JEJU ISLAND - GETAWAY

We just returned from our petit vacances d'ete, we visited famed Jeju Island. Our first stop was Jeju International airport at the north end of the island. The elaborate plans I made in advance of our trip melted away on day 1. Instead of catching the 3:00pm ferry to Biyang-do from Hallimhang, we took a taxi directly to Geumneung/Hyeopjae Beaches which are within 1km view of the Biyang island. Geumneung Beach was our final destination for the first day. There we found clear Pacific blue waters, white sands and coal-black lava rocks dotting the coastline. The two beaches were separated by the campsites in a mixed palm and pine forest over the sandy dunes. The campsite was excellent for "day-camping or picknicking", we rested in the shade after our swim under some thick palm trees. The windy day was accompanied by warm sea breezes and salt water that felt like a bathtub in many shallow areas. The sealife was abundant, there were countless small crabs, sea snails, and tiny fish passing through the shallow waters. This beach was ideal for photography, snorkling, relaxing, or beaching like a small whale. Night camping was another story. The wind completely stopped blowing in the late afternoon. It was extremely hot and humid and we found no relief from the temperatures far outside our comfort zone. We went into the village and found an awesome restaurant, there we cooled off with a delicious food, and I had couple pints of CASS. We should have taken a room for 40,000Won/night, but thought the camping was more ideal. We were wrong, we spent the night sweating and imagining a cool breeze that wasn't there. Then a group of 12-15 noisy teenagers decided to have a midnight picnic nearby, the noise kept going despite all the sleeping Korean families tenting around us. Finally, I went over and warned the group to keep quiet, they mouthed off in English, and I let them know I would call the police if they didn't keep quiet. They kept on partying and screaming, and of course the police arrived, and they kept on screaming at the police, and then they started to clean up the mess, and they were all free to go. We finally got back to sleep about 1:30am, and by 3:00am it was cool, we slept until 6:00am. We got up and started to clean out the tent, and prepare to leave. As soon as the sun was in our path, we began to melt. I couldn't believe how hot and humid it became with the suns return that morning. We struggled to fold up our "Quick Setup", and brutally difficult to put down camping tent. Thank God someone had a brain, Mi Sung figured it out and collaped the tent properly, I offered a hand but no brain impulses, probably because I was sweating so profusely, I was overheated. We hit the road immediately, and we eventually caught a local bus running to Seogipo. We passed beautiful scenery along the way, both coastal nature and farming areas on our way. It was an inexpensive trip by bus, and with all the open windows, we enjoyed the fresh sea air. In Seogipo we stayed in a Minbak, or efficiency with a kitchenette and they did our laundry and the place was air-conditioned. It was such a relief we booked two nights immediately, cranked the air-conditioning and slept until mid-afternoon. Jungmun Beach was nearby and a lot of tourist attractions. We ate in a fine Korean restaurant, walked around, relaxed, and just enjoyed the place. I swam in the Pacific and in a fresh mineral water river that eventually finds it's way to the Pacific Ocean. This place had more to see, but we didn't do more than scratch the surface while staying cool most of the day either in the sea or river. I'd go back tomorrow, but we will be teaching again. It was worth every penny! ^+__+^

JEJU ISLAND - GETAWAY

We just returned from our petit vacances d'ete, we visited famed Jeju Island. Our first stop was Jeju International airport at the north end of the island. The elaborate plans I made in advance of our trip melted away on day 1. Instead of catching the 3:00pm ferry to Biyang-do from Hallimhang, we took a taxi directly to Geumneung/Hyeopjae Beaches which are within 1km view of the Biyang island. Geumneung Beach was our final destination for the first day. There we found clear Pacific blue waters, white sands and coal-black lava rocks dotting the coastline. The two beaches were separated by the campsites in a mixed palm and pine forest over the sandy dunes. The campsite was excellent for "day-camping or picknicking", we rested in the shade after our swim under some thick palm trees. The windy day was accompanied by warm sea breezes and salt water that felt like a bathtub in many shallow areas. The sealife was abundant, there were countless small crabs, sea snails, and tiny fish passing through the shallow waters. This beach was ideal for photography, snorkling, relaxing, or beaching like a small whale. Night camping was another story. The wind completely stopped blowing in the late afternoon. It was extremely hot and humid and we found no relief from the temperatures far outside our comfort zone. We went into the village and found an awesome restaurant, there we cooled off with a delicious food, and I had couple pints of CASS. We should have taken a room for 40,000Won/night, but thought the camping was more ideal. We were wrong, we spent the night sweating and imagining a cool breeze that wasn't there. Then a group of 12-15 noisy teenagers decided to have a midnight picnic nearby, the noise kept going despite all the sleeping Korean families tenting around us. Finally, I went over and warned the group to keep quiet, they mouthed off in English, and I let them know I would call the police if they didn't keep quiet. They kept on partying and screaming, and of course the police arrived, and they kept on screaming at the police, and then they started to clean up the mess, and they were all free to go. We finally got back to sleep about 1:30am, and by 3:00am it was cool, we slept until 6:00am. We got up and started to clean out the tent, and prepare to leave. As soon as the sun was in our path, we began to melt. I couldn't believe how hot and humid it became with the suns return that morning. We struggled to fold up our "Quick Setup", and brutally difficult to put down camping tent. Thank God someone had a brain, Mi Sung figured it out and collaped the tent properly, I offered a hand but no brain impulses, probably because I was sweating so profusely, I was overheated. We hit the road immediately, and we eventually caught a local bus running to Seogipo. We passed beautiful scenery along the way, both coastal nature and farming areas on our way. It was an inexpensive trip by bus, and with all the open windows, we enjoyed the fresh sea air. In Seogipo we stayed in a Minbak, or efficiency with a kitchenette and they did our laundry and the place was air-conditioned. It was such a relief we booked two nights immediately, cranked the air-conditioning and slept until mid-afternoon. Jungmun Beach was nearby and a lot of tourist attractions. We ate in a fine Korean restaurant, walked around, relaxed, and just enjoyed the place. I swam in the Pacific and in a fresh mineral water river that eventually finds it's way to the Pacific Ocean. This place had more to see, but we didn't do more than scratch the surface while staying cool most of the day either in the sea or river. I'd go back tomorrow, but we will be teaching again. It was worth every penny! ^+__+^

