
In my research for the perfect Presidents’ Day quote to post to Instagram, I found myself sifting through dozens of websites searching for inspiring word from our first president, George Washington.
I expected I would have a handful to choose from that I would find very meaningful, however what I discovered was a seemingly endless number of quotes nearly perfectly pertinent to the political landscape we currently find ourselves in. I landed on an uplifting and inspiring quote saying, “Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.”
My thought was that this was politically respectful enough to feel comfortable posting on such a public platform, however, it also captures so much of how so many people are feeling. We seem to be in unchartered waters politically, and I think it is so important for us to remember who we are as a nation. What could be more helpful in jogging our memory than a few famous words from the first leader of our great country.
So here they are, in no particular order, some of the most wise and currently relevant words from President Washington.
“Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.”
“If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”
“Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.”
“Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience.”
“Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone, and let your hand give in proportion to your purse.”
“The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.”
“Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.“
“I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.”
“There is nothing which can better deserve your patronage, than the promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness.”
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Happy Presidents’ Day
After a few days


Once we had taken 100 or so photos we decided to leave the refreshing mists of the falls and start making our way to Sanbanggulsa Temple.
In my travels I must have visited dozens of various temples at this point, but each one grabs my attention in a new way. They are so beautiful and feel so sacred and offer such an interesting insight into the beliefs of those who follow the respective religion.

Finally it was summer vacation. One thing I’ll say about Korea is that there’s a descent amount of public holidays, but they really don’t space them out efficiently. I joyfully boarded the small plane that would be taking some friends and I to
We knew that the Cheonjiyeon Waterfall was within walking distance and at some places could even hear it. Finding it was another task entirely though. We walked around the island following maps and street signs for what felt like hours. Eventually we made it to the park for the falls, where we walked along the path stumbling upon little bits of character all the way.
After lunch our group split up. One friend and I decided to brave the 90 degree heat and walk the town. Along our way we found a bustling street market and a charming café filled with vintage books and tropical leaves on each stainless steel table top. I also had the best coconut ice of my life.
Always in search of an enticing weekend get away, when a friend mentioned this festival last winter I was equal parts gung-ho and yet seriously questioning my desire to spend the weekend in a teeny tiny town surrounded by snow. Ultimately I decided that if nothing else it would be an adventure, and I purchased my ticket.

It started with a fish pedicure. Essentially you put your feet in a pool of water, and these little fish eat away any dry skin. While it feels really weird at first, once you get used to it, it’s not bad, and your feet are incredibly soft once your leave. I had the opportunity to have it done in Thailand as well where it’s a bit more common and the effects were, possibly, even better than a traditional pedicure.
And so, after our pedicure we taxied over to his office and walked into a small building with about 10 or so beds for acupuncture separated by curtains. We had a Korean friend go with us who signed us in and helped us translate. While the acupuncturist has assistants who help him do some of the work, he actually feels your energy and places the needles himself. He somehow managed to know the year I was born simply by holding my wrist. We left 40 minutes later feeling relaxed, and I personally was feeling very zen.