"The world comes to Jeju and Jeju goes to the world!"

Dear Jeju Island,

You win the award of being the best looking place in Korea. Congrats!

What can I say? It's Friday and I'm just trying to throw this second to last blog together. Mienhamnida (Im sorry.) However, I do have quite an exciting blog planned for you with numerous pictures, so buckle up!

They say it's Korea's "Hawaii," but I knew that just simply couldn't be since Jeju Island is at the same latitude as let's say Kansas. Mrs. Ko really wanted me to go to Jeju Island before I left. I told her I didn't really have the time nor did I have Lizar to go with. So, I pretty much ruled it out. BUT I got a call from Mrs. Ko on Thursday that she and Mrs. Nam along with two of Mrs. Nam's friends were going to Jeju Island Monday through Wednesday. So after begging my director to give me one extra vacation day and working one extra day to make up for the other day, I was granted the opportunity to take one last adventure outside of Gunsan.

Jeju is an island that sits under the mainland and is surrounded by the South Sea and the Pacific Ocean. So Monday morning, Mrs. Nam picked me up, we met up with the rest of the gang and set off on a 3 hour car ride towards the end of the peninsula to catch the ferry.

Here we are on one of our pit stop:

We boarded the ferry with such excitement. Little did we know what would lay ahead in the next two hours.

Everything started out fine. We even were able to go out on the deck and take some pics

As we were wandering around the ferry... And we definitely wandered quite a bit since Mrs. Nam can not sit still...I was noticing all the people who were eating ice cream, funyuns, chips, and various other snacks. Suddenly, the boat started to increase speed and suddenly, the waters got significantly rougher. In the beginning, I thought, "this is going to be interesting. I bet at least one person is going to get seasick. After I heard the first Korean lose their funyuns about a half hour into the journey, I decided I would count the number of seasick Koreans. After 15, I lost count. As I was plugging my ears and humming "rock a bye baby" to drown out the horrific sounds around me, I noticed those who did not have their head in a puke bag were eating ice cream. HOW could they be eating at such a time as this???? I thought maybe I would experience another first, however, I endured and did not need the puke bag next to me. Unfortunately, Mrs. Ko was not so lucky. Mrs. Nam on the other hand, I'm pretty sure she would have been fine snacking on some live octopus.


After that memorable ferry ride, we arrived on the beautiful island of Jeju. On our way to our condo, we stopped at this small traditional village.

The mascots of Jeju:

Traditional village:

The Condo was super nice. We slept on the floor of course, but it was quite comfy. Our area was so beautiful. It was right on the coast, so in the morning I decided to take my running outdoors. I ran and ran and ran and didn't want to stop, watching the sunrise and running on the coast is really going to make running around White Oaks very drab.

After this beautiful run, we got ready, and ate this Korean/American breakfast. It was funny. Here I sat with eggs, pancakes, fruit and cereal and everybody else around me sat there with rice, seaweed soup, kimchi, and this Korean style salad (similar to coleslaw).

Our first stop was this walking trail along the coast. It was really beautiful.

Mrs. Nam bought me this fruit that I had no idea what it was, but it was really good..however, I was the only one who thought so. Apparently, it's a cactus' fruit.

After that, we went to this international convention center or something like that. Inside was a duty free shop, so Mrs. Nam bought some Red Ginseng and Prada sunglasses (Baller!!!!) After Mrs Nam dropped some Won, we headed to this waterfall.

Here I saw this lady and her homemade hat. Every time I need a laugh, I will look at this picture. I encourage you to do the same.

Break for Lunch! In Jeju, one of their specialties is this pork that comes from a black pig. It was really good, but pork is pork if you ask me.

After our feast of famous Jeju pork, we went to the world's longest lava tube! What's a lava tube you ask? Well, it's simply a tube made from lava many years ago!

We then intended to go for another hike up some mountain. However, we got distracted during transit to this mountain. This sea wall/pier type thing distracted us.

All around the island I saw these little man made mini rock towers. Mrs. Ko told me when you add a rock to the pile you make a wish. So, here I am making my wish. All the ladies encouraged me to make my wish to "marry rich."
We finally made it to the mountain, but we ran out of daylight, therefore we didn't get to "hike" it. And by "hike" I mean walk on a nice paved trail.