JEJU ISLAND - GETAWAY

We just returned from our petit vacances d'ete, we visited famed Jeju Island. Our first stop was Jeju International airport at the north end of the island. The elaborate plans I made in advance of our trip melted away on day 1. Instead of catching the 3:00pm ferry to Biyang-do from Hallimhang, we took a taxi directly to Geumneung/Hyeopjae Beaches which are within 1km view of the Biyang island. Geumneung Beach was our final destination for the first day. There we found clear Pacific blue waters, white sands and coal-black lava rocks dotting the coastline. The two beaches were separated by the campsites in a mixed palm and pine forest over the sandy dunes. The campsite was excellent for "day-camping or picknicking", we rested in the shade after our swim under some thick palm trees. The windy day was accompanied by warm sea breezes and salt water that felt like a bathtub in many shallow areas. The sealife was abundant, there were countless small crabs, sea snails, and tiny fish passing through the shallow waters. This beach was ideal for photography, snorkling, relaxing, or beaching like a small whale. Night camping was another story. The wind completely stopped blowing in the late afternoon. It was extremely hot and humid and we found no relief from the temperatures far outside our comfort zone. We went into the village and found an awesome restaurant, there we cooled off with a delicious food, and I had couple pints of CASS. We should have taken a room for 40,000Won/night, but thought the camping was more ideal. We were wrong, we spent the night sweating and imagining a cool breeze that wasn't there. Then a group of 12-15 noisy teenagers decided to have a midnight picnic nearby, the noise kept going despite all the sleeping Korean families tenting around us. Finally, I went over and warned the group to keep quiet, they mouthed off in English, and I let them know I would call the police if they didn't keep quiet. They kept on partying and screaming, and of course the police arrived, and they kept on screaming at the police, and then they started to clean up the mess, and they were all free to go. We finally got back to sleep about 1:30am, and by 3:00am it was cool, we slept until 6:00am. We got up and started to clean out the tent, and prepare to leave. As soon as the sun was in our path, we began to melt. I couldn't believe how hot and humid it became with the suns return that morning. We struggled to fold up our "Quick Setup", and brutally difficult to put down camping tent. Thank God someone had a brain, Mi Sung figured it out and collaped the tent properly, I offered a hand but no brain impulses, probably because I was sweating so profusely, I was overheated. We hit the road immediately, and we eventually caught a local bus running to Seogipo. We passed beautiful scenery along the way, both coastal nature and farming areas on our way. It was an inexpensive trip by bus, and with all the open windows, we enjoyed the fresh sea air. In Seogipo we stayed in a Minbak, or efficiency with a kitchenette and they did our laundry and the place was air-conditioned. It was such a relief we booked two nights immediately, cranked the air-conditioning and slept until mid-afternoon. Jungmun Beach was nearby and a lot of tourist attractions. We ate in a fine Korean restaurant, walked around, relaxed, and just enjoyed the place. I swam in the Pacific and in a fresh mineral water river that eventually finds it's way to the Pacific Ocean. This place had more to see, but we didn't do more than scratch the surface while staying cool most of the day either in the sea or river. I'd go back tomorrow, but we will be teaching again. It was worth every penny! ^+__+^

JEJU ISLAND - GETAWAY

We just returned from our petit vacances d'ete, we visited famed Jeju Island. Our first stop was Jeju International airport at the north end of the island. The elaborate plans I made in advance of our trip melted away on day 1. Instead of catching the 3:00pm ferry to Biyang-do from Hallimhang, we took a taxi directly to Geumneung/Hyeopjae Beaches which are within 1km view of the Biyang island. Geumneung Beach was our final destination for the first day. There we found clear Pacific blue waters, white sands and coal-black lava rocks dotting the coastline. The two beaches were separated by the campsites in a mixed palm and pine forest over the sandy dunes. The campsite was excellent for "day-camping or picknicking", we rested in the shade after our swim under some thick palm trees. The windy day was accompanied by warm sea breezes and salt water that felt like a bathtub in many shallow areas. The sealife was abundant, there were countless small crabs, sea snails, and tiny fish passing through the shallow waters. This beach was ideal for photography, snorkling, relaxing, or beaching like a small whale. Night camping was another story. The wind completely stopped blowing in the late afternoon. It was extremely hot and humid and we found no relief from the temperatures far outside our comfort zone. We went into the village and found an awesome restaurant, there we cooled off with a delicious food, and I had couple pints of CASS. We should have taken a room for 40,000Won/night, but thought the camping was more ideal. We were wrong, we spent the night sweating and imagining a cool breeze that wasn't there. Then a group of 12-15 noisy teenagers decided to have a midnight picnic nearby, the noise kept going despite all the sleeping Korean families tenting around us. Finally, I went over and warned the group to keep quiet, they mouthed off in English, and I let them know I would call the police if they didn't keep quiet. They kept on partying and screaming, and of course the police arrived, and they kept on screaming at the police, and then they started to clean up the mess, and they were all free to go. We finally got back to sleep about 1:30am, and by 3:00am it was cool, we slept until 6:00am. We got up and started to clean out the tent, and prepare to leave. As soon as the sun was in our path, we began to melt. I couldn't believe how hot and humid it became with the suns return that morning. We struggled to fold up our "Quick Setup", and brutally difficult to put down camping tent. Thank God someone had a brain, Mi Sung figured it out and collaped the tent properly, I offered a hand but no brain impulses, probably because I was sweating so profusely, I was overheated. We hit the road immediately, and we eventually caught a local bus running to Seogipo. We passed beautiful scenery along the way, both coastal nature and farming areas on our way. It was an inexpensive trip by bus, and with all the open windows, we enjoyed the fresh sea air. In Seogipo we stayed in a Minbak, or efficiency with a kitchenette and they did our laundry and the place was air-conditioned. It was such a relief we booked two nights immediately, cranked the air-conditioning and slept until mid-afternoon. Jungmun Beach was nearby and a lot of tourist attractions. We ate in a fine Korean restaurant, walked around, relaxed, and just enjoyed the place. I swam in the Pacific and in a fresh mineral water river that eventually finds it's way to the Pacific Ocean. This place had more to see, but we didn't do more than scratch the surface while staying cool most of the day either in the sea or river. I'd go back tomorrow, but we will be teaching again. It was worth every penny! ^+__+^

JEJU ISLAND - ROADTRIP

Finally we are out of the Hagwon and awaiting our domestic flight to Cheju-do, or Jeju Island. Are we excited, the answer is yes! The notice board says the weather is sunny in Jeju and I hope so. We want to see Mt. Hallasan, the guide book suggests that there are many car accidents there, due to the steep grade and curvy roads. I think it will be best to hire a car when we arrive there. Mi's thinking "take a bus around the island," but I don't think that would be convienent for two of us. First stop is an island 30 minutes from the airport. More to come to complete this entry.

