tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42452590057151287842024-03-12T19:00:09.196-04:00Adventures from my worldTales from my world travelsAndreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-43499031508924060802013-10-13T12:33:00.000-04:002013-10-22T04:55:53.000-04:00Thanksgiving with a side of kimchiThis weekend is thanksgiving weekend in Canada. It is the time when families come together to be with loved ones and give thanks for what they have; to say what they are most grateful for in their lives.<br />
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In the last 6 months that I've been away from home, I have come to appreciate all of this so much more. So please let me share with you what it is that I am most grateful and thankful for in my life.<br />
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I am grateful to have had had this once in a life time opportunity of living in a different culture; in a different world. While the experience did not end in the way that I thought it would, I am nevertheless immensely thankful that I've done it. I finally feel ready to move onto the next stage of my life without a feeling of regret...that wonder of "what if?".<br />
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I am thankful for having met the many wonderful people I did while I was here. There have been so many (both foreign and Korean) that I have had the privilege of getting to know. I would not have lasted a month in this place without them, and so I thank them for their support and encouragement through my darkest days, and for sharing their smiles with me on the happier ones too.<br />
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I am thankful for my even stronger support network of family and friends back home. I can only imagine how hard it has been for you to have me be so far from you when many of you know how sad I have been here. Your continued love and support means so much to me. When I was terrified to leave early, you were all there, ready to support me and encourage me and remind me that by following my heart, I will never be led astray.<br />
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Finally, I am so grateful for having an amazing man in my life and always in my corner. Throughout my experience here in Korea (and even in the preparation for it), has been nothing but supportive and encouraging. I've said it before and I'll say it again: if the shoe were on the other foot, I'm not sure I could have been as strong and as solid as he has proven himself to be. He's put up with more craziness than I care to admit, and yet still hasn't gone running for the hills. If anything, my time here has made me realize what a "great catch" he really is, and gives me confidence that we will be able to work through life's problems together.<br />
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So to my friends and family back home, and indeed to all Canadians, I hope you have a very happy thanksgiving, and eat a little bit more than you probably should!<br />
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*Gobble gobble gobble*</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-36514926761071046512013-10-01T07:57:00.003-04:002013-10-01T08:24:01.662-04:00Confessions from afarMuch of what I post on this blog is filtered. It's filtered to show all the fun things I've done while I've been in Korea. But it's time I confess the truth: much of my time here has been unhappy. I've <a href="http://themanyadventuresofandrea.blogspot.kr/2013_05_01_archive.html" target="_blank">previously alluded </a>to having a hard time adjusting here, and that certainly was the case at first, but as time goes on, I don't feel like it's gotten much better at all.<br />
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I can't say I haven't laughed or smiled while I've been here, certainly, there have been happy moments, and I have made many wonderful friends, but I have found most of my time feeling empty and sad. And I certainly don't feel like it has been for lack of trying. Up until recently, I had been taking Korean language classes to try to adapt better to the culture. As you can see from previous posts, I've gone on many different trips and done many events to try to learn more about and see different parts of the country too.<br />
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But as I've now been here for nearly 6 months, I feel that I have more unhappy feelings than happy ones. I sometimes find myself crying in the school bathroom because I feel so unhappy. As one friend said to me "that is a red flag". They're totally right, and it is. This is not to say that I was particularly unhappy with my school - quite the opposite in fact! I didn't mind going into work every day to see the kind staff and students. But work is just a small part of my life, especially when it's not something I want to do long term. I feel like I am getting to the point that perhaps it's best if I take this experience for what it was, and say "Korea is just not for me".<br />
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Korea is an extremely different culture from what I am used to. I know many people have come here before me, and have dealt with their troubles in Korea in various ways and have learned to love it and went on to stay for many years. The more that I think about it, however, I feel like I am wasting precious time here.<br />
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It's funny what you learn to appreciate when you are without it. As the song goes "you don't know what you've got til it's gone". I knew I had a happy life in Ottawa, but I don't think I knew just how great and happy it was until I was here in Korea. I don't pretend to think that my life was perfect in Ottawa, but I certainly didn't feel like crying every day while I was there. Maybe that's the lesson I was supposed to learn by coming here? To appreciate my home and all that comes with it.<br />
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I also know many people who come to Korea are trying to run away from a difficult life back home (relationship and/or job issues) and stay in Korea, miserable for X amount of time for those same reasons. Fortunately for me, I don't have those problems. While I might not actually have a job waiting for me back home, I believe I will be able to find something. And I certainly have a wonderful man waiting for me at home. My friends, my family, my city. They all made my life very happy - something I haven't felt since being here.<br />
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I have done <a href="http://themanyadventuresofandrea.blogspot.kr/2013/03/why-korea-you-dont-even-like-kimchi.html" target="_blank">what I wanted to do here</a>:<br />
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<li><b style="text-decoration: underline;">I want to move and teach overseas because I want to have a different experience. *CHECK*</b></li>
<li><b style="text-decoration: underline;">I want to experience living in a different country, in a different culture, with different challenges. *CHECK* </b></li>
<li><b style="text-decoration: underline;">I even <i>want</i> to experience culture shock. *DOUBLE CHECK*</b></li>
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So does that mean I should continue to feel sad and stay? I don't think it does.<br />
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And so, I have decided to tender my resignation to the school effective November 1st. Which means I will be home shortly thereafter.<br />
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I am so afraid of people viewing me as a failure or a quitter for not staying the year here. I don't want to feel like I have let people down. But, I am sure that there are those who will view it in that way (whether they are here in Korea or in Canada). I am a person of tremendous self-pride and to make this decision is not something I have done lightly. I have given it much thought, and a great amount of prayer. I have talked with so many people and asked for a sign from above. But I know that ultimately, the decision is up to me.<br />
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I'm sorry if you're one of the people let down by this decision, but I have to think of my own self happiness, and, sadly, it just isn't here in Korea. I will always hold this experience in a very special place in my heart. I don't regret coming here. While it is not what I expected to be or the result I thought would happen, I have learnt a great deal from it and from those I encountered on this adventure.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-82535115420938207722013-10-01T02:58:00.000-04:002013-10-01T03:04:07.505-04:00Go East!In the short time I've been in Korea, I've visited parts of the southeast (Busan), southwest (Mokpo), north (DMZ) and central (wine tour). So I had yet to see what the east coast of the country is like. From what I had been told, it was quite nice. Seoraksan mountain is famous for its hikes and spectacular views. And the beaches and waters are supposed to be a beautiful clear blue. So, my friend Natallia and I decided to hop on a bus and head out there to see for ourselves.<br />
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After a bit of a rough start (I went to the wrong bus terminal and had to take a rushed cab ride to make to the right station on time! Only to then be stuck in traffic for the next 5 hours!), we finally made it to Sokcho in the early afternoon. We checked into our charismatic hostel and then took the bus up to see Seoraksan mountain for ourselves. In the busy summer months, there are so many visitors to this landmark that there are usually lines to hike up the mountain! But, since it was the end of the season, there were far fewer visitors on the day that we went, which is just fine for me! Since I had done a big hike the previous weekend in Wolchulsan National Park, I wasn't super keen to do another big hike on this particular day, so we took the cable car to the top of one of the mountains and soaked in the lovely views.</div>
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Once we had seen the view from the top, we came back down and explored the local Buddhist temple.<br />
