Korean Adventure

Home again, home again....jiggity-jig!!

2006-08-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

AMAZING!! A whole year has come and gone since I arrived in Korea August 17th, 2005. As I write this final installment (probably), it is Saturday, August 19th. My contract ends tomorrow and I wing my way to the True North, strong and free on Monday, August 21st....leaving at 7:35 p.m. and arriving in Toronto at 7:45 p.m. the same day.....funny how that happens! :)

Much has happened since I last wrote in this BLOG, the most memorable of which was my 2 week summer vacation.....1 week in Sardegna, Italy and 1 week in the Greek island of Lefkada.

I met and got acquainted with several new friends from Italy, Greece and England with more adventures to come.

This year has truly been a highlight in my life so far. My life has been enriched by the people with whom I have come in contact over the year. I cannot say enough about the Korean people and their INCREDIBLE kindness, generosity, care and compassion for making a foreigner feel welcome in their land. They are too numerous to mention but they know who they are when I say....."I love you one and all and will miss you terribly. Please come to visit in Canada and I hope to see you again in Korea sometime."

Since returning from vacation, I hit the ground running....arriving just in time Monday morning August 7th to start teaching 2 weeks of English camp. As always the children were enthusiastic and NOISY!! (more so the second week). What do they put in these kids ricecakes....YOWZA!! We had a 'special guest' for a couple of days who added a regal touch to the camps.

Today was the last day and after school I sent 2 more boxes home (I hope they arrive safely) and then went out for lunch and a beautiful scenic drive with one of my English Town co-teachers Josephine and a neighbour lady and her son who live in my building. Josephine came to my apartment last night and virtually did all my packing for me. I would still be there Monday morning, crying, totally overwhelmed if it had not been for her. Thank you Josephine. You are a lifesaver!!

Tonight will be final laundry and clean up in the apartment. Tomorrow another co-teacher Kim, Kwang Soon will pick me up and take me into Gwangju to stay overnight so as to be able to catch the bus to the Incheon International Airport on Monday morning for a 5 hour bus ride.

Where has the year gone? Ahhhhh.....memories....a year I will never forget and will "dine out on" for years to come (to quote a very famous politician!!)

There may be one more installment....not sure. Haven't decided whether I will continue this BLOG when I return....or start another one.

Anyway, thanks for tuning in!!! Ciao, yassoo, arrivederci....Canada here I come!!

Seoul....Canada Day times 2....Suncheon

2006-07-19T00:30:00.000-07:00

Canada Day has come and gone but I got to celebrate it twice here in Korea. June 25th was the date of the Canada Day Picnic hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Korea. It was held at a camp ground in Seoul. There were about 800 registered....mostly Canadians but we let some other nationalities in too. There were games, tug of war, posture and spine alignment checks, food , drinks and great music as well as lots of door prizes.

As well as participating in the picnic, I was able to see Janice again. We had a few hours to take the Seoul City Bus tour and Janice pointed out places of interest. We were in the middle of soccermania with World Cup in full swing. The Koreans are avid soccer fans and show their enthusiasm ENTHUSIASTICALLY. There were huge screens in various locations of the city so no one had to miss the games that were usually televised in the middle of the night. I chose to be in bed those nights!!

The second Canada Day celebration took place in Suncheon and I celebrated with some of the teachers from the Canadian Connection group. We got dressed in red and white, painted our faces....some of us even put red makeup on our eyes!! Crazy Canucks!! It was FUN and patriotic!! Who says Canadians aren't patriotic!!

Enjoy the pictures!!

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Happy Canada Day....Oh, Canada my home and native land!!

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The girls in Red and White!!

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V for Victory....we've been in Korea too long!!

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Canucks unite!!

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Cute Dustin....great bartender even if he is a Yank!

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Up on the roof ....for Canada Day fireworks!

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Singin' our hearts out!!

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Interview with random school kids

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Janice and I in the midst of World Cup mania - Go Red Devils!!

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Russian entertainers - Insadong, Seoul

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What a beauty....2 months old

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Happy Canada Day - Seoul, Korea!!

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Crazy Canucks!!

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Look at this little cutie enjoying Canada Day too!

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Could you get any more Canadian than a tepee??

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Sheilagh and the Ontario team vs Western Canada

2006-07-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

Vive Les Canadiens! - French Canadian band from Montreal

Bethel, Bible Study and Bye bye Rachel

2006-07-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

I've had the privilege to attend Bethel Church in Gwangju and be part of the English Worship Service since being in Korea. It is a small but enthusiastic group of Korean and Foreigner believers. The Bible tells us "where 2 or 3 are gathered there am I in the midst of them". Although the numbers are few, the worship and love for the Lord is felt every Sunday. The Korean Nationals really welcome the foreigners with open arms. Kindness and generosity are 2 of the many wonderful qualities of the Korean people and they are exemplified at this church.

I've had the honour of singing on the worship team with Shelby (Korean) and Rachel (my new buddy from Edmonton....actually Leduc, Alberta) and occasionally saying the intercessory prayer.

The group that leads this English Worship Service including another fellow Canadian..Perry Broe who is the lay minister....has a heart to reach out to the foreign community in Gwangju as well as encourage the nationals to come and listen, speak, sing and worship in English. They are doing a great job.

On the 18th of June we had a farewell service for Rachel who led worship and preached many Sundays. Rachel has an amazing voice and piano playing gift that she loves to use to worship God. I was privileged to sing with Rachel on the worship team, as a duet and even in one of the prisons in Gwangju (talked about in another installment of this BLOG). Bethel (and I) will really miss her!! (but I'm going to visit her in Leduc....after all I haven't ever been to the West Edmonton mall....one thing I HAVE to do before I die!!)

Rachel also led a Bible Study that I attended periodically. It was a small group that met at Jon and Emily's apartment in Gwangju but we always had a good time of studying various portions of the Bible. Our last time together, we each wrote down some questions that we had about our faith, the Bible, etc.....anything that was a mystery and then we tried to answer them, to one degree or another, as a group.....very enlightening.

Please enjoy the pictures....

2006-07-14T03:16:00.000-07:00

Bethel Kyohay (Church) my 'home' church away from home

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Bible Study group

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Rachel loves to sing.....and preach at Bethel!

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Farewell lunch for Rachel....Koreans and food go together!

2006-07-14T03:10:00.000-07:00

Farewell to Rachel from English Worship Service at Bethel

2006-07-14T03:09:00.000-07:00

Deacon Yune thanks and says goodbye to Rachel

Gwangju International Centre Field Trip

2006-07-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

This was my first GIC trip that I went on since being in Korea and it was GREAT!! The GIC is a centre for foreign residents which is run by Koreans especially a lot of volunteers. They have weekly talks on various subjects and monthly trips such as this one trying to help foreigners learn more about Korea and just generally get acclimatized. They also provide Korean language lessons for a nominal fee.