JEJU ISLAND - ROADTRIP

Finally we are out of the Hagwon and awaiting our domestic flight to Cheju-do, or Jeju Island. Are we excited, the answer is yes! The notice board says the weather is sunny in Jeju and I hope so. We want to see Mt. Hallasan, the guide book suggests that there are many car accidents there, due to the steep grade and curvy roads. I think it will be best to hire a car when we arrive there. Mi's thinking "take a bus around the island," but I don't think that would be convienent for two of us. First stop is an island 30 minutes from the airport. More to come to complete this entry.

JEJU ISLAND - ROADTRIP

Finally we are out of the Hagwon and awaiting our domestic flight to Cheju-do, or Jeju Island. Are we excited, the answer is yes! The notice board says the weather is sunny in Jeju and I hope so. We want to see Mt. Hallasan, the guide book suggests that there are many car accidents there, due to the steep grade and curvy roads. I think it will be best to hire a car when we arrive there. Mi's thinking "take a bus around the island," but I don't think that would be convienent for two of us. First stop is an island 30 minutes from the airport. More to come to complete this entry.

JEJU ISLAND - ROADTRIP

Finally we are out of the Hagwon and awaiting our domestic flight to Cheju-do, or Jeju Island. Are we excited, the answer is yes! The notice board says the weather is sunny in Jeju and I hope so. We want to see Mt. Hallasan, the guide book suggests that there are many car accidents there, due to the steep grade and curvy roads. I think it will be best to hire a car when we arrive there. Mi's thinking "take a bus around the island," but I don't think that would be convienent for two of us. First stop is an island 30 minutes from the airport. More to come to complete this entry.

Meeting with Chris Daniels in Hwasung City!

Thanks Chris!!! It was a great reunion that couldn't have happened anywhere but, Hwasung City (South of Suwon, South Korea) near the Kia-Hyundai Research and Development center. Your English accent, Detroit-style, and Rocker attitude made the reunion even more exciting! Rollin Hills was definitely cool too. I still wonder what happended to the car that drove off Rollin Hills Rd...then we were off to the Noribon for some English/Korean kareoke. Thanks for inviting me on, can't wait to see you again in February 2008. Mi Sung sends her regards too, hello! Blessings...

Meeting with Chris Daniels in Hwasung City!

Thanks Chris!!! It was a great reunion that couldn't have happened anywhere but, Hwasung City (South of Suwon, South Korea) near the Kia-Hyundai Research and Development center. Your English accent, Detroit-style, and Rocker attitude made the reunion even more exciting! Rollin Hills was definitely cool too. I still wonder what happended to the car that drove off Rollin Hills Rd...then we were off to the Noribon for some English/Korean kareoke. Thanks for inviting me on, can't wait to see you again in February 2008. Mi Sung sends her regards too, hello! Blessings...

Meeting with Chris Daniels in Hwasung City!

Thanks Chris!!! It was a great reunion that couldn't have happened anywhere but, Hwasung City (South of Suwon, South Korea) near the Kia-Hyundai Research and Development center. Your English accent, Detroit-style, and Rocker attitude made the reunion even more exciting! Rollin Hills was definitely cool too. I still wonder what happended to the car that drove off Rollin Hills Rd...then we were off to the Noribon for some English/Korean kareoke. Thanks for inviting me on, can't wait to see you again in February 2008. Mi Sung sends her regards too, hello! Blessings...

Meeting with Chris Daniels in Hwasung City!

Thanks Chris!!! It was a great reunion that couldn't have happened anywhere but, Hwasung City (South of Suwon, South Korea) near the Kia-Hyundai Research and Development center. Your English accent, Detroit-style, and Rocker attitude made the reunion even more exciting! Rollin Hills was definitely cool too. I still wonder what happended to the car that drove off Rollin Hills Rd...then we were off to the Noribon for some English/Korean kareoke. Thanks for inviting me on, can't wait to see you again in February 2008. Mi Sung sends her regards too, hello! Blessings...

SOUTH KOREA SOCCER, 2007 PEACE CUP KOREA

Yesterday we went to the 2007 Peace Cup, a soccer tournament in South Korea. The two teams were from professional leagues in Spain and England. The stadium is the former 2002 FIFA World Cup stadium located in Ilsan, near Daewha subway station, exit #3. Mi and I attended with many other foreign teachers and tickets were 24,000 KRW each. Scalpers were also selling tickets for 10,000 Korean Won a piece, outside the stadium. The match lasted 90 minutes, which is a standard length game. Jeremiah had the best time of all when he found "the danger zone" with his Soju-Gatorade Big Gulp! The last subway left Daewha Station at 10:30pm, we were just in time, and the trip back home lasted 2 hours. Last weekend's trip to the Boryeong Mud Festival cost almost the same price, I would have loved to have done that again, but the holiday provided the R&R I needed to keep pace back at school. Our intensive sessions will start on the 24th of July. Longer teaching hours and the same money...hmmm. Well, it's good keeping busy during the off moments in Korea. ^_____^ Take Care!

SOUTH KOREA SOCCER, 2007 PEACE CUP KOREA

Yesterday we went to the 2007 Peace Cup, a soccer tournament in South Korea. The two teams were from professional leagues in Spain and England. The stadium is the former 2002 FIFA World Cup stadium located in Ilsan, near Daewha subway station, exit #3. Mi and I attended with many other foreign teachers and tickets were 24,000 KRW each. Scalpers were also selling tickets for 10,000 Korean Won a piece, outside the stadium. The match lasted 90 minutes, which is a standard length game. Jeremiah had the best time of all when he found "the danger zone" with his Soju-Gatorade Big Gulp! The last subway left Daewha Station at 10:30pm, we were just in time, and the trip back home lasted 2 hours. Last weekend's trip to the Boryeong Mud Festival cost almost the same price, I would have loved to have done that again, but the holiday provided the R&R I needed to keep pace back at school. Our intensive sessions will start on the 24th of July. Longer teaching hours and the same money...hmmm. Well, it's good keeping busy during the off moments in Korea. ^_____^ Take Care!

