tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8295054452534510482024-03-13T00:45:17.245-07:00With love, from South KoreaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-58399569624830298082013-05-10T06:58:00.001-07:002013-05-18T07:51:59.792-07:00The End: 10 Things I Learned From Traveling the WorldToday, I realized that I've pretty much left this blog hanging since my last entry in Thailand. I suppose I have been putting off ending the written journey. I am no longer going to be updating here, as my travels in Asia have come to an end... FOR NOW. However, I have started a new blog- which can be found here:<span style="color: white;"> </span><a href="http://myfleetingheartrg.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">My Fleeting Heart</span></a><span style="color: yellow;">.</span> In closing, I will end with one last entry:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/OmLNs6zQIHo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<span lang=""><strong><span style="font-size: large;">10 Things I learned while traveling the world</span></strong>:<br />
<br />
The world is such a vast, fascinating, rich, and luscious place. We often find ourselves bound by the restraints that we build for ourselves, preventing us from ever really getting to experience it. I broke those restraints, if not permanently, just for a little while. The lessons I learned from traveling the world will stay with me forever. If you chose to take the path less travel, I promise that, you too, will learn more about yourself, humanity, and the beauty of the world we live in. The experience is invaluable. Below I have listed just a few of the things that I have taken from the world and elaborated on them to the best of my ability.</span><br />
<span lang=""></span><br />
<span lang=""></span><br />
<span lang=""></span><br />
<dir><span lang=""><span style="color: white;">
</span><dir><span style="color: white;">
</span><b><span style="color: white;">We are all different, but really we are all the same</span>. </b>We are plagued by judgement. It's an initial reaction to any one person we meet. Although it's not always vocalized, the instant we meet someone, we have an automated opinion of what kind of person they are, how they look, the way they speak, etc. Whether it's based on stereotype or first impression. How often do we really take the time to SEE someone? Take a step back. Take away all of the judgements and stereotypes. Imagine you see a woman from Thailand in her home, interacting with her children. The house is barely what you would consider suitable. The baby is sitting in the dirt naked. You see the baby reach out her hands beckoning her mother to embrace her. The mother smiles and holds her child close, as she plants kisses all over her cheeks. She has something in common with you, she shows love. Imagine you have a student in your classroom who is a North Korean refugee. You often see sadness in his eyes. He has something in common with you: he greives. A tuk tuk driver in Cambodia, haggles you to earn an extra dollar. He has no other source of income. He is trying to do whatever he can to feed his family. He has something in common with you: he knows the struggles of life. Little girls walking to school in Cambodai, shoeless, stop to smile and wave at you. They are going to learn, just as our children learn. At different times during my travels, I have seen my judgements and stereotypes of others dissapate. I have so often, found myself, sitting on a train watching the interactions of the people around me. I can see hurt in peoples eyes. I can see love between a mother and a child, I can see romance between man and wife. We might look different, dress different, act different, encounter different hardships of different calibers... but we all have one thing in common: we are human. We all give and receive love in the same way, we all feel pain and suffering, we are all one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGsxXs2N0TTtrch2HDZ_aZsSkZXE344zJ_vzVbMl1di5dt4-qwNS4H7HwncGaQ7r9GQnhPbIFeReMhPm3Of3fCqrb4nppSNhYrJB8dTu57OHwFRbZvGoNAe0CxtOIriy5FNDFsRBg48o/s1600/DSCN3602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGsxXs2N0TTtrch2HDZ_aZsSkZXE344zJ_vzVbMl1di5dt4-qwNS4H7HwncGaQ7r9GQnhPbIFeReMhPm3Of3fCqrb4nppSNhYrJB8dTu57OHwFRbZvGoNAe0CxtOIriy5FNDFsRBg48o/s320/DSCN3602.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<em>Children walking to school in Siem Reap, Cambodia.</em></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: white;">It's okay to talk to strangers</span>. </b>As children, we are raised and taught not to talk to strangers. As an adult, I sincerely encourage speaking with strangers. Backpacking alone leaves you in no position to be selective in who you choose to converse with. I now have friends from all over the world. I can honestly say, I have gotten into the car with strangers, I have shared rooms and taxis, and minimal bus space with strangers. Strangers often tend to have the most interesting stories and perspectives. It's amazing to think how many people we walk past on a daily basis without giving it a second thought. Strangers become friends, who become people who change your life.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXT7s5Q7Ga5_a5Wa4dmFcbnP44FHhZa9L0SzBia-EePK9Gdn63F0hLrbirSSY67RPLmt1NaDEdgHAMDVLoMut7vWXFeqG-nkDrOlY-oE6M7SoLJypBm1O3_AbtGRC6tx0iVnQBFhg9bU/s1600/DSCN3931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXT7s5Q7Ga5_a5Wa4dmFcbnP44FHhZa9L0SzBia-EePK9Gdn63F0hLrbirSSY67RPLmt1NaDEdgHAMDVLoMut7vWXFeqG-nkDrOlY-oE6M7SoLJypBm1O3_AbtGRC6tx0iVnQBFhg9bU/s320/DSCN3931.JPG" width="320" /></strong></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>The United States, Italy, Canada, Germany: I met these two guys on a boat en route to Railay, when they asked me to take a trip to Au Nang with them, I said.. WHY NOT. We met Greta in a hostel- we were both checking in separately and decided to get a room together. Her and I ended up traveling together for about a week. Robbie, the Canadian, and I, ended up meeting again later in Koh Tao, Thailand. Lucas is the most laid back 19-year-old free spirit. They were all once strangers, now they are friends.</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong></strong></div>
<strong><span style="color: white;">And to SMILE at them</span>.</strong>(not much explanatin is required here) Smiling at strangers, strangers smiling at you... it just makes the world seem a much better place. I NEVER saw more smiling faces than I did in Thailand. A smile- a simple and under appreciated act.</dir></span></dir><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9lWZ5KlTG7aUFOh8NIdTG_gdUWCOraBgimkLK1-Bw2mDGAgTc0dPl86mxJrb8-OyqxPqnYOET57VCqSsqDINuLSfuDIDxztbXZEmhsSD4wsGH7VGrkxwUxZbL8gH5U7-lyIYaRVyyiM/s1600/My+pictures+1226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9lWZ5KlTG7aUFOh8NIdTG_gdUWCOraBgimkLK1-Bw2mDGAgTc0dPl86mxJrb8-OyqxPqnYOET57VCqSsqDINuLSfuDIDxztbXZEmhsSD4wsGH7VGrkxwUxZbL8gH5U7-lyIYaRVyyiM/s320/My+pictures+1226.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span lang="">
</span><br />
<span lang=""></span><br />
<span lang=""><dir><dir>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>My English friend James making friends with an agguma in Korea.</em></div>
<em>
</em><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>Just look at that unmistakeable smile. How contagious.</em></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<b> <span style="color: white;">Appreciate the life you live</span>.</b>I have always worked hard to get myself to where I wanted to be, and I would say, I've always appreciated the things I had: the family I was given, the security of a home, the opportunity to go to college and make a life for myself. I THOUGHT, I appreciated my life. Then, I went to a third world country. My heart EXPANDED. It hurt and I cried (for real). I saw more struggle than I have encountered in my lifetime and more than my heart could bare. I also saw happiness. For a country like Cambodia, where people are more poverty stricken than not, they have one thing that many of us don't... that being, happiness. In a place where struggle is nearly unavoidable, I found that there was also an undeniable presence of good feelings, smiles, and love. I often thought to myself, how disgraceful, we as Americans, are. The things we complain about, how dramatic we make little problems out to be, how we overlook the things we have- among those things, a warm house and bed to sleep in. Our luxuries far exceed the warmth of a home. I see my life in a different light now. I try harder not to be bothered by small burdens or mishaps, I try to smile and be happy every day for what I have... because when it comes down to it... I have a hell of a lot, and just by the hands of God, I was lucky enough to be where I am. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmVCqyWYUF9YYHXLO8DfWqSRslRRToS8S5734sl9k6zKf2LkuxlqIUV5fSWoxkXwbMN18THynUl4jzBClVBjU-KE7kU1vN6Y1b5QHPccc-41NLoTLbLtpS5RiI5e-sj97qMjK5Q3YInM/s1600/DSCN3624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmVCqyWYUF9YYHXLO8DfWqSRslRRToS8S5734sl9k6zKf2LkuxlqIUV5fSWoxkXwbMN18THynUl4jzBClVBjU-KE7kU1vN6Y1b5QHPccc-41NLoTLbLtpS5RiI5e-sj97qMjK5Q3YInM/s320/DSCN3624.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<em>A home on the outskirts of Siem Reap, Cambodia.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white;"></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><b><span style="color: white;"> Music is a universal language</span>. </b>It brings people together. In Korea, I spent countless nights in Hongdae Park listening to young starving artists jam- all the while bringing crowds of people together in appreciation. I've spent a week with a band from San Francisco that was touring Korea. I've crossed the ocean on a boat with a boy and a guitar. I've sat on the beach in Tonsai, jamming to Bob Marley with the Thai locals. I've exchanged music with people from all over the world. Sometimes music speaks for us and between us.</dir><dir> </dir><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZ0Hj2k1CuysXqNvP_4NuinSODeXF2A6rR3OeW16hH3C0jOiA0VWSWphp4_WaUnvXf-XmgNsHW8MbE-Y-bIlpN-kY55yCWhQ88yUz4mr_yCroHdfSEO76fGd3fdySRy_0ZbbHjvcslCE/s1600/DSCN3925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZ0Hj2k1CuysXqNvP_4NuinSODeXF2A6rR3OeW16hH3C0jOiA0VWSWphp4_WaUnvXf-XmgNsHW8MbE-Y-bIlpN-kY55yCWhQ88yUz4mr_yCroHdfSEO76fGd3fdySRy_0ZbbHjvcslCE/s320/DSCN3925.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>This is my friend, Robbie, from Canada. He's a super talented musician.</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em> Here, he is playing at an Irish Pub in Au Nang on St. Patrick's Day.</em></div>
<dir><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6O-WsMiAiRdYHWmHaoeU3CbU4ba97L8OgPtGVjd6Jja6mEXQSK2XJaVCoEfYDDpQ3hUae9z0oI7PiImGNLJ8EH5Qm-pn6fC3DjUaINcfiRAhPOPRZcypKXAyU24hvRU3Idy3k5x0tFQQ/s1600/DSCN3836+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6O-WsMiAiRdYHWmHaoeU3CbU4ba97L8OgPtGVjd6Jja6mEXQSK2XJaVCoEfYDDpQ3hUae9z0oI7PiImGNLJ8EH5Qm-pn6fC3DjUaINcfiRAhPOPRZcypKXAyU24hvRU3Idy3k5x0tFQQ/s320/DSCN3836+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>This is my friend Thurbo, from Germany. We met in Chiang Mai, </em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Thailand. A specific song, I would say, brought us closer together We</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>still send each other videos of ourselves jamming to the song, </em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>between Germany and The United States.</em></div>
<em></em></dir></dir><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1981536391"></span><span id="goog_1981536392"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> <span style="color: white;">Get lost</span>.</b> Only when we are lost do we begin to find ourselves. A cliche? Perhaps... but it sure is true. I used to be the girl who needed to know when, where, what time, and with who. I was such a creature of habit, I was fearful of the unfamiliar. I completely let that part of me fade away during this past year. I can remember the exact moment, where I was, what I was doing, and the way the sun was shining when I realized that I had found myself. I was in Busan, South Korea and I had decided to leave my friends behind and attempt to find a way back to Seoul on my own. Something that was a bit out of my character... but on that day, I found it to be somewhat empowering. Once I had found the bus station, purchased a ticket, and realized that I was ALONE in an unfamiliar place, with no agenda, satisfaction washed over me. In that moment, I believe that I came into my own a little bit more. After that it just continued. I thoroughly enjoyed hopping on the subway and getting off at random stops, places I'd never explored, just to get lost for an afternoon. Those were the times that I often found the most satisfying things. I later decided on a backpacking trip... a journey in which I took completely alone, just me and my backpack, no agenda. I got lost, sure... and with that experience, I feel like I became a Rachel that I am incredibly proud of.</div>
<dir><dir><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKqGfz0L44R4-veGOwHm35NwWk6kj70TTajiugrvP3Tcw4TNED1ShRtyfi6hru4TJDI1k1Bsr4A68tCA0bnORnk62cL20JUqB3eA6JfKuHq95sBf9y94ez9Z-OImU6fvrXMOWQOAMflc/s1600/DSCN3242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKqGfz0L44R4-veGOwHm35NwWk6kj70TTajiugrvP3Tcw4TNED1ShRtyfi6hru4TJDI1k1Bsr4A68tCA0bnORnk62cL20JUqB3eA6JfKuHq95sBf9y94ez9Z-OImU6fvrXMOWQOAMflc/s320/DSCN3242.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<em>Bangkok, Thailand- where I spent a lot of time wandering</em></div>
<div align="center">
<em>and getting lost.</em></div>
</dir><dir><br />
<br />
<b> <span style="color: white;">Fate is imaginary, but man, is it real</span>. </b>It's not something you can see, but rather something that presents itself to you within a moment. Sometimes, it seems that you are just in the right place at the right time. Things reach you. People find you.<br />
<em></em><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>(well- you can't see it.)</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<strong><span style="color: white;">Be fearless</span></strong>. Try anything and everything. Don't say no to things. The more you do, the more empowered you will feel. Bungee jump. Play with snakes. Lay with tigers. Bathe with an elephant in a stream. Eat something absolutely insane. Actually, eat everything that seems absolutely insane: SO. MUCH. FUN. Climb mountains. Don't let anything hold you back.</dir><dir><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhfA5kXX3uwanfLEQYXnOxUQfoVMd65a9KBLkOZuL7jE_8iKLOW8fd1PEEa4xM8Rsz0OAPSXSUC5Fuf6h3kbcuTaPtoK_cBzZ7wlmme7C2_-Ckj90OPiMgN-pA4l22PZPyJx2rWeBr_M/s1600/DSCN3664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhfA5kXX3uwanfLEQYXnOxUQfoVMd65a9KBLkOZuL7jE_8iKLOW8fd1PEEa4xM8Rsz0OAPSXSUC5Fuf6h3kbcuTaPtoK_cBzZ7wlmme7C2_-Ckj90OPiMgN-pA4l22PZPyJx2rWeBr_M/s320/DSCN3664.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<em>Yellow Python- Floating Markets, Thailand</em></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<em></em></div>
</dir><dir><br />
<span id="goog_837877105"></span><span id="goog_837877106"></span> </dir><dir><strong><span style="color: white;">Some people travel, some people vacation</span></strong>. There IS a difference. Too much time can be wasted sitting on the beach drinking Bahama Mamas. Explore the surroundings. Go see temples, go see ancient ruins, visit an orphanage, wander through an authentic town, go hiking to a lookout, swim in a lagoon. Make friends with locals. Look for things around every corner. The best people I've met in this life have been travelers. Travelers all share the same innate curiosity. They wander, they explore, they discuss. They are filled with something we like to call, wanderlust; desire.</dir><dir><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbb4IZ61-FY0_00vXUI1fo7qpu7yrGLfUv9SF1gKOEXVBh0xPq5y3C4EUX4bDDq-t4HG2k0ttvwyIxo4rLnMf2LkggJWuEcSdbs4d6KekUSWrG4sKvqbiDbZn99OSwDTDw_apQ1DhZGII/s1600/DSCN3790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbb4IZ61-FY0_00vXUI1fo7qpu7yrGLfUv9SF1gKOEXVBh0xPq5y3C4EUX4bDDq-t4HG2k0ttvwyIxo4rLnMf2LkggJWuEcSdbs4d6KekUSWrG4sKvqbiDbZn99OSwDTDw_apQ1DhZGII/s320/DSCN3790.JPG" width="240" /></a><em></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em> Doi Suthep- Chaing Mai, Thailand</em></div>
</dir><dir><br />
<br />
</dir><dir><strong></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: white;">Home is where the heart is. If you find that you heart is in two places at once, then perhaps your heart has two homes.</span></strong> That's ok.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMK1QFM9JJkriW0JQxKOMPNqQrmIjyI1izXR7o6Ld2asKPPh2iTJccku9k5wjJUreUTnoeXaE4yQJqoLIDEWo9BF6IxC4JKxFE61aYb4KSlXpeUmwFfNNyQpEgNeaeE092ZsA0yfGtaWs/s1600/My+pictures+787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMK1QFM9JJkriW0JQxKOMPNqQrmIjyI1izXR7o6Ld2asKPPh2iTJccku9k5wjJUreUTnoeXaE4yQJqoLIDEWo9BF6IxC4JKxFE61aYb4KSlXpeUmwFfNNyQpEgNeaeE092ZsA0yfGtaWs/s320/My+pictures+787.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>Seoul, South Korea- A year of my life: my second home.</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
“The bridge will only take you halfway there, to those mysterious lands you long to see. Through gypsy camps and swirling Arab fair, and moonlit woods where unicorns run free. So come and walk awhile with me and share the twisting trails and wondrous worlds I've known. But this bridge will only take you halfway there. The last few steps you have to take alone.” <span style="color: white;"> </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/435477.Shel_Silverstein"><span style="color: yellow;">Shel Silverstein</span></a></div>
<br />
</dir></dir></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-18599375751822402082013-03-21T19:33:00.000-07:002013-03-21T19:33:30.476-07:00Tonsai<br />
9:57am: Greta and I are walking into the basecamp bungalows for the last time before we part ways and journey off to our next destinations. A Thai resident and basecamp worker greets us with a kind smile and asks us what we have planned for the day and we respond regretfully that we will be leaving. The man frowns back, "No leaving... you leave, no more sunshine." We both smile and I begin to sing, "Ain't no sunshine when she's gone." We make the way back to the bungalow, I grab my backpack, say my goodbyes to Greta, and head towards the pier. As I pass by, Mr. Sunshine yells out to me, "Hey, my friend, I see you when you see me!" I smile and wave. I walk about thirty feet more down the dirt road. A Thai man is sitting on a hammock, swaying with one leg propped up in a hold while the other traces lines on the ground. He waves to me and calls out, "you leaving?" I respond accordingly and he follows it up with, "My friend, good luck to you... Tonsai miss you." My smile is unmistakable. This is what a community feels like. This is my place.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I laid on my belly, rocking and swaying with the waves, surrounded entirely only by water, with rock and sandy white beaches in the distances. The sun was setting and Greta and I had kayaked out to the middle of the ocean to see it. For a minute, I'm taken away from the moment. My legs are hanging off the end, floating on the top of the water and my face is squished into the side of the bright red kayak. My eyes keep alternating between opened and closed. I want to close my eyes, count my breaths and feel the moment, but the sights are too astounding to close your eyes for more than a few seconds at a time. My face is nearly at water level and the sun traces a dancing line of light that reaches out from the distance and finds my face. I feel alive. I want to engrave this moment in my mind and keep it safely tucked away there forever. Just then, while trying to pull myself into a sitting position, I topple off the kayak, into the water, scratching my stomach and then kicking a big piece of coral in the water... I might write gracefully but let's not forget how UNGRACEFUL I really am. A perfect seal on a perfect moment.<br />
<br />
Two nights ago I laid flat on my back with the soft sand of Tonsai cushioning my back. Looking up to view a sky full of stars for the first time in months left me feeling breathless. I don't remember the last time I saw visible stars, but it was surely not during my year in Seoul. The green lights in the distance paint the horizon a turquoise blue, only fading to black where dark silhouettes of the island rocks shoot up to the sky. Aside from myself and my four friends, there are hardly any other people on the beach. The only interruption is the reggae music coming from the bar behind us, but it's welcomed by the swaying of my feet in the sand as I lay back on my elbows. Here everyone speaks about wanting to "get away" from the touristic beaches and finding somewhere untouched. I'm unbiased and honestly just happy to be anywhere as beautiful as this. While others are spending their time looking for this untouched place, here I am enjoying it. It leaves me wondering: Is this real? How did I get here? (And) Do I have to leave?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGkI62EwrxcCkqTtjsOveJUVmWalzOgqxbH3ogWoKwx8VMVRuCq39_SyyIvTtnfRM7U8UJ8NMmxFlA5wqv4iYhK9Gf4X6v2gPjc4RzmkSe0QFqpkI7AQ70I-CqRxvqi6r2i2n4U0b6IY/s1600/IMG_20130319_123603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGkI62EwrxcCkqTtjsOveJUVmWalzOgqxbH3ogWoKwx8VMVRuCq39_SyyIvTtnfRM7U8UJ8NMmxFlA5wqv4iYhK9Gf4X6v2gPjc4RzmkSe0QFqpkI7AQ70I-CqRxvqi6r2i2n4U0b6IY/s320/IMG_20130319_123603.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Three days ago I rock climbed for the first time. I'm not talking rock wall type stuff; I'm talking real massive cliff rock climbing. I met up with two of my friends from Korea here, one of my favorite couples, Arvi and Robin. They are avid climbers so when they told me to come join them, I knew I could trust them not to let me die. I would be lying to say that I wasn't scared at first. However, once I reach the top of the 30m boulder and Arvi called out, "now turn around and take a look," all my fears dissipated. I was at the top of a boulder, the clear water ocean outstretched behind me, and my friends looking like ants below me. Untouchable. This must be a rock climbers heaven. The next day, Greta and I hiked from one island to the next, making our way from Tonsai to Railay. It took a lot of time and sweat to make it there, but once there we were greeted by caves, massive rock formations with climbing ropes leading us up and down to a beautiful blue lagoon and a viewpoint overlooking the islands. After our hiking adventure, we made our way to Pranang Beach to watch the sunset before venturing back over to our side of the island.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8s6wTQ7fE-MYraDqx6lXZEpAMl4QaoDxJ3i-fd_k1srUzlRuVZLBAwyXajqcbWkMctdge199RN4mpXW_Q4xyRye6pZtLUxfBw5miSYB5O5qI8hPmvSAADfxpDMADwOZqHmyNC9mXFBgo/s1600/1363684813631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8s6wTQ7fE-MYraDqx6lXZEpAMl4QaoDxJ3i-fd_k1srUzlRuVZLBAwyXajqcbWkMctdge199RN4mpXW_Q4xyRye6pZtLUxfBw5miSYB5O5qI8hPmvSAADfxpDMADwOZqHmyNC9mXFBgo/s320/1363684813631.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcIiCbcDweEmnLwiKCobLHx6capGDBWmpxRwbDmTQwU4UncZCsHeaDsw8b-733oLiQyD3VJ2pS_PgLN3zaSadpShzay4_DGIG9ls8maT5uVr2Jmzi1gsIK8TonOQ5j-F-kpwNKlUdmGY/s1600/1363765483931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmcIiCbcDweEmnLwiKCobLHx6capGDBWmpxRwbDmTQwU4UncZCsHeaDsw8b-733oLiQyD3VJ2pS_PgLN3zaSadpShzay4_DGIG9ls8maT5uVr2Jmzi1gsIK8TonOQ5j-F-kpwNKlUdmGY/s320/1363765483931.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BAdfITPJ98LxqKWdatEUB6bXfqn7edkmWIqg7O-6uj8H54n3udhXgwzD32F3R8-CORKole01NoCSnkzmOj9cim65ZWCZF5bW68BvOtOP0IKY2RT7XiaqooqWPCb_D1Skylwo5DWSwpc/s1600/1363762680566+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BAdfITPJ98LxqKWdatEUB6bXfqn7edkmWIqg7O-6uj8H54n3udhXgwzD32F3R8-CORKole01NoCSnkzmOj9cim65ZWCZF5bW68BvOtOP0IKY2RT7XiaqooqWPCb_D1Skylwo5DWSwpc/s320/1363762680566+%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMSqDuv9UocOhweKwCRCAwhB36isH7y8R23ypSpVI901cmJoT1JS8FUZyqzZ1aXiWiJqJDts3NbLpXveV7lMMXP7shNW9Zw6fkT5uM-J_eKo2I86986L5kg_XoeRXH02mWavZBQBhJys/s1600/1363684743859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMSqDuv9UocOhweKwCRCAwhB36isH7y8R23ypSpVI901cmJoT1JS8FUZyqzZ1aXiWiJqJDts3NbLpXveV7lMMXP7shNW9Zw6fkT5uM-J_eKo2I86986L5kg_XoeRXH02mWavZBQBhJys/s320/1363684743859.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
Staying in Tonsai was like a small slice of heaven. Sure, we had no WiFi access on the island, had electricity for only a few short hours in the evening, cold showers, a bucket of water to flush the toilet with, and a bungalow lacking airflow but excelling in insect population, BUT, we also had beautiful scenery, outrageous adventures, and a Thai community that made us feel like family every day. It was worth every second. Backpacking has definitely taught me how to be more laid back about things and Tonsai especially has taught me how people can live happily without having it all. Happiness and a good life does not come from what you have but what you making of it. Happiness is not a destination, it's a mind set. I'm happy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-11591073826912518612013-03-03T06:19:00.000-08:002013-03-03T06:36:38.137-08:00ALL ABOARD<br />
My head hangs out the window as I take my first 3rd class train from one place to the next in Thailand. The wind crashes against my face and my lips form a smile as my mind wonders back to Chelsea. She always loved sticking her head out the window in the car and Lauren and I would tease her about her puppy like tendencies. It's amazing how even while I'm the other side of the world, often times, simple moments can bring me right back to my loved ones at home in the states.<br />
<br />
I'm taking the train to Ayythaya after spending another two days in Bangkok. After I allow myself time to enter into memories of car rides with Lauren and Chelsea, I bring myself back to now. I let the wind fall across my face as I encounter more recent memories made here in Thailand. I think back to the Thai man who offered me the sincerest smile when I boarded the train and the old woman who kindly asked me where I was heading with a smile. I think about the little Thai boy who I found playing in boxes on the street and how he asked me to stack them three levels high and then reached his arms towards the sky requesting that I pick him up and set him inside. I recall his giggle and his grandmother's smile as she watched him interact with me. I remember the feeling when I stood at the top of Wat Arun, with the city outstretched before me. Last night I sat in a tuk tuk with two other travels from Whales and Denmark. Our driver was racing through the streets so quickly that we were holding on for dear life. It wasn't until he started doing wheelies that I feared my life. I think back to the drivers face after I screamed and when he slyly said, "Enjoy?". I look at my map and see print scribbled on it in black marker; two Philippino women I met briefly at a market lunch gave me their contact information and told me to call them if I ever visit Manilla. Memories. Moments that make up your life. I smile to think back on these recent ones and how they will stay with me forever.<br />
<br />
I think about the last week and that although it's taken me until today to realize it, I know I can conquer this trip on my own. The truth is that I have been a bit back and forth since I got here. I started out excited but quickly became hesitant about whether or not I was cut out for this kind of travel. It requires a lot of patience, motivation, and self reliance. I've been questioning myself a lot... until now. I realize that today I conquered a lot on my own. I somehow managed to make it to the floating markets and back (allowing myself to put trust in my own judgement and the sincerity of others), found my way back to my hostel, managed to take a public bus to the train station, bought a ticket, boarded a train, and now I'm on my way. As simple as it sounds, I have been worried about completing tasks such as these alone in a foreign country that's new to me because this isn't Korea and I don't have the same cushioning I had upon arrival there.<br />
<br />
So now, as I begin my journey north, I feel better than I did yesterday and the day before that and the day before that. I know that this journey is going to make me stronger as long as I have faith in myself and an open mind to the things around me. I'm laminating the memories from chapter one of my trip and starting to fill up another page today. Today I was reminded of the Rachel I became in Korea. The one who learned how to delight in uncertainties instead of stress about them. Once again, I'm reminded that perhaps having no idea what you are doing or where you are going is the beginning of life when you learn to live freely.<br />
<br />
Lastly, I must admit one last thing... I couldn't stop grinning when the conductor came to stamp my ticket and asked my destination SIMPLY because I felt like I was aboard the Polar Express. SWEET.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-52208038490984160732013-03-02T23:36:00.004-08:002013-03-02T23:36:47.652-08:00SURPRISE: Welcome to Bangkok<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4guJsytHHvMdj052hjVuYyeQqPJNlomH3zd1wmwm5dmpOMuSjFaoo7UiPxVKk2tBKRyAcQkztfJ5zIRqqnVY65djlRFdtGWsTpcyec8-0oxhsqR_emFGm4yspbf0EP3k-XeRx-CZ7Q54/s1600/1361951035968+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4guJsytHHvMdj052hjVuYyeQqPJNlomH3zd1wmwm5dmpOMuSjFaoo7UiPxVKk2tBKRyAcQkztfJ5zIRqqnVY65djlRFdtGWsTpcyec8-0oxhsqR_emFGm4yspbf0EP3k-XeRx-CZ7Q54/s320/1361951035968+(2).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
If I were to make a movie about the life of a backpacker in Bangkok, Thailand, this is how the opening scene would play out...<br />
<br />
An alarm goes off at 6am and a girl rises quickly in an attempt to dismiss it without waking the other 15 people asleep in her room, and more specifically the thirty year old German man sleeping unnecessarily close to her who has a very specific fear of spiders. She trots to the bathroom and gets cleaned up for the day ahead. Sometime between 7 & 730, she is supposed to be picked up by a bus en route to the floating markets just under two hours south of Bangkok. She slides on her shoes, clicks the sunscreen shut and checks her watch. 6:47. Always better to be ahead rather than behind. Being that she is the only one awake at this hour, in a hostel on the outskirts of Khaosan Rd (a backpackers drinking paradise), she silently slips down the steps and out the door and takes a seat on the sidewalk in front of "Born Free Hostel." She waits. 7:00. And she waits. 7:30. And she waits some more. 8:04. In the mean time she swaps Malaysian coins with a boy from Germany, smiles at the local Thais biking by, chats with a friend in America, and sits with her feet plotted in front of her, only interrupted by the sound of passing motorbikes and the frustration building slowly inside her head. 8:17. She starts to wonder if the bus is ever coming when the hostel owner swings open the door and greets her with a smile. The girl questions him and the man and his girlfriend make some phone calls only to realize that the transport reservation had gone unseen the day before. She is assured, "Wait ten more minutes and they will come. Their mistake." The hostel owner slips out and rounds the corner to seven eleven. Three minutes later a Thai man semi frantically busts through the door, "floating market, floating market!" At this point the scene is picking up pace. The girl rounds the corner and exits the doors only to see a motorbike sitting in front of the hostel with a Thai man saying "you come with me, let's go." She points to the bike wide eyed and says, "Mini bus?" The Thai responds back, "No, no. I take you car. Let's go." You can sense the hesitation in her demeanor but she hops on anyway. WHEN IN BANGKOK. Off they go, all the while, passing the hostel owner with a wave, and riding on and off streets and sidewalks. They pull into a back alley (it's eight am.. do murder scenes take place this early? NAH. Relax Mom). The Thai man points to his car. The girl looks at him, then back to the car and questions him, "you and me.. together only?" He answers back, "Yes we go. Let's go. Okay, okay?" Zoom in and freeze on the girls face. At this point you can actually SEE the hesitation written all over her face. She asks again, "Floating market tour?" He reassures her, "Okay. Let's go." She gets in and eyes the papers in his hand that she verifies as a list of tourists signed up for the same tour. A good sign. She skeptically asks the man, "We drive all the way there together? Only two? You drop me off.. how do I get back?" The Thai guy puts on his pink sunglasses, pops in a piece of double mint, and shrugs, "Hmmm... Maybe, I don't know yet?" The screen freezes on the girls expression that can only be described as somewhere between what the hell, this is hilarious, and I'm gonna die. The title fades into the screen in bold letters, "SURPRISE: Welcome to Bangkok," and the song "Don't worry, be happy starts to play." END SCENE.<br />
<br />
This is what my life seems to be in south east Asia. If I had to come up with a one word slogan to explain what life is like here, simply put, it would be "SURPRISE!" I have only been in South East Asia for a week and it has already taught be something that I THOUGHT I had already learned in Korea. In Korea you get things thrown at you here and there, but in these south eastern countries, it's more a fly by the seat of your pants place than anywhere else I've ever been. And so, I believe it has taught me something already, and that's NOT to stress about things that you cannot control. In this country if you make it a habit of stressing every time something doesn't go as planned, you will spend 80% of your time stressing.<br />
<br />
The story above really did happen this morning and although I spent at least 50 of the 90 minute drive there planning my method of escape and plotting out a way to get back to Bangkok if I got left in the middle of nowhere, he really WAS with the travel agency and he got me there in one piece (although barely, the driving on this country gives me nearly the same rush as bungee jumping). I knew he was an okay guy at one point when he hit the brakes too hard and outstretched his hand in front of me. Sold.<br />
<br />
The situations I've been in lately have been absolutely absurd. It's no wonder to me that Bangkok has a reputation of "crazy," but as it is teaching me to relax about things more I'm really starting to like it. I think finally, after a passing week here, I'm starting to mellow out and join in on the backpackers vibe of, "just go with it."<br />
<br />
Oh and just a small brag worthy update: I have eaten a grass hopper and a scorpion. I have also held a 20-30lb boa constrictor around my neck. I have done wheelies on a tuk tuk ride AND fish ate dead skin off my feet. WEIRD.<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-15745005416938227342013-02-26T17:37:00.000-08:002013-02-26T17:37:52.052-08:00The Un-glorified Truth. <br />
I've been in southeast Asia for four nights and three days now. I feel like I should sit here and glorify every aspect of things up until today for my readers, "Amazing, beautiful, tropical, adventurous." All those things are true of course, but, that's not how I'm currently feeling. I could write all of these things but then I wouldn't be honest in my words and to me, writing is about what I feel and experience on paper... the truth, not the glorified version.<br />
<br />
The truth is that I have been feeling a bit broken for the past two days. I spent two nights in Bangkok before heading to Cambodia on Monday morning. In Bangkok, it's obvious that there's no such thing as rich, however the things I saw there were not quite as painstaking as what I've seen my last two days in Cambodia. I knew I was coming to third world countries, but perhaps I didn't prepare myself emotionally for the things I would see.<br />
<br />
In Cambodia children are without shoes. Their feet are dirty and they walk the streets trying to sell things to tourists to help their families. Whereas some people shrug this off as a scam or, "their parents send them over to guilt you into giving them money," I just cannot find it within me to continue walking and shake it off. Little 8-10 year old Khmer girls who speak next to no English but can perfectly say, "postcard, ten one dollar, lady," approach you around every corner. Little boys are carrying around baskets of cheap souvenirs in Angkor Wat trying to sell them to the crowds of tourists passing by. Families of four ride through town on one motor bike with no helmets, fathers driving while mothers hold their infants close. There are stray dogs everywhere, some so unkempt that they barely have any hair left. Garbage lines a lot of the country roads. Contrary to what people say, Siem Reap is not just a big touristy area that boasts one of the biggest attractions in south east Asia. There is a lot of struggle at the heart of the city that people fail to mention, and part of me feels that my heart wasn't built strong enough to take it all.<br />
<br />
This brings me to my next point. Although this is the poorest and most heartbreaking country I've ever experienced, they have one thing that changes it all: happiness. In a place were struggle is a part of every day life, I never would have imagined to see so many smiles. These people are happy. Children might be running through the streets shoeless but they are many times laughing and giggling as they do so. They play on dusted side streets with nothing more than sticks, dirt, and a small ball. Their simple smiles and beautiful bellows of joy are enough to both melt your heart and make you reevaluate your life. Khmer men and women try desperately to sell you fruit, massages, cold drinks and souvenirs at unbelievably cheap prices, a dollar here two dollars there. More often than not, tourists try to barter them down to a lower price. Many tourists keep walking without even acknowledging their presence, but rightfully so as the haggling can get a bit overwhelming. The thing is that we all look rich in this country, because in reality we are. But, even as we pass by these people ignoring them or saying no, they will STILL offer you their sincerest smile. That is something about this place that I will always carry with me.<br />
<br />
And so, as I sit here, reflecting on this, and a moment away from tears, I feel as though my heart can't take anymore. I would be lying if I told you that I haven't actually considered cutting my trip short because I honestly feel broken hearted. Being here makes me want to go home and hug my mom for the life she gave me. It makes me want to cry as I sit and ponder the fairness in the fact that by the hand of God, I was blessed to be born into a family and place that would provide me with all that it has, while others are born into conditions that I couldn't fathom. Then, I have to remind myself that just because I feel sad for them doesn't mean they need my pity. They have the two richest things in the world keeping them together: love and happiness. That is something we can all learn from in a world where we often take things for granted.<br />