Field trips in Korea are usually jam-packed with activities and this one was no exception. It started off with a 2 hour bus ride to the Nakan Folk Village near Suncheon (see pictures below), then another hour to drop some of us off to go biking (I opted for the more relaxed bike ride) while the braver souls drove another hour to do paintball. I decided I would forgo the frivolity of paintball because, from what I hear, people get maimed and some of this group met with bruises and welts.

This was a great way to meet new people....both foreigners and Koreans. Some of us ended the day with a great meal at Outback Steak House.

All in all a FUN day!! (This took place June 17....sorry I am so long writing about it!!)

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Map of Nakan Folk Villaage - part of Gwangju Int'l Centre trip

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Just lyin' around!

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Are we having fun....or what?

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My bodyguard!!

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My new 'boyfriend'

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Rachel.....BE NICE!!

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Rachel and I on top of the world...Nakan Folk Village near Suncheon

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Peek-a-boo!!

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The whole group before we split...some for paintball....others for bike riding.

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A pretty fountain where we rode bikes.

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There really is a bird in the water!!

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The water's never too cold for kids!

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Food and friends!

Mt. Illim....this was ALMOST my waterloo!!

2006-07-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

One of the teacher's at my Girls' Middle School has become a really good friend. Her name is Kim, Kwang-Soon (Koreans put their family name first). She asked me to join her and her WHOLE family for a hike up Mt. Illim. I felt honoured to be included with all her family and gladly accepted the invitation.

WHAT WAS I THINKING!!?? Actually it was a great day and her family are warm and friendly even though very little English was spoken and my Korean certainly isn't up to scratch. HOWEVER, this hike was a MARATHON!! About 2.5 - 3 hours later we reached the top of this mountain that was covered in azaleas. Beautiful sight but man, were my knees screaming!! The sad part was.....what goes up, must come down. Poor Kwong Soon she felt so bad that she had suggested this hike and I was really in pain. I tried to assure her that it was OK....all the while, I just wanted someone to shoot me and put me out of my misery. The way down was even worse because coming down a very steep precipice is harder on bad knees...at least on my bad knees. Try to picture this.....a beautiful azalea covered mountain, surrounded by gurgling brooks, rocks, a narrow path......AND thousands of Koreans, walking sticks flailing, pushing and shoving up and down this path.....AND ME.....the ONLY foreigner. In hindsight, it was pretty funny but at the time, I WAS NOT AMUSED!! Anyway, on the way down we found a road that was a more gentle descent which was somewhat easier on the old 'pins'.

Just a note.....Kwang Soon's family members weren't exactly thrilled with the length and difficulty of the hike either. All in all though, we had a GREAT day!!

Enjoy the pictures.

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Mt. Illim and the azaleas....this mountain about killed me!!

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Masses of humanity going up and down a very small path

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Some of the scenery up Mt. Illim

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Kwang Soon....what a cutie!!

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At the Green Tea Plantation

2006-07-06T04:37:00.000-07:00

The kids, Kwang Soon's sister-in-law and me

The Ladies Come to Yeonggwang

2006-07-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

I had been telling some of my Canadian teacher friends that they really should experience rural Korea and come to visit me in Yeonggwang.....so a few of them took the plunge.

Carol, Vanessa and Crystal were the first brave souls to arrive. This frolicking event took place several weekends ago. Friday night we went out for some dinner and drinks, then went bowling (haven't bowled in YEARS....what a HOOT!!), then went to a Nora-bong (karaoke room) that was even more of a HOOT! Good thing we have 'day jobs'!! We threw caution to the wind and sang with abandon. Good thing the walls are soundproof. Since we didn't get started until about 9:30 p.m., it made for a very late night. On our way home, we sat on a trailer for one of the political candidates and had our picture taken since it was right around national election day (May 31st). We got some strange looks from the locals but....we didn't care. We were having FUN!!

Saturday we had bacon, eggs, toast, coffee, tea, and juice. I even cooked....unheard of but I managed to not burn anything or poison anyone so that's a plus!!

Our company swelled to 5 when Laurien joined us. Our agenda for Saturday was to go to a local beach. We headed to the bus terminal only to find that the next bus was not for another hour and a half so we piled into a taxi (very crowded back seat....normally the taxi drivers won't take 5 people but this guy was accommodating and I don't think he wanted to argue with 5 waygook (foreigner) females. Twenty minutes or so later we arrived at the beach.....a little disappointing but since the tide was out we were able to walk out quite a distance and sit on the rocks. After about an hour or so, a Korean man came to tell us we needed to come back in because the tide was coming back in. He was right....we got wet getting back onto dry land. Oh well, another adventure.

The same taxi driver came back to pick us up and dropped us off at my favourite pizza place and so our hunger was satisfied. Then we headed back to my place for manicures, pedicures, massages, etc. This proved to be the highlight of the weekend...with a lot of laughing, talking and general fooling around. Unfortunately, I missed a lot of the frivolity because......you guessed it.....I fell asleep!! WHAT is the matter with me??

Sunday was very low key and everyone but Laurien left around 11:30 for their respective homes. Laurien stayed on for a few more hours and we had some time to catch up.

All in all...a very FUN weekend. Yeonggwang will never be the same!!

Enjoy the pictures......some could not be shown to protect the guilty!!

2006-07-02T05:54:00.000-07:00

Crazy Canucks at Gemami Beach...not swimming weather YET!!

2006-07-02T05:53:00.000-07:00

Carol fancies herself as a hairdresser!

2006-07-02T05:51:00.000-07:00

Laurien and Crystal getting ready for pedicures

Festivals May 5 - 8, 2006

2006-05-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

We had a long weekend in May but it wasn't the same dates as in Canada. Ours was May 5 - 8. May 5th was Children's Day so wherever we went, there were hoards of little Korean people....love their little pointed heads!!

This weekend proved to be my most adventuresome one yet....in terms of cities travelled to.....5 in 4 days...call me 'crazy' but this too is reality.

Thursday May 4th, I made the trek to Mokpo to stay over with Crystal. May 5th we took a bus for a long and winding ride through many small towns to our final destination of Wando for the Changpogang (sp?) Festival. It was a reenactment of some pirate invasion of the area (ok, I don't really know....this is my interpretation of it!!)

When we first arrived, there was not really much happening except a few vendors and a lot of traditional Korean music (some of which is very loud and grating on the nerves....however a cultural experience none the less.) I had the opportunity to try my hand at making dried seaweed which first starts out wet and is poured onto this form and then is left to dry in the sun (although there was not much sun that day). The dried seaweed is what kimbap is made with as well as just eaten as a snack.....not my idea of a great snack but heh, I'm Canadian...what do I know??

I was bored after the first hour but was with a group so couldn't leave so I stayed with the group. We wandered around, had coffee and pop at a local coffee shop, had some lunch.....samgapsal.....3 layers of lettuce, pork, veggies and sauces...the pork is cooked over a grill in front of you (someone in the group becomes the cook) eaten Korean style on the floor....my poor knees can't take all this sitting on the floor!!

