After missing home on the day of Eid I spent the entire night talking to my family back in the U.S. I literally chugged two cans of americano that night to stay awake, and only slept for 3 hours. I woke up at 9 am to my mom’s call from the U.S. Seeing everyone in one place and celebrating made me more homesick. After Eid I found myself unmotivated to go anywhere, and it was also raining fairly heavily so I stayed cooped up in my room.
The week after, May 19, was Buddha’s birthday which is a national holiday here so it meant no class and a perfect day to take the day off from classwork. My Kazakhstan friend, her twin, and another one of their friends decided that day would be the perfect day to go to the palace and rent hanbok which they still hadn’t done. This whole thing set me into a dilemma about if I wanted to wear the handbook again since I already did it probably just two weeks ago. Though to be honest I really did want to do it, especially because the last time I went I saw a hanbok skirt that I wanted to wear but didn’t because it was from their premium collection which meant that it was more expensive than the rest. So next day, on our way on the bus, I prayed that the skirt would still be there. I called my sister again and this time she offered to pay for my skirt since I didn’t get anything new for Eid this year. She was so generous to do so, and she really does spoil me. In a way, I was able to celebrate Eid in a very over-the-top hanbok. I would say i defiantly looked better this time, I chose to go for something very extra for my blouse and skirt, where the last time I choose to do a very simple top. When I sent my mom pictures that night she was like “it doesn’t matter where you are you are determined to make your Eid as extra as and as expensive as possible aren’t you?”
A Message from the Office of Global Engagement:
The safety and security of Drexel students is a priority for the University. As part of the efforts to support Drexel students that are studying abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Global Engagement has conducted a rigorous review of programming and provided additional support to participating students with customized pre-departure orientations and regular check-ins during the required self-isolation period and the term.