<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-87709858343987518552013-02-25T15:44:00.001-08:002013-02-25T15:44:35.049-08:00Leaving Korea Behind<br />
My last day in Korea has come to pass. As I sit writing this, I'm currently suspended in air "on a big jet plane," (see: Phoenix/ Angus and Julia Stone) destination: Bangkok. In less time than imaginable I will be trekking around Thailand for five weeks on yet another personal adventure. This morning I awoke feeling a bit frazzled, definitely anxious, and although I hate to admit it... just a tad fearful. It seems fairly plausible for a girl of my age who is about to embark on a journey of this stature alone. However now that I'm S.E.A. bound all I really feel is excitement... and also, I'm hungry.<br />
<br />
My last two days in Korea were pretty full of ups and downs. When I say ups and downs, I mean, bordering bipolar disorder. In the past 48 hours I have cried, laughed like a hyena, stared blankly at an empty room while showing no emotion, bounced off the walls with an energy that would be impressive even for a sugar crazed five year old, crashed like a drunken zombie, had a broken heart, had an elated heart, and felt contentment, fear, excitement and everything in between. WHAT A ROLLER COASTER. I always did like rides.<br />
<br />
Thursday seemed to be the day when the finality of everything seemed to really sink in, making it my hardest day. The day before I had said my goodbyes to my dear friend and coworker, Eunhee. That in itself was hard enough. Saying goodbye to my co teacher, Ga Jiyoung, on Thursday proved to be harder for me than I had expected. During an ice cream date and just before parting ways, Jiyoung placed a generous amount of "pocket money," into my account to help me with the costs of my last two days and the beginning of my trip. Ga Jiyoung has been there for me since day one. We taught together everyday and confided in one another. She was the person who helped me get my life situated in Korea. Whatever it was I needed, she has always been there to help. She calls herself my Korean mother. I couldn't keep from crying as we parted ways, knowing that the next time we will meet is very unsure. I got into the elevator with tears in my eyes which turned into a full on sob once the doors were closed. I drug my feet back to my room, plopped onto my bed and just let the tears flow. I wanted to call home but I knew that due to the time difference I would wake someone so instead, I picked up the phone and dialed Aileen. Two missed calls and a returned call later, I answered the phone with a voice disguised by tears and heavy breathing, "I just can't do this, Aileen! There are too many goodbyes.. I just.. I don't know what to do!" Aileen is an angel and that's all you need to know about her. By the end of our phone call I had laughed and had begun feeling better. Two hours later, I met her and all the other girls for our last dinner together.<br />
<br />
On Friday morning I awoke knowing that it would be my last day in Korea and my last night with my best friends. I laid in bed for about an hour before getting up to take care of the last of things. I packed up the rest of my clothing and other items into two boxes, cleaned the apartment and washed all the bedding, and before I knew it, it was time to leave. I turned on my headphones, sat down on my desk, and had a moment to myself. As I sat there, I eyed my apartment carefully, retracing each memory in my mind. I shed a tear or two, grabbed my boxes and my backpack, said goodbye, closed the door, and left it behind.<br />
<br />
After I shipped the last of my boxes home, I was standing at a cross walk; backpack strapped into place, waiting for the green man to guide me across, when a small old lady approached me. She began looking at my face fiercely and thought, to myself, "oh, here we go." I smiled in acknowledgment and just then she grabbed my arm and began to tell me how beautiful I was in Korean. Her smile was the essence of sincere kindness and she spoke with such excitement. She continued speaking to me in Korean and with the small amount that I know, I was able to distinguish what she was asking and responded accordingly. She told me I was beautiful, asked where I was from, asked if I had a boyfriend, and if I was leaving Korea. As the green man appeared, we moved forward, crossing that street for what would be my last time. I had thought I was alone again until I felt a pull on my sleeve. As I turned toward her she reached out to give me an orange. I shook my head, "Ohhh.. anniyo! Genchiniyo! (Ohh no... I'm okay!)" She continued to urge it towards me so naturally I graciously accepted. As we both stood waiting for the bus, she continued to look at me and smile before finally letting out a another, " Ohhh yaepudda! Sarang hae yo!" (Ohh beautiful! I love you!) I smiled and blushed some more, thanking her, just as my bus approached. She looked at me and then to the bus pointing and I nodded as to confirm that, yes, I was leaving. She waved me off with a warm smile, two flailing palms and a "bye-bye!" I got onto the bus with a silent grin, thinking to myself, "Korea, you've gone and done it again." I rode the bus to my next destination smiling all the way. Sometimes the universe speaks to us in special ways and some times the timing it just right.<br />
<br />
My last day in Korea seemed to continue in this way. I found myself really appreciating everything around me. One last short trip to my school left me feeling pleased and appreciative. Across the street I waited for my train to take me away from Wolgye (it was late as always but on this day instead of becoming perturbed I felt myself grinning about it). As I waited, I stared across the way at Yeon Ji Cho. The sun was falling on it so nicely,as if it was being silently glorified, in the way I have glorified it all year. All I could do was smile, and instead of being sad, I was happy that it will always hold a piece of me.<br />
<br />
I spent my last night in the airport jimjilbang with Kimberly and Aileen and it was perfect. In the morning Kim Jiyoung and Semi also showed up to see me off. I felt like such a lucky girl to have four friends with me at the airport. The hugs and goodbyes were hard, as expected, and tears were shed, as expected. Just before I passed through the gates to security I heard four beautiful girls yell together, "We love you Rachel!" At that moment I couldn't help but cry, both for the goodbyes and for the love I have found in these people in Korea. I looked back with tears in my eyes and waved. With that, I stepped through the gates and disappeared out of sight. And so began the next adventure in the story of my life.<br />
<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-6293716706267732772013-02-15T00:43:00.003-08:002013-02-15T00:43:33.553-08:00Hold back the tears (but pour the soju).The element of surprise: something that people either love or hate. There's the whole argument that you don't want to be surprised with something you aren't ready for and then there's the argument that that's half the fun (you know, the spontaneity of it all). Korea teaches you something about surprise, and that is to be ready for it. People just love to throw you into the pool without floaties in this country. Be ready for anything and always always accept whatever is thrown at you because there is no saying "no," in Korea. These surprises sometimes range from- "SURPRISE, we have a staff dinner no one told you about" to "SURPRISE, today you will tutor the principal in English for an hour" to "SURPRISE you are going to participate in a staff volleyball tournament today!" (Okay, okay, okay- oh and... THANKS for the heads up, I wouldn't have worn heels.)<br />
<br />
When you are called upon to give an impromptu speech to a room full of Koreans, the element of surprise can be a bit nerve wracking. Just as I was beginning to get comfortable at last night's staff dinner, I heard my name leaving the head teacher's mouth as my co-workers urged me to move to the front of the room. There I stood in a line of about five other teachers. At first I thought, okay, I'll just have to give a bow when they call my name, but THEN the microphone started to be passed and I was second in line. "Shit, what am I expected to say?" I scurried back to my co-teacher and whispered, "Jiyoung, what am I supposed to talk about?" She just nudged me and said, "Whatever you want!" Really? Whatever I want? Well if that's the case... "Have you guys heard about the new wolverine movie coming out?" No, but seriously I don't even know what kind of speech this is supposed to be and none of these people will even know what I'm saying! Being that it was an end of the year dinner and many teachers would be moving on to new schools, I assumed it should be some sort of goodbye speech. I listened as the teacher before me gave her own short speech and I smiled and nodded accordingly (truth be told... I had no idea what she was saying.) While I waited, anticipating what would come next, I tried to calm my nerves but before I knew it I had a microphone in my hand. I started off by saying thank you to everyone (simple and easy to understand) and told them how very grateful I am to the staff and students at Yeon Ji for always being so kind and welcoming. They helped make my year here a wonderful experience. While speaking, I tried hard to hold back my tears. I quickly went from a nervous mess to an emotional basket case. "Don't do it Rachel... DO NOT CRY." I succeeded in getting through it, and as expected, everyone smiled, nodded and clapped. Even if they didn't understand me word for word, I still believe that knew what I was trying to say. Back to my seat I trotted and thought to myself, "harmless enough, task completed, eh, that wasn't so bad, and also... man I am NOT going to miss those kinds of surprises."<br />
<br />
Once the speeches ended, the feast began and the soju started flowing. This has always been a somewhat strange experience for me. In America, if you are a teacher, the last thing you want is for your principal to discover you taking shots at a local bar. In Korea, you slam them back WITH your principal and it is disrespectful to decline. Culture shock 101: this is not a trick, you will not get fired, but you will move up on the social ladder at work. Over time I have become accustom to this; I know that Korea is a big drinking culture, and it's actually quite enjoyable to let loose with your coworkers. <br />
<br />
Korean dinning and drinking is something I'm really going to miss when I go back to America. Surely I can find a place to grub on some Korean and without a doubt I will be drinking with my friends and family at home. However, it's the WAY it's done in Korea that I really love and it's experiencing it with Korean people that I sincerely enjoy. Going out to a traditional Korean dinner and being the only foreigner there is a pretty special experience. Everyone wants to teach you something, whether it's how to hold a shot glass when accepting soju from your elders, or how to wrap your galbi with raddish peels. There is a way to eat everything and there is a way to accept and pour drinks. As I sat at my table, surrounded by the people who have become my coworkers and friends over the past year, a sense of fondness and appreciation overwhelmed me. I brought myself to Korea but these people brought Korean culture to me. In that moment, I felt as though I was having an out of body experience. I saw everything going on around me, but the only thing I could hear were my thoughts. I looked around at everyone smiling and clanking their glasses while the green bottle got passed from person to person. Sadness crept into my lungs. I thought back to my first staff dinner and remembered this exact moment being one of my first big cultural experiences only 12 short months ago. "I am so lucky," I thought to myself, and I meant it. I have been truly blessed to have been able to be a part of this culture, and what a wonderfully rich culture it is. I am so proud to have spent one year here. As my thoughts enveloped me, I masked my sadness, held tight to my appreciation, brought myself back into the moment, and shared another shot with my friends at the table.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzMVa11jz93GbPlCKkfb8GltY7T1SoYMGx-npKnVgenEiG0-jlf4vwFhINWKbeauCt9b0fhWzoJwoyOrPfdysAmdU1rro_TCzT6rPjLpi1ZH8ntIUgDNKAWji7jV7gNctZ4Lwf3a4Kj8/s1600/staff+dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzMVa11jz93GbPlCKkfb8GltY7T1SoYMGx-npKnVgenEiG0-jlf4vwFhINWKbeauCt9b0fhWzoJwoyOrPfdysAmdU1rro_TCzT6rPjLpi1ZH8ntIUgDNKAWji7jV7gNctZ4Lwf3a4Kj8/s320/staff+dinner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-75531832760060461592013-02-09T18:13:00.001-08:002013-02-09T18:13:31.688-08:00Yeon Ji Elementary School <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is the video I made with a compilation of photos and videos of my students from our year together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/NJVI2qw6lTM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-72789675501471256992013-02-06T08:35:00.001-08:002013-02-06T08:35:07.638-08:00KpopMy six favorite K-pop songs from my year in Korea. <br />
<br />
#1. Ailee- Heaven<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/L9ro1KjkJMg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
#2. B1A4- Baby, Goodnight</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/j_ZnxKSPJH8/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/j_ZnxKSPJH8&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/j_ZnxKSPJH8&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
#3. B1A4- Beautiful Target</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zlruBjfjLtc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
#4. Big Bang- Fantastic Baby</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/AAbokV76tkU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
#5. Miss A.- I don't need a man</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkSOOiMDGiY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
#6. PSY- Gangnam Style (because the list just isn't complete without it... after all, he DID bring Korea back home to my family and friends in the states!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9bZkp7q19f0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-686779620438769812013-02-03T23:12:00.001-08:002013-02-03T23:13:02.441-08:00A Farewell to RememberPacking has commenced. Pictures have come down off the walls. Useless clutter has finally made it's way to the trash can. I quit buying groceries or anything else for my apartment that will need to be disposed of in two short weeks. I don't even teach anymore. Who in the public education system thought it was a good idea to have a two week semester of classes after winter break and before sixth graders graduate? He or she should sit and stab themselves in the forehead repeatedly with a sharp pencil, because that's what school feels like every day lately. This is absolutely absurd. Right now my kids are back and forth between having puppy death depression and ADHD. You literally cannot get them to do a thing being that they grade up in a few weeks and there is no text book or agenda for class. They are either bouncing off the walls or staring (not at me, but past me) in la la land. Everything you request of them is followed by a grunt or slouch. Anything educational is almost completely out of the question. I have even recommended some activities that have gotten turned down by my co-teacher as it is "too educational" for the last two weeks of school. However, who am I to complain.. today I had a snowball fight during class time and had a blast with my kids outside. I'll take that any day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsZewQUH5fgaq1n6uHZdH2i-az1uSCPOoiULQe7MF9lUyz3uMpA3ZLvWSPOoOxFopQnmrOiM9dPQHeOyiCTNEwHldo-K1cNZ4mssSLPsdpK04YzItxoU4k9Q253WQlJW-cCo99hLAmEU/s1600/snowballs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsZewQUH5fgaq1n6uHZdH2i-az1uSCPOoiULQe7MF9lUyz3uMpA3ZLvWSPOoOxFopQnmrOiM9dPQHeOyiCTNEwHldo-K1cNZ4mssSLPsdpK04YzItxoU4k9Q253WQlJW-cCo99hLAmEU/s200/snowballs.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj63O8YB_OfA-VaQlFhTtyFvMJ9J0g-50v6a7nt5cy8FenrWrNmhg3FS4DLDMACSkr8HtU4DoKX6eRzQpdbjRkQjnGi_TXMkIlc0l0pL8-O7Qh2GWeSTPQ57r_3jMH6-s421POWY01j0A/s1600/snowball5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj63O8YB_OfA-VaQlFhTtyFvMJ9J0g-50v6a7nt5cy8FenrWrNmhg3FS4DLDMACSkr8HtU4DoKX6eRzQpdbjRkQjnGi_TXMkIlc0l0pL8-O7Qh2GWeSTPQ57r_3jMH6-s421POWY01j0A/s200/snowball5.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZkqjPJEVC1U_C4Q5DG1HOTxVeCF6E-OABbykIT0gWmK2Shc_KSxck9zsA-8RIJyG4JWSrXzYLT7jgc3W9HDOtS7XwkQzhOjv2R-rGKxNtSRx5a543xORVJ5A16KeTtvRIYLs-mMyty4/s1600/snowballs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZkqjPJEVC1U_C4Q5DG1HOTxVeCF6E-OABbykIT0gWmK2Shc_KSxck9zsA-8RIJyG4JWSrXzYLT7jgc3W9HDOtS7XwkQzhOjv2R-rGKxNtSRx5a543xORVJ5A16KeTtvRIYLs-mMyty4/s200/snowballs1.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcC_sKE_uonLRQ-bRhdh-iV4SpydypDwZRM_RcEe3zVftp0D7nsZgf85LVBlO5nV9GCm3P-ytyvxdfy5ynoXPQsKk-dfJLVrh7RpFXv7Dmdm_SuH9OCUBSIgzq7PFKn1kiPwhiqK1w4Cs/s1600/snowballs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcC_sKE_uonLRQ-bRhdh-iV4SpydypDwZRM_RcEe3zVftp0D7nsZgf85LVBlO5nV9GCm3P-ytyvxdfy5ynoXPQsKk-dfJLVrh7RpFXv7Dmdm_SuH9OCUBSIgzq7PFKn1kiPwhiqK1w4Cs/s200/snowballs3.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As the my year comes to a close, I have been making it a point to see a lot of my best friends. Between dinners with Cam & Aileen, Kim, and James, my schedule seems to be getting pretty hefty. Next week I will be doing a Hanok stay (an overnight at a traditional Korean house) with my coteachers, which I'm really looking forward to. It's hard to believe that I only have two weeks and WORSE, two weekends left here.<br />
<br />
This past weekend we had a big party that we named, "The Last Hoorah." We planned a big event (facebook official of course) and invited everyone from our original orientation group. On Saturday night, we all went out together in our best dress and with our best attitudes. There are no words for how much fun we had. It was awesome and we went out with a bang to say the least. Our night was packed full with gin and tonics, agwa bombs, dancing like our lives depended on it (seriously.. we got down), heel clicking competitions with strangers from France (for money), playing with stuffed animals in 7/11, eating pizza at 6am all the while having sing-alongs to Lion King with 8 other random foreigners (and entertaining the Koreans running the place), doing headstands in the subway station, planking on the subway, and getting home and in bed by 10AM. I didn't plan to or want to stay out ALL night and ALL morning but let me say, it was WELL worth it. I haven't had that much fun out in a long time. I'm so glad that I decided to go. A wonderful farewell to Seoul, it was indeed. Although it was supposed to be our last "hoorah" we all had such a good time that we want to do it again one more time before we leave and hopefully we can find the time. I cannot believe that in such a short time all the best friends i made will be dispersed all over the world. 19 days and counting...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aileen (holding Brownie), me, and Cam!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We look pretty good for 4am.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBOmfcvXOcLvoZ_k6lsm_xWMPgDqYBY_eflRkIa6o18labIj5_j0Pj9z0x8_kMou9bZjFjGzBcsTt8baMbYxi3v4NYv8dtEpAVKOC5lQwt_SzavSTd-dQQG6MbyKFtYht9-vXECCAaDk/s1600/brownieaileencam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBOmfcvXOcLvoZ_k6lsm_xWMPgDqYBY_eflRkIa6o18labIj5_j0Pj9z0x8_kMou9bZjFjGzBcsTt8baMbYxi3v4NYv8dtEpAVKOC5lQwt_SzavSTd-dQQG6MbyKFtYht9-vXECCAaDk/s320/brownieaileencam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
THESE TWO, forever in my heart even </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
if we are worlds apart. PA, Canada, and LA UNITE!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8gnRUIYf_55DvdXP5CaAp_j5Lby3lN4QFLYg0X8-8ozJbKXhwhfB7GE3jgLJRpzOecq6TkdkJJingmn_hvne7yueoR6GxP51U9tD7zBFkFKy2h0bI-Vm1jylssZnPaHizN8FeVbcNx0/s1600/camandneelia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8gnRUIYf_55DvdXP5CaAp_j5Lby3lN4QFLYg0X8-8ozJbKXhwhfB7GE3jgLJRpzOecq6TkdkJJingmn_hvne7yueoR6GxP51U9tD7zBFkFKy2h0bI-Vm1jylssZnPaHizN8FeVbcNx0/s320/camandneelia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was completely called for. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was 7AM... things happen. Sometimes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
acting stupid in public has it's pay-off's.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We got a lot of laughs... and my head is bruised.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDjl7rCkvfLBKvf_6zr_a_DXlvQ4IuCSaG18IDHwFYbxD_RsNLvRs22qpiv1Yz3kW1Vr2ivJUGwU26KqzJS8n6SOlmLWRaiz1qUmbRc7S7nEgrBoc3dRd_h3-JMl4ckDLAovUNAOKjp8/s1600/headstands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDjl7rCkvfLBKvf_6zr_a_DXlvQ4IuCSaG18IDHwFYbxD_RsNLvRs22qpiv1Yz3kW1Vr2ivJUGwU26KqzJS8n6SOlmLWRaiz1qUmbRc7S7nEgrBoc3dRd_h3-JMl4ckDLAovUNAOKjp8/s320/headstands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My beautiful Texan! Hard to believe we'll be so far apart soon!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvgHvjJ2Qf8suw1yoWbmFlZEaFmqc0LzK15PbhsGf2mwr8XsvdX68l6HBP1PL2aqPmTUvqkzswx8SYdljQ0r9Gu5NsGcmCrrFP9Q6QK2iSLj72SXqQ_d7VDr4z_BpYRL-v9IXnoxH4aU/s1600/kim%2526me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvgHvjJ2Qf8suw1yoWbmFlZEaFmqc0LzK15PbhsGf2mwr8XsvdX68l6HBP1PL2aqPmTUvqkzswx8SYdljQ0r9Gu5NsGcmCrrFP9Q6QK2iSLj72SXqQ_d7VDr4z_BpYRL-v9IXnoxH4aU/s320/kim%2526me.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2yAQMdm2s9vp1P3-9DughoEL9x9WfTtzJzXcovfOdOiSh4xA7JO7cKq_aPCUcmLfs_3i6wNR4P9Y1f2kOnA7k80luZuysoS3gX1aRdZ04kSWKI3QXY0vhPYKdFg_tm_I_uCiHklO6IU/s1600/kim%2526me2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2yAQMdm2s9vp1P3-9DughoEL9x9WfTtzJzXcovfOdOiSh4xA7JO7cKq_aPCUcmLfs_3i6wNR4P9Y1f2kOnA7k80luZuysoS3gX1aRdZ04kSWKI3QXY0vhPYKdFg_tm_I_uCiHklO6IU/s320/kim%2526me2.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happiness shines through.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6aciaSErTAi2ZKbW3mWBYzkr09TZYyetoSgoMBcdVE521dxG-sytni3QqdCVjWlvhT_elDg2FCCZUcL02ZzZ0qWBibCHdDI5luBZ1Z3F9aWUmWZ8kUa8uWk-sVdZIlZZwRwIC0BseD8/s1600/lookatmenow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6aciaSErTAi2ZKbW3mWBYzkr09TZYyetoSgoMBcdVE521dxG-sytni3QqdCVjWlvhT_elDg2FCCZUcL02ZzZ0qWBibCHdDI5luBZ1Z3F9aWUmWZ8kUa8uWk-sVdZIlZZwRwIC0BseD8/s320/lookatmenow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAi1jZNWIEGX438X12DXjz_hl3o_f4l1RO6-dNEnQsZzZvQ7iTrRhh6XfSc36DQ8zJhD7inbOZ_0Mu3Vyr61cf7XXHFuRyokmEhmFTdNj_L3NiJLnuHr9icB0MbTJS4ARyiFsL0lsl_y4/s1600/midget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAi1jZNWIEGX438X12DXjz_hl3o_f4l1RO6-dNEnQsZzZvQ7iTrRhh6XfSc36DQ8zJhD7inbOZ_0Mu3Vyr61cf7XXHFuRyokmEhmFTdNj_L3NiJLnuHr9icB0MbTJS4ARyiFsL0lsl_y4/s200/midget.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTA3buTUDGZnq7DxO7NSXjsJ_gVuFsGOzcl81Nuik05VjLqSq4DqJtakPReTDD6swXK5t05wzF68HEXS3E0P4mMUhx49pyXp_U78vw8hk65r4VZv9jzN4amlrho8rTMrU4RsyCOnq82_A/s1600/sink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTA3buTUDGZnq7DxO7NSXjsJ_gVuFsGOzcl81Nuik05VjLqSq4DqJtakPReTDD6swXK5t05wzF68HEXS3E0P4mMUhx49pyXp_U78vw8hk65r4VZv9jzN4amlrho8rTMrU4RsyCOnq82_A/s200/sink.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic51B_1fOueqqWRb7JmTU_5NfHG96KlZQvnZYU6CVH_-jjcDM6LiA5Om40hramEab_j6fIkwvUYb8qdW-OjWvZZk_D6IlWnUp0WW8wywdUMju9Q1FjX-rsi8VvnNnBeDFYFDhhWmQ-_g4/s1600/toiletpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic51B_1fOueqqWRb7JmTU_5NfHG96KlZQvnZYU6CVH_-jjcDM6LiA5Om40hramEab_j6fIkwvUYb8qdW-OjWvZZk_D6IlWnUp0WW8wywdUMju9Q1FjX-rsi8VvnNnBeDFYFDhhWmQ-_g4/s320/toiletpic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cheers to Seoul, it's been a wonderful 12 months!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-90498832668115405082013-01-16T22:31:00.001-08:002013-01-16T22:36:39.660-08:00Five ways to survive in Korea<br />
A lesson in keeping up with the Koreans:<br />
<br />
1.<strong> Eat Kimchi (and enjoy it). </strong>Kimchi aka the most famous side dish in Korea. A meal is not a meal, unless it's complete with rice and kimchi. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Let's be honest, kimchi does to Koreans what garlic does to Americans and Italians, seeps through your pores and makes you smell like you just walked out of a kimchi factory.When you first come to Korea, you're like, "YUCK, what is this stuff?" After six months, if you are craving it before lunch, and purchasing it to silently chow down on in your own home... the damage has been done (rightfully so). I would be lying if I said I didn't like kimchi, but surely it was an aquired taste and I did not love it instantly. However, I can attest to the fact that one of my most recent status updates on facebook read, "When one of your Korean friends sends you home with a tub full of kimchi, you're just like... WINNING!" Enough said.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wapqEEXV8FMMCFhF_r6Ih7xREJ5Lv3lTrTlQPFIvQM30buNg1XeG0mbSGYgZnPcQuR2_qTfFZ9uB0nEdGz2_0X8d83fXeVkMm-Evm_n2rHDIl0hX8o-12mtl_9S1V0Bnf5sWTdcE9zc/s1600/Kimchi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wapqEEXV8FMMCFhF_r6Ih7xREJ5Lv3lTrTlQPFIvQM30buNg1XeG0mbSGYgZnPcQuR2_qTfFZ9uB0nEdGz2_0X8d83fXeVkMm-Evm_n2rHDIl0hX8o-12mtl_9S1V0Bnf5sWTdcE9zc/s320/Kimchi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
2.<strong> Learn to answer four important questions accordingly</strong>. <span style="color: yellow;">A. How old are you?-</span> This is most always the first question you will be asked in Korea. It may seem strange at first, as you are used to a friendly, "how are you?" The truth is, that in Korea, hierarchy is super important down to how you greet someone (a formal hello to your elders, and a less formal way for people of the same age or younger). B. <span style="color: yellow;">Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?-</span> Take it from me, lie. If you don't have a boyfriend/girlfriend, just say you DO. Surely, if you say no, the follow question will be a surprised WHY and as it seems, Koreans (women especially) just cannot understand the logic behind, "I don't want one,"(there MUST be something wrong with you). It's becoming much more common in western culture for women, especially, to focus on themselves and it's truly okay to be happy alone or even to be PICKY about who you want to settle into a relationship with, but in Korea, it seems that it's just merely about not being alone. It's guaranteed from the day you mention you are single, you will NEED a boyfriend, and they will take it upon theirsevles to remind you of this on a weekly basis.<br />
<span style="color: yellow;">C. Do you like Korean food/kimchi?</span> It's not surprising that of the first four questions a Korean will ask you, one of the most important involves kimchi. Plan to answer accordingly (and by accordingly I mean, yes, you love kimchi) even if you secretly want to gag when you are in sitting at the same table as someone eating kimchi, you actually "really enjoy" it. They will be so impressed and you are instantly on the waygook A list. If you can eat kimchi and learn to enjoy it you will be just fine in Korea. Which brings me to the next question... <span style="color: yellow;">D. Can you drink soju?</span> Koreans ask this question like it's some HUGE accomplishment if you say yes. They will then proceed to ask you HOW MANY BOTTLES you can drink. Soju is not just a drink, it's a part of a lifestyle and that lifestyle is just Korean culture in general. Soju is rough, I won't lie... nothing worse than a soju hangover. However, what's surprising to me is how impressed they are if you say yes. Is it not understood that in America, England, etc we drink other forms of hard liquor that far surpass the toxicity of soju? Perhaps we should instead challenge them back, "can YOU drink tequilla? Forget drinking soju and passing out on streets, drink tequilla and take off all your clothes. Hell, our country even made a song about it. See- <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj2700em-JQ" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e69138;">Tequilla makes her clothes fall off</span>.</a> Perhaps Psy's next song should be "Soju makes him sleep on the sidewalk." Just kidding. But, if you can drink soju, you should attempt to (at least at work functions). Your Korean coworkers will love nothing more than to drink soju with you, even if it's just a bit and you will surely inch your way up on the social ladder.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
3. <b>Use Chopsticks.</b> Everyone who lives in Korea should learn to use chopsticks. If you're not going to give it a go, why move to Korea? If you don't want to partake in the cultural experience and living styles of Koreans, then, go home. <i>[We as foreigners have all been in this situation : You're sitting somewhere, frustrated & irritated while TRYING to master this art, when suddenly you notice a little 5 year old Korean child. The child is blatantly staring you in the face, wondering, where on earth you come from and why you look so different. You are staring back, shamed by the fact that a five year old's fine motor skills seem to be far superior to yours. They use chopsticks like a champ, while you, once getting the chopsticks close to your face, have actually lost all the food that you were originally gripping. As you look down at the empty chopsticks and back to the child's face... you see them smiling & hear their evil villain voice ringing in your head, "Mwahahaha, stupid waygook."]</i> You know what they say, "Practice makes perfect." Surely you will never forget how to use a fork, however, if you are of any ethnicity other than Korean, and you own one fork, or better, none, you're surely learning the Asian way. My fellow waygookin, we have all had our moment when we realized we had finally mastered the chopsticks. It's like a breath of fresh air... "I CAN DO IT!" Usually when you realize you've become talented in this area, you start challenging yourself and your friends. What can you pick up with your chopsticks? A single grain of rice? GOT IT. A napkin? No problem. Slimey cold soup noodles... well, that's just irritating and difficult. If you can do this, you are half Korean. If you have sat in your apartment and tried to pick up books, papers, laundry, plates, etc with your chopsticks... well, then you're just a foreigner who is entertained by their new talent (me).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNol32KfT98o_u5Qo2zzCws63aU4pANDCmQUXnWottFo-L29Xz9kujw_j6Epd-jm8x44vBitQKpOBokCDuALltGyvqajHDUr8fovx0WQ7TezY3e_Aub2jNuS0EmAKiVCiubhErdvLSRYQ/s1600/chopsticks3a.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNol32KfT98o_u5Qo2zzCws63aU4pANDCmQUXnWottFo-L29Xz9kujw_j6Epd-jm8x44vBitQKpOBokCDuALltGyvqajHDUr8fovx0WQ7TezY3e_Aub2jNuS0EmAKiVCiubhErdvLSRYQ/s200/chopsticks3a.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
4. <strong>Embrace the Korean language to the best of your ability</strong>: No one is saying that you need to go spend ridiculous amounts of money taking Korean classes in order to effectively communicate with Koreans. In fact, it's not necessary, you WILL find ways to communicate and the majority of Koreans will be able to help you in some way or another even if their English is minimal. However, take advantage of your Korean counterparts... let them teach you here and there. If you are a teacher, learn from your students, keep your ears open, you will pick things up. Take it upon yourself to learn how to at least read and write hangul... it will make your life here a hell of a lot easier. I taught myself in two days at this <a href="http://www.talktomeinkorean.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e69138;">website</span></a>. Things you should learn to say in Korean- My name is, I'm from, nice to meet you (works wonders when you run into your students' parents on the street), i don't know, be quiet and sit down (if you are a teacher), can i have water (beer/anything else), go straight, turn left, turn right (for taxi purposes), thank you, where is the bathroom (or any other place). Surprisingly all of these phrases are fairly easy to master and will all go a long way. Surely, it never hurts to pick up a language exchange, however, females beware, usually men around the same age are interested in more than just a language exchange and then you've got a stage 5 clinger on your hands who know no English other than - "so beautiful," BARF.<br />
<br />
<br />
5.<strong>Do not fear the subway:</strong> The subway is a beautiful thing, master it. A foreigner could probably write a full on book about adventures on the subway in South Korea. Hopefully someone has and hopefully the chapters are full of intriguing stories about adjummas racing their carted goods around, hikers in matching outfits, and old men puking up soju remains in the corners. As a foreigner who never used a subway in her life, the thought of finding my way through these massive subway stations without getting lost, gave me anxiety. After a while, you realize, that it is literally impossible to get lost using the subway, but sometimes it IS hard to survive. First impressions: it's massive although easily navigable; people are like vultures trying to get seats (in fact, I can attest to the fact that I have seen old ladies sneer and gloat upon winning a two foot dash to an open seat); adjummas (old ladies) and adjushis (old men) literally have no problem throwing some punches or left elbows in order to get you out of their way (no shame); people fall asleep in the most awkward ways; staring contests are frequent and never ending, and there are times when you're literally too close for comfort and filing for harassment would be justified based on the amount of people who are actually touching your ass. Spooning has never been so unpleasant. At first you may feel intimidated. Learn how to push back. Don't take shit. You will probably get pushed around MORE than others because you are a foreigner in their country (this is especially true of the older generation). However, don't be fooled, occassionally you will see the elderly push around younger Koreans as well, and you will catch their surprising glances of disbelief. This stuff just wouldn't fly in New York City without people throwing punches but for some reason some of these people think they are justified. Just roll your eyes and carry on, there are bigger battles to be fought. Dont' be afraid to fall asleep (all the while, missing your stop) unless you have somewhere important to be. Take advantage of the corner seats. What's worse than being stuffed between one person and a brass bar? Being stuffed between two people in giant winter coats. Stare back in the face of judgement. Some days it will piss you off beyond belief when someone is staring you straight in the face without looking away, but you can stare back, or start waving frantically/pretend to die/do something really studid. Some of my friends and I have taken the opportunity to draw more attention to ourselves, this includes sitting across from each other and making obnoxious gestures before getting off together, riding the subway with vampire fangs in our mouths and smiling at people, or singing Christmas carols aloud. Embrace the attention instead of being anger by it. The subway is an entire obstacle in itself, and although some days it can be irritating, other days you will love the entertainment, and you will always love the convenience.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcMJ-dxFTEWswCZy_hoZJv_DPp_FL0DAznAreu_VaHLR0qKVdfUPPT28KQBslRc2eienwu-n7dgTP964M5tJYAc5-jXu3M2sc-owmKQNf_pYw_-rnIjVh_mTB4Y4OtgR58_JmanmUxlA/s1600/seoul+metro.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcMJ-dxFTEWswCZy_hoZJv_DPp_FL0DAznAreu_VaHLR0qKVdfUPPT28KQBslRc2eienwu-n7dgTP964M5tJYAc5-jXu3M2sc-owmKQNf_pYw_-rnIjVh_mTB4Y4OtgR58_JmanmUxlA/s320/seoul+metro.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It took me a year, but I have truly mastered this place. All humor aside, after all the time I've spent here, I can say that I have really immersed myself in another culture and learned from it. I really made it a point to "keep up" with the Koreans by throwing myself into as many new situations as possible, trying everything, learning the language, and making Korean friends. Anyone who is considering taking the leap to move to a completely different place, I say, go for it. You will not regret it and the things you learn about yourself and others will stay with you forever. I have a very special appreciation for Korea, Korean culture, and Korean people. Rock on, Korea.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-9217767702256985472013-01-16T22:10:00.003-08:002013-01-16T22:32:31.225-08:00The Holidays in Korea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The holidays have come and gone faster than
I could have expected, which is clear based on the tardiness of this
update. Time seems to be getting away
from me lately. It’s now only 36 days