Our last stop of the very fun filled day was the Lotte Hotel. This hotel is one of the most prestigious hotels in Korea. And it was soooo nice. As we walked in Mrs. Ko told me to act like I belonged here. I'm not sure how well I blended since I was wearing my comfy "hikin" clothes and a bright red hat I found in Busan for 2 dollars. Mrs. Nam on the other handed waltzed in that hotel like she owned it. She walked into the Louis Vuitton store, made the lady show her a few purses that cost more than my monthly salary and then walked right out of there like Louis Vuitton isn't good enough for her. Atta girl, Mrs. Nam.

In the back of the hotel was this "camping zone." It was so interesting. There were permanent campers and then a few tree houses. I've never seen anything like that. Must be what the rich folk think "camping" is.

At the Lotte Hotel they had this Volcano light show. However, from where we were standing we didn't see much. The people who were eating the 75 dollar buffet, however, had perfect seats.

The next morning, I woke up and headed the other direction for my morning run. This run was not as nice and I ran into quite the distraction on the way:

It was still very nice though. I can't get over the scenery:

We only had a few hours until we had to board that ferry. I can't describe how much I was dreading getting back on that thing. So, in the time that we did have. We visited two places. The first place was where a famous drama was filmed. I'm not sure of the drama, but apparently the Chinese love it. There were many many Chinese tourists. It also had a nice lighthouse. It was pretty windy...I would upload pictures, but frankly, it's getting really tiring uploading all these pictures. You can go to my facebook to check it out.

The second spot was this other famous landmark. I'm not really sure why it's famous, but it was really crawling with tourists. We took some pics, got a few souvenirs, ate some lunch down the road and then prepared to get back on the ferry.

We invested in some seasickness medicine and I'm so happy we did. We "cheered" and then we

downed it. Right when I put the bottle to my lips, I hear Mrs. Ko say, "One shaaaaaat!" (One shot!) Haha..classic...I pretty much spit my seasickness medicine everywhere!

While we were waiting to board the ferry, we carefully observed the people getting off the ferry. Mrs. Nam kept asking everyone, "How was it? Were you seasick?" Mrs. Nam is no ordinary Korean. Most Koreans never talk to strangers, but Mrs. Nam would approach pretty much anyone with confidence. There were countless "Mrs. Nam" moments on this trip. After spending all this time with her, I can tell why she has so many good friends, she is just one of those people who everybody loves. I want to be just like Mrs. Nam when I grow up.

Anyhow, we got on the ferry, sat in our seats for about 2 minutes before Mrs. Nam had his following her somewhere else. She led us down to the seats on the 1st level. How to beat seasickness: Liquid Medicine and Business Class! I think that medicine was "drowsy" because we were all knocked out for a majority of the trip back to the mainland.

We reached the peninsula, no problem. Mrs. Nam asked someone on the second, economy class level how the ride was and their response was something along the lines of, "I was so seasick I thought I was going to die." PHEW...I am sooooo happy I was not up there with the common folk.Here's the thing with Koreans, just when you think the trip is over and you have "home" on your mind, they take you to one last sightseeing place. This place was Boseung Valley. This is where they grow Green Tea. It was extremely awesome and beautiful and kind of unexpected to see this type of scene in Korea. There was lots of enormous Japanese Cedar trees and the green tea fields were beautiful. We ate green tea cookies, ate green tea ice cream, and drank some green tea. I think it was one of my favorite parts of the vacation...maybe that's because green tea is one of my favorite flavors.

We rolled into Gunsan around 9:00 PM on Wednesday and I was out by 9:30 p.m. It was so fun, but so exhausting! Korean style vacations are probably the most exhausting things I've ever experienced.

Since the trip, I've been trying to wrap things up here. Seems like there's so much to do, so many people to see, so many Korean things to buy, and so much Korean food to eat one last time. The goodbyes are going to be hard. I'm having to say goodbye to this student tonight. She's been one of the few who have stuck with me the whole year. She's incredible and I will miss her greatly!
Well, I'm sorry this took so long to get posted! Only one more blogpost. Last Sunday I celebrated my one year anniversary with Korea. Now, I've officially been in Korea for more than a year! It's been such an incredible and self defining year. But you'll hear more about my deeper thoughts in my next and last blogpost. See you soon America!

