It's been awhile

I have been pretty busy working two jobs and having fun weekends!
Recently, I went to Goeje Island with my friend Woo. We went on a beautiful December day, there were no people so we were able to enjoy the beaches and scenery without too many tourists. The above photos are from the island, it was the most beautiful place I have seen so far.
We also went to a professional basketball game here in Changwon. It was just like an NBA game except only $7 for killer seats.
A few weeks ago I ate duck for the first time! It was absolutely delicious! I didnt know what I was missing out on. Its my new favorite food to eat at restaurants. Many places serve it here and it's reasonably priced, just another thing to love about Korea!
This weekend, I saw the Harry Potter movie. I didnt necessarily want to see it, but the friend I was with did, so I went along. I have never read a Harry Potter book nor seen an HP movie. But it was AWESOME. There were many things and places and names that I didnt understand, but it was nonstop action and I fell in love with all the characters. I guess all the people telling me for years that I would love it were right. I am going to start reading the books ASAP!
It's Christmastime now but I haven't felt too homesick. Christmas isnt a big deal in Korea, plus the weather has been warm and there's not lots of decorations or Christmas music and shopping shoved down my throat. So, its been kind of nice to be away from the hoopla. On Christmas day we will go to another basketball game and then have kind of a potluck dinner with friends. It should be a good time!
I've also decided to stay in Korea until August. It will give me time to save some more money and hopefully see a little more of the country. I really enjoy teaching and I just don't feel ready to wind down yet.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

To leave or not to leave

I am coming up on six months spent in Korea. I kind of want to stay past my year contract. But Europe for the summer is so incredibly tempting. So, I think I may compromise and stay until August instead of June. I got to thinking about leaving today and I felt overwhelmingly sad. I will miss my kids, I will miss my easy life in Korea. Plus, I'm making tons of extra money now, it's so hard to walk away from that. But I also need to get on with life in the US. I need to get back to school. While discussing my wanting to stay in Korea, my director told me I was getting "kind of old" and that I should go back to school before too long! Koreans are rather blunt, sometimes it's hurtful. I see what he means, and I can always come back, but it won't be the same. I think staying until August will satisfy me, and I can hopefully still spend the fall in Europe. How awesome does fall in Europe sound?? The crowds will be less, the weather will be cooler. Maybe this is the best idea I've ever had.

Seoul part 2

As I mentioned before, there are millions of people in Seoul. Apparently, they all went to the Seoul International Festival. This pic is from the subway, all of us smooshed in trying to get out. I think we went up three flights of stairs and through hallways like this. It was hot and pretty awful. When we finally got outside, the scene was insane. There had to be millions of people at this park to watch the fireworks. And Koreans aren't very polite when they try to get past you, they basically shove you. They'll shove you with their elbows, shoulders, knees, butts, hips, anything that will move you out of the way.


I did get a chance to try out the camera for night scenes. Here are a couple pics I took, I'm so thrilled with the way they turned out! The fireworks were a big deal and lasted at least an hour. They were pretty spectacular. These pictures were taken on a bridge.


































I will be visiting Seoul again, it's about a 5 hour bus ride and just a Saturday and Sunday to visit isn't enough time. I really want to spend more time exploring the city and all it's charms.

Seoul part 1

Last weekend, my friends and I visited the capital city of Seoul. I'm in love. Seoul is huge, but clean and beautiful and a perfect mix of old and new. The king's palace stands at the end of a street lined with 30 story buildings. There's rich culture in the city everywhere you turn.
However, there are millions and millions of people! A woman stopped me on the street and proceeded to rub my arms vigorously, then she touched my chest and motioned to my face. I assumed she was concerned about my freckles being some sort of horrible disease I was unaware of, but we think she was telling me to cover up. It was a strange experience!


This is the entrance to the king's palace, we didn't go inside.













Guards for the palace.












View of the palace from the busy city street.

Today is Saturday

Today I went to the Korean dentist. On the walk there, two older Koreans stopped to say "Hello" in English, which was impressive considering their age. The man shook my hand and the woman said, "Welcome to Korea!" I don't often get older people acknowledging me other than to stare blankly at me, it's usually the children that talk to me on the street. The dentist charged me only $15 for a cleaning, what a deal! Right before the woman started cleaning, she put this paper towel with just a nose/mouth hole on my face. It was quite strange. Perhaps the Koreans don't like looking into your eyes as they clean your teeth. If I was claustrophobic I think I would have had a big problem with it. I really couldn't see anything! On the elevator leaving the dentist, a woman reached over and started fixing my collar! That would never happen in the US. She acted like it was totally normal to touch a complete stranger, let alone a foreigner! Oh Korea.
Megan gets married in one week! I'm so sad I can't be there, but I think we will set up Skype so I can say hello at the reception.
School is going well this semester, I'm definitely into the swing of things here.

Part 3, Sunrise Peak

Sunrise Peak in the background, beyond it is all ocean.














At the top, I couldn't fit the whole crater into one picture, it was so huge, I was a little scared of the height.









But I got over my fear! I laugh in the face of danger!












View overlooking the island












Sunrise Peak was my favorite part. The pictures don't convey the beauty of this place or the amazing views!

Part 2

The fountain in the Italian garden at the botanical gardens











Giant penis fountain at Loveland












One of the tamer statues.
I believe it was called "Love, American style"


















The beautiful beach