SOUTH KOREA SOCCER, 2007 PEACE CUP KOREA

Yesterday we went to the 2007 Peace Cup, a soccer tournament in South Korea. The two teams were from professional leagues in Spain and England. The stadium is the former 2002 FIFA World Cup stadium located in Ilsan, near Daewha subway station, exit #3. Mi and I attended with many other foreign teachers and tickets were 24,000 KRW each. Scalpers were also selling tickets for 10,000 Korean Won a piece, outside the stadium. The match lasted 90 minutes, which is a standard length game. Jeremiah had the best time of all when he found "the danger zone" with his Soju-Gatorade Big Gulp! The last subway left Daewha Station at 10:30pm, we were just in time, and the trip back home lasted 2 hours. Last weekend's trip to the Boryeong Mud Festival cost almost the same price, I would have loved to have done that again, but the holiday provided the R&R I needed to keep pace back at school. Our intensive sessions will start on the 24th of July. Longer teaching hours and the same money...hmmm. Well, it's good keeping busy during the off moments in Korea. ^_____^ Take Care!

SOUTH KOREA SOCCER, 2007 PEACE CUP KOREA

Yesterday we went to the 2007 Peace Cup, a soccer tournament in South Korea. The two teams were from professional leagues in Spain and England. The stadium is the former 2002 FIFA World Cup stadium located in Ilsan, near Daewha subway station, exit #3. Mi and I attended with many other foreign teachers and tickets were 24,000 KRW each. Scalpers were also selling tickets for 10,000 Korean Won a piece, outside the stadium. The match lasted 90 minutes, which is a standard length game. Jeremiah had the best time of all when he found "the danger zone" with his Soju-Gatorade Big Gulp! The last subway left Daewha Station at 10:30pm, we were just in time, and the trip back home lasted 2 hours. Last weekend's trip to the Boryeong Mud Festival cost almost the same price, I would have loved to have done that again, but the holiday provided the R&R I needed to keep pace back at school. Our intensive sessions will start on the 24th of July. Longer teaching hours and the same money...hmmm. Well, it's good keeping busy during the off moments in Korea. ^_____^ Take Care!

Typhoon - Man Yi

I've been tracking the tropical storm-turned Typhoon Man Yi for the past few days. There is the annual "Mud Festival" in Daecheon this weekend on the western coast of the Korean peninsula. Mi is opposed to the trip for the general inconvienences, also the rest of our teachers are all going to camp in the pine forest along the beach. What kind of weather can we expect this weekend is cloudy and humid. I believe the typhoon has crossed Taiwan and will curve northeast along the southern islands of Japan before it dissipates into the East Sea (Sea of Japan). Mi's mountain bike had front-shock failure so we sent it back on warrenty. My bike has clocked hundreds of Kilometers since I started riding in February of this year. The weather has been humid, but the frequent showers flush all the pollutants out of the air, the following days feature the rare blue skies in Korea. Surrounded by water on all sides except for the border with North Korea, we find intense humidity and cloudiness common almost year-round. Boryeong Beach would be exciting for this coming weekend, but I'm not sure if I'm "allowed" to go.

Typhoon - Man Yi

I've been tracking the tropical storm-turned Typhoon Man Yi for the past few days. There is the annual "Mud Festival" in Daecheon this weekend on the western coast of the Korean peninsula. Mi is opposed to the trip for the general inconvienences, also the rest of our teachers are all going to camp in the pine forest along the beach. What kind of weather can we expect this weekend is cloudy and humid. I believe the typhoon has crossed Taiwan and will curve northeast along the southern islands of Japan before it dissipates into the East Sea (Sea of Japan). Mi's mountain bike had front-shock failure so we sent it back on warrenty. My bike has clocked hundreds of Kilometers since I started riding in February of this year. The weather has been humid, but the frequent showers flush all the pollutants out of the air, the following days feature the rare blue skies in Korea. Surrounded by water on all sides except for the border with North Korea, we find intense humidity and cloudiness common almost year-round. Boryeong Beach would be exciting for this coming weekend, but I'm not sure if I'm "allowed" to go.

Typhoon - Man Yi

I've been tracking the tropical storm-turned Typhoon Man Yi for the past few days. There is the annual "Mud Festival" in Daecheon this weekend on the western coast of the Korean peninsula. Mi is opposed to the trip for the general inconvienences, also the rest of our teachers are all going to camp in the pine forest along the beach. What kind of weather can we expect this weekend is cloudy and humid. I believe the typhoon has crossed Taiwan and will curve northeast along the southern islands of Japan before it dissipates into the East Sea (Sea of Japan). Mi's mountain bike had front-shock failure so we sent it back on warrenty. My bike has clocked hundreds of Kilometers since I started riding in February of this year. The weather has been humid, but the frequent showers flush all the pollutants out of the air, the following days feature the rare blue skies in Korea. Surrounded by water on all sides except for the border with North Korea, we find intense humidity and cloudiness common almost year-round. Boryeong Beach would be exciting for this coming weekend, but I'm not sure if I'm "allowed" to go.

Typhoon - Man Yi

I've been tracking the tropical storm-turned Typhoon Man Yi for the past few days. There is the annual "Mud Festival" in Daecheon this weekend on the western coast of the Korean peninsula. Mi is opposed to the trip for the general inconvienences, also the rest of our teachers are all going to camp in the pine forest along the beach. What kind of weather can we expect this weekend is cloudy and humid. I believe the typhoon has crossed Taiwan and will curve northeast along the southern islands of Japan before it dissipates into the East Sea (Sea of Japan). Mi's mountain bike had front-shock failure so we sent it back on warrenty. My bike has clocked hundreds of Kilometers since I started riding in February of this year. The weather has been humid, but the frequent showers flush all the pollutants out of the air, the following days feature the rare blue skies in Korea. Surrounded by water on all sides except for the border with North Korea, we find intense humidity and cloudiness common almost year-round. Boryeong Beach would be exciting for this coming weekend, but I'm not sure if I'm "allowed" to go.

