Trips in Korea

It's been a few months now that I've been seeing Lee. Through our time together, we've spent time exploring various places in Korea including several historical ones. I wanted to show Lee the insanely huge underground Kyobo bookstore. Unfortunately, the bookstore was closed until August for renovations. We decided to pop out of Gwanghwamun station to look around since we were already there. We were greeted by the sights of children running in and out of spraying fountains, the King Sejong statue, and the Admiral Yi Sun shi statue. Walking around the area, we found out that there were museums underground that told the stories of both King Sejong and Admiral Yi's lives.

We decided to visit the Yi sun shi museum first. I was highly surprised at how well the museum was put together. The information was displayed in such a way that had both me and Lee amazed at the the Admiral's life and accomplishments. We played a cannon shooting game, watched a video on Yi sun shi's battles, and Lee played this strange oar rowing game. It was amazingly impressive how Yi sun shi never lost a naval battle and won battles against 200 ships with only 15 ships. Even more impressive was the fact that he won battles without any damage to any of his ships. After wandering through the museum, Lee and I stopped by a little corner where one could write their name in hangul on rice paper. Here's a photo of Lee demonstrating some very nice hangul writing. ;)

All in all, it was yet another great day spent exploring with Lee. I always have an amazing time with Lee. This trip was a bit educational, but others have been purely spontaneous and truly memorable. I'm not one to deviate much, but Lee likes to explore. I can honestly say that I wouldn't have seen or experienced some of the coolest things I've seen in Korea if he hadn't suggested a 'bit of a wander.'

We went to drink tea in the fabric cafe near the Incheon subway station. It was a little cafe off a side street, but the experience was so peaceful. I couldn't remember feeling that sense of peace as though everything was right and perfect. I look forward to more time with him and what the future will bring.

Say Goodnight not Goodbye

It's always sad to see great friends leave. This past weekend Lee and I spent time, probably the last time, with two people who have not only become great friends but also have become family to me as well. My co-worker Brittany and her husband Mark have provided me continuous support, love, and guidance during my time in Korea. It seemed only fitting to spend our last time together on Camp Casey, a U.S. army base located close to the DMZ, seeing as how both would be returning to the US by mid-August. Camp Casey was a great choice especially since I had started to feel a bit homesick as well. I had started to miss the US in general....everything, even the little things.

Despite the fact that it was raining cats and dogs, all of us enjoyed a day of touring the base, eating great American food, bowling, and ending the evening with a game of spades. I couldn't have felt more at home. As much as I was enjoying the day, many memories flashed in and out of my head all day... the day I first met Brittany, the day she and I first met her would-be husband Mark, and all the trips filled with insanity and laughter. It's as though a chapter of my life is ending and yet another will start as soon as they leave. I've never been good with people leaving, and this parting seems to be hitting me a bit harder than the rest. I know that it's not goodbye forever and that I will see them again someday soon. I can't say that I won't miss them though. Who'll share my chococorn craving or help me pick apart the male brain? I'm grateful though to have had the chance to meet and have two such beautiful and amazing people in my life.

So it's goodbye for now...but we'll see each other soon!

The past 8 months

It's amazing just how much happens...how much life changes within such a short period of time. The past 8 months in Korea have brought more trials and tribulations than the past two years of my life spent in the states. Despite various medical bumps here and there along the way, I'm grateful for the opportunities i've been given, for the experiences, for the serendipitous meetings that have all changed my life in this country. I came across a traveling quote by Nehru that seems to sum up my feelings :

"There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” –Jawaharial Nehru

There is so much truth in that statement. Each and every day I have walked with eyes wide open in this fascinating country wondering what I'll experience next. From the sounds of an amazing band whose members included not just a violinist but an accordian player as well to a beachside celebration filled with interpretive dancers and blazing saxophones...at times it almost seems that I suffer from sensory overload. So much happens that days blend into weeks and weeks blend into months in my mind. Time has flown by so quickly that I can hardly believe that I've lived in a foreign country for more than a month. There are so many experiences that I would like to write about, but the amount of writing would be enough to fill a small book. Here are pictures with captions that best represent the three seasons I have spent in the country of my ancestors....

WINTER -let is snow, let it snow, let it snow....and boy did it snow

The temples at Odaesan on the far eastern side of Korea during the New year's weekend.

Walking through Korea's biggest cave system. They gave us hard hats for a reason and we needed them.

The actual hike itself. Imagine hiking up a very steep mountain for two hours...now imagine the path covered in snow. Me + snow + uphill hike = a recipe for disaster.

Lotteworld with Brittany in the 4-D theater. Don't we look snazzy with our big bows!

SPRING- cold even til May

Dr. Fish... feet eaten by fish....

1st time grinding sauce in a restaurant

2010 Seoul International Marathon. There were thousands of runners and it was a blast chasing them all around Seoul.

Sunset and Oryeok Island from the boat in Busan.

Good food, great company....what more could you ask from the All-American Diner in Itaewon.

Placing my vote before the show for the type of Romeo and Juliet I wanted to see in a comedy version of the play. They were rock Romeo, vampire Romeo, minstrel Romeo, and club Romeo. Spy Juliet, high school Juliet, and this insanely happy Juliet.

SUMMER- love is in the air

Gyeongbukgong palace with Lee, my amazing boyfriend. (*^)(*^_^*)

posing with cardboard cutouts at Gyeongbukgong. A classic tourist action.

At the top of Namsan Tower with Brittany.

Standing in front of my other half.

The most bizarre sight at the bottom of Namsan Tower. A Mexican band.

Just one of the crazy things that has happened to me caught in a picture. Getting carded on the subway on the day of Korea's first world cup game.

There's something great about cheering with a group of strangers for a common goal...Korea's victory against Greece.

Standing in front of the KTX, Korea's bullet train, to Busan for a summer vacation to the beach.

At Haedong yonggungsa temple. A cliffside temple in Haeundae.

Lee took a picture to compare the size of the grouper to me.... :/

The water felt like ice even in July. Gwangalli beach.

Seeing as how I'm writing this at 2:37 in the morning. I promise there will be more commentary about experiences and insights into Korea later. For now, I just wanted to show a visual representation of the past 8 months.