Lotte Hotel Pusan Busan

... Gangneung (in between Sokcho and Donghae) first and then catch another bus to Donghae but it was all just as punctual and simple as the books promised. I never waited more than 5 minutes and all the buses were uncrowded and clean. Lovely. Meeting up with Dan in Donghae was lovely – we’ve both been settling in for a little over a week and it was good to rehash and relate our stories. We stayed up late conversating and drinking wine with Darren, a ...

... far from the main beaches and the fishmarkets. For dinner we went down to the fishmarket and went to a buffet. It was some of teh best food we'd had in a long time. We got a little lost in the markets on the way, and had to be snuck through the back entrance where they clean and organize the fish. At the restaurant I got way too excited about the bidet and while leaning in to get a better look pushed one of the buttons and it ...

... next weekend. I have a five day weekend because of Children's Day (all the kids in Korea get a day off school. Pretty sweet huh??). I had thought about going to Shanghai then, but my friend who lives there wasn't sure if she was going to be in town--so I nixed those plans. Meanwhile, my boyfriend and some other friends tried to plan a group trip to Jeju Island (just off the coast of Korea). I'd been there before, but it's ...

... just see you *t 3. C*ll me when you get there *nd we'll get t*xi's *nd meet up." He lets most things just roll right off of his b*ck. Nice. After some quick teeth brushing, *nd * shower, we c*ll the c*b service on b*se with pre-p*cked b*gs from the night before, in h*nd, re*dy to w*lk out the door, bec*use yes, they come th*t quickly. "WHAT YOU NAME?!" "Chris", I s*y. "WHERE YOU GOING?" I reply, "Kuns*n Bus st*tion." "OKBYE!" (s*id just like th*t ...

... back to my attention. Regardless of how ****** the situation is, my family can laugh at it somehow. I love that. Keeps people honest.



I've learned people in my life are a little bit afraid of/for me. I know they see me as the "traveler," or "brave," or something...and they always have an expression of fear that I will somehow make them participate with me... What I want them to know that--what I do--it's just what I have to do. I ...

... in Korea... It's definitely not everywhere and in your face like back home.... Which has been both good and bad. Christmas isn't a "normal" holiday here--they have so many after all... AND, this one is mostly only celebrated by Christians...which is logical I suppose. There are a lot of Christians here, believe it or not. In fact, I can see four or five neon crosses--indicating "Church Here," outside my apartment window ...

... they're a hike...but most of the trails are partially if not totally paved with railings...



So today, I was not entirely suprised when all the teachers, were wearing their "athletic get-up." They were all wearing work-out pants, long-sleeve button-up sweat shirts, big 'ol granny-gardening visors (very popular here...I'll get you one if you want mom), sunglasses, and sunscreen. I mean, ok, it was sports day, I know ...

... windows overlooking the sea, so the sunset was really beaurtiful. Afterwards, Anne's co-teacher brought us to a place near-by--loosly tanslated it's called, the place where you view the sea and the moon. It was just a big pavilion basically, with beautiful views. People go there especially to watch the full moon rise. So slowly but surely, I'm seeing more of the city, and meeting people. It's been fun. :)

... and a belt, complete with a choice of buckles. The wallet and belt have that "ummmm, leather" smell and the whole thing came nicely presented in a fancy, expensive looking box. The only problem is at this stage of my life I'm far from being classed as anything close to a business professional so I might just put my new accessories into storage so they are in good condition when I do reach, if at all, my ...

... walls. Once again we were staying in a type of Hanok, however this one was more like a youth hostel with an air conditioned communal common room & kitchen and an airy courtyard with pub style benches to relax on. That afternoon, after feasting on Ronald's finest we bought a few essentials from the supermarket and retreated back to the Hanok to sit in the shade and read magazines. Wonderful. We couldn't leave Gyeongju without at least trying to see some of the ...