Friendships in Korea

It's difficult to maintain the level of friendships we might take for granted in our homelands while living overseas. Though I work with many foreigners, it is easy to be out-of-touch, and hence, it forces me to look elsewhere for renewed friendships and fellowship. Dave and Andrew have filled the gap, and with our recent trips to some islands on the west coast, hike across Bukansan in Seoul months ago, and other trips around Seoul have helped bite off the boredom here in Korea. I value their friendships. Dave's off to Canada today, and Andrew will be leaving for law school in the fall. With the exception of the occasional "staff-sponsored BBQ", it's just Mi Sung and I to spend our days together. So, I think one of the toughest challenges is finding true friends ^^++. Teaching English in Korea is not considered a profession by most, it's just a way to save money, pay college loans, and see more of asia for a year in transition after college. Unfortunately for me, life in Korea has more of a permanent tenure and with it comes a responsibility to reside longer than most foreigners I see...I miss alot of things back home, friends, family, and everything that's connected to the life I value. It's too easy to be a stranger here, and it forces you to make the best of each day, regardless of how others treat you...boohoo! I miss my world, I miss Canada, I miss my friends and especially my family!!!

Friendships in Korea

It's difficult to maintain the level of friendships we might take for granted in our homelands while living overseas. Though I work with many foreigners, it is easy to be out-of-touch, and hence, it forces me to look elsewhere for renewed friendships and fellowship. Dave and Andrew have filled the gap, and with our recent trips to some islands on the west coast, hike across Bukansan in Seoul months ago, and other trips around Seoul have helped bite off the boredom here in Korea. I value their friendships. Dave's off to Canada today, and Andrew will be leaving for law school in the fall. With the exception of the occasional "staff-sponsored BBQ", it's just Mi Sung and I to spend our days together. So, I think one of the toughest challenges is finding true friends ^^++. Teaching English in Korea is not considered a profession by most, it's just a way to save money, pay college loans, and see more of asia for a year in transition after college. Unfortunately for me, life in Korea has more of a permanent tenure and with it comes a responsibility to reside longer than most foreigners I see...I miss alot of things back home, friends, family, and everything that's connected to the life I value. It's too easy to be a stranger here, and it forces you to make the best of each day, regardless of how others treat you...boohoo! I miss my world, I miss Canada, I miss my friends and especially my family!!!

Friendships in Korea

It's difficult to maintain the level of friendships we might take for granted in our homelands while living overseas. Though I work with many foreigners, it is easy to be out-of-touch, and hence, it forces me to look elsewhere for renewed friendships and fellowship. Dave and Andrew have filled the gap, and with our recent trips to some islands on the west coast, hike across Bukansan in Seoul months ago, and other trips around Seoul have helped bite off the boredom here in Korea. I value their friendships. Dave's off to Canada today, and Andrew will be leaving for law school in the fall. With the exception of the occasional "staff-sponsored BBQ", it's just Mi Sung and I to spend our days together. So, I think one of the toughest challenges is finding true friends ^^++. Teaching English in Korea is not considered a profession by most, it's just a way to save money, pay college loans, and see more of asia for a year in transition after college. Unfortunately for me, life in Korea has more of a permanent tenure and with it comes a responsibility to reside longer than most foreigners I see...I miss alot of things back home, friends, family, and everything that's connected to the life I value. It's too easy to be a stranger here, and it forces you to make the best of each day, regardless of how others treat you...boohoo! I miss my world, I miss Canada, I miss my friends and especially my family!!!

Friendships in Korea

It's difficult to maintain the level of friendships we might take for granted in our homelands while living overseas. Though I work with many foreigners, it is easy to be out-of-touch, and hence, it forces me to look elsewhere for renewed friendships and fellowship. Dave and Andrew have filled the gap, and with our recent trips to some islands on the west coast, hike across Bukansan in Seoul months ago, and other trips around Seoul have helped bite off the boredom here in Korea. I value their friendships. Dave's off to Canada today, and Andrew will be leaving for law school in the fall. With the exception of the occasional "staff-sponsored BBQ", it's just Mi Sung and I to spend our days together. So, I think one of the toughest challenges is finding true friends ^^++. Teaching English in Korea is not considered a profession by most, it's just a way to save money, pay college loans, and see more of asia for a year in transition after college. Unfortunately for me, life in Korea has more of a permanent tenure and with it comes a responsibility to reside longer than most foreigners I see...I miss alot of things back home, friends, family, and everything that's connected to the life I value. It's too easy to be a stranger here, and it forces you to make the best of each day, regardless of how others treat you...boohoo! I miss my world, I miss Canada, I miss my friends and especially my family!!!

DMZ - DEMILITARIZED ZONE, KOREA

I went on the USO DMZ tour a few weeks ago with Andrew & Dave. We took the early morning subway to Camp Kim, a US military base located in Samgakji, Seoul, South Korea. The tour bus rode the "Freedom or Unification Highway" and took us to Camp Bonifas. Bonifas was a victim in the Axe murders in 1976, when a US-ROK tree-trimming exercise went wrong. The US and ROK (Republic of Korea) soldiers were unarmed and went to trim a tree near Check Point 3, and were ambushed by North Korean soldiers wielding axes. We saw the Military Armistice Commission building and the "Bridge of No Return", where at the end of the Korean War, POW's were allowed to cross over. In the distance, we looked into North Korea's Propaganda Village. It's a small apartment complex development that was uninhabited until opening of the Kaesong Industrial Complex in 2004. We also visited the Third Tunnel that was discovered by South Koreans in October 1978. There were 4 infiltration tunnels dug under the DMZ by North Korea, the third was said to be a "coal mine" by officals in North Korea. The tunnel was dug through granite rock, the walls of the tunnel were painted black to look like coal, though none was found in these North-South underground throughways. South Korea build a water reservoir dividing the 3rd tunnel from North Korea, there a series of concrete walls dividing the countries today. There was an eerie silence along the border we visited. The untaxed, sprawling rice farms along the southside, generate 70 Billion Won (75,000,000 USD/annum) were maintained by direct decendants of their Korean families. They live in simplicity, although they have a 9:00pm curfew, and must be present on the farms 240/365 days of the year. The profile of traditional Korean farmers is probably propaganda to the visiting North Koreans, the few who actually do tours on the north side. It was an interesting site, and a definite reminder that these sides are still divided along the 38th Parallel. Though few North Korean soldiers were visible spying on us (from watch towers), knowing that more than 1,000,000 soldiers were posted within an hour into North Korea is chilling. The DMZ is 248 km/155 miles long and approximately 4 km/2.5 miles wide, and is reportedly the most heavily armed border in the world. I won't visit the area again, though, it gave a better perspective while living in the southern half of the divided country.