until I leave Korea, and although I've come to terms with that, the number is incredibly baffling. I can think back to my very first night in Korea. All the memories of the people, the places, the things, come rushing back to me like photographs in my mind and I feel as though I've blinked and allowed time to pass me by. Although I will miss this place, I find comfort knowing that I took such a wonderful opportunity, made the best of it, and I have grown as an individual along the way. For this year, I have been truly blessed. I cannot begin to explain how grateful I truly am.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The holidays in Korea were not what I expected, although, I can't be sure what I was expecting. Of course, Christmas is a universal holiday but that surely does not mean it is celebrated in the same way worldwide. Perhaps I thought it was just going to be another day away from home. In the beginning of December, with the awakening of Christmas carols, I have to admit, I felt a little bit sad. I spent a good day or two, listening to carols, crying, and sulking in nostalgic memories of Christmas traditions at home. I missed sitting on the living room couch in my fuzzy socks, with my fuzzy blanket, watching National Lampoon's Christmas vacation with my family, singing "Hardy Candy Christmas," with Mom and Tara, and all the other things that bring Christmas cheer during that time of year. I gave myself a small window of time to act like a whimp, built myself a bridge, and got over it quickly. I came to terms with the fact that this Christmas might be different away from home and told myself it would only be as good as I made it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Christmas is not really a "big" holiday and is more for couples than anyone else in Korea. Whereas we get a week off of school and a few days off of work in the states, it's just a one day celebration here. Lucky for me, I have been blessed to be surrounded by some wonderful people in Korea who made it special for me. For the past 5 months, I have been privately tutoring two students, Eun Jung (16) and Hyun Sik (18), who are brother and sister. I have become very close to both of them, as well as their parents and in a way, I feel as though I am part of a Korean family. The Sunday before Christmas, they planned a big dinner at their father's restaurant for us before tutoring. When I arrived at the restaurant, the kids were wearing Christmas hats and had put up tinsel around the table where we would be eating. There was a camera set up at the end of the table, a Christmas cake in the middle, and the lyrics to "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Before eating, the children, myself, and their parents sat around the table singing "We wish You a Merry Christmas." We took a family portrait, and then went to town on the meal. When they began to sing the English Christmas carol, I felt so special and so incredibly grateful to have these wonderful people to make me feel more at home on the holidays (their Mom doesn't even speak English!). I have been truly blessed to have them in my life during my time here. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Christmas collage :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0Comh2Tawt-tlZaNjAlGGVu8ofS66tKD_qjtGP55-ca6UD7aFE5BXqKcBVsN_UPRjvg1QFEcpn8HP0WhlpaoDejHrUFfiVsJIginoBbdE4a9om_etMinusw9BPujYDdQYGdqeJuGvQ0/s1600/christmas+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0Comh2Tawt-tlZaNjAlGGVu8ofS66tKD_qjtGP55-ca6UD7aFE5BXqKcBVsN_UPRjvg1QFEcpn8HP0WhlpaoDejHrUFfiVsJIginoBbdE4a9om_etMinusw9BPujYDdQYGdqeJuGvQ0/s320/christmas+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hyun Sik and I on celebrating Christmas</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaH-F9CJS_6R19PD9SkY4aAdrP0VXLM-Ir-11EdyyvJoxL683wGguzmPfFQBWVkNgSNvtTwJSAZQODeSO7_0SAvFCHI2N9HyO5ZlhI8a0lonNovUx_BYuuSpZMBoFiEMv2xyLOiDnQ9E/s1600/christmashyunsik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaH-F9CJS_6R19PD9SkY4aAdrP0VXLM-Ir-11EdyyvJoxL683wGguzmPfFQBWVkNgSNvtTwJSAZQODeSO7_0SAvFCHI2N9HyO5ZlhI8a0lonNovUx_BYuuSpZMBoFiEMv2xyLOiDnQ9E/s320/christmashyunsik.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eun Jung and I celebrating Christmas</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3ro05Kblhk7BtMlXax6QwSpxUzjI7ltN_-p6Ihum6p5uuCwL2UeUs4yiMC1H5XUgawLmd9M6gBIehTgcAGH9DU3geBOrWrcis3_ZymHE4tzzkguAETQe6L7RuOE9mbjCB0-f5ulqQS4/s1600/eunjungchristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3ro05Kblhk7BtMlXax6QwSpxUzjI7ltN_-p6Ihum6p5uuCwL2UeUs4yiMC1H5XUgawLmd9M6gBIehTgcAGH9DU3geBOrWrcis3_ZymHE4tzzkguAETQe6L7RuOE9mbjCB0-f5ulqQS4/s320/eunjungchristmas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Celebrating Christmas with Mr. Kim</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBbvwey8ttCVcmAHcc9mZpX3IO1RkuP1iiJKJQkmLzFTmN3eknyqMG4DxlOuFxxcUWId52jA9b_gP6LzGhDk1mWYdipoED4dZ6WJhHqMzNyjuoTM0kgZTP0YmvgODKXViYgabNvea1G0/s1600/mrkim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBbvwey8ttCVcmAHcc9mZpX3IO1RkuP1iiJKJQkmLzFTmN3eknyqMG4DxlOuFxxcUWId52jA9b_gP6LzGhDk1mWYdipoED4dZ6WJhHqMzNyjuoTM0kgZTP0YmvgODKXViYgabNvea1G0/s320/mrkim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">On Christmas Eve, Kim and I decided to spend the night treating ourselves to a nice dinner in Sinsa (my favorite area of Seoul), we exchanged gifts (I GOT A BB GUN!), shared a bottle of wine, and then decided last minute to go out and meet all of our friends at the bar. I'm really glad that we decided to go out and meet everyone last minute. When we arrived, it was just after midnight which made it officially Christmas day and snow had began to pour from the sky. I have to say, it was a really nice moment being in the bar, surrounded by friends, and watching the snow fall to the ground on Christmas morning in Korea. After that night, I spent Christmas day watching Elf with Kim and Christmas night with Jason.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">My BB Gun from Kim & our vino!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpfT7dhf4l9GoewncTJCnM02NLsYv-Kr_Ej9QIrBtEuLT0N_fb4vx6Waof6cwrYCAxOmC7RwGmJel54pJrTeC1H1sIYoXw4hhR3Kjfs59W_azh2XakeEViHDrJFBKVvUVHH8b7TlMCNM/s1600/beebee+gun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpfT7dhf4l9GoewncTJCnM02NLsYv-Kr_Ej9QIrBtEuLT0N_fb4vx6Waof6cwrYCAxOmC7RwGmJel54pJrTeC1H1sIYoXw4hhR3Kjfs59W_azh2XakeEViHDrJFBKVvUVHH8b7TlMCNM/s320/beebee+gun.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the subway on the way to meet friends on Christmas Eve.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3my28rh5KXs25Uz5pkdo9JgVrV3ifvCQZLd94cduKz6mozdL9mYJNkTpLDbBI_swBEv3JAWPuopxr-sE3gGFM7LTKQdrifj4q1Q71tU4yggo8Bfafq8uZLRsaYy9Kz4QeeoF1SiS58k/s1600/christmas+kim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3my28rh5KXs25Uz5pkdo9JgVrV3ifvCQZLd94cduKz6mozdL9mYJNkTpLDbBI_swBEv3JAWPuopxr-sE3gGFM7LTKQdrifj4q1Q71tU4yggo8Bfafq8uZLRsaYy9Kz4QeeoF1SiS58k/s320/christmas+kim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In Sinsa-dong on Christmas Eve.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65NX_Prkik1KSf4ZUBmoYxHqngpOYnedBd3mnxuI577SlOWJLZX0vXTjhrC3u-vgnGAJ4G5PRdnnFQBEiWFY-FAgnaQK4hlxWsR7WrSfCiX8RC0fsW2ExXxIXeI4w91I0qEVsTdVkjj0/s1600/christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65NX_Prkik1KSf4ZUBmoYxHqngpOYnedBd3mnxuI577SlOWJLZX0vXTjhrC3u-vgnGAJ4G5PRdnnFQBEiWFY-FAgnaQK4hlxWsR7WrSfCiX8RC0fsW2ExXxIXeI4w91I0qEVsTdVkjj0/s320/christmas.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our Christmas Eve dinner... seafood pasta & wine :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRLISM_D3vKpCcofJ0gPqzBghbRR6425vG_Xt8dYuy8bY9CHsrU4mYuG6Kvt4Qvk1fkJVAudsIXIiDzGV25KkQpzcIhPAvtWAqm2_Lz0ClKKt4NrAqhlMvLYQRyT3cb3zDqkUadu4A1Q/s1600/christmasdinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRLISM_D3vKpCcofJ0gPqzBghbRR6425vG_Xt8dYuy8bY9CHsrU4mYuG6Kvt4Qvk1fkJVAudsIXIiDzGV25KkQpzcIhPAvtWAqm2_Lz0ClKKt4NrAqhlMvLYQRyT3cb3zDqkUadu4A1Q/s320/christmasdinner.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Christmas snow in Itaewon! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHBFRHEMe-FWhNeDR0WQNRvTjrEEECpHlEuR3jfxTRoGX5WcpXq89vylFgo_wvZfE0C1_2-WngKylAoKAfuB8Nsg3fwKVI1bI9KJENUoOk8XNEJZhHLdMQAfVEaaPJU1xCm5YAHc5vjY/s1600/christmassnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHBFRHEMe-FWhNeDR0WQNRvTjrEEECpHlEuR3jfxTRoGX5WcpXq89vylFgo_wvZfE0C1_2-WngKylAoKAfuB8Nsg3fwKVI1bI9KJENUoOk8XNEJZhHLdMQAfVEaaPJU1xCm5YAHc5vjY/s320/christmassnow.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
White Christmas- 4am Christmas morning in Itaewon :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKo6h1MsrXtbtpRzqBc_oBkUSEAr8b-mMG3vBP1KdGfSZQXLh1RcVEgQXacLSf-Hz8hMpd5D48mFDDNwqDWv9kEukRNP0JkCnjPkHgh9zvxLQt7vGh5qFka0cqaaRQMF2Unxxj_piras/s1600/snowwithkim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKo6h1MsrXtbtpRzqBc_oBkUSEAr8b-mMG3vBP1KdGfSZQXLh1RcVEgQXacLSf-Hz8hMpd5D48mFDDNwqDWv9kEukRNP0JkCnjPkHgh9zvxLQt7vGh5qFka0cqaaRQMF2Unxxj_piras/s320/snowwithkim.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">On New Year's Eve, I am not regretful to say that I didn't do ANYTHING. December 31st was just "one of those days" for me. From waking up to a broken cell phone, to falling on ice in the morning and revealing my undergarments in my dress, forgetting my lunch and not eating for 12 hours, to getting lost on the way to the phone repair store, ending up in the car with a stranger, and having a taxi cab driver get lost trying to get me home, by the time my day was winding down, all I wanted to do was cry myself to sleep. So, I spent my New Year's Eve crying in the back of a cab, talking to my mom on the phone, and falling fast asleep early. I did however, have plans for New Years Day. At home, I would have normally spent New Years Day with my grandmother and family, eating pork and black eyed peas for good luck, but instead I spent this year celebrating my student Eun Jung's birthday with their family. We met early in the morning, went to see Life of Pi, ate a delicious lunch at TGI Friday's (yes- they have them here!) and then we went to norebang (karaoke), as it is her favorite. It was a special day for her and a day well spent for me. Once again, my Korean family to the rescue- I always enjoy and appreciate my time spent with them!</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">Eun Jung's birthday dinner</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLzrM5NHi-wWoIUIxPqgckcs_5T7AzWBVuoDwVuf-Wo3keLopAECpIhsiAujnxo8frUkZp2Srxr1-2Ga9VQismMnY-rSJELME1UostgKVWau1168_hNLB5FSrtJwI-xrX6Lhi_Z4iTuA/s1600/eunjungbday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLzrM5NHi-wWoIUIxPqgckcs_5T7AzWBVuoDwVuf-Wo3keLopAECpIhsiAujnxo8frUkZp2Srxr1-2Ga9VQismMnY-rSJELME1UostgKVWau1168_hNLB5FSrtJwI-xrX6Lhi_Z4iTuA/s320/eunjungbday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hyun Sik and I singing "Call Me Maybe," at norebang.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMnKldkgF0iPehHbmSh_eVLw_ByPJbSr9R7t1nKhOfLMIvNBtoAmyXo651v2RAAWQS8_H_wXqoGI7M5mDEIMuSSHdIdEx8dyn6e4ep0-O1bgplGhuJZFZEA8GNZmL9_0Uc6rftTrJi0E/s1600/norebang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMnKldkgF0iPehHbmSh_eVLw_ByPJbSr9R7t1nKhOfLMIvNBtoAmyXo651v2RAAWQS8_H_wXqoGI7M5mDEIMuSSHdIdEx8dyn6e4ep0-O1bgplGhuJZFZEA8GNZmL9_0Uc6rftTrJi0E/s320/norebang.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Norebang for Eun Jung's birthday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUf7O5GztCfAo6DUkYhxMbJLMi_XK2oJXzXivI9yCt5Il1X3rhrTlygCTC3XH14SFtGuRAfIYh_Qf_42s3PogxBXeXvmC8bTVZuGsuJlMit2j6GXDbGt_KwTGlRObBI-3LsTjuOA0OOM/s1600/norebang2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUf7O5GztCfAo6DUkYhxMbJLMi_XK2oJXzXivI9yCt5Il1X3rhrTlygCTC3XH14SFtGuRAfIYh_Qf_42s3PogxBXeXvmC8bTVZuGsuJlMit2j6GXDbGt_KwTGlRObBI-3LsTjuOA0OOM/s320/norebang2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the holidays passed, we began a three week English Winter Camp with some of our kiddos. I have been co-teaching with Eunhee and really loving it. The students are different than they were for Summer Camp, so I've really enjoyed teaching the third and fourth graders that I don't know. They are absolutely adorable! Our theme for camp was American School- each day we addressed a different subject (math, p.e., science, art, music) and taught them the material in English. We covered things from sea creatures, to musical instruments, american football, and word families. This week is the last week of camp, and with that winding down, I will have another week of free time (no classes) and then only three weeks with my fifth and sixth graders before I'm on my way to Bangkok. I know it is going to be extremely difficult for me to leave my kids but alternatively, I'm really looking forward to meeting the kids at the orphanage in Chaing Rai, and spending a few weeks with them. I will be landing in Bangkok in t-36 days, I will be in South East Asia for one month, and then I will be home to my loved ones thereafter. I have so many emotions inside me- happiness, excitement, anxiety, worry, etc. However, mostly... I'm just happy.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sara & Lisa making their own musical instruments</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from recycled materials.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVW8vNoS0PZ_lADPlrFvXSGv-FtatXfr-wgGXwZ9gwZVgEaXHXEm9w78w5XPUWesRG26AhJTlE5KwZIUrO66XaU7kH3RDpg5ScqSo_AuU5i1vlccOInOXEYbHa58Pu1CcTytvHxdldF7s/s1600/SARALISA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVW8vNoS0PZ_lADPlrFvXSGv-FtatXfr-wgGXwZ9gwZVgEaXHXEm9w78w5XPUWesRG26AhJTlE5KwZIUrO66XaU7kH3RDpg5ScqSo_AuU5i1vlccOInOXEYbHa58Pu1CcTytvHxdldF7s/s320/SARALISA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
김민서 on math day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUTUwquUEwGhwxtTpeSywICIciT0qa_GuQTVtUWUQ5Ib71_gHwfb15RQ4aP_Zg8vjn8CTI17ns7NS7o6tsGi35weOeQWgoihLYDFHX4js_9FxvZZ8XWXBEL0lk8EfwmLPWzQn3_8dQxA/s1600/150080_10151205299571761_491642412_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUTUwquUEwGhwxtTpeSywICIciT0qa_GuQTVtUWUQ5Ib71_gHwfb15RQ4aP_Zg8vjn8CTI17ns7NS7o6tsGi35weOeQWgoihLYDFHX4js_9FxvZZ8XWXBEL0lk8EfwmLPWzQn3_8dQxA/s320/150080_10151205299571761_491642412_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
준규 & 동하 </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhZn09fnxjrWYXLZ0FCOHWQlcgB_RiHv4ToqSU9Natv5z9Ig6Dxqu7iRDQwmm1iNQozDumPz0BDTVCir6IibZBmLwsHRT-6H76TaN5erMBWbAdODk6bJpMD8Y1rwDJtfaWfbmXggk5IM/s1600/DSCN3085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhZn09fnxjrWYXLZ0FCOHWQlcgB_RiHv4ToqSU9Natv5z9Ig6Dxqu7iRDQwmm1iNQozDumPz0BDTVCir6IibZBmLwsHRT-6H76TaN5erMBWbAdODk6bJpMD8Y1rwDJtfaWfbmXggk5IM/s320/DSCN3085.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
김민서 - We made new years resolutions.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcANkQOAPmfjMWJUXs1TuCPNkud8Ulj0qq1KMlL7uluJC5_ZNq2kxJOF2o3JVeU9ak8Y0Whb70zp8jgPNetmZA8-NNZGZ0z_UsyanC-EF8VAEv2eeYvgvndyz8l_TzolIXaWNcARx_IQs/s1600/DSCN3082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcANkQOAPmfjMWJUXs1TuCPNkud8Ulj0qq1KMlL7uluJC5_ZNq2kxJOF2o3JVeU9ak8Y0Whb70zp8jgPNetmZA8-NNZGZ0z_UsyanC-EF8VAEv2eeYvgvndyz8l_TzolIXaWNcARx_IQs/s320/DSCN3082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our third & fourth graders getting ready to play flag football. They made the belts themselves!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WvGCDCoh0mkA7CUzQjOOOuB2uAqk0SjaOvmYr4sENn1XJGgirQY7LkFhmqlrEjXX6DeS0LonDHfJGeOH-77iNfjx84ZiMPaOgKlw8UV5XhXTy-EKqMvcOf6HI3SEY9QIUn8Y_SkHIF4/s1600/DSCN3088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WvGCDCoh0mkA7CUzQjOOOuB2uAqk0SjaOvmYr4sENn1XJGgirQY7LkFhmqlrEjXX6DeS0LonDHfJGeOH-77iNfjx84ZiMPaOgKlw8UV5XhXTy-EKqMvcOf6HI3SEY9QIUn8Y_SkHIF4/s320/DSCN3088.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
준규- Everyone told me to beware</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
because he is the #1 trouble maker at school,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but... i really loved him!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LgitdHtIPfITzcd9aiuOpyKvNQodm8JPiGEcgzBBGpr52EXmTAg9dTyheoY2bAxL95l4UefBAEyrnUb_3VqQC0wFuDS4P2Opbx1rZLh_5DWd3kqSW-o9whZCEOtlT6tSUHXpT2ETh5U/s1600/DSCN3090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LgitdHtIPfITzcd9aiuOpyKvNQodm8JPiGEcgzBBGpr52EXmTAg9dTyheoY2bAxL95l4UefBAEyrnUb_3VqQC0wFuDS4P2Opbx1rZLh_5DWd3kqSW-o9whZCEOtlT6tSUHXpT2ETh5U/s320/DSCN3090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The girls planning a play during flag football. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was ten degrees this day... they were troopers!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0ZkRTMlymQtmie-DQks0A6uqD8ullQ_5alxHCUxN4TWadnufikhTu6HI44n-CRKz6MgDoDqHF2kLDYb5H79gPYR3VSACGNOLtBaQBrwltbYkis1llqGIZjlyXsqEC7NETzQ2rBG_t64/s1600/DSCN3094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0ZkRTMlymQtmie-DQks0A6uqD8ullQ_5alxHCUxN4TWadnufikhTu6HI44n-CRKz6MgDoDqHF2kLDYb5H79gPYR3VSACGNOLtBaQBrwltbYkis1llqGIZjlyXsqEC7NETzQ2rBG_t64/s320/DSCN3094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
민정. She is so cute!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCQvl9N6oYwuHxq6aaQSB7v7paC0wYVdTREdfOOjVOoR2pvsVK3-d18e7yDzDIaxNzR-9iEGftEWs3C5PK2T3jsrpMrrp-JpF7xK1C_4LY9OFMp3GyLY9tvjGpMb6sKmPSzZQAbHii04/s1600/DSCN3091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCQvl9N6oYwuHxq6aaQSB7v7paC0wYVdTREdfOOjVOoR2pvsVK3-d18e7yDzDIaxNzR-9iEGftEWs3C5PK2T3jsrpMrrp-JpF7xK1C_4LY9OFMp3GyLY9tvjGpMb6sKmPSzZQAbHii04/s320/DSCN3091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here's to living the next 36 days to the fullest, cherishing the time I have with my people & students here, and making the most of everything while I still have it. :)<br />
<br />
(Also, I'm glad the world didn't end while I was in Korea.)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-36378956105269964582012-12-14T02:24:00.000-08:002012-12-14T02:24:52.780-08:00Accepting Endings and Putting Seals on Future Endeavors As I sit in my classroom, at 4:22 pm, I should be getting ready to walk out the door but two important things have happened this week that made me feel as though an update (even if small) was necessary.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our students have completed their English textbooks for the year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On Monday and Wednesday when Jiyoung and I finished the last of the final chapter in the textbook, our students threw their books up in the air, shaking them around like maracas. For the sixth grade, it's an even bigger celebration because these next few weeks will be the end of elementary school as they know it. I had some mixed feelings about this. I was HAPPY to be finished with the lame textbook because I knew that the few weeks ahead would be filled with fun winter camp days and teaching them Christmas carols. However, I was sad because I am also aware that our time together is now extremely limited. I'm very proud of many of my students as I have actually seen improvements in some of their English abilities, even if it's just an increase in their confidence in the English room. On Wednesday, when I stood in front of my fifth graders for the end of their final "book" lesson, tears filled my eyes. Two of my girls were looking at me and saying something in Korean that I did not understand. I looked to my co-teacher for a translation and she looked at me sadly, translating, "Don't go back to America, teacher." I looked at the girls and I said, "DON'T MAKE ME SAD!! Rachel Teacher's mother and father and brothers and sisters want her to come home! They miss me too!" My students stared me dead in the face and in all seriousness said, "Teacher mother and teacher father.. go to KOREA!" I laughed back, "bring them to Korea?!" They nodded their heads quickly, as if saying, "well that's exactly what should happen!" Of course I said, I didn't think they would want to come to Korea and my students began pleading... "teacher, please, please, please!" I quickly reverted into, "time to study" mode in order to hold back the tears that I could feel forming behind my eyes. Saying goodbye to them on the last day is going to be so incredibly difficult. There will surely be tears in the English classroom on February 19th.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On a more exciting note, today I officially booked my flight for my backpacking trip in February!<br />
<br />
I will officially be leaving Korea on Sunday, February 24th and heading to Bangkok! Upon arrival in Bangkok I will spend two days in the city and explore the area before heading to northern Thailand. In Chaing Rai, Northern Thailand, a small orphanage with 13 children awaits my arrival. I will be spending two weeks volunteering at the center in conjuntion with the International Humanity Foundation. I couldn't be more excited! As of now, I have the last two-three weeks open to explore more of southeast Asia (if I don't get too attached to the kids and decide to stay). My hope is to cross the border into Cambodia and spend some time there touring Angkor Wat, the oldest religious temple in the world. After a short visit to Cambodia, I plan to hit at least one or two of the islands in Southern Thailand. I would like to spend at least four days sleeping in a beach bungalow or renting out a tent to sleep under the stars next to the clear blue waters on the coast. My first two weeks at the orphange are the only truly solid plans I have, so far. I will be spending anywhere from 4-8 hours a day socializing/playing with the children and teaching them some English, although only four hours are required of tourist volunteers. The rest of the time, I will be free to explore the jungled areas in Northern Thailand. For most of my journey, I will be playing it by ear. I believe that by drawing out and planning everything before I get there, I will be limiting myself. I plan to thrive off the things I find and the people I meet and see where it takes me- let my spirit be my guide (I always did love Pocahontas).<br />
<br />
I am obnoxiously excited for my upcoming adventure. I am not sure at what point in my life I became so fascinated by travel (I think perhaps it was during my plane ride to Korea), but regardless, it is one of the greatest loves I have ever had. The experiences are so raw and real, so worthy and inspiring, it brings ache and happiness to my heart all at once. It's something I hope to continue to do forever (or at least until I have kids.) Although, I know it's time for me to come home and secure a teaching job in the states, I also now know it's time for me to live. Living every day life at home does not mean I have to stop living my adventures, my life IS an adventure and I just have to continue to cultivate these wonderful experiences for myself. The world isn't going anywhere (as long as they aren't right about 12/21/12), but I, Rachel Lynn, am going everywhere and anywhere (except Russia, I really have no desire to go there).<br />
<br />
And so, I will leave you with two things that inspire me: a beautiful quote and a man who inspires me and millions of other people around the world.<br />
<br />
"Travel. Get the hell out of here and see what's out there. Break your prejudice and see how people live elsewhere. We develop empathy with this habit, we learn our potential in unfarmiliar surroundings, and we develop communication that isn't bound by language."<br />
<br />
This is one of the many yearly videos titled, "Where in the World is Matt?" Matt spends his time traveling the world and DANCING with people everywhere he goes (although now he has a wife and child). The astounding thing about Matt is that through his videos he is able to show the world something that we ALL learn from travel, and that is this... even though we are all different, we are all just the same. We all laugh, we all love, we all strive for things, we all suffer, we all want happiness... we all DANCE. Thank you Matt for bringing the world together in such a simple way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pwe-pA6TaZk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-22898369720041014352012-12-04T23:44:00.000-08:002012-12-04T23:44:17.635-08:00Funny Things My Students SayNo explanation necessary... (the compilation of these began quite long ago)<br />
<br />
Rachel Teacher: What did you do yesterday?<br />
Student with English name, Obama: I winner election!<br />
Whole class: WOW! Congratulations!<br />
Rachel Teacher: hahahahahha! GO OBAMA!<br />
<br />
A student has a ball we use for classroom activities tucked inside his jacket.<br />
Rachel Teacher: Give me the ball, please.<br />
Student: (throws the ball back to me)<br />
Rachel Teacher: (throws the ball to another student)<br />
Student: OH MY GOD, TEACHER... MY BABY! OH NO!<br />
<br />
A student walks up to the front of the room to answer a question using the touch screen (one piece of his hair is sticking up in a peculiar way).<br />
A bunch of students begin laughing.<br />
Rachel Teacher: Why are you laughing?<br />
Student: Teacher, Hector's hair is... WIFI!<br />
Hector: It's beautiful.<br />
<br />
Rachel Teacher: Which prediction did you choose? A, B, or C?<br />
Student: B.<br />
Rachel Teacher: Okay. Can you read B for me?<br />
Student: B.<br />
Rachel Teacher: No.. I mean ACTUALLY read B.<br />
Student: I did. B.<br />
Rachel Teacher: READ THE SENTENCE!<br />
<br />
<br />
Rachel Teacher: Today we are going to sing a song.<br />
Student: Today we are... teacher, no thanks-uh.<br />
<br />
<br />
Rachel Teacher: How often do you wash your hands?<br />
Student 1: I wash my hands once a year!<br />
Rachel Teacher: ONCE A YEAR?! Are you sure?<br />
Student 1: Yes.<br />
Student 2: Dirty boy!!<br />
Student 3: Don't touchy me!<br />
<br />
Student: Rachel Teacha... I haveeee-uh GIRLFRIEND-uh!<br />
Rachel Teacher: Really? Who?<br />
Student: Her name is LADY GAGA!<br />
Rachel Teacher: (laughing) Really? Lady Gaga?<br />
Student: YESSS-uh! We eat steak and also drink the wine in restaurant!<br />
(fast forward to the next day)<br />
Rachel Teacher: How is your girlfriend?<br />
Student: Girlfriend is NO. She kicked to me.<br />
Rachel Teacher: Really? That's too bad!<br />
Student: Now my best is-uhhhh... ROMNEY!<br />
Rachel Teacher: (staring blankly) Where do you learn these things!?<br />
Student: LADY GAGA!<br />
<br />
<br />
No students want to volunteer to do a dialog role play. Naturally, I bribe them with candy.<br />
Rachel Teacher: I will give you candy?!?! (flashes the goods)<br />
(Just about every students' hand shoots up)<br />
Student 1: Beautiful teacher, pick me!<br />
Student 2: Wonderful, beautiful teacher, I love you.<br />
Student 3: Amazing spider man teacher, give-uh me the candiessss!<br />
Student 4: NO! Rachel Teacher, wolverine! Wolverine teacha, wolverine teacha!<br />
Student 5: Show me the money!<br />
Rachel Teacher: (laughing uncontrollably)<br />
<br />
Student: Rachel Teacher, are you married?<br />
Rachel Teacher: No.<br />
Student: I LOVEEEEEE Rachel Teacher! Do you have a boyfriend?<br />
Rachel Teacher: do your work...<br />
Student: Teacher!!!... I LOVE YOU!<br />
<br />
Student: (pointing to another student) Dan is CASANOVA!<br />
Rachel Teacher: Why? Dan has many many girlfriends?<br />
Student: No, Dan is many many gay.<br />
<br />
Three students pick up a package in my classroom that my sister sent me from home.<br />
Student 1: (sniffing the box) WOW! Smell is AMERICA! America smell, America smell!<br />
Student 2 & 3: Begin sniffing the box.<br />
Rachel Teacher: (observing and laughing in the corner)<br />
<br />
Rachel Teacher: Do you want $10 US dollars or this candy? (showing him BOTH)<br />
Student: (yelling) CANDYYYYY!!!<br />
Rachel Teacher: Are you crazy? With ten dollars you can buy many candies!<br />
Student: TEACHA... GIVE ME THE CANDY!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
During ball toss, pass and say..<br />
Student 1 throws the ball to Student 2 and hits him in the head..<br />
The WHOLE class all at once: HEAD SHOT!!!!!!<br />
<br />
One student drops his pencil case and it burst open all over the floor.<br />
All at once the whole class yells: UNBELIEVABLE!<br />
<br />
Rachel Teacher: How old is Rachel Teacher?<br />
Student: 145!<br />
<br />
During a chant song about directions:<br />
Song: Where is the bank, where is the bank? Go straight and turn left.<br />
Students: (repeating...)<br />
Song: Where is the school, where is the school?<br />
Student 1: (screaming as though he can't take it anymore) I DON'T KNOW!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
Rachel Teacher: What will you do this weekend?<br />
Student: I will DATE with Rachel Teacher. Do you like date?<br />
Rachel Teacher: Sorry, Rachel Teacher only dates Wolverine.<br />
<br />
Rachel Teacher: Good morning!<br />
Students: Good morning!<br />
Rachel Teacher: How are you today?<br />
Students: How are you today?<br />
Rachel Teacher: Don't repeat.<br />
Students: Don't repeat.<br />
Rachel Teacher: I smell bad.<br />
Students: I smell bad.<br />
Rachel Teacher: I am stupid.<br />
Students: I am stuuuupiiidddddd???...TEACHER, OH MY GOD!!! (laughing)<br />
Rachel Teacher: I win!<br />
<br />
Rachel Teacher: If you steal my candies again, I will eat your fingers.<br />
Student: OH MY GOD.<br />
<br />
Student: Wow. Rachel Teacher... hair.. shiny... very good! K-pop.<br />
WIN.<br />
<br />
Student: Teacha's face is very small today... but eyes, SO BIG!<br />
Not sure? Somewhere between a win and a lose.<br />
<br />
Student: Teacha, eyes... circles. Very dark.<br />
LOSE.<br />
<br />
Rachel Teacher: Have you ever been to Seoul Zoo?<br />
Students stare at me with wide eyes and look around at each other.<br />
Rachel Teacher: WHAT?<br />
Students: Teacher... SOJU!?!?<br />
Rachel Teacher: OH MY GOD! NO! Seoul ZOO... you know.. THE POLAR BEARS LIVE THERE!<br />
<br />
During a lesson on rooms of the house:<br />
Rachel Teacher: What's in the bedroom?<br />
Student 1: The bed is in the bedroom.<br />
Rachel Teacher: Good. Where is the stove??<br />
Students: It's in the kitchen!<br />
Rachel Teacher: Good.. and where is Rachel Teacher?<br />
Student 1: In the bathroom! (student's start laughing)<br />
Rachel Teacher: (can't help but laugh) IN THE CLASSROOM!!!<br />
<br />
Over time my students have learned what "chill out" means and how to use it in context since I frequently use the term when they get a little wacky.<br />
Student 1: Teacher, he is writing no. Looks like worm.<br />
Student 2: No, mine is like butterfly.<br />
Rachel Teacher: Butterfly... like Rachel Teacher!<br />
Student 2: Teacha, why?<br />
Rachel Teacher: Because I am soooooooooo beautiful!<br />
Student 1: Teacher... CHILL OUT!<br />
Rachel Teacher: (laughing)<br />
<br />
After first snow..<br />
Enter two students with an actual snowman: Teacher, this is for you. SNOWMAN!<br />
Rachel Teacher: Woww, very cool! Ummm... I think it might melt?<br />
Students: Yes, here is a tissue.<br />
LOL<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNjxBscztS28As8MwHJTrXQoIGwg1cIcQAOQexTC50PyrTOchCcb6OhfQ0x-AQHcni9xXnx-vHFYVBvgaO2Azoi5XfPmU-EQExgeeog0lQdRm7M_w2rZGENM8yHOZt6T07fkKPLQPKTU/s1600/Yeon+Ji+Cho+Students+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNjxBscztS28As8MwHJTrXQoIGwg1cIcQAOQexTC50PyrTOchCcb6OhfQ0x-AQHcni9xXnx-vHFYVBvgaO2Azoi5XfPmU-EQExgeeog0lQdRm7M_w2rZGENM8yHOZt6T07fkKPLQPKTU/s320/Yeon+Ji+Cho+Students+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDeHFsYac1HfKVMvdaut31AdxO7upt4U3xQxc2yt30PKqFSwi_rL2glusbx4uFkfVh77G4Xq_xWAs8MG95YwsaQWWELEWp8l_EQXauq_UzHUk-4mo9UMtBHQstMCMuUncTwHq520NDJ4/s1600/Yeon+Ji+Cho+Students+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDeHFsYac1HfKVMvdaut31AdxO7upt4U3xQxc2yt30PKqFSwi_rL2glusbx4uFkfVh77G4Xq_xWAs8MG95YwsaQWWELEWp8l_EQXauq_UzHUk-4mo9UMtBHQstMCMuUncTwHq520NDJ4/s320/Yeon+Ji+Cho+Students+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbOvQOh9bMWQRLmF1bfyTIXCtuKkfqTrOOdg9fRth1HOc1a8j0eqdw4mN6OD1T1kTULZb8q6RhZGkfFi9AwFaH7PsK7G5xUJ6CsC9ch9CzzWf_E28l-e5pmQGygGCnBmTwybN79W30RQ/s1600/Yeon+Ji+Cho+Students+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbOvQOh9bMWQRLmF1bfyTIXCtuKkfqTrOOdg9fRth1HOc1a8j0eqdw4mN6OD1T1kTULZb8q6RhZGkfFi9AwFaH7PsK7G5xUJ6CsC9ch9CzzWf_E28l-e5pmQGygGCnBmTwybN79W30RQ/s320/Yeon+Ji+Cho+Students+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_mELbAkSMsX9dUKyLlze9xTijATlNg0kneCb68Ws4DXRD8XCNm6zO3NSsoVq3ZUsZv1eY_vJQ5JqTN44uAGUwX8uFq8YWsUNeTvQuCAKPKz2yRk7vHzobRK_IjFx2MuvZarsCqrlBh8/s1600/Yeon+Ji+Cho+Students+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_mELbAkSMsX9dUKyLlze9xTijATlNg0kneCb68Ws4DXRD8XCNm6zO3NSsoVq3ZUsZv1eY_vJQ5JqTN44uAGUwX8uFq8YWsUNeTvQuCAKPKz2yRk7vHzobRK_IjFx2MuvZarsCqrlBh8/s200/Yeon+Ji+Cho+Students+015.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57WqWRkL3pwlVJhRfu_Nh2jV7gZaPUoCOozkXzmifYmG2B3YZZspfTLr8CCxWwysqDrl2AKor34AXW3raAoOtEiuOVlDBsAd6LDay1aiiIbZtZDZAuwZTL2CumsAibGg67hCpuvMDefc/s1600/Yeon+Ji+Cho+Students+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57WqWRkL3pwlVJhRfu_Nh2jV7gZaPUoCOozkXzmifYmG2B3YZZspfTLr8CCxWwysqDrl2AKor34AXW3raAoOtEiuOVlDBsAd6LDay1aiiIbZtZDZAuwZTL2CumsAibGg67hCpuvMDefc/s200/Yeon+Ji+Cho+Students+023.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyiwbwtNkS0kZkSbqBJghzZ_kr7rbW_e4-yNNOLKQPWOFKbA0OgApss-zFAgFMDI89shmBKUf3z7XbDebgsbt8lVr23I3HnAB9QJmFzW3ybpF6ks3D-2Jl0vPhi4sJxMB4bRqeB3O6rNw/s1600/Yeon+Ji+Cho+Students+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyiwbwtNkS0kZkSbqBJghzZ_kr7rbW_e4-yNNOLKQPWOFKbA0OgApss-zFAgFMDI89shmBKUf3z7XbDebgsbt8lVr23I3HnAB9QJmFzW3ybpF6ks3D-2Jl0vPhi4sJxMB4bRqeB3O6rNw/s320/Yeon+Ji+Cho+Students+031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-37000154908300168412012-11-15T17:59:00.000-08:002012-11-15T17:59:09.644-08:00The Final Countdown<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/TuBMXS6vU3o?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
With my last entry, came a written illustration of autumn. Oddly enough, as I sit here now, my hands already want to start spewing out thoughts about winter just a short week later. Today especially, it seems as though winter is about to hit Seoul with fury. Naturally, being a fall and winter person, I'm enjoying it far more than I did the humid and sticky summer days in the city. The temperature is dwindling between the lower 40's and the high 30's and I can't help but think that with the deduction of a few more degrees in the coming weeks, I can expect snow. The walls that line the sidewalks which guide me home have officially lost all of their vines, leaving them looking a bit like death, but the trees are still hanging on to life. Each day at 4:40 the sun is beginning to softly set as I stroll home, leaving the buildings in the distance with a glowing essence. I have purchased and am now fondly wearing an over-sized purple scarf that both keeps me warm and makes me hate myself when I realize that under my coat it makes me look like I'm carrying (and I don't mean books). My winter taste buds have taken a specific liking to green tea lattes, replacing a gap that in past winters has been filled by the Starbucks peppermint mocha latte. Sooner than later, in my opinion, winter will be in full swing. If that means sitting in my bed under soft winter blankets, with heat rising up from my floors, a candle lit, and cheesy winter movies, I'm ready. However, winter's arrival could also means that I will be smothered in so many layers that I will begin waddling around like an anime giant, lacking the ability to move my limbs effectively and that the subway operators will start blasting heat. With those two things in mind, perhaps I should enjoy the lighter side of winter before I start to feel like I'm in a sauna in Ralphie's winter snow suit. I hear that winter's can get bitterly cold in Seoul. <br />
<br />
With the passing of fall and the arrival of what seems like an early winter, some big decisions have rounded the corner as well. Just one week ago, I was faced with the question that I knew I would have to answer from the moment I landed in Korea. Do I stay or do I go? Contract renewal time. The funny thing about big decisions is that you think you've got it in the bag, you know what you want, or what you'll do, until suddenly you don't. The questioning period begins. Something about seeing it in writing, and signing off one way or the other, makes the decision much more real, and much much more difficult. When I first came to Seoul, I knew that two years could be an option, but I was also convinced that it wouldn't be practical for me and that SURELY I would be going home at the end of this contract. What I didn't realize, was that I was wrong in making a premature plan for my future without knowing what Korea would hold for me. I could have never imagined that the decision to go home could be as difficult as was the decision to come here, harder even.<br />
<br />
Three or four months ago, I recall being asked about renewal by my friend Cameron. I think, speaking for myself and many others, it's something that we had all thought about on a biweekly basis since arrival. Some weeks when we all were homesick, we would be leaving, other times when we were having the time of our lives, we couldn't imagine leaving. At that time my specific answer was, "No, I'll be going home ." Not because I disliked Korea or my life here, but mostly because I planned for a year and the idea was to go back home in a year, find a good teaching job in the states, and reunite with my loved ones. For many people, teaching here is outside their actual career choice but for me it's what I've studied, trained in, and strived for. You would think that would make it a better experience for me but I'd be willing to argue that. Although I'm still teaching, I'm not using my abilities and my knowledge of education to the fullest. I still work hard, but I could work harder, and it is surely a more simplified version of what it would be to have my own homeroom class in the states. With that said, my initial thoughts were validated with that being my main reasoning. I don't want to become a lazy teacher by investing two years in a teaching job that is far easier than what I'm qualified to do.<br />
<br />
Then, a week ago, the papers were put in front of me and the question was asked, "what will it be?" The problem is, signing off on those papers, saying that you will be going home, puts a limit on your time. It's like having realized that all of a sudden there is a ticking time bomb on your shoulder, reminding you daily that you only have t-x days to enjoy this place. I never imagined that the decision would have been as difficult for me as it was. In my case, I feel that I have grown, changed, and learned a lot from living abroad. This has, hands down, been the best year of my life. When you have an experience of that caliber, it seems almost impossible to walk away from it. I feel almost as though my heart now has two homes and the strings that connect me to each are pulling firmly in opposite directions. After the past 8 months here, I was beginning to believe that home didn't have as much to offer me. In reality, I think my hesitancy to go home is mostly weighed by fear: fear of not finding a teaching job at home right away, fear that home won't be as appealing as the big city has been, fear that my longing for my past life here will leave a small hole in my heart. The problem with that is that when it comes to fears, you have to face them, and you can't make a decision based on fear of the unknown, because most of the time, the unknown ends up being surprisingly refreshing and totally worth while (a little something I learned in Korea).<br />
<br />
So, although it took me exactly one week to say the words, "I'm leaving." Although it took me crying on the phone with my mom, constantly discussing it with my friends, and weighing my options to the point of mental exhaustion EVERY DAY. Although that now, every day, when my students make me laugh or make me smile it will give me both joy and a pang of sadness, I have signed the papers and have made it official. February will be the end of my teaching contract in Korea. At first, I wasn't sure that I had made the right decision, but I think it was the permanence of the papers that really had me shaken. The reality of my time limit is still fresh, but IN time, I will come to terms with leaving this place and I have just under 3 months to do so. Perhaps it's easier to leave home because you know it will ALWAYS be there, but I'm sure, I won't ever live in Korea again. However, as one of my friends here in Korea said, it's better to be leaving on a high note, with an appreciation of this place, the friends made, and your time here, rather than stay another year and become fed up and ready to go.<br />
<br />
