After wrapping up our studies in the States, my husband and I spent about four months of summer vacation in Korea for the first time in a while. Since we didn’t have a place of our own in Korea, we lived like nomads, going back and forth between our in-laws’ and parents’ houses.
At times, living with our parents posed some challenges. Plus, the hot weather and monsoon season brought us down a bit, leading to occasional disagreements with my husband over trivial reasons.
Even so, we were able to create fond memories by traveling with family and spending time together. These memories will give us a boost as we live in the States, and help us cherish our family even more.
wrap up - to complete or finish something
pose - to cause something, especially a problem or difficulty
bring down - to make someone lose their position of power, or to make something end
trivial - having little value or importance
for the first time in a while - the activity or feeling mentioned had not occurred for a significant amount of time but has now happened again
미국 유학을 마치고 남편과 나는 오랜만에 한국에서 4개월 동안 여름방학을 보냈다. 우리는 한국에 거처가 없어서 시댁과 친정집을 유목민처럼 오가며 살았다.
양가 부모님과 함께 사는 것은 불편한 점이 있기도 했다. 또한 더운 날씨와 장마로 지치고, 이 때문에 사소한 이유로 남편과 가끔 다투기도 했다.
그렇지만 가족들과 함께 여행하고 함께 시간을 보내면서 좋은 추억을 만들 수 있었다. 이 추억은 미국에서 생활하는 데 큰 힘이 되고 가족을 더욱 소중히 여기게 될 것이다.
- I played ping pong for the first time in a while last weekend. / I saw her for the first time in a while.
- Her attitude brought everyone down. / This song always brings me down.
- We are too busy to spend time together during the week. / I try to spend time together with my parents as often as I can.
A: I heard your son and daughter-in-law are here?
B: Yes, they’re studying abroad in the States, but they’re back home for summer break.
A: I see. You must be glad to see them after such a long time.
B: Of course. I worry about how they’re doing overseas, but seeing them puts my mind at ease.
A: How much longer do they have left in their studies?
B: They both have two more semesters until they earn their degrees.
