Central Hotel, Suwon

... who again thanked us for coming, and informed us that there were two types of wedding in Korea, a traditional and a western wedding, and we were currently at the latter. To be honest, apart from the bride's white dress there wasn't much that was western about it. Soon after Jin came over to ask us what we thought, and then the bride and groom themselves. I thought it was good that they did the rounds of the tables. Even though many of the people there didn't seem to be ...

... me to accomplish it. Today was rough, it was really windy and I was stuck doing a path that wasn't long enough so I had to do it almost 3 times, which wore on me. Its really hard psychologically to get through the first few miles, knowing there's that much more to be done. At the end of the run I wasn't physically exhausted, well I was, but not to the point that I couldn't have gone on. I think that's the most important part of ...

... apartment. After settling in we went for a meal of fried potatoes and beer, where I was soon brought back down to earth. It seemed that although Pete was my boss, he didn’t call the shots, and I would have to wait a while for the school to reimburse me for my flight as promised. Actually, how the school hierarchy actually worked was a bit of a puzzle to me, with at least four different people above me with different roles.

Our first week in Suwon ...

... I want to go to Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Nepal, India, and probably Cambodia too. Plus, China and Japan are a hop, skip and a jump away. Right now, however, my schedule with this school wont allow for a ton of traveling. So I think another year in Seoul with a public school will give me that extra time to see Asia. I really want to go teach in Argentina eventually too. Not sure what my plan is yet, but I am 90% positive I am doing this again next year. It is ...

... beautifully ornamented hexagonal chimneys; and the National Folk Museum, which showcases Korean lifestyle from the prehistoric age up to the Joseon dynasty. I guess I'll have to reserve all of that for the next trip, which I wish would happen during spring or fall at the foreseeable future, with all the lush greenery adding more color and depth to the palace's appeal.

It was a truly amazing experience to see ...

... stop from our stop (Only 1,000 won to ride the subway each way!!! And it is so easy to use, but you climb a million stairs of course!). Everything in Korea is super expensive. Malls are always expensive, but this mall is a bit like La Encantada....pricey name brand merchandise. Koreans are all about labels....Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Burberry, etc. There is a mixture of lower priced stuff too, of course, but I am just too cheap right now ...

... laughing in my head with no one to appreciate this comedic gem with. Its like a tree falling in the forest and noone there to hear it.like did that really happen. Same thing. If some hilarious asian **** happens/ something that is normal cultural behavior and no ********s are there to comment on it, it is therefore wasted. I'd say 5% gets discussed and clowned on with the few wise minds I've met who can appreciate things that are actually funny/have similar ...

OK while not technically the bullet train which is in Japan the Korea Train eXpress or KTX is still pretty sweet.Its the Korean high speed train and I got a chance to ride it on my way to surprise the girl in my life. Last Wednesday I got two classes canceled because the students were studying for tests and I work at a cram school. I got on the 7:30 bus to Taegu and by 8:35 I was on the metro to DongDaegu ...

... the hostel at the Incheon International Airport and checked the availability. I spoke to a receptionist in English, but another receptionist who spoke Japanese waited on me. My 6 male dormitry room had an Onldol heating system and an own bathroom. Then I went to Insadong street to eat bibimbap for dinner. In the evening, I watched the movie Pirates of Caribian II on the large screen of the hostel, but it was noisy around there, and I couldn't enjoy it ...