It's still tugging at my heart strings a bit, and as I sit here writing this, I feel a surge of emotions making me tear up but, regardless, I'm beginning to become one with my decision. It seems that even with the passing week, I'm beginning to have good feelings more and more about going home. I have had good dreams revolving around home in the past week and it seems like where my mind suppressed my cravings for things I miss back home, they are starting to resurface. I cannot wait to see my family again, be with Lauren and Chelsea, and be home to help plan and attend my best friend, Morgan's, wedding. The best part about leaving is that I'm planning a 3-4 week backpacking trip in Southeast Asia. I plan to visit Thailand and Cambodia before making my way home. I certainly need to scratch my travel bug just a tad bit more before landing back on the east coast of the USA. The worst thing about leaving will be saying goodbye to my students, and I honestly think that it was one of the biggest factors in my hesitancy to go home. I have always loved my students whether here or at home, but these kids truly hold my heart. However, as my Mom has pointed out, I have cried when leaving every class I have ever taught for a substantial amount of time. I suppose, it's both expected, and inevitable. For now, I plan to enjoy my time that I have with them, avoid tearing up thinking about goodbyes, and live the next three months I have here to the fullest.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Instead of leaving you with the things I will miss about Korea, I will leave you with the things I can't wait to get back to at home... See you in 4 months USA, family, and friends!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My Family</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"We may not have started out together,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">but we sure do belong together."</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUz5CUsSXfr_dcgw5axVx68C-9VqltsR2V53gWvtHhdclDHRM-h923D3TWodv0xi9zW4mTZLfyFlf3ep-bEEEjFMXSHBoUojJ1hiGMm8adcT34_IQmMjbmdoonsX_MBxKSke4ubmBS_7U/s1600/momndad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUz5CUsSXfr_dcgw5axVx68C-9VqltsR2V53gWvtHhdclDHRM-h923D3TWodv0xi9zW4mTZLfyFlf3ep-bEEEjFMXSHBoUojJ1hiGMm8adcT34_IQmMjbmdoonsX_MBxKSke4ubmBS_7U/s320/momndad.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom & Dad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7j9-X7bymK_J3Pr6HI6FyiWJevUWPb3QhdWXFDvnn5b1An3Q2-jimUrmMICUIHWkXyHYVBf7W4tNpHvBkxVbpDDCVOZalKPMgzMi4c6KItD5yYLsr8quf1xv7RODPhxMKCikVC1dEtzo/s1600/caseynderek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7j9-X7bymK_J3Pr6HI6FyiWJevUWPb3QhdWXFDvnn5b1An3Q2-jimUrmMICUIHWkXyHYVBf7W4tNpHvBkxVbpDDCVOZalKPMgzMi4c6KItD5yYLsr8quf1xv7RODPhxMKCikVC1dEtzo/s320/caseynderek.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casey & Derek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NJO-RnqoWy22JpZ2j9bghyphenhyphen0oALkDuXqSZiWkGpmy06bmRc4Y_oIZI8GTustFdwjz-wNdVxnaj8el2S_QDBKttZvBSOXqgmXaioxmGpKo-7_BVdix_O0FEC36PbhSzzBwv1ROhNtT4mw/s1600/tara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NJO-RnqoWy22JpZ2j9bghyphenhyphen0oALkDuXqSZiWkGpmy06bmRc4Y_oIZI8GTustFdwjz-wNdVxnaj8el2S_QDBKttZvBSOXqgmXaioxmGpKo-7_BVdix_O0FEC36PbhSzzBwv1ROhNtT4mw/s320/tara.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachel & Tara</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVW720pTQtmuZMpw1YF7lS12IlECbsxxZm2q72jL2o36ehmYcrOM7WLBjUNxaSWmwJy75KJQij2cV4Hlr-xYjWupQhvjcA-y2o8aNlIOXFR1rxFV6o7t2hyphenhyphen_5aboBr0jJQgB3YISvnUIc/s1600/brycentara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVW720pTQtmuZMpw1YF7lS12IlECbsxxZm2q72jL2o36ehmYcrOM7WLBjUNxaSWmwJy75KJQij2cV4Hlr-xYjWupQhvjcA-y2o8aNlIOXFR1rxFV6o7t2hyphenhyphen_5aboBr0jJQgB3YISvnUIc/s320/brycentara.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryce & Tara</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4dQ02dik9vHVPYP8wCbG7bq04DIa0OXQf23Y8sPSx4cWrzF-5wmOLKO5Nw3T2pUqeQUCfFt92ULEJEPeK0MTScPVbPUsRuxme_Sl6KvJVAnlwVceC-GqRbBLCZCvo5u95kRvHivqG58/s1600/siblingchristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4dQ02dik9vHVPYP8wCbG7bq04DIa0OXQf23Y8sPSx4cWrzF-5wmOLKO5Nw3T2pUqeQUCfFt92ULEJEPeK0MTScPVbPUsRuxme_Sl6KvJVAnlwVceC-GqRbBLCZCvo5u95kRvHivqG58/s200/siblingchristmas.jpg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="150" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtlMr8umgZjenSRivmHdI_TKfhDDwGOJUMPohphmI8qK3D9V4E_OwnxptI21nmt-HvierkxpfmPJPJDKA2qeudjp4oFqF-714XNTQNVmNu2Is77ccyA9euVCPGE8y3aw4D8RGKUZSErg/s200/poolpicfam.jpg" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebp8DI-L5nDa5GtQ2xG2wtCa-qUgwGMvheUST6-cNWrsGpQCT06muwK7LvVtbAQqXevLtthpBkvrMOUGWsOYEG8klz1Tzq9OriBVKf7ogMmE-5m2WO6ozx9I3B9d9vTF4NwnEVpcKyvc/s1600/siblingchristmas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebp8DI-L5nDa5GtQ2xG2wtCa-qUgwGMvheUST6-cNWrsGpQCT06muwK7LvVtbAQqXevLtthpBkvrMOUGWsOYEG8klz1Tzq9OriBVKf7ogMmE-5m2WO6ozx9I3B9d9vTF4NwnEVpcKyvc/s320/siblingchristmas1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LutAz9d6DeE_Jg-mIqW3AdJXOkhp4UAqiOkPvFMUD9_zfRsVMXtLiu9v3XG5v2YJKDXyzQkDvUPhPoFktZrezSuBubNo3JN93d7xLNmEVK2u1W5tS-AKmRndxcswZolyS4AiCmWnCoQ/s1600/memomsis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LutAz9d6DeE_Jg-mIqW3AdJXOkhp4UAqiOkPvFMUD9_zfRsVMXtLiu9v3XG5v2YJKDXyzQkDvUPhPoFktZrezSuBubNo3JN93d7xLNmEVK2u1W5tS-AKmRndxcswZolyS4AiCmWnCoQ/s200/memomsis.jpg" width="138" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFA5_SovW8rfkNfAI29rF7IXcQ1dzjA5q-i57OfxsZ1ehyphenhyphenlG5XdbhkEIgnJgD5EO7AJKSXTRkXu26a__NhN4nxtgpwmKgl1enXGWwpgUxoYkDf9tbsB-LFNHT_y1ZB2h1Sw3SkypNPIRQ/s1600/momndad3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFA5_SovW8rfkNfAI29rF7IXcQ1dzjA5q-i57OfxsZ1ehyphenhyphenlG5XdbhkEIgnJgD5EO7AJKSXTRkXu26a__NhN4nxtgpwmKgl1enXGWwpgUxoYkDf9tbsB-LFNHT_y1ZB2h1Sw3SkypNPIRQ/s200/momndad3.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOAEVHmDXQmCD1-IQJTqUM9KL7rEiV0TvmvoL6yrqaPmABWFDvl8Ad-pc6KlQQMfgAOa7CNCloXOPUKOq1V_AaSizkpNXNbCbesVqWbQx7EQw-0xhpsqMga8aHa6pwRSwhD17CWwg77M/s1600/gradmomndad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOAEVHmDXQmCD1-IQJTqUM9KL7rEiV0TvmvoL6yrqaPmABWFDvl8Ad-pc6KlQQMfgAOa7CNCloXOPUKOq1V_AaSizkpNXNbCbesVqWbQx7EQw-0xhpsqMga8aHa6pwRSwhD17CWwg77M/s200/gradmomndad.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2W0BAzgScZEybF1Y2RAPaDn3uiEA3EMkFsuITpu5E3hMINKMYNSX2YuWkv-VBe1DBY31J7Q6fzXD7Q2W938Fg_UB4B2j0BvXB1-dc9As7eTo2viBC6G_8Mu9BraV8UvzpaK4T3PcPyw/s1600/outsidecaseynderek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2W0BAzgScZEybF1Y2RAPaDn3uiEA3EMkFsuITpu5E3hMINKMYNSX2YuWkv-VBe1DBY31J7Q6fzXD7Q2W938Fg_UB4B2j0BvXB1-dc9As7eTo2viBC6G_8Mu9BraV8UvzpaK4T3PcPyw/s200/outsidecaseynderek.jpg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="150" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPpwS4sGwGM4Dv0yrDQFiMFcEmUg_Ouh8e_R4jJKk6dETCvG7b57OYk3TCiXq91emyyVSSLXpl_zoD567tU8JQc09baJK0AqYHnOeJBoF-3JLAUbz081Y8kyzqWXg4t_mf9a1Dba-dEk/s200/mommy.jpg" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyTvqCSSU6oW8-rQLaPr_XYFt3UFDbOcxvdQ_8EoXd2aODwZgtFv6Rvc34PLaVCtmR_o42q5nSiP8tHmYSHNmM5eRKXC5GYUplCUMm2k9oC2yYaDvklCg-z6DwqYOiBEzjQFMqrrkj78/s1600/brothers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyTvqCSSU6oW8-rQLaPr_XYFt3UFDbOcxvdQ_8EoXd2aODwZgtFv6Rvc34PLaVCtmR_o42q5nSiP8tHmYSHNmM5eRKXC5GYUplCUMm2k9oC2yYaDvklCg-z6DwqYOiBEzjQFMqrrkj78/s320/brothers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXMzTuhOZGrRN2SxmLUgjzWBQfOkYbuI2B8Ofl439A0c2xo7a_-3rWkbSOD3bjupqz2zm1deYxiYvourVmidT9NzUsG8s4RNPLD3KSbVa1WB6jA_cKG0YEfiE3qt5sdwn3IQ9Rsw1rSQ/s1600/ddlr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXMzTuhOZGrRN2SxmLUgjzWBQfOkYbuI2B8Ofl439A0c2xo7a_-3rWkbSOD3bjupqz2zm1deYxiYvourVmidT9NzUsG8s4RNPLD3KSbVa1WB6jA_cKG0YEfiE3qt5sdwn3IQ9Rsw1rSQ/s200/ddlr.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9850F_NAWhncK4nHtlo6OhzXUjJEOXwDSSEh0A2Ili-k8Hewg9oIcICsaA3iL44mDS84WkutGDAbJglD62gndloD39z725kogATUrScEX8Nu81jJi7lTBcBZJT-Tlxqn9gwYzHMUuck0/s1600/casejerryderek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9850F_NAWhncK4nHtlo6OhzXUjJEOXwDSSEh0A2Ili-k8Hewg9oIcICsaA3iL44mDS84WkutGDAbJglD62gndloD39z725kogATUrScEX8Nu81jJi7lTBcBZJT-Tlxqn9gwYzHMUuck0/s200/casejerryderek.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
My dear family, sometimes things can get a little crazy living a life like the brady bunch, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Our parents brought us together and they are the seam that will always hold us together. Even when our household is a circus, we still always manage to make light of it and laugh together. I can't wait to be home with all of you again! We sure do know how to hold down the fort.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2qKYNP_4SRRuxjqABO7_u3XkVVW69wutP3-s4bFvxVm7pXzucijYsf6garOMoH1LAcZviolKuNypd6a0SpdRwD875E4jpp4YF1Fv9BzHXLS6OcUgvoYL4Ci5GkM-z6ZcP8nD2CuMcZM/s1600/familysmlporch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2qKYNP_4SRRuxjqABO7_u3XkVVW69wutP3-s4bFvxVm7pXzucijYsf6garOMoH1LAcZviolKuNypd6a0SpdRwD875E4jpp4YF1Fv9BzHXLS6OcUgvoYL4Ci5GkM-z6ZcP8nD2CuMcZM/s320/familysmlporch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My Whole Heart</span>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlN5RS_NNvzE2g21-t0kHBUnvIPWLL-5qxtBnYzkbUSifYEdjFWImTG-e5U9w96VfD3gJbHBUNfpBPm1EzGKmsFnnQs3Xo7nmOhuzcKUY7nnnLCkv_S_rYiT8V6v4t07H8p0xroz6iFI/s1600/perfect4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlN5RS_NNvzE2g21-t0kHBUnvIPWLL-5qxtBnYzkbUSifYEdjFWImTG-e5U9w96VfD3gJbHBUNfpBPm1EzGKmsFnnQs3Xo7nmOhuzcKUY7nnnLCkv_S_rYiT8V6v4t07H8p0xroz6iFI/s320/perfect4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Morgan- "My Other Half"</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I cannot wait to help plan and attend your wedding to the wonderful Ted!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQEh3D0U2tgTsUtr1Y_mHrxaHYCjk4bnUi5t5bzdbB9BZjOsWagD3w7zWuRlkW8kLZQiip9mkB66-5rMoQaO7nBvtdkb6Ny9B0K38Wac-WVHQLieQioQVnodO7Ru-63ae0ypVCH-4X9k/s1600/MorgnMEgap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQEh3D0U2tgTsUtr1Y_mHrxaHYCjk4bnUi5t5bzdbB9BZjOsWagD3w7zWuRlkW8kLZQiip9mkB66-5rMoQaO7nBvtdkb6Ny9B0K38Wac-WVHQLieQioQVnodO7Ru-63ae0ypVCH-4X9k/s200/MorgnMEgap.jpg" width="143" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShW-M4cM5xFu8wkOzjICtcH625-AyqMwrKN6hE1UbClG5JV8fIfJDRYF0mSNNkDV3LVZ8fULpyBWoccPAbI9ucEBJVG3KOiC88pdUtFqPFGv4g2k6kfq0h81mRCXndesZMhg46B2fGbk/s1600/morgiekitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShW-M4cM5xFu8wkOzjICtcH625-AyqMwrKN6hE1UbClG5JV8fIfJDRYF0mSNNkDV3LVZ8fULpyBWoccPAbI9ucEBJVG3KOiC88pdUtFqPFGv4g2k6kfq0h81mRCXndesZMhg46B2fGbk/s200/morgiekitchen.jpg" width="177" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlYjg_gXaZvK-L0QDoZCp_20E4FmN3oPVOjowdaMCntv8y3LYLAIeGa_spb0oH4qfbst4qDEGpll_KWJKhyphenhyphencv5IHuTZqMGPdD5hNR8a55yEmmE8UOVpMgf6bROrJhIgTbKHJfr65z5jg/s1600/menmorgblonde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlYjg_gXaZvK-L0QDoZCp_20E4FmN3oPVOjowdaMCntv8y3LYLAIeGa_spb0oH4qfbst4qDEGpll_KWJKhyphenhyphencv5IHuTZqMGPdD5hNR8a55yEmmE8UOVpMgf6bROrJhIgTbKHJfr65z5jg/s200/menmorgblonde.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlYjg_gXaZvK-L0QDoZCp_20E4FmN3oPVOjowdaMCntv8y3LYLAIeGa_spb0oH4qfbst4qDEGpll_KWJKhyphenhyphencv5IHuTZqMGPdD5hNR8a55yEmmE8UOVpMgf6bROrJhIgTbKHJfr65z5jg/s1600/menmorgblonde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</a>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Chelsea- "My Partner in Crime"</span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP-oDGXuOmJcyfiW1QnnDBM0sxo7YoZUC_uC8gmo3ISUoOnivGmLg6u-4RlCpyCCKpUUkcoutjgqIfeFIrS_EgsYuePe4WxSFd8hchHENQE5fGwZTvmf7lonlsOdrxiGEXPdAcK7RfOk/s1600/hugschels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP-oDGXuOmJcyfiW1QnnDBM0sxo7YoZUC_uC8gmo3ISUoOnivGmLg6u-4RlCpyCCKpUUkcoutjgqIfeFIrS_EgsYuePe4WxSFd8hchHENQE5fGwZTvmf7lonlsOdrxiGEXPdAcK7RfOk/s200/hugschels.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMp2yLQLJYPMaQ8s5A5nUEHam3QJ9ZyaUES09qXzLLFSf5jWA5Uflkxt0a-MGyfx3k_mgBMAFwXfJwl5prr8_qpMYfK6cTUwaoMvZFY2KA3-sKZRaKu90bpV5k36CTmSa4FYVgwPm5Quc/s1600/chels+hugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMp2yLQLJYPMaQ8s5A5nUEHam3QJ9ZyaUES09qXzLLFSf5jWA5Uflkxt0a-MGyfx3k_mgBMAFwXfJwl5prr8_qpMYfK6cTUwaoMvZFY2KA3-sKZRaKu90bpV5k36CTmSa4FYVgwPm5Quc/s200/chels+hugs.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRWsEn1F7h0e5SIRY6kqFFzpaQnBrfe_z31qetb8NUvJe7WC3wuhBYWZSO2NicPDqTBI_4PT3YJbO4vsPQFnLqfso7wfIsZvSmXkHr8azIY0N2Q1xe-u_r__ApAAmAjj1JvHk5HkCqjg/s1600/welcomeamerica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRWsEn1F7h0e5SIRY6kqFFzpaQnBrfe_z31qetb8NUvJe7WC3wuhBYWZSO2NicPDqTBI_4PT3YJbO4vsPQFnLqfso7wfIsZvSmXkHr8azIY0N2Q1xe-u_r__ApAAmAjj1JvHk5HkCqjg/s320/welcomeamerica.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Lauren- "The Nugget"</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_F-HYJa7FNDuYI3ZzH8KEeYeDrY8yChMuDSEytFWngN6ix3GuO6Lhlh1bfW03QOCySoLx0dEiLUMPkn9aCVDsvA256kfV9iYdpKoD3LV1RZIgM6HSQgiJLC9n75W6HoBPIPbXWOuDC28/s1600/SMLRL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_F-HYJa7FNDuYI3ZzH8KEeYeDrY8yChMuDSEytFWngN6ix3GuO6Lhlh1bfW03QOCySoLx0dEiLUMPkn9aCVDsvA256kfV9iYdpKoD3LV1RZIgM6HSQgiJLC9n75W6HoBPIPbXWOuDC28/s200/SMLRL.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0FYSRSCzCSI3SRF6k3_uEB3LgqhkyYZ_8YroTCY42iwCc2AqzJ1hal6ik7p0PFwExr-duY7chj2wZ4pTJ_gxWPyNdVLAnD0VFTZQ7l3O0NP-fX61v22LBdLJPZbrsAGjvLZyOBUnrAY/s1600/NYE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0FYSRSCzCSI3SRF6k3_uEB3LgqhkyYZ_8YroTCY42iwCc2AqzJ1hal6ik7p0PFwExr-duY7chj2wZ4pTJ_gxWPyNdVLAnD0VFTZQ7l3O0NP-fX61v22LBdLJPZbrsAGjvLZyOBUnrAY/s200/NYE.jpg" width="138" /></a><img border="0" height="196" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuRw4RsMSa2_FAsLWcTCJ2mpGGiIYjK1b_w5Q6uF51OyY1vvk-ZwH0ENUsbBSKygQQkty90uGD0Q-ltF5-0008QqPZ7al78kcs1mSVnJy80-PQoOWbrGPpd0L5sIDh3Ep1YyU5wzbpeA/s200/nugget.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My girls- I truly cannot wait to get back to spending every waking second with you- cuddling on the couch, vactioning together, smuggling car tires, riding in shopping carts, getting yelled at by lauren, sitting on rooftops at night, dancing, being families with our families, and doing things we shouldn't. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also can't wait to...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-visit my Grammy (and eat corn bread)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-eat mom's home cooked meals</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-drive my baby Shawndra</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-visit my sister in Florida</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-drink GOOD beer (Shocktop how I miss thee)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-go to the barn, see the horses, Coach Sue, and RIDE!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-eat boneless wings from Applebee's</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-visit my OTB family.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-see all of my other friends :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-be able to actually cook again & know what I'm doing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-join my gym again</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-swim in our pool!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-HUG!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(What's with hugging in Korea? It's like a foreign concept. Show a littleee loveee!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-SEE THE STARS.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-86517280610108148672012-11-04T01:45:00.000-07:002012-11-04T23:23:48.099-08:00Celebrating Halloween in KoreaOctober is a month that paints the world. The fresh crisp autumn air pulls at the changing leaves allowing them to fall freely to the ground. The streets become painted with orange, yellow, and red pixels and a soft wind brushes against your face. October reminds us that death, although something hard to come to terms with, can also be something of beauty. For all of these reasons, October (and fall itself) has always been my favorite month. However, I am specifically drawn to the fall month of October for one reason more specifically than others... Halloween. Halloween is my all time favorite holiday. The traditions of trudging through dirt paved pumpkin patches, mushing slimy orange guts through my knuckles as I hollow out my treasured pumpkin, feeling my heart race as my eyes graze the television set during one of my favorite Halloween classics, and running from a masked clown with a chainsaw while venturing through the latest haunted attraction. What could be better? This year I discovered the answer to that question... sharing it with my students who have never celebrated it before.<br />
<br />
This October, I felt a pang of sadness knowing that I was missing my favorite season and favorite holiday back home. There are no pumpkin patches in Korea, and you are lucky if you happen to stumble upon a decent looking pumpkin large enough to be carved. I don't have an oven, so even if I did find the ingredients for pumpkin pie, the effort it would take to make it would certainly outweigh my desire to do so. Halloween stores are few and far between. Korean people don't dress up for Halloween, and kids are too busy studying in after school academies to be able to take a few hours off to haunt the streets and collect candy. So initially, I was quite disappointed, to say the least, but my expectations slowly made a quick turn around. <br />
<br />
To begin with, early on in October, I had asked my kids what they knew about Halloween and if they celebrated. Of course I got the generic answers, "Yes teacha, I know... Halloween is pumpkins" Yes, I reassured them, but "what do you KNOW about Halloween... what else do we do for Halloween? Do you know trick-or-treat, do you know jack-o-lantern, or haunted house?" Some of them knew just a bit about Halloween but they surely did not understand my excitement. In order to change this, I offered up a Halloween party. "How would you like to have a Halloween party together? I will teach you about Halloween, we can play Halloween games and have trick-or-treat!" Of course, luring them in with candy takes a little less than two seconds. With the little that they know, they are highly aware that candy is involved, and so... they were on board. I gave them a bit of incentive by giving each of my 120 students a personal invitation to our Halloween party. They were then told that each day up until the party, they would have to earn a sticker on their invitation. If they did a good job in class, listened, did not talk when I was talking, and participated, they would each receive one sticker per day. This made each of them responsible for themselves only. On the day of the Halloween party, they had to have acquired a certain number of stickers to partake in the festivities. Of course we made it so that they could each lose one sticker, allowing each of them to have one bad day and still be able to come play (surely, regardless, I had no intentions of neglecting anyone from the party either way but it sure did keep them on their best behavior for a week). Once they learned that they needed a certain number of stickers, they asked myself and my co teacher what would happen if they didn't have enough stickers. Jiyoung told them that students who didn't earn their stickers would have a private English class with her while the rest of the students would be having a Halloween party with me. Their jaws dropped with wide eyes staring in disbelief, "TEACHA... OH MY GOD! Berry berry bad." <br />
<br />
The week before Halloween came and went. Sangwon and Hyun helped me decorate the doorways to the classroom with spiderwebs, ghosts with googly eyes, and balloon pumpkins. I also spent the week prior wearing spooky masks, vampire fangs, monster teeth, and pranking them with fake spiders and jumpy Halloween videos. I absolutely adored their reactions. Being that my kids are 5th and 6th graders, none of them were very taken back or spooked by my creepy attire but my coworker's 3rd and 4th graders sure did run screaming from me when I crept around the hallway into her room. Priceless. The fake spiders were a success. During lessons, I would find one kid in a group of desks that wasn't paying attention and put a fake spider on the desk, making the other kids aware and giving them the "shhhh!" symbol. There they sat like little heathens, glad to be in on the prank. We would then either wait until the victim turned, sighting the hairy arachnid on their desk, or tap them on the shoulder, gesturing at it in a frightening manner, and wait for their reaction. Some of the kids jumped a few feet, others just gave me the, "nice try teacha," face and then protested that they in fact "like" spiders. Then there was the kid who apparently has a phobia of spiders who practically had a panic attack in my room... and that's where the spider pranks ended.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Scary Rachel Teacher. Mwahahahahaaaaa.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCDymJGOM4fJwouOm2VoAZfHjnaC6XaTcIIUWtT3AUUC4xT5rGR-Dx_VjrwoVNlXtaRe5cYbTySe6iQ5av-eCG3ilPPkDKXG0qB0wU1bNgtlTjCrJavkOF1QIYi7c4JPhBuv807aTXh8/s1600/scaryhalloweenteacher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCDymJGOM4fJwouOm2VoAZfHjnaC6XaTcIIUWtT3AUUC4xT5rGR-Dx_VjrwoVNlXtaRe5cYbTySe6iQ5av-eCG3ilPPkDKXG0qB0wU1bNgtlTjCrJavkOF1QIYi7c4JPhBuv807aTXh8/s320/scaryhalloweenteacher.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our classroom decorations.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXynMWQpyvfPNMj9_4S-7XPH1Q2xyDYjAyTzq585VN018I1croV1RE8Vzf-_DN_PB3VsMe0RvTJLg8gPgrVbvcHoNwLN_XnbqM9mQKEN8OPzOuawvDWvJAGoyTkqZ9rLQHfqFZZ_D4g8/s1600/halloween+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXynMWQpyvfPNMj9_4S-7XPH1Q2xyDYjAyTzq585VN018I1croV1RE8Vzf-_DN_PB3VsMe0RvTJLg8gPgrVbvcHoNwLN_XnbqM9mQKEN8OPzOuawvDWvJAGoyTkqZ9rLQHfqFZZ_D4g8/s320/halloween+room.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jiyoung and I in our classroom with our students pumpkin decorations.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IWlFn1mK4LpwGKcoWi6_vs62f0veRjNJ2yHjlh_nWbMVvjONp-Za0RzEFSmWTcyxykQOtNzF_-7QF_JWLKNo0P2gA1-UJx3Jj27f10Ja7Ekw-Xr7DcY4JvaAQ3T1gyYkGI9sMS7uyLc/s1600/halloween2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IWlFn1mK4LpwGKcoWi6_vs62f0veRjNJ2yHjlh_nWbMVvjONp-Za0RzEFSmWTcyxykQOtNzF_-7QF_JWLKNo0P2gA1-UJx3Jj27f10Ja7Ekw-Xr7DcY4JvaAQ3T1gyYkGI9sMS7uyLc/s320/halloween2.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
We had two separate parties. Tuesday, October 30th was set aside for my sixth graders and Halloween day was set aside for my fifth graders. I happened to stumble upon a nice sized pumpkin for sale in Dungcheon the weekend before, so I managed to buy it, haul it home on the subway, and carve a real jack-o-lantern for my kids. They were very impressed when Jiyoung told them... "Look how much Rachel Teacher loves you... she took it home on the subway one hour for you." YES, I told them... and I got a lot of stares as well! They all clapped... "Teacha, THANK YOU!" The party itself was awesome. Each class had an hour long party. When they entered the room, we had the lights out with spooky music playing and the jack-o-lantern lit. They had to sit through about a 15 minute power point about Halloween traditions in the USA before we could start any games. They were all given 5 candies to chow down on as they watched and listened. Surprisingly, they were all very interested in everything I told them about Halloween. I incorporated some pictures of me and my friends carving pumpkins, at the pumpkin patch, and videos of haunted houses. They ate it up! After we finished learning about Halloween and eating our candy, we bobbed for apples and played musical chairs to the monster mash. The games were by far the best part of the party. Bobbing for apples was hysterical. The first few contestants were too hesitant to dunk their head into the water fully, but within minutes we had participants going to town catching apples with their mouths sending the whole class into roaring laughs and cheers. Monster mash musical chairs was also quite entertaining as I watched my students walk around like ducks desperate to get a chair and then let out ear piercing screams when the music would stop. Last, our students voted on the best pumpkins from their class, as they spent the week before turning in pumpkin drawings and decorating the room with them. I was so happy to be able to share my favorite holiday with my students. As I sit here writing this recall of events, I have an unmistakable grin spreading across my face. The pictures say it all. I had almost 300 picture ALONE from our Halloween party... it was really hard to narrow them down, but I picked them ones with the best happy faces and apple shots!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KSgNi61smvWy6ljL3rke22Qa-BUCuCVo7eMStYwltbZUmJGxNTFKbjIf1UFR9NPqFwPNb_J4Xr5UXJnm_vT1wotPrchclbm4LqP55YQVNzTUQ89vnvHDaqjqnQJCuxFbvtPWHytEJM8/s1600/DSCN2713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KSgNi61smvWy6ljL3rke22Qa-BUCuCVo7eMStYwltbZUmJGxNTFKbjIf1UFR9NPqFwPNb_J4Xr5UXJnm_vT1wotPrchclbm4LqP55YQVNzTUQ89vnvHDaqjqnQJCuxFbvtPWHytEJM8/s320/DSCN2713.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfJzXSEMPVlgY5oyZgUfrRdm9P-7dtLMK2LF4BfRdRGHpSzDmjr3uh4FrsNhrr7GFGJ0WTA2Qj6CuAKQkYgwZiLfANULcNhHcmB-sMcPl9DjRFXnUMgZMwON2H0OdMfuPeO-UjaHLUtw/s1600/DSCN2717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfJzXSEMPVlgY5oyZgUfrRdm9P-7dtLMK2LF4BfRdRGHpSzDmjr3uh4FrsNhrr7GFGJ0WTA2Qj6CuAKQkYgwZiLfANULcNhHcmB-sMcPl9DjRFXnUMgZMwON2H0OdMfuPeO-UjaHLUtw/s320/DSCN2717.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbr2WOxzt-AO1Ji2Tp-Xaxwqs9ug0lJjQ-EX8Foj-FtoFaFVjmbVHWLacHkPHuqgStArkouXc80NQfom6zKCHDUZ7czK07rgE6lMVaWIChYyzhBynkxCF55v1DfmklRfdAsKjUbyiu7k/s1600/DSCN2755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbr2WOxzt-AO1Ji2Tp-Xaxwqs9ug0lJjQ-EX8Foj-FtoFaFVjmbVHWLacHkPHuqgStArkouXc80NQfom6zKCHDUZ7czK07rgE6lMVaWIChYyzhBynkxCF55v1DfmklRfdAsKjUbyiu7k/s320/DSCN2755.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLowYHaEVPBGEAv0eYoGPei9X1QqIdlxQteFldwR_HuJcGHJZIDTEfyYuHX0pXRDnZ9vQu_3ce7jRMh-JYNimd5jWJ2vbu_qUfTDhcpl0IWdRuIRGvHYC1fzXSFmLwJbxmUq9t6FFkrcA/s1600/DSCN2759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLowYHaEVPBGEAv0eYoGPei9X1QqIdlxQteFldwR_HuJcGHJZIDTEfyYuHX0pXRDnZ9vQu_3ce7jRMh-JYNimd5jWJ2vbu_qUfTDhcpl0IWdRuIRGvHYC1fzXSFmLwJbxmUq9t6FFkrcA/s320/DSCN2759.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Zx5t502Tb2ZdEAGkw-yO76EtoJ0YHbEyWCDyvs_SflxmKM4uaDxvthIDr8AX3kE_XzLF3zdIrshgSVztNpWe18-k1a2-zBmUABH81je_KWbDgBKAIHyHQCPGGHD7CHC42NVtNBR7vPQ/s320/DSCN2760.JPG" width="240" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzKMQT9zos1QmlujWl4CTmsOTyYKLT5ns-ByFPBL9ZM_Q7TgNvOoSUq9HTQDYexZUPo0Bno5dY5sFPtY2caT1hfMYpfJNJxqVRWjjqQTv090ZO87asSolzPyvLwXNo1XswB4tYK8d4cM/s1600/DSCN2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzKMQT9zos1QmlujWl4CTmsOTyYKLT5ns-ByFPBL9ZM_Q7TgNvOoSUq9HTQDYexZUPo0Bno5dY5sFPtY2caT1hfMYpfJNJxqVRWjjqQTv090ZO87asSolzPyvLwXNo1XswB4tYK8d4cM/s320/DSCN2769.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzKMQT9zos1QmlujWl4CTmsOTyYKLT5ns-ByFPBL9ZM_Q7TgNvOoSUq9HTQDYexZUPo0Bno5dY5sFPtY2caT1hfMYpfJNJxqVRWjjqQTv090ZO87asSolzPyvLwXNo1XswB4tYK8d4cM/s1600/DSCN2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzKMQT9zos1QmlujWl4CTmsOTyYKLT5ns-ByFPBL9ZM_Q7TgNvOoSUq9HTQDYexZUPo0Bno5dY5sFPtY2caT1hfMYpfJNJxqVRWjjqQTv090ZO87asSolzPyvLwXNo1XswB4tYK8d4cM/s1600/DSCN2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzKMQT9zos1QmlujWl4CTmsOTyYKLT5ns-ByFPBL9ZM_Q7TgNvOoSUq9HTQDYexZUPo0Bno5dY5sFPtY2caT1hfMYpfJNJxqVRWjjqQTv090ZO87asSolzPyvLwXNo1XswB4tYK8d4cM/s1600/DSCN2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzKMQT9zos1QmlujWl4CTmsOTyYKLT5ns-ByFPBL9ZM_Q7TgNvOoSUq9HTQDYexZUPo0Bno5dY5sFPtY2caT1hfMYpfJNJxqVRWjjqQTv090ZO87asSolzPyvLwXNo1XswB4tYK8d4cM/s1600/DSCN2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzKMQT9zos1QmlujWl4CTmsOTyYKLT5ns-ByFPBL9ZM_Q7TgNvOoSUq9HTQDYexZUPo0Bno5dY5sFPtY2caT1hfMYpfJNJxqVRWjjqQTv090ZO87asSolzPyvLwXNo1XswB4tYK8d4cM/s1600/DSCN2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzKMQT9zos1QmlujWl4CTmsOTyYKLT5ns-ByFPBL9ZM_Q7TgNvOoSUq9HTQDYexZUPo0Bno5dY5sFPtY2caT1hfMYpfJNJxqVRWjjqQTv090ZO87asSolzPyvLwXNo1XswB4tYK8d4cM/s1600/DSCN2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwC6zPQlhpI13TrkpAKnwX3qU6u1eINTkkDb70_duSr14ge9a4Ub4fLMek6G8mTPK9Z6nfQD6IJvWTwtpXMknuPUMwdFpaoogL6dsDqBLqWoQXSm_ur58aABIwwFQmB-i7Ttk8x7BHVw/s1600/DSCN2774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwC6zPQlhpI13TrkpAKnwX3qU6u1eINTkkDb70_duSr14ge9a4Ub4fLMek6G8mTPK9Z6nfQD6IJvWTwtpXMknuPUMwdFpaoogL6dsDqBLqWoQXSm_ur58aABIwwFQmB-i7Ttk8x7BHVw/s320/DSCN2774.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGki3P3v_OnRcle-bMOjmn6f6S10yn04eMZPJgfPE1ndpSfnijHJQyM4iX0WoR4_gBbQ7tuB1T5pfAVaXbKBcuxXdtbL9KUjv8538JV8fV7BfhTjEUJjUiWmS4jR_V0X9rMd9hBcRtKbo/s1600/DSCN2786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGki3P3v_OnRcle-bMOjmn6f6S10yn04eMZPJgfPE1ndpSfnijHJQyM4iX0WoR4_gBbQ7tuB1T5pfAVaXbKBcuxXdtbL9KUjv8538JV8fV7BfhTjEUJjUiWmS4jR_V0X9rMd9hBcRtKbo/s320/DSCN2786.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWAD0JKustO6ITtliTMaioYhL9WZv5GJlD9I2Qv5Ih5QgXewYPtDTF-AvDU58nbOdRtT7fky_cuyHm3MmWGp_ohNZ_1tAHMl3bkURXEVTAI09BpzuEXPFdYUKzDKhuB7YWO7t2hsn9RY/s1600/DSCN2838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWAD0JKustO6ITtliTMaioYhL9WZv5GJlD9I2Qv5Ih5QgXewYPtDTF-AvDU58nbOdRtT7fky_cuyHm3MmWGp_ohNZ_1tAHMl3bkURXEVTAI09BpzuEXPFdYUKzDKhuB7YWO7t2hsn9RY/s320/DSCN2838.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBS8WhsR7Bt9LHQaloAPmeX27URsEpMAK5OXswaTTiRT5wTy-bQXskMrFsZ1Y56khkm0zUGHHWndDMkZXV52VdjG5FJBq94zu217MEpOGMovByjOCy9ePZkdpZkBKTkcJnxeicL3Kuto/s1600/DSCN2849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBS8WhsR7Bt9LHQaloAPmeX27URsEpMAK5OXswaTTiRT5wTy-bQXskMrFsZ1Y56khkm0zUGHHWndDMkZXV52VdjG5FJBq94zu217MEpOGMovByjOCy9ePZkdpZkBKTkcJnxeicL3Kuto/s320/DSCN2849.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzuYiN-MYkxn8OneSa0vWYFMa86eHcQ5B8NI9hyphenhyphenaTYIuRi5oCW9VWCcD1k1ZhTD09y6wKf2BzLLOlj1Y-pSuYNT7oEY1RxX_Ns45_oXHFjYIXPv7-vUN8qqv7y6KcOgxb5lSsJu1oQNw/s1600/DSCN2876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzuYiN-MYkxn8OneSa0vWYFMa86eHcQ5B8NI9hyphenhyphenaTYIuRi5oCW9VWCcD1k1ZhTD09y6wKf2BzLLOlj1Y-pSuYNT7oEY1RxX_Ns45_oXHFjYIXPv7-vUN8qqv7y6KcOgxb5lSsJu1oQNw/s320/DSCN2876.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15xB8_AYnpaYq0CCjXAOABIAPOjpzMOViuTpT_IHzoB1gl6-uOe-w5qBFFCDzIhH7k3DnRK71i-RZBCA6lXI-kOYEurNhsFcxP2M3GePHQ8K976xc_5gJ9OUnd-Hs9cFihZzqiPiqZw4/s1600/DSCN2866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15xB8_AYnpaYq0CCjXAOABIAPOjpzMOViuTpT_IHzoB1gl6-uOe-w5qBFFCDzIhH7k3DnRK71i-RZBCA6lXI-kOYEurNhsFcxP2M3GePHQ8K976xc_5gJ9OUnd-Hs9cFihZzqiPiqZw4/s320/DSCN2866.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0sxnNMY1MxBYxKEHbQjHcbDHI4fYvWDklxrMSSo7PMXNhlMoWKxzxGl2-u89CwXLeo3GJXHW-CAyjHnHFq4JdTPP_3dZlT3R_GdOnXcMD3x9npVCNFPsT2wsJDWiW2yN_l_qKPETfjU/s1600/DSCN2872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0sxnNMY1MxBYxKEHbQjHcbDHI4fYvWDklxrMSSo7PMXNhlMoWKxzxGl2-u89CwXLeo3GJXHW-CAyjHnHFq4JdTPP_3dZlT3R_GdOnXcMD3x9npVCNFPsT2wsJDWiW2yN_l_qKPETfjU/s320/DSCN2872.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDUkcKOtKdg_dp8v8VVmjP8esqjKd0RSG4jwIG1JGKbbZnws36I6t8phw3bJQdG-OqNCsPMt1QXbIDjj-pWyP-e1VX2M4D_E8gYOYmZ6sWNG4NjzYy4cF5leBfzaDuH1WDGuWTomf6BA/s1600/DSCN2881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDUkcKOtKdg_dp8v8VVmjP8esqjKd0RSG4jwIG1JGKbbZnws36I6t8phw3bJQdG-OqNCsPMt1QXbIDjj-pWyP-e1VX2M4D_E8gYOYmZ6sWNG4NjzYy4cF5leBfzaDuH1WDGuWTomf6BA/s320/DSCN2881.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFwm8G9SoQUP_znmCuZaV4UHf-gMOXpumTlImHUS8gdTl92iZvVC951WDguYswLZ46Xp-OiKM-td2IeltUEWIz21upc-KZskGmD7vlOHcAiRz4I1gz163t20up5_IphSIcQ4jZDPLRHM/s1600/DSCN2886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFwm8G9SoQUP_znmCuZaV4UHf-gMOXpumTlImHUS8gdTl92iZvVC951WDguYswLZ46Xp-OiKM-td2IeltUEWIz21upc-KZskGmD7vlOHcAiRz4I1gz163t20up5_IphSIcQ4jZDPLRHM/s320/DSCN2886.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJx6dc3y5iWrVbDfO5fHZOsUq8kEtRdaCGgRDGOf_OVtrrg085BpxDDMJj-moCNgiz_KQCaRPFdRHlQ4k9lXC3fig1A3Mpd3siofPkU7ZuM4KZcExDfIb2l2ejxdmeloOgkSjgSpnkJY/s1600/DSCN2860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJx6dc3y5iWrVbDfO5fHZOsUq8kEtRdaCGgRDGOf_OVtrrg085BpxDDMJj-moCNgiz_KQCaRPFdRHlQ4k9lXC3fig1A3Mpd3siofPkU7ZuM4KZcExDfIb2l2ejxdmeloOgkSjgSpnkJY/s320/DSCN2860.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyugJ53twcAECOBMqckMfz0byLYFrdEGguek9_fByrcxGYETvIFwEeHJz8ynftE4rbgV_dJLklG9rlBVgaGbYq44fFw6JwCvLF_gjQtBS5uD4BothlkR3vjC1u8WfayJ3ohObUbu0PRJc/s1600/DSCN2889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyugJ53twcAECOBMqckMfz0byLYFrdEGguek9_fByrcxGYETvIFwEeHJz8ynftE4rbgV_dJLklG9rlBVgaGbYq44fFw6JwCvLF_gjQtBS5uD4BothlkR3vjC1u8WfayJ3ohObUbu0PRJc/s320/DSCN2889.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtfZI7gUsUkBQd514G4vU7hX672zjaKnw6CsHCRMUt8TM6pEnmU5sSxzh7dQ2lC8kqM17NSNGIKWpXGaun0dPnP-2t1_q4ad0Ufb9dWloHO9gAN_fTrNSuW6hSLm2QoV2CTs-k5jZ9p0/s1600/DSCN2834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtfZI7gUsUkBQd514G4vU7hX672zjaKnw6CsHCRMUt8TM6pEnmU5sSxzh7dQ2lC8kqM17NSNGIKWpXGaun0dPnP-2t1_q4ad0Ufb9dWloHO9gAN_fTrNSuW6hSLm2QoV2CTs-k5jZ9p0/s320/DSCN2834.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyPTxIH_RP870aZSy95D_PPsAJp1T-ciN-xTC6tUKsyfuQ_Jl9hd6V7HyESXY-oCinfz0c1Dozvu1fAT_QhPdvjdu2GyGowSBcNIe396HZCQQTxAb6hrloSH10dTNXWmf9nXyt7T5vcg/s1600/DSCN2796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyPTxIH_RP870aZSy95D_PPsAJp1T-ciN-xTC6tUKsyfuQ_Jl9hd6V7HyESXY-oCinfz0c1Dozvu1fAT_QhPdvjdu2GyGowSBcNIe396HZCQQTxAb6hrloSH10dTNXWmf9nXyt7T5vcg/s320/DSCN2796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: large;">We hope you had a happy Halloween from the students at Yeon Ji Elementary School!</span></u></div>
<br />
<br />
My personal Halloween experience, beyond the classroom, was also probably the best Halloween I've had yet. Celebrating Halloween in a country where it is not celebrated, made it all the better. The weekend before Halloween we made our way out on the town all dressed up. The stares were intense. As foreigners, we get stares ALL THE TIME. On a regular day, it can be irritating, and sometimes you want to let out a smart ass comment, "Is there something on my face? Take a picture, it will last longer." On Halloween, we embraced the stares and played with people to the fullest. Kimberly was a panda bear, Aileen was... (I'm not sure really) a sexy red headed retro girl, and I was my all time favorite, Wolverine. Kim and I made our way to Hongdae all dressed up on the subway. We got some looks of sheer amusement, some people blatantly pointing at me and gasping WOLVERINE, some laughs and smiles, and some utterly confused stares. As the subway would come to a stop at each transfer, Kim would video tape me full on RUNNING out of the doors through crowds of people, doing a 180 jump and flashing my claws at people. I embraced the costume to say the least. If you can't have fun on Halloween, when can you? There were moments when Kim and I were literally hunched over laughing uncontrollably in the subway and trying not to pee ourselves from people's reactions. Once we got to Hongdae and met up with Aileen, the party was on. It was my first night out drinking since the beginning of my ear treatment and we were going HARD. We decided that we would attempt to get into Cocoon. It boasts one of the top night clubs in Hongdae but the line is always an hour wait or longer. While walking by, a bouncer from the club looked at me and stated the obvious..."Wolverine!" Yes, we said... wolverine. Kim then said something about us wanting to go to Cocoon, he motioned for us to follow him, and let us in front of an hour and a half line. "I feel like I'm with a celebrity," Kim laughed. "Don't turn around, the people behind us are going to be pissed." Just then, we felt a tap on the shoulder and the two Korean girls behind us in line were requesting a picture. Inside there were free shots of tequila until 1am, and strobe lights and music loud enough to get anyone moving. We stuck it out a while but we were some of the few in costumes so we decided to go check out another place. Hongdae park was where it was at. When we entered Hongdae park, my life changed. I now know what it is like to be a celebrity, followed by paparazzi . Everyone wanted their picture taken with wolverine. It was so much fun! Kim, Aileen, and I had a blast just taking pictures with people, and having fun with all the other foreigners and some Koreans dressed up in costumes. The rest of the night after Hongdae park was somewhat a mess. We acquired more bottles of soju, hit up some other clubs and harassed people on the streets in our costumes. Thankfully, Hongdae is a young and lively crowd so they were loving our Halloween antics and many people were right there beside us doing the same. I have few words to describe the night other than EPIC. It was definitely hands down, one of my favorite nights in the city with my friends.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My epic wolverine costume! Success.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHG_83NCn9LWdvlrtuxXf2uMi9qVaNWVyOeOltO-Ht-KCbMZ2iPXP-m9GbaxQ-oTo5gFTCyOjcACmnG10cIc7KpUD7xn9yQc6UKV-LHv3ZMnAhIN1WS4wcc3WVIjfIX-YBtX2JMjlEd0/s1600/wolverinefirst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHG_83NCn9LWdvlrtuxXf2uMi9qVaNWVyOeOltO-Ht-KCbMZ2iPXP-m9GbaxQ-oTo5gFTCyOjcACmnG10cIc7KpUD7xn9yQc6UKV-LHv3ZMnAhIN1WS4wcc3WVIjfIX-YBtX2JMjlEd0/s320/wolverinefirst.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwG3K8CaT0wn1iitEICnS-_un8R3iSVpB2eljiIkkaqpCeYsDnED6vayAILicekpDBlddY6Jv-nMSWZLTkyabstVjmzvNnkF3i4aFliF5J3VM8BR_XPe9BXSffH5DsBbZobiVmFG9ESXQ/s1600/wolverine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwG3K8CaT0wn1iitEICnS-_un8R3iSVpB2eljiIkkaqpCeYsDnED6vayAILicekpDBlddY6Jv-nMSWZLTkyabstVjmzvNnkF3i4aFliF5J3VM8BR_XPe9BXSffH5DsBbZobiVmFG9ESXQ/s320/wolverine.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With the bouncer outside of Cocoon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_D7rKtSP11HpxR2gjfsWBpfF__B2teTjVTP2HUHil1w634VLZBBMrqHsHLhYHM4Igj6iEphQ3OfU3kXr0-Lg2MpLsdb_PVpqCMkRVuowenKhRfJjJR0oN7R1kF7WzbhNUtntnqoJspo/s1600/cocoon+wolverine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_D7rKtSP11HpxR2gjfsWBpfF__B2teTjVTP2HUHil1w634VLZBBMrqHsHLhYHM4Igj6iEphQ3OfU3kXr0-Lg2MpLsdb_PVpqCMkRVuowenKhRfJjJR0oN7R1kF7WzbhNUtntnqoJspo/s320/cocoon+wolverine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigH-bn6gpcHVavWLvt6kehkF5JDMuRB5izRdrqugHZOuau8znJET4BBQenZO5SDZsBMPAgKqwnjxC-jyyZ_9lZrc1EDWMUJzS5j4xKoYRnRaf3_cW4vAtXAkBPzpZjZ0_6dO98OzU-FE8/s1600/wolverine2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigH-bn6gpcHVavWLvt6kehkF5JDMuRB5izRdrqugHZOuau8znJET4BBQenZO5SDZsBMPAgKqwnjxC-jyyZ_9lZrc1EDWMUJzS5j4xKoYRnRaf3_cW4vAtXAkBPzpZjZ0_6dO98OzU-FE8/s320/wolverine2.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0n-_hyvsDXr3W1lGEKRmGN5GChch63NZBaslKUC-xp-iaA2pglyownnYikpU1fqwQ11c-k6OctduY9uPLy449YiDVFk1Yai2tU6OmnJkrua7dAJt1Eri_4MFhHzR9kLOfYkMLE1_Cvk/s1600/wolverine4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0n-_hyvsDXr3W1lGEKRmGN5GChch63NZBaslKUC-xp-iaA2pglyownnYikpU1fqwQ11c-k6OctduY9uPLy449YiDVFk1Yai2tU6OmnJkrua7dAJt1Eri_4MFhHzR9kLOfYkMLE1_Cvk/s320/wolverine4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0n-_hyvsDXr3W1lGEKRmGN5GChch63NZBaslKUC-xp-iaA2pglyownnYikpU1fqwQ11c-k6OctduY9uPLy449YiDVFk1Yai2tU6OmnJkrua7dAJt1Eri_4MFhHzR9kLOfYkMLE1_Cvk/s1600/wolverine4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0n-_hyvsDXr3W1lGEKRmGN5GChch63NZBaslKUC-xp-iaA2pglyownnYikpU1fqwQ11c-k6OctduY9uPLy449YiDVFk1Yai2tU6OmnJkrua7dAJt1Eri_4MFhHzR9kLOfYkMLE1_Cvk/s1600/wolverine4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0n-_hyvsDXr3W1lGEKRmGN5GChch63NZBaslKUC-xp-iaA2pglyownnYikpU1fqwQ11c-k6OctduY9uPLy449YiDVFk1Yai2tU6OmnJkrua7dAJt1Eri_4MFhHzR9kLOfYkMLE1_Cvk/s1600/wolverine4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0n-_hyvsDXr3W1lGEKRmGN5GChch63NZBaslKUC-xp-iaA2pglyownnYikpU1fqwQ11c-k6OctduY9uPLy449YiDVFk1Yai2tU6OmnJkrua7dAJt1Eri_4MFhHzR9kLOfYkMLE1_Cvk/s1600/wolverine4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0n-_hyvsDXr3W1lGEKRmGN5GChch63NZBaslKUC-xp-iaA2pglyownnYikpU1fqwQ11c-k6OctduY9uPLy449YiDVFk1Yai2tU6OmnJkrua7dAJt1Eri_4MFhHzR9kLOfYkMLE1_Cvk/s1600/wolverine4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;" unselectable="on">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0n-_hyvsDXr3W1lGEKRmGN5GChch63NZBaslKUC-xp-iaA2pglyownnYikpU1fqwQ11c-k6OctduY9uPLy449YiDVFk1Yai2tU6OmnJkrua7dAJt1Eri_4MFhHzR9kLOfYkMLE1_Cvk/s1600/wolverine4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SLL2ecxq-PdK2NQ7VhpVP-AQHfT-fU0_eVJZBKyjQ82z5okWBUKYKBZUWTw77weUL3vBJQvNtdlHTkQKa1s2bBcnFDsauSc4fG3GUAYhyD_kWKwExEP-ShNzsjSj6hbeXMlUuN5DSOY/s1600/wolverine3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SLL2ecxq-PdK2NQ7VhpVP-AQHfT-fU0_eVJZBKyjQ82z5okWBUKYKBZUWTw77weUL3vBJQvNtdlHTkQKa1s2bBcnFDsauSc4fG3GUAYhyD_kWKwExEP-ShNzsjSj6hbeXMlUuN5DSOY/s320/wolverine3.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vnLZ211EahHKiiebJaug7dEk7IPACprPoQT2_caj9Ab2-FiQTibFJpV2RYl9mMpH4p-KNsqaMIHD3pnu_FZorjjVEo-ERebVz6mC-vet1wEG2o5ovfm9sArpUwbFU1HQAQWa1e9i5iA/s1600/wolverineka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vnLZ211EahHKiiebJaug7dEk7IPACprPoQT2_caj9Ab2-FiQTibFJpV2RYl9mMpH4p-KNsqaMIHD3pnu_FZorjjVEo-ERebVz6mC-vet1wEG2o5ovfm9sArpUwbFU1HQAQWa1e9i5iA/s320/wolverineka.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