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Once we got back to the hostel in the afternoon, we decided to wander around the famous local fish market - quite a sight to behold! But, thankfully not as disturbing as the one I found in Busan. After a Japanese dinner of pork cutlet, we spent the night at a really charming hostel - the only one in the city, I believe: The House Hostel. It had quite a bit of character, lots of little knick-knacks and very helpful staff. Definitely worth a stay if you ever decide to head out that way.</div>
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The next morning, we decided to the second thing Sokcho is famous for - its beach. Sadly, mother nature was not on our side as the whole beach was roped off due to high winds and big waves. I still managed to dip my feet in Korea's east coast when the waves came up high enough, but I guess I brought my swimsuit for nothing! We still had a nice time people watching and saw a whole Korean family and tent get soaked by a big wave that came up far higher on the beach than they clearly ever expected. (hehehe)</div>
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Before we knew it, it was time to catch out bus home. This meant, it was also time for every one else to head back to Seoul too. So another ridiculously long and uncomfortable bus ride later, we made it home. Another part of Korea checked off the list!</div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-57615144451242462972013-09-25T08:47:00.003-04:002013-09-25T08:47:57.293-04:00Hiking through the clouds, swimming in the mudShortly after my return from Canada, I was invited to go on a hiking/beach trip exploring the famous "cloud bridge" in the southern part of the country (Mokpo area). So, late at night on Friday, a group of people (both foreign and Korean) met up and hopped on a bus with Seoul Hiking Group that took us on a very long (well, for Korea it's long) bus ride overnight to Wolchulsan National Park. We arrived at 5am and started to get ready for our hike to the famous cloud bridge, and for those that were game enough, to the summit, to watch the sunrise. <br />
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Hiking in the dark is always a little tricky, so I was glad to have brought my flashlight with me. As we started to climb, it started to get lighter, and the rain started to fall. This made hiking the large, now wet rocks that were our path a little bit slippery. Being the bad hiker I am, I mostly stayed at the back of the group, taking lots of resting breaks. Eventually, I caught up with the others as they ate a snack under a gazebo that's next to the cloud bridge. I would say a good 2/3 of the group decided not to do the summit hike as it would take a good couple hours, and the weather was not being friendly. Of course, I did check out the cloud bridge, that I had heard so much about people talk about. Unfortunately, the clouds were a bit low to get what I'm sure would normally be a really fantastic view. Maybe that's why they call it's "Cloud bridge"?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloud bridge: true to its name!</td></tr>
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As we hiked down the mountain, we were told that there was a really nice waterfall we would be able to see and possibly even take a swim. I wore my bathing suit just in case. That too, however, was not at its best that day, as they hadn't gotten much water in the area over the season (it has been particularly dry in Korea this year) and so wasn't flowing nearly as hard as it normally would be. So my friend Melissa and I decided to continue to walk down the path while trying not to slip and fall on all the wet rocks and metal stairs we encountered. I failed and fell once.</div>
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Once our group had all met up again and changed into drier clothes, headed to the town of Mokpo for lunch (seafood and floor sitting), to buy some supplies for the night (soju, naturally) and do a bit of sightseeing (or grab a quick nap for those that were so inclined). We then went to the island of Jeungdo, which was our destination for the night. As the tide was out, surrounding the island when we arrived was mud. All 40 of us crammed into a really nice private pension for the night. I made friends with others on the trip over a tasty BBQ dinner and a game of Mow.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hope for this boat owner's sake, the water returns soon!</td></tr>
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Following our eccentric leader's morning wake up call, we went by bus to hang out for a few hours at the local beach. Or at least, we tried to. The roads the the area are terribly narrow, and our bus just couldn't turn on them. The driver tried numerous times to turn left towards the beach, but he just couldn't make it. So, we all had to get out and walk the 30 minutes or so to the beach. I didn't really know what was going on when we got off the bus so I didn't have the sense to bring my towel, phone, money or sunscreen with me. When we finally arrived at the beach, the tide was still out and was faced with more of this:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach: pre-water</td></tr>
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You had to walk a bit far over the muddy ground to get to the water, but once you did, it was actually quite warm to swim around in. But, without sunscreen, my pasty white skin was quickly turning a nasty shade of pink (soon to be red) so I headed for the shade of some beach umbrellas. Luckily, one of the other girls had brought some money so that we could rent one to take refuge until the bus came. Sitting there, chatting in the shade and watching the water creep towards us was quite nice. Once the bus arrived, and I was able to gather my things, I layered up the sunscreen and went back in the water. Next thing I knew, it was time to pack up and head back to Seoul. Our weekend adventure was over.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">**Note: many photos in this post are courtesy of Melissa**</span></div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-46625997296311025582013-09-24T06:03:00.000-04:002013-09-24T06:03:55.123-04:00I couldn't buy any peanuts or cracker jacks!Koreans love many things about the US, but quite possibly, one of their favourite things is America's national pastime: baseball.<br />
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Shortly after my return from Canada, my friend Natallia and I joined a group from Meetup.com to check out a baseball game in Seoul. I don't remember the teams, but I know one was local (there are 2 baseball teams in Seoul, I believe) and the other was from out of town (Busan maybe?).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go team!</td></tr>
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Having been to many Montreal Expos and Toronto Blue Jays games, I understood baseball and knew the game culture well. Or so I thought until I experienced a Korean baseball game.<br />
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Being good Canadians, we don't usually make too much noise during sporting events. Have you ever been to an Ottawa Senators hockey game? As soon as the play is on, it's pretty darn quiet.<br />
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Korean baseball is the opposite of that. Every one is out of their seats, cheering, clapping their noisemakers together and happy. It was fun, but also a little weird.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aFYmeNxbwWc/UkE_jwbexrI/AAAAAAAAAcI/WrAFMHESDD0/s1600/20130817_193941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aFYmeNxbwWc/UkE_jwbexrI/AAAAAAAAAcI/WrAFMHESDD0/s1600/20130817_193941.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He decided to give her more than just a baseball diamond ;-)</td></tr>
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Also a bit strange: you can bring your own food and drink from outside to enjoy at the stadium. A good thing for sure, but unheard of back home. I also find they don't price gouge as much at the concession stands. I went to one to buy a bottle of water, which I would probably have to spend a good $3 or $4 at a hockey game back home. Here, it was the standard price of $1. Quite a nice change!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FdHKhXYiCKM/UkE_j0pNhlI/AAAAAAAAAcE/HbVZfAjQgjg/s1600/20130817_213136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FdHKhXYiCKM/UkE_j0pNhlI/AAAAAAAAAcE/HbVZfAjQgjg/s1600/20130817_213136.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then: home of the 1988 Summer Olympics; Now: partially used as a baseball stadium</td></tr>
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<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-58815087032924892502013-09-24T06:01:00.001-04:002013-09-24T06:03:38.104-04:00There and back againWhen I said goodbye to my family and friends back in April, I really didn't think I would see most of them again until the following year. My plan was to leave Canada and not come back until my time in Korea was done and I had gotten the travel bug more or less out of my system (I don't think I'll forever be rid of it...nor do I really want to be!). I thought for my summer and winter vacations, I would travel around Asia checking many of the life experiences off my bucket list. But, as the best laid plans of mice and men so often go awry, so did that one for me.<br />
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I wrote previously about how when I arrived in Korea, I found it difficult to adjust. Combine this with the fact that travelling to South East Asia from Korea is much more expensive than I first thought, and the fact that I am fortunate enough to have access to standby tickets at a reduced fare, I decided to go back to Canada for my summer break.<br />
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Part of me was very nervous about going back for a break. I mean, I had only been in Korea for 3 months and was still in the transition phase. Would going back home just make me feel more homesick? Would I even bother to come back to Korea or just stay home where everything is comfortable and familiar?<br />