There was a parade in the afternoon which ended off with an amazing fireworks display which would have been more impressive had it been nighttime.

We left Wando and made our way to Suncheon to stay at Carol's place (3rd city in 2 days).

In Suncheon we picked up my new glasses (very funky), lazed about, saw Mission Impossible 3 (lots of special effects) and went to Outback....hooray for Western food!!

Sunday we went to the Boseoung Green Tea Festival. (4th city in 3 days) It was cold and rainy and again not really much going on (even less than in Wando) but none the less....a cultural experience....which the local Boseoung folks are very proud of. We sampled some Korean food....cold green tea noodles....amazing how many things they can do with green tea and even had a green tea face massage. That was good....but cold lying down for an hour.

Sunday night I left the group and headed to Gwangju to hook up with Rachel to stay overnight with her. (5th city in 4 days) Monday morning she and I sang at a local jail in Gwangju. What an awesome experience that was. We sang Amazing Grace and Above All and Lord I Lift Your Name on High.....some in Korean and most in English. The inmates (all men....about 200 of them) were very appreciative of our singing especially the fact that we sang in Korean. How wonderful to know that even in jail God is being praised and worshiped. In God's eyes, there is no hopeless cause. He shows love, compassion and mercy to ALL who call on Him.

After a Korean lunch and getting my nails done in downtown Gwangju, I headed back on yet another bus to go home to Yeonggwang.

Another successful, action packed weekend!

Wando Festival

2006-05-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

2006-05-21T04:03:00.000-07:00

Boseong Green Tea Festival May 7, 2006

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Green Tea ritual

2006-05-21T04:01:00.000-07:00

Green tea facial massage - Boseoung Green Tea Festival

2006-05-21T03:14:00.000-07:00

Carol, Vanessa & Crystal....and me

2006-05-21T03:13:00.000-07:00

Fireworks about to begin

2006-05-21T03:11:00.000-07:00

Making dried seaweed

2006-05-21T03:10:00.000-07:00

Wando Festival May 5th, 2006

A Tale of Three Cities

2006-05-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

Time is flying by here in Korea. I have been here about 8.5 months and I can't believe it.

Since my last instalment...I have settled into the new term at my schools....with all the usual frustrations...last minute timetable changes, lack of communication, noisy talkative students.....some things never change!! I thought I was enjoying it more but the verdict is still out at this juncture. But no use complaining...it is what it is!! Let's get on to the good stuff....

As always my weekends are filled with day and weekend trips to various cities not far from where I live...Mokpo, Gwangju and Suncheon. You've heard me talk about Gwangju a lot....one of most favourite times there was a couple of weeks ago on a Sunday, my friend Rachel (she's from Leduc Alberta, near Edmonton)and I were asked to sing in the communion service for Bethel Church where I have been attending. This was the main church and all in Korean. We didn't understand anything but our English Worship Service congregation was invited to participate in the communion service. It was AWESOME!! In spite of the language barrier, it was so wonderful to worship with these Korean brothers and sisters who were there to remember our Lord's passion. Rachel and I sang Amazing Grace and Above All. We sang one verse of Amazing Grace and one chorus of Above All in Korean and the rest in English. The congregation was very appreciative and pleasantly surprised at our singing in Korean. What a great experience.

I didn't see much of Mokpo because the weather wasn't very good but I had a good time getting together with some of the other teachers who are all part of the Canadian Connection group.

Last weekend I travelled to Suncheon about 2.5 hours away. It's about the same size as Mokpo, i.e. approximately 300,000 people so there are actually department stores and Western restaurants like Outback there. Hooray!!! It's amazing how much we take for granted being able to go to a department store or restaurant with food you recognize. It's all part of the experience....educational and enlightening.

This weekend I was supposed to be going to Jeju (Korea's Hawaii, apparently??) but plans have changed and I hope to do that in the summer before I come home. Instead I will be cavorting around the country side taking in various festivals that are happening. Friday May 5th is Childrens' Day (what do they need a special day for ....isn't every day Childrens' Day?? :)

Life in Korea is good but I realize that there still is no place like home!!

That's all for now.....

Just Another Day in .......South Korea

2006-04-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I wrote in this blog.

Since I have returned from Canada, I have got back on the bandwagon of working out and trying to lose some of the 10 kg. that I have gained. YUCK!! I have even started going to Yoga.......well if you want to call it Yoga. It's a lot of stretching and putting yourself into contortionist-type positions so that your body feels like a pretzel!! Whew-hooooo!! Just what I need. Hopefully I will be fitter, less fat and more flexible when I return to Canada.

Teaching seems a little easier this term. I asked one of my Grade 2 (Grade 11) classes yesterday why they talk so much in my class and they said because it is new. I think that's a compliment but I'm not sure. Another teacher in Yeosu asked the same question and her students said because they are happy. Now THAT'S a compliment!! I seem to have more control over the new students this term. I can't decide whether the kids are more attentive and respectful or that I have established a routine or a combination of both - probably the latter.

My extra classes with the Grade 6 elementary students start today so I will see how those 'little darlins' are.

My Grade 1 (7) and Grade 3 (9) students are away on a field trip for today, tomorrow and Friday so I have no classes for the next 3 days other than my after school classes at English Town. But, you guessed it........I have to come to school and sit here. That is part of the reason I have time to write this instalment.

Last weekend was spent in Mokpo visiting with some of the other teachers from my Canadian Connection group. The weather was lousy so we didn't do much but it was nice to travel to another city and see another part of Jeollanam province. Mokpo os on the water (I really miss being on or at least near the wather.) Plans have been made to go to Jeju Island on the long weekend in May which for us is May 5 - 7. We are taking a 4 and 1/2 hour ferry ride from Mokpo to Jeju. Hope the weather is good or I may be 'tossing my cookies'. I am looking forward to seeing Jeju as it is supposed to be beautiful....Korea's Hawaii.....so they say!!

Time is going by so fast....I have almost been here 8 months. WOW!! Christmas was the hardest to be away from home but I think the rest of the time will be OK and before I know it, I will be home again.

There really isn't much to tell so I will sign off. Take care and be safe!!

Back in the Saddle Again!!

2006-03-23T22:39:00.000-08:00

Much has happened since I last wrote in this journal.

During my wonderful trip to Thailand with my wonderful friend Sasha, I learned that my Mother was very ill and I arranged a trip home.

Before heading off for Canada I spent 4 days in school and witnessed my first Korean graduation of the Grade 3's (Grade 9's) in my Girls' Middle School. It seemed pretty similar to Canadian graduations - students going up to receive their diplomas, proud parents standing around with flowers (the flower 'peddlars' were outside the school ready to sell their 'wares' to the needy!! and forgetful!!) and lots of merriment.