<br />
My friends Brent, who is a talented writer and photographer nominated me for the Hongdae costume awards as "\Best Superhero." You can check out his blog <a href="http://kimchibytes.com/2012/10/29/1st-annual-halloween-in-hongdae-costume-awards/"><span style="color: orange;">here</span></a>, with my picture, as well as the other nominees. Show him love by reading more about life in Korea through his blog. His pictures are unreal. Thanks for recognizing me in your blog, Brent!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Also, a special thanks goes out to my friend Hyun for making my wolverine claws for me all in twenty minutes time! Thanks Hyun!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-82629869621839962222012-10-31T04:23:00.003-07:002012-10-31T17:47:22.319-07:00How To Almost Lose Your Ear in South KoreaSo, I'll be honest, the last time I wrote a "how to," I might have been in 5th grade and the topic was, "how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich," or "how to make a snowflake out of paper." Really brain wrenching concepts, honestly and I don't recall my audience being overly enthused by my presentation. I can't promise that this will be much better, and to be fair, it's turned into more of a recall of events than anything else, but the title seemed appropriately humorous.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Kakaotalk:<br />
Me: "I'm itchiinnnnnnn to cut my hair. I need to go NOW."<br />
<br />
Kim: "Last time you were 'itchin' you pierced your ear in Hongdae..."<br />
<br />
So I've been told that I have an unhealthy habit: not happy unless I am doing something to alter my appearance, create change, or stray from routine. Truth be told. I don't like the feeling of normalcy, bland routine, uneventfulness, or confiment related to any one thing. On the flip side, anything that promotes feelings of spontaneity, change, or adrenaline, and you can count me in. So, four tattoos, multiple piercings, jumping off cliffs into water, riding on the back of motorcylces & encouraging the driver for more speed (even when mom forbids it), moving to the other side of the world, cutting and dying my hair excessively, jumping over scary fences on horses... done. Most of these things have served their purpose: leaving me feeling refreshed, brand new, untouchable, and free to do as I please. Then there was the one instance where it surely DID NOT serve it's purpose and instead caused me agony and hatred for strangers with needles (minus the good kind that my doctor used to make me better)... so let's rewind, or as Dane Cook says, "let's Martin Scorsese this shit... let's go back, let's go back."<br />
<br />
It all started like this...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGQ3wsTAvKxQQkNht0WCMP2XKRatD7zKk6OylQIowZhV6BcGQS0M73LZH66N8QbZ161yOmsHUVcIAs7E8_gBZ55-pxCcINcjfYX99695iCQfBwp26SW3lJTxjG8JYl95WoYSarU-KzYk/s1600/piercing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGQ3wsTAvKxQQkNht0WCMP2XKRatD7zKk6OylQIowZhV6BcGQS0M73LZH66N8QbZ161yOmsHUVcIAs7E8_gBZ55-pxCcINcjfYX99695iCQfBwp26SW3lJTxjG8JYl95WoYSarU-KzYk/s320/piercing.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
One night, after getting my fortune read in Hongdae for fun, I spotted a piercing establishment upon exiting through the doors. BINGO. I struck gold. I turned to my friend Grace, "LET'S GET PIERCED!" Of course she motioned me forward, encouraging it while making it clear that I could put as many holes in my body as I felt appropriate but she was just there as an audience. So, as it goes, I left with not one piercing but a double piercing (with a spider hanging from it... ?? What the hell was I thinking? Perhaps it's one of those moments when my mother would answer that question back with... "you weren't.) Regardless, I was very impressed with the new piece, even if not for long.<br />
<br />
A few days went by, and I started to feel my heart beating in my cartilage: throbbing shooting pains. The top of my ear was bright red and swollen. I started reading online, freaking myself out, and decided I should go see a doctor. Aftering checking in with my local doc, he perscribed me some antibiotics. At that point, perhaps I should have taken the damn thing out already but I was in teenager, "i don't wannnnaaa," mode. If the piercing itself was the first mistake, then leaving it in another couple days was the second. The following Friday, I decided I had enough. The antibiotics didn't seem to be doing much, and finally I had reached my tolerance for pain (or so I thought). I thought I would sit in on that Friday night basking in my pain, but then at last minute and without thought I was sprinting for the door in all my ugliness, no makeup, and no style. The next thing I knew I was on a bus crying and making my way to Aileen's place. Trying to hold back my tears the whole way there, when I burst through her door, I lost it. "Get this fucking thing out of my ear," I exclaimed! "I don't care what you have to do, or if it's going to hurt, please, do something, do anything... I literally cannot take it." I was sobbing. Aileen looked at me, and I could tell that she knew nothing mattered at that moment other than taking that thing off. We decided that even if we had to haul ourselves an hour to Hongdae to have it removed, that is what we would do. After several failed attempts and me curling into a ball in the fetal position crying, we were out the door and on our way. In addition to the fact that I had been crying and looked a mess, I was also sitting on the subway with a grape ice pop attached to my ear like a two year old with a boo boo. Classic.<br />
<br />
When Aileen and I got to Hongdae, we practically sprinted from exit nine to the piercing shop. When I walked in, I looked at the man, pointed to my ear, and said... "out... take it out." He looked at me, then back at his boss, mumbled something something, "infection," and sent the store owner my way. The man first attempted to take out the piercing with his hands, as I screetched in pain, and realizing that he couldn't, he then took what looked like a wrench to my ear. It was so swollen that the back almost looked as though my ear was growing around the little metal ball. Once the piercing was out, the man looked at my face, wiped away my tears, and patted the sweat off my forehead, reassurring me in Korean that it was okay. For a small second I thought he was decent, and just then he tried to offer me another piercing and suggested I put a different earring in the hole. Again, my frustration with the pain got the best of me as I looked him dead in the face and said, "are you crazy?? Do you SEE my ear?? FUCK NO." He looked at me again, with the small amount of English he knew and replied back, "oh fuck? fuck?..... no no... you TRUST ME. I am good, trust meeee!" Trust me... the most fatal words ever spoken by man. "No fucking way, don't touch my ear," I snapped back at him. Aileen and I dipped out and now every time I pass by I want to throw a grenade into that place and wipe out his business.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqn5VXKqGC49auVDrIH8dany9fMIzmPq29ppwG1ppgv9mRxOk6HrdovVqmhIdh9T1TcUsS0Ic8nXr2NtTFGljYFtqn3QC6CsD33BcvOWq9iO1qb14gOeWDXeUFLxkzBP31p-Jp5pvoY4/s1600/Android+Photos+215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqn5VXKqGC49auVDrIH8dany9fMIzmPq29ppwG1ppgv9mRxOk6HrdovVqmhIdh9T1TcUsS0Ic8nXr2NtTFGljYFtqn3QC6CsD33BcvOWq9iO1qb14gOeWDXeUFLxkzBP31p-Jp5pvoY4/s320/Android+Photos+215.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After jewlery removal but before I went back to the doctor.</div>
<br />
<br />
Even though the piercing was out, the infection seemed to be lingering and the pain had only subsided for one night before reocurring. On the following Monday, I went back to see my doctor. I will start this by saying and truly meaning, THANK GOD for my doctor, as well as his English abilities. People that fear going to the doctor are absolute morons, they do nothing but good to help you become well. I remember laying down on the table in his office and he told me that what he was going to do to help me was going to hurt. He had to attempt to squeeze the infection out of my ear through the hole left by my piercing. I knew this could be the case as it had happend to my sister once before and she told me how excrutiating it could be. However, after the squeezing ended, I heard him say, "that's not good enough, I'm going to have to put a small incision in your ear." At this point, I believe I sat up and said, "an incision?" questioning what he had just made clear and then took a minute to cry and mumble something along the lines of an apology for crying, living abroad, and wanting my mom. I took a minute to collect myself. The process that occurred after was something I will never forget. He numbed my ear, put in a small incision, and then proceeded to squeeze my ear firmly again, while trying to push the puss out through the openning. Then, he took a swab of antibiotic gauze and pushed it into the incission, and dressed it. This same process was continued almost every day with the gauze being removed, the ear being squeezed, and the gauze being reinserted for the next 2-3 weeks. After each visit, I had to receive IV's, which ended up keeping me there for another 40 minutes or so. The first week, I think I spent most of that time with subtle tears rolling down my face in the IV room. That week, I called my mom in absolute distress, hyperventilating and not being able to collect myself, telling her that I could not deal with having to do it every day... the anxiety and anticipation of knowing the pain that awaited me at my doctor's office was wearing on me. I have never had any kind of major accident or painful experience, besides breaking my arm horseback riding or having my wisdom teeth removed. Let me just say, I would rather break my arm 6 times consecutively or have my wisdom teeth reinserted and removed 4 times (at least then I'd be rewarded with milkshakes) rather than ever deal with the pain that was associated with this whole process again. Bring on child birth.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgWmdnWPnYQy1B6G8de57__6NTrTjaAIJHOQcIMqns36czTPOD4jDwI8SWdHZCWuX45Yc_ntGh4msvS7HmfDPBFHRGuc2rTdo8BgWqErU81ZBkOPyPtfCYLuqlzKdj7O13o-e1PgplWw/s1600/Android+Photos+233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgWmdnWPnYQy1B6G8de57__6NTrTjaAIJHOQcIMqns36czTPOD4jDwI8SWdHZCWuX45Yc_ntGh4msvS7HmfDPBFHRGuc2rTdo8BgWqErU81ZBkOPyPtfCYLuqlzKdj7O13o-e1PgplWw/s320/Android+Photos+233.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzETPAs_Xbsu9MeEWf-GDjtABJ2l_fsP6y3cZ02cKyCgxEUjuwFyUymesBf_kJGT4c_GXhysJTXSBQME-vQcJbvaDCWEr1byHrJW_kbRkunv63G8L6iPGWvZXV3BYNgmSJ3KeMwp5arA/s1600/Android+Photos+231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzETPAs_Xbsu9MeEWf-GDjtABJ2l_fsP6y3cZ02cKyCgxEUjuwFyUymesBf_kJGT4c_GXhysJTXSBQME-vQcJbvaDCWEr1byHrJW_kbRkunv63G8L6iPGWvZXV3BYNgmSJ3KeMwp5arA/s320/Android+Photos+231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LRGklxxoDvIf1YZzCwVrMDpJz2dAZxK_P8kgYj5Aiu5Hu_B-k4a5yiTdl3J46LhTq2-lpqnGiCLgecDwX3c4iMdSuTYHQaE9nFRIwmh6dNeiRs2TtLxpVnUITBDbWoRN4xW769ZyIsA/s1600/Android+Photos+235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LRGklxxoDvIf1YZzCwVrMDpJz2dAZxK_P8kgYj5Aiu5Hu_B-k4a5yiTdl3J46LhTq2-lpqnGiCLgecDwX3c4iMdSuTYHQaE9nFRIwmh6dNeiRs2TtLxpVnUITBDbWoRN4xW769ZyIsA/s320/Android+Photos+235.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was during the treatment but obviously not the first week, as I was clearly not pained enough to refrain from making stupid faces.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
It ended up taking a long time to heal and there were days when I actually believed I was going to have to have my ear removed. My doctor is an incredible man. Having a medical issue such as this can be really stressful while living abroad, if not due to the communication barrier, than just in part because you are so far from the comforts of home and let's face if... you are never too old to want or need your mom. My doctor had lived in America for five years and his English could pass as his first language if you didn't know he spoke Korean. On the first day of treatment, he wrote me a note telling me that he would do whatever it took to make me better and he sure did stand by his word. From offerring me websites to remind me of the comforts of home, to going out of his way to find me special iv treatments, to being far more gentle than most Korean doctors have a reputation for. He not only treated my ear appropriately himself, but even went as far as to personally take me an hour away (after working hours) to be treated by one of his friend's who was an ENT specialist. When I thanked him and told him he didn't have to go so out of his way, he simply replied back, "you are my patient, it's my job to take care of you." Not only was my doctor made of gold but his nursing staff was also very kind and gentle. How funny now after a month of visits with them all, I feel as though I'm cutting out a part of my daily routine. As of Monday this week, my stitches have been removed, and I no longer need IV treatments or regular visits. AMENNNN! It has been the longest month of my lifeeeeeeeee! I owe a big thanks to my doctor and his staff for nursing my precious ear back to health. I solemly swear to never put another piercing in my body again. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Fedje1UBP2u83wyhlEOjHLKaG_Y5tq-miM238hKQPQnMngBpBONSnzZCHx8rByy-Xo_BkPhoOAaelS83BdcdP7y6VCEDhn_dv5B9-uNp_Dj1SgxdcDJwvaKb9tndeD_Q91OCv8up_kQ/s1600/drchoi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Fedje1UBP2u83wyhlEOjHLKaG_Y5tq-miM238hKQPQnMngBpBONSnzZCHx8rByy-Xo_BkPhoOAaelS83BdcdP7y6VCEDhn_dv5B9-uNp_Dj1SgxdcDJwvaKb9tndeD_Q91OCv8up_kQ/s320/drchoi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Lastly, a picture of my awesome doctor and nurses who I owe my ear! For any foreigners who keep up with me on here, if you live anywhere near my area, I highly reccommend my doctor. His name is Doctor Gabriel Choi and his office is the Samsung Clinic in Wolgye-dong, Nowon-gu. They are open until 6pm on weekdays and 4pm Saturday. Telephone number 02)977-7582.<br />
<br />
<br />
My next two updates can be expected within the week... Sunday Funday events & my Halloween in Hongdae and with my students. Stay tuned (the costume is worth it)! (Ps- for readers named Mom, Geraldo, and Grammy... sorry about the f word, but it WAS in fact appropriate. EEEEEEEEE!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-37192432041845031492012-10-13T04:52:00.000-07:002012-10-13T05:13:29.538-07:00Outdoor Adventures Adrenaline JunkyOne of the best things about living abroad is the inner pull you have to make the most of the year. Going into a journey such as this, everyone tells you, "live it up, you are young, do as much as you can, experience as much as you can, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity." Something about going abroad makes you want to LIVE LIFE. You are taking this huge step, a big journey, a risk, an adventure; and surely, you want to take advantage of the opportunity while it's here. I wish I lived my life like this EVERY DAY, no excuses, no restraints. Living abroad, the novelty of the new place and the awe does wear off, but the urge to constantly be doing something exciting doesn't leave you. I have become so aware of my being here. I always want to explore and DO. It leaves me thinking, now that I am used to living every day life in Korea, it seems more like a normal life, but it's still more jam packed with thrills and exciting experiences, because... I go looking for them. I take advantage of the city around me and the land beyond the city. I find AMAZING things to do here WEEKLY... things that at home, I might not make the time for, because I'm too busy living every day life. I've come to the realization that every day life should be just as exciting as life abroad, and if I've learned something in Korea, it's to take advantage of my time in order to live my life to the fullest. I should be living life like this at home, as well as here. Climbing mountains to sit at great heights overlooking this beautiful land we have been so fortunate to live on, jumping off a bridge JUST to feel free, finding a beautiful cafe to sit in and actually enjoy the surroundings without an agenda, appreciating the beauty around me, going on weekly adventures and learning more about myself. All of these things I have been doing have slowly peeled away my layers. I have been revealing parts of myself that I didn't know existed. I used to think I was a teacher, a reader, a young heart with a big spirit. Now I have found I am far more things than just that... I'm also a writer, a wanderer, an artist, a musical enthusiast, an adrenaline junky, a nature thriving spirit, a runner, an adventurer, a extrovert AND an introvert. I've come to this, I don't want to "live it up, experience as much as I can, do as much as I can, and be young and adventurous," just this year. I want to do this every day, for the rest of my life, and I sincerely hope I stick to that goal. It's not a once in a lifetime opportunity, it's a once in a lifetime life. I'm going to live it appropriately.<br />
<br />
With this said, in the past month I have taken advantage of the outdoors quite a bit. The weather just before summer ended and fall hit was amazing, although the fall weather itself is absolutely wonderful. I have really been taking on myself lately... going on trips without anyone I know in order to force myself into groups of new people, become more socialized among both Koreans and expats in Seoul, wandering around on my own personal adventures (nothing new there), and doing more physical outdoor activities, as well as things that tested my own fears and courage. I have participated in a few nice hikes, kayaked down a river in Gangwon-do, gone white water rafting, and bungee jumped off a 72 foot bridge. All of these experiences gave me the opportunity to experience Korea beyond the city and take it to another outdoor level. I have sincerely enjoyed the mountains here from day one abroad but the past month I have really taken a liking to a lot of other outdoor excursions! I went on the kayaking trip, as well as the hiking trips alone, and took it upon myself to meet new people. Part of the reason I came to Korea was to meet new and interesting people and I'm trying not to let my comfort level with the good friends I've made prevent me from doing so. Doing these outdoor trips with these groups of new people has been really good for me. I met a lot of other expats and of course it's always nice to hear their stories... how they got to korea, why, and what their plans are for after this. I also met a lot of Korean people during these trips and had to opportunity to surround myself with the culture more by being around them. Hiking Suraksan was absolutely beautiful and afterwards I got to go to a traditional Korean barbecue with a group of Koreans and two people I met from the middle east. I had gone to dinner with a group of Korean friends in a while and I had almost forgot how much fun it is to meet new Koreans and spend time with them! Kayaking was a fun day. I ran into some of the people I had done some other group hikes with and I'm beginning to recognize familiar faces among the out door adventurers. We had a wonderful time on the water, having splashing wars like we were all old friends, and eating together while chatting. White water rafting wasn't exactly what I would call a legit "white water" experience, but our group of people were a lot of fun so we really made the most of it and laughed a lot with our guide. Bungee jumping... deserves it's own paragraph completely, however, I have a video that pretty much says it all. Bungee jumping was not something I've ever had the longing to do, but something about that whole, "live it up while your here," inclined me to do so. I didn't think I would be able to go through with it the week leading up to the event, but suddenly as the time drew nearer, my doubts started to subside and I really believed I was going to do it. Something about the idea of it was suddenly very appealing to me. Jumping off a bridge is like self inflicting pain... your brain is telling you, "NO NO you don't want to do that, it's going to hurt you." Bungee jumping is a similar experience. Your brain is telling you that you really don't want to jump off a bridge, it's dangerous, and you could die. However, when you are standing up there, you have to find the ability to convince your brain otherwise, and when you do, it's an amazing journey down. When I took the leap off of that bridge, I'm not sure exactly where my mind was, but it was somewhere in the middle of a song and pep talk, then, onceI jumped I let out a freeing scream. I was falling, it was just quiet and free, and THEN it was like having the most amazing adrenaline rush ever after the first bounce back. I'm not sure I came down from my high for the next two days proceeding the jump. What a thrilling month it truly was, and as always, below are pictures of the journeys. Thanks for reading :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Hiking at Suraksan</span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1O3CtzW1o-h1BE9lybXCHYxuWVd3yl-54VCIvmIkDPkuAm9RESq2-QVXk9Z7LPMb5oC9UWKnIAByW-NXa947g1fvtVo3ihJQpiEaB_WukezCFkR7Sr2RDXh3MeqJPyMjUaQ8sdpJpkHU/s1600/hiking+suraksan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1O3CtzW1o-h1BE9lybXCHYxuWVd3yl-54VCIvmIkDPkuAm9RESq2-QVXk9Z7LPMb5oC9UWKnIAByW-NXa947g1fvtVo3ihJQpiEaB_WukezCFkR7Sr2RDXh3MeqJPyMjUaQ8sdpJpkHU/s320/hiking+suraksan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The group I hiked with. CIK</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRIaBtD5pYtHXei3-j2tXrx6OS0zFIGqWDf8sq71-pWGf2FkKXHViRBd8OFWuG533Rv8TzlCEcZPB8Nci5ZchQmCie1IN_3EnVLQEd49H7fXodQwb9m1wqUli8CSGc2j69wExKzSPthw/s1600/suraksan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRIaBtD5pYtHXei3-j2tXrx6OS0zFIGqWDf8sq71-pWGf2FkKXHViRBd8OFWuG533Rv8TzlCEcZPB8Nci5ZchQmCie1IN_3EnVLQEd49H7fXodQwb9m1wqUli8CSGc2j69wExKzSPthw/s320/suraksan2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The hike was trying at times, this was a huge boulder we had to climb up the side of. It was somewhat scary and definitely tested my balance, but a nice accomplishment in the end. You can see me crawling up on the right side.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxG75IK3ud5VQ62Qgw_Bv7E_iM4zgbUAjWtRK-kZ0b7JdFPK3dg0YHDR2zfzTUGmzlYWGOp6POUzgZZQmagLT2GaQG4SYDpz2gie-f4-syE9rvsmq-RxyUgjJA8f4hZPA21J1WV2fbYw/s1600/suraksan3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxG75IK3ud5VQ62Qgw_Bv7E_iM4zgbUAjWtRK-kZ0b7JdFPK3dg0YHDR2zfzTUGmzlYWGOp6POUzgZZQmagLT2GaQG4SYDpz2gie-f4-syE9rvsmq-RxyUgjJA8f4hZPA21J1WV2fbYw/s320/suraksan3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A rest stop just a bit up the mountain with a nice view of the city.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sPZv0b2Z6s5XSnIrxqGJIHOAhlkHj-99ZIHJXplJAq6dqhKaAR5qxA7DiZsR003KLpIS-WXaCsakTuhBOUt93ot2NsxkOL27Ikw5pRPwwkXeSpbYwWoLOS7zd5TMXbuSpvQe5nJQhVg/s1600/suraksan+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sPZv0b2Z6s5XSnIrxqGJIHOAhlkHj-99ZIHJXplJAq6dqhKaAR5qxA7DiZsR003KLpIS-WXaCsakTuhBOUt93ot2NsxkOL27Ikw5pRPwwkXeSpbYwWoLOS7zd5TMXbuSpvQe5nJQhVg/s320/suraksan+4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The man sitting to the left of me was incredible! He must have been in his sixties and in the best shape of his life. He hiked the entire mountain without shoes on. When I asked him about it, he said, "my feet are happy." Now that's what I call being one with the earth. Glad to have met him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZiFvBhP_neFG_ULHIzQO6BdXerk6U6H0HXtwps19DnJSvnBBN_FCG9VWmmY-ixM8fxCiHpypb8nNhPqd3bL3IOA_zBUHwaoG6VDJfg4Up1h0mqrh-NjZEfmlbv9RrjmgqlIIjBXjUmw/s1600/suraksan6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZiFvBhP_neFG_ULHIzQO6BdXerk6U6H0HXtwps19DnJSvnBBN_FCG9VWmmY-ixM8fxCiHpypb8nNhPqd3bL3IOA_zBUHwaoG6VDJfg4Up1h0mqrh-NjZEfmlbv9RrjmgqlIIjBXjUmw/s320/suraksan6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Boulder pioneers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCA3ebq4GUxZQs79QIKSnttK6mJuCTgaQMF6fRhTz5z3lhozkb1UfW5ScAP0Rpi6vTR4bhrgZ4G5ahyphenhyphengLLs2pAboRGr6_knTaCRSZ7t_dfz5ltB3Gl5KUUVd1aCNsXrhS3-uUSeC21Pk/s1600/suraksan7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCA3ebq4GUxZQs79QIKSnttK6mJuCTgaQMF6fRhTz5z3lhozkb1UfW5ScAP0Rpi6vTR4bhrgZ4G5ahyphenhyphengLLs2pAboRGr6_knTaCRSZ7t_dfz5ltB3Gl5KUUVd1aCNsXrhS3-uUSeC21Pk/s320/suraksan7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Climbing boulders and hanging out! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBdbxsEGtn_HxWWuPEDz4uH-I5QObw4enI09GCNo-q6PR1_mj0ZSED1GiLPXOHZhMCa16DBHDda0xru_EtMkPLB5neU_Iz4H0yzM03TBsH7kN-sMZse8gP173AKOVO3Anw0FuBL6ZLCI/s1600/suraksan8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBdbxsEGtn_HxWWuPEDz4uH-I5QObw4enI09GCNo-q6PR1_mj0ZSED1GiLPXOHZhMCa16DBHDda0xru_EtMkPLB5neU_Iz4H0yzM03TBsH7kN-sMZse8gP173AKOVO3Anw0FuBL6ZLCI/s320/suraksan8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It started out as a cloudy day, but as we reached the peak it had turned into an incredibly beautiful day. Looking at this picture makes me want to go back, build a shack, and stay there forever.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4YMwnU6MNRH9HLJOT-EHbzn5jFeoB3KNKOfDVTm-g0RUM-Ldeh3e4ubImyZIcdtWwTYpAkusg3BuC-5vMyT9-2Mo_5mx96pNV2yExVbM2SNINJUqReW_WnGgVLVmsUbPIhxzk5GksbU/s1600/suraksan+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4YMwnU6MNRH9HLJOT-EHbzn5jFeoB3KNKOfDVTm-g0RUM-Ldeh3e4ubImyZIcdtWwTYpAkusg3BuC-5vMyT9-2Mo_5mx96pNV2yExVbM2SNINJUqReW_WnGgVLVmsUbPIhxzk5GksbU/s320/suraksan+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ending the day with some delicious outdoor Korean barbecue & new friends.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxgiNvGsv4cG-xtc6R2_yB_6Fmb1JQesg8vfcEqvR4rRBRu8Sq3TasVuPNsp39Zs4w2C7FceR0Os13ze_YdI2aGYB5eoiJ3SLgmwPN1yGW1QM4DY82IOsljit5xsejnXo5wHhy4hOkuo/s1600/koreanbbq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxgiNvGsv4cG-xtc6R2_yB_6Fmb1JQesg8vfcEqvR4rRBRu8Sq3TasVuPNsp39Zs4w2C7FceR0Os13ze_YdI2aGYB5eoiJ3SLgmwPN1yGW1QM4DY82IOsljit5xsejnXo5wHhy4hOkuo/s320/koreanbbq.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Kayaking the Hongcheon River in Gangwon-do</span></b></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Away we go! A river surrounded by mountains :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5bfUkCDhfW6rX4WROIJwBKzXVOf_mZUPy38tOv0a5YoNSbxCxssveyeI7F6oNolJThKqE1K3UctDujRC5zAunha1MdJl6utHaYqpzGVW_mFKaWTnFiFIzrdrB59PkbY6brC0cwpyesw/s1600/kayaking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5bfUkCDhfW6rX4WROIJwBKzXVOf_mZUPy38tOv0a5YoNSbxCxssveyeI7F6oNolJThKqE1K3UctDujRC5zAunha1MdJl6utHaYqpzGVW_mFKaWTnFiFIzrdrB59PkbY6brC0cwpyesw/s320/kayaking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_B6CCUv3lE84CYSDB0tyAxpXxYzU_jGf2aAzECnFJVFA_UfQsQFgQpLuyZXWM2uWtHrz5G4sFMyia9ZRfAQ7yLNaQGTYuk38cuA1BzVFSMo4vaIjfcxEtKy2ipyOAjw48nv_wKwv5nU/s1600/kayaking2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_B6CCUv3lE84CYSDB0tyAxpXxYzU_jGf2aAzECnFJVFA_UfQsQFgQpLuyZXWM2uWtHrz5G4sFMyia9ZRfAQ7yLNaQGTYuk38cuA1BzVFSMo4vaIjfcxEtKy2ipyOAjw48nv_wKwv5nU/s320/kayaking2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A beautiful view of everyone kayaking down the river with surrounding mountains.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApIVqG84V-NiN6ajvneVkgHDg30MlSHoJvty77r2gvhUH-jhSzeidtThKPKz99NQFsTsBS5YToDktkTHyoH_FftCbvYuF1nTrOQSlvA6EelAK6a9iAtfDUpkHQogmY1rhd80XEQTmkHU/s1600/kayaking3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApIVqG84V-NiN6ajvneVkgHDg30MlSHoJvty77r2gvhUH-jhSzeidtThKPKz99NQFsTsBS5YToDktkTHyoH_FftCbvYuF1nTrOQSlvA6EelAK6a9iAtfDUpkHQogmY1rhd80XEQTmkHU/s320/kayaking3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My kayaking partner and I</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfrZVKHhLD1gYRJAhj1W2wQuOtiO-qMLePLR-VlEoSCbH1-vL9SQnBpdEespRyhnlCbC8H47QKF6RvovPvsmzfWylbG8ZxYQg_w068VymhLX-sC0LkKFaUl9zIAmhlIEk6gFziiwmLVU/s1600/kayaking4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfrZVKHhLD1gYRJAhj1W2wQuOtiO-qMLePLR-VlEoSCbH1-vL9SQnBpdEespRyhnlCbC8H47QKF6RvovPvsmzfWylbG8ZxYQg_w068VymhLX-sC0LkKFaUl9zIAmhlIEk6gFziiwmLVU/s320/kayaking4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alex tipping over people's kayaks. All in good fun. kkk!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpPLrJUcWw6MxOal90CZT0iAn1i8FmpYq-AOzIjR7iV-k7_Tt8zRj7oJb_Un1gP5pJFRlrNiWNSXK_5asRci6xApsJasw0u5kDOnMErqkfBycl6zuHs67M28UwWuTQ7Ow71LV3Zvdp_0/s1600/kayaking5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpPLrJUcWw6MxOal90CZT0iAn1i8FmpYq-AOzIjR7iV-k7_Tt8zRj7oJb_Un1gP5pJFRlrNiWNSXK_5asRci6xApsJasw0u5kDOnMErqkfBycl6zuHs67M28UwWuTQ7Ow71LV3Zvdp_0/s320/kayaking5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Having some fun in the water! :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJE_QJ8maRWhoAEOHhDutbWoeaxqCgwSqfN2fM-EhRUDFYDqqjvdgTsDBizYPW9x_Kfc2tZc4PNzdqMVob9d-B99BnnvX9GLyLCj94ISS_JRyq2P7FKceRPt4ls6nVklwYGnT40ScvUk/s1600/kayaking6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJE_QJ8maRWhoAEOHhDutbWoeaxqCgwSqfN2fM-EhRUDFYDqqjvdgTsDBizYPW9x_Kfc2tZc4PNzdqMVob9d-B99BnnvX9GLyLCj94ISS_JRyq2P7FKceRPt4ls6nVklwYGnT40ScvUk/s320/kayaking6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">White water rafting in Gangwon-do & Bungee Jumping</span></b></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">(an exhilarating day!)</span></b></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kim and I with our white water rafting group!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sNYBpBq2h2m05ksDLU53oHN0hx2m1iusLX1_LdroDGZUg9RMrPzIvxThlY85T-PdJ-GP5flyg3nJA-20j3qR4etKcYBG3FzxvIaSejQxLd0JlibaNkilfMs4hkZV2NKIZH8ttraQsgA/s1600/rafting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sNYBpBq2h2m05ksDLU53oHN0hx2m1iusLX1_LdroDGZUg9RMrPzIvxThlY85T-PdJ-GP5flyg3nJA-20j3qR4etKcYBG3FzxvIaSejQxLd0JlibaNkilfMs4hkZV2NKIZH8ttraQsgA/s320/rafting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The platform protruding from the bridge... where we jumped!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKSfZTr1ZQQSxVxY0Tli1zijcrlbaac2rTQFca8XlkWpO6XgP3-3Dv1VtP7OUYsoQzucP1IVf9K2jgUtlh5nefFtcZ3nXCtwVAT8-SkpE4ffrgW-IFGCggKGFO_nb-M49GZTr2_NMJHo/s1600/bungeejump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKSfZTr1ZQQSxVxY0Tli1zijcrlbaac2rTQFca8XlkWpO6XgP3-3Dv1VtP7OUYsoQzucP1IVf9K2jgUtlh5nefFtcZ3nXCtwVAT8-SkpE4ffrgW-IFGCggKGFO_nb-M49GZTr2_NMJHo/s320/bungeejump.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't know who this person is but I wish I did because they would definitely appreciate this picture I snapped!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLX8eFi5AFTags5UCoKYQmQfwMy1DGev3jbIW52iP0RHDzY8jKDAtwUELouSiqYULFaP48hGHcCBpKDfvDcjQh7qo6bC6bxlaJz9yy1nIy86b5Xx1xvmz3Gva_avoLziNRINpYx2_difE/s1600/bungee7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLX8eFi5AFTags5UCoKYQmQfwMy1DGev3jbIW52iP0RHDzY8jKDAtwUELouSiqYULFaP48hGHcCBpKDfvDcjQh7qo6bC6bxlaJz9yy1nIy86b5Xx1xvmz3Gva_avoLziNRINpYx2_difE/s320/bungee7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our group of bungee braving souls on top of the bridge!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1AMnlZbNnuvhXf4_UuGzg4TICRyJT5o6kCmgPvQW8Qe8v1MhiZUIa1yWyz6rO0dyRZELthKYL-0vDV3lUg0aj9YWGDzCio8bj-Gc6WPVN8_clMeNfoxa5lcNfhLiCVtVn5hSlwk_QpU/s1600/bungee+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1AMnlZbNnuvhXf4_UuGzg4TICRyJT5o6kCmgPvQW8Qe8v1MhiZUIa1yWyz6rO0dyRZELthKYL-0vDV3lUg0aj9YWGDzCio8bj-Gc6WPVN8_clMeNfoxa5lcNfhLiCVtVn5hSlwk_QpU/s320/bungee+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kimberly and I with our leg wraps on... all ready to bungee!!! :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTDsVYyid_6etdDrgGsYxT97ABOUfIlSpTLmNdYomaRMq_uHSIjHC_iug2T7gyd_jUZ3jwKq7vvHEHmkmVXWh4TKa2v01PWYFD0Rapo8iayHIeVWw9wMYlAolCYr7WWFhCupRxvbQKZ8/s1600/bungee4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTDsVYyid_6etdDrgGsYxT97ABOUfIlSpTLmNdYomaRMq_uHSIjHC_iug2T7gyd_jUZ3jwKq7vvHEHmkmVXWh4TKa2v01PWYFD0Rapo8iayHIeVWw9wMYlAolCYr7WWFhCupRxvbQKZ8/s320/bungee4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kim getting ready for her jump! The only two pictures we have of hers :(</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvUxTxBr5aVmeeg-wEUx26Zle7T0sV_V0iBfKKEz4BMmNJkh0i4_-jMVtHlXE5b8R4AyBB2qXRphWKT6LJFFl9SrD1nFgSsCbrycHuqZd-ajzBxTvLQL_XzzzA6RBy8Zg5ndEAddJBGo/s1600/kimbungee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvUxTxBr5aVmeeg-wEUx26Zle7T0sV_V0iBfKKEz4BMmNJkh0i4_-jMVtHlXE5b8R4AyBB2qXRphWKT6LJFFl9SrD1nFgSsCbrycHuqZd-ajzBxTvLQL_XzzzA6RBy8Zg5ndEAddJBGo/s320/kimbungee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1mmsECz_P601PJc3vPpE5M8VYikLYUnBgLmYQD8Wh6LW2Vs0R55e1uk96st9LsqLd11fgb5zsaZ3VsM4gLLhC8hlj9eWB9c18qNBvC3HuLjjxDlHH_zQAOuG8aVm3hl9dw7VSysl1j8/s1600/kim+jump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1mmsECz_P601PJc3vPpE5M8VYikLYUnBgLmYQD8Wh6LW2Vs0R55e1uk96st9LsqLd11fgb5zsaZ3VsM4gLLhC8hlj9eWB9c18qNBvC3HuLjjxDlHH_zQAOuG8aVm3hl9dw7VSysl1j8/s320/kim+jump.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My jump... my arms look super strange but I was swaying with the jump!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIW0H2DyP19GerMAl_-hpD_R4HftJ9CSWBCapV17vzXq6f8GbCeRaLiPIRvnVp9HkXJsd-TnOkokzMwkvQ9D9r6JjdwsX8293uf9c-2zBngINLXRkFwUhl6XIympgULY3TKcyvATGvhTs/s1600/bungee3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIW0H2DyP19GerMAl_-hpD_R4HftJ9CSWBCapV17vzXq6f8GbCeRaLiPIRvnVp9HkXJsd-TnOkokzMwkvQ9D9r6JjdwsX8293uf9c-2zBngINLXRkFwUhl6XIympgULY3TKcyvATGvhTs/s320/bungee3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Embracing the the fall.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrygEz-YSJBgE9J5LSKnvA8mH1hDfkM36rexY6t86nkp8p85kLEUP9WpwKDY1PAtV2RRSFIwCQiKzOMXYAma-2qsSwu09A3uMPbewKsWdB35wVO_WbmhiHilgoNINkoRDhX99UGjK8ono/s1600/bungee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrygEz-YSJBgE9J5LSKnvA8mH1hDfkM36rexY6t86nkp8p85kLEUP9WpwKDY1PAtV2RRSFIwCQiKzOMXYAma-2qsSwu09A3uMPbewKsWdB35wVO_WbmhiHilgoNINkoRDhX99UGjK8ono/s1600/bungee.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Falling...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64Jb2JV2RL1rQxZR_KI_IMFN1rgl_ibfhj01kj7Ul5J9VRh_xJ_4bIk1PPwyF7JVpGw-zAGHozizfAFFzr1PSgDiU889imfzh9pPW8Niy-4hS4l_DER0z5G72pqrGnGDdDxWsCu-ueqQ/s1600/bungee1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64Jb2JV2RL1rQxZR_KI_IMFN1rgl_ibfhj01kj7Ul5J9VRh_xJ_4bIk1PPwyF7JVpGw-zAGHozizfAFFzr1PSgDiU889imfzh9pPW8Niy-4hS4l_DER0z5G72pqrGnGDdDxWsCu-ueqQ/s320/bungee1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Survival of the bravest! We did it :))</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-v-7n1TLlXp5ENwtYt8xzqTDRbaMoEGDch-zcG3NbV3bS0NvhR-66SIKAlpu_EQdMVCGr9oB3p_6DQGE9ZeQ7KRoWSsU1t55AFd21blnmxmts0J4mAOCkzYEIyzbH_Be5pTuE0gkWZo/s1600/survival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-v-7n1TLlXp5ENwtYt8xzqTDRbaMoEGDch-zcG3NbV3bS0NvhR-66SIKAlpu_EQdMVCGr9oB3p_6DQGE9ZeQ7KRoWSsU1t55AFd21blnmxmts0J4mAOCkzYEIyzbH_Be5pTuE0gkWZo/s320/survival.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me with the bridge in the background... where I embraced my fears and flew like a bird (or fell like a bowling pin, whichever :-p)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2-ZOpqXUaS3JZNM87vAICOsIY84J8XldkYs-EUN5A9JIgdsooZMacypKY3PjBD6ouiqKbgfAQQBaWVdqmGdTW-xTINRiYxmvSop-t3As5w5-hvW6cBJxhViLhVleDCopDmXFeZ3Zp9M/s1600/bungee+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2-ZOpqXUaS3JZNM87vAICOsIY84J8XldkYs-EUN5A9JIgdsooZMacypKY3PjBD6ouiqKbgfAQQBaWVdqmGdTW-xTINRiYxmvSop-t3As5w5-hvW6cBJxhViLhVleDCopDmXFeZ3Zp9M/s320/bungee+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Video footage of my jump :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyews_p6qn3sSVBd54mGr14o65IO1WqJvendb6OaQKmYr5iuEB7dlqjuMeg0gVg9MR1Q2_q168SM1Pf4l3b7A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-43540050857899035192012-09-18T05:22:00.001-07:002012-09-18T05:22:18.339-07:00 Red Thread<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">An
Ancient Chinese proverb says “An invisible red thread connects those
destined to meet, despite the time, the <u>place</u>, and despite the
circumstances. The thread can be tightened or tangled, but will never be
broken.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DfDH6V3uoPa7G1FX-zwKlxrAVmvx__vbLVsY0Od_DZ8Z7FHR7ObPkvLrhELYwSaCPWuTup-XlL5EAO0l-5ZxUsTndBC2gQB2FW2FgCRrIxmxGGdZCJ2910covLZxuRKcFTbXWyhkvko/s1600/redstring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DfDH6V3uoPa7G1FX-zwKlxrAVmvx__vbLVsY0Od_DZ8Z7FHR7ObPkvLrhELYwSaCPWuTup-XlL5EAO0l-5ZxUsTndBC2gQB2FW2FgCRrIxmxGGdZCJ2910covLZxuRKcFTbXWyhkvko/s320/redstring.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-83531778683746725872012-09-11T23:48:00.003-07:002012-09-12T00:16:34.616-07:00"Taste the fullness of life."<br />
<h1 class="entry-title" style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 11.25pt; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric ideograph-other; word-break: keep-all;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 11.25pt; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric ideograph-other; word-break: keep-all;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: black; color: #ffe599; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 굴림; mso-fareast-font-family: 굴림; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Today, while sitting at my desk, I came across
this article. It was too beautiful, too pertinent, & too honest.