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Regardless of what could/would happen, I prepared to make the long flight back to Canada for a 2 week holiday. First though, I had to teach 2 weeks of English summer camp. Essentially English summer school, the camps are when the teacher has free reign to teach anything they want to and are not required to follow any textbook or curriculum. It was suggested to me to teach something that I was passionate about. Of course, the theme of my camps was "Exploring our world"...or more specifically, the countries of Canada, Switzerland and Australia - my top 3 favourite countries in the whole world. We play alot of games, and did arts and crafts (making a passport; creating aboriginal art) and I think they all really enjoyed it. I even got the grade 5 students to sing "happy birthday" to Switzerland, since "Swiss day" happened to fall on the national day - August 1st.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">I had intended to leave on Friday afternoon, but when looking at how busy the flights were in August, I decided to try to leave a day early. I had to beg and plead with my school to convince them that since I would just be sitting at my desk for the next day and a half, I'd be better off trying to get home since I wasn't really sure I'd get on any of the flights for the following few days. They accepted, and so I packed my things and headed out to the airport. Flying standby always has its good points and its bad points. Main bad point: you sometimes don't know until the last second if you will get on the flight causing much stress. But one of the good points can sometimes be this:</span><br />
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After a long, but comfortable flight, I was very happily home. Oh how nice it was to see my Fabian again!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite view in Ottawa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back where it all started!</td></tr>
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Since I was only going to be home a short time and still had a lot to do and many people to try to see, it was a very busy visit! Filled with lunches and dinners and coffees and many laughs, it was a really great time!<br />
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I went back to my mom's for a few days to visit with family, who were all missing me as much as I was missing them. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nap time in the car</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer dinner in the gazebo - corn on the cob, hot dogs, and a "poutine-off" between two local favourites!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staring contest! Smokey vs. Fabian</td></tr>
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We also spent a few days in Montreal, where Fabian got to attend his annual Metalfest, while I got to celebrate the last single days of one of my oldest friends (sadly, I would miss her wedding because I would be in Korea) and see other friends that we had in Montreal too. A nice vacation within a vacation.<br />
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My sister was due to have her 2nd baby at the end of August, but since I was there in the first half of the month, we were all hoping that she would "pop" while I was still around. It seems he will be a very obedient little boy...he was born just before I left!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little baby Jake</td></tr>
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A final dinner gathering with friends back in Ottawa, and before I knew it, it was time to get on a plane and leave again. Of course, I was sad to leave, but this time, there were fewer tears at the airport. Maybe because we had a better idea of what to expect? Fabian and I have found ways to maintain close contact despite the miles between us. Thank goodness for Skype, kakao and OTO Global! I've said it once, and I'll say it again, I don't know how I'd do this without technology.<br />
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The flight back to Korea wasn't as comfy as the trip to Canada, but I was grateful to get on just the same. The stress of not having a set flight can be pretty draining. Part of me was wishing I wouldn't get on the flight so that I could have an extra day or two at home, but another part of me was wishing I did leave so that I wouldn't run the risk of not getting back in time to start the new summer term. In the end (literally, the last moment before the plane closed its doors for take off I boarded), everything worked out and I was back in Korea, with all of my "Canadian supplies" to help get me through the next few months in Korea. :-S<br />
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-2187782974258051892013-08-16T07:18:00.000-04:002013-09-24T03:37:42.913-04:00Hot town! Summer in Korea!To my dear loyal readers:<br />
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It's certainly been a very long time since I've posted anything on here. Over 2 months, actually. In this modern age of instant access to information, that's really unacceptable and I apologize to you who have been waiting patiently for an update from me. I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, I'm just a horrible person...or at least regular blogger. I really don't have an excuse other than being lazy and then that laziness becoming a fear of the giant blog post I'd have to write to update everything that's happened. But, I can no longer run from my obligations. I recently got an earful from a bunch of you (hat tip to Wadie, Allison, Sue and Alex) that I need to get blogging again, so here I am.<br />
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I should note that most of these events took place on the weekend. I have been filling my week nights with dinners with friends, and Korean language classes two nights a week. This in addition to lesson & summer camp planning has made my weeks here quite full!<br />
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So, how can I possibly post about the last two months in such a way that it won't feel like you're reading a novel? Without further ado, I give you my summer in Korea: the Coles Notes and picture version! *<i>warning: this may still be a long read...it's been a busy summer!</i>*<br />
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Back in May, to celebrate Buddha's birthday, I took advanatage of one of the very few long weekends I will have while I am here in Korea and went to the southern part of the country to visit Busan. Since the other Incheon-ers had made alternate plans for the weekend, I decided to go down alone and met up with some of the other teachers I met during the Seoul orientation. While in the city for 2 days, I saw Korea's largest fish market, the UN cemetery commemorating those that died during the Korean war, dipped my feet in the ocean along some of their famous beaches, was amazed by the thousands if not millions of colourful lanterns adoring the temples of the city, sung my heart out at norebang, helped save someone's life (keep it up, Ben!), and relaxed so long at the largest public bath house in Asia that I nearly missed my bus back home!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Kwj89jI59U/Ug3iTL7L67I/AAAAAAAAAT8/1GexeQSHeh0/s1600/559459_10151382988697811_1686616030_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Kwj89jI59U/Ug3iTL7L67I/AAAAAAAAAT8/1GexeQSHeh0/s1600/559459_10151382988697811_1686616030_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In celebration of Buddha - so many lanterns!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lFnrTzbuzxs/Ug3iTB3OffI/AAAAAAAAAT4/2X-4X8nLiMA/s1600/935157_10151382987127811_130204637_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lFnrTzbuzxs/Ug3iTB3OffI/AAAAAAAAAT4/2X-4X8nLiMA/s1600/935157_10151382987127811_130204637_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the finds at the fish market of Busan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Requisite name in the sand picture</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPTOi8z2QW4/Ug4GSt1YQiI/AAAAAAAAAZs/_zr7ifhQB8Q/s1600/976505_10201244248696131_1950103871_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPTOi8z2QW4/Ug4GSt1YQiI/AAAAAAAAAZs/_zr7ifhQB8Q/s1600/976505_10201244248696131_1950103871_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Requisite name in the sand picture - Korean version</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjOG-Si_U78/Ug3iWn2Xa3I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/qr4LfEALHb4/s1600/CIMG1570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjOG-Si_U78/Ug3iWn2Xa3I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/qr4LfEALHb4/s1600/CIMG1570.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those of you in Ottawa might recognize this one. This is the smaller version found at the UN cemetery in Busan.</td></tr>