DMZ - DEMILITARIZED ZONE, KOREA

I went on the USO DMZ tour a few weeks ago with Andrew & Dave. We took the early morning subway to Camp Kim, a US military base located in Samgakji, Seoul, South Korea. The tour bus rode the "Freedom or Unification Highway" and took us to Camp Bonifas. Bonifas was a victim in the Axe murders in 1976, when a US-ROK tree-trimming exercise went wrong. The US and ROK (Republic of Korea) soldiers were unarmed and went to trim a tree near Check Point 3, and were ambushed by North Korean soldiers wielding axes. We saw the Military Armistice Commission building and the "Bridge of No Return", where at the end of the Korean War, POW's were allowed to cross over. In the distance, we looked into North Korea's Propaganda Village. It's a small apartment complex development that was uninhabited until opening of the Kaesong Industrial Complex in 2004. We also visited the Third Tunnel that was discovered by South Koreans in October 1978. There were 4 infiltration tunnels dug under the DMZ by North Korea, the third was said to be a "coal mine" by officals in North Korea. The tunnel was dug through granite rock, the walls of the tunnel were painted black to look like coal, though none was found in these North-South underground throughways. South Korea build a water reservoir dividing the 3rd tunnel from North Korea, there a series of concrete walls dividing the countries today. There was an eerie silence along the border we visited. The untaxed, sprawling rice farms along the southside, generate 70 Billion Won (75,000,000 USD/annum) were maintained by direct decendants of their Korean families. They live in simplicity, although they have a 9:00pm curfew, and must be present on the farms 240/365 days of the year. The profile of traditional Korean farmers is probably propaganda to the visiting North Koreans, the few who actually do tours on the north side. It was an interesting site, and a definite reminder that these sides are still divided along the 38th Parallel. Though few North Korean soldiers were visible spying on us (from watch towers), knowing that more than 1,000,000 soldiers were posted within an hour into North Korea is chilling. The DMZ is 248 km/155 miles long and approximately 4 km/2.5 miles wide, and is reportedly the most heavily armed border in the world. I won't visit the area again, though, it gave a better perspective while living in the southern half of the divided country.

DMZ - DEMILITARIZED ZONE, KOREA

I went on the USO DMZ tour a few weeks ago with Andrew & Dave. We took the early morning subway to Camp Kim, a US military base located in Samgakji, Seoul, South Korea. The tour bus rode the "Freedom or Unification Highway" and took us to Camp Bonifas. Bonifas was a victim in the Axe murders in 1976, when a US-ROK tree-trimming exercise went wrong. The US and ROK (Republic of Korea) soldiers were unarmed and went to trim a tree near Check Point 3, and were ambushed by North Korean soldiers wielding axes. We saw the Military Armistice Commission building and the "Bridge of No Return", where at the end of the Korean War, POW's were allowed to cross over. In the distance, we looked into North Korea's Propaganda Village. It's a small apartment complex development that was uninhabited until opening of the Kaesong Industrial Complex in 2004. We also visited the Third Tunnel that was discovered by South Koreans in October 1978. There were 4 infiltration tunnels dug under the DMZ by North Korea, the third was said to be a "coal mine" by officals in North Korea. The tunnel was dug through granite rock, the walls of the tunnel were painted black to look like coal, though none was found in these North-South underground throughways. South Korea build a water reservoir dividing the 3rd tunnel from North Korea, there a series of concrete walls dividing the countries today. There was an eerie silence along the border we visited. The untaxed, sprawling rice farms along the southside, generate 70 Billion Won (75,000,000 USD/annum) were maintained by direct decendants of their Korean families. They live in simplicity, although they have a 9:00pm curfew, and must be present on the farms 240/365 days of the year. The profile of traditional Korean farmers is probably propaganda to the visiting North Koreans, the few who actually do tours on the north side. It was an interesting site, and a definite reminder that these sides are still divided along the 38th Parallel. Though few North Korean soldiers were visible spying on us (from watch towers), knowing that more than 1,000,000 soldiers were posted within an hour into North Korea is chilling. The DMZ is 248 km/155 miles long and approximately 4 km/2.5 miles wide, and is reportedly the most heavily armed border in the world. I won't visit the area again, though, it gave a better perspective while living in the southern half of the divided country.

DMZ - DEMILITARIZED ZONE, KOREA

I went on the USO DMZ tour a few weeks ago with Andrew & Dave. We took the early morning subway to Camp Kim, a US military base located in Samgakji, Seoul, South Korea. The tour bus rode the "Freedom or Unification Highway" and took us to Camp Bonifas. Bonifas was a victim in the Axe murders in 1976, when a US-ROK tree-trimming exercise went wrong. The US and ROK (Republic of Korea) soldiers were unarmed and went to trim a tree near Check Point 3, and were ambushed by North Korean soldiers wielding axes. We saw the Military Armistice Commission building and the "Bridge of No Return", where at the end of the Korean War, POW's were allowed to cross over. In the distance, we looked into North Korea's Propaganda Village. It's a small apartment complex development that was uninhabited until opening of the Kaesong Industrial Complex in 2004. We also visited the Third Tunnel that was discovered by South Koreans in October 1978. There were 4 infiltration tunnels dug under the DMZ by North Korea, the third was said to be a "coal mine" by officals in North Korea. The tunnel was dug through granite rock, the walls of the tunnel were painted black to look like coal, though none was found in these North-South underground throughways. South Korea build a water reservoir dividing the 3rd tunnel from North Korea, there a series of concrete walls dividing the countries today. There was an eerie silence along the border we visited. The untaxed, sprawling rice farms along the southside, generate 70 Billion Won (75,000,000 USD/annum) were maintained by direct decendants of their Korean families. They live in simplicity, although they have a 9:00pm curfew, and must be present on the farms 240/365 days of the year. The profile of traditional Korean farmers is probably propaganda to the visiting North Koreans, the few who actually do tours on the north side. It was an interesting site, and a definite reminder that these sides are still divided along the 38th Parallel. Though few North Korean soldiers were visible spying on us (from watch towers), knowing that more than 1,000,000 soldiers were posted within an hour into North Korea is chilling. The DMZ is 248 km/155 miles long and approximately 4 km/2.5 miles wide, and is reportedly the most heavily armed border in the world. I won't visit the area again, though, it gave a better perspective while living in the southern half of the divided country.

