Monday, Monday

School was nothing special--just the usual.

I went to Hongdae to meet my friend from soccer, Jacob. We went to a BBQ place and it was really good. It had been awhile since I've had BBQ last, so it was a nice change. We ate some and talked a lot. A few weeks ago, one adoptee friend I met recommended I join a mentor program called Connect-A-Kid. I applied for it, but it turns out Jacob is also affiliated with Connect-A-Kid too, so we talked about that too. Jacob did a language program in Chuncheon, which is a little east and north of Seoul. He was telling me about it and said he would even take me there. Then, I got a message from Bohye and she suggested we go to Chuncheon for our holiday on Thursday! It was so ironic I had never heard of the place before and then twice in one night!

After dinner, we called my friend Ji to arrange a day for Jacob to meet a family Ji knows to so he can tutor their 8 year old son. We walked to get a waffle with ice cream and then headed back to the subway.

Soccer + Sunday + Rain

Another relaxing Sunday. I did run out to the Homeplus in Hapjeong to meet my friend Kwang Min so I could buy a toaster oven. We ran into our soccer captain John and another adoptee, Mee Joo that both of us knew. I also bought another comforter/blanket so I am ready for guests and the colder weather. I got a queen sized blanket that I figured I can fold in half and have padding on the bottom and a cover on the top. Kyung Min and I had lunch together after I bought my toaster oven and then I came back home. I actually tried looking for some baking pans before we left, but the ones at the Homeplus were too long/big so I figured I would stop at Emart by me in hopes of finding the right size.

I went to Emart and I was unsuccessful in finding any square pans. I realized I could go to the Homeplus at World Cup Stadium and look for pans there too. So I took off. I went to the cooking aisle and didn't see any. I finally found some, but they were the same options as at the Homeplus at Hapjeong. I decided I'd buy an 8 inch round one and hope that will work for now.

Then, time for soccer! I had been thinking about soccer alllll week. I was so excited to go and play. It was kind of cool but after running around it was actually kind of warm. It had been sprinkling off and on so the field was a little bit wet. After soccer, I went to church and we had yet another priest! He sounded American.

After church I was feeling kind of hungry, so I went to Emart to see what kind of prepared foods they had. I found some kind of chicken wings without bones and also picked out japchae (noodles). I both of these in my hands when I turned and saw a display of salads. I went to put the other things back and got a chicken salad. So happy. I brought it home and had a pretty delicious salad. It wasn't as good as our homegrown salads, but it will do. It was also 500W (about 50 cents) on sale because the store was closing soon.

Drizzly Day

I just relaxed in the morning. Around 11:30 Kwang Min came over to help me with MY computer certificate and online shopping. Guess what? We had the same problem as Krystle. It was so frustrating. Especially after spending a fair amount of time filling everything out to get to the end and have one or two things not work. I found a toaster over that I really liked but couldn't get it. Then we saw that it was being shipped from HomePlus at the World Cup Stadium, so I realized I could just go in person to buy it. Which will work out well because it actually has a 4,000W delivery charge when typically most online purchases have no delivery charge.

After a frustrating round 2, we went for lunch. Because I haven't spent too much time eating anywhere in my area I didn't know where to go. I suggested walking towards the subway station and we found a kind of soup restaurant. I ordered ddeok mandu guk (Mandu-dumpling and rice cake soup). It was really good and now I know I can go there in the winter for a good soup. :) We took a short walk along the stream because we were so full and then took the subway to Ilsan. There was a ukulele festival Kwang Min's instructor helped put together and he wanted to go. It drizzled a little while we were there. We did a little hiking on a hill behind the stage/complex where the festival was. Then we came back to Hongdae. There was a "Zombie Walk" going on that I wanted to see--I couldn't really participate because I didn't have any make-up or anything. We didn't really see much-just towards the end a few people still dressed up. We had dinner at a cafe and went to drink some fruit makgoli.

My new plant from Kwangmin--named "Gu Mal" meaning "End of September"

At lunch

Mmm Mandu Soup

A famous ukulele player on the left and Kwangmin's teacher on the right

Blueberry Fruit drink

Finally Friday!