I couldn't feel more connected to this piece. As I sat reading, line for
line, I could not help but feel that it was something I needed to share.
If not for the reason that it spoke to me as an individual, then in hopes
that it reaches other young people who have the courage to take a leap of faith
in leaving all that is familiar behind (if even for a short while.)
I have posted the article below, and I have included subsections where I
wrote my reactions to Goins' viewpoints, specifying how his words directly
pertained to me. </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 24pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</h1>
<h1 class="entry-title" style="border: none; line-height: 41px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">3 Reasons to Travel While You’re Young</span></h1>
<div class="post-info" style="border: none; font-style: italic; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">by <span class="author vcard" style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="fn" style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><a class="fn n" href="http://goinswriter.com/author/jeff-goins/" rel="author" style="border: none; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Jeff Goins">Jeff Goins</a></span></span> | <span class="post-comments" style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="post-comments" style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><a data-disqus-identifier="3106 http://goinswriter.com/?p=3106" href="http://goinswriter.com/travel-young/#disqus_thread" style="border: none; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">616 Comments</a></span></span> | <a class="blank" href="http://twitter.com/jeffgoins" style="border: none; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Twitter</a>, <a class="blank" href="http://facebook.com/goinswriter" style="border: none; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Facebook</a>, <a class="blank" href="http://gplus.to/jeffgoins" style="border: none; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Google+</a></span></div>
<div class="entry-content" style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=829505445253451048" id="dd_start" style="border: none; clear: both; float: left; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"></a><br />
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The other night, I had a conversation with a young woman who had a number of decisions ahead of her, one of which was whether she should go to grad school or <a href="http://goinswriter.com/why-travel/" style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank" title="Why I Believe in the Discipline of Travel">travel</a> the world.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I told her to travel. Hands down. <a href="http://goinswriter.com/you-have-no-excuse/" style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank" title="You Have No Excuse">No excuse</a>. Just<em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"> go</em>.</span></div>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_3113" style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: none; padding: 10px 6px 8px; width: 580px;">
<a href="http://goinswriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/travel-young.jpg" style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Travel While You're Young" class="size-medium wp-image-3113" height="380" src="http://goinswriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/travel-young-570x380.jpg" style="border: none; display: block; margin: 0px auto; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Travel While You're Young" width="570" /></span></a><br />
<div class="wp-caption-text" style="border: none; margin-top: 7px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 1px 1px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Photo credit: Flickr (Creative Commons)</span></div>
</div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She sighed.</span></div>
<h3 style="border: none; line-height: 35px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">“Yeah, but…”</span></h3>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Never were more fatal words spoken.*</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Yeah, but… what about debt?</em><em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Yeah, but…</em> what about my job?</em><em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Yeah, but… what</em></em> about my boyfriend (or dog or car or whatever)?</em></span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Yeah, but…” is pernicious. Because it makes it sound like we have the best of intentions when really we are just too scared to do what we should.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It allows us to be cowards, while sounding noble.</span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most people I know who <em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">waited</em> to travel the world never did. Conversely, plenty of people who waited for grad school or a steady job and traveled still did those things — eventually.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Be careful of the yeah-but. The yeah-but will kill your dreams.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was so stirred by this conversation that I shared it with a group of about thirty young adults last night, many who were asking these very questions.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #ffe599; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The beginning of this article is the part that really spoke to me most. While reading this, I looked back on the months before I had arrived in Korea. Making a move to the other side of the world was a scary thought. As adolescents, the world pushes us to plan for the future. That's what I had been doing for the past four years: working hard in college to secure a good job (one which I would enjoy) and hoping to eventually become an independent. When I looked at where my life was heading, and where I wanted my life to go, I realized that there were some uncertainties. Sure, I had gotten what I wanted, a teaching job out of college, and a degree hard earned that no one would ever be able to take from me. However, I started to crave the world. I started to realize that I was young and able, and that although a secure job was what I was looking for, I wasn't ready for it yet quite yet. I have seen too many adults in my life struggle through hardship and life changes. When my elders were young, the idea was to settle down, get a job, and start a family. Some of them passed this notion on to us, perhaps not in the form of relationships & marriage, but in the form of career and independent life. However, if you listen to your elders, many of them will often say, "if I could have done that when I was young, I would go back and take the opportunity." Perhaps, it's not that they would change their lives, and the decisions they made, but that they would enhance it by taking more risks. I decided, I didn't want to be one of those people. I wanted to know, then when I age, I will be able to tell my children to chase their dreams and fight for what they want, take opportunities without hesitation, and look back without regret, don't live a life that follows the norm, live a life that leave you breathless, that enhances your learning, and that inspires you and others. I want my children to know that I was brave enough to live a life like that, and they can as well. I wanted to travel the world. I believed that if I went away, I would have a better understanding of the world, of people, and mostly of myself. </span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #ffe599; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then came the "what ifs" and the "yeah buts." I can't even begin to explain how many "yeah buts" there actually were. I had days where I really questioned whether or not leaving my secure life was something worth doing. I had days where I would cry because I was scared to leave behind all that was familiar and all that I had worked for. Yeah but: my family, my teaching job (will I be able to get another one?), my friends (can I live with out them?) , my parents (I will not be able to lean on them for help), my car (oh, I had just purchased her... and how in love we were!), i'm going to miss out on things at home. YEAH BUT, YEAH BUT, YEAH BUT... WHAT IF I WAS BURNING BRIDGES BY UP AND LEAVING... were people going to be upset with my decision? Would I be upset with myself for leaving if things didn't work out in the end?</span></div>
<div style="border: none; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #ffe599; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 26px;">Jeff Goins, have we met? Are you sure the girl you met and chatted with was not me? It sure does sound familiar. Believe it or not, this is a conversation that I too had with complete strangers one night while working at On the Border. If I could hug those two today, I would. I still remember their names, Bill and Jeanie, from Colorado Springs. Upon first meeting, they pushed me to take the initial step in beginning to plan for this incredible journey I have taken. Their advice was seemingly similar to Goins' and it's as simple as he put it... "just go." To Bill and Jeanie, and Jeff Goins, thank you for being an inspiration to young people to chase their dreams.</span></span></div>
<h3 style="border: none; line-height: 35px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The life you’ve always wanted</span></h3>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When you get older, life seems to just sort of happen <em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">to</em> you. Your youth is a time of total empowerment.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You get to do what you want. As you mature and gain new responsibilities, you have to be very intentional about making sure you don’t lose sight of what’s important.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So if you still have a reasonable amount of control over your circumstances, you should do what really matters. Because <em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">life won’t always be just about you</em>.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">During early adulthood, your worldview is still being formed. It’s important to steward this time — to give yourself opportunities to grow. A good way to do that is to travel.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, young person, <em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">travel</em>.</span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Travel wide and far.<br style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" />Travel boldly.<br style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" />Travel with full abandon.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You will regret few risks you take, when it comes to this. I <em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">promise</em> you.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #ffe599; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 26px;">"Your youth is a time of total empowerment." THANK YOU GOINS and if I can say so, "AMEN to THAT." I am 23 years old and I feel so alive, so absorbent, so untouchable. The world is before us with open arms, yelling out to it's youth, just as Tree does in Silverstein's famous book, The Giving Tree. "Come , come, and play child ... swing from my branches, sleep in my shade." If now is not the time to play, the time to break free, the time to experience, then when is? </span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #ffe599; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 26px;">"Life won't always be just about you." Surely, it won't. Most of the time, it is not. Being selfless is one of the most noble acts in the world. However, as a young person, you are given the divine right to be selfish... if only for a short time. There's a big difference in being inappropriately selfish and being appropriately selfish. To be inappropriately selfish means you don't like to share your cookies or give up your swing so that someone else might have a try. To be appropriately selfish means you listen to your heart, and your heart alone... it knows what it wants. Be appropriately selfish. Leave everything behind. Leave everything, because, it will be there when you come back, and during your youth, it may be one of the only times that you can be reassured of that. Later in life, you won't be able to leave your husband, your children, your dog and the mortgage on your house. If you do, surely, those things won't be waiting for you when you come back... and if they are, it's probable that you will return to anger and a lot of debt. </span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are three reasons to travel while you’re young:</span></div>
<h3 style="border: none; line-height: 35px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">1. Traveling teaches you to live an adventure</span></h3>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When you look back on your life, you will have moments of which you are proud and maybe a few you regret. It’s likely that the following won’t be on the latter list:</span></div>
<ul style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 20px 10px;">
<li style="border: none; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bicycled across the Golden Gate Bridge.</span></li>
<li style="border: none; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Appeared on Italian TV.</span></li>
<li style="border: none; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hiked a Mayan ruin.</span></li>
<li style="border: none; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Learned Spanish in three months.</span></li>
<li style="border: none; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Toured Europe by train.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They’re not on mine (fun fact: I’ve done all of the above).</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What, then, <em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">will</em> be?</span></div>
<ul style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 20px 10px;">
<li style="border: none; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Holding back.</span></li>
<li style="border: none; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Being afraid.</span></li>
<li style="border: none; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Making excuses.</span></li>
<li style="border: none; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not taking more risks.</span></li>
<li style="border: none; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Waiting.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While you’re young, you should travel.</span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You should take the time to see the world and taste the fullness of life. It’s worth whatever investment or money or sacrifice of time required on your part.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It’s not about being a tourist. It’s about experiencing true risk and adventure so you don’t have to live in <a href="http://goinswriter.com/fear-art/" style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank" title="Fear">fear</a> for the rest of your life.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #ffe599; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My heart literally, just sank. I'm not totally sure that Jeff Goins isn't speaking to me directly. "It's not about being a tourist. It's about experiencing true risk and adventure so you don't have to live in fear for the rest of your life." I literally don't know that I have the words to express how directly these words speak to me. It's not shocking news (to anyone who knows me) that I am actually quite fearful of life itself. I'm afraid of making mistakes. I'm afraid of ending up with the wrong person. I'm afraid of feeling mediocre living a day to day life, I'm afraid of losing my youth, I'm afraid or being committed to one thing or one person. I can recall my words to my mother verbatim. Before leaving, I had said, "Mom, you might not ever understand this, but I feel as though I need to leave and come back in order to understand if this is where I want to be." I was fearing my future and what it would be like without some kind of great adventure. What if I wake up one day realizing I have never done anything truly adventurous? What if in that moment, I want to run away? I need to do it now. I need to take a risk. I need to leave behind everything I know. I need to make a change, but not a small change, a bold and courageous change.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #ffe599; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 26px;"> And so, I put aside my reservations. I moved to the other side of the world. As Goins suggested, it has absolutely been worth every sacrifice of time and every investment. After I leave Korea, and before I return to the states, I plan to backpack South East Asia, or volunteer abroad in Kenya. Doing that also means, it's likely that I will come home empty handed and completely broke, but as far as I'm concerned, I will be the richest person in the world. I will be rich with experience, rich with cultural understandings, rich with appreciation, rich with compassion, and rich with the love of people from all over the world whose lives have crossed paths with mine.</span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #ffe599; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 26px;">I don't think I will be living in fear for the rest of my life because of these experiences. If I do, it will be because, I will live in fear that the magnitude of my life at home won't match the magnitude of the times in my life I spent adventuring the world. However, I have a funny feeling that it will. </span></span></div>
<h3 style="border: none; line-height: 35px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">2. Traveling helps you encounter compassion</span></h3>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In your youth, you will make choices that will define you. The disciplines you begin now will be with you for the rest of your life.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Traveling will change you like little else can. It will put you in places that will force you to care for issues that are bigger than you.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you go to southeast Asia, you may encounter the slave trade. If eastern Europe, you may see the effects of genocide and religious persecution. If Haiti, you’ll witness the the ugly side Western paternalism.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Your heart will <em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">break</em>.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You will begin to understand that the world is both a big and small place. You will have a new-found respect for the pain and suffering that over half of the world takes for granted on a daily basis. And you will feel more connected to your fellow human beings in a deep and lasting way.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You will learn to <em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">care</em>.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #ffe599; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 26px;">The truth in Goins' words here are so appropriate. It's simply put and needs no further explanation, "Traveling will change you like little else can. You will learn to care." I am living in Korea, a country that has risen from a once third world country, to a now booming economic powerhouse. It's hard to say that Korea has made me realize how easy I have life at home, simply because life in Korea is not so hard. In some ways it has opened my eyes... but still they are "spoiled" viewpoints. Life here certainly isn't as much of a 360 as it would be living in a third world country. [I have learned a lot about the struggles and horrid ways of life just across the border in North Korea. That in itself is enough to break your heart. A country once connected is now divided by war and communism.] In general I surely see more hardship living in the city than I did at home, but it's not excessive. This is what I can say, however. Living here, has made me far more open minded and more than anything, it has made me CRAVE more cultural diversity. I have a new appreciation and understand for the way that others live their lives. I want to go to a country where people have to walk two miles to fetch water. I want to sleep under the stars with a Nairobi tribe in Africa. I want to work with children in Cambodia, who walk to school without shoes on. I want to give my love in other parts of the world. My eyes and my mind are open. I want to learn, I want to see, I want to appreciate, and I want my heart to feel it. There's no greater gift in the world than being able to feel true compassion and appreciation for others.</span></span></div>
<h3 style="border: none; line-height: 35px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">3. Traveling allows you to get some culture</span></h3>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While you’re still young, you should get cultured. Get to know the world and the magnificent people that fill it.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There’s nothing quite like walking alongside the Coliseum or seeing Michelangelo’s<em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">David </em>in person. I can describe the city of San Juan and its amazing beaches and historic sites to you, but you really have to see it for yourself to <em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">experience</em> it. You can read all the books in the world about the Great Wall of China or <em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">The Louvre</em>, but<em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">being</em> there is a different story.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The world is a stunning place, full of outstanding works of art. <em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">See</em> it.</span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do this while you’re still young. Do not squander this time. You will never have it again.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You have a crucial opportunity to invest in the next season of your life <em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">now</em>. Whatever you sow, you will eventually reap. Please. For your sake, <em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">do</em> this.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You won’t always be young. And life won’t always be <em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">just about you</em>. So travel. Experience the world for all it’s worth. Become a person of culture, adventure, and compassion.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #ffe599; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 26px;">Culture is such an incredible thing. I was taught, as an education major, in America (the great melting pot), that cultural understanding was one of the most importance concepts in modern day America (and in our schools). I have read books, I have attended classes, I have made text sets of children's literature, all with the purpose of promoting and understanding cultural diversity. It's not something you can understand until you have experienced it. "Get to know the world and the people that fill it," says Goins. He is absolutely right. The experience is invaluable and it's not something you can get from a class or from a book. I have learned this first hand from living abroad in Korea. What better way to understand culture than to live it? Culture is pure and rich and deep. </span><span style="line-height: 26px;">Culture is a way of life, it is deep embedded with history, ritual, </span><span style="line-height: 26px;">architecture</span><span style="line-height: 26px;">, religion, and meaning. </span><span style="line-height: 26px;">It's ever changing from place to place. True understanding in itself is simply astonishing and something I am very grateful to be able to experience.</span><span style="line-height: 26px;"> </span></span></div>
<h3 style="border: none; line-height: 35px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">“What if I’m not young?”</span></h3>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Travel, anyway. It may not be easy to do, but find a way to get out of your comfort zone. It’s really never too late.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #ffe599; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">COME ON , MOM!</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f4cccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But if you haven’t gotten sucked into the routine of life yet, I implore you — <em style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">travel</em>. It will <a href="http://unconventionalguides.com/cmd.php?Clk=4548857" style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank" title="Free Travel Anywhere">never be easier</a> than it is right now for you to do that which really matters.</span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 30px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #ffe599; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">AMEN . Thank you Jeff Goins for this article. </span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-63052542695847681152012-09-05T04:43:00.000-07:002012-09-05T04:43:04.023-07:00Smell the RosesIt's easy sometimes to let the small details of this incredible life pass us by. If not for the reason that modern day society pushes up down the fast lane, instead of encouraging us to take our time on a road less traveled, then, in part, due to our own inability to slow down and appreciate our surroundings. As the old saying goes, "take the time to stop and smell the roses." This phrase has been around for as long as I can remember, probably as long as my grandmother can remember, and her grandmother can remember. Yet, we all must still be reminded. Listening skills= KURPLUT. It's true for all of us though, is it not? We almost need to be reminded, just as an eight year old needs to be reminded not to sit too close to the television screen (you will go cross eyed.. just like your mother always told you). We are always looking forward to what comes next, planning, contemplating (myself, a number one offender of this). Sometimes, in doing so, we forget to appreciate the here and now.<br />
<br />
With that said, I came to Korea with the understanding that I would only be here for a year. One year of my entire life seems like such an incredibly tiny chunk of time in the grand scheme of things. Naturally, I want to jam pack this year with as many minuscule or extravagant experiences and memories as possible. With this in mind, I seem to be constantly looking ahead, thinking about how I can make the most of my time here. I'm continuously looking towards the weekend when the week begins. What can I do with my free time to make sure that it will be memorable? Sometimes, I forget that just living daily life abroad can be satisfying enough. When summer vacation was approaching- my mind was warped with ideas and thoughts about what I should spend my time doing. How would I make the most of a two week break? Did I have the opportunity to take a trip? NOPE. Broke. Could I fly home? Not an option. Spend time with my friends? Many of them were going away. Meet new people? Eh, too much effort. Never once did I think, "take your time," until, I did.<br />
<br />
It dawned on me. I don't need an extravagant plan, a fortifying experience, or something sketched in stone in order to solidify a two week vacation. I realized, I have been in Korea for six full months. How much of the city had I really seen in that time? Had I really taken the time to appreciate Seoul for what it is [one of the largest cities in the world]? I'd like to say that I had, because, as stated in a previous entry, senseless journeys, days of wander with no destination, and midday or midnight strolls have brought me to really appreciate this monstrous city. However, I realized, that due to the size of Seoul, and the size of me, and although I'd felt like I'd seen a lot, when I mapped it out, I had actually not been to a lot of areas in Seoul. This understanding brought me to the conclusion that I would use my vacation as more of a "stay-cation," and I would take the time to take my time wandering through and around the city. <br />
<br />
My two weeks consisted of me cruising down roads & city sidewalks, between buildings, up mountains, and places in between, with nothing more than a pair of walking shoes, my wallet, and a camera hanging at my neck. I did get the opportunity to spend a lot of time with some friends as well, where we too, wandered around together. Sometimes it ended with some photos of new and interesting findings, and other times it ended with a group of foreigners wandering home slightly tipsy on a week night (when in Korea, you don't say no to soju!). Either way, there were always some good shots involved (pun intended).<br />
<br />
Here is a quick recap of the places I went in Seoul and the things I saw, some memories recapped, and of course, some pictures! Here's my list that I dedicate to smelling the roses!...<br />
<br />
1. Hyewa: One evening, I made it a point to find my way back to Hyewa, where orientation was held. I climbed the treacherous steps we had once discovered there, and waited around on a wall that I like to call "The Great Wall of Hyewa," so that I could capture a beautiful sunset sky draped over the city's sky scrappers. One of the things that I love about this spot is that it shows the city and the mountains as one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBm6O_2KpJ-43urc1rhzYkjU_22fw2Gvm6XqBvFczgdZhiVbQThM62KxgJ9TMWFj-YCTzE3sfuX5Bcxz9X-zKi8ziHHM1oBVrEjovez5NkMlJmPxOUINElNdssX5OJdovYuMiQlG4K2Tw/s1600/hyewa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBm6O_2KpJ-43urc1rhzYkjU_22fw2Gvm6XqBvFczgdZhiVbQThM62KxgJ9TMWFj-YCTzE3sfuX5Bcxz9X-zKi8ziHHM1oBVrEjovez5NkMlJmPxOUINElNdssX5OJdovYuMiQlG4K2Tw/s320/hyewa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZV3e5lByUuCLGq64ySq8CBCzPv52UMnM5GVS9aVDtIwomW4RXfRtB6Wgj_mYBDL1gUAMEDrJ8UvuBdvtcSkRRB1H73yPb7xW-M1gbKfrPavadt2FW-NT_rVrh-764AL8nJ_dG6X-w6o/s1600/DSCN2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZV3e5lByUuCLGq64ySq8CBCzPv52UMnM5GVS9aVDtIwomW4RXfRtB6Wgj_mYBDL1gUAMEDrJ8UvuBdvtcSkRRB1H73yPb7xW-M1gbKfrPavadt2FW-NT_rVrh-764AL8nJ_dG6X-w6o/s320/DSCN2107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCn67uaWZQi3ON286rsyK0_3p67laWNrG5yhmmfti7vBhwcdCjmCMD-LPIQenl-sbX4AqPHs3q7VWwnlj1alkcHAnbkCXonSwTd_XPGhT5_C10tqnDZvx-hn0GJCS9y9dzqkzPPL4nmco/s1600/DSCN2118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCn67uaWZQi3ON286rsyK0_3p67laWNrG5yhmmfti7vBhwcdCjmCMD-LPIQenl-sbX4AqPHs3q7VWwnlj1alkcHAnbkCXonSwTd_XPGhT5_C10tqnDZvx-hn0GJCS9y9dzqkzPPL4nmco/s320/DSCN2118.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRyFnDm4EYw17z7ToGcBVO2nHBJhtZkC1cX7N5L6K2kuSwCTtQR7ZQvsCTfJGG3kq51CXDn69X7EptUgfnbAvHvc6zHyUX6I7heWFG7k71dQYLAFMEAGuBZ804AzYfsg3vnsPWPtLB2I/s1600/DSCN2119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRyFnDm4EYw17z7ToGcBVO2nHBJhtZkC1cX7N5L6K2kuSwCTtQR7ZQvsCTfJGG3kq51CXDn69X7EptUgfnbAvHvc6zHyUX6I7heWFG7k71dQYLAFMEAGuBZ804AzYfsg3vnsPWPtLB2I/s320/DSCN2119.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxGfgoYhGUgeN8NTRhra4x772o12IVeU9tgwhyQ4dphxJxLvn3VEnEm6O1i8LG6pxUebuAu7V5kRzmMJIoO78Z0LyT4oyctYFTBJQ5YUSNthoGHT6kTWVh_I6jmTYKerQZkEstJtwk9Q/s1600/sunset+over+hyewa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxGfgoYhGUgeN8NTRhra4x772o12IVeU9tgwhyQ4dphxJxLvn3VEnEm6O1i8LG6pxUebuAu7V5kRzmMJIoO78Z0LyT4oyctYFTBJQ5YUSNthoGHT6kTWVh_I6jmTYKerQZkEstJtwk9Q/s1600/sunset+over+hyewa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxGfgoYhGUgeN8NTRhra4x772o12IVeU9tgwhyQ4dphxJxLvn3VEnEm6O1i8LG6pxUebuAu7V5kRzmMJIoO78Z0LyT4oyctYFTBJQ5YUSNthoGHT6kTWVh_I6jmTYKerQZkEstJtwk9Q/s320/sunset+over+hyewa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRB0irsbIq7Hnfl3FpbNyWhmtgxYZeuf1CJH5sScco68XcGVPDtvgNBc2sltJxia-LKxYSBfeB-lkiR5DXF9BU0l3PHWsvR4QJ7DKOqLDzzuu0QBIkFy-wT1ov9X9Qwu37pQkjP-5IeVY/s1600/DSCN2129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRB0irsbIq7Hnfl3FpbNyWhmtgxYZeuf1CJH5sScco68XcGVPDtvgNBc2sltJxia-LKxYSBfeB-lkiR5DXF9BU0l3PHWsvR4QJ7DKOqLDzzuu0QBIkFy-wT1ov9X9Qwu37pQkjP-5IeVY/s320/DSCN2129.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8n_6gUlTW7BSC6Ak9bY7FyXfLhXmkQafdnKmNXzj8HMQ0y7MBcLjtkZ6jw-9jxZstvCWJlnu4YjytMWkSdaUk1TcTEOOkUy91W-_Oy_TBYwUpcTY4pmuB-lly65PXrrRZhZHAYW9_BY/s1600/DSCN2146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8n_6gUlTW7BSC6Ak9bY7FyXfLhXmkQafdnKmNXzj8HMQ0y7MBcLjtkZ6jw-9jxZstvCWJlnu4YjytMWkSdaUk1TcTEOOkUy91W-_Oy_TBYwUpcTY4pmuB-lly65PXrrRZhZHAYW9_BY/s320/DSCN2146.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. Gwanghwamun Square- Considered to be the "times square" of Seoul. Here you can see the famous statue of King Sejong, Admiral Yi Sun-Shin, a beautiful backdrop of Gyeongbokgong Palace, and Bukaksan mountain in the distance. This was perhaps one of my favorite wandering points during my two weeks off. The day was incredible with blue painted skies. It was so incredibly hot that they had the fountains shooting up from the ground in front of the admiral's statue. There crowds of children laughed and splashed while parents watched with joyous smiles. What a wonderful day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVT7oKqhMxNXRc4TBhcqdOci1llyoDkdHTeLGX4ivnr81dN8fqdcxVZsoMNce1f4yfklqcgBLU0C4dNl_FfTKMPeRLPx0mnj_TjnRqorH4TmHxv8inq5CTrqhfqpgjLlQuvVsk-OLSSU/s1600/DSCN1919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVT7oKqhMxNXRc4TBhcqdOci1llyoDkdHTeLGX4ivnr81dN8fqdcxVZsoMNce1f4yfklqcgBLU0C4dNl_FfTKMPeRLPx0mnj_TjnRqorH4TmHxv8inq5CTrqhfqpgjLlQuvVsk-OLSSU/s320/DSCN1919.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a look at the square from afar</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzaOZckwcBcFy6z_8yWNEq93JuievcHLCm_vTp-Wt7XgyliblsivOSn9eCgpwiUErbd9GwWKhb_t7eQFPvRZi9cSkKBoAXu_PaMfulxk2LuuT99SnljSMX6C8Mfvbe41Sw3PLyNVyh-oo/s1600/DSCN1923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzaOZckwcBcFy6z_8yWNEq93JuievcHLCm_vTp-Wt7XgyliblsivOSn9eCgpwiUErbd9GwWKhb_t7eQFPvRZi9cSkKBoAXu_PaMfulxk2LuuT99SnljSMX6C8Mfvbe41Sw3PLyNVyh-oo/s320/DSCN1923.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
King Sejong, Gyeongbokgong Palace, Bukaksan Mountain</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nBzF4Zmb3hsscHjpQIBNqPFgefvE4MCXZYhyphenhyphenj3um1dyGFLioNUk5Zut-Z_xt6Kk7kmIcd7f1SYpdJwyn96NQ1TQnutu2CbpkRX2eR0sIFEwKH2gbrem_FLEuK_48D9wQIdIXVkwDmU8/s1600/DSCN1928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nBzF4Zmb3hsscHjpQIBNqPFgefvE4MCXZYhyphenhyphenj3um1dyGFLioNUk5Zut-Z_xt6Kk7kmIcd7f1SYpdJwyn96NQ1TQnutu2CbpkRX2eR0sIFEwKH2gbrem_FLEuK_48D9wQIdIXVkwDmU8/s320/DSCN1928.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiKbKsekZrEM9wjVdd5er2PrnsYwyDwlSb20ENhMKQvY_PiIOlSu5XP9Edjjf-uvdsq_0UO8hj-su0ONIPmb5czaC_IYnhKK3izSPphH_l5P85wiFSOIoHWf2MA5Z_1UKHAa5nnFtKnY/s1600/DSCN1936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiKbKsekZrEM9wjVdd5er2PrnsYwyDwlSb20ENhMKQvY_PiIOlSu5XP9Edjjf-uvdsq_0UO8hj-su0ONIPmb5czaC_IYnhKK3izSPphH_l5P85wiFSOIoHWf2MA5Z_1UKHAa5nnFtKnY/s320/DSCN1936.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