Deokjeokdo - Island Trip

Last weekend we decided to visit an island in the Yellow Sea. Deokjeokdo is 77 km's to the southwest of Incheon's Yeon'an Pier. Unfortunately, the high-speed ferry smelled like a urinal, fortunately, we got into a private side compartment and enjoyed the 1.2 hr ride directly to the mysterious island getaway.

Upon arrival to the ferry terminal, w were offered a lift to the Seopori Beach by a Halmoni (grandmother) who ran her own yeogwon/hotel. We accepted the ride unaware of that the group of hikers accompanying the Halmoni were family members of hers expecting us to stay together. We promptly declined the invitation because they didn't seem genuine. She followed us for a while and wasn't ready to take no as the answer. Then she kept saying, "S*x, s*x, s*x..." We took a trail through the trees to the beach and lost her.

The beach was spectacular as the guidebook described. We stayed in a very rustic yeogwon right on the beach. We swam in the Yellow Sea, it appeared clean. A little sun came out, I had a few Cass's from the old women running the Beachside Yeogwon. A Good time.

The night came with our small fireworks celebration, in fact, it was July 1 - Canada Day, so Dave and I had a good reason to celebrate. It was getting cool, and we watched a modified pickup circle the bay with a Fogger smoking for mosquitoes. We took a short walk along the bay, and finally returned to our room in the Yeogwon.

The rain pounded the Yeogwon all night, I thought we might get washed away. The building was a mixture of cement, wood, fiberglass (center courtyard cover). It was noisy, I wish we had spent the night in a hotel. I listened to my MP3s to drown out the thunder and pouring rain.

The following day, at 10:00am we were standed in Seopori Beach. Dave wanted to catch the bus, I wanted to relax more. Once the bus left, I was ready to go too. Unfortunately, buses don't run often. The next bus didn't return until 2:10 pm. Then we met a Korean-Australian nurse, she was really cool and invited us into her mother's clinic for juice and tea. We stayed there until the bus was coming. The bus zig-zagged the island and we finally reached the ferry landing at 3:20pm.

Our ferry pulled up at 3:30 pm, but...it wasn't leaving till 5:20 pm. We walked to another pier and the slow boat, a car/passenger ferry pulled up. They were leaving right away, it looked clean and had relaxing patio chairs on outer decks, it looked like heaven compared to the tin-pot we had arrived on. We bought extra tickets for another 18,000 Won, and caught the ferry, yippee! We were off the island!!!

The trip would have cost 18,000 Won/each roundtrip had we bought from the correct ferry! We spend about 40,000 Won each. Hmmm. Double. It helps if you can speak Korean

The ferry was awesome, it was a 3-hour ride, it had big-screen TV's and a heated floor to stretch out on (on one deck), and there were other places to hangout or sight see through many islands. We made about 5 stops (10 mins each) picking up more passengers and cars on different islands on the return to Incheon. We slept a little too, it was great.

Overall, it was a good trip with beers, fireworks, and a beach to celebrate Canada Day. Maybe I'll return in August with Mi Sung...it would be fun to do it again. ^^++

Deokjeokdo - Island Trip

Last weekend we decided to visit an island in the Yellow Sea. Deokjeokdo is 77 km's to the southwest of Incheon's Yeon'an Pier. Unfortunately, the high-speed ferry smelled like a urinal, fortunately, we got into a private side compartment and enjoyed the 1.2 hr ride directly to the mysterious island getaway.

Upon arrival to the ferry terminal, w were offered a lift to the Seopori Beach by a Halmoni (grandmother) who ran her own yeogwon/hotel. We accepted the ride unaware of that the group of hikers accompanying the Halmoni were family members of hers expecting us to stay together. We promptly declined the invitation because they didn't seem genuine. She followed us for a while and wasn't ready to take no as the answer. Then she kept saying, "S*x, s*x, s*x..." We took a trail through the trees to the beach and lost her.

The beach was spectacular as the guidebook described. We stayed in a very rustic yeogwon right on the beach. We swam in the Yellow Sea, it appeared clean. A little sun came out, I had a few Cass's from the old women running the Beachside Yeogwon. A Good time.

The night came with our small fireworks celebration, in fact, it was July 1 - Canada Day, so Dave and I had a good reason to celebrate. It was getting cool, and we watched a modified pickup circle the bay with a Fogger smoking for mosquitoes. We took a short walk along the bay, and finally returned to our room in the Yeogwon.

The rain pounded the Yeogwon all night, I thought we might get washed away. The building was a mixture of cement, wood, fiberglass (center courtyard cover). It was noisy, I wish we had spent the night in a hotel. I listened to my MP3s to drown out the thunder and pouring rain.

The following day, at 10:00am we were standed in Seopori Beach. Dave wanted to catch the bus, I wanted to relax more. Once the bus left, I was ready to go too. Unfortunately, buses don't run often. The next bus didn't return until 2:10 pm. Then we met a Korean-Australian nurse, she was really cool and invited us into her mother's clinic for juice and tea. We stayed there until the bus was coming. The bus zig-zagged the island and we finally reached the ferry landing at 3:20pm.

Our ferry pulled up at 3:30 pm, but...it wasn't leaving till 5:20 pm. We walked to another pier and the slow boat, a car/passenger ferry pulled up. They were leaving right away, it looked clean and had relaxing patio chairs on outer decks, it looked like heaven compared to the tin-pot we had arrived on. We bought extra tickets for another 18,000 Won, and caught the ferry, yippee! We were off the island!!!

The trip would have cost 18,000 Won/each roundtrip had we bought from the correct ferry! We spend about 40,000 Won each. Hmmm. Double. It helps if you can speak Korean

The ferry was awesome, it was a 3-hour ride, it had big-screen TV's and a heated floor to stretch out on (on one deck), and there were other places to hangout or sight see through many islands. We made about 5 stops (10 mins each) picking up more passengers and cars on different islands on the return to Incheon. We slept a little too, it was great.