My 6th graders were sooo bad today. I actually yelled at the first class. I was so fed up with all the talking (in Korean!) while other students are volunteering and trying to practice speaking English. It's hard enough as it is to hear them--they speak so softly because they are nervous--it makes it even worse when each of the 5 groups of students have 2-3 students talking to each other. I think they were a little shocked. Even though they couldn't understand me they could read my body language and hear my tone of voice. My co teacher did translate a little; I told them they were being rude to their classmates and she just asked them what did "rude" mean in Korean. After that, they were a little bit better.

After school I came home and I took a little nap. Then I went to go meet Krystle and Kwang Min in Yeoido. Krystle and I wanted to buy cameras and set up some online shopping accounts, but it is a very complicated process... Anyway, we met at Yeoido because it's the area Kwang Min works and it's in between where Krystle and I live. First we went to dinner. We had to find somewhere with vegetarian options. We went to a place that had bibimbap--it's more known for really good meat and grilling, but we opted for their other dishes. I had kimchi jjigae (a kimchi stew) instead of bibimbap. They also had really good side dishes. Kwang Min ordered and said "no meat" for the bibimbap. Well, it came with meat on it. He called the waitress over and told her there was meat on it. About a minute later she came back and we looked at it and it still had meat--it actually looked like they just tried brushing out some of the meat (it was like ground beef). So...Kwang Min called the waitress over again and asked them to make another one. My kimchi jjigae was pretty good-we were all so full after dinner.

We went to Kwang Min's office and then began a long maybe 2 hour frustrating process of getting Kyrstle's computer set up for a "certificate" for her banking and impossible task of setting up an account for online shopping. The banking certificate was successful, but we couldn't get her registered for an online shopping account. We chalked it up as a loss and Kwang Min offered to buy her a camera with his card and she could pay him back later--actually she could transfer money to him now that her computer has her banking certificate!

Then we took a walk to the Han River. Kwang Min brought his ukulele and a blanket for us to sit on. We found a quieter spot and all sat down. We chatted a little and just enjoyed the peacefulness of the area. Krystle and I were so surprised it was so quiet for a Friday night. After awhile, Kwang Min played and sang a few songs. We also listened to a few songs on my phone through youtube. There were some people were shooting off small firecrackers and that was really cool.

Kwangmin and Krystle at dinner

Along the Han River--Seoul Tower in the middle background

The building in the back is now the tallest building in Korea--it used to be the "63 building" which was properly named for its 63 floors. This is the IFC building.

Thursdays with Min Kyung

Classes went alright. My 5th graders are learning about physical appearances, so I tried to find a song to use that used descriptions. I chose Frank Sinatra's "The Way You Look Tonight". Well, it didn't go over so well... Note to self, 5th graders don't really dig Frank. I did the Beatles last time so I thought I could stretch it a little and try Frank. Guess I can't go back that far. My co teacher also told me they said the song was a difficult, but she said it wasn't.

The previous evening I got a message from my roommate from orientation and she told me that she was going to be turning in her 30 day notice for resignation! I was so surprised! She also asked me to meet her on Thursday so she could talk with me and get a hug. I told her I already had plans at 6:30 but if I left school right away I would be able to meet her for an hour before I met my other friend. She agreed and we set up plans. So, after school I walked with my co teacher to a bus stop (she was also going somewhere) and took a bus City Hall area. While en route I asked her to let me know when she got close so we could find each other easily. Well. She sent me a message saying that she was having coffee with her co teacher and couldn't meet me. I was a little taken aback because I was making time for her because she wanted to meet me and didn't notify me she had changed her plans. So I arrived to City Hall area an hour before I was to meet Min Kyung. But, it was okay because I went to Cheonggyecheon and sat by the stream. It's really cooled off in the last few days. Tuesday it was raining and since then the temperature has dropped.

Min Kyung and I met by her work and we took a bus to get to Gwangjang Market. There, we went for "drug kimbap". It's called "drug kimbap" because it's so good that people get addicted to it like a drug. Well, it was good, but I don't know if I would say it was THAT good! I actually went to Gwangjang Market by myself last year while I was at Kyunghee University. But, it was fun going with someone this time. We were going to walk around a little more because I saw they had blankets/sleeping pads (and I'm in the market for one so when 1. when I have guests they can sleep somewhere and 2. I have an extra blanket when it gets cold). But, Min Kyung wasn't feeling great so she asked if we could get some cheon (fried 'pancake') and a mung bean pancake to take back to her place instead. So we ordered our food and took a bus to her home in Itaewon area. Actually, she lives right near the place I was at last night with the SMOE dinner!

