First Day

I was not able to sleep very much--off and on til around 7 am. Bohye went on a trip with some of her friends and left early in the morning. The night before we stopped at Paris Baguette to get some bread for breakfast so when I woke up her mom had me eat. It is really motivating at times to learn Korean because it was...awkward to be staying in someone's home and not be able to communicate with them at all--I felt bad.

Around 11 Mrs. Kim walked me to the subway station near their home so I could go into Seoul for my weekend activities. I had my subway T Money Card (a subway pass) but didn't remember how much was on it. I had to explain I needed to use an ATM to her. So we went to the one in the station, but it didn't accept foreign cards. I could see that on the machine, but it only said that in English and Chinese so she didn't understand and tried to help and put my card in! It didn't work and my card was stuck in the machine for about 2 minutes while it tried to figure out what was going on. She put it in one more time, all the while in my limited Korean I tried to ask if we could go to a different machine. I also asked if there was a bank nearby. So we went to another bank and was able to get the money. Back to the subway station and I was off to Seoul! I checked into my guesthouse--I'm so thankful for the smartphone I have because I was able to get a map application and it shows where I am and all the little streets and I can navigate-otherwise I probably wouldn't have found the guesthouse. I was hoping to shower there, but it was already time to go and meet my friend Maite for lunch. She came with another US adoptee named Cody. He's been living in Korea for 17 years! We went to a bbq type place--it is cooked on a tray on the table in front of you with spicy sauce, bean sprouts, shaved pork and...a few other things I'm not remembering. We ordered the less spicy one, but when it arrived, there were 2 huge squids on top. The guy started cutting it up and Cody stopped him and told him we didn't want squid. The poor guy stood there for probably 2 minutes--he had no idea what to do! Finally he did end up taking it back, but later as I was eating I found a few short pieces of arm/tentacle in my dish!

After lunch we parted ways and I took a shower. I relaxed a bit and then thought I would go see where the soccer fields were that I would be playing on. Again, I used my new map application and was able to navigate my way there. I also downloaded an app that lets you track the distance you walk and your pace and calories burned. It's pretty neat. I found the fields, but the strap on my sandal broke! (these are my favorite sandals and I've probably done 5 repairs on them) It wasn't as bad as the last time the strap came off, but it was still a little tricky to walk in. Unfortunately I had wanted to do some more walking before I was to meet my friend Min Kyung (MK) for dinner. So instead of doing my walking I hopped on the subway and waited to meet her. I sat on a bus bench and waited probably 30 minutes for her. We went to a noodle/soup restaurant that we had gone to in Nov/Dec together. She was sweet and bought me dinner. We were both so full after we ate, she suggested we take a little walk to Myeongdong and shop. I told her about my sandal so we set about looking for gold sandals--gold is not in in Korea right now so we had no luck. I figured if I can borrow glue from her, I might be okay and also reasoned that summer is coming to an end so I probably don't need to buy a pair of sandals anyway. After we were done shopping, she asked if I wanted coffee. I reminded her that milk makes me sick and she suggested I could still drink something else. We went to Dunkin Donuts and I ordered a smoothie type drink. She was going to pay again but she didn't resist when I insisted I pay. We sat and talked for about an hour and I figured I should probably go back and get some rest.

Incheon Landing

Well, "this" morning (Monday, July 29th, Chicago time) came all too quickly. I had to give my baby-dog a hug goodbye and kissed his little brown face one last time. He watched us drive away from his usual post at the front window. My mom and I got to the airport with little trouble. She parked the car and came back to meet me just as I was getting my bags checked in. I told the guy my bag was over the weight limit and he took my credit card to the 'finance lady'. He was gone for 1-2 minutes and returned saying she wasn't in her office and he didn't want to wait and make me wait so he said he'd just let it go! How amazing is that! A wonderful send off. O'Hare has changed their international terminal since last September and going through security was a little bit different-a long hallway and then all the x-ray machines. Again, I went through without any trouble and made some last phone calls while I waited to board the plane.

