Play and Stay in KK: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu

Where to Stay in Sabah: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort Kota Kinabalu Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu (Malaysian Borneo) is the ideal place to stay in Sabah. Just outside of the city, it offers something for couples (read: adults only) and families alike!  I could live very happily at Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort…

Korea International Expat Film Festival (KIXFF) Oscars Party 2018 in Seoul

You’re Invited! Join The Toronto Seoulcialite @ KIXFF’s Oscars Party WHAT IS KIXFF? KIXFF stands for the Korea International Expat Film Festival which was established in 2015 by director, Kevin Lambert.  It’s mission is to bring films with an “expat-perspective” to Seoul.  It’s the only festival in the world to do so.  It became apparent…

Staying in Sabah – Deal: Dock In Hostel Kota Kinabalu

Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu: Dock In Hostel near KK Airport When arriving in Kota Kinabalu on a red-eye fight from Seoul, the last thing I wanted to do was take an eternity finding my bearings.  At 2 AM I got a GrabCar from the Kota Kinabalu Airport to Dock In Hostel in under…

Making Memories: Dreams of Malaysia

Meeting Malaysia A major bonus of my 3rd year teaching English in South Korea has been the opportunities for international travel.  2017 had some major ups and downs, but my passport has been getting a workout.  This past year alone, I’ve managed to see Taipei, Tokyo, Jeju, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur!  While each place was…

Seoul Food: Homeboy – Pop-Up by Manimal & KiKi Chanting

Homeboy Seoul Pop-Up In case you missed it, Tuesday January 9th was the latest and greatest (well…only for me thus far) pop-up from the Manimal Team.  From the people who have recently brought us KiKi Chanting, Homeboy Seoul (by Junki, Sanyoon, Mili, and Matt) was a feast of “Asian street food bites with unique cocktails”.  Great…

Zombie House: Seoul Trick Eye Museum’s Winter Exhibit

Seoul’s Trick Eye Museum Since moving to Seoul nearly 2 years ago I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the Trick Eye Museum in Hongdae 4 times!  It’s amazing to see how this Seoul tourist attraction has changed even just over the past year.  Dedicated to the user experience, the Trick Eye Museum has made several…

Repatriation Fears: 10 Reasons I’m Afraid to Leave Korea

As my plans beyond my final contract in Korea begin to solidify, so do my repatriation fears.  Surviving “reverse culture shock” is daunting, and a very real challenge.  I’ve been reading articles with titles like “Moving Home with Dignity” and “Top Tips for Repatriation”.  I just want to live on an imaginary beach far away…

Cya Later, Seoul: Things I’ll Miss About Korea

So Long, Korea! My life here has been incredible, but even in Neverland you’ll find you have your ups and downs.  Last week, to the dismay of many on Facebook, I wrote about the things I hate about living as a foreigner (expat) in Korea.  This week, on a more positive note, I’m sharing just…

Peace Out Seoulmates: 15 Things I Hate About Korea

Deuces, Korea! In March of 2018, I’ll be leaving Korea. After 1 year in Busan and nearly 2 years in Seoul it’s time to bid adieu to the Land of Morning Calm.  I’ve had plenty of amazing travel experiences and local opportunities, dating blunders, and hagwon hells in Korea.  There’s plenty to love, but everyone loves…

Seoul Food: New Burgers @ The Workshop & Hidden Cellar (HBC)

The Workshop & Hidden Cellar (Itaewon/ HBC) If you’ve been paying attention to the HBC/ Itaewon group or the Restaurant Buzz Seoul page on Facebook you’ll already know that the Workshop and Hidden Cellar in the Haebangchon area of Itaewon has been busy.  With the renovations finished, a new brunch menu, drink specials, and live…

Seoul Food: Gino’s Pizza – Gangnam (Apgujeong)

New York Pizza in Gangnam? Café Kudeta (카페쿠데타) in Apgujeong Rodeo area closed recently, much to my friends’ chagrin.  I work between the Apgujeong and Rodeo subway stations.  Even though we have an hour for lunch, it’s not always enough time to have a Korean meal.  We have grown tired of many of the Western-style restaurants,…