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A week or two later (it's hard to remember exactly as the weeks have started the blend together), I decided to try something totally new for me - I tried to become a Buddhist monk. Ok, so it was only for a weekend, and it's a program geared towards tourists (or really any one interested in how a monk lives), but still for me, it was highly unusual. I went with my friend Natallia whom I had met while making paper lanterns in Seoul (<a href="http://themanyadventuresofandrea.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-sights-so-far-seoul-lotus-lantern.html" target="_blank">see previous post</a>). I wasn't really sure what to expect from the experience, but I tried to go in with an opened mind. And boy, was an open mind sure necessary! For the most part, I really enjoyed my <a href="http://eng.templestay.com/" target="_blank">Templestay</a> experience. We learned how to bow and participate in a Buddhist ceremony, made a prayer necklace with exactly 108 beads (I'm sure because that's how many times we had to bow while making the necklace), went on a nice nature hike guided by a monk, and tried to meditate (well, some of us tried to meditate, but it was a bit difficult by others who took that time to saw logs very loudly instead!). For me, however, the most challengeing part of the whole experience was the food. We partook in a traditional monk meal where silence is necessary and waste is forbidden. I won't go into the full details of the experience here, but feel free to ask me about it sometime. It has to be one of the strangest experiences I've ever had. At the end of the weekend, I learnt 2 things: 1 - I have a lot of respect for Buddhist monks to practice such a lifestyle and 2 - I'm not meant to be a Buddhist. I really wanted to kill all the mosquitos that kept biting me all weekend!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q6JLUEdJjQ/Ug3mag-BFJI/AAAAAAAAAUk/IbgOdNCHSzA/s1600/261640_10151366342155895_871960875_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q6JLUEdJjQ/Ug3mag-BFJI/AAAAAAAAAUk/IbgOdNCHSzA/s1600/261640_10151366342155895_871960875_n.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the temple</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVoEkSImMPQ/Ug3marymP0I/AAAAAAAAAUg/6jm4AFL2aJI/s1600/263347_10151366341470895_1591577849_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVoEkSImMPQ/Ug3marymP0I/AAAAAAAAAUg/6jm4AFL2aJI/s1600/263347_10151366341470895_1591577849_n.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The serving set for the strangest meal I'm sure I'll ever eat </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7v1mKH9hQU/Ug3maoQbdrI/AAAAAAAAAUw/hbshs-IecsA/s1600/984199_10151366341355895_722504471_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7v1mKH9hQU/Ug3maoQbdrI/AAAAAAAAAUw/hbshs-IecsA/s1600/984199_10151366341355895_722504471_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning meditation</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYzsZ4K6uEQ/Ug3mkRvOc7I/AAAAAAAAAU4/qB98ComUirs/s1600/20130526_094653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYzsZ4K6uEQ/Ug3mkRvOc7I/AAAAAAAAAU4/qB98ComUirs/s1600/20130526_094653.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our monk guided hike</td></tr>
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<br />
The following weekend, I once again went with Natallia to go hiking with a group along the Kimpo trail, which follows the river that flows down from the DMZ. Much of the hike was on a concrete path next to the water that had a lovely view of miles and miles of barbed wire fence. But, the final part of it took us through a really lovely and peaceful rice field. The advertised hike was only supposed to take a couple hours, but I think some one got their info wrong because we were hiking for over 5 hours! I think a highlight of the day, was being stopped by some South Korean soldiers who (from the translation I was given) wondered why we were hiking there and why we veered off the path to up another road. Being suspected by the South Korean military of being NK spies always makes for an interesting time! (Don't worry, nothing bad happened)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XBMQJjzhONQ/Ug3rmaTwVrI/AAAAAAAAAWE/4spqq8s6o1s/s1600/CIMG1611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XBMQJjzhONQ/Ug3rmaTwVrI/AAAAAAAAAWE/4spqq8s6o1s/s1600/CIMG1611.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "scenic view" during much of the hike</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2YvoIR4oe_A/Ug3rmWJwkII/AAAAAAAAAWA/bVaOkiiK65Y/s1600/CIMG1613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2YvoIR4oe_A/Ug3rmWJwkII/AAAAAAAAAWA/bVaOkiiK65Y/s1600/CIMG1613.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random sculptures</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-068l22ETuCA/Ug3qPShXL4I/AAAAAAAAAVc/4ZKvlxblz8Q/s1600/20130601_154023+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-068l22ETuCA/Ug3qPShXL4I/AAAAAAAAAVc/4ZKvlxblz8Q/s1600/20130601_154023+%25281%2529.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A strange yet not unexpected sight on this hike</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNr_aIpvfPQ/Ug3qOk5uDcI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/Po0Sa9mc8og/s1600/20130601_165704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNr_aIpvfPQ/Ug3qOk5uDcI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/Po0Sa9mc8og/s1600/20130601_165704.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being questioned by Korean soliders</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iqZBof8vrFg/Ug3qPFKMxyI/AAAAAAAAAVY/odvLH8fD32I/s1600/20130601_165217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iqZBof8vrFg/Ug3qPFKMxyI/AAAAAAAAAVY/odvLH8fD32I/s1600/20130601_165217.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the top</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ztJP0EN-4rA/Ug3rSmi7lII/AAAAAAAAAVs/hSEbwKl6L10/s1600/CIMG1628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ztJP0EN-4rA/Ug3rSmi7lII/AAAAAAAAAVs/hSEbwKl6L10/s1600/CIMG1628.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A peaceful way to end the long hike</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0NcIVP0dRk/Ug3rcsugT1I/AAAAAAAAAV0/O5n479LIg4U/s1600/CIMG1623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0NcIVP0dRk/Ug3rcsugT1I/AAAAAAAAAV0/O5n479LIg4U/s1600/CIMG1623.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sporting the latest trends in Ajumma sun protection</td></tr>
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<br />
With next year being the big year in the soccer world, and with South Korea being as soccer crazy as so many other countries, I thought it would be fun to go with a group to check watch a game of the Asian qualifiers for the World Cup in Seoul one night. Not being much of a soccer nut myself, I didn't understand how huge the turn out would be for such a game. Having talked to Fabian about it before I went, he warned me that it would likely be the biggest stadium and sporting event I have ever been to. He was right. I went to the winter Olympics in Vancouver, but I don't think there was a stadium this huge. Attendance for that night's game of South Korea vs. Uzbekistan was over 60,000 people. Easily dwarfing the sold out crowds I've been a part of at hockey games. Korea won that night's game as well as the following one in Ulsan, which meant that they are now officially qualified for the World cup in Brazil. 대한민êµ!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDAyFfe4qQc/Ug3yRR4SfuI/AAAAAAAAAWs/ODSvtSXiQkY/s1600/CIMG1636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDAyFfe4qQc/Ug3yRR4SfuI/AAAAAAAAAWs/ODSvtSXiQkY/s1600/CIMG1636.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--DPLVlN3jAY/Ug3yRT1Uj-I/AAAAAAAAAWk/yXwTyjEuQKM/s1600/946681_10151386676950895_515976233_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--DPLVlN3jAY/Ug3yRT1Uj-I/AAAAAAAAAWk/yXwTyjEuQKM/s1600/946681_10151386676950895_515976233_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping to lift the giant Korean flag during the national anthem</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EYABTjttynI/Ug3yQ_-XUxI/AAAAAAAAAWg/vFtYqfSSbjE/s1600/CIMG1654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EYABTjttynI/Ug3yQ_-XUxI/AAAAAAAAAWg/vFtYqfSSbjE/s1600/CIMG1654.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what over 60,000 people look like</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epDxZ11Y-dA/Ug3yQhw6LLI/AAAAAAAAAWY/jjbr3esKlAU/s1600/CIMG1649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-epDxZ11Y-dA/Ug3yQhw6LLI/AAAAAAAAAWY/jjbr3esKlAU/s1600/CIMG1649.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are the champions, my friends!</td></tr>
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<br />
In June, I came across a group tour that really interested me - a Korean wine tour. I had no idea that they made wine in Korea, so I decided to sign up to try it out. I met up with the tour group and took the train down to the middle of the country to check out a winery as well as hear a traditional Korean music concert. As I was travelling solo, I made fast friends while partaking in the open wine bars that were on the train (both there and back) and at lunch. My verdict of Korean wine? It's no pinot grigio, but it certainly does the trick has I felt very dehydrated the next day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__pzw4HYxYg/Ug3zeijANzI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/jbwVeXg-Grc/s1600/1017078_10200089863673676_562757205_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__pzw4HYxYg/Ug3zeijANzI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/jbwVeXg-Grc/s1600/1017078_10200089863673676_562757205_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While Koreans got wine one way, and watch a movie the other way during the trip (suckers), we foreigners had open bar wine both to and from Seoul!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g1sEPFUoRC4/Ug3zp-5O-1I/AAAAAAAAAXc/pUcC2K1mtwo/s1600/CIMG1663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g1sEPFUoRC4/Ug3zp-5O-1I/AAAAAAAAAXc/pUcC2K1mtwo/s1600/CIMG1663.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ê±´ë°°!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLOCRwnhTOc/Ug3zeFD9PeI/AAAAAAAAAXA/OxJCqDjbibE/s1600/1011919_10200089855993484_181421379_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLOCRwnhTOc/Ug3zeFD9PeI/AAAAAAAAAXA/OxJCqDjbibE/s1600/1011919_10200089855993484_181421379_n.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open bar wine all day long!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCd0wPx9O4U/Ug3zeApfTqI/AAAAAAAAAXE/QUA9Zv5c_hc/s1600/1016505_10200089859193564_446984447_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCd0wPx9O4U/Ug3zeApfTqI/AAAAAAAAAXE/QUA9Zv5c_hc/s1600/1016505_10200089859193564_446984447_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine foot bath at the winery. Keep in weird, Korea!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L6b6FzUfDbc/Ug3zeArPeUI/AAAAAAAAAXU/K0nD1XrbmdA/s1600/1009902_10200089862513647_1202941870_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L6b6FzUfDbc/Ug3zeArPeUI/AAAAAAAAAXU/K0nD1XrbmdA/s1600/1009902_10200089862513647_1202941870_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing the day with a traditional Korean music performance</td></tr>
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<br />