The afternoon of February 16th was the beginning of a 2 day trek to get home to Canada to see my sick Mom (who had been told I was coming). Two buses later from Yeonggwang, I arrived in Busan (yet another new city and situation) where I found a motel to stay overnight (quite an interesting experience when you don't speak the language!!) The next morning I took a taxi to the airport and began a 2 stop flight to Toronto - Busan to Tokyo, Japan - Tokyo to Detroit - Detroit to Toronto. 17 hours or so later, I arrived in T.O. having crossed the International dateline - I left on Friday, February 17 and arrived Friday, February 17.....AMAZING!!

What should behold me when I got my bags and through customs (with no hassle!) was the beautiful smiling face of my daughter. What a sight to see!! It was SO GOOD to be HOME!!

After a quick bite at Burger King (it's amazing how good a hamburger can taste when you are used to 'much different food'!!), we headed to the long term care place where Mom was to see her. On arrival there, we were informed that she was in the hospital.

Fortunately the hospital (York Central) was on the same premises so we soon found Mom. She seemed disoriented but nevertheless, was aware of who we were.

Without going into a lot of details, a lot of the next 2 weeks was spent visiting with Mom and having a wonderful opportunity to say our good byes and to thank her for being a wonderul Mom and Nanny.

MOM WENT TO BE WITH HER LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, early Saturday March 4th, 2006 - one day before her 84th birthday.

I am so thankful that I was able to get home before she passed away. I am thankful too that she didn't have to suffer for long and that she was kept comfortable by the palliative care nurses at the hospital. Most of all, I am thankful that she is finally at peace, happy and at HOME!!

Shawna and I had the privilege of singing at Mom's funeral - a wonderful triumphant song of the believer's hope in life eternal in a place where there will be....

"no more night, no more pain, no more tears never crying again.
Praises to the Great I AM.
We will live in the light of the Risen Lamb!"

Mom had great faith (which she passed on to her children and anyone else who would listen) and she had died in the arms of her Heavenly Father who welcomed her home with the promised words...."Well done good and faithful servant, enter in to the joys of your Lord."

Her funeral was a wonderful tribute to her from those who knew her and loved her. Thank you to all!!

As much as I will miss her, I would not wish her back here as her last few years on earth were not happy having suffered a broken hip, ongoing osteoporosis and other aging ills. She has a new body now. What a blessing!

I LOVE YOU MOM AND WILL SEE YOU AGAIN SOMEDAY!!

Besides time spent with Mom, I also had time to spend with my precious friends and family. What a blessing to have such wonderful people with whom to share this journey. There was laughter, tears, dancing, eating, hugs, kisses, talking, reminiscing.......I LOVED IT ALL!!

A month came and went very quickly (as did the 3000+ kms I put on the rental car) and before I knew it, it was time to reverse the trip to return to Yeonggwang.

I arrived back on Friday, March 17th....just in time for St. Patrick's Day....funny, though, there was no 'green beer' in Yeonggwang (not that I really went looking for it!!)

The week-end was spent doing laundry and relaxing (you know how it is said that you have to go 'home' for a rest....well that's what it seemed like for me) and getting psyched up to go back to school.

As I write this, the end of the first week will be tomorrow. So far I haven't killed anyone nor have they killed me. Actually, the week has been relatively easy because I have just introduced myself to mostly new students since we have started a new year. I have showed them pictures and allowed them to ask me questions....the one burning question is always "how old are you?" Luckily I don't have a problem telling people my age or, in the case of the students, making a game of it and having them guess!! (Some people would not fair well in this culture... right Keerlin?:)

The next 5 months are sure to speed by so I will, as always, take 'one day at a time' and enjoy the journey.

Until next time....adieu!!

2006-02-13T06:13:00.000-08:00

If you want to see more Thailand pictures, go to:
http://heathersashthailand2006.shutterfly.com

Saying good-bye to Italian friends at Koh Lanta

2006-02-13T06:12:00.000-08:00

Approaching Railay Beach - Krabi

2006-02-13T06:07:00.000-08:00

Arriving at Railay Bay Resort and Spa

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One of the little critters we saw

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The pool at Railay Bay Resort and Spa

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Sunset on Railay Beach - Krabi

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Our cottage at Railay Bay Resort and Spa

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Our last night - all good things must come to an end!

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Phanang Beach - Krabi

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The End

Final Thoughts from Thailand

2006-02-12T21:40:00.000-08:00

We arrived back at Buddy Lodge in Bangkok (where we had stayed the first 3 nights)at about 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, February 8th to pick up our suitcases, repack and do some more shopping. As I mentioned before Thailand is a shopper's paradise - so many vendors, such cheap prices and you are expected to barter. I feel badly about doing that because everything is so cheap but I did more of it as my money dwindled. Sash was relentless!!:)

We met up with a couple of Canadian teacher colleagues of mine (Carol-Ann and Vanessa - Vanessa and I have the same birthday)and they walked around with us and then we had a drink and some food together. Sash was determined to keep shopping until the last store closed!! Both of us ended up having to take out more money. You know the old traveller's credo - "take 1/2 the amount of clothes and twice the amount of money you think you will need" - truer words were never spoken!! YIKES!!

After Carol-Ann and Vanessa headed off to their hotel to go to bed, Sash and I sat at an all night cafe and did some people watching although at 1:00 a.m., there were not as many people as usual on Khao San Road. Around 3:00 a.m., we were both getting 'punchy' and so decided to head to the airport. Our ride to the airport in a taxi proved to be hilarious for us just because we were tired and started taking stupid pictures of each other in the back of the cab and laughing hysterically!! (You had to be there!!)

On arriving at the airport, we changed into our 'cold weather' clothes. YUCK!! and then tried to find a secluded space on the floor to catch a few winks (didn't really happen!) We checked in about 8:30 a.m., had some breakfast and then had a foot massage before boarding the plane.

The first leg of our journey home was together to Hong Kong, then Sash had a 2 hour stopover and continued on to Toronto. I had less than an hour and then continued on to Seoul (Incheon). I arrived there at 7:40 p.m. Thursday night and stayed overnight at a backpacker's hostel. They picked me up and took me back to the airport on Friday where I caught an express bus back to Gwangju and then caught another bus back to Yeonggwang. I was a little miffed at the one bus driver who refused to help me load my bags into the belly of the bus even though he saw me struggling - I guess his motto is "it's not my job lady"!!

I arrived back in my apartment around 5:30 p.m. Friday. It was kind of lonely coming back to an empty apartment but I definitely have wonderful memories and pictures of a fantastic trip with an equally fantastic, fun friend - let's do it again Sash!! Hope you enjoyed the pics everyone!!

Random Thoughts

2006-02-07T20:05:00.000-08:00

One of the most interesting, cute and scary sights I have seen in Thailand is the kids going to school - not in cars or on buses - but on the back and front of their mom or dad's motor bike. Yes, 2 or 3 kids are on one bike with a mother or father. It is crazy. Hundreds of motor bikes all taking kids to school. Some very little kids half asleep, some eating breakfast - none with helmets on!! The parents wear helmets but not the kids. What's with that?