The Hanging of the Hat: now, it's official

Dear old Korean men, While walking in the parks, just turn off your radios, aren't the sounds of nature enough for you?...or PLEASE do us all a favor and invest in some earphones.

Well, I just did a countdown. At this moment, I have 8 teaching days left, 15 days until the Ferd comes to Gunsan, 18 days until myself and the Ferd leave for China, and 27 days until I step foot in my homeland! After this blog, I'll do 2 more blogs because how could I call myself an honest person if I kept up a blog named "A Year of Firsts" after September 26 (the first day in Korea)? I'll see what I can do with making some sort of facebook note for my China trip, or we could just meet up somewhere, have some Kim Bap and Kimchi and I could tell you all about my trip face to face :)

Anyhow, this past week was a short one since Korean Thanksgiving gave us Monday and Tuesday off of school. I think I told you about my Monday, which was nothing that special, but Tuesday I accomplished another first. I made one of my favorite Korean foods..Kim Bap! It's pretty much a California roll, but Koreanized. I totally forgot my camera, so sorry for the lack of pictures.

It was pretty simple, and I look forward to finding a Korean mart and making this for a majority of you who read this blog! Afterwards, Hwa Jeong and I felt both very full and very accomplished. I'm sure we'll do it once more before I leave so maybe I can include pictures then.

Wednesday was back to school. Have I told you how much I love short work weeks? I was explaining to someone on Monday how incredible it was to have Tuesday off because now we could really enjoy our Monday and he said, "yeah, now if only we had Wednesday off so we could enjoy our Tuesday off." Anyhow, it was really nice, but I must say I do miss these little boogers when I don't see them for awhile. I often think about what they are doing..I've only seen one of them around town and when he saw me, I thought he would pass out from being so nervous..strangeee. So, on Wednesday I walk into my first class with a big, "HELLO!" and Sky says, "Teacher, Drew has gas." Me: "nice." Sky: "It's mouth gas." Me: "hahaha..oh Sky we call that a 'burp'."

And just like that, the weekend arrived. This weekend I was pretty intentional about finding something to do with others. Enough of missing Lizar, time to move one! (hehe..jk, Lizar..I will always miss you..especially during Singspiration when something happens that only you or I would think is funny and I laugh hysterically under my breath while Daryl and Alex are just confused) So, on Saturday, a group of teachers and a G.I. went out to lunch and then for a hike. I have found this awesome spot in one of the parks. I think it's probably one of the highest points. You can see all of Gunsan and marvel at it's beauty and smog.

After our hike, I decided to empty my freezer a bit, starting with a very large bag of frozen fruit. So, the group came over, we chatted, I made some smoothies and then we were off to church to eat a chili supper and listen to a presentation on the needs in Myanmar. It was a pretty fantastic Saturday.

Sunday was also very fantastic and very very busy. It started out with helping the Pastor's wife get ready for the potluck we have once a month. Aren't you surprised? I've become quite domesticated over here in Korea ;)

After church I entered into the stellar group that is Haven Alumni. After Jon, Dale, Stephen, Hank, Elizabeth, and Josh, it was my turn to hang my hat. Maybe I explained this in previous blogs, but hanging hats is what people who go to church at the Haven do when they are about to leave Korea. So, there was a tiny little ceremony, a coin, a pin, and a cake. This church has meant so much to me, they really became my family and I will definitely miss this church more than I will probably miss anything else...thus, my speech was tear filled, sappy, and probably not even understandable.
After my hanging we had an incredible pot blessing (pot luck)!

OH MOM! I almost forgot to tell you, but for my dish to pass I brought that vegetable casserole you always make at Thanksgiving, and since you NEVER picked up the phone on Saturday morning or Saturday night I totally winged (wung?) it and let me tell you, you would be very proud, my dish was the first to be finished! There's nothing like taking home leftovers from your dish to pass at a potluck...ouch.

