Being Back in America

After about two months in Cambodia, and then a month in South Korea, some thoughts:

First of all, it is a bit cliché but true; the strength of America, and independent American thinking comes from her diversity. Even though LAX might be one of the ugliest and worst airports in the world, it is certainly one of the most diverse and multicultural. For example, after spending about a month in South Korea, which is one of the most homogenous places in the world, it is nice to finally look at some faces which are different.

Also a funny observation; when it comes to cars. A sign of South Korean homogeneity comes from the fact that all the cars are only three colors; either white silver or black. At least America there is more diversity with cars, car colors etc.

Ultimately, where do you want to be, or where do you want to live? For me, it seems to have been beneficial to be born and raised in the states, especially in the liberal and open minded Bay Area. However now that I am adult, having to live in America is less important; most of my American thinking is already solidified, and I can’t import that line of thinking anywhere I go.

Also, ultimately Amazon prime is great, and also, one of the big benefits of being in the states is how easy it is to dispose of trash. Having to organize and sort through trash in South Korea a huge pain in the ass.

Where is the best place in terms of photography and creativity and motivation?

However in this regard, America is not ideal. America is boring. Better to be in a dynamic Phnom Penh, Cambodia, or a dynamic Seoul South Korea. If you want to maximize your photography, best to be abroad.

What I miss about Hadong South Korea and the mountainside

One of my first observations about America and why it is so bad is that it is so flat. Too flat. No diversity in environment, which mollifies your thinking.

It is my theory that if you live in the mountains, and you live in a place which has some diversity in train, it stimulates your thinking. Jagged environments are better for your brain.

Freedom?

It seems nowadays, I think the notion of freedom is kind of more of a commodity. For example, in America, freedom is associated with purchasing guns, and being antigovernment. However, my better notion of freedom is when it comes to your everyday lived reality.

For example, in most places you have every day freedom. However I think the ultimate freedom is freedom of action and speech.

For example, a lot of countries abroad, you cannot really say what do you want to say or publish what you really want to say, because there is always a form of government surveillance, and you actually might be questioned by the police. Or jailed.

Therefore if you’re a free thinker or philosopher, America is best.

So where should I live?

I say live on the road, or a semi nomadic life. The upside of being a solo entrepreneur, “digital nomad”, or a digital nomad photographer — you as the “company” of just one (just yourself).

Never stay in one spot for too long. If you have the option, stay in one spot for 3 months before moving on.

American thinking, abroad living.

ERIC

AMERICAN INNOVATION >

Also, a critique of life in America vlog

Last day for early bird DOWNTOWN LA WORKSHOP

Today is the last day for DOWNTOWN LA early bird discount.

See minimalist >

Early bird link.

Creative ideas

Hadong South Korea creative photography retreat

If you want to evolve creatively, register intent for my next year HADONG South Korea creativity retreat.

Currently the tentative date is August 1 to August 5, 2023. The basic gist of the workshop is going to be in the beautiful mountain side of HADONG South Korea, as an opportunity to practice your creativity. This will be focused around drawing, painting, photography, and learning new things like starting your own YouTube channel, and thinking creatively.

Things to watch

Saw “the throne” Korean film, on my air premia flight from Seoul to lax. Air premia is a really good budget airline— tons of super cheap flights from Incheon to LAX. Found the throne film to be really good!
Pachinko Apple TV+ really good!

HAPTIC PHOTO SUPPLY

BOOKS

HAPTIC PRESS

STREET NOTES PRINT // DIGITAL
FILM NOTES PRINT // DIGITAL

More random thoughts

Best shorts are LICENSE TO TRAIN LULULEMON SHORTS // black, no liner. Also, I’m starting to think of NOT wearing merino wool tights, or any tights. Bare legs, like the ancient spartan 300s.
Best car has some insanely extreme color — the hyper green color on BMW M3 or X4M hyper yellow color. Tesla cars as too boring — colors are too boring. ERIC KIM CAR THOUGHTS