One of my favourite holidays of the year is always Canada day and I was very much looking forward to see how Canadian expats and lovers of all things Canadian celebrated the country here in Korea. I had heard about a Canada day event being hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Korea and another by the Canadian embassy so I decided to don my red and white and check them both out. The first event was good - they had good Canadian beef burgers, lots of friendly Canadians to mingle with and I got to meet the Canadian ambassador. The second event, however, I was more disappointed with. But, my disappointment was counterbalanced with hanging out with some great Canadian friends I've made since I've been here. I ended the night by drinking soju, lighting sparklers and singing the national anthem along the famous Cheonggyecheon stream in Seoul. I also made myself a celebratory poutine at home. Always proud to be Canadian!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gbp3mGb-pak/Ug34FFU_n-I/AAAAAAAAAX8/Q7CwG4ULC7E/s1600/1013069_10200165895774431_193523594_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gbp3mGb-pak/Ug34FFU_n-I/AAAAAAAAAX8/Q7CwG4ULC7E/s1600/1013069_10200165895774431_193523594_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The drunk Korean guy in front of the stage kept trying the steal the spotlight. Hilarious.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0jPhfCbsAo/Ug34FcnZUdI/AAAAAAAAAX4/gD30fDZzsus/s1600/1309_10200165889534275_1886253345_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0jPhfCbsAo/Ug34FcnZUdI/AAAAAAAAAX4/gD30fDZzsus/s1600/1309_10200165889534275_1886253345_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Canada day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_pFfYjATyY/Ug34FEvVUUI/AAAAAAAAAXw/qJxXok1tAkQ/s1600/1002294_10200165902374596_1762052660_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_pFfYjATyY/Ug34FEvVUUI/AAAAAAAAAXw/qJxXok1tAkQ/s1600/1002294_10200165902374596_1762052660_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">O Canada!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pLm-BOET7s/Ug35GaDqnGI/AAAAAAAAAYM/5lV9EcTfJEU/s1600/CIMG1670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pLm-BOET7s/Ug35GaDqnGI/AAAAAAAAAYM/5lV9EcTfJEU/s1600/CIMG1670.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade poutine in Korea!</td></tr>
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<br />
Many of you are aware of my life goal of visiting every country in the world. Some countries are much easier to check off the list than others. Case in point: North Korea. Being one of the most isolated countries in the world, how in the heck would I ever hope to knock that off my list? Well, that task was accomplished at the start of July when some friends and I took the trip to tour the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). This tour had been something I had been looking forward to doing since I arrived in Korea and has certainly been a major highlight of my time here thus far. After looking at the numerous options available to tourists to visit the DMZ, we booked a full day tour that took us to the 3rd Infiltration tunnel, Imjigak park, the Dora observatory, Dorasan station and (the part I was most looking forward to) the JSA (or Joint Security Area). It was in this area that you could actually feel the tension as both sides faced off against each other. You're given a presentation by US military officials about the rules and the history of the JSA and are then escorted to the site where North and South soldiers stare at each other all day long. I found it fascinating. We then got to go into one of the conference rooms where both sides meet when they try to negotiate something. One side of the room is in North Korea, the other side is in the South. As soon as you cross to the other side of the table that runs through the middle of the room, you can check the DPRK off your places you've been to! I, of course, was thrilled to be able to do that. That said though, the whole day was a strange experience when you really thought about it. Normally, when you learn about a war, it's at a museum and the fighting as long ended. Where else in the world can you take a guided tour of an active war zone? Only in Korea!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vN3tCJ5ogLw/Ug3-ITfaB7I/AAAAAAAAAYk/MXohM27uLiM/s1600/CIMG1676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vN3tCJ5ogLw/Ug3-ITfaB7I/AAAAAAAAAYk/MXohM27uLiM/s1600/CIMG1676.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our gang touring the DMZ</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUVsqvyWZ9I/Ug3-kp3RM1I/AAAAAAAAAZY/lPOR_wRwZ3I/s1600/1010070_10200108506509606_1173924637_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUVsqvyWZ9I/Ug3-kp3RM1I/AAAAAAAAAZY/lPOR_wRwZ3I/s1600/1010070_10200108506509606_1173924637_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the 3rd infiltration tunnel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGkVuCUnN40/Ug3-IRr6cSI/AAAAAAAAAYs/UcWfebxCR-o/s1600/CIMG1695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGkVuCUnN40/Ug3-IRr6cSI/AAAAAAAAAYs/UcWfebxCR-o/s1600/CIMG1695.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Requisite jumping photo at Dorasan station</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XxKkHeb2UYg/Ug3-IC29kBI/AAAAAAAAAYo/ZZL83d4TIPY/s1600/CIMG1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XxKkHeb2UYg/Ug3-IC29kBI/AAAAAAAAAYo/ZZL83d4TIPY/s1600/CIMG1692.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The future of Eurasian rail travel??</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZBE6sn5HMY/Ug3-MSAm1CI/AAAAAAAAAY0/3PKM4ugNwHk/s1600/CIMG1699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZBE6sn5HMY/Ug3-MSAm1CI/AAAAAAAAAY0/3PKM4ugNwHk/s1600/CIMG1699.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imjigak Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UJSphSQ3--c/Ug3-NP18HEI/AAAAAAAAAZA/_NSuADEPi8g/s1600/CIMG1713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UJSphSQ3--c/Ug3-NP18HEI/AAAAAAAAAZA/_NSuADEPi8g/s1600/CIMG1713.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South side of the JSA. The blue building are the conference centers. Where the dark pebbled space becomes light between those buildings is the official border between North and South.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjJBLMDuTM0/Ug3-k4duYTI/AAAAAAAAAZc/DFeS0LpuE4M/s1600/546785_10200108509109671_1702008283_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjJBLMDuTM0/Ug3-k4duYTI/AAAAAAAAAZc/DFeS0LpuE4M/s1600/546785_10200108509109671_1702008283_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The table that divides two enemies - right side: North; left side: South</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing in North Korea!</td></tr>
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Koreans sure do love their festivals, and one that has been growing in popularity over the years in Mudfest. This event takes place in a small coastal city in the east of Korea. People travel from all over the country over a couple of weekends to cover themselves in mud, drink and have a good time. I joined a group and went down to check it out. I hung out at the beach with old and new friends and covered myself in mud (the point of which is to get nicer and softer skin - mission accomplished) and checked out some of the events and "mud zones" the town had set up. But, after dealing with crazy crowds of people all day (including waiting in line for 2 hours just to go down a mud slide), I decided that this was really more of a day trip than a weekend thing, and caught an evening train back to Seoul. It may be my 30 year old side coming out, but I'm just not into dealing with crowds and giant lines anymore...both of which can be hard to avoid here in Korea!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing as the locals do</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lines for hours </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VrO5nmVRQGA/Ug4WV_RGAnI/AAAAAAAAAaI/chIV1T0fMwM/s1600/2013-07-20+14.11.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VrO5nmVRQGA/Ug4WV_RGAnI/AAAAAAAAAaI/chIV1T0fMwM/s1600/2013-07-20+14.11.45.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was disappointed the whole beach wasn't made of mud!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3CrXDXWJXs/Ug4WVwJ-z-I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/rvFBslwACaU/s1600/2013-07-20+14.38.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3CrXDXWJXs/Ug4WVwJ-z-I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/rvFBslwACaU/s1600/2013-07-20+14.38.09.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People taking full advantage of the buckets of mud</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dxv_ZNagG0E/Ug4WWhuN_CI/AAAAAAAAAaU/AJBWKPtq6R0/s1600/2013-07-20+16.06.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dxv_ZNagG0E/Ug4WWhuN_CI/AAAAAAAAAaU/AJBWKPtq6R0/s1600/2013-07-20+16.06.45.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So. Many. People. - As my friend Mel would say: Ain't nobody got time for this!</td></tr>
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So that's been my summer in Korea thus far. I just got back from my summer vacation in Canada. But that great trip is a post for another day. And I promise to make it before another 2 months have gone by!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">**Note: many photos in this post are courtesy of Anna, Natallia, Catherine, Heather and Reid**</span></div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-20091624505426767352013-06-02T08:23:00.001-04:002013-06-02T11:18:13.089-04:00The sights so far...: Seoul & Lotus Lantern Festival edition<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>WEEKEND 2</u></div>
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For the weekend following<a href="http://themanyadventuresofandrea.blogspot.kr/2013/06/the-sights-so-far-incheon-china-culture.html" target="_blank"> my previous post</a>, a good group of Incheon-ers and others from our Seoul orientation all
decided to meet up for a nice Saturday hike and take in the famous Lotus
Lantern Festival parade in the evening. </div>
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According to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Korea#Religion" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>, a good chunk of
Koreans are Buddhist. Perhaps the country chooses to celebrate the
Buddha's birthday every year with a week long festival because of their
traditions, or perhaps they do it because they like having a day off.
