JAPAN

Here's my one week photo diary of my time in Japan. 

To all my missions supporters, this one's for you.

Minimalist, clean and possibly the most artistic place I've ever been to. I don't have too much to say in this post other than outside of our outreach schedule, my trip mainly consisted of pocky and other convenient store snacks — lots and lots of it. I prefer Osaka over Tokyo (although I'm not quite sure I can say that I've grasped the essence Tokyo just yet), and, I think Japanese dancers are possibly the best dancers in the world. With that, let me add that if you are a lover of food, Osaka is an absolute must. I swear by the ramens and the "Chococro" croissants! If there's one thing you gain from any of this, mark my words, "Chococro"...it will not disappoint.   

SEOUL CITY

Annnddd.... we back! Back to the thick air, real hustle, the obnoxiously crowded metropolis. The aesthetics aren't as comparable to the windy city, but I appreciate the grind. It's the New York vibes consolidated into a much smaller space (a bit over-the-top perhaps) but it inspires me to get my feet going. Speaking of feet, my goodness I didn't realize how much a person walks in Seoul. Forget shoe variety. At this point my nikes are my crutch for comfort, and if it weren't for these NY snags, I don't know how I'd be getting around the city. My poor foot has definitely been feeling the repercussions of this fast paced life, but I guess I prefer it over being immobile and carless. Note to self: being carless in America is no bueno!

Anyways, the weather in Seoul has been fairly decent, clear skies to say the least, and that keeps me in good spirits. The coffee prices are forever shocking but the food and people here are as delightful as ever. I would like to send my deepest condolences to my dearest friends in Chicago who are currently surviving their annual polar vortex, buried 6 ft under (the snow). I'd like to say I am alive and well, motivated, and glad that my feet are treading on dry grounds. Stay warm!  

Photos: Hannah Love Yoon (http://hannahloveyoon.com/blog/)

Look: Nike flykick 4.0, Zara Jacket, Oriental Swag Snapback

HERITAGE BICYCLES + HAYEEZY

And alas, one sinfully cold day just moments before my departure, I drove my cousin's poor (or more accurately described as 'ratchet') jeep to this Lincoln Park sweet spot. Be inspired by the white walls, wooden boards, and black accents of this two-fold coffee and bike retailer. Heritage Bicycles, a trademark for beautiful Chicago cafes was most certainly on my to-do list this winter. I dare say this was one of my favorite places, minus the fact that it was unbearably cold and the baristas were far too interested in my photo-snapping blogger behavior. But hey, the space was a total heart throb and that's all that matters.

Material surroundings aside, let me take a moment to note the fine lady who daringly walked with me through the icy cold — Hayoung Hayeezy Hahayoho Kwon, who really made all the difference to my day. I can't quite iterate the surge of inspiration I feel when I sit with a fellow creative. The energy is real, even if it has nothing to do with what I'm working on. I think it's as they say: 'surround yourself around good people,' and I suppose that statement holds true for inspiration purposes as well. I admire her for her unique designs, her audacious workflow, and drive to make things happen. Minimal, substance-filled and fierce is how I'd describe it. And Hayeezy, can a sister brag? Ok, let me brag. Check out some of her art below:

(source: http://hayeezy.tumblr.com/)

RAINY ADVENT

The holidays in Chicago are always filled with buzz — this time, a little more rain and undertones of gloom. Still yet, it's my upmost cherished time of the year and what else could be a better hike up to Christmas other than my dear family. (By "family" I mean "family + wombmates" — aka, childhood friends that I've literally known for 20+ years! It's a uniquely mind boggling reality, one that still surprises me twenty some years later and counting.) Though the brutal chills have me committing oaths never to visit home in the winter ever again, moments of reflection calm me down into one blob of a feeling, that is, grateful. This gem of a place I call home, the indefinable relationships, and the every day sights of little succulents planted next to my coffee — all these things deposit in me fresh inspiration and gratitude.  Chicago, depressing weather and all, I love you. Happy Holidays. 

1. Arthur and California + Soy Latte

2. Plant + Garage

3. Nice Interior + Buzz Killer Espresso, Wicker Park

4. Charlie + DIY Christmas cards

5. Wicker Park spaces + Helen Kim

6. Selfie + Don't Sweat the Small Stuff