It has been a few days since I wrote about my adventure. It is really hard for me to concentrate on writing when I am on vacation. I have seen lots of great things and done some amazing things - elephant ride, bamboo rafting, etc.

We have done a lot in our two weeks and I think I am going to have to go home to have a rest but it's been amazing.

After our day trip to Koh Phi Phi, we went by boat from Phuket to Koh Lanta. This is a smaller quieter island. Our resort was called Blue Andaman Lanta Resort. It was quite nice although the people at the front desk were not very friendly. The young staff members were cute (mostly Muslim) and we met some really nice people - a couple from England who live on a boat in Greece and have done so for the past 6 years. They invited us to visit them in Greece so I think that could possibly be my holiday in the summer before I come home!! We also met a really nice Australian couple and a family from Italy. There are a lot of European tourists here.

We basically 'hung out' at the pool and beach (not a great beach - at low tide there were all these rocks sticking up - kind of interesting but kind of lousy for swimming). We left there yesterday and took a boat to Krabi province to Railay Beach. Now Railay Beach is BEAUTIFUL. Huge craggy limestone cliffs and caves, monkeys and beautiful sunsets. This is our last night here. Tomorrow we take a long boat to the pier and then a taxi to the Krabi airport to fly back to Bangkok to pick up the rest of our clothes that we left in the hotel where we stayed at the beginning of the journey. We will repack, shop a little more and then head to the airport. We are going to pull an 'all nighter'.

We fly the first leg of the return flight together to Hong Kong and then separate.

All in all an amazing adventure!! Let me encourage you to go out and see the world!! It is SO WORTH IT!!

Koh Phi Phi

2006-02-02T19:22:00.000-08:00

We were up early today to get picked up to go to the harbour and catch a large cruiser for a day trip to Koh Phi Phi. Lot of people of all races, shapes and sizes.

The first leg of the journey was about 2 hours. Then we transferred to a smaller boat to go snorkelling. I cannot snorkel because of wearing contacts (well at least I am always afraid of losing them so I don't take the chance!!) Sash did though and although she said there were some nice fish, she didn't think it compared to snorkelling in Hawaii or Cuba (she has done both!!)

After snorkelling, we went the next leg of the journey to our final destination - Koh Phi Phi, where we had lunch and about an hour to look around the beach where we docked. Sasha and I had our picture taken in the water at the spot where the tsunami hit in December 2004 - a very sobering location. There is a memorial set up there too. Hard to believe that 13 months ago, many thousands of people lost there lives right there on that beach (as well as many other locations and countries). They were vacationing just like we are and without any warning were swallowed up in a massive wall of crashing destructive water - nature's fury!! UNBELIEVABLE!! Thankfully, we had a beautiful, hot, sunny day to enjoy the beach!! In fact, we both got a little "fried" but that's what sun holidays are for. We do use sun protection too!! After lunch and free time, we boarded the ship again to return to Phuket. All in all a great relaxing day with plenty of time to chat.

So far, Sash and I have both said that although Thailand is beautiful, there are many beautiful places in the world and we both have the bug to "keep travelling"!!

At the end of the journey, I will try to get my pictures downloaded and put them up here. If all else fails, I will certainly do it when I get back to Korea.

In the midst of this holiday, I have learned that my Mom is very low and so I will be returning home to see her in a couple of weeks. I am reminded of the verses in Ecclesiastes that says "to everything there is a purpose...a time to be born and a time to die........" Mom has lived a good long life and I hope and pray that God will keep her alive long enough for me to see her before she goes to be with Him. What better place could there be for her to go to!! No earthly place compares to heaven!!

That's all for now.

On the beach

2006-02-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we flew into Phuket ($55 for a 1 hour flight). A friend of Sash's from work has a friend who lives in Phuket so we hooked up with him and are staying with him in his amazing house that has a pool. He also has a cute little 8 week golden retriever. We are here for 3 days. This house is so lovely - 3 bedrooms, tiles on the floors and walls, ceiling fans, open concept and, did I mention the POOL. Oh, my gosh, I think I've died and gone to heaven. I could live here. I must check into teaching in Thailand!!

We hung out at the beach yesterday until Bruce picked us up, then went to his place, sat around and had a swim in the pool, then took him out for dinner.

This morning we sat around the pool for a while, then walked down towards the beach, used the internet and had brunch at a Canadian/Thai owned restaurant. We booked a day trip to Koh (Island) Phi Phi for tomorrow and then spent a few hours on the beach. Shopped for a little while then got a ride back with the English couple who live in the house behind Bruce's ( on the same property). Sat around the pool again then Bruce drove us into Kata Beach where we shopped a little more and then had dinner at a beachside cafe. After that Sash had, what she said was the best one yet, a foot massage while I had a shoulder and back massage. OH, SO GOOD!! for about $5.

We are now heading home because we are getting up early to go to our day trip to Phi Phi (pronounced pee pee!!)

A great day - beautiful weather, beautiful accommodation, beautiful location!!

That's all for now.

On to Phuket and the beaches

2006-01-31T08:20:00.000-08:00

We spent the last 2 days in Chiang Mai in the North - very beautiful - more rainforest. We took the overnight train from Bangkok Saturday night - very loud bumpy for sleeping but a great experience. Sash was on the top berth, I was on the bottom. (She's younger - that's fair!!) We met a really nice couple from England on a 12 month around the world trip. HOW GREAT IS THAT??!!

On Sunday we booked into the Lai Thai Guest House - nice and more Thai-ish than our Khao San Road accommodation. We walked around the area for a while, did some more shopping (this is a shopper's Mecca), then went back to sit around the pool for a few minutes and then had an oil massage - heavenly!!

Monday we took a one day trip. Started with an hour bus ride to an elephant compound where we rode an elephant for an hour - really cool. Our little guide "Haun", who rode on the elephant's neck, was so cute. He was very happy, singing, laughing and generally enjoying himself and entertaining us.

Then we went to a village tribe and saw how they live, watched them weaving silk into beautiful pillow cases, bed spreads and of course, buying some of there wares. These people are refugees from Burma and speak their own language but do not speak Thai. Really interesting.

Then it was off to trek to a beautiful waterfall where we stopped for about a half hour. Some people swam but it was too cold for this Canuck and I didn't want to sit in a wet suit for the rest of the trip.

We then stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch with choice of fried noodles (very spicy), frid rice (not spicy) or noodle soup (spicy). It was very good but did play a little havoc with my stomach!!

Then our final leg of the trip was on a bamboo raft down a lazy river that had a few little rapids. We got wet of course but that made it all the more fun!! Sash and I sat up front and 2 ladies from Finland sat behind us. Our young guide "Man" was a fabulous navigator and managed to keep the boat on track!!

We met a couple from Israel, a family from Finland (including the 2 ladies on our raft) and another couple from Finland. Great to meet so many wonderful people.

Our driver then dropped us off at the train station in Chiang Mai so we could catch the overnight train back to Bangkok.