Either way, I was happy to see the huge lantern parade that made its way
through the streets of Seoul. </div>
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That day was quite a busy one, as a few of
us decided to go for a hike up Dobongsan mountain. I started out very keen to check out the hiking
I've heard so much about in Korea. The first thing I noticed while on our
hike, Korean people are full-on kitted-out! They have the boots, shirts,
pants, hats, gloves and even poles. Forgot your gear at home? Not a
problem! There are four dozen shops selling everything you need to make it up
the mountain! Who buys hiking boots on the way to the mountain base?
Anyways, the trail was very busy that day, and a number of Koreans
quickly and easily walked past this red-faced, panting (and clearly out of
shape) Canadian. I thought it was a pretty intense and steep hike, but maybe I just need to do more of them to get used to it! We had planned to go the few hours to get to the top, but by the time we reached halfway, we looked at the time and realized that there wouldn't be time to get to the top, come back grab dinner and see the lantern show. Something had to be sacrificed. We all decided that it would be the sure-to-be beautiful from the top. As I sat on a rock trying to catch my breath while gulping a liter of water, I couldn't complain.</div>
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After a quick shower, a tasty Korean BBQ dinner (meat, meat and more meat? Yes, please!) we got front row seats for the famous Lotus Lantern festival. In this nighttime parade, there are thousands of people carrying, pushing and pulling thousands of beautiful paper (I'm not sure what other kind of materials) lanterns. They came in many shapes, sizes and colours. They glowed and lit up the streets as no neon signs could. In an appeal to foreigners, some of us even got proper seats and were given our own glowing lanterns from some of the parade participants. The parade lasts for 2 hours, and is quite a sight to behold. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmm...meat!</td></tr>
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Once the street action was over, our ever growing group of English teachers and friends made our way to a popular "going out" spot in Seoul (Hongdae) to find another sort of street action. That action involving either Soju or Makgeolli. In Korea, it's perfectly fine to visit the local convenience store, buy some booze and enjoy anywhere your heart desires. It's certainly a good and cheap way to get to know others and the area. After haggling with a cab driver to bring a group of us back to my friend Cory's place in northern Seoul, we were home by 4 in the morning. How responsible of us!</div>
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The next day, I went back to Jogyesa temple area to explore some of the dozens of kiosks that had been set up to teach people about Korean traditional practices in addition to Buddhist culture found both here in the country as well as across Asia. I found it all to be very interesting. There were small workshops to try your hand at lotus lantern making, print making, Korean language groups and staying at a Buddhist temple (more to come on that one in a future post). I spent a good chunk of the afternoon in the area and even made a new friend while making a large lotus lantern.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hand-crafted entry to the foreigner lotus lantern making contest!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jogyesa temple all decked out for Buddha's birthday!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jogyesa temple</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddhist monks patiently doing artwork seemingly one grain of colour at a time. <br />
It was really quite impressive!</td></tr>
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Expanding my social circle is something I've been trying hard to do since I got here, so I was very happy to meet a like-minded fellow English teacher. Once our last lotus leaf was glued to the lantern, she was kind enough to bring me to the foreigner markets in Iteawon to get some treats that I haven't been able to find in regular Korean grocery stores. Score!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> **Note: many photos in this post are courtesy of Cory M. and Micah C.**</span></div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-68278261884968761262013-06-02T06:42:00.000-04:002013-06-02T11:17:43.826-04:00The sights so far...: Incheon-China Culture Tourism Festival editionI have now officially been in Korea for six whole weeks. Happy week-a-versary to me! I fully admit that while not all of it has been sunshine and rainbows (<a href="http://themanyadventuresofandrea.blogspot.kr/2013/05/the-korean-education-of-andrea-part-1.html" target="_blank">see previous post</a>), I have had the chance to experience a few really nice sights and events with some really nice people!<br />
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I had originally intended to write a post to talk about the events and trips I've been a part of for the last few weeks, but became a giant, unreadable post, so I will break it up into smaller chunks for people to enjoy. I should note that I am starting my counting from my first weekend living in Incheon. So while I may have actually been in Korea for two weeks at the point of "weekend 1" (in orientation), I'm considering it the first weekend of my Korean life.<br />
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<u>WEEKEND 1</u><br />
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It seems to me that Koreans are big on festivals. According to <a href="http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/festival/eng/korea_festival.html?festival=0/" target="_blank">the Korean tourism website</a>, there are dozens of festivals taking place across the country throughout the year (and I know that there are still some that aren't listed on that site). In the few weeks that I've been here, I've "celebrated" 2 of them over 3 weeks. I say "celebrated" because I don't really know what most of the festivals are actually about and therefore can't actually celebrate what's meant to be celebrated, but I go to check things out and I usually end up enjoying what I see.</div>
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My first weekend in Incheon, I went to the Incheon-China Culture Tourism Festival in the only official chinatown in Korea...located not far from my place here in Incheon. I was looking forward to going to this event because I usually really enjoy chinatowns, what with their good food, lively entertainment and cultural exhibitions. The Korean chinatown, while small, was certainly enjoyable. We saw drummers, dancing dragons and jumping lions, not to mention we got to play dress up in traditional Korean and Chinese costumes. I also got to have my chinese dumplings (always a highlight of any chinatown visit). All in all, it was a very enjoyable sunny spring day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying Chinese culture in the only official Chinatown of Korea!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got my requisite dumpling; except the one I ate was considerably smaller and had pork filling, not Andrea filling. Although, it did fill Andrea! ;-)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tradition Korean Hanbok</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional Chinese hats...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty spring blossoms!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The streets of Chinatown in Incheon, Korea</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">**Note: many photos in this post are courtesy of Melissa S.**</span></div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-58023001624255961512013-05-18T12:19:00.000-04:002013-05-18T12:40:10.727-04:00The Korean education of Andrea - Part 1I figure the subject of my learning of the Korean way of life will be something that happens through out my year here, hence my title being "Part 1".<br />
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It's been over two weeks since my last blog post. Much has happened in that time - both good and bad. <br />
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The bad part is: the culture shock hit me earlier than expected. In some conversations I've had with people before I left Canada, I was told that I should anticipate culture shock really hitting around July when the honeymoon phase of everything had warn off and the novelty of living here had really started to fade. Since my last post about my apartment, while I have started to find a sense of comfort in my small space, I have started to have developed an sense of anxiety about the life that is all around me.<br />
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First of all, I have learnt that I am really not a big fan of Korean food in general. Because I had really enjoyed dishes like bimbimbap and bulgogi back home, I had hoped that that would translate into my liking more of the common meals I would find here. It would seem that, unfortunately, that has not been the case. I can't really put my finger on what is it exactly I don't like about the food. I just don't find the flavours work well for me, like so many other Asian cuisines do. I am certainly disappointed with this, but I do make a continuous effort to try it, as I do eat the Korean lunches offered by my school every weekday. But, since I do need to eat while I'm here, I will likely just cook most of my own food, to suit my own tastes. I had a difficult time figuring out how to start/work my gas stove (since I've only ever really used electric before), but my very kind landlady (who doesn't speak a lick of English) physically showed me how to do it. She took my hand and demonstrated on a tea towel how I had to gently press the knob, before turning quickly and letting go slowly before lowering the temperature. I have also been introduced to the foreign markets in Seoul which are 1.5 hours door-to-door from my place in Incheon. I am able to buy so many of the foods I would normally cook at home, everything from Thai sauce mixes to cheese to pasta to chili beans. I will be able to eat well, it will likely just be not very Korean.<br />
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The other culture shock issue I've been dealing with is the language barrier. While I am SO GLAD I learnt to read and write Korean before coming here (it has made such a difference for me), speaking it has been extremely difficult. I have a very hard time getting even basic things like garbage bags (we need to buy special garbage bags here and I was completely denied to buy them by a local store clerk because I couldn't clearly express to her what I wanted). Since then, my Korean phrasebook has become my best friend; although, admittedly, my friend does sometimes fail me.<br />
