences and effects of my own actions strangely take me off-guard. Remember when I moved to Texas and most of you got to say "I told you so" for six months? : )

Well, turns out all those things I said "I ain't scared" to are already biting me- and I see where my difficulties will lie.

I'm not too worried, though.

You should see the way the sun is shining today.

And another good song is coming on.