Cutee Hotel Seoul

... to promote agrarian science. I wonder if they had been a more aggressive race, would they have turned out the same way.

I left just as the changing of the guards began and because I was at the front gate at the time, I got a really close view of the action. It was very impressive but I couldn't help but wonder how hot it must be in those olden day costumes. They were acting like real soldiers (i.e. not moving and just staring ahead), and then I ...

Tuesday I got up and put on my big boy pants so that I would have the courage to venture into Seoul on my own. The plan was, while Heather was at work, to visit Changdeokgung Palace and not get lost due to my infamous sense of direction. Dane, where are you when I need you?!? So around 1PM I took a bus to the metro station and followed Heather's color-coded directions to transfer from one line to another and actually made it where I was going! Smurf yea! (see Family Guy) I got to ...

... do go on trips alone). And I just couldn't find anyone who would go on a day trip with me or something. It's hard when you are the only one who is really on a vacation.

I had some drama this summer. Unfortunately. Even times in which I was extremely bored. But overall...the time has been good. The trip has made me sad that I can't move back ...

... for Phil - hagwons place more importance on the childr....I mean money.....than the teachers because ultimately, it is a business afterall.

I feel for Philip because he hasn't been here that long, and the intensive period marked the beginning of us teaching a whole range of classes, including Reading and Listening. We were only told about this on the Thursday before, giving little chance to prepare as we also had essays to mark and syllabuses to write ...

... The meals on the plane an since seem to feature lots of beef or pork, dairy products from New Zealand, seafood, and rice and potatoes. The rice and potatoes are often served at the same meal. Presentation is important. I will post photos tomorrow.

The welcome meal was a great time to start meeting the other people on the trip.

Friday we went to university for orientation and initial lectures. More about that and photos in a later posting.

... a far cry from the concrete views I've yet to get used to. Surrounded on all sides by mountains, trees as far as the eye could see, farms and fields scattered in between- I love rural areas! And the people are so much kinder, guess that's true almost everywhere.
My final destination was Woljeongsa temple. Although in a remote setting, it was huge and there were many people there- not quite the serenity I was imagining, but it would suffice. I was ...

... packing and walked a couple blocks to catch our shuttle. The shuttle from downtown Seoul to the Icheon airport took about an hour and drives in part along the river that goes through Seoul. When we arrived at the airport we got through ticketing and security in record time. I'd say we got through in no more than 30 minutes which is pretty good for an international flight! While there, we got some necessities (such as a new power converter - Katie's hair straightener ...

Annyanghaseyo! (This is hello in Korean). I finally learned my first Korean word. I don't know what it is, but I am just not picking up on this language very quickly. At least I know one word now, and it's hilarious to see people's reactions to a white foreigner speaking some Korean. Often after exchanging greetings they will continue talking to me in Korean....wait, stop! I only know hello. So, I just stand there as they ramble on, smile and ...

February 15, 2009 The wedding last night was great. Etta looked fantastic and Gary in his army blues was stoic. Megan was also dressed to kill. The wedding was a mix of Navaho, Korean, and traditional Christian stuff. I went early with Megan and Coleton to help set up the banquet hall. I had some time to explore the base when the girls went to get ...

... the holidays. Koreans don't beat around the bush when it comes to personal appearances. They're straight shooters and tell it as it is. I learned in my early days here that comments/critiques are welcomed if not full on encouraged. So a little "your hair looks nice" or "you look great since you lost weight" goes a long way. Of course this social behaviour will be placed in the archives of world social code once I return to Canada, so as ...