Airport Hotel Seoul

Subzero. That is the temperature these days. Whew! I feel as though I haven't REALLY experienced a winter in years. Last year I was in Boulder, in which the winters are fairly mild and not as piercingly cold. Prior to that I was in Australia (they're summer) and prior to that I was on the beaches of Indonesia. The winter here is COLD. A damp, bone-chilling, windy cold. Yikes!

Fortunately there are some beautiful aspects of Korean culture that help one deal ...

... an hour and a bit. I found the TEAM DIRT tent and checked in with Justin the leader of the team. I got my kit and number and gave him the 210,000 won I raised for the race and support of Choroideremia (CHM) research. A big loving thanks to all who sponsored me; that being the wonderful friends, bosses, and family. The wind was nasty and snowflakes fell in sporadic free fall, alone and unaccompanied. I vowed to crush the wind. It was an inanimate object and it could not beat me ...

... way, so he came along.



We got off the subway by the Deoksugung Palace. But we didn't go in. Lexy had seen it before, and she was ready for lunch. We did get to see the changing of the guard. Notice the Dunkin' Donuts. There are more of these then Seattle has Starbucks. The Koreans must love their Donuts. But when you go in they look more like a Starbucks then ...

Hello Readers,

Happy Labor Day weekend to all those lucky enough to celebrate. I hope you all enjoy your long weekend and good luck to those who are starting a new year of either teaching or being students :).

Summer has officially ended here and we are back into the full swing of things. A couple new things have started with my teaching. I am now only employed at two schools. My High School wanted to keep me five days a week, instead of 3, so ...

... final nos invito a su casa cerca de la montana. Los ticos estamos acostumbrados a no confiar en nadie por lo que al inicio nos parecio un poco raro pero al final decidimos aceptar su propuesta, asi que manana iremos a su casa/montana, despues les contare como nos fue.

La comida aqui es demasiado rica, pero puede llegar a ser demasiado picante. Ayer visitamos uno de los mercados y mientras ibamos caminando decidi comprarme un pincho de NOSE que era, basicamente era ...

... A couple of people in yellow quarentine vests tried to keep us in the general vicinity of the room, but they did not speak either english or philipino.

Finally a girl who spoke some english came and we explained that after 6 hours we had not been given any information, nor any opportunity to call our families. I asked if we were under detention, and asked to be able to call the Canadian embassy. This was allowed, however, they would not bring me to a phone ...

... having a clue what I'm doing! I suppose that's the best way to learn. The children range in age from 6 to 11 and I'm surprised at how well they at least understand me! Kids learn so quickly and they did a great job. There were a couple students that were quite frustrating, as they would not participate or would be running around and being loud....not quite sure how to effectively deal with those students yet, but I'm sure I'll ...

... when I first get out of the shower, but that is to be expected anywhere. I actually think I do not need any of the big things I bought or this trip (i.e. the pop-up shelves/drawers, hamper, and down comforter). The school provided three blankets that warm me pretty well and I was able to organize my stuff so well that I dont think I need more furniture right now. We will see....apparently February is the coldest month.....so, I might be ...