After church, I headed over to a party that I had been invited to by a couple who moved to Gunsan about 8 months ago. There were many people there and I only knew like 3 of them, so it was so great getting to know new people. It was such a good time playing games, talking, eating..reminded me of college or random summer nights in Dixon. I think I let my competitive side show a little too much with a game of spoons..there goes that domesticatedness..shoot.

Anyhow, the weekend was really really good. I'm beginning to feel a little sentimental these days. I think I'm going to miss life here more than I am anticipating; I'm also feeling a little anxious for another big change even if that change is moving back home. Oh, life.

That's what I got. One more blog down. Two more to go :) Have a good one!

Chuseok Memories

Dear music industry,
Watch out, I'm your next big star.

This past week was, once again, not too eventful. I feel things are really starting to wrap up..well at least, I think I am mentally wrapping things up. Nonetheless, this week did hold a few firsts.

The work week was as per usual, but the weekend was where the action was. Isn't that always the case? Anyhow, after working a full week, it was time for one of the two biggest holidays in Korea... Chuseok! They say it's the equivalent to our Thanksgiving, but I say no to that..unless you eat turkey until you burst, watch the Macy's Day Parade and the Cowboys and Lions play on TV, and see a movie in the theater with the Gabriel sisters, you are not experiencing Thanksgiving ;)

In Korea, a majority of people travel to their relatives and they feast for about 2 days. A few of the traditional foods are these rice cookies and also this amazing little creation called ddok..Ddok comes in many forms. People also make and eat this type called Songpyeon but my favorite Ddok is the white sponge looking ddok..Mrs. Nam bought me some on Friday :) Here it is:Anyhow, this holiday is a 3 day holiday. However, because it fell on Sunday, we only got Monday and Tuesday off. I am so thankful for the two days off, I'm currently soaking up this holiday in a Dunkin' Donuts down the street from my apartment.

Most foreigners spend this holiday traveling to various Asian or Southeastern Asian countries, but because of my upcoming trip to China, I decided to stick it out in the Gunsan to save some dinero. I am so glad I did too because Seul Ki invited me to celebrate Chuseok with her family on Sunday afternoon and evening.

Sunday morning started with a bang, literally. Mr. Oh accidentally side swiped a parked car. Granted the streets were packed since everyone comes home for the holidays and Gunsan is that small city that all those big shots in Seoul come home to, but still the situation was messy. So, after the insurance people arrived and things settled down a bit, we were off to church.

After church, Mr. Oh dropped me off at Seul Ki's house. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was definitely a great way to spend my first Korean Thanksgiving. Seul Ki's parents were so so so friendly and definitely quality people..of course I knew they would be since Seul Ki is such an amazing person.

I should have known to pace myself better, but by the end of the night, I thought my stomach was going to explode! We had the first meal when I got there. She made these stuffed peppers, bulgogi, chop chae, bean sprouts, rice, kimchi, sweet potatoes, and songpyeon. After eating, we ate fruit and played two games of Ut...a game I fully intend on bringing home and teaching you all how to play. They also tried to teach me how to play "Go Stop" but the language barrier combined with the complex rules was too much and I just watched them play.

After games, we decided to go for a hike. Seul Ki's dad loves hiking and walking. He said he really liked hiking with me since I take big steps and walk faster than his wife who apparently holds him back on his hikes. haha..I think his wife is probably, at the most, 5 feet tall. We hiked around Wolmyeong Park, then we took a taxi to the other popular park in Gunsan, Eunpa Park.
We walked in the rain, drank some instant coffee..I've become quite the coffee lover here in Korea...we walked to this restaurant that served a very spicy noodle soup. It was so spicy. I've really improved in the spicy food department, but this spicyness really started to build up. Her dad said after I ate it, my face was a little more red and my lips were a little puffy. Later, her mom admitted that she ordered the spicy food so that I would never forget this experience...well, mission accomplished, Seul Ki's mom ;)

I had been waiting for this "first." I didn't really think it would happen with one of my students and her parents, but it did, and it was A-mazing. I FINALLY went to a Norebong! Norebong is basically Karaoke..but "Karaoke" is a Japanese term...Koreans let me know that real quick. Norebong means "singing room." So, unlike a Karaoke bar, the Norebong is a private room with a TV that acts as the Karaoke machine, couches, a table, and a disco ball. It's extremely popular in Korea and everyone..of all ages..goes to them often. It's a little surprising since I think sometimes Koreans, generally speaking, are more shy and introverted than Westerners. However, I guess if you plop them in front of a Karaoke machine and play some Kpop songs, they come right out of their shell!