King Sejong</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOQk1ou2a7pmC_dUFAEQTimMHn8df2ggfvexPzNwXImIlXDv0zUSjrAtflxRK5OEgJ6HeGCeHNVr-HFdwtJtogiKXJCaQ2cFPn7BJepPoZaLg9-GSJGuaHTAMrNUdmCJt0bHTYWUO5hI/s1600/DSCN1966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOQk1ou2a7pmC_dUFAEQTimMHn8df2ggfvexPzNwXImIlXDv0zUSjrAtflxRK5OEgJ6HeGCeHNVr-HFdwtJtogiKXJCaQ2cFPn7BJepPoZaLg9-GSJGuaHTAMrNUdmCJt0bHTYWUO5hI/s320/DSCN1966.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gyeongbokgong Palace</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSMZNof49ygimEoqiT3uYAwsBNxxQgfe4xRoyNINWFH5D54EI6vLpfLfLellSF5B6UEaihJeM6KGtrzklWNs9_bVEgOicTEkDezqfn7MxDhTmsl5UMQKaJSgPtTZgaOzHTtwEXZNW6eU/s1600/DSCN1967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSMZNof49ygimEoqiT3uYAwsBNxxQgfe4xRoyNINWFH5D54EI6vLpfLfLellSF5B6UEaihJeM6KGtrzklWNs9_bVEgOicTEkDezqfn7MxDhTmsl5UMQKaJSgPtTZgaOzHTtwEXZNW6eU/s320/DSCN1967.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwezEqKFSs3V2-MoRfnOWmW7P57Tj5SVVUhdwCUdd3tvujPDruehx2WDup9LOK2ynfkf1wnCIw0Q2dfDxqDWNPdZJ172sa1kdz-aEBAQ6DPtwqumhQJwG2Xv4XudVRXL7gQucDPC1T20/s1600/DSCN1978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwezEqKFSs3V2-MoRfnOWmW7P57Tj5SVVUhdwCUdd3tvujPDruehx2WDup9LOK2ynfkf1wnCIw0Q2dfDxqDWNPdZJ172sa1kdz-aEBAQ6DPtwqumhQJwG2Xv4XudVRXL7gQucDPC1T20/s320/DSCN1978.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTuolHgXF1UOctRJ-eTRyjx8nNkZY8BLojCoMe1D4o12biPbNZsLB8UXporT22de8cugRDotEnH1Q7Ey36i_W83Rq2ewkWX0SKNzczSlwrZa_O4sSIJaDg0e8PZY7wcC7NNuE3NQz5YY/s1600/DSCN1981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTuolHgXF1UOctRJ-eTRyjx8nNkZY8BLojCoMe1D4o12biPbNZsLB8UXporT22de8cugRDotEnH1Q7Ey36i_W83Rq2ewkWX0SKNzczSlwrZa_O4sSIJaDg0e8PZY7wcC7NNuE3NQz5YY/s320/DSCN1981.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the square, facing the opposite way</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeRUN7yNpMvybzsXODLf_47r-ceG590kYeamP-H9RlPXN0RkBZjElppJSlzqJ4EQ-97pYCPEkonkLhOCI909MFZf-uCPcHW41rL7HElS08RGneU2fyO70AcEpTUPzyTGpf7Ed4zh1jAA/s1600/DSCN1992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeRUN7yNpMvybzsXODLf_47r-ceG590kYeamP-H9RlPXN0RkBZjElppJSlzqJ4EQ-97pYCPEkonkLhOCI909MFZf-uCPcHW41rL7HElS08RGneU2fyO70AcEpTUPzyTGpf7Ed4zh1jAA/s320/DSCN1992.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Admiral Sun-Shin watching over the children playing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFn5O_j0eOTvH4gwW-qAIE0TJlsrEYHRr3iWz54q9ehs2wB-x3XUPr_grd2mQ6TTfr_SqkGEncfhk2WaSYKZ2O028Nu9Dxsib3N_CNXqD5VhIeIZjELT3fjwCYN-FmMxwEKfgdvDrR5k/s1600/DSCN1997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFn5O_j0eOTvH4gwW-qAIE0TJlsrEYHRr3iWz54q9ehs2wB-x3XUPr_grd2mQ6TTfr_SqkGEncfhk2WaSYKZ2O028Nu9Dxsib3N_CNXqD5VhIeIZjELT3fjwCYN-FmMxwEKfgdvDrR5k/s320/DSCN1997.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtS7a30yfp_E6ZWC6VDQg6L1nqvvhSlLOqbmpnvpPVRF2RTo0UW5F_TsW51KWeg2ulI8T1gj8He_zOKsYcjeZWMxCssck3TCRoDy3V9IgfhSuQvsv4lP_HpptOMpsrpSFZ6J3Gt_2KfY/s1600/DSCN2001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtS7a30yfp_E6ZWC6VDQg6L1nqvvhSlLOqbmpnvpPVRF2RTo0UW5F_TsW51KWeg2ulI8T1gj8He_zOKsYcjeZWMxCssck3TCRoDy3V9IgfhSuQvsv4lP_HpptOMpsrpSFZ6J3Gt_2KfY/s320/DSCN2001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dQwz042hEBFLgNMvpl6QWOJCN-D4QLFjBBcOFZ0Q3WRJ9QhG1jZNICm9PaaiBaH0vAky1BTK_oBNzR5bMg8_cuQRdw5L_IUsYXnXAnD60k2GeFVaY_6vDDLzBvPr_agcFJhZLmKhRh8/s1600/DSCN2006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dQwz042hEBFLgNMvpl6QWOJCN-D4QLFjBBcOFZ0Q3WRJ9QhG1jZNICm9PaaiBaH0vAky1BTK_oBNzR5bMg8_cuQRdw5L_IUsYXnXAnD60k2GeFVaY_6vDDLzBvPr_agcFJhZLmKhRh8/s320/DSCN2006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijo8R1uqQSLlRW37MSiYUiBQkj7WM5TDHR0IKKcKOvWtt2OmL-bH8X0Y6fbN3GFiTKoG4MMXNgR9EOfif4Mv3weT8ivswzNq9h7ty0cRPPylqDP2WSJFKoaOZT2vPtVlNRJdPpzq3e0aw/s1600/DSCN2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijo8R1uqQSLlRW37MSiYUiBQkj7WM5TDHR0IKKcKOvWtt2OmL-bH8X0Y6fbN3GFiTKoG4MMXNgR9EOfif4Mv3weT8ivswzNq9h7ty0cRPPylqDP2WSJFKoaOZT2vPtVlNRJdPpzq3e0aw/s320/DSCN2011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebBbWt9nNULujGRA7yGu5Xkta4zC1zXutR3e52ZnBnUJ1-sirNJzj6tVfD8iKlkXiQAidHPjuGNt0BZuUpE53HbYswhVEzB7VxiCJQotAWGx2BSIBLPTtyC19SJlNAe0Z_SRiq4lAEJA/s1600/DSCN2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebBbWt9nNULujGRA7yGu5Xkta4zC1zXutR3e52ZnBnUJ1-sirNJzj6tVfD8iKlkXiQAidHPjuGNt0BZuUpE53HbYswhVEzB7VxiCJQotAWGx2BSIBLPTtyC19SJlNAe0Z_SRiq4lAEJA/s320/DSCN2013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngj_dE7IwN1PZDTRwZu2NdCZ52KPlRNiA6voa63LR3qOTczVWMu_N2qyBCnhJBOC8yTwKvfPsBfjUHPERLQ0COInmk9eTkur6rMcXhqk665Ny3Y9Lgx-oapzw4nFA4OYIwRxTeD2kIHM/s1600/DSCN2023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngj_dE7IwN1PZDTRwZu2NdCZ52KPlRNiA6voa63LR3qOTczVWMu_N2qyBCnhJBOC8yTwKvfPsBfjUHPERLQ0COInmk9eTkur6rMcXhqk665Ny3Y9Lgx-oapzw4nFA4OYIwRxTeD2kIHM/s320/DSCN2023.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
3. Dongdaemun & Namdaemun traditional markets- So they say, if you can't find it at Namdaemun market, it doesn't exist. Namdaemun market is the largest traditional market area in Seoul. While walking along these markets you will find everything from sumbrellas, to sports clothing, street food, shoes, books, pig's feet, oriental medicine, dried squid, and everything in between.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPh1uqLZC6EJa5fvqU5FlQT5KY4qoDGtj53Y6F_nmzjan9IMGFA1z9zRzivMddNClPvsTFZq3JuaDTBzA4imaRva_nmoNbUS0uiN_1-8mct03nIrLdkPRvaJC-3TGX9JB4UWnjIAEGbz4/s1600/DSCN1876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPh1uqLZC6EJa5fvqU5FlQT5KY4qoDGtj53Y6F_nmzjan9IMGFA1z9zRzivMddNClPvsTFZq3JuaDTBzA4imaRva_nmoNbUS0uiN_1-8mct03nIrLdkPRvaJC-3TGX9JB4UWnjIAEGbz4/s320/DSCN1876.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dongdaemun Gate</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLHSGsuk_7KJU7grWrEMno895vlsICoM6W02kN6z1bF9Lg1879SgFfy-pDkKLqY_-GuxF51zzClXIQokiYuibG9DN4ApqHhGysNBKDmMMeJ8P6HI3wMbzj2GmFEBo08ANBMpUHlqze1c/s1600/DSCN1878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLHSGsuk_7KJU7grWrEMno895vlsICoM6W02kN6z1bF9Lg1879SgFfy-pDkKLqY_-GuxF51zzClXIQokiYuibG9DN4ApqHhGysNBKDmMMeJ8P6HI3wMbzj2GmFEBo08ANBMpUHlqze1c/s320/DSCN1878.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQu0s4SmraAcvTNT7FLjuK-KwrgcWm79m20ZPffLhvTF-dpTH6cacyRmZIj-X8MA08Aa_G4V2E8ZqoOcvMc4yXbzDjOY12BzlFNP222eNCQMFfh7EJUxK8e3WqFSnF5_gA09Cqc34aiT4/s1600/DSCN1882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQu0s4SmraAcvTNT7FLjuK-KwrgcWm79m20ZPffLhvTF-dpTH6cacyRmZIj-X8MA08Aa_G4V2E8ZqoOcvMc4yXbzDjOY12BzlFNP222eNCQMFfh7EJUxK8e3WqFSnF5_gA09Cqc34aiT4/s320/DSCN1882.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dongdaemun market</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge53yV8zWJ3yCuj5Y546WIHosBMujiXOYhWzQN-uaFQSrLp_qR06Pj9Sy6RM3ICfyo0e8wcLPv9kxSfW__txSmneeCOQw1z1UgzgylO_KhRItaGJuEMamuN8Vu7bDIC1qnOj6ULmdMh0w/s1600/DSCN1883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge53yV8zWJ3yCuj5Y546WIHosBMujiXOYhWzQN-uaFQSrLp_qR06Pj9Sy6RM3ICfyo0e8wcLPv9kxSfW__txSmneeCOQw1z1UgzgylO_KhRItaGJuEMamuN8Vu7bDIC1qnOj6ULmdMh0w/s320/DSCN1883.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, in Korean, women carry things on their heads... usually with no hands.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-IMb9D1z0c0DJkhdAR7SxV7bFYISv53AL8mJaZNy4ryuI52OL7YakBSY0oxzxOyqy1FH8On4484mojZWbupVb4hGx24A7gtLiNFu9ryGefnrtlz2H_yNlxevfDLrquLLCV4vKcH5VcA/s1600/DSCN1894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-IMb9D1z0c0DJkhdAR7SxV7bFYISv53AL8mJaZNy4ryuI52OL7YakBSY0oxzxOyqy1FH8On4484mojZWbupVb4hGx24A7gtLiNFu9ryGefnrtlz2H_yNlxevfDLrquLLCV4vKcH5VcA/s320/DSCN1894.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dongdaemun Bridge</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54xRI489n24lz7A_FMadm7Heel_XFVO3cjF1mLeKa0fxVl1BuzGRU_HUxiQ-Oko8VUtRKkCn6yeIUdYoayxlM4kRSxjMrIXaBSxD09ahAzM0CafJDja71QIG9cUbIKewBPDNYt5zOwhg/s1600/DSCN1906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54xRI489n24lz7A_FMadm7Heel_XFVO3cjF1mLeKa0fxVl1BuzGRU_HUxiQ-Oko8VUtRKkCn6yeIUdYoayxlM4kRSxjMrIXaBSxD09ahAzM0CafJDja71QIG9cUbIKewBPDNYt5zOwhg/s320/DSCN1906.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Second hand book stores like this one lined this entire street. It was beautiful.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYXhaBuc_YC4Es-YQfJA5HhKWSX1UoRkvFZbg_GcaPGomhcNz9hnFgNX349RyDWoD8xbVoINrfxLkDIdRo8fJ9ctmJS_hG_wNN1ny2sjFR7oEE8Ev2hyphenhyphenMz4XXQIRN03I9gnozfoz8nxM/s1600/DSCN2036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYXhaBuc_YC4Es-YQfJA5HhKWSX1UoRkvFZbg_GcaPGomhcNz9hnFgNX349RyDWoD8xbVoINrfxLkDIdRo8fJ9ctmJS_hG_wNN1ny2sjFR7oEE8Ev2hyphenhyphenMz4XXQIRN03I9gnozfoz8nxM/s320/DSCN2036.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Namdaemun Market</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. Ttuksom Resort: Jill and I decided to adventure here one day, mostly just so we could get pictures of the cool spaceship looking architecture, while dipping our feet in the Han River. It was a beautiful day, followed by incessant eating and drinks at Sam Ryan's in Itaewon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSGIFaYeLQ4AXTSSLjhezrNDwItELXz55qE-rP_HiVoFlWtFSPaTwS7iiwJj0mX2wYybVp4sUqDj9lfldh0rz1Gga_hrgT8slihUu-wY7eYyzKuNy1XP_w5nnSmFsmyDHXg7a3XR_Yh8/s1600/DSCN2043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSGIFaYeLQ4AXTSSLjhezrNDwItELXz55qE-rP_HiVoFlWtFSPaTwS7iiwJj0mX2wYybVp4sUqDj9lfldh0rz1Gga_hrgT8slihUu-wY7eYyzKuNy1XP_w5nnSmFsmyDHXg7a3XR_Yh8/s320/DSCN2043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Han River</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r9rE6eSuzizL6MYAWS-Pfeunv4DiU99yYESwRc5SifVRUwf9JvGDGWCAbzMMwuYdtzuJofmVpTngZWQi4hNvsjIbPG3hQQcqGPz5DnW-6fD0ynw4rM-IJTMa7TafcRT5d_K_XyCCy7A/s1600/DSCN2046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r9rE6eSuzizL6MYAWS-Pfeunv4DiU99yYESwRc5SifVRUwf9JvGDGWCAbzMMwuYdtzuJofmVpTngZWQi4hNvsjIbPG3hQQcqGPz5DnW-6fD0ynw4rM-IJTMa7TafcRT5d_K_XyCCy7A/s320/DSCN2046.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
View of the city and the Han from Ttuksom</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7HtMBQdO-EfG6NUv4x-zxfU3_ZFtU3ClHHDpc4_zr579QjxaP285OY3jgnRKCx7wHho6zLxt5PbHFxcS_F3ofUHPfvEULcjNfM4Q9xAO_t_lrIFG9dgXr1c_mLWTS5ElCjnj4_vqIlk/s1600/DSCN2052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7HtMBQdO-EfG6NUv4x-zxfU3_ZFtU3ClHHDpc4_zr579QjxaP285OY3jgnRKCx7wHho6zLxt5PbHFxcS_F3ofUHPfvEULcjNfM4Q9xAO_t_lrIFG9dgXr1c_mLWTS5ElCjnj4_vqIlk/s320/DSCN2052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sitting with our feet in the Han</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRH_icWaJqQx0q11UnbAMsvSwopj4cGZgwCrKp4bnPNhCXnWUPWA-r6UuGrOqlv15DwaRFjyEolhiKgXot33FVgTIwE-jReTzXIRDZWREAVqo1eVtyihAW1hWr79AERykRy4ZKWI0hls/s1600/DSCN2057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRH_icWaJqQx0q11UnbAMsvSwopj4cGZgwCrKp4bnPNhCXnWUPWA-r6UuGrOqlv15DwaRFjyEolhiKgXot33FVgTIwE-jReTzXIRDZWREAVqo1eVtyihAW1hWr79AERykRy4ZKWI0hls/s320/DSCN2057.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsh8esjl7jCmmPDsvY81qI7UmroYDIqJhaW81g4vcrINOt0f82-133QN0HkX_nXpx0qHb-mJkGx8ksRk25-RW8dJbaKo5Nr1rj8OCnF-Ys9jKbdX6pliO-QjoEK200ByJpcBake_f629E/s1600/DSCN2058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsh8esjl7jCmmPDsvY81qI7UmroYDIqJhaW81g4vcrINOt0f82-133QN0HkX_nXpx0qHb-mJkGx8ksRk25-RW8dJbaKo5Nr1rj8OCnF-Ys9jKbdX6pliO-QjoEK200ByJpcBake_f629E/s320/DSCN2058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jill enjoying the day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-0D0OhYzcWiCmaNV2wSAFquu8zfZd4FUPWMQmQXckwtEzZOItCysowl3Vca-K4G-SFTRhQGp6dSRxrCmBCCTgUJgQSWE0Mo4Mh4ufrriJWO3NAhNBasxg3ZBRvG4Xquz8puQszGhROo/s1600/DSCN2061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-0D0OhYzcWiCmaNV2wSAFquu8zfZd4FUPWMQmQXckwtEzZOItCysowl3Vca-K4G-SFTRhQGp6dSRxrCmBCCTgUJgQSWE0Mo4Mh4ufrriJWO3NAhNBasxg3ZBRvG4Xquz8puQszGhROo/s320/DSCN2061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ttuksom Spaceship Shots</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXXZ39m1yUbMllp0_mxqI7AQoqI16Oth61h478kWH0QKxUslhevMFS0uX71LbNCCFEATSnDckTpBZtVh4T8I1ToRLdUTFZgCSndMV4GFOEtWX8vyD8nLaCMFRd9berDQFNgTurTe4EnU/s1600/DSCN2063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXXZ39m1yUbMllp0_mxqI7AQoqI16Oth61h478kWH0QKxUslhevMFS0uX71LbNCCFEATSnDckTpBZtVh4T8I1ToRLdUTFZgCSndMV4GFOEtWX8vyD8nLaCMFRd9berDQFNgTurTe4EnU/s320/DSCN2063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKOalxtrvscj1sfvfchemYrnuWU28N0oNAh06pykZvHZIE5QbHAVcpsVGP-8pdwH5k0VjYiqx9icfxo8gvY0c9PJeoafaoJkL8TQYjTGkiA63ZN4jFSaWWor3-DUXXJ5pAMRujupurmQ/s1600/DSCN2068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKOalxtrvscj1sfvfchemYrnuWU28N0oNAh06pykZvHZIE5QbHAVcpsVGP-8pdwH5k0VjYiqx9icfxo8gvY0c9PJeoafaoJkL8TQYjTGkiA63ZN4jFSaWWor3-DUXXJ5pAMRujupurmQ/s320/DSCN2068.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fountain wall at Ttuksom</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B9FGUo0Ln4XbVYep702wqq_4PNFIBNrdebKRFRZYlQDkaP5Z8nxXn6WQRGJblQUEk4KOoH8k-O21UuDq-cVT03QQPahm9zmznGyUZKcu9X6RdbcFhKpeEnUj_Go60ecupcEIsJoPkO0/s1600/DSCN2082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B9FGUo0Ln4XbVYep702wqq_4PNFIBNrdebKRFRZYlQDkaP5Z8nxXn6WQRGJblQUEk4KOoH8k-O21UuDq-cVT03QQPahm9zmznGyUZKcu9X6RdbcFhKpeEnUj_Go60ecupcEIsJoPkO0/s320/DSCN2082.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Korean perception of aliens seems to differ from the American perception.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6-c1DBsibapS4r3JfLlS1rPJWoySzW4HeMX0bPjE43jRCVuu-2dFyBrRJuuKWU8IKdhAPtIZW0xsVK7b96ay1MXGnsUMkmdhI-szpqo4Zhm-AdXpFrd0X_e6pY6Bkc-ghK4d4CRlFjU/s1600/DSCN2084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6-c1DBsibapS4r3JfLlS1rPJWoySzW4HeMX0bPjE43jRCVuu-2dFyBrRJuuKWU8IKdhAPtIZW0xsVK7b96ay1MXGnsUMkmdhI-szpqo4Zhm-AdXpFrd0X_e6pY6Bkc-ghK4d4CRlFjU/s320/DSCN2084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was just weird.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9k-UoC_9CndkRRBzstGhPwcRhapESv2OYhsGG-WzBA3ekH28880SNVUyLmkQQN7VFzUW7JZ-kuN1Xj3KUeI_0yIO2tXOFLpWF3uPY8oQKCC-5DtNE806OhSXx2Wk5P3A9aabeSt_QdUE/s1600/DSCN2089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9k-UoC_9CndkRRBzstGhPwcRhapESv2OYhsGG-WzBA3ekH28880SNVUyLmkQQN7VFzUW7JZ-kuN1Xj3KUeI_0yIO2tXOFLpWF3uPY8oQKCC-5DtNE806OhSXx2Wk5P3A9aabeSt_QdUE/s320/DSCN2089.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
" What exactly is going on here? Not sure, let's get a picture." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5. Soyosan Mountain: Due to the fact that the heat throughout our two week vacation was scorching and ridiculously humid, I could not find anyone to man up and take a hike with me. Being determined Rachel, I decided to go about this journey alone. Soyosan is the northern most part of Seoul, (closest to North Korea.. dun dun dun). During my soyosan hike, I built some prayer rock piles, found a secluded Buddhist temple in the mountains, and sat next to some small waterfalls while taking in the scenery.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmesF3mFoCYgnvzl3aijamF83k9RETbgKmWi2m3a9ggqMwUhhkSVjes9MR01j_uttqvfgntbphiS6qW8c1I7TFjd8ZG91pFXKQnzJj6A3qRRSsKvpfctf9aNa_0jZwpyYVfzMU89P9P5s/s1600/DSCN2195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmesF3mFoCYgnvzl3aijamF83k9RETbgKmWi2m3a9ggqMwUhhkSVjes9MR01j_uttqvfgntbphiS6qW8c1I7TFjd8ZG91pFXKQnzJj6A3qRRSsKvpfctf9aNa_0jZwpyYVfzMU89P9P5s/s320/DSCN2195.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Soyosan</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim79f-qgVmejd9bkREtxKLbf4WRhGEdtEx55aRXqPPh7fWTkS_TiT-8q6fIDuH89TCJH2TLj8XAkB6DNF_Wr6XuXnUPSNJ74RzvoJn_3YXPHZhe6qRZN1pAP0HBJMGXcDWMWUCjNByy0Q/s1600/DSCN2201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim79f-qgVmejd9bkREtxKLbf4WRhGEdtEx55aRXqPPh7fWTkS_TiT-8q6fIDuH89TCJH2TLj8XAkB6DNF_Wr6XuXnUPSNJ74RzvoJn_3YXPHZhe6qRZN1pAP0HBJMGXcDWMWUCjNByy0Q/s320/DSCN2201.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A small Buddhist shrine nestled in a small cave where people stop to pray.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCNarPHpzkMD478XxrAvWFHEGI2kY5aVvIXV0JaqM5SiG0TLdIFxyuDj1AAcJY1Sc9hkpgaJLT6WkHNmkhPHfItOkNs-W2lZaiW0T2pj7_i2gJ4vlHwomEUzl_zlFcyFhfv7Z-baj3To/s1600/DSCN2214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCNarPHpzkMD478XxrAvWFHEGI2kY5aVvIXV0JaqM5SiG0TLdIFxyuDj1AAcJY1Sc9hkpgaJLT6WkHNmkhPHfItOkNs-W2lZaiW0T2pj7_i2gJ4vlHwomEUzl_zlFcyFhfv7Z-baj3To/s320/DSCN2214.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Prayer rock piles, one of my favorite Korean traditions.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnMEpgYFKNIINFgWwXGmee8navaBVldg9vxIUt7hF_XfeU2V5WrVCJiSqsNR6h1ooOcpPIzaWWysX90TiRn57Ebwe0Ej80eY8pbPVvWw18WxzjgpFr7DJcWSP8cuMnBnIcvObw5ZWU8k/s1600/DSCN2215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnMEpgYFKNIINFgWwXGmee8navaBVldg9vxIUt7hF_XfeU2V5WrVCJiSqsNR6h1ooOcpPIzaWWysX90TiRn57Ebwe0Ej80eY8pbPVvWw18WxzjgpFr7DJcWSP8cuMnBnIcvObw5ZWU8k/s320/DSCN2215.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Prayer rock pile in front of a waterfall</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DFBRwKmFb05y1Lie-Jhgq2UnDPCoQe05156b5FtXmCldK2ZhmqItKeum8ME4vcR_AyKpJD1BhfoBADrSY2eK82qKapj8viOVOhM041zLsSTgupGg-pg2tpWkL3FEQuV4NlFvhGOx5PU/s1600/DSCN2220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DFBRwKmFb05y1Lie-Jhgq2UnDPCoQe05156b5FtXmCldK2ZhmqItKeum8ME4vcR_AyKpJD1BhfoBADrSY2eK82qKapj8viOVOhM041zLsSTgupGg-pg2tpWkL3FEQuV4NlFvhGOx5PU/s320/DSCN2220.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Archway where you ring a bell as your pass through.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7T59WIBMGSXlIwfZaXFxIt-XG0AOXjMBcTi2DIiGvJwORKAgLWlImqJov5q9liy3xS-Ko3uLMo6qFerYyLbnZYXnmPMgpBxVkJxPhJQU0fBYcgLHgTzhlso6kxvRQgXNppgBwIy_8ZE/s1600/DSCN2222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7T59WIBMGSXlIwfZaXFxIt-XG0AOXjMBcTi2DIiGvJwORKAgLWlImqJov5q9liy3xS-Ko3uLMo6qFerYyLbnZYXnmPMgpBxVkJxPhJQU0fBYcgLHgTzhlso6kxvRQgXNppgBwIy_8ZE/s320/DSCN2222.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
View at Mt. Soyosan</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHpn4AVrVpH_dJr_dC59jFKxQIieM44fwZVx2ywS4NN0_YSMRU0l3ALVzVzMN1_6ia8T4eTmy7jpF44D0zvA14kzTbp4TK6s9V59LD2a366L2-ke_J8US8shTa4nOKzcG-5bgqipyu6I/s1600/DSCN2223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHpn4AVrVpH_dJr_dC59jFKxQIieM44fwZVx2ywS4NN0_YSMRU0l3ALVzVzMN1_6ia8T4eTmy7jpF44D0zvA14kzTbp4TK6s9V59LD2a366L2-ke_J8US8shTa4nOKzcG-5bgqipyu6I/s320/DSCN2223.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1d_o3NcKHG3stQSiFbC3PILSoDlbWP-b7gGxWhtBIIxeSEql6xtLQU-hOX4HoEC-ovTeFjPi8X7zpIjpuXHKG_kXz7bGBlSmvZREnVuZU8hhUT5o5kTQ1IPp0TX8XXzFsnytSu4ZO_pM/s1600/DSCN2236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1d_o3NcKHG3stQSiFbC3PILSoDlbWP-b7gGxWhtBIIxeSEql6xtLQU-hOX4HoEC-ovTeFjPi8X7zpIjpuXHKG_kXz7bGBlSmvZREnVuZU8hhUT5o5kTQ1IPp0TX8XXzFsnytSu4ZO_pM/s320/DSCN2236.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I spy a pathway to a hidden temple!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb-pOTZLi1R0BBjHd4PsrT77A9N03SQGN41fmmWZ1mqKwG46oUYLxxrspGHjHqhkL-6_ci5nAMsaF5WtHW8dwNot8cDzr2SO65hMOb6WIIoRFTSOusxcU0Sf1uyPInHEnXmScIaBeT3o/s1600/DSCN2241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb-pOTZLi1R0BBjHd4PsrT77A9N03SQGN41fmmWZ1mqKwG46oUYLxxrspGHjHqhkL-6_ci5nAMsaF5WtHW8dwNot8cDzr2SO65hMOb6WIIoRFTSOusxcU0Sf1uyPInHEnXmScIaBeT3o/s320/DSCN2241.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Buddhist temple burrowed in the moutains</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44fuKcr4II2SflnJGNu-LdBgztfMTchO2P7OGJ6q0m130e0KuLsbVuyEpREotmHlXSAwBHsWjCm1p_Q3DBvNBScbSGoHQHxR8JPuTYN3xDfw0bWMv5-fA7yR8AAoGfzx5Il4CIeUm43c/s1600/DSCN2247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44fuKcr4II2SflnJGNu-LdBgztfMTchO2P7OGJ6q0m130e0KuLsbVuyEpREotmHlXSAwBHsWjCm1p_Q3DBvNBScbSGoHQHxR8JPuTYN3xDfw0bWMv5-fA7yR8AAoGfzx5Il4CIeUm43c/s320/DSCN2247.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Buddha figurines left behind for prayer purposes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdsVtIjUA3jc81-_eOXUjVbg6GEG9PNvOQPTM8oR_Sd9BntWKClCxTsdLeGsJGtoJqEP0A9Ob7x0cUpqAHbbBbuTd-fOmKgOAbJZvuGm3a3FoR1r-ivTcErpgoUDypYZ3vw0SisLLSmw/s1600/DSCN2256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdsVtIjUA3jc81-_eOXUjVbg6GEG9PNvOQPTM8oR_Sd9BntWKClCxTsdLeGsJGtoJqEP0A9Ob7x0cUpqAHbbBbuTd-fOmKgOAbJZvuGm3a3FoR1r-ivTcErpgoUDypYZ3vw0SisLLSmw/s320/DSCN2256.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cute elderly couple sleeping on some rocks in a naked river bed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsPj6YHYiYLNniSz-UqpBH1zkkXkk2HB0DYiRsEal2gp1NMrqwgbywOIFVLSaQMtB67UmI95h8RE-vBVKTzyHIBhoi4YVVb1DKiYXF7E96OftoL33fsROeR3KA2dMGovxX5ZsD-K2bMo/s1600/DSCN2257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsPj6YHYiYLNniSz-UqpBH1zkkXkk2HB0DYiRsEal2gp1NMrqwgbywOIFVLSaQMtB67UmI95h8RE-vBVKTzyHIBhoi4YVVb1DKiYXF7E96OftoL33fsROeR3KA2dMGovxX5ZsD-K2bMo/s320/DSCN2257.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Background on this picture: I originally stopped to get a picture of the man sleeping in between rocks, then found that behind him, there was a lively old woman going to town dancing alone. She can be spotted in the back left hand corner in a blue scarf.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vlKvCSyUoYDFmDvc_ydWNGZ56etLmEdqmRAyjjBBwSt9HVJUiP0vIJ3fSCdiSjRdYr6fHxeLxGQCk19u3aoprbvhxOxbDhTpcIeIWGsMujiWcCa-3AxPKE2urPIeM1dXqYjQq7reIIk/s1600/DSCN2258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vlKvCSyUoYDFmDvc_ydWNGZ56etLmEdqmRAyjjBBwSt9HVJUiP0vIJ3fSCdiSjRdYr6fHxeLxGQCk19u3aoprbvhxOxbDhTpcIeIWGsMujiWcCa-3AxPKE2urPIeM1dXqYjQq7reIIk/s320/DSCN2258.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Korean style... this was quite interesting to observe. The stream ran down the entire length of the mountain and there was not one spot where people were not sprawled out either sleeping, sitting in the water, bathing, playing games, or eating.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQk8Craw3zxhbS3kY_LEogsn2v35mCF8vDQ3XCDtF5rnlS6Kuyi4jsVI-d6iUsN6UX4ypxMiAznidd1egNzXRoUw-VCHn2ump4eE9mylaNcMvgmOtmz7aSIDJEB7OWfJzvquPbqOFyonw/s1600/DSCN2264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQk8Craw3zxhbS3kY_LEogsn2v35mCF8vDQ3XCDtF5rnlS6Kuyi4jsVI-d6iUsN6UX4ypxMiAznidd1egNzXRoUw-VCHn2ump4eE9mylaNcMvgmOtmz7aSIDJEB7OWfJzvquPbqOFyonw/s320/DSCN2264.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6. Suwon: The clan, that I like to call my friends, decided to actually go and do something cultural one day during vacation. On the train, we ventured an entire hour and a half to Suwon, which is on the Seoul subway line but is technically just outside of Seoul. We chose this destination because there are supposed to be some nice temples and historic sites. Of course, due to the fact that we arrived hungry, we decided to eat barbecue first, which then also led to drinking flavored soju and makgoli. It was mostly all downhill from there. After eating and drinking, we managed our way up a massive hill, where we thought we would find some sight seeing. Instead, we ended up lost, laying in the road while sweating, and exhausted. Instead of venturing on, we decided that drinking in Suwon sounded like a much better idea. We figured by subway it only cost us 3,000 won round trip, what's another trip in the future? Maybe next time we will actually do something productive. However, this time ended with us going to barbecue, to hill from hell, to rainbow cafe, to a GS 25 where a Korean man so kindly purchased a bottle of whiskey for us (cheers to people who like foreigners). The rest is history.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfdfB7qwvreWnZVa5q4-F37vYhNFqvxb1YgO0BqPpQAjbSIw2ttp_H1ySpM34ut76H53WIZdvmYOyM-FrGtjtj70ON2fbF3o6R_5ifnYwP6qR0nQpy5AXLYRI6DIFQOd34gM07WcMbTE/s1600/DSCN2294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfdfB7qwvreWnZVa5q4-F37vYhNFqvxb1YgO0BqPpQAjbSIw2ttp_H1ySpM34ut76H53WIZdvmYOyM-FrGtjtj70ON2fbF3o6R_5ifnYwP6qR0nQpy5AXLYRI6DIFQOd34gM07WcMbTE/s320/DSCN2294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kim & I on the subway, destination: Suwon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTYn4owrNZ61Vf-G_gDQSmMsmflsrpnV5EB1WbGSG80BlkqkfJutKG5_pM70qBhwsgCQ1VNasFjuNJtdo_ZXPXrzXHhBHLtGPvBF_X3tlv6a2rKmDRQM30kqSN1rmyPizF0L00rwCdns/s1600/DSCN2298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTYn4owrNZ61Vf-G_gDQSmMsmflsrpnV5EB1WbGSG80BlkqkfJutKG5_pM70qBhwsgCQ1VNasFjuNJtdo_ZXPXrzXHhBHLtGPvBF_X3tlv6a2rKmDRQM30kqSN1rmyPizF0L00rwCdns/s320/DSCN2298.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A beautiful day in Suwon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7woXZTgAse7ST3BmdNGYVZgCwRK9mgUwogfg-6GTwQiCNo0-xmxjdBLUiYo0jJ3cZmEZ3AadUYjJhTzD_s03jSUWAZAhcZ-g3itdOXI7Jdmd4Moxz_YHxhWjPtA1o2EWiJyV5zGJEVQ/s1600/DSCN2301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7woXZTgAse7ST3BmdNGYVZgCwRK9mgUwogfg-6GTwQiCNo0-xmxjdBLUiYo0jJ3cZmEZ3AadUYjJhTzD_s03jSUWAZAhcZ-g3itdOXI7Jdmd4Moxz_YHxhWjPtA1o2EWiJyV5zGJEVQ/s320/DSCN2301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinh1VYYMQqEfyJH3XA1YxWYyyYfdx7XOWB9_UfY3ZXHNyU2upOpLDcmrZq3ozlXE_QVd9j62PhZyrAfwnjqEveRKPxS1CYm7vQjtR4XJH6cTBDGlNZaM96qNqs2Lw6ep92hMg4aW2ZCKE/s1600/DSCN2304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinh1VYYMQqEfyJH3XA1YxWYyyYfdx7XOWB9_UfY3ZXHNyU2upOpLDcmrZq3ozlXE_QVd9j62PhZyrAfwnjqEveRKPxS1CYm7vQjtR4XJH6cTBDGlNZaM96qNqs2Lw6ep92hMg4aW2ZCKE/s320/DSCN2304.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Holly the Makgoli Master</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBLZcEJ3Dx5yEhqGzhFJvj9T4RCqvQVgqJ4kQdCFYazyjnpx6dN_mmsKoPCMonx5maLp2zmblLGX2BWAEj0z4FmzAncYHvf73cKGdtAo9JRnOrbAK7nyjgeEUIYLERy-rvvPPJ_woI8Q/s1600/DSCN2306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBLZcEJ3Dx5yEhqGzhFJvj9T4RCqvQVgqJ4kQdCFYazyjnpx6dN_mmsKoPCMonx5maLp2zmblLGX2BWAEj0z4FmzAncYHvf73cKGdtAo9JRnOrbAK7nyjgeEUIYLERy-rvvPPJ_woI8Q/s320/DSCN2306.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Korean barbecue, flavored makgoli, & flavored soju</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_ULLK97qy0j7-Th3AMfJ2b5ccFhAH-GHwe8hqOvRD2k1Pe7YGRahUEGA7BafYNF7ZDxF4F8mAEZsamjSj1L77z8HiEpqdaFEclQLEUmf3fZka5Zrx2xebc8jUaiacb2oWjHLjToVTEs/s1600/DSCN2307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_ULLK97qy0j7-Th3AMfJ2b5ccFhAH-GHwe8hqOvRD2k1Pe7YGRahUEGA7BafYNF7ZDxF4F8mAEZsamjSj1L77z8HiEpqdaFEclQLEUmf3fZka5Zrx2xebc8jUaiacb2oWjHLjToVTEs/s320/DSCN2307.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kimberly & I at barbecue.. strawberry makgoli/pineapple soju!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZqWT9_KrcKNncPx77M6ADFMouYe8stmEk0hLZrq8tyHdXNTDjH9GwbNBHu9zrCl5aPfg9osE6QQpK6aLuTgr9DpJVk03zINytvyTA2XjUT3YCIbe8efi8X-Q2v1J-5_7r7KjV8VVbBs/s1600/DSCN2312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZqWT9_KrcKNncPx77M6ADFMouYe8stmEk0hLZrq8tyHdXNTDjH9GwbNBHu9zrCl5aPfg9osE6QQpK6aLuTgr9DpJVk03zINytvyTA2XjUT3YCIbe8efi8X-Q2v1J-5_7r7KjV8VVbBs/s320/DSCN2312.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mehdi says, "We need more soju with our flavored soju."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocHkkHnPm9thxhUlpqtANx_NUdx_Y1SEPOHvn48hUwIK-Mmxhp-h2SlD1OB-oz8_8A3mlzeI-k6nPenSjeG1hH9TELCmZ6i34ozr2tK44k6rt5XsPuBFCY0VYsHIG2xsmDdk6NQGQdRc/s1600/DSCN2313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocHkkHnPm9thxhUlpqtANx_NUdx_Y1SEPOHvn48hUwIK-Mmxhp-h2SlD1OB-oz8_8A3mlzeI-k6nPenSjeG1hH9TELCmZ6i34ozr2tK44k6rt5XsPuBFCY0VYsHIG2xsmDdk6NQGQdRc/s320/DSCN2313.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cheers to summer vacation!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaooA7F8bIdA6zwX3C9GSqM1D2I2Y2BVGukeDHuGi5V-RmjvOJCVYXc4b6pU83cYWHnYKFgrmhij1YbYzZG0gVAfiorUGcZZEWAGW2u9GNbAYassVB7XADF6E22Vbo117A8i2qPNwFK-c/s1600/DSCN2316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaooA7F8bIdA6zwX3C9GSqM1D2I2Y2BVGukeDHuGi5V-RmjvOJCVYXc4b6pU83cYWHnYKFgrmhij1YbYzZG0gVAfiorUGcZZEWAGW2u9GNbAYassVB7XADF6E22Vbo117A8i2qPNwFK-c/s320/DSCN2316.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kiwi soju= delicious heaven in a pitcher.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhqH-qKOlBbxVT2Ui6s4_HzoxG_bGP4jQL3YqNhZC0gKvNhoFRIQyRHiKGPAZF_HGVykF-4EBcs4NfFiHLGHpHzr28N9LWlq7mwEYgYkHlCZOcI3A8XMSU0CkHddHSkoZP8Yrsova-ic/s1600/DSCN2318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhqH-qKOlBbxVT2Ui6s4_HzoxG_bGP4jQL3YqNhZC0gKvNhoFRIQyRHiKGPAZF_HGVykF-4EBcs4NfFiHLGHpHzr28N9LWlq7mwEYgYkHlCZOcI3A8XMSU0CkHddHSkoZP8Yrsova-ic/s320/DSCN2318.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Holly, Chris, Mehdi, James, and Conor! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2v3vxlDj7k8jNaekejBLltRrWXp7LGiV93hDoaFdSXDBwQpRyL7L3aYVE_vPqYVOB50ceiIqLZhyrU9Ym2Iwt0xBg-f5KeFBr4Bf_jhjxqd0rTIRE7CrBtxbYMgrkcXPQmFs4tw8LZI/s1600/DSCN2327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2v3vxlDj7k8jNaekejBLltRrWXp7LGiV93hDoaFdSXDBwQpRyL7L3aYVE_vPqYVOB50ceiIqLZhyrU9Ym2Iwt0xBg-f5KeFBr4Bf_jhjxqd0rTIRE7CrBtxbYMgrkcXPQmFs4tw8LZI/s320/DSCN2327.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Suwon!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXICKnzKkCdbitJyYj3lzypEYqNrgIEdvHlat2jVC7Svcj9ETzh6deMW1A3h7jmcFEbTjlvGmIBscT7LEEh8K1YWAnrg77GEC-0q1lN46WXNpwXGMcQJ5oKYwzxukQkfcu8Kh8zJ2tCU/s1600/DSCN2332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXICKnzKkCdbitJyYj3lzypEYqNrgIEdvHlat2jVC7Svcj9ETzh6deMW1A3h7jmcFEbTjlvGmIBscT7LEEh8K1YWAnrg77GEC-0q1lN46WXNpwXGMcQJ5oKYwzxukQkfcu8Kh8zJ2tCU/s320/DSCN2332.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Holly has had about enough of sun, hills, and sight seeing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZETWiG5h58Dq9ty7vQe0ZUsPByN2tS5Ja_TY3YfTI6B0a9gEMFg9TIrj1k0xJ1OcV1h931-0JxsYGGhDitMkMXSpaaZZqD-Bzk6RwZnuuw2OaflJh-PS-bWx0HyG7rZWScCTF6JdmkiQ/s1600/DSCN2339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZETWiG5h58Dq9ty7vQe0ZUsPByN2tS5Ja_TY3YfTI6B0a9gEMFg9TIrj1k0xJ1OcV1h931-0JxsYGGhDitMkMXSpaaZZqD-Bzk6RwZnuuw2OaflJh-PS-bWx0HyG7rZWScCTF6JdmkiQ/s320/DSCN2339.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The boys in Suwon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZKr3IHs5O8o2VLFX6zWlhsc700WCTGG8ZfF-zs2QH41PKJkZXfGhwIUDYZGbaaiDyB87x9bIdsnthLgBkSrn5u4JdvJ7goXPE5iu2k_NqdF2r8Dou_Tg4btxtMHAk1oxVjuqpErmjOQ/s1600/DSCN2366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZKr3IHs5O8o2VLFX6zWlhsc700WCTGG8ZfF-zs2QH41PKJkZXfGhwIUDYZGbaaiDyB87x9bIdsnthLgBkSrn5u4JdvJ7goXPE5iu2k_NqdF2r8Dou_Tg4btxtMHAk1oxVjuqpErmjOQ/s320/DSCN2366.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5zrsEhrjkkvqfPF-dTdFHG0hdj_hTspd3o_WEnTE5ftaqX0lnMUPa7Wvz9syvR0cYwJmRQpE6XLjOgj1kH9TvQcczbCabkhgZk45WVTmtfq8Ie6bKHLCmM9RUNcuwzBHk9dh9hD3MC4/s1600/DSCN2371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5zrsEhrjkkvqfPF-dTdFHG0hdj_hTspd3o_WEnTE5ftaqX0lnMUPa7Wvz9syvR0cYwJmRQpE6XLjOgj1kH9TvQcczbCabkhgZk45WVTmtfq8Ie6bKHLCmM9RUNcuwzBHk9dh9hD3MC4/s320/DSCN2371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Conor & Chris</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPMyYLAXWqReuiiGyoNJWTJJ5tH2S6E_P-9h62tfqjZrlnt8xDebvyiQfG3f-SNVmhgpTNmsYHDiJmSht8jlXOQe8B8JkjDRY_xBHIDVwqqrfraHHRHKFfdoFtmLo8jbIRF52Y1e421M/s1600/DSCN2379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPMyYLAXWqReuiiGyoNJWTJJ5tH2S6E_P-9h62tfqjZrlnt8xDebvyiQfG3f-SNVmhgpTNmsYHDiJmSht8jlXOQe8B8JkjDRY_xBHIDVwqqrfraHHRHKFfdoFtmLo8jbIRF52Y1e421M/s320/DSCN2379.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A small bottle of whiskey to end the night.. thanks to a generous Korean man!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Stay-cation proved to be a success. I had some relaxing me time, some good times with friends, and some good times with the city. I have been back to school for two weeks now and I have actually done much more over these past two weeks worth mentioning, however, I will save that for another post! :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-63641914192415739722012-08-02T23:32:00.004-07:002012-08-02T23:32:35.146-07:00Making it to the MiddleAs I sit in Mr. Breeze's coffee cafe, listening to Busca Busca, and sipping on a smoothie that taste like a mix between citric acid and bleach, it has dawned on me... today marks a significant day for me in Korea. It is August 3, the last day of my two week summer camp, and the beginning of my two week summer vacation. My first semester as "Rachel Teachaaaa" at Yeon Ji Elementary has come to a close. "Incredible," I think to myself as I sit here reflecting back on the past six months. Six months? Really... six months? I have taught an entire semester and in two weeks, I'll have lived in Korea for six months. Time really does fly by. It's almost unbelievable that I'm halfway through and as I sit here, a mixture of emotions leaves me unsure of whether I feel happy, robbed, nervous, anxious, or disheartened. I feel happy to be closer to seeing my family and friends at home, robbed of a my time, nervous about being home in six months, anxious to be home in six months, anxious to see what the next six months will bring, and disheartened that six amazing months have come and gone so fast... here's to hoping the the next six will linger!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I first got to Korea, I felt like time was going by so fast, and then suddenly, when I began to miss my family, it seemed to be passing slowly. Now, I just feel like it's moving in intervals... some weeks go by fast and others drag. Looking back on my past six months, I have made so many good memories in the short time that I have been here. I have met some really incredible people, made good friends, gotten to know people completely different from myself, lived in a city, ran into an ocean fully clothed, developed a new scar, tried incredibly strange foods, climbed to the top of the highest mountains, learned a decent amount of a new language, and formed good relationships in my school with both my coworkers and my students. I feel as though the past six months have been a real success for me. Coming to Korea was a journey of self discovery for me... a way to stand on my own. I have surely learned how to be on my own, how to be myself, how to be patient, how to take risks, and live a bit more spontaneously. Every day is an adventure for me, and whether the day is good or bad, I seem to learn something regardless. I appreciate the differences across humanity more now, and almost crave more interactions with people completely different from myself. I have come to realize how the people of the world are so different yet so alike in many ways. We all give and receive love the same way. Our cores are built from the same thing, as we all have the same basic needs, but we flourish differently due to our surroundings. It really is a beautiful thing when I think about it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The last two weeks I conducted the Yeon Ji Summer English camp, with one of my coworkers, Eunhee. Our theme was "Around the World in Ten Days." Our students created passports with their pictures and information inside. Every day we "visited" a new country by learning about the culture and making something, singing, dancing, or eating. We taught them key expressions that they would need while traveling. We made hot dogs, learned the macarena, made pinatas and broke them open on the last day, built the Eiffel Tower from popsicle sticks, watched videos about the Great Barrier Reef/Serengeti/Spanish bull fighting, had mini Olympic games, and created a country of our own. I had an absolute blast! I feel like I learned just as much as my students did. Today, as they left my classroom, I felt relieved to have no more planning for two weeks but also unsure of what to do with myself without them!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gtc4Rlhhr5xykWZmgpRln0bOxYdkMJSr4US6OzIvaB-tSXwFKxg6QgKLGYsXuqgGqKfbON4yg7Z8-Tq9-Cmpw2ScDOdnBhDMo8JEp0g0tdSNz3w_w0RlZj_iilHUTmTF50HJOyYhVok/s1600/DSCN1788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gtc4Rlhhr5xykWZmgpRln0bOxYdkMJSr4US6OzIvaB-tSXwFKxg6QgKLGYsXuqgGqKfbON4yg7Z8-Tq9-Cmpw2ScDOdnBhDMo8JEp0g0tdSNz3w_w0RlZj_iilHUTmTF50HJOyYhVok/s320/DSCN1788.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Playing with balloons before our mini Olympic games.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTvrNrqhIgBg3URmgtHG2mAeIFy6DAJrNNF6YOPqgFCxxQ0V6gLj6_sidny0SQUE-Jm9EpAAHlBnc7tvkN9B1dvxzNBrkOLH6tcUzOx5zIWfq4jXsdXyJihgDlo_dqCuZsOU7U6HyQ98/s1600/404165_10150978009976761_2039990965_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTvrNrqhIgBg3URmgtHG2mAeIFy6DAJrNNF6YOPqgFCxxQ0V6gLj6_sidny0SQUE-Jm9EpAAHlBnc7tvkN9B1dvxzNBrkOLH6tcUzOx5zIWfq4jXsdXyJihgDlo_dqCuZsOU7U6HyQ98/s320/404165_10150978009976761_2039990965_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My sixth graders with their Sydney Opera House models.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFq4oqbnHV82GiuLe_-xNbbsuE7XEoCKI_ArcFT83BJZfWZNIZMh7rJ264sreMeogUAmwbKtjLDhI-k5FHN3RDn1n8-sRXUTYD96OKoJJGpJNo7YHLCzmhFrbvOznle8CF8djur5kfkE/s1600/488372_10150978010706761_1707065349_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFq4oqbnHV82GiuLe_-xNbbsuE7XEoCKI_ArcFT83BJZfWZNIZMh7rJ264sreMeogUAmwbKtjLDhI-k5FHN3RDn1n8-sRXUTYD96OKoJJGpJNo7YHLCzmhFrbvOznle8CF8djur5kfkE/s320/488372_10150978010706761_1707065349_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The cutest little creatureeee ever! He was creating a flag for his country!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRzNqsuyQILyOzn5PtNCozke04UwgJIMXS93NLc7Ib6CBibuWUwxGCWHquJ6K94YvuP2ycLJ4o8OolclxHQV4zDOFIk_Zfn_Us8EBG_RukKOBoKlqffkOU9cr_3mD6wZISFhPTJl3PVw/s1600/DSCN1797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRzNqsuyQILyOzn5PtNCozke04UwgJIMXS93NLc7Ib6CBibuWUwxGCWHquJ6K94YvuP2ycLJ4o8OolclxHQV4zDOFIk_Zfn_Us8EBG_RukKOBoKlqffkOU9cr_3mD6wZISFhPTJl3PVw/s320/DSCN1797.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Benedict... one of my sixth grade twins, rocking his hat like no one's business!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccRgHa-R-m-NHnd0IiInU1jnXwJpPle2IlgMGWfmgog9qNcZ3LRV7fd2gp9ik71JQWJyjXfaCny2zjPE7fxSrintKxraRjCIX30_5OS-IKA05Sp6pterYyOdP7SwX7B7uOQ8dJuKWOyY/s1600/DSCN1799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccRgHa-R-m-NHnd0IiInU1jnXwJpPle2IlgMGWfmgog9qNcZ3LRV7fd2gp9ik71JQWJyjXfaCny2zjPE7fxSrintKxraRjCIX30_5OS-IKA05Sp6pterYyOdP7SwX7B7uOQ8dJuKWOyY/s320/DSCN1799.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