The ride back was better than the ride here and I even slept. So great to see the countryside. Arrived back in Bangkok at 6:30. Met a couple of Canadian girls on the train and we took a cab back to Khao San Rd. to unload some of our stuff.

Flying to Phuket today. More later.......

Off to Chiang Mai

2006-01-28T02:28:00.000-08:00

We are going to have an interesting experience taking an overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in the North of Thailand. We are in second class and have an upper and lower berth. Apparently the air conditioning is freezing so we are preparing to wear layers of clothing.

We have one night booked in at a guest house and then we are playing the rest of the time, only 2 days actually, by ear!!

Should be fun!!

That's all for now.

Day 1 & 2 Thailand Adventure

2006-01-27T17:52:00.000-08:00

We arrived very early Thursday morning and checked into out hotel. Had 4 hours sleep and got up for our breakfast - good but mostly cold!! Spent a few hours at the rooftop pool - very nice and oh, so what I needed!! I LOVE THE SUN!!

Decided that we better get some activities organized for the rest of our trip so we booked a day trip around Bangkok for Friday, then booked a trip North to Chiang Mai on the overnight train ($23) on Saturday night getting in early Sunday morning. We booked a guest house for Sunday night in Chiang Mai ($21)and booked the overnight train back to Bangkok Monday night arriving early Tuesday morning when we will fly to Phuket ($55). That's all we know so far.

Khaosan Rd. where our hotel is in Bangkok is about 400 metres long but is lined with vendor after vendor selling all kinds of name brand rip offs for unbelievably low prices - e.g. rip off Birkenstock sandles for $7.50. The food vendors selling chicken skewers for 60 cents, banana crepes covered in chocolate for 60 cents were so yummy!! We had a 1/2 hour foot massage for $3. Amazing. There are so many tourists from all over the world - mostly back packers it seems - all shapes and sizes. The street is very dirty, busy and crowded but really interesting to do people watching!!

Again we were up late 2:30 a.m. and had to be up to catch a bus at 6:30 for our day trip. Our day trip consisted of seeing a few Buddhist temples, ruins of the ancient capital, royal palace, the largest Golden Buddha in Thailand and a reclining Buddha (kind of tired of seeing Buddhas and temples!!) We had the option of taking a 1/2hour elephant ride but declined and will do that either in Chiang Mai or when we go south to the beaches. The summer royal palace was amazing and we got some great pictures which will have to be down loaded at a later date. We met 2 guys - one from Washington D.C. and his friend from Mexico and also a really nice Canadian girl from Vancouver who is a casting director. We had a 3 hour boat cruise back to Bangkok including a Thai buffet lunch. It was quite good - great to taste Thai cuisine.

It's sad to see these elephants in Bangkok being chained up but I guess it's part of life here in Thailand and a way to make money. I know the ends doesn't justify the means but life in Thailand isn't easy for anyone - elephants or people. We also saw litle kids selling flowers to people in cars on incredibly busy streets as well as at the temples. Life is really different here.

Tonight we will have another foot massage and hopefully hook up with Cameron my contact in Bangkok. Tomorrow we will go to one of the markets early and then head to the train station in the afternoon to board our overnight train to the north. That should be an interesting experience.

We are asking different tourists about their experiences and getting some good advice. The girl from Vancouver is going to go to the market with us in the morning. She has been there before so it will be good to have someone who knows the ropes. The vendors expect you to barter with them but I feel bad doing that when everything is so dirt cheap!!

Well, time to go. Will keep you posted.

Thailand or Bust!!

2006-01-26T03:47:00.000-08:00

We have arrived!! Sasha arrived at 10 p.m. and I followed close behind at 11:15 p.m.!! It was SO GREAT to see her and get caught up. We have been yakking ever since we got here and now we are at a 24 hour internet cafe at 3:30 a.m. No time to sleep,,,,,Sasha says 'she'll sleep in the sun!!!' We'll be doing that tomorrow!!

Tomorrow we have to get flights, hotels, etc. booked for where we are going to go. We are kind of winging it but that's fun!!

The hotel we are in in Bangkok is called Buddy Lodge - it's pretty basic but clean and too expensive for Thailand. So we will be looking for something cheaper and more 'Thai-ish'! as we go along.

We arrived late but this street we are staying on is really dirty and very interesting 'characters' hanging around. I'm sure when the daylight appears (which will be very soon!!) we will see much more!!

Gotta run. Talk soon.

From the sublime to the painful

2006-01-24T16:00:00.000-08:00

I have been in Seoul for a couple of days before I go to Thailand to meet Sasha. Yesterday I got a massage which I love of course (have I mentioned that before:) I tell you these Korean masseurs and masseuses are small in stature but have hands like vice grips!! Yesterday was no exception!! It was sublime but definitely there was pain to be had primarily because, as I was told, I was very tight. You would think that I would be relaxed since I am on vacation but .......not the case.

Anyway today I had a facial and I THOUGHT SHE WAS GOING TO CRUSH MY SKULL!!! Now as I was lying there, freezing first of all until the heated bed heated up, thinking that I should tell her when I felt like my head was going to cave in but for some masochistic reason, I kept thinking 'Oh this must be good for me'. WHAT AM I NUTS?? I am sure she is very good at what she does with all her tapping, slappng and finger clapping but it just wasn't my cup of tea (green tea of course)!! I got out of there pretty fast.

Tomorrow I am booked in for a tanning session, pedicure and hairstyle. Then I take the airport limo (bus) to the airport to fly to Bangkok to meet Sasha. I talked to her today and we are both giddy with excitement. She is not in the best of health so I hope she gets better SOON. Not great to be flying when you are not well!!

I will try to update this blog as my Thailand travels unfold.

Later.....

Birthday Bash, Thailand Thrills

2006-01-21T15:58:00.000-08:00

Sorry, it's been a while since I have updated you on what's going on in South Korea.

Well, another birthday has come and gone. The unfortunate part about birthdays here is that you are another year older than you really are. HUH??? When Korean babies are born, they celebrate their 1st birthday and then when the New Year comes, they celebrate another year so you can be as much as 2 years older here in Korea. WHO CAME UP WITH THAT IDEA?? Bummer!! Anyway, I am OLD ENOUGH in Canadian years so forget 'going with the Korean flow' on this one.

I was at second week of Winter Camp at English camp and the teachers and kids had a surprise birthday party for me (pictures will come much later not in this instalment). Well it was supposed to be a surprise but I inadvertently walked in on the preparations. Well I was just in the next 'open' room and could hear screeching noises which was the kids trying to blow up balloons. They had balloons, 'Happy Birthday Heather' on the board, cake, and even firecrackers (which come with the cake). The 2 co-teachers each gave me a gift (T-shirt from the Phillipines from Josephine who is from there and body wash and lotion from Sang Hee) Sheilagh's gift was the cake (yummy!!) After the party the teachers and I went out for pizza (that's the kind of meal I like - eat your dessert first and then the main course!!:) Then we went to a Norabong (Karaoke room). That was a lot of fun and my first experience with a Norabong. Koreans really LOVE to sing and do it with great gusto - whether or not they are on tune!!