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Last weekend, for whatever reason, I felt culture shock hit the hardest. I sent an email to a few friends back home who had experience living in a foreign country asking for their advice. It wasn't a pretty email - quite negative in fact. But, I'm very glad that I did. Their support/advice/encouragement was <u><strong><em>so helpful</em></strong></u> to me. I thought about exactly what was getting me down here. I think it boiled down to 3 things: 1) the food (as mentioned) 2) the language (again, see above) and 3) the fact that I'd like to have my social life be expanded to outside my apartment, but not straight into a bar. <br />
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So, I looked at these three problems and thought "how can they best be addressed?" Number 1 was fixed by going to the foreign markets and learning how to cook at home. Numbers 2 I plan to fix by joining a local language exchange club, where I can improve my Korean and help some one else improve their English. Number 3 was addressed by doing the same thing I've recommended to other people who have moved to a new city/country: join groups in <a href="http://meetup.com/">meetup.com</a> Next weekend, I plan to go to a meetup for something I've been looking at since another English teacher turned me onto it a couple weeks ago: <a href="http://eng.templestay.com/" target="_blank">Temple Stay</a>. You spend a day or up to a week at a Buddhist temple learning all about the Buddhist way of life. You learn about different aspects from meditation to bowing to food to lotus-lantern making. It should be an experience so far out of my comfort zone, but I look forward to it! Last weekend, I went to Seoul with a few fellow Incheon-ers to check out the Lotus Festival parade and the other events kicking off the week of celebrations for Buddha's birthday. In the coming weeks, I also hope to find a yoga class I can partake in. Even if it's all in Korean, I should be able to follow the moves, right? I figure these are all great ways to get me out of my apartment to meeting new people & making new friends, and (not necessarily) getting drunk while doing it.<br />
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I think by going out and doing as many of these unique things as I can, I will help combat my culture shock and perhaps even learn to love being here.<br />
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This weekend (May 17-19) has been a long weekend here in Korea due to the holiday celebrating Buddha's birthday. Since we have very few official long weekends this year, I decided to come down to Busan, Korea's 2nd largest city to celebrate and check out some new sites. These two weekends have been the things that have been the good parts of my last two weeks here. Despite my culture shock, I've met up with many great people to experience different parts of Korean life & culture, and everything in between.<br />
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I'll do a proper post on Busan and my weekend in Seoul another time, but for now, I'll say a big thank you to all of those who have helped me through this difficult transition in this new country (you know who you are). I can't tell you how much it has helped me!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-72939185715519254512013-05-03T05:37:00.001-04:002013-05-03T05:37:24.155-04:00Pop goes my worldThis past Tuesday, our long days of orientation finally came to an end. We were going to meet our Korean co-teachers and be taken to our new homes and finally unpack. Living out of a suitcase for 3 weeks isn't as much fun as it sounds (and it doesn't even sound that fun) and I was quite keen to put all my stuff away and set up my new home.<br />
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I think every one in the hotel conference room was very nervous, both the foreign and Korean teachers. Who were these people we are supposed to work so closely with? Will they make our lives great or miserable for the next year? <br />
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And there was still the question of where are we living. They say all good things come to those who wait. Finally, after months of anticipation the moment had arrived. As <a href="http://themanyadventuresofandrea.blogspot.kr/2013/05/its-all-in-preperation.html" target="_blank">mentioned previously</a>, I knew that my school was near Inha University. I didn't know, though, if that meant I would be living near there too. We were told some teachers may have to commute up to 40 minutes to get to their school. It turns out my commute is a 10 minute walk up the street. Which I think I'm pretty happy about, though ask me again when it's raining or freezing cold. The neighborhood seems to be very trendy; a very university type area with lots of cafes. To be honest, I haven't had a chance in the last few days to explore the area more but I hope to do so with one of the other teacher who was place near me.<br />
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So great, a good area (although not particularly close to the "going out spots" in Incheon, but cabs are stupid cheap here so it shouldn't be too much of a problem, right?), but what about the apartment??? Well...like I said, the area is good. :-P<br />
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My apartment, or should I say "apartment" is very much a traditional Korean apartment - the kind I saw on Youtube videos in the past. Meaning, it's teeny tiny. When I arrived, with my two 50-lbs bags, I had a small bed in the corner (with no bedding), a wardrobe closest (with no shelves or hangers) a desk that wasn't set up and both a bathroom and kitchen sink that leaked. Needless to say, I wasn't thrilled. I still had to go and visit my school and register with the Immigration office, but all I could think about was all the things I was going to have to get in order to make this place a home. Thankfully, my co-teacher brought me to Homeplus (Korea's answer to Walmart) and I loaded up on the essentials: bedding, toilet paper, hangers, etc. Sometimes previous teachers will leave lots of useful things for the new teachers that are taking over the apartment. I had no such luck. He left me with next to nothing: no plates, forks or glasses. All I had was a pot, a pan, a cutting board and knife and a toaster (and I don't even like toast). I had no place to put my folded clothes and both the bed and computer chair were/are wildly uncomfortable. So, I made a 2nd late night run to Homeplus (thankfully, they close at midnight). It's amazing what a little organization can do for the mind. Once I bought things that started to make me feel more comfortable (ie bags unpacked and put away rather than in the middle of the floor), things started to take a better shape.<br />
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Here's a quick tour of my pad:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bed area</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entertainment/work area</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting on the bed looking into the "kitchen" & apartment entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXOwWBeGwMk/UYOCtuKEXQI/AAAAAAAAAMc/bEht0cNTDGo/s1600/CIMG1500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IXOwWBeGwMk/UYOCtuKEXQI/AAAAAAAAAMc/bEht0cNTDGo/s1600/CIMG1500.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "kitchen" - if you're asking "where's the fridge?", please see previous photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBa7faqZ-MQ/UYOCqX-lvcI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/lJ1i1argAJw/s1600/CIMG1496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBa7faqZ-MQ/UYOCqX-lvcI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/lJ1i1argAJw/s1600/CIMG1496.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathroom & laundry doors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mo0Sv8oSCDQ/UYOCvSFpMxI/AAAAAAAAAMk/ZR3NlRV2c3U/s1600/CIMG1501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mo0Sv8oSCDQ/UYOCvSFpMxI/AAAAAAAAAMk/ZR3NlRV2c3U/s1600/CIMG1501.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bathroom/shower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OUf36OtItmo/UYOCw_dn_oI/AAAAAAAAAMs/cLKgcWWJ_iI/s1600/CIMG1502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OUf36OtItmo/UYOCw_dn_oI/AAAAAAAAAMs/cLKgcWWJ_iI/s1600/CIMG1502.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The laundry closet</td></tr>
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I won't lie here. Once I was alone in my new apartment that first night, I cried. I felt so overwhelmed and alone and scared. Thankfully, I had internet access in my apartment so I was able to call Fabian and my mom to have them help relieve my anxiety and tell me that it would be ok. I was seriously <em>this close</em> to saying "Nope, sorry, I can't do this". But with the help and support of the other foreign teachers who are having the same experience as me, in addition to my family and friends back home, my confidence is coming back that I <em>can</em> in fact do this. I was thinking about it the other day, and in some strange way, I feel like I am doing this for my future kids: so that I can focus on them and not have a nagging thought in the back of my mind "I wish I had done ____ when I was younger"; so that I can share my worldly experiences with them and enrich their lives; so that when they are going through hard times in life, I can tell them about my hard experiences and help them through their troubles.<br />
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Now that the bubble of orientation I had been in for the last week is gone, reality has taken over. It is scary, certainly, and there are times where I feel like I can't take it. The culture shock has already started to hit me. I will rely on you, my friends and family and general readers, to help me keep going through this wild adventure. All supportive comments are greatly appreciated!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-25040398986648377482013-05-03T04:57:00.000-04:002013-05-03T05:00:55.583-04:00It's all in the preparationAfter a week and a half of orientation both in Seoul, I can not tell you how excited & anxious I was to finally find out details about my new life here in Korea. What grade(s) would I be teaching? Where will I be living? Is my apartment bigger than a shoe box?<br />
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Last Thursday, we met our coordinators for our respective areas and found our school names and where they were located. Finally, it was confirmed to me that I was teaching elementary school. Great! It was my first choice (I'd rather not deal with the raging hormones of teenagers). Next, I found out that it is near a university here in Incheon. That's cool. But there was still the nagging question of "where the heck am I going to be living?" It was a question I'd have to wait another 5 days to answer.<br />