Seul Ki's parents were actually pretty incredible singers..and Seul Ki's mom was also quite the little dancer! Seul Ki was also amazing at singing..I on the other hand...wow...I'm as bad as I thought I would be. However, Seul Ki was very impressed when I tackled Usher and Alicia Key's duet, "My boo."

The Norebong was sooooooo much fun! I hope I can go again before I leave...and I really hope I can find one in the U.S. when I'm back.


After the Norebong, we went back to Seul Ki's house and guess what? We ate again! Her mom made beef and we ate what was left over from lunch. While eating and talking, I realized something that I really really really appreciate about Koreans. I've observed something over the years in America. When a young person dies, their facebook is flooded with things like, "I loved the way you smiled." or "Although we had our differences, you were such a wonderful person." or something along those lines. Whenever I read those, it makes me sad that that person can't read that, or hear how they have affected people positively.

I've noticed though that if you affect a Korean in some way..whether good or bad..they will tell you exactly what they think about you right there and then. Now, of course that can lead to something like, "wow, you have really bad style" or "you are really greasy," BUT they also don't shy away from verbally communicating what they do like about you. In fact, whenever I meet Koreans for the first time, I feel really nervous because I know at the end of the day they will tell me what they think about me or will tell me the opinion they've formed about me. Something that Americans would never do on the first meeting, well at least to the person's face.

After eating dinner, Seul Ki's dad told me what he thought of me. He said that he really loved my smile and personality and that since he had been around me during the day, he felt lighter/happier..or something like that. It was such an encouragement to me and I will treasure that. I think so many times, in my head, I say what I love about those who are around me but I never verbally tell them those things. I hope this concept of verbally encouraging others, even if they are somewhat of a stranger, rubs off on me.

Well, I'm pretty sure Dunkin Donuts is closing up and thus, this Chuseok holiday is coming to an end. Here's to a 3 day work week next week! Hope you are all well!

Fortune Teller Pants

Dear Mrs. Nam,
Please put on your fortune teller pants and tell me where I'll be in 6 months. And while you're at it, could you let me in on who I'll marry...just so I can keep a look out ;)

Prepare for another short one folks. As the weeks are waning, it seems my exciting experiences are also waning. Although I wasn't doing anything real exciting this past week, my students provided for some exciting stories.

On Tuesday, after 2 months of gallivanting in South America, Mrs. Ko waltzed into my morning class. I missed her so much! She got me this change purse from Peru and a magnet from Rio. She also went to Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and several other countries down there. I wish I could have shattered that language barrier for about 2 hours so she could have explained in great detail all about her trip. However, she did do a good job explaining and while walking and over lunch, I was able to hear all about it. I want to be like Mrs. Ko when I grow up. :)

Mrs. Nam was probably even happier about Mrs. Ko's homecoming. They have become such great friends through this class. I've loved observing their friendship when we go on our various excursions. One really great thing about Koreans is that they really know how to be a good friend. Many times we as Americans will say, "yeah, let's get together some time," but we don't really mean it and both parties know nothing will come of it. On the other hand, you say to a Korean, "yeah, we should hang out some time." and they respond, "When? I'm free tomorrow..or right now, let's go." They give gifts and just by observing, they (well, at least Mrs. Nam and Mrs. Ko) are very genuine and selfless in their friendships.

This pic was taken back in April, but I just love these two ladies!