The Saturday following my birthday, one of my teachers from the Middle School,Kwang Soon, came to visit me with her 2 daughters who are so delightful - Ga Wan and Lan Joo. They brought me a beautiful purple necklace and earrings set and a little handmade treasure box (this was given to Lan Joo but she wanted me to have it and she made hand made paper flowers for inside - A REAL TREASURE!!) They also brought a cake. It seems to be tradition in Korea to bring a cake to a party but it does not get eaten??? Anyway I ended up bringing it to church the next day AND IT DID GET EATEN THERE!! Hurray!! Nothing like letting everyone at church know it's your birthday AND bringing your own cake. Subtlety was never a strong suit for me:)

Winter Camp finished on Friday the 13th - how appropo and I was officially on holidays. I had the teachers (3) over for lunch to celebrate. That was fun!!

This week I have been 'lollygagging' around getting ready for my trip to Thailand with my fun friend Sasha. I bought a new (large) backpack - why do I ALWAYS pack so much!!??

Wednesday I went into Gwangju to have lunch with Kwang Soon and her daughters for her birthday. Then I got my nails done and then met 2 other teachers from my Middle School, Mina and Yong Hee, for dinner and a movie. We saw 'In Her Shoes' - good movie!! It explores the relationship between 2 very different sisters and in the end 'blood is thicker than water' - what exactly does that expression mean??

Today I have been finishing packing and doing last minute things before heading to Seoul where I will spend a couple of days before flying out to Bangkok to meet Sasha. I am SO EXCITED but a little nervous too. New experiences: getting to the airport OK and on time, finding Sasha in Bangkok airport, etc. Most of all (besides crazy excited to see Sasha) I am going to the SUN!! FANTASTIC!! I DO love the sun!!

That's it for now. Catch ya later.

I am INSPIRED!!

2006-01-07T18:52:00.000-08:00

I cry a lot!! Easily!! Much to my chagrin most times!!

Today was no exception. I was alone and instead of going to church I listened to a Christmas Eve service from my church in Canada and heard my beautiful daughter's amazing God-given voice singing Christmas Carols. I am always blessed when I hear her sing but that wasn't what inspired me or brought me to tears today.

Today.........I watched Oprah on television. Oprah is well known for covering topics and having guests on who overcome tragedies and do astonishing things. This was very true today.

Her first guest was Melissa Etheridge who is a breast cancer survivor. She related her story and how she has triumphed over the big "C" word. Melissa is a celebrity and although she has an amazing story, I am way more inspired by the non- celebrities of the world.

Her first (non-celebrity)guest was Kyle Maynard (and his parents). Kyle was born with a congenital birth defect that caused him to be born with only stumps for arms and legs. His parents made a brave (some might call it crazy) decision. They committed to allowing Kyle to figure out how to best live his life with his physical challenges "with no special treatment". As a result, Kyle accompished things in his life that are unbelievable - he played football, wrestled, takes care of all his personal grooming, types faster than most people, etc. etc. Kyles motto and the title of his autobiography is "No Excuses". I LOVE THAT!! He NEVER allowed his challenges to stop him from accomplishing his goals. When he was wrestling, and at first lost every match, his goal was to never be pinned and.......he never was!! He learned how to read his opponents and to eventually WIN. His 3 younger sisters were there and gave him wonderful, heartfelt tributes like "he is my big brother who is the most inpiring person I know!"

Kyle sees himself as normal (what is that anyway??) and dates (as long as the women see and treat him as normal)and has even modelled for Abercrombie and Fitch (they called him). He believes God made him this way so he could go and speak and let others know that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.

Oprah's second guest was Jim McLaren. In university Jim was a strapping 6'5" all American football player - a strong, amazing athlete. Then tragedy struck. One day on his way home from school, he was hit by a city bus and after 8 days in a coma he was told that he had lost the lower part of his left leg. Jim rose to the challenge and with fortitude and determination became a champion winning marathons using a prosthetic leg.

Just when he thought he had made it and was back in life, tragedy struck again. He was in a marathon and in the cycling stage of the race when he was hit by a truck. This time he was told he was a quadriplegic and would never feel or walk again. He had lost the use of everything below his neck.

He admitted to feeling defeated and that he had a period of 8 months of a serious cocaine addiction. But again, the human spirit within him rose and determined that his physical challenges would not daunt his spirit. He fought back and has amazed the doctors who had given him the earlier grim diagnosis. They have called him a 'living miracle'.

His story also gave hope and encouragement to Oprah's final guest - Emmanuel from Ghana. Emmanuel was born with only a stump for a right leg and in his country babies with physical deformities are to be left to die in the forest. Emmanuel's mother saw beyond her son's physical status and, against all odds, chose to raise him with the utmost love and encouragement.

Through an organization in Ghana for disabled people who united Jim and Emmanuel, Emmanuel rode 400 miles in 10 days on a bicycle to increase awareness for the plight of those so easily shunned and forgotten. He was able to raise enough money to buy 800 wheelchairs for many of the underprivileged.

Emmanuel and Jim have had a movie made about their lives "Emmanuel's Gift" and it opened in Chicago in October 2005 (everything is late getting to Korea!!)

I am INSPIRED!! I cried and cried. It shames me to think about how much I complain - "I'm lonely, my muscles hurt from working out, I fell on the ice, there's nothing to do in Yeonggwang, etc. etc. etc." Wah, wah, wah!! Boo-hoo, poor baby!! Get off your lazy duff and do something to help someone else Heather.

I am so BLESSED!! I am healthy, I have fabulous family and friends, I have a warm house, clothing, bed, food, education, money, opportunity to travel, I come from the best country in the world (some would beg to differ, I know), the list goes on. Lord, forgive me when I whine.

Are you inspired?? Go back and read the bolded words which should inspire you to live life with and on purpose. Are you letting it happen or making it happen? I choose to MAKE IT HAPPEN!

My first step is to find someone else who is lonely and make a difference in his or her life. I was out for dinner with a Korean lady last night who I know is lonely. She will be my new 'chin-gu' (friend). We can make a difference in each other's life.

Melissa Etheridge closed Oprah's program by singing a song off her latest album "The Road Less Travelled". The song is entitled 'I Run For Life'.

Are you running for life or lying in bed with the covers pulled over your head? Are you jumping for joy or sitting having a pity party? Come on........be inspired. Make your own kind of music. Sing your own special song. Love WELL. Laugh OFTEN. Dance LIKE NOBODY'S WATCHING!!

I am INSPIRED. How about YOU?

Happy New Year from Yeonggwang

2006-01-03T03:03:00.000-08:00

Well another year has come and gone - unbelievable!! Why is it that the older you get the faster the years go (or so it seems!!)? I am waxing philosophical here because I am soon to have another birthday.