We ate, talked and watched tv. Her husband, Chris, was on a vacation in Busan--so it was still just a girls night. She was kind enough (typical Korean) to walk me to the subway station. On the way, we passed a lady walking her dog. He was so cute! He was a little bit smaller than my Toby and black with some white patches. We asked if he was friendly and they lady said I could pet him. So I gave him some love and he just leaned into me. Ahhh! It was so wonderful petting a dog again. :)

Waiting by Cheonggyecheon and seeing the sun set

Cheonggyecheon!

Kimbap--mmm

Food vendors

More--that's pig ankles....

This is the ajuma we bought our food from

"Back to Work Time"

In the words of my "mean old Grandpy" today was "back to work time". :)

The kids were soooo unresponsive. I would have thought they would be refreshed after their 7 day vacation... Or maybe they forgot all the English they've learned. Anyway, asking a few of the classes questions was like pulling teeth! The last class today participated the most.

After teaching, I spent the rest of the time working on lesson plans for next week. It was tough for me to get back into the rhythm of lesson planning and I didn't accomplish much. I wrote 1 and 1/2 of 3 lessons...

I returned home and took a little break. Then it was off to the SMOE (Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education) dinner near Itaewon, which is the international area. We met at a restaurant/pub place. There were probably a good 30 other English teachers there. I knew a small handful of people/recognized faces from my orientation. However, I mostly mingled with the teachers I already knew. I ordered "Smoked Queso" and was very disappointed by the food I got. There was a basket of tortilla chips, that were actually pretty tasty, but the queso part left much to be desired. It seemed like a watery version of Velveeta (it was in a plastic cup that looked like it was frozen cheese dip) with a few small pieces of tomato on top, even though the description promised "onions and pico de gallo". So sad. Krystle and I left a little bit early and even now I'm surprised at how late it is!

Recovery/Extra Day 2

Today's goal was to visit Sung Min (Ji) and go to the bank with him. Well, I woke up and it was raining. Then, I received a message from Sung Min. He told me he tried to go outside on his crutches and almost slipped so that we wouldn't be meeting at a subway station 2 stops away from his hospital. I was worried about him going outside at all so I told him we could scratch the trip to the bank.

As I traveled to visit him I was messaging Kwang Min and told him about how I had to figure out going to the bank and he offered to leave work a little early and go to the bank with me! I was so grateful! I arrived at the hospital and talked with Sung Min a little. It stopped raining so he decided it would be okay to walk to the corner and get lunch as take out. We picked a 죽 (Juk--rice porridge) restaurant and brought it back. Afterwards, I noticed how nice the containers were, so I rinsed mine out to bring back to use again as storage. Then I went to physical therapy with him. He's doing much better but I still think he pushes himself too much-always trying to hop around on one leg and stuff.

I left after the therapy to meet Kwang Min in Yeoido, where he works. Yeoido is an "island" and is along the Han River. The famous 63 Building is there--the tallest building in Korea. Or it had been, now there is a new one, also on Yeoido. Anyway, Kwang Min met me at the subway and we walked to the bank which is actually in the same building as his office. It took about an hour to get my online banking all set up and straightened out. We went to Starbucks for coffee and I treated him--today was PAYDAY! And he helped me a lot so I owed him! We took the subway back to Hongdae area and went to a popular kimbap restaurant for dinner. After dinner, he walked me to Hapjeong subway station and he went to his ukulele lesson. I returned home and have been mentally preparing to resume teaching tomorrow! I almost feel like I've had more days off than teaching!

Recovery/Extra Day 1

I was supposed to sleep in today because last night I skyped with my Mom and Martin til around 12:30am. Well, it didn't quite happen and I woke up at my normal 7am time. I spent most of the morning uploading pictures. Around lunchtime I went out to the Hi Mart across the street to check out toaster oven options--there was only one. Sad. Then to Emart for groceries and a few other things, but I didn't know where everything that I needed was so I was wandering floor to floor and felt like I was wasting so much time I gave up. I got a slice of pizza from the bakery and came home to have my lunch.

I did laundry and cleaned my place a little. And then I went to go meet Kwang Min for dinner. He had researched a Korean restaurant not too far from Hongdae area. Kwang Min printed out a map and we had my phone with GPS but still had a hard time finding the place. We asked for directions and then arrived, noticing that it was no longer a Korean restaurant. So...we walked to Hongdae and went to a restaurant called "Bap" which means rice. We both ordered bibimbap. After dinner we went for a drink and walked around Hongdae. 