My section was the first to board (in the very back) and I was fortunate enough to get both bags in the overhead container right above me and my seatmate. He was young-my age and did not offer to help me lift my gigantic carry-on bags into the compartment. Oh well. It was an uneventful ride; I watched 4 movies and slept for about 3 hours total. Food was alright.

We landed ahead of schedule, luckily Bohye had been checking my flight info and alerted her parents of this. Anyway, I got through customs and got my bags without much delay. I went through and...no parents. I waited about 5 minutes and Mrs. Kim arrived. We went outside and loaded my bags into Mr. Kim's car. Then we went to go pick Bohye up from work and went to Lotte Department Store for dinner. Bohye and I went to an American buffet. We returned to their home and managed to get my bags up their 3 stories but not without battle wounds. My "new" carpetbag courtesy of Mrs. Kearney broke a strap. :( My hard-top suitcase has 2 latches to close and one of them continues to 'pop' open even after being shut. The one alone is enough to keep it closed, but I'm guessing only for gentle transportation. If it gets tossed off the airplane onto a conveyer belt, it might just explode. We'll see.

Bohye gave me her old cellphone to use--she's trying to get another used one for me. But anyway, I have internet and kakao talk (which is basically free text and call app) and a phone so I'm all set. I shifted some things around in my bags tonight and gave my gifts. It's already 10:40pm here so I think I'm ready to call it a day!

First meal on the plane

T Minus 1 Day

Well, it's finally here, the last full day at home. I woke up feeling pretty sad though. It's going to be awful tough without being here and seeing everyone special in my life for a whole year. I know living in the technology age is a huge gift, but even still, a webcam just isn't the same as a hug from someone. I'm sure once I'm on the plane I will be fine, but everything leading up to it is hard.

Joe, my Mom and I went to Harbert, Mi for brunch at Luisa's. It was pretty good, a bit of a drive, but still good. After brunch we came back here and hung out until Joe had to head back to Kalamazoo. After he left, my Mom and I re-tackled my suitcases. Mission: to get the items I will need (as gifts or that can't be left in a car in 80 degree heat for 3 weeks) out of the 2 suitcases and consolidate into one. It took quite some juggling, but after all rearrangements, my smaller bag is still within the 50lb weight limit (just at 50) and the larger one still stands above 50 (at 60lbs). Took clear our heads from that task, we took Toby for a walk on the bluff in downtown Saint Joseph. It was great to smell the yummy pizza smells from Silver Beach Pizza one last time. As this weekend has been unusually cold (in the mid 60's) and a bit rainy, the beach was pretty empty. The waves were quite large as well.

My life packed into 4 bags.

Last weekend home:
Friday-Joe and I went to Michigan's Adventure. It was cool and overcast. We went on all the roller coasters and took a break for lunch. We were contemplating if we were brave enough to try any of the water rides/pool area over lunch when it started to rain. That sealed the deal--no. We went back into the park and rode the Ferris wheel and did bumper cars before heading back to Kalamazoo.

We were rained on!

Saturday-I got some last minute gifts and spent the afternoon with my mom. Joe came into town and he grilled lettuce and chicken for a Cesar salad. After dinner Michelle and David came over for raspberry cream pie (from Bit of Swiss Bakery) and we played "The Resistance" twice.

Yummy raspberry cream pie

Side view

The Resistance!

Michelle, David and me

Less than a Week Countdown!

Yesterday some of the Anselmino fam stopped over. Aunt Dottie, Aunt Mary and Uncle Jim were up picking blueberries so they came over for lunch. It was great seeing them again.

In the morning, my mom and I met Mrs. McLean and Madi for breakfast at Panera. It was so wonderful seeing both of them and catching up with them too. Unfortunately we talked so much (go figure) I forgot to grab a picture with them! I'll still keep the memory of our time together without a photo and feel blessed I have their thoughts and prayers with me while I'm away.