Anyhow, Mrs. Nam and Mrs. Ko took me out to lunch on Tuesday to eat some Vietnamese food. I think Vietnamese food has become a top fav of mine. Mrs. Ko was saying how she needs a haircut and Mrs. Nam told her to go to this specific hair shop. Mrs. Ko said that shop is so popular and she would never be able to get an appointment. Without calling or anything, Mrs. Nam told Mrs. Ko the shop would definitely not be busy and she should go that day. The next morning, Mrs. Ko came to class and with a shocked expression said Mrs. Nam was correct, she got a hair appointment, no problem. So, Mrs. Ko says to Mrs. Nam, "You a fortune teller?" Classic Mrs. Nam response: "No, but I was wearing my fortune teller pants."

Also, Tuesday was a birthday of one of my students in my 4:30 class that consists of only 3 girls. So, in celebration, we walked down to the first floor to get some ice cream from GS. Now, I've gotten into this habit of walking up the stairs to the 4th floor where the school is. Not only is it somewhat good exercise, but I can easily avoid the ajumma crowded elevator. So, I suggested we take the stairs to the three 11 year old girls. At first they had this excited expression that was like, "wait there are stairs in this place?" But after the first flight this was Yerin and I's conversation:

Yerin: "Teacher, exercise?"
Me: "We're just taking the stairs to the 4th floor Yerin."
Yerin: "Teacher, it's hot."
Me: "Well, you're eating ice cream so you should live."
Yerin: "TEACHER, WE'RE CHILDREN!"

Thursday was officially the day Elizabeth left Gunsan. So, Tuesday and Wednesday night we hung out a bit, took a walk, chatted with my fruit lady. You see, this fruit lady is no ordinary fruit lady. She is very kind, however, whenever I take my trash out, she always yells at me from her fruit stand like she wants to take my trash. One time, maybe 5 months ago, I gave her my trash that wasn't sorted (sorry, Kate). In Korea, they are big on recycling, and they even have special bins for food trash. So, I felt really bad when I handed over 2 boxes of unsorted trash. Anyhow, since then, I've stealthily taken out the trash without her noticing. But a couple Saturdays ago, I was doing my best to sneak by her while she was dealing with some customers, but she still yelled something out to me. But I kindly bowed and said, "it's ok." So, on Tuesday while Elizabeth and I were returning from our walk, she stopped us. She was trying to communicate something to us, but we had no idea what was trying to be communicated. This is exactly what we heard. "Hamburger? mung mung" along with some hand gestures. So I looked at Elizabeth and I said, "mung mung?" Elizabeth said to me, "mung mung?" The fruit lady then said. "Ye, mung mung." After that strange encounter we went into my complex and walked down the hallways saying, "mung mung? mung mung? mung mung?" When we got into my apartment we looked up the word "mung mung" and we learned that it is the sound a dog makes. I guess it's our equivalent to "bow wow." Thus, we concluded the fruit lady wants my food trash for her "mung mung." Elizabeth and I just found it humorous that we walked down the hallways of my apartment barking to each other.

I sent Elizabeth off into the sunrise on Thursday morning. It was sad, but I'm very happy for her to be back home!

The weekend was nothing too big. Seul Ki came over and we went out to lunch to Mr. Pizza...oh how I love Mr. Pizza. The pizza is ok, but the salad bar is the bomb! Then we shopped for a bit and went back to my apartment to watch 2 hours of non stop Korean dramas (with English subtitles). It was really fun. I actually am slightly addicted to Korean dramas...they always catch you with that love triangle! I had planned to run on Saturday evening and when I told Seul Ki about it, she said she had always wanted to try running. I told her that would be fun if she came along and that she could change her clothes and then meet me at the park. But Seul Ki said she didn't need to change. She was wearing skinny jeans and a big tshirt with Vans tennis shoes. Further, she brought along her purse. I was pretty interested to see how it would turn out, and it really was as funny as I thought it was going to be. Here Seul Ki was in jeans, a a striped shirt, white shoes, and a purse around her neck running for the first time. I will never forget that run. In between our laughing fits, we did a little running, but I think it was a little much for Seul Ki. At one point she said in frustration, "my clothes, my hair, my purse....you're long legs!"

It was a pretty good weekend, and I look forward to next weekend since we have a 4 day weekend because of the big Korean holiday, Chuseok. That's all I got. Hope all is well and you didn't do too much laboring on Labor Day!