Life in Yeonggwang remains the same - pretty uneventful. I have started my 2 week Winter Camp stint. So far, so good. I haven't had to kill anyone yet. The students are Grade 5 and for the most part, except for a couple of boys, are pretty good. They seem to be having fun - learning English?, well we're not sure how much of that is happening, but we try!!

Kevin Loten, who is the minister at the church I attend in Burlington asked anyone who wanted to to send in some reflections of the past year, so I did! On thinking about the last year, 2005, I realized that it was a year of many changes for me - losses and gains. First of all I lost a beautiful daughter to marriage but I gained a wonderful son-in-law, Timmy, the son I never had. Second, I lost (sold) my house of 24 years but gained tremendous freedom by being debt free. Third, I lost the opportunity to be with family and friends for 1 year by deciding to teach English in South Korea but I gained a life changing and building experience of embracing a new culture, people, language and all that goes with it.

Especially in these last 4 months while living and working in Yeonggwang, South Korea, God has taught me the importance and absolute necessity of the following three things:

1. PRAYER – at times when I really felt alone (like being alone on Christmas Eve), I was comforted by the fact that I WAS NOT ALONE because my Heavenly Father was right there beside me and eagerly listened to all I had to say (even if my students don’t listen to me!!)
2. PEACE – this is a lesson that I have been learning over the last decade or so. No matter what life sends my way, I pray for peace. I have heard it said “sometimes God quiets the storm and sometimes He quiets the child in the midst of the storm.” We have no control over some of life’s circumstances but GOD IS IN CONTROL, even when we don’t think so. When I have prayed for peace (often) He gives His peace that passes understanding. FANTASTIC!! It is unexplainable but, nevertheless, THERE IT IS!! I encourage ALL to do the same!!
3. PEOPLE – especially since being in Korea, I realize even more now how important people are in my life – family (really missing Shawna and Timmy), friends and new-found friends in Korea. I enjoy my own company and like being by myself SOMETIMES but I know it’s the people that I know and love that really put a smile on my face (and I hope I put one on theirs). It’s the people that I miss the most.

Those are my reflections of 2005. What are your reflections?

I wish you and yours a blessed and healthy 2006. May the God of all peace and comfort show Himself to you this year in ways that you could never imagine.

I leave you with a few images of my New Years Eve and Day. ENJOY!!

2006-01-03T03:01:00.000-08:00

Sipping green tea before our treatment!!

2006-01-03T03:00:00.000-08:00

My 'new look' for upcoming 2006 - what do you think??

2006-01-03T02:58:00.001-08:00

Ahhhh!! A piece of heaven - New Year's Eve 2005

2006-01-03T02:58:00.000-08:00

Korean Mommy & baby at Karen's dentist

2006-01-03T02:53:00.000-08:00

Korean Daddy & little girl at Karen's dentist

2006-01-03T02:50:00.000-08:00

New Years Day - Outback - Laurien, Karen & George (Nigeria)

Merry Christmas from Yeonggwang

2005-12-24T03:32:00.000-08:00

I have been in Korea just over 4 months now. This is my first Christmas away from home, Shawna, Timmy, other family and friends. I have to say I have had my sad moments but, as always, I try to make the best of it.

It is Christmas Eve as I write this and I am "home alone". I had an opportunity to go into Gwangju and go out for dinner with one of my Korean friends from the church I have been attending but I decided I should experience a Christmas Eve ALONE. So, I got up this morning, wrote lots of emails and then watched some TV. Then I went to work out (actually walking on the streets in Yeonggwang is a work out in itself. They are just now getting the snow removed from the streets - using bulldozer diggers and dump trucks - as well even the police were out with plastic shovels shovelling. I even saw one man 'shovelling' with a dust pan. I've seen it ALL!!). After my work out, I went to my favourite restaurant in Yeonggwang 'Pizza Club' and had spaghetti, then rented 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' - have seen it before, very funny!! Took a taxi home to avoid breaking my neck. Settled down to watch the movie - it is SO FUNNY!! I knew that there was some special programming on TV tonight so that is what I am doing from 6:30 - whenever.

Tomorrow I will open my gifts then go into Gwangju to church, out for Korean lunch and then to see 'King Kong' - not my choice!! and then to one of the foreigner's house for TURKEY!! YEAH!! Back home to Yeonggwang in the evening, hopefully to get some phone calls from HOME!!

Monday, I am back at school for 3 more days. No rest for the wicked!! Winter vacation starts on Thursday, I think..........the date keeps changing. 2 weeks of Winter Camp and then THAILAND - January 25 - February 9. Whew hoooooooo!!

That's it for now. Merry Christmas to ALL and to ALL a Goodnight!! Enjoy the pictures following.

2005-12-24T03:31:00.000-08:00

White Christmas in Yeonggwang - outside my window

2005-12-24T03:29:00.000-08:00

Mi na - one of my English co-teachers

2005-12-24T03:28:00.000-08:00

Me and my tree - Isn't it cute??!!

Christmas is coming!

2005-12-14T04:54:00.000-08:00

Sunday was the third Sunday of Advent and I went to church. The message was about the 3rd candle that is lit for Christmas symbolizing JOY. I am reminded that as a child I learned that JOY represents J - Jesus O - Others Y - You. It is a nice reminder especially at this time of year when our thoughts ususally turn to others - family, friends and others less fortunate than us and of course, the birth of Jesus.

Christmas has really come to my place here in Yeonggwang as I bought a tiny artificial Christmas tree complete with decorations and lights and have it in my living room (see picture below). I LOVE Christmas!! - the lights, music, decorations, goodwill towards men & women. I have been listening to all day Christmas music on EZ Rock radio station over the internet. Thank goodness for the internet. It makes the world very small. I can know what is going on at home while I am thousands of miles away. Fantastic!!

Well, I booked my flight to Thailand today. Sasha is coming over to meet me there on January 25. I can hardly wait. We're going to "wing it" in terms of where to go and what to see. I have a contact in Bangkok who says he can give us some information as to where to go, what to see, etc. My main goal is to get to the SUN!! It's COLD here in Korea. I've got to find a hot place to teach!!

Last night, I went to a dinner hosted by UNESCO which is a peace keeping promoting organization. There were many nationalities represented there and it was a most enjoyable evening with singing, dancing and eating - a good combination I think. I went by bus with my co-teacher Hyang Geum Lee. There are pictures following.

Today I was interviewed by KBS - a Korean TV station. They came to Yeonggwang English Town and interviewed some of the students and me to get our impressions of participating and teaching in English Town. This was my second time being interviewed and videotaped for a TV station. A star is born - yah, right!!

Well, I have included a conglomeration of pictures that include Halloween, Christmas parties and parts in between. ENJOY!!

2005-12-14T04:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas in my corner of the world

2005-12-14T04:50:00.001-08:00

UNESCO dinner - Japanese choral group

2005-12-14T04:50:00.000-08:00

Korean kids traditional dance

2005-12-14T04:49:00.000-08:00

Vanessa - making the Canadians proud