I've moved on...
...to a different domain. Why, what were you thinking? The truth is, I just woke up one day and decided it's time for a change—a metamorphosis, if you will; or, in layman's terms, if Britney can shave her head, then maybe so can I? Nevertheless, it's been a rather handsome 10 years of talking to you, and thank you for putting up with all my moodswings and terrible dad jokes. Fear not! The hormonal imbalance and jokes are more terrible on CUBICLE, see you there.

Cardigan – DIY Uniqlo, Top – Uniqlo, Jeans – H! by Henry Holland for Debenhams, Shoes – Zara, Laptop Bag – Samsonite, Bracelet – COS

The best and worst thing about coming back home to Warsaw is that I can pick up exactly where I left off 6 months ago – the same roadworks that still jam the intersection to dad’s restaurant, my car with its front wheels in the garden grass as I last parked it… Even the snow shovel from January is still leaning outside the garage door. The fact that nothing seems to change is haven but at the same time I feel that it robs the satisfaction of being away from something for a long period of time. It’s as if the act of taking everything off except my wig, bra and panties at the security gate was for no cause, or standing an awkward minute too long at the check-in desk waiting for the man to realize how politically uninformed he is to ask whether we are from North or South Korea was an awkward minute wasted.

One thing that does seem to change though, is the increasing number of wrinkles on my parents face each time I visit – I wouldn’t mind taking the gun out of my wig or telling the man that we’re from West Korea if it means I could give the pleasure of giving the folks a visit.

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65 Comments

  1. I’ve just come back from uni and my room is feels the exact same – my bed is still unmade from 4 months ago. love your fingernails. and the outfit.

    enjoy warsaw!

    xx

  2. Regina

    I’ve been reading your blog for over a year–this is my favorite post. Just… concise, sharp, and beautiful. Hemingway-esque, you know? And you look so set, so home, so in it. I hope you are well.

  3. Probably the biggest compliment ever, thank you so much

  4. I hate that question of North vs. South Korea–especially because I’m a citizen of neither!
    And the worst feeling for me, after a long vacation–seeing the mess I left on my bed while trying to figure out what to pack. -__-

    -Jane @ Brunch at the Beach

  5. I completely empathize… My room is exactly the same whenever I go back. Just as if no time has passed… but you know so many months have already gone by.

    It’s your birthday soon! I remember sharing the same feelings as you last year about birthdays… I hope you have a great time with your family!

  6. suu

    hi. may i know what brand is your straightener?

  7. hahaa sure, it’s Wahl and it was cheapo! Works really well though…

  8. When I came back home from Thailand, I felt like the little things… such as the height of the doorknob, my room… were all different in a weird way. Except I realized, after settling in, that everything was exatly the same. It was an odd feeling.

    And I’ve gotten asked a few times whether I was from North or South Korea, to which I answer: seriously?? It’s a little disconcerting.

  9. nice rainbow nails and i want sushi now :)

  10. What a lovely post. The writing at the end really struck me. Returning home is strange for everyone in their own ways, I think.
    And on a slightly simpler note, I need to do a rainbow manicure immediately. Such a fresh pop!
    xoo

  11. ++f+

    really liked the way your thoughts turned up here. so bingo it hurts a lil.

  12. Anna Steiny

    gorgeous post. and what a dingus at checkin, haha.

  13. Sushi?
    yum yum yum.

    xoxo,
    http://glittermixedwithrockndroll.blogspot.com/

  14. Oh hey! Sorry for the unpleasant wait at the airport… But it must be nice to be at home? I love your nails… And I have that the same jeans, in a more gray color… But it looks much better on you :)

  15. You still look stylish at the airport. I don’t understand how people do that!?
    I love the first photograph of the pile of belongings. It’s lovely.
    I hope you had a fantastic trip. Can’t believe the guy asked you if you’re from North or South Korea… that is the most ridiculous thing ever.

  16. I love your nails! Dare I ask…what colours did you use? :D
    mmmmmmmmMMm that plate of sushi and stuff I always eat but don’t know the name of.
    It’s always good to be home with the fambam. :) I personally love being home but then again I have 10 people living with me and it’s rarely a bore around here.

  17. Heheh sure you can ask! The Red was from ‘Models Own’, Orange, Yellow, mint and blue from BarryM! Simple :P

  18. coming home after a long time feels like the time has stoped for me!!!
    it sttpped while i was living…interesting to be back:)
    i love the feeling

  19. you are wonderful

  20. Oh, the sushi! <3

  21. Shini, this is a beautiful post.
    I’m so jealous of that gigantic feast of sushi!

    Enjoy home and let me know when you’re back, so I can pester you about our next dance class! ;)

  22. at these photos you look a bit scared. you’re confusing meee.
    are you attending an parties during your stay? it would be so cool to pop into you;)

  23. I was just tired I’m sure ;) It would be lovely to bump into you too!

  24. Your photos are always perfect :)
    and that sushi looks so yummy, I’m gettin hungry now, ahah. x

  25. Kyu

    You absolutely have a brilliant talent in writing. Seriously.. This is one of my favorite posts that you posted. Love your work.

  26. But it’s nice in a way, to have that familiarity, or at least I think so. It’s the same, but different don’t you think?

    http://pagesixxx.blogspot.com/

  27. i reaaally love your nails! xx

  28. great sushi and great nails !!
    http://www.modemuffins.blogspot.com

  29. Rainbow-coloured nails! Hooray!

  30. !!!!!!!!! MIAM Want Maki!!!