James coloring the European flags... one of my best sixth graders, so intelligent and hard working!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iJ6IOes64dYy-1RFJAmC_0qG-7S16YbqlqFiV4h7vmWGtsNXVmyXjw8Tbj1uHLN_DCrkYp3gTfsKYHx-iuzZDlzmvIK4Ap2QvIh3MP6YMQ-jVjo3kbb_-6xk6JQNbqDhzeu7y4qALjg/s1600/DSCN1801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iJ6IOes64dYy-1RFJAmC_0qG-7S16YbqlqFiV4h7vmWGtsNXVmyXjw8Tbj1uHLN_DCrkYp3gTfsKYHx-iuzZDlzmvIK4Ap2QvIh3MP6YMQ-jVjo3kbb_-6xk6JQNbqDhzeu7y4qALjg/s320/DSCN1801.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My goofy sixth grade boys! Gotta love them!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfptcvzjpnyoohVXGs83zoe1Op0wLk1jQBL0Eorsq2VbsBAoBVWc2MF-UiVQPkY3mV9NKaSQssqoRY5Qm-oTDzhjQNeZ0w-IW85AJhOfAHBRm2R5F86thtkbiyYHsYHbsBHrRVzD2e7A/s1600/DSCN1802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfptcvzjpnyoohVXGs83zoe1Op0wLk1jQBL0Eorsq2VbsBAoBVWc2MF-UiVQPkY3mV9NKaSQssqoRY5Qm-oTDzhjQNeZ0w-IW85AJhOfAHBRm2R5F86thtkbiyYHsYHbsBHrRVzD2e7A/s320/DSCN1802.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzM7rQVnfRdd29hFSdG810bOlv_emJutBZK0H3GZylQcw8uu4t5WsJ5Lw-HCYeYxE5wNe6caw1mZfRpFGQ3tFwP7REu1hDqCStwfs4PXXvktR5t6jZqW9y_WJtWXIPrrwoaAHfYCZ4t8c/s1600/DSCN1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzM7rQVnfRdd29hFSdG810bOlv_emJutBZK0H3GZylQcw8uu4t5WsJ5Lw-HCYeYxE5wNe6caw1mZfRpFGQ3tFwP7REu1hDqCStwfs4PXXvktR5t6jZqW9y_WJtWXIPrrwoaAHfYCZ4t8c/s320/DSCN1813.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chris, ONE of my class clowns.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqQ_AeNRKQzaD9fcQC8EsaA-Pfo_HhbdHlGOeHkQ_4GF6S0YQqWft94KVZNg_v4HZFQCWI7JPf3_FdAb_FL_XaM02KucPxzt6iz-hg2HiaTLzlacrNfKr7D6xN66G4As9MdxYO4dTyhA/s1600/DSCN1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqQ_AeNRKQzaD9fcQC8EsaA-Pfo_HhbdHlGOeHkQ_4GF6S0YQqWft94KVZNg_v4HZFQCWI7JPf3_FdAb_FL_XaM02KucPxzt6iz-hg2HiaTLzlacrNfKr7D6xN66G4As9MdxYO4dTyhA/s320/DSCN1820.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My sixth grade boys, and Rebecca, the lone girl in the back!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NKKE-jTPvM2i3V0Zqn2aY318Nfn8jtb2wgDcrELsr3jTG49b_TIFkx-0sDGp98Yggf7mePSSD8nF8gw1vYXX75_gTkgMAye8wlm58ncXDB1fxv78TMWrTpco78ym1DDl_WiPRZ5CtGo/s1600/DSCN1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NKKE-jTPvM2i3V0Zqn2aY318Nfn8jtb2wgDcrELsr3jTG49b_TIFkx-0sDGp98Yggf7mePSSD8nF8gw1vYXX75_gTkgMAye8wlm58ncXDB1fxv78TMWrTpco78ym1DDl_WiPRZ5CtGo/s320/DSCN1857.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ria making her pinata! Love that smile :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP2HV6DzHPkOyp-rqGWrAfISYRjmgf86OhsKP3qJehAjhB7UgCqRDq1OUUD-QWO4aWsrve6o6MVpX41eF43n4lQto8ooGOEZffsKvs-GmEMeWAzNyCbXAHes7HoN0snEYeqaS2xavDN0/s1600/DSCN1858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP2HV6DzHPkOyp-rqGWrAfISYRjmgf86OhsKP3qJehAjhB7UgCqRDq1OUUD-QWO4aWsrve6o6MVpX41eF43n4lQto8ooGOEZffsKvs-GmEMeWAzNyCbXAHes7HoN0snEYeqaS2xavDN0/s320/DSCN1858.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Making pinatas</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUJ-0fRbzKqfnkvocmgimG5RTpO1DSxFSgaMaws7Dzyl1GGQoP3QQav8azr03O_nk67TXWPDKgQDBDsqtgaa0bINE1_Enb1tmA7irGZX-mztgXOlq5Q5a8SodlOEb6ma6nXneKTy7RBw/s1600/552675_10150957610461761_654215045_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUJ-0fRbzKqfnkvocmgimG5RTpO1DSxFSgaMaws7Dzyl1GGQoP3QQav8azr03O_nk67TXWPDKgQDBDsqtgaa0bINE1_Enb1tmA7irGZX-mztgXOlq5Q5a8SodlOEb6ma6nXneKTy7RBw/s320/552675_10150957610461761_654215045_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Working together to build the Eiffel Tower</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the two weeks ahead, I have no big plans. I plan on relaxing, getting back into a exercise routine, and visiting different parts of the city each day that I have yet to experience. There's a good chance my camera will be worn out by the time school starts again. As for today, my plan is to finish this God awful smoothie, go home, clean, and start off vacation the right way... girls night in the city! :) Until next time... cheers to half a year!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are some photo updates from the past few weeks...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKXGThi-5xf2ASbOVOnuGO6_rj7AusB4ULnMQ0WJKGpLCZiw_gdBPSm1ityfajn6xP7HUqoF5W4ubyceab4ZSTh-RxrAY_IDUl5LfFjf4_2jIeyIlGB7Znx-eMXlv9pxhPHJW2Nu8u7o/s1600/P6210565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKXGThi-5xf2ASbOVOnuGO6_rj7AusB4ULnMQ0WJKGpLCZiw_gdBPSm1ityfajn6xP7HUqoF5W4ubyceab4ZSTh-RxrAY_IDUl5LfFjf4_2jIeyIlGB7Znx-eMXlv9pxhPHJW2Nu8u7o/s320/P6210565.JPG" width="231" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A small cafe that we came across during a night time adventure... couldn't resist the picture! Perfect!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1aEsXV7ta2uRftAFzsOsZkTR-l7r_f1O3DEXIEd8iJZHiE5wLkQajOD_foyCnx0fKdOsoZkWCwR_tb5MhyuVvvkN6Rw9bLoAuvEj1Yooq1O3LPMfJTOGGYw7ZeB0u9A7OzSgJo8Dy9T4/s1600/P6210568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1aEsXV7ta2uRftAFzsOsZkTR-l7r_f1O3DEXIEd8iJZHiE5wLkQajOD_foyCnx0fKdOsoZkWCwR_tb5MhyuVvvkN6Rw9bLoAuvEj1Yooq1O3LPMfJTOGGYw7ZeB0u9A7OzSgJo8Dy9T4/s320/P6210568.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Makgoli Man! Makgoli is rice wine... this guy cruises the streets of hongdae selling big bottles for 3,000 won out of his rickshaw... the only English he know is " I LOVEEEUHHH YOU!!!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4I6MKXyWfhB3AL4QwuF9WSswveEBTgIfEez0D9KTsSec6MT6dDxxrMAPmuB9I-5a9y6gbC8VhXDWqShCO2p5sIY3PZWSl7VzHAn55komQ16IGP6HDLtK2s9YmjjUIxzDUv431vGHj4P4/s1600/P6210585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4I6MKXyWfhB3AL4QwuF9WSswveEBTgIfEez0D9KTsSec6MT6dDxxrMAPmuB9I-5a9y6gbC8VhXDWqShCO2p5sIY3PZWSl7VzHAn55komQ16IGP6HDLtK2s9YmjjUIxzDUv431vGHj4P4/s320/P6210585.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
SUCCESS... won a teddy bear on the street in Hongdae! Aggie Gome!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1vwk0Avo1YWSjRO56iLmDtKx4I53sry-h2r5oFlwjEC_uSgbNGywkMk22QKydofu6kX1Lfo7Grf2g-bBXwbjep98S6V-E7ui7pBLVOObsIlB1DG5iygFE2o07shaHoxtyTC4s9XU-UU/s1600/P7260682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1vwk0Avo1YWSjRO56iLmDtKx4I53sry-h2r5oFlwjEC_uSgbNGywkMk22QKydofu6kX1Lfo7Grf2g-bBXwbjep98S6V-E7ui7pBLVOObsIlB1DG5iygFE2o07shaHoxtyTC4s9XU-UU/s320/P7260682.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kimberly and I decided to have a nice girl date one night... we took ourselves to this awesome (and reasonably priced) restaurant... the floor was hot pink light up... we order a bottle of wine, had steak, pasta, and good converstation... a nice change for a Friday night!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEChVvbeJnKayVe04QkZ-Po7V6amF3OqXI1Wk_BFqZo5vxB80eTrY6UUQ-aeU2w09FXuK3QE7qxQeKLMWTgdDihyphenhyphen6DVfnXIUAIWF5_aLXH7hyphenhyphenoiTXXluaN-e9agZayg18-3TW3TxvyYA/s1600/P7260686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEChVvbeJnKayVe04QkZ-Po7V6amF3OqXI1Wk_BFqZo5vxB80eTrY6UUQ-aeU2w09FXuK3QE7qxQeKLMWTgdDihyphenhyphen6DVfnXIUAIWF5_aLXH7hyphenhyphenoiTXXluaN-e9agZayg18-3TW3TxvyYA/s320/P7260686.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqywMZAe5Ttz_OV_J0GUTxw_voBifQStiUlbli5N05sHBl9y57iBjGJWjKTi8EVbU5kvHKxyQLJyQvgX9TSsCGyNO_GgohvAm5_2_e_p6lnuLa2OsXJFVoz79MlbDpPTiqD8J39AUGFh8/s1600/P7260688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqywMZAe5Ttz_OV_J0GUTxw_voBifQStiUlbli5N05sHBl9y57iBjGJWjKTi8EVbU5kvHKxyQLJyQvgX9TSsCGyNO_GgohvAm5_2_e_p6lnuLa2OsXJFVoz79MlbDpPTiqD8J39AUGFh8/s320/P7260688.JPG" width="173" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also, chopped my hair off! Here is a picture of me from me and Kim's date night!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvYQfPrNyv2n80YyQDFx7K6BkGl6kol-CMYkqXI9J3kSERfOEgApHacEezNwDLPmlRoNF3IesMbwZftttXxldzKnWKoLPqGdPZLDfuidKnBOl9gLhrL_Rd2ivVAmn-kk4Tp7oTOw2MX8/s1600/P7260689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvYQfPrNyv2n80YyQDFx7K6BkGl6kol-CMYkqXI9J3kSERfOEgApHacEezNwDLPmlRoNF3IesMbwZftttXxldzKnWKoLPqGdPZLDfuidKnBOl9gLhrL_Rd2ivVAmn-kk4Tp7oTOw2MX8/s320/P7260689.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After dinner we went to a newly openned bar where we sat at a high top window seat and ordered martinis on an IPAD! LEGIT.... with an AWESOME view!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm1BBF5123lVUOZ6xQx6XnV_HqryVBmqBVr49geM7fpOGPyeATQZcagsl9u1qDXpP52IpR-cv7oAYxRxwuDaKUVssM_KR4PWFnUwyks772BxCm_QOQlKFvvn4QlOkaxE8xSbmuqpRP1c/s1600/P7260702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm1BBF5123lVUOZ6xQx6XnV_HqryVBmqBVr49geM7fpOGPyeATQZcagsl9u1qDXpP52IpR-cv7oAYxRxwuDaKUVssM_KR4PWFnUwyks772BxCm_QOQlKFvvn4QlOkaxE8xSbmuqpRP1c/s320/P7260702.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77L7mGVssSpBd8d5SsKlXFUov7m9_nydaRZwDgOVxkKBPgnvRC4es7S4VY-92aYayq8c-i4jnztuvX8ppwbbQHJdWH9HR0NYbPDoOaOX44d1WrQOBKNAW8PqTFJd_cYX_4jw_Rf_AfCo/s1600/P7260705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77L7mGVssSpBd8d5SsKlXFUov7m9_nydaRZwDgOVxkKBPgnvRC4es7S4VY-92aYayq8c-i4jnztuvX8ppwbbQHJdWH9HR0NYbPDoOaOX44d1WrQOBKNAW8PqTFJd_cYX_4jw_Rf_AfCo/s320/P7260705.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Me and Kimber at Virgine Bar :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVUfLgM7456Vfnn7L1XiJdcL48_ZiBaDNF3lS7uIXzoVWxakbXWSM257W6PlZnmn5fvTjK9HPvTDNCWmbG2DSmPq9IVSZnuBE-0N3qtipqKUJQy7Xy0YR8_pvIzY8IJNbc-iUCeuX-u4/s1600/P7270717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVUfLgM7456Vfnn7L1XiJdcL48_ZiBaDNF3lS7uIXzoVWxakbXWSM257W6PlZnmn5fvTjK9HPvTDNCWmbG2DSmPq9IVSZnuBE-0N3qtipqKUJQy7Xy0YR8_pvIzY8IJNbc-iUCeuX-u4/s320/P7270717.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kim and I also went to our first Korean baseball game! Doosan Bears are a Seoul team! We also saw the Olympic Stadium there! GO DOOSAN!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNcgx9du6RWrIQOluY-THKdpdet9wBvzVLxsQtINtAg0qN6AOKe3RLBFXY9Pwua2oRm_D0VdUBg55RaETjpZp8lR1nmop6oJnHu-dz-8UEcK-sqB9yucAzjzODzdO6lTv2xAmuusYf9Q/s1600/P7270718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNcgx9du6RWrIQOluY-THKdpdet9wBvzVLxsQtINtAg0qN6AOKe3RLBFXY9Pwua2oRm_D0VdUBg55RaETjpZp8lR1nmop6oJnHu-dz-8UEcK-sqB9yucAzjzODzdO6lTv2xAmuusYf9Q/s320/P7270718.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Olympic Stadium</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt01jq1lfzKoW_xFXpXWT981E6NAbeweMjAo_7fgfInpQ-mFhepq7XKCVIROp2jXAUfCwMhSiv4vxtWtXXB3MeXts0kbYdmH4qgc78kvFg-p-7x_GNy8KfJc-6vqETb8OF8ChWNMQSic/s1600/P7270719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt01jq1lfzKoW_xFXpXWT981E6NAbeweMjAo_7fgfInpQ-mFhepq7XKCVIROp2jXAUfCwMhSiv4vxtWtXXB3MeXts0kbYdmH4qgc78kvFg-p-7x_GNy8KfJc-6vqETb8OF8ChWNMQSic/s320/P7270719.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jamsil Sports Complex</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8AoUT7mLV34AlXMZ1uATu6NUYGgQ1oHJT135YKJ7V6VCw0kKBKNsldKnW81Sqa-9trUxvoefNPYF-Ae5H_feUoSgwVpjyLPWbBjnI0qtVWWdT823xTMOJ8t3MGz_LjeIXgONX2JJeQk/s1600/P7270723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8AoUT7mLV34AlXMZ1uATu6NUYGgQ1oHJT135YKJ7V6VCw0kKBKNsldKnW81Sqa-9trUxvoefNPYF-Ae5H_feUoSgwVpjyLPWbBjnI0qtVWWdT823xTMOJ8t3MGz_LjeIXgONX2JJeQk/s320/P7270723.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Korean baseball games are SO MUCH fun.... way more spirit than at home in the states!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-62918095434394816282012-07-22T00:53:00.000-07:002012-07-22T00:53:55.873-07:00MUDFEST 2012<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every July in Korea, there is an annual Mud festival held at
Boreyang beach in Daechun. Knowing that this is a huge event in South Korea, my
friends and I put in reservations almost two months ahead of time. Although it seemed like we were anticipating
this weekend for so long, it came and went faster than I could have
imagined. I think, from what I had heard
and read about it before actually attending, I could say that it lived up to its
name. After all, we did get muddy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Friday, July 14. We all sat in our classrooms for the day,
anticipating the journey ahead of us; a two and a half hour bus ride that would
finally land us at a rough and rowdy little gathering of muddy drunken
waygooks. The day passed slowly, but soon enough, about 14 of us all piled into
a guide bus, destination: mud fest. Of course, drinking in Korea is pretty much
allowed everywhere, so it should not come as a shock that we all got on the bus
completely prepared for a circus bus ride consisting of soju mixers and giant
bottles of Cass. Our bus departed from Seoul around 9:45PM and we were expected
to arrive around 12/12:30AM. The bus
ride itself was an absolute wreck, although, perhaps a good precursor to the
actual festival. Some bus ride
characteristics: everyone standing for most of the trip, the boys drinking too
much and crying about not being able to hold their pee (needless to say, I do
believe some bottles got emptied and then filled back up), sharing music, sharing jokes, laughing until
we could not breathe.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Upon arriving in Daechun, everyone was nice and
toasted. We had reserved one room for
all of us prior to arriving, so about eleven of us bunked up in one room. The thing about Korea, however, is that most
hostels or pensions do not usually have beds. Instead, everyone just stretches
out and sleeps in very close quarters on the floor. We all walked in, set down our belongings,
spread blankets and pillows, and set up our room so that we would all be able
to leave, come back at who knows what hour and then pass out where we landed.
Everyone first made a journey across the street to stock up on more beverages
before making our way to the beach. We
had to wait until the following afternoon to actually participate in the mud
festivities, so we figured no bed time was important. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Luckily our pension was literally just across the street
from the beach. As we walked onto the
sand, Kimberly and I made our way straight for the water, because after all,
there is nothing better than dipping your feet in the ocean at night. In fact, however, there is something better…
dipping your feet in the ocean in Korea late at night. I could tell that Kim and I were feeling the
same way. The water was absolutely
heavenly: not too cold, clear, clean, silent.
At that moment, we both just stood, taking in our breath that seemed to
run away with the vast outspread of water before us and the crashing waves at
our feet. What an amazing feeling. We
both looked at each other and I could see that Kimberly was crying. When she hugged me and told me she loved me
and was glad she could share the experience with me, I knew that her tears were
happy and not at all sad. Something
about moments like that just seem to make you feel full. Not full like your
belly is about to burst, but full like your heart will. Moments like that, when you realize the
altitude and the greatness of what you are experiencing… it’s completely
irreplaceable. Just when I wondered if
it could get better, someone suggested charging into the ocean fully
clothed. In my head, of course, I knew
that I did not have my swim suits on and I was wearing my only pair of jean
shorts for the weekend, but you know, sometimes you just do things simply
because you’re alive and you can. Every
so often you just have to dive in the deep end, step outside the box, and do
something to rejuvenate the soul. For
me, these moments are what I live for, so on the count of three, 5 of us went
charging into the ocean with our clothes on and fell right into the crashing
waves. We all stood up screaming and playing together in the water and having
chicken fights. When I was through, I walked back to shore, stretched my hands
up to the sky, and just twirled about in the sand, running the tips of my feet
along the ripples and sand. I felt so
alive, so grateful, and so free. I had
my moment of freedom, spontaneity, and appreciation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We made our way back to the pension around about 3 or 4 am,
soaking wet, covered in sand, and pretty much destroyed our sleeping quarters
for that night, and the next. Of course
things did not settle when we got back to the room, we had to have been up for
an extra hour laughing uncontrollably and behaving like a bunch or rambunctious
ten year olds. When we did fall asleep,
it was something of a giant sardine slumber party. Squished together, we all knocked out pretty
quickly. The next day, I woke up before everyone else around 7AM, so I decided
to take my headphones and go for a stroll on the beach. When I got back only a half hour later, Mehdi
had everyone awake, due to the fact that it was his birthday, and drinking had
already begun. OUT. OF. CONTROL. = the three words I often use to describe my
clownish male friends in Korea.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The day started out slow, but at 2PM when everyone had
eaten, drank a bit, and got all stoked for the mud, we made our way to the
pits. How can I describe this
experience? I’m not sure I can, to be honest.
It’s definitely a, “you have to be there” type of festival. As we
ventured into the mud pits, people just went HAM attacking one another with
mud. It did not matter if you knew the
person who you were attacking or not, if they looked clean in any way, or were
showing their skin in anyway, they instantly got smothered with mud. As soon as
we walked in, some guys I did not even know, just took a handful of mud to my
face, as they laughed and joked that I was too clean. The festival was complete with mud slides,
mud wrestling pits, army crawls, paint buckets, and LONG LONG lines. It was raining, so the festival was a muddy,
sloppy, goo infested trench. They say
not to bring valuables to the festival because most people lose or destroy
things, but I bought a waterproof case and took some good pictures. There was no way I was going to let this
weekend go by undocumented. The rest of
the day was spent playing in the mud, making new friends, eating moving
octopus, and playing on the beach. At night, everyone cleaned up, got some
food, and ended up drinking in the room.
The rain was good for the mud portion of the festival, but it put
somewhat of a damper on us leaving the room at night. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Saturday night, Grace went home, I did not drink, Kim drank
too much, and Holly was suffering from uncontrollable bug bites. Needless to say, we all called it a night a
bit earlier than the guys. Surely, that
was an ignorant idea, since we were woken by their drunken stooper at an
unreasonable hour. Of course James made
his way into the room and started rolling around on top of us, all wet and
disgusting, while Mehdi did his slurring wake up call. Oddly enough, it was too funny to be mad and
pretty hard not to laugh. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eventually, everyone knocked out on Saturday
night, and what happened after that is unclear, but it’s like Vegas, what
happens at Mud fest, stays at Mud fest! All I know is that when I looked at my weekend
pictures the next day, it looked like the Hangover part III. So what happens when you ship eleven native
English teachers, stressed from a long work week, off to a sloppy mud festival?
Things tend to get a little crazy. But
hey, every once in a while, it's okay to be young and crazy... and sometimes, it's exactly what you need.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmqvb-ROPCs5qHXJd6WPUMz-zppxuvIr4TGcTnfPnRqh-hEWcibtcnlFE5rvix6_Vk7axHVKe5IIatHKFZTazST5HagfxqQSbklgUkEgxqnBmDjaqE8lrINtBtW4OeAElXkmLlxXIukg/s1600/P7120609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmqvb-ROPCs5qHXJd6WPUMz-zppxuvIr4TGcTnfPnRqh-hEWcibtcnlFE5rvix6_Vk7axHVKe5IIatHKFZTazST5HagfxqQSbklgUkEgxqnBmDjaqE8lrINtBtW4OeAElXkmLlxXIukg/s320/P7120609.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A fairly decent depiction of what the bus ride there was like.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiZtjjHfPNQFbl1ul_EHaYiZt7tOsiYln5H1Ai8lQ1GAOaH2eZyVO_-c8AA5jNo6CLvJuw8B7Diq5WdW8NzNxpCZ-mKTRD3ZL485yKn1dWZ7nr9vjwYL8bd1jLQYnh4QQ5p-D3RtdKjw/s1600/P7130625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiZtjjHfPNQFbl1ul_EHaYiZt7tOsiYln5H1Ai8lQ1GAOaH2eZyVO_-c8AA5jNo6CLvJuw8B7Diq5WdW8NzNxpCZ-mKTRD3ZL485yKn1dWZ7nr9vjwYL8bd1jLQYnh4QQ5p-D3RtdKjw/s320/P7130625.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kimber & Gracie Louuuu<3 love this picture of them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqWKcEJfcgUH94JwXEWBinGCPKVl0TaTGSYXTuI7AeL2D6e4muYHUGdVX5wH3cuwrJ3crBZ1JxKrKnVSvtJA_7Y3MbEvT6wQ_WDzgCvfcfQTjz4-aLKbS-jRE99w9elG-K4ofHz4qX1M/s1600/P7130635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqWKcEJfcgUH94JwXEWBinGCPKVl0TaTGSYXTuI7AeL2D6e4muYHUGdVX5wH3cuwrJ3crBZ1JxKrKnVSvtJA_7Y3MbEvT6wQ_WDzgCvfcfQTjz4-aLKbS-jRE99w9elG-K4ofHz4qX1M/s320/P7130635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Everyone cuddled up close in our bedroom!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsktJpzWsi5H9ftA9awVFjflsbP-xvsOUzxhng7Ve5tiWnyaypFjsXmJv6Dw_Q6iwobkYcZZbVCh2_SoHz6uhWQbD2I-pSRXWSoKZhjuhySUwbzTfl2AvLiueBwc3JmCG2qbp3wrGEHE/s1600/P7130640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsktJpzWsi5H9ftA9awVFjflsbP-xvsOUzxhng7Ve5tiWnyaypFjsXmJv6Dw_Q6iwobkYcZZbVCh2_SoHz6uhWQbD2I-pSRXWSoKZhjuhySUwbzTfl2AvLiueBwc3JmCG2qbp3wrGEHE/s320/P7130640.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
HAHAHA. I love this picture! James' face in the top corner, hahaha.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2alMiBUaMhkt4wEf7eJ1AS22HUQIl52eXC9B7SL12CzsruEMlhSv3P8VAHGipYbQte-xoy_fL_XBV9EOe3rY1dIMG3E8IeUS63M3zkYgW7KnL5mloaJDWZhyphenhyphenJc4c1D-Q-DApKEcwhRc/s1600/P7130648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2alMiBUaMhkt4wEf7eJ1AS22HUQIl52eXC9B7SL12CzsruEMlhSv3P8VAHGipYbQte-xoy_fL_XBV9EOe3rY1dIMG3E8IeUS63M3zkYgW7KnL5mloaJDWZhyphenhyphenJc4c1D-Q-DApKEcwhRc/s320/P7130648.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Me, Kim, & Grace</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7QKnS9KbTHVc4ycwrA0KBOE-5gjTU-p3KE0CbQOdPpFTyrKPFmjUcrI1rNBF22hyrxpEuf_PJCO1khjHQnzSNLI17D9x9sH5nq3e8ISc4hPay53v1hs_uxM3yWAaYAlcoROPhib90zg/s1600/P7130649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7QKnS9KbTHVc4ycwrA0KBOE-5gjTU-p3KE0CbQOdPpFTyrKPFmjUcrI1rNBF22hyrxpEuf_PJCO1khjHQnzSNLI17D9x9sH5nq3e8ISc4hPay53v1hs_uxM3yWAaYAlcoROPhib90zg/s320/P7130649.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Muddy Me... this isn't even bad yet...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dvC1w60qpedwD8jLxwBxRGSIPOGGar8e9XUfOiR3pqXbbUBCmWWo3oDN9fmOrAx5T_xVycTMAMNkHUA6LW2oE2l3yu87_TDyVuaUrNVpC0ZFL01oYJsS-Y_kOuzihjqixnd9s0WDkI4/s1600/P7130660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dvC1w60qpedwD8jLxwBxRGSIPOGGar8e9XUfOiR3pqXbbUBCmWWo3oDN9fmOrAx5T_xVycTMAMNkHUA6LW2oE2l3yu87_TDyVuaUrNVpC0ZFL01oYJsS-Y_kOuzihjqixnd9s0WDkI4/s320/P7130660.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alissa, Erin and I... muddy messes!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBIqofdDTh3RSmhfP9rrnm8p-ttGyzGzhw2o6dWWaEzIXDsKh4W5GFYgr3D7tJX619R2jMO3I_vlUrhxB07h-kIWnw5O02i6hDJY0S3Sv9AoTyvo7tEkA3RPrecEoYd8mfiN4wczoHq0/s1600/P7130662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBIqofdDTh3RSmhfP9rrnm8p-ttGyzGzhw2o6dWWaEzIXDsKh4W5GFYgr3D7tJX619R2jMO3I_vlUrhxB07h-kIWnw5O02i6hDJY0S3Sv9AoTyvo7tEkA3RPrecEoYd8mfiN4wczoHq0/s320/P7130662.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZTlh8TEb8FK4l2R_MTC5g2yVmrOSV6JFexK7Fguf7cvKJz9ESOurg67KIXxE6j5AbjyFminknhA91dj3cXkDF-WtVsrFR-Nfh0ufn9bkVgPJmiyDcOndUonP5m6GznYiFyUfVX8VIo4/s1600/P7130663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZTlh8TEb8FK4l2R_MTC5g2yVmrOSV6JFexK7Fguf7cvKJz9ESOurg67KIXxE6j5AbjyFminknhA91dj3cXkDF-WtVsrFR-Nfh0ufn9bkVgPJmiyDcOndUonP5m6GznYiFyUfVX8VIo4/s320/P7130663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The craziness... the crowd of muddy people is never ending.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibx6_BCKA5Lx-u4R_S8mey78FkjzlnLufJ6DzMNqjurBnxE3eVSShQgmkTwhfbFO4BePxdiaBXNXwr5hysDqIDZG2Ir6KReXAF4Q6wri86tbXLUl0D0JNSliiG1KcG4K1Mlh3Gicpl26g/s1600/P7130664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibx6_BCKA5Lx-u4R_S8mey78FkjzlnLufJ6DzMNqjurBnxE3eVSShQgmkTwhfbFO4BePxdiaBXNXwr5hysDqIDZG2Ir6KReXAF4Q6wri86tbXLUl0D0JNSliiG1KcG4K1Mlh3Gicpl26g/s320/P7130664.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This guy was pretty funny, although, I do not know him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ADGxx8en-h_1SnkDgT5ymYdPSrFWoGf2zymSDaxnFf55ZuszbRvIDXJl1ansP8EjA9sQzeu_1od0bCxATSGzN_dGngvSy3zD4pm0jWT028dQyxJcpEBiTwYGOYHQhP5T1a132KLjpRg/s1600/P7130670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ADGxx8en-h_1SnkDgT5ymYdPSrFWoGf2zymSDaxnFf55ZuszbRvIDXJl1ansP8EjA9sQzeu_1od0bCxATSGzN_dGngvSy3zD4pm0jWT028dQyxJcpEBiTwYGOYHQhP5T1a132KLjpRg/s320/P7130670.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone! :))</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-48782535450603175652012-07-19T03:02:00.002-07:002012-07-19T03:04:49.934-07:00Exploring Dreams<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #f4cccc;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Seoul is such a unique city... third largest in
the world, with a cosmopolitan feel, outlined by incredible mountains on all
sides. It's a city that values time, architecture, fashion, and culture.
One of the things that amazes me most about Seoul is that, although it is
such a modern metropolitan city, it has the true Korean culture embedded deep
in it's bones. Anywhere you go in Seoul, you are sure to find both the
modern dining restaurants, as well as traditional Korean dining. The
king's old historic temples sit preserved next to sky scrappers and the hustle
and bustle of a busy city work day. You see men scurrying to work in
business suits, as well as old women balancing large pots on their heads walking down the clustered morning streets. I love living in Seoul
because I have the opportunity to live in the big city, but if I travel just 40
minutes one way or the other, I can climb to the top of the tallest mountains
and get a peaceful look from afar. The things I love so much about this
city often send me trudging out into the streets on random explorations.
Here, I am always looking for what's around the next corner... a
mountain, a beautifully light night stream, an old traditional village, a
beautiful park, or an intense shopping district. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #f4cccc;">Last
week, one afternoon after school, I decided to grab my backpack and my camera
and go wandering in a direction I had not yet taken. I grabbed all my
belongings and off I went through city streets, up and down stairs, across a
river, and finally to a point where I was once again reminded of why I love
Seoul so much. What I came across was a beautiful park called, Dream
Forest.... a name that I felt signified exactly what I had gone in search of
that afternoon. With eagerness I made my way towards what looked like
rolling green fields filled with walk ways, bridges, and some small cafes.
What I found was far superior. Walking through Dream Forest is
surely something of a dream. Perhaps it is not the dreams that we usually
remember once we awaken from a deep slumber, but instead the dreams we think
about and see in movies. A dream where you are in a beautiful place and
maybe what some of us expect our heavens to look like. I walked through
swindling paths, surrounded by green grass, and a sky that was confused about
whether or not to let out the sun or confine it with the clouds. The
paths I chose took me to different wonders within the forest. One path
took me into a small traditional village that had been preserved and behind it,
I found what I would call a miniature bamboo forest. I found a wooded area that
had large modern streams running between and around the trees. A large
field sat open and welcomed everyone passing to sit and soak in the natural
surroundings. I took another path and made my way to an enormous pond, which
was surrounded by a variety of plants. The pond, itself, was spewing
water from five large fountains. The fountains reached up to the clouds
and with a slight breeze, it was just enough to feel a light mist touching your
skin. Looking to the left of the pond, there was a rock encrusted
waterfall and a small traditional pavilion. A path running along the
top of the water was made to look somewhat like a floating maze and I watched
as people walked down it hand in hand or carrying small sun umbrellas. What I
enjoyed most about this spot, was seeing everyone taking advantage of it.
The area was not crowded by any means, but all the people that I saw
seemed to be enjoying the space as much as I did. I looked around and saw
other people with their cameras, or just sitting on a bench with the same look
of contentment that I knew was evident in my own facial expression. Here,
I thought, this must be what peace feels like. My mind was absolutely
taken back. Another random exploration proves a success in Korea. Below
are the pictures. This is a place that I'm really glad I was able to
capture.</span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNEqaXpZiLDW8G4Uosjz-Rq7jDa-je01HsiTJ-cKh9CTRv5FyAFaQDQQDTF939husxv1byodAI_GSWHgqtmACRTCtd8rxm99SSSnfuM9mfeirTHdxwmjM847JxPgKWi33T5guub-XKzY/s1600/534477_10150933621426761_869767001_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNEqaXpZiLDW8G4Uosjz-Rq7jDa-je01HsiTJ-cKh9CTRv5FyAFaQDQQDTF939husxv1byodAI_GSWHgqtmACRTCtd8rxm99SSSnfuM9mfeirTHdxwmjM847JxPgKWi33T5guub-XKzY/s320/534477_10150933621426761_869767001_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5K05KHE7DOf3aT6dyXsIBQ_rmDT2UbAHPwgIk43u_zv7MUs-7l0gL9B9wLUDRUFYyZqefMGd8uQAe2CznVttp8g9nuh1jTHRdcOC9EVK-m_Mv6M3qkeXPx-ezpcMt2XGc71LNOTCyVs/s1600/575960_10150933623696761_2105370781_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5K05KHE7DOf3aT6dyXsIBQ_rmDT2UbAHPwgIk43u_zv7MUs-7l0gL9B9wLUDRUFYyZqefMGd8uQAe2CznVttp8g9nuh1jTHRdcOC9EVK-m_Mv6M3qkeXPx-ezpcMt2XGc71LNOTCyVs/s320/575960_10150933623696761_2105370781_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdO-kykZG5QnX8I9Qwhyphenhyphen1Qf_yaic4lznWi3iXHSw6dr9Im_-Gl0BXdByWGsLLKM6zdXY3B31B_jH9rPhSStTq4MxNhhP6FXkaVRerEZM1fNMFE4JGMgZemHSMv2gJbdLWi9Bd40YKR9ks/s1600/DSCN1731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdO-kykZG5QnX8I9Qwhyphenhyphen1Qf_yaic4lznWi3iXHSw6dr9Im_-Gl0BXdByWGsLLKM6zdXY3B31B_jH9rPhSStTq4MxNhhP6FXkaVRerEZM1fNMFE4JGMgZemHSMv2gJbdLWi9Bd40YKR9ks/s320/DSCN1731.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMq_GNVt18Cfc173f9TWHUv7B0kMTcTbp6eoAiJKcE3O8FesPWZFP3gjmtA66e6e__7rdrPCVoWAxWmhmxq5d4zBi6GdCYIoPcl1EqHrKcc8dcqJ-C1M7VjDtVjk8iElRHzU1B3dof4rM/s1600/DSCN1734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMq_GNVt18Cfc173f9TWHUv7B0kMTcTbp6eoAiJKcE3O8FesPWZFP3gjmtA66e6e__7rdrPCVoWAxWmhmxq5d4zBi6GdCYIoPcl1EqHrKcc8dcqJ-C1M7VjDtVjk8iElRHzU1B3dof4rM/s320/DSCN1734.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaO8fuxXiZ1JM1KRkARqLYUfBho5yG-ravXYhfw_N2jv2kTfXKMwU_XaQMdBdw9Q3hCjcBXNPXRcdDrVyEvYkERqeLkrE2g9pAlP1AJhivIsUwUEmz9GFp_5Ipvu95mrmIKuhey-fO7EY/s1600/DSCN1743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaO8fuxXiZ1JM1KRkARqLYUfBho5yG-ravXYhfw_N2jv2kTfXKMwU_XaQMdBdw9Q3hCjcBXNPXRcdDrVyEvYkERqeLkrE2g9pAlP1AJhivIsUwUEmz9GFp_5Ipvu95mrmIKuhey-fO7EY/s320/DSCN1743.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l1c7zacvP-onB7ZVmMfE8dH-chUTtaZvonISthvxMbw4OmHc3krFpZzBAZFO-IaN-n8YNYKMvhr9C-gyfHeRfFeluSKkmN1ND56cdPbNTuz5q70t-jPqoo6HxZ3nPLErHzAaGBTlXkg/s1600/DSCN1744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l1c7zacvP-onB7ZVmMfE8dH-chUTtaZvonISthvxMbw4OmHc3krFpZzBAZFO-IaN-n8YNYKMvhr9C-gyfHeRfFeluSKkmN1ND56cdPbNTuz5q70t-jPqoo6HxZ3nPLErHzAaGBTlXkg/s320/DSCN1744.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqVk5of8fB8i5mwycNvcEmXtiFa20ov-GaBh9smj09g7taDMDC00x76H2TLAbl3wic-fsxqfw1jmtfcfBvT8_MeAMcVHBF0CWh5_70UqHuf72syWtrh7SVBE7_ooYDZrleMCgqrEHHOI/s1600/DSCN1746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqVk5of8fB8i5mwycNvcEmXtiFa20ov-GaBh9smj09g7taDMDC00x76H2TLAbl3wic-fsxqfw1jmtfcfBvT8_MeAMcVHBF0CWh5_70UqHuf72syWtrh7SVBE7_ooYDZrleMCgqrEHHOI/s320/DSCN1746.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSHR0XQ0iFpzBojxmNOVmvyawokrsvDVRrLbGjuyfa92_G2qX-cBImcxeRgy0X5mrZ816p7TJFcJSBiQRxBpxIAIYs8rPYH1BIDJibaPv4aLhY-svF46JYZfpD4jcdwK6r1Z1tAlAzcA/s1600/DSCN1749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSHR0XQ0iFpzBojxmNOVmvyawokrsvDVRrLbGjuyfa92_G2qX-cBImcxeRgy0X5mrZ816p7TJFcJSBiQRxBpxIAIYs8rPYH1BIDJibaPv4aLhY-svF46JYZfpD4jcdwK6r1Z1tAlAzcA/s320/DSCN1749.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUFymp4J3_YGRaEqrKqI9hjCgxTJ1ZTHsfWVbr55vylg3icDi4w8dhQX4G97OOnRYhP77yldxweUeNMWTMzxW1EQif2BjX2pk7gnob0rgkte7j2yZbkml8KuTgJiWwxY5s-3TmhCnWNc/s1600/DSCN1755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUFymp4J3_YGRaEqrKqI9hjCgxTJ1ZTHsfWVbr55vylg3icDi4w8dhQX4G97OOnRYhP77yldxweUeNMWTMzxW1EQif2BjX2pk7gnob0rgkte7j2yZbkml8KuTgJiWwxY5s-3TmhCnWNc/s320/DSCN1755.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6T7hiT1STuJ6gpmDGhdgmjmCSYk5a3avaIblsmIoGZo3zpv9C1-20rqzyqkTzf88PmFwJ6OFnOmInzNVxYA2OPCzcua1LlT5NuuKIAU9lyH_JMpXIJbPr2VonlAgb4qe4huFxeBBHpk/s1600/DSCN1762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6T7hiT1STuJ6gpmDGhdgmjmCSYk5a3avaIblsmIoGZo3zpv9C1-20rqzyqkTzf88PmFwJ6OFnOmInzNVxYA2OPCzcua1LlT5NuuKIAU9lyH_JMpXIJbPr2VonlAgb4qe4huFxeBBHpk/s320/DSCN1762.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgym6mOGryqi3E3Ac9F7OjlpN68MJZkWII-6_cZ-QCnF1uZrj0DqKeJG8vZ5-FTkQecFbKg5QFXe3R7mzn3rJ7fOgg4zoWQE93gC3ZtwcSGsA8gSBt-FomCiNyaTuSuUXjAFoU0YKktUgA/s1600/DSCN1767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgym6mOGryqi3E3Ac9F7OjlpN68MJZkWII-6_cZ-QCnF1uZrj0DqKeJG8vZ5-FTkQecFbKg5QFXe3R7mzn3rJ7fOgg4zoWQE93gC3ZtwcSGsA8gSBt-FomCiNyaTuSuUXjAFoU0YKktUgA/s320/DSCN1767.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2cEeLTZ5m6i3Qxuj2S3R1sJc17Q81ZKrFn7p_VcMPkA9iKnl0A03sePJtScenL_-v6NhhfD3EVYvztDTI_sNIz1nskOElLpBpiuIJ8yxAChbUS3iRBr6XKzauikvsGxUY9IKESgayEk/s1600/DSCN1770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2cEeLTZ5m6i3Qxuj2S3R1sJc17Q81ZKrFn7p_VcMPkA9iKnl0A03sePJtScenL_-v6NhhfD3EVYvztDTI_sNIz1nskOElLpBpiuIJ8yxAChbUS3iRBr6XKzauikvsGxUY9IKESgayEk/s320/DSCN1770.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829505445253451048.post-75045904240815845742012-07-02T21:29:00.002-07:002012-07-02T21:29:44.351-07:00Seoul Time LapseSeoul.<3 I live here. It is amazing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxyFPb5CqcyEPeLNa_Py-SVONoZUVca5TWnQRYZlFzBSb-OdGft_3BcgHcE_dPEWCqhIkRmiO0KlXShMYj1pA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0