Overall, it was a good trip with beers, fireworks, and a beach to celebrate Canada Day. Maybe I'll return in August with Mi Sung...it would be fun to do it again. ^^++

Deokjeokdo - Island Trip

Last weekend we decided to visit an island in the Yellow Sea. Deokjeokdo is 77 km's to the southwest of Incheon's Yeon'an Pier. Unfortunately, the high-speed ferry smelled like a urinal, fortunately, we got into a private side compartment and enjoyed the 1.2 hr ride directly to the mysterious island getaway.

Upon arrival to the ferry terminal, w were offered a lift to the Seopori Beach by a Halmoni (grandmother) who ran her own yeogwon/hotel. We accepted the ride unaware of that the group of hikers accompanying the Halmoni were family members of hers expecting us to stay together. We promptly declined the invitation because they didn't seem genuine. She followed us for a while and wasn't ready to take no as the answer. Then she kept saying, "S*x, s*x, s*x..." We took a trail through the trees to the beach and lost her.

The beach was spectacular as the guidebook described. We stayed in a very rustic yeogwon right on the beach. We swam in the Yellow Sea, it appeared clean. A little sun came out, I had a few Cass's from the old women running the Beachside Yeogwon. A Good time.

The night came with our small fireworks celebration, in fact, it was July 1 - Canada Day, so Dave and I had a good reason to celebrate. It was getting cool, and we watched a modified pickup circle the bay with a Fogger smoking for mosquitoes. We took a short walk along the bay, and finally returned to our room in the Yeogwon.

The rain pounded the Yeogwon all night, I thought we might get washed away. The building was a mixture of cement, wood, fiberglass (center courtyard cover). It was noisy, I wish we had spent the night in a hotel. I listened to my MP3s to drown out the thunder and pouring rain.

The following day, at 10:00am we were standed in Seopori Beach. Dave wanted to catch the bus, I wanted to relax more. Once the bus left, I was ready to go too. Unfortunately, buses don't run often. The next bus didn't return until 2:10 pm. Then we met a Korean-Australian nurse, she was really cool and invited us into her mother's clinic for juice and tea. We stayed there until the bus was coming. The bus zig-zagged the island and we finally reached the ferry landing at 3:20pm.

Our ferry pulled up at 3:30 pm, but...it wasn't leaving till 5:20 pm. We walked to another pier and the slow boat, a car/passenger ferry pulled up. They were leaving right away, it looked clean and had relaxing patio chairs on outer decks, it looked like heaven compared to the tin-pot we had arrived on. We bought extra tickets for another 18,000 Won, and caught the ferry, yippee! We were off the island!!!

The trip would have cost 18,000 Won/each roundtrip had we bought from the correct ferry! We spend about 40,000 Won each. Hmmm. Double. It helps if you can speak Korean

The ferry was awesome, it was a 3-hour ride, it had big-screen TV's and a heated floor to stretch out on (on one deck), and there were other places to hangout or sight see through many islands. We made about 5 stops (10 mins each) picking up more passengers and cars on different islands on the return to Incheon. We slept a little too, it was great.

Overall, it was a good trip with beers, fireworks, and a beach to celebrate Canada Day. Maybe I'll return in August with Mi Sung...it would be fun to do it again. ^^++

Deokjeokdo - Island Trip

Last weekend we decided to visit an island in the Yellow Sea. Deokjeokdo is 77 km's to the southwest of Incheon's Yeon'an Pier. Unfortunately, the high-speed ferry smelled like a urinal, fortunately, we got into a private side compartment and enjoyed the 1.2 hr ride directly to the mysterious island getaway.

Upon arrival to the ferry terminal, w were offered a lift to the Seopori Beach by a Halmoni (grandmother) who ran her own yeogwon/hotel. We accepted the ride unaware of that the group of hikers accompanying the Halmoni were family members of hers expecting us to stay together. We promptly declined the invitation because they didn't seem genuine. She followed us for a while and wasn't ready to take no as the answer. Then she kept saying, "S*x, s*x, s*x..." We took a trail through the trees to the beach and lost her.

The beach was spectacular as the guidebook described. We stayed in a very rustic yeogwon right on the beach. We swam in the Yellow Sea, it appeared clean. A little sun came out, I had a few Cass's from the old women running the Beachside Yeogwon. A Good time.

The night came with our small fireworks celebration, in fact, it was July 1 - Canada Day, so Dave and I had a good reason to celebrate. It was getting cool, and we watched a modified pickup circle the bay with a Fogger smoking for mosquitoes. We took a short walk along the bay, and finally returned to our room in the Yeogwon.

The rain pounded the Yeogwon all night, I thought we might get washed away. The building was a mixture of cement, wood, fiberglass (center courtyard cover). It was noisy, I wish we had spent the night in a hotel. I listened to my MP3s to drown out the thunder and pouring rain.

The following day, at 10:00am we were standed in Seopori Beach. Dave wanted to catch the bus, I wanted to relax more. Once the bus left, I was ready to go too. Unfortunately, buses don't run often. The next bus didn't return until 2:10 pm. Then we met a Korean-Australian nurse, she was really cool and invited us into her mother's clinic for juice and tea. We stayed there until the bus was coming. The bus zig-zagged the island and we finally reached the ferry landing at 3:20pm.

Our ferry pulled up at 3:30 pm, but...it wasn't leaving till 5:20 pm. We walked to another pier and the slow boat, a car/passenger ferry pulled up. They were leaving right away, it looked clean and had relaxing patio chairs on outer decks, it looked like heaven compared to the tin-pot we had arrived on. We bought extra tickets for another 18,000 Won, and caught the ferry, yippee! We were off the island!!!

The trip would have cost 18,000 Won/each roundtrip had we bought from the correct ferry! We spend about 40,000 Won each. Hmmm. Double. It helps if you can speak Korean

The ferry was awesome, it was a 3-hour ride, it had big-screen TV's and a heated floor to stretch out on (on one deck), and there were other places to hangout or sight see through many islands. We made about 5 stops (10 mins each) picking up more passengers and cars on different islands on the return to Incheon. We slept a little too, it was great.

Overall, it was a good trip with beers, fireworks, and a beach to celebrate Canada Day. Maybe I'll return in August with Mi Sung...it would be fun to do it again. ^^++