Renaissance Seoul

... lunch to go our own way shopping. <br><br><br>We then wandered around a bit, got our bearings and went to our favorite souvenir shopping area. But first we stopped by this big photomosiac wall to take pictures. It reminded us of when we worked together at Fort Lewis and we always had a puzzle going in the SGM office.<br><br>We also would see these big bouquets outside ...

... a blind eye to war, famine, and vice among other less desirable states or hardships. I used to wonder why something as powerful as you would not intervene and help the destitute, cure the sick, and layer peace across the planet starting in places like Africa and the middle east; wrapping the planet many times over with a carpet of love. But then I ...

... 5 NBDL players) played the Korean Basketball League All-Stars. While the age of the NBA legends crew was a factor they still put on a good show. Going into to the game one of the main things I wanted to see was Dominique dunk during the game. During the first half it sure didn't look like it was going to happen. However, in the second half he had to solid dunks. Nothing like his Dunk Competition performances, but nonetheless, he got a couple dunks in. The ...

Stopping in Korea on the way home was a great idea - not just because it broke up a very long sequence of flights, but because it was a great transition point. We were pretty ignorant about what to expect of Seoul, but were completely blown away by an ultra-modern, efficient and clean city absolutely covered with Starbucks franchises. I had dreamt of milk, yoghurt and cappuccino upon arrival at home, but happily found them at my hotel doorstep in Seoul. We spent our 36 ...

... How often do we just dismiss them or get frustrated that they don't know our language? I am now that foreigner living in a country where I don't know the language and I can relate to how difficult it can be and how often you get discriminated against or experience prejudices. So, I'd like to encourage everyone to remember to step out of your comfort zone and offer random acts of love and kindness to strangers. Not only will you feel good, but you just might make someone's day!

... I am unpacked in my tiny little apartment, a place I'll call home for the next year. Right now I can't even imagine being here for a year. I can't stop thinking, why am I here? I'm not even sure if I want to be here. I'm not sure I want to be away from my family and friends for another year. I miss home already, but I've got to make the most of this experience and can't dwell on that.

I can't wait to get internet in my room, but now I am hearing that I have to wait until I get my immigration card first. And that takes about 2 weeks after I have the results from my medical check up. So....they took my blood today! I was completely freaking out!!!!!!!! I remember my mom told me to stay hydrated, so from the moment I woke up this morning I have CONSTANTLY been drinking water! We (Elena and I) were escorted to the hospital in the next neighborhood (its ...

... it was fun and after than our instructor decided that we should try the gondola trip and ski down that slope. What we didn't know was that the gondola course was 5.7kms with some pretty difficult sections and took us pretty high up into the mountains. I almost chickened out at the top given that I was probably only going a max of 10 metres before falling but I decided to push on and give it a go. Unbeknownst to me ...