The Disasters of an Untried Traveler in Korea: Open up to Disaster

One of my favorite lyrics says, “Open up to disaster—and paradise.” The first time I heard it, my breath caught. This simple sentence holds so much truth, and it’s a truth that I—as somebody who’s afraid to take any and all risks—really need to remember. Because while only making the safe choices can protect you from negative consequences, it also keeps some of the best experiences that life has to offer at a far distance. And traveling is all about experiences—both good and bad. The calamity and the perfection. You can't grow by only experiencing the good parts of life.

South Korea is my favorite place in the world. Even more than two years later, I can still conjure up the magic that surrounded me when I looked out over Seoul on top of Mount Namsan, or the wonder I felt as I walked towards the bright colors of Changgyeonggung, the hanbok that I was wearing rustling with every step I took. Nothing could ever ruin my memories or feelings of Seoul. Certainly not a few disasters.

So, the next time you recount your adventures with family, friends, or coworkers, tell the truth. Tell your them about something that went wrong during your trip. Something that made you sad or afraid or angry. Open up to disaster.

…and maybe a little bit of paradise, too.