Bibimbap dinner

Returning to Home, in Seoul

The night before, Krystle and I tried talking to our front desk for information about taking the Evergreen bus back to the airport. They were completely clueless and the suggestions were not very helpful to us. So, we woke up extra early to make sure we were able to find our way back to the airport, with worst case scenario taking a taxi the 30km there. When we left, the person at the front desk was different so we thought we'd try asking again. The young woman didn't know either, but suggested going to the MRT station and asking there. On our way to the subway, we stopped at Da'an Park, which is a big park and right across from our hotel. It started raining while we were walking so we decided that after asking for more information at the MRT, we'd just take the subway one stop to the final destination. We arrived with about 15 minutes to wait for the next bus.

There was little traffic on the ride to the airport and we arrived about an hour after departing Taipei. Again Krystle and I were able to pick our seats, and we picked the same setup as our first flight, but our clerk told us that since it was a full flight someone would be sitting in between us. We had to wait a little going through security and immigration, but not terribly long. Krystle and I had about 2 hours til our flight so we wandered the airport. There were many different themed waiting rooms there-including a Hello Kitty one that Krystle loved!

Finally it was time to board and we were on our way back to Korea. I was happy hearing Korean all around me--Mandarin was so foreign to me. Though I don't know much Korean, it still sounds familiar and I know enough to get by in situations and express myself if need be. The woman sitting between Krystle and me asked, in Korean, for Krystle to move over so she could sit in the seat by the aisle. When the meal was served, Krystle, who is a vegetarian didn't eat much of her meal. The Korean woman noticed and asked why she didn't eat. Thus started a 20 minute conversation with her explaining what we're doing in Korea and such. It ended with her asking me for my phone number (and me getting her daughter's) so I can become friends with her daughter who is the same age as me.

When we landed in Seoul, we took off for the airport line to take the subway back to our homes. I was very tempted to take all my stuff and go to soccer because I was one station away, but decided against it and returned home briefly to drop off my bags and head to church. I had a little extra time before church and stopped for some kimbap. Finally I arrived at church without feeling super rushed and having to run up the big hill! And Father Bernard was back! There were a total of 5 priests at mass; it might have been because it was a remembrance day for some of the martyrs who died in Korea.

Our view from the roof of the hotel--overlooking Da'an Park

Waiting in the airport

Hello Kitty waiting room

Goodbye Typhoon Taiwan!!

Krystle and me on the plane 'home'

Saturday in Taipei

It was raining in the morning, but we decided we'd push through it and go shopping anyway. It turns out we made the right decision because there was quite a wide overhang and most of the stores were relatively connected. The rain also came and went as the morning went on. I got a pair of shoes and a necklace. Krystle also did some shopping as well and we were both quite happy with our purchases. We grabbed lunch in a pretty authentic hole in the wall place. I ordered a noodle soup and Krystle got fried turnip.

After lunch we to the MRT to City Hall area again and went to the Discovery Center Museum, which had information about the city of Taipei. We were also about to watch 2 short videos about city life in Taipei. Unfortunately they were both in Mandarin, but since they were films we didn't really need to listen much.

The evening was a bit confusing going back and forth between Taipei 101 Tower and Grand Hyatt and looking for dinner. The important thing is the final decision. We picked the buffet restaurant at the Grand Hyatt even though it technically wasn't authentic Taiwanese food. It was a bit pricey, but the food was really good and there were about 6 different food "stations" with different types of cuisine. There was also a really good dessert station. We each had 2 plates of food and one plate of dessert, but afterwards we were sooo full.

We took a walk around the Grand Hyatt to explore and to feel better after eating ourselves into a stupor. Then we went back to Taipei 101 to go to the Observatory. It was so amazing! The elevator is the fastest in the world--we traveled 89 floors in 72 seconds. It's also the 3rd tallest building in the world. Krystle and I loved the view--we wanted to stay there all night, but unfortunately we were kicked out at 10 when the tower closed.

Welcome to Ximending Shopping District

My Soup

Krystle and me at the Museum

About to dig into round 1 of our buffet dinner!

Dessert plate!

Looking down on Taipei

In Taipei 101 Tower

Damper Baby, the mascot for the piece in the skyscraper that helps it during typhoons and earthquakes

"The Journey that'll change your life"--The fastest elevator in the world!

