Two but one

Three weeks have past like a year. I came back for finals and don't remember doing anything useful for my life, body nor mind. I really wonder why my lifestyle in Switzerland and in Korea is so different. In fact, I'm a different person. The environments are radically different. In Switzerland, I live with my family and rather on the countryside. In the metropolitan city of South Korea however, my life is very busy and I live alone. It can be disappointing to see myself so alienated. Besides, it's always a back and forth. Eventually, wherever I'm situated I will get used to who I'm currently am but isn't it a sign of being weak?

Time
In Switzerland, time is much slower. Very few times I find myself in a hurry. Appointments are made reasonably and I'm mostly on time. Whereas in Seoul, I'm in a constant hurry and forget about time easily. My day consists of going to at least two different meetings. I every now and then plan an impossible schedule where I end up having to cancel one appointment. Not only minutes or hours pass so quickly. It's days, weeks and months.

Self-unfolding
Did you see when I posted last? It was when I came back from Korea. It's because simply I got no time when I'm there. In my free time I end up doing wasteful stuff like taking a nap, watching TV and scrolling through Facebook for hours. In Switzerland however, I read books, rebuild my room, do research on really interesting things, cook something new and generally think differently. I would even claim the Swiss me is the more intelligent one. Also I noticed that I only search for good music and movies when I'm in Switzerland. Probably because I have more time for myself.

Personal boundaries
The Seoul society (I don't want to generalize but let's say the one I'm in) can be limiting to my person in regard of generalized beauty standards, fads and people having similar mindsets. The Korean society's development is extremely fast. Besides, status is really important. For instance a person will always be introduced to another person by mentioning something special about her/him. I guess this is something I don't like about being in Korea. The social pressure and image making.

In Korea:
I arrive at a bar and except for my friend I only see new faces.
Friend: "Hey Gabi, this is my friend. He's the manager of the club blahblah. And this friend has an own company. He is really rich! Ha ha ha."
Here, whether I'm genuinely impressed or not will have to force an "ooohhhh" "ahhh"

Even I get introduced this way. My quality is probably that I'm Swiss. Apparently, this is the only one I got (lol)
Friend: "Hey guys, this is Gabi. She's from Switzerland and she speaks German."

The Swiss society can be limiting too. However, it's not necessarily a pressure. It's hard to describe but I'd say it's like being judged passively. Therefore, since it's more of an passive feel, I don't really care that much. I personally believe the Swiss are more conservative or let's say afraid of novelty. Especially in my town, people generally like the easy and modest life.

The differences are immense. In 2015, I want to work on finding a inner balance.