Koreana Hotel Seoul

... we had come to see. At the rear of the complex was the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Deoksugung (a smaller branch of the main building in the south of Seoul). This museum didn't have a permanent collection, but we were fortunate enough to see an exhibition put on by one of Korea's leading photographers, Bae Bien-U. Renowned for photographs of pine trees that emanate the same ambience a black and white painting has, his works ...

... Koreans are rough. I wouldn't say that is the case however, everyone was very nice and helpful to us and fortunately we found that Koreas was somewhat better prepared for tourists with their signs, tourist informations and English speaking skills. <br>We started off our day by visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, about half an hour walk away from our hotel. We found some colourful guards guarding the palace that just performed a shift change in ...

... out a fast 10km, my run along the river would take me by three platoons of about 50 soldiers each dressed in fatigues, rucksacks, and some big effing machine guns. All the while us civilians went about our business walking dogs and running along the path. I ran along a woman and her two children and the little kid on his bike rode beside me for a bit. We had a smile and I sped up to see what he was made of. He took off leaving me in the dust. Again on ...

... such an alien environment. When you can't read or speak the language, having a good friend to stay with was a god send. While she went to school I was able to take baby steps... leaving the apartment for the first time and coming back, then taking the metro and coming back... that sort of thing. It really helped me to become adjusted and I will always be grateful for those first couple of days.<br><br>I then had to return to the office after the ...

... of gelatinous custard!....So NOT yummy! It was at this time I made them both promise that I get to pick the restaurant next weekend! The week is going a little bit better. I have been staying at work for 12 hours every day this week trying to get organized and plan some lessons. It is really difficult to teach a class when you don't know which book goes with which class or when half the class doesn't have their books yet! Ahh! Yesterday went a lot better, although I ...

... dotting the complex. <br> <br> As I moved towards the third inner gate, the looming presence of Mt. Bugaksan, one of several mountains surrounding Seoul, came into view. Known as Geunjeongmun, the third gate served as the southern entrance to the royal throne hall called Geunjeongjeon. The large hall used to be the venue of important state functions, such as court officials' audiences with the emperor, receptions ...

Today I am going for my check up for my eye. It looks sooo much better! Not perfect yet (its still red and a little swollen). The medical lab work already came back and everything was fine, so I guess I dodged a potential bullet there! Iam convinced this is my body reacting to all the pollution in this city. Anyway, I have to wear my glasses still....thank goodness I brought both pairs so I have more options regarding which frames match my outfits best ...

... yori, the list goes on and on. It's a bit like learning Italian if you already speak French. Q: Can I come visit? A: Yes. But, if you're coming with a boyfriend/girlfriend, 5 of your closest friends, etc. you'll probably need to stay in a hotel. I will likely only have enough floor space for one person, and even then it will be cramped. For more detailed information, ask Kristine about the time she came to stay with me in Tokyo :) The hotel ...