After the fam left, I worked on packing some more. Just when I thought I had everything mostly squared away...I remembered I forgot to pack various items. It's a never ending battle of fitting everything into 2 suitcases. Who can honestly go away for a year to a country that has 4 seasons and pack everything into TWO stinkin' suitcases?!? (And on top of that, meet the required weight limit. Which, by the way, is only 50 lbs per bag.) Not me, apparently, haha. Yes, I've gone over the weight limit on one bag. As long as it doesn't exceed 75 lbs I'll be okay. I just have to pay a lovely excess baggage fee. But that is better than trying to mail it overseas. Ick.

Today: I cannot believe it is less than a week now. At this time next week I will be there! It will be the morning of my first day for a year in Korea!

I have a confirmed phone and plan set up and I think ready to go upon my arrival in Korea. The Kim family (Bohye's family-- I met in the fall through Mr. Kwon) have been such a great help! They are picking me up from the airport, hosting me for a few nights AND are letting me join their family phone plan! Feeling so blessed!

Toby had Sasha-girl over for a playdate. I was happy to see Sasha before I left too! They ran themselves crazy and both ended up napping before their date was over. Tonight Toby is pooped!

Tonight I had a few friends over for a bonfire. It was fun to catch up with them and say goodbyes. Sarah came with her boyfriend Mike, and Elise stopped by as well.

Love bites.

Pupperoni Hunting Backyard Edition

Sarah, Elise and me

Weekend with the Wiza's

Thursday--My mom and I made my last trip to Milwaukee to visit my Grandpa and Aunt Ruth. For dinner, we went to 3 Brothers a Serbian restaurant. We invited our neighbor friend, Mrs. Kearney along because she also enjoys 3 Brothers. It was a fun night.

Mrs. Kearney and Mom

Grandpa and me

Spinach Burek!

Mom, Grandpa and Mrs. Kearney outside 3 Brothers

 Friday--I met my friend Erin for lunch, unfortunately our soccer coach Tom wasn't able to join us. I also forgot to get a picture with Erin. She and I traveled to Korea together in 2007 and I'm twisting her arm to convince her to come visit me at some point while I'm there. We played Scrabble in the evening and Mom won.

Scrabble whiz

Saturday--Phil was considering coming to visit so my mom and I kept it a secret from Grandpa. Just before Grandpa wanted to go to church, Phil and Kristin arrived. He was surprised! We sat and talked outside since it had FINALLY cooled off and then went to DeMarini's for dinner. After dinner, we watched the ferry take off to Michigan and then went to Leon's for custard. Yum!

Mom and me at DeMarini's

Fam outside De Marini's

Phil, Grandpa and Mom watching the boat

Phil, Grandpa, Mom and Kristin watching the boat launch

Leon's!

Fam

Phil and Mom enjoying their custard!

 Sunday--We went to church only to find out there was police tape all around and hear that sadly the priest had died. After we went to church at St. Veronica's, we got home and Aunt Ruth called us told us we'd be going out for lunch since she was so busy on the phone all morning. We went to her favorite restaurant, Andrea's and had a nice time together.

Aunt Ruth, Grandpa and me at Andrea's

 It was definitely hard to say goodbye to my family. It's a comfort to know we can keep in touch through skype and email though.

Anselmino Get Together

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to be able to meet my Anselmino side of the family for a lunch in Illinois. We met at my Aunt Betty's and I got to see almost the whole gang except for my Uncle Jim and cousin Jennifer. It was fun to see everyone, catch up, fill them in with the details I know about my upcoming adventure and share a meal.

Aunt Dottie, Mom, me, Amber and Amanda

Aunt Betty, Patti and Bobby T

I was also blessed to spend Sunday with my "twin" Emily in Sterling Heights. She was home for a spur of the moment visit from her new home in Atlanta and I was so happy I got to see her too before I left.

Emily and me