Kukje Busan

... that these countries are not as "Handicap Friendly" as the US. For example, in Kobe, there was an escalator going up but only 3 flights of steps coming down, which we didn’t realize until after we had already gone up. We have a whole new appreciation for handicapped people.

Next port is Dalian, China followed by Beijing the next morning. We might not have access to the internet. Later!

I've been in South Korea just a little over two weeks and got the chance to get my travel on! On Friday I bumbled through my commute with a backpack with all the essentials – bottle of wine, change of clothes, and a toothbrush – so that I could leave right after work. When 5 o’ clock rolled around I was out the door and heading back to Sokcho to get to the bus terminal. I had read so much about Korean public transportation "SO EASY" “SO PROMPT ...

... bar, so he asked me to paint this place. It was really fun! The manager, chef, and friend of mine, Eun Hye and I collaberated on colors and ideas. I've always wanted to open up a bar or restaurant, so it was fun going through the process. Yesterday was opening day, and it was cool. They serve drinks in plastic cups, so you can take them to the beach which is only steps away. There's a really cute little patio where ...

... m hesit*nt to *sk Kolin if he w*nts to t*g *long this weekend bec*use he JUST got in. But I extend the invit*tion *nyw*y. T*lk it up nice *nd good. He s*ys yes. Gre*t! A p*rtner in crime. I tell him we need to get home *nd p*ck our b*gs so th*t we c*n jump up *nd go e*rly. We get in *round 3 *m, *nyw*y. Ugh. S******y morning, 7 M*rch 2009 I w*ke up in my hotel on the b*se with * nudge of my roomm*te *nd re*lize he's holding the phone. It's Kolin ...

... to hold onto that.



I learned that being thirty--though scary to say to people--is a really great age. I'm starting to see patterns in my life--and where they can take me. I feel like I can enjoy people more freely, and with more understanding of why they do the things they do. I'm not naive, but I'm optimistic.



I've learned that honesty is always necessary. Tact is too though.



I've learned that I still need ...

... the pumpkin pie, and they apparently have never had a decent apple pie. These gals are going to be in San Diego on an educational program when I'm home, so mom, we're going to have to feed them something decent. One of them was wondering if she can take Cool Whip home with her in her suitcase....



All in all it was a good day. Though, I got attacked by a dog (A crazy story, that's not all that long, but I ...

... The students did give the staff a run for their money, but I think the staff won. The P.E. coach showed off quite a bit....he's pretty cute too. Popsicles and Gatoraide was the theme. It was fun...



The funny thing about Koreans is, if you give them a theme, they RUN with it. Espeically with athletics. For example, if you see a group of bikers...they might not actually be riding bikes--they're sitting around a table ...

... on Saturday night, and we met some cool people. There are a lot of universities in Busan, so there are a lot of students and foreigners in those areas. I found out that after a year of teaching experience, you can become a professor at these universities... Something to keep in mind. Great on the resume, and a big pay raise.



On Friday, Anne and I were invited to join one of the international ...

... to realise now that, even in a western restaurant, Koreans really don't like applying heat of any kind to fish. The steak was cooked, but cooked Korean style, meaning it only just touched the pan and was quickly flipped, before an even quicker transfer to my plate. 'Blue rare' is how Wikipedia class a steak, be it beef or fish, that is.... 'Cooked very quickly...the outside is seared, but the inside is ...

... down the mountain and back to civilisation. It had been an experience for sure. But just not one we were ready to repeat. So after stuffing our faces with croissants, courtesy of a fake French bakery (they are everywhere) we boarded the train to Gyeongju. Gyeongju was the capital city during Korea's Silla Dynasty and the city and surrounding areas are awash with relics, tombs and temples. Or so we are led to believe anyway. Basically, by the time we arrived in ...