Best Western Kukdo Seoul

... the Japanese, and in general are quite xenophobic. This doesn't bother me too much as I'm quite content to pull the shutters down and remain in my own little world, oblivious, but it's quite telling that while Japan has a surplus of teachers, Korea has a surplus of jobs - not a coincidence. Without question, Japan is a more enjoyable place to live, but Korea has a lot of economical advantages, so what should I do?<br><br>Well, after much deliberation ...

... mind as Tyler asks.<br><br>3. How do you create water? I smile as I envision little Rachael as an adult settling possible disputes (or wars) over a dwindling water supply by saying "Hey let's not fight. We can make water very easily!"<br><br>4. Then the comes the rampant desire to know the flags of the world. I have a nice little collection behind my desk. The boys are very industrious in their flag drawing. 10 flags= 1 sticker, 20 stickers= a prize from the prize bag.<br><br>I'll post ...

... an impressive but lonely palace that was virtually deserted. The contrast between old and new Seoul was evident here, and it made for some good photos. I then made my way south through Seoul Plaza and Namdaemun Market, a giant area with all manner of things being sold.<br><br>My first impressions of the city were positive, in that I found it a vibrant and cosmopolitan place, buzzing with energy. It had more style and ...

... There were soo many kinds of fish and squid.  Lots of fresh veggies and fruit.  They knew that I wanted to try Korean chocolate, so my sister suggested a kind for me to try (a sort of crunch bar) and they gave it to me.  I am going to save it for when I get back to the United States, but you will have to try very hard to get a piece!<br>I packed my luggage when I got back to the apartment- luckily it zipped all the way closed this time, unlike last time!  We exchanged gifts.  I ...

Yonsei University<br><br>We've spent a big part of Friday and shorter times on Saturday and Sunday at Yonsei University and will continue to spent time this week. It is our home base and the location for most of our lectures. It was established in 1885 as a teaching hospital and has gone through numerous formations and names. It became named Yenisei in 1917 and Korea&#8217;s first modern university. Yonsei U. is a private Catholic ...

... the mountain, but it was very peaceful hike with the greenery that enveloped the pathway. Once we got to the top we found a multitude of locks that were shackled to the chain fence that bordered the balcony. They are locks of couples who have written their names on them to signify that they are bound together. We thought it was a very good symbolic gesture. Then we when up the Namsan Seoul Tower when nightfall came and took ...

... was lovely to reconnect with a friend. In the morning we went to a jimjilbang, which is a Korean spa. Korean spas are an integral part of Korean culture and very popular. They are inexpensive ($6-$10usd) and are often open 24 hours. People will go and spend hours there, relaxing and it's a viable alternative to a hotel room if you're in need of an inexpensive place to sleep. There is a communal area, which I have not been to, and then separate men and ...

... went to a restaurant that serves American style breakfast?!?!? Supposedly that is extremely rare in Korea! Yeah, I had delicious banana nut pancakes and REAL bacon! I need eyeliner and mascara pretty soon. Good thing there are a ton of makeup shops around here that charge typical US prices. I am very cold today. I think it is a combo of being sick, entertaining little kids, and working in drafty classrooms. I swear, I am ...

... br><br>I've been spending a lot of weekend time at the Live Bench where we play music. I am officially the technology person for the Hanam-si band. I also get to play the bongos sometimes. :-D I have a great group of friends here. Thank you to everybody who sent me gifts and cards. It means so much to me when I get something from home. Check out my next blog for my vacation trip to Bali.

... in Mexico Mrs. Weber: Yes, but Mexico is in North America, just like we are. Kimura: Yeah, but if that's true, then Brazil and Peru are also in America Mrs. Weber: Yes, they are. Of course they are in South America, if we say America, we could be talking about any country from Canada to Argentina. Gina: So if we want to be more accurate, should we say we live in the United States of America? Mrs. Weber: Exactly! That is the real ...