As I narrow down my choices and figure out where I what I want to do in life and where I want to live, the pros and cons isn't as easy to balance out as I thought. If only I could live life traveling from country to country every few months. Not saying that airplane would be my main source of transportation, especially because I have been tired of seeing so many different airports this month alone. Finding the right place to settle down isn't as easy as it seems.
New York has still been the same. A division between money and happiness is what we have here. Why is it that we associate money with happiness? Do we all need money to be happy? This is something many of us fail to acknowledge and just continue to become submissive to the New York culture. I have, again, done such a thing and forgot what happiness was for just a second. Now that I take a step back, I should rethink where I would like to spend the rest of my life.
With the perks come disadvantages in life which include every country I've previously visited:
- Korea The things that I have learned has definitely changed me as a person, especially the dinners that I cook now, with a big portion being Korean food. There are so many cultural differences that are contrary to my beliefs in life that it makes it difficult to live in Korea for the rest of my life. Nonetheless, there are a ton of perks and advantages of living in Korea. A handful of which makes me want to stay and live in Korea forever. Unfortunately, raising children and having them learn under the stressful and competitive Korean tradition may not be the easiest thing. The things my strict parents hand me undergo as a child nearly doesn't compare to what my students go through daily.
- Taiwan It is by far still my favorite tourist location for the street food that they offer. For cheap price and great food, this is difficult to top. The people are extremely friendly in Taiwan and always willing to help. I have met a handful of wonderful people from Taiwan and it is one of the places on my list that I want to move to, but there is a price to pay with the compensation and amount of work one puts in. Because the low costs of life, there is no need for a high salary compensation, but you are expected to work hard.
- Hong Kong The people are blunt and straight forward. They may not be the nicest people in the world but they do have quite the pride in who they are. I am proud to know the Cantonese language and take pride in my family background but never expected to see or hear some of the things I have experienced in Hong Kong. The food though, is another story. This is like taking Chinatown to the next level!
- Australia The simple fact that there are a large number of killer species that live with you, Australia is definitely not the safest place. I'm definitely not fond of insects and that is mostly what I've been seeing here in addition to a few frightening reptiles along the way. Although the minimum wage is at the top of the mark worldwide, living in Australia can add up as well. If only a working holiday can be worked out where I won't spend too much money and just work hard to save through the year! That's pretty much impossible with the amazing food culture Melbourne has to offer, LOVEEEEE it there.
- Maldives It is the best honeymoon spot honestly. The locals are amazing, but there are not a ton of foreigners living in the Maldives. I just can't wait to go back, especially for the fresh seafood and great friends. I honestly hope and pray that it can last through the decade and overcome global warming. This is an issue that has affected us all, but when will we act on it to save our own kind?
- China For a country that has been growing at such an incline, with a goal to be the best at everything, China is definitely one that is great for anyone who is looking to get rich. It is a bit unfortunate that the health regulations and air just isn't the best in China. There has been a lot of sacrifices in terms of health concerns, which makes me take a step back, but I wish that just wasn't the problem.
- Vietnam This is probably one of the most relaxing countries that I have been to, but it is unfortunate that I do not speak the language. The lifestyle is something new to get used to. A New Yorker just isn't made out for the slow pace, but the food is amazing. Having to justify between living in the North where my parents lived and the South where the cuisine is amazing is another story!
Moral of this: find happiness in some way, some sort. For me, I think it's by my stomach.
Ngam serves up a new touch on Thai goods with a slight infusion twist, labeling it as the "Modern Thai Comfort Food." Taking traditional Thai food to the next level, Ngam is a place that will have you on your feet as to what culinary twist to expect. The best sellers include the Old School Pad Thai, a more traditional style of Thai dishes, as well as the Dark Knight, a bed of black squid ink noodles topped with fried calamari to it's perfection. Every dish at Ngam is infused with an immense amount of flavor, giving the right balance for your palette. The one thing that did not work for me was the Thai Taco, a stir-fry bunch of meat and vegetables topped on a pan fried roti wrap; there definitely could have been more to this.
With the variety of Thai goods, expect nothing less than a packed madhouse when visiting Ngam. Be sure to make reservations well ahead of time to dodge the long lines. Although you may be waiting a while for your food, the customer service is at the top at Ngam, which may be hard to come across now-a-days. Staff is ready to tackle your every craving, minus the number of dishes that were ordered before you.