Undercover Miguk

Blog

  • Hangang, Seoul’s Outdoor Living Room

    The first time I set eyes on the Han River, I was shocked. The river itself was beautiful, of course, but what really surprised me was the culture surrounding it. Everywhere I looked, people were outside enjoying the nice weather with food, drinks, and games. Friends gathered on picnic mats, people lounged under tents, and… Read more →

  • The Undercover Miguk

    미국 (miguk, pronounced mee-gook) is the Korean word for the United States. I’m a fourth-generation Japanese American. Growing up, I wanted to be fully American, whatever that meant. There was a period when I wanted very little to do with the Japanese side of myself. It wasn’t until I got older that I began to… Read more →

  • Multiplicity, Culture Shock, and Recovery

    Coming to Malaysia has been unexpectedly challenging for me, and it’s interesting in a way I’m struggling to explain. On the plane ride over, Sara and I were both so excited. It felt different from almost every other flight we’ve taken on this trip. For the first time since I arrived in Thailand for study… Read more →

  • Fado, Friendship, A Wedding in a Palace

    I’ve had many kinds of friendships in my life. Growing up in California, many of my friendships were proximity-based. We shared a school, a team, a routine, and maybe some interests like video games, sports, or just hanging out. Those early friendships became extremely important in the creation of my identity. I used to tell… Read more →

  • Lisbon, Cabo Verde, and the Worlds within Worlds

    I lived in Portland for six years, and I still wouldn’t call myself an expert on Portland. I know a lot about the area, certainly. I know places that I love and places that I don’t. I know streets that bring back specific memories. I know restaurants I would recommend and neighborhoods I would tell… Read more →

  • Madrid, First Impressions, Immigrant Culture

    During our first two days in Madrid, we had a hard time understanding the city. Our first impressions weren’t particularly positive. On our way to the hostel, we saw a man peeing into a corner, the urine slowly dripping into the middle of the street where we were walking. On many streets, we could smell… Read more →

  • Valencia, Third Cultures, Tender Octopus

    One of my favorite aspects of traveling is the friendships you make along the way. Friendships that persist across time and space are special. Years ago, I studied abroad in Thailand. It was my first time experiencing life in another country and making friends from different cultures. The experience changed my life. I’ve been fortunate… Read more →

  • Spanish Markets, Cathedrals, Catalan Culture

    Day 9 – Our second day in Barcelona  Thankfully, I felt much better today, and just in time for one of my favorite days of the trip. I have a lot to say and I’m not sure how to say it. We started out by heading towards a street called La Rambla, historically one of… Read more →

  • Gaudi, Tapas, Emergency Ramen

    Day 8 – First full day in Barcelona Last night was the roughest sleep I’ve had in a while. I was on the top bunk in a 16-person hostel room. My bunk was closest to the AC, and I woke up several times in the middle of the night with my nose and mouth hurting… Read more →

  • Crepes, Flight Delays, FC Barcelona

    Day 7 – Nice to Barcelona Today was our travel day from Nice to Barcelona, and it was far from smooth. We started the morning with one last meal in Nice before hiking up to a beautiful viewpoint we had been looking forward to seeing for months.  From there, we went to the airport, where… Read more →