    ‘ECH from pAris
    La Bise
    http://www.evachristahiag.blogspot.com

  31. Um, excuse while I devour the sushi…nom nom nom

  32. i love your trouser so much!!!

  33. totally love the first picture and i am loving your nails! :)

  34. Patience

    what kind of camera do you use!? yur pictures are always so gorgeous :)

  35. I just got Canon 550D (in fact second post to be doing with this!) but it’s really the lens (Sigma 30mm f1.4) & post-production that makes the photos!

  36. The rainbow nails are so ice truck killer from Dexter Season 1; in a good way :)

  37. enjoy warsaw, say hello to pac zbawiciela, powisle and galeria mokotow :)))

    xoxo
    K.

  38. Amalina

    Looking good as always… and I love your sense of humour!

    xo http://www.fashion-feline.blogspot.com

  39. love these photos shini! your airport experience sounds rather delightful… err. also, i am coming to visit you. that sushi looks like the most beautiful thing i’ve ever seen… yummmm. xx

  40. I totally know that feeling – even after having left Berlin 10 years ago when I go back I still sometimes feel as if I never left, which feels creepy and homely at the same time. (I’m also used to the question if I came from East or West Berlin when the wall was still very much present…)
    So happy to have found your blog through Take 10 (Cool outift, delicious sushi and amazing nails!!). Have added you to my blog roll and twitter. Wishing you a lovely time in Warsaw! xoxo

  41. korean, but based in Warsaw and living in london, how interesting
    enjoyed the little piece you wrote :)
    have fun in Warsaw

  42. woohoo its your diy cardigan in action ;)

    KeepItFvncy,
    M.E.

    p.s. – i love your nails in this post – super fun!

  43. I ♥ what you do in this blog. Seriously, I am a truly fan of your work.

    Oh, and I died for your nails..what a beautiful rainbow!

    Xx

  44. ouch can I say sorry for the officer to ask you about Korea thing? I really wish that one day ppl here will understand more about world out there and about ppl who lived here and are not damn white-catholic-straight-man XD
    Anyway – do you have any plans visiting Cracow? Coz if yes I would love to have coffe or whatever with you in my dear small city

    PS. Of course like the rest – I loveee your fingers ^_^

  45. […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by S. Park. S. Park said: New Post: Just as I left You http:parkandcube.com/?p=5457 […]

  46. I hate to go trough security at airports -they make me so nervous!

    juliet xxx

  47. The bottom photo makes me crave for a night out with friends and a huge plate of well-made Sushi.

  48. I hate airport customs/check ins, I’m the only person in my family who has problem getting stuck at custom cos of my interesting birthplace (N.Ireland).

    Love the photos….thumbs up for 550D!!!

  49. Lol loved this post even more as I’m readin it in the airport in belfast
    After spending two hours tryin to check in! Airport staff seriously ask the
    Most inappropriate questions! Ps that sushi looks so good :)
    Vicki xo

  50. I have to say that I really enjoyed this post. I completely agree with the 2nd commenter about the Hemingway style. You’re a great writer. I always enjoy having your blog pop up when I press ‘next’ on my bloglovin :)

  51. hmppppph i know, i still get that korea question from people nowadays, i mean seriously it’s the 21st century and yes, every single time i do reply courteously but sometimes i just want to say “are you kidding me???? you’re asking that as a QUESTION???!!!”
    geez

  52. I go home every two years and find it comforting that nothing has changed! You look beautiful as usual, even after flying!
    S
    http://notjustmedical.wordpress.com

  53. Hey! Shini eonni
    Long time no see it’s Somin your cousin hehe
    How are you doing?I’ve just heard about your own website and the news that you were in lot of renowned magazines!This website is full of so much cool things.I totally lost track of time looking around all of them ;)
    I hope everything goes well with everything you’re up to and say hello to kyu hyun oppa :) He used to teach me how to play Pocket Monster game haha

    Have a nice day!

  54. Lisa

    Hi, Shini!
    I’m a big admirer of your blog.
    Can you tell me where you got that grey briefcase-type bag in the first photo? Any thoughts about options for neat-but-special work bags that can actually hold documents?!

    Thanks!!!

  55. I hear you, what a great post. And I love your nails.

  56. oh, love your nails!!

  57. Hope you’ve had a good birthday!

    That sushi looks delicious…

    tweet tweet tweet

    x

  58. Really moving post, Shini. I know what you mean about ageing parents. That sushi looks AMAZNG btw. xx
    http://www.weshopthereforeweare.co.uk/

  59. welcome back to warsaw:)
    inappropriate questions are the airport saff’s thing. “do you have any kielbasa in your bag?” is the one i get the most, but it’s supposed to be funny i guess.
    where is your Father’s restaurant? that sushi looks so good!

    and oh, i love your style, so simple yet so different. and i adore your attention to the details.

    x
    werka/ eliwer

  60. your nails are too cute!
    very nice post, and now i’m craving some sushi ^-^

  61. love the colors in this outfit! those boots are amazing! i want them :P

  62. You know, I’m just waiting for the day when we have to go to the airport naked for “security purposes.” We won’t be allowed a stitch of clothing. :/

    Hope you’re having (or had?) a good time regardless!

  63. how do your little packing piles look so chic and tidyi? im a mess when im traveling!

  64. you have such a diverse background, i’m really envious. mines all from the same place and i’m still afraid to spread my wings and wander too far away.

    i didn’t even notice you were wearing your cardigan until a commenter pointed it out! durr!

  65. Justin

    Kropla Beskidu!
    Nice to see your blog a little Polish;)
    greetings from Polish