Full Friday in Taipei

We had breakfast in our hotel. Most of the options were Taiwanese food options, but there was a lady there cooking eggs as well, so I had toast and an egg. Then we took off to see the Chaing Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. We were able to walk there from our place. It was a huuuuge hall. There were 89 marble steps which symbolized the 89 years that he lived. Chaing was a political and military leader in Taiwan--he was  president for about 15 years. Anyway, while we were there we got to see a changing of the guard, the National Theater and look at the museum in the main hall.

After walking around the hall for awhile, we took the MRT to to SOGO, the department store. We had lunch in the basement food court. Also got to see a grocery store down there too. All of the stores were way outside of our price range for buying things. After exploring the department store for awhile, we then went on to the City Hall area by walking. We passed a Barbie Cafe but didn't stop in for anything, just to check it out. There was supposed to be more shopping around the City Hall, but all we found was another expensive department store. We continued on to Taipei 101 Tower. Unfortunately at this time, it started raining again. Krystle and I thought that it might not be worth going up to the top of the tower if it was overcast and raining. We decided we would have Mango Bing Su (Shaved ice) and decide what to do over our dessert. After much deliberation, we decided that we wouldn't go. Instead we made plans for the next day and decided we would go to the Grand Hyatt Hotel and ask the concierge for advice. We found a skywalk that allowed us to walk under a roof but still got a little rain blowing sideways. Talking to the concierge was very helpful and we decided that the Hot Springs we had wanted to go to was also a bit out of our price range. It was raining so hard we took a taxi back to our hotel for the evening.

Me in front of the Memorial Hall

Changing of the Guard Ceremony

View from up 89 Marble Steps--National Theater and National Concert Hall buildings with orange roofs

In a park on the grounds of the Memorial Hall

Krystle and me

Johnsonville Brats! Thought of my Grandpy when I saw these!

SOGO Department Store--top floor

Barbie Cafe desserts

Taipei 101 Tower

Mango Bing Su

Yes, it's raining that hard.

Departure Day!

Krystle and I met at Hongdae Station to take the subway/airport line to Incheon. It took us about 45-55 minutes which wasn't too bad. We checked in, exchanged money and then went through security. Those did not take very long either which was nice. Then we wandered the airport. It was weird to be at Incheon Airport and know I wasn't going to the US. We found a Quizno's Sub shop in the airport. Finally it was time to board! Krystle and I were able to pick our seats when we checked in and I wanted a window and she wanted an aisle. We sat in the same row and no one sat in between us, which was kind of funny.

The flight was about 2 hours and 10 minutes. We even were served a meal! (Thanks Asiana Airlines!) When we landed we went to the visitor information desk and asked about free wifi (my friend told me about) and asked the best way to get to our hotel. The nice ladies suggested taking the "Evergreen Bus" so we bought our bus ticket and didn't wait at all for the bus to arrive--good timing! It took about an hour to arrive into the center of the city/our stop. We looked at our map and took off. After walking for about 10-15 minutes and not seeing anything we figured we ought to, we asked someone and they pointed to where we were on the map--we went the wrong direction...Oops. It turns out our landmark, SOGO Department store has TWO branches, diagonally across from each other that we didn't notice. So we looked at the wrong one and went the wrong direction. So we walked back and found the hotel with no other problems after that.

We checked in and took a few minutes for a breather and to relax. Then, we were off to Shilin Night Market via MRT (subway). As we exited our subway station...it started to rain. Neither of us had brought our umbrellas with us from the hotel. Oops. The rain we experienced in Taipei was quite odd though, it would go in spurts, heavy downpour, drizzle, none, drizzle, heavy downpour... So as it turned out, we were fine without our umbrellas for the evening. We walked around the night market and looked at the food stalls. We both got a veggie dumpling. Then we did some shopping. I found a purse and also some small souvenirs for my mom and brother ;)

Ticket to Taipei!

Taiwan Money (about $150 USD)

With my money!

Our plane--so tiny two rows of three across

We're ready to go!

Surprise meal--it was really spicy!

Admitted to ROC (Republic of China) Taiwan

Our room at Dolamanco Hotel

Shilin Night Market--see the cute pup?

Veggie dumpling!

Shilin Area

Some interesting street food.... Chicken feet in there perhaps?