Sunday afternoon

I love the weekend in Korea. There are times when I rarely leave my cozy apartment. Then there are the weekends that are filled with activities and plans and places to see. I have especially come to love the slightly lazy weekend that involves excessive time in stationary stores and coffee shops downtown. Our favorite coffee shop has a swing in the window that we quickly commandeer the moment it is open. While the weather can sometimes make things miserable, there is always something to occupy the time.

There has never been a weekend that has gone by slowly. I often find myself lost among the many small stores that are constantly changing and need to be re-explored. My camera can lead me to some fairly distracting places too. The endless supply of interesting things to be photographed can lure me away like a toddler distracted by something shiny. I have found my weekends here to be among the most relaxing weekends of my entire life. I know it won't always be that way, so I'm trying to enjoy these moments as much as I can.

(That's me.)

currently listening to: lots of Rachael Yamagata

Seoul shine.

A short winter vacation spent in freezing South Korean temperatures was not ideal. However, we made do and did what we could to enjoy the time away from the ever so sweet but constantly squealing children. We hopped on the amazingly comfortable KTX train in an attempt to leave it all behind for a bit.

We left for Seoul as if nothing could possibly go wrong (because it's us. that's why.). However, this was not the case. Immediately upon our arrival, snow began to fall and the freezing temperature dropped to subzero. To add insult to injury, we weren't aware that there are two subways of the same color, running opposite ways, needless to say we started out on the wrong one. This did little to daunt our spirits as we struggled to find our hotel and the snow began to accumulate on our coats and suitcases. Once a kind stranger helped point out that we were standing thirty feet from our hotel door, we settled in and prepared for some power shopping.

While the shopping in Korea is endless, it is a struggle to find things that fit properly (mainly jeans) and that are made of at least at least 50% cotton (cotton is an expensive import here, oh the things we take for granted). So, we set about shopping and eating and enjoying the bustling city that was being blanketed in white. While many purchases were made, few brought me as much enjoyment as this little piece-

It's a camera necklace. Awesomeness.

We survived three days in Seoul, spending a significant amount of time in a lovely Starbucks near our hotel where we ate fabulous bagels and I had perfect macchiatos. We were able to squeeze in a self-guided palace tour, an Andy Warhol exhibit, and a dinner at Outback. We left as planned, seemingly unharmed...until the next morning of course when I realized that I had left the two pairs of jeans and a shirt I bought in our hotel. Seoul is exhausting. Check out my Picasa album as it is full of amazing shots and a few video clips too.

currently listening to: Just Say Yes, Snow Patrol.

Well, that was fun.

2009 was a big year. It was my 25th year. Here are a few favorite moments from the year of ups, downs, and adventure.

I wish he could have been here to see the end of it too.

Here's to health, happiness and joy in 2010.

currently listening to: Times They Are a Changin', Bob Dylan.

I've got a Nikon camera...

As I settle into a routine, it is easy to forget how amazing it is to be here. All those things that seemed so amazing the first time I saw them have become part of my daily norm. However, there are the little things that keep that element of surprise alive. Sometimes it is the little market we pass on our way to school, blasting American music (today was "Hey Ricki"), that reminds me to be present and appreciate the things around me.

Christmas break is coming soon and I can hardly wait. We're heading to Seoul and intend to get into as much stuff as we can in three days. I can't wait to put my camera to work and see something amazing. We plan to head to the DMZ and take the tour. That alone will make the trip, the rest is just frosting. Not only do I need the break from school and kids, I need to travel. The wanderlust is acting up once again.


Oragami cranes for my Christmas tree.

currently listening to: Kodachrome, Simon and Garfunkel

You are here ->

Korea is an interesting place. The people place high importance on families and value moral choices. I read that it is because of a heavy Confucian influence that the Koreans are just good people. I haven't had a single moment that I felt scared or unsafe because of the people around me. People are helpful even though they don't speak the same language, they go out of their way to help you.

We had a moment last weekend where I was confused about which bus to take to Seomun market. Turns out we had been on the right bus, just the wrong direction. We rode all the way to the last stop. The bus driver started talking to us and obviously neither of us knew what the hell the other was saying. However, he did seem to catch something he understood, and he escorted us to the other bus that was waiting. They didn't make us pay, and the bus drivers exchanged some information about our situation. The second bus driver seemed to know exactly where we wanted to go, so we were relieved because we were very far from our apartments.

After a few stops on our new bus, the bus driver came to a stop and began saying something to us and motioning for us to get off. We knew it wasn't where we wanted to go, but he seemed very happy he could help us. So, we got off the bus in the middle of some neighborhood. We were able to catch a taxi to Seomun, and it wasn't too far. It could have been a disaster.

I was thankful for our kind bus drivers who so happily attempted to assist us silly-English-speaking-only girls, even if it didn't take us where we wanted.

currently listening to: Dixie Chicks

My apartment

Here is the grand tour of my humble home.
(click the picture to watch it)

From Korea

Its cute.

currently listening to: Government Mule

keep it comin!

These are some pictures from a traditional Korean lunch we had with our coworkers. Our director took us all out after a school open house on a Saturday afternoon (which was incredibly generous and we are very lucky). They put so many plates on the table, it was almost funny after after a while. It seemed like the food was never going to end. While most of the food was really amazing, there were a few strange looking dishes that I was not open to experiencing that day.


So many dishes to do!


All of our awesome staff!


Maureen and Corinne


Me and our director, Michelle