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On our last morning of our EPIK orientation in Seoul, 18 or so other teachers and I got to preform for the rest of the 200+ new teachers. While they had been learning Korean over our few days there, our small group was selected to learn how to play Korean traditional drums. It was actually pretty fun! Here's a video of our performance and a picture of me all kitted out (NOTE: while you can't see me in the video as I'm blocked by some one, I'm the one that says "Drumming's cool, drumming's wild - let's play drums Gagnam style!")<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Thanks to Cory for filming and posting this!*</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting on the floor (especially cross-legged) gets harder with age</td></tr>
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Since the teachers at the schools in Incheon were only finishing their contracts on the 29th of April, and ours started on April 26th, there was no place for us newbies to teach or live. So, we got a bonus 4 days of orientation that was Incheon-specific. Some of it was really helpful. Some of it was clearly time filling. But, all in all, I'm glad I went through so much orientation. It gave me a chance to get to know the other teachers I would be seeing & hanging out with regularly in the city, in addition to getting to know the city itself better and learn a few useful Korean words/phrases.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJ9U_xcp-aM/UYN67Oba-DI/AAAAAAAAALs/Cisqj22G9_E/s1600/CIMG1462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJ9U_xcp-aM/UYN67Oba-DI/AAAAAAAAALs/Cisqj22G9_E/s1600/CIMG1462.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new stomping grounds!</td></tr>
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We also got the chance to go to one of the rural islands near Incheon and see North Korea from across the river! For those that know me well, you'll know how excited I was by being so close to such a foreign and isolated land. We went to a peace monument/museum and looked at exhibits (all written in Korean) and read (or at least attempted to read) about people's wishes to be reunited once more. They also had those viewing stations where we could pay 50 cents to get a close up view on the other side of the river. Of course, I did it, but as I looked at the desolate land in front of me, I felt very odd. I felt like I was spying on these people. Like I was at some kind of side show where everyone gawks at those who are different. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Korea</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from across the river</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through the viewfinder!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iw0cFBHknvU/UYN3DbqaJyI/AAAAAAAAALU/wWkHHdzAeu8/s1600/CIMG1484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iw0cFBHknvU/UYN3DbqaJyI/AAAAAAAAALU/wWkHHdzAeu8/s1600/CIMG1484.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were about 2.3km away from one of the most isolated countries in the world!</td></tr>
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That said, I should also mention that I did not in the least feel tension or fear to be there, so close to "the enemy". It just felt normal, like there was no division. If you didn't see the barbed wire fence on the drive in, you'd have no idea you were in a technical war zone. It certainly doesn't feel like it, no matter what the media tells you.<br />
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Getting to know the others who will be working in Incheon has been a Godsend too. We've bonded well over soju drinks and norebang. They will be part of the crutch that helps me get through the hard times of this year. I'm glad to have had more time to get to know them well.<br />
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And then came Tuesday, and everything changed.<br />
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To be continued...Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-35770589839845325952013-04-24T19:37:00.001-04:002013-04-24T19:37:21.524-04:00Learning how to teach is dangerousIn my<a href="http://themanyadventuresofandrea.blogspot.kr/2013/04/andgo.html" target="_blank"> last blog post</a>, I mentioned that I am currently at teacher orientation in Seoul. It's meant for all of the teachers who are part of EPIK (English Program In Korea) from across the country. It's been a great way to get to know people and make new friends to visit in the coming year. <br />
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First and foremost, it's been a really great way to learn how to teach ESL. Each day, we've had great lectures on everything from how to plan a lesson, to how to work with co-teachers, to how to do a great power point presentation & game. I've found it all immensely interesting and informative. (I certainly hope that I feel the same way in the coming weeks!) Some teachers at the orientation have already been here teaching in their schools for a few weeks, but for whatever reason or another were only able to do the orientation now. That means they went into their teaching jobs without any formal instruction from the Korean government. It's all sink or swim. I feel grateful that I am not in their shoes.<br />
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But all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and so our long days of lectures are sporadically mixed with a bit of fun. We got to watch a group of professional taekwondo-ers do some pretty amazing jumps, kicks and board breaks. On tuesday, we got to try our hand at the same thing, although to a far less spectacular fashion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0s3DirlGpc4/UXhm_Ys1gyI/AAAAAAAAAKI/_MMGyo8eEL4/s1600/540720_520777954624815_2086308518_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0s3DirlGpc4/UXhm_Ys1gyI/AAAAAAAAAKI/_MMGyo8eEL4/s1600/540720_520777954624815_2086308518_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaaahhhhh!!</td></tr>
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I even did something I never in my life thought I'd be able to do. I broke a wooden board. Yes, a real, solid wooden board. What's that you say? Pics or it didn't happen?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-break!</td></tr>
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We had to write down our wish for our time in Korea on our boards. If we broke it, our wish would be granted. I cut mine straight down the middle. BAM! I still might not be a black belt, but I think this officially makes me some one not to mess with! ;-)<div>
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***As a side note to Dan, Taekwondo means: "Tae" bottom half (kicking, jumping, running), "Kwon" top half (punching, striking), "do" philosophy of martial arts, a balance. Homework complete!***<br /><br /></div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-89586400926412487372013-04-21T20:16:00.001-04:002013-04-21T23:51:14.290-04:00And....go!안녕하세요 (hello) from Korea!<br />
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After a wonderful vacation in some amazing places with Fabian, I have now arrived in Seoul Korea to start my orientation.<br />
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But before I tell you about my arrival here, I'll wrap up the last few days we had in Istanbul. On our "bazaar" day, we haggled hard and got some pretty Turkish style plates and of course the requisite magnet (for me) and shot glass (for Fabian). After our shopping day, we took a $2 ferry ride to the Asian side of Istanbul and enjoyed wandering the interesting street markets. So now Fabian can say that's he's been to Asia and we can both say that we've been to a rare intercontinental city. Check that off the bucket list! The following day we visited Topkapi palace, which was interesting, but I think Fabian thought it was better than I did. We also explored the modern and trendy Beyoglu area, and took a lovely tour of the Bosphorus. On our final day together, we checked out the beautiful Cora church and ancient city walls before we met up with two of Fabian's friends from Ottawa who are currently posted at the Embassy in Ankara.<br />
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Despite the wonderful time we had together in both Istanbul and Switzerland, it was so, so, SO hard to say goodbye to my Fabian at the airport. As expected, I cried. Alot. I had to apologize to the girl sitting next to me on the plane for crying so much. But, mixed with the tears was a sense of excitement and pride. This is what I wanted to do: live in a new city, a new country. Mixed with fear and nerves, was joy that I am living my dream.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pct6Zu-mOvk/UXR-pkxLybI/AAAAAAAAAJw/td5NdoOTUNA/s1600/CIMG1404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pct6Zu-mOvk/UXR-pkxLybI/AAAAAAAAAJw/td5NdoOTUNA/s1600/CIMG1404.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Touring the Bosphorus - I miss you already, my love!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh off the plane from Turkey. Anyonghaseyo Korea!</td></tr>
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So far, I have to say the experience has been great! Once again the flight with Turkish Airlines was great (I guess there is a reason they have been voted twice as Europe's best airline), my bags arrived intact and my clearance through customs was quick and painless. I had a driver waiting to pick me up at the airport and brought me straight to the orientation center. I arrived as the welcome dinner was in full swing, but I wanted to change and take a quick shower to freshen up before meeting all my fellow teachers. So, I found my roommate, a nice Irish girl, so I could get into our room and sort out my things. She invited me to join her and some of the other teachers for a drink at a local bar, and I gladly went so that I could get to know people. Why not since I wasn't all that tired? <br />
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The bar we went to had a "self service" feature where they had all the bottled drinks in fridges and you just got what you wanted and paid for everything when you left. Pretty handy, although my drink wasn't really all that cheap ($6 for a vodka cooler)...maybe I'll stick with soju from now on since it's supposedly much cheaper!<br />
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Here in the orientation center they seem to try to give us newbies a "gentle welcome" to the country. The breakfast this morning was very western (bacon and eggs) and there's even a "north american style" outlet in my room! I also haven't seen any kimchi yet. The water taps are opposite from ours (push the tap down rather than up to turn on), but aside from that, everything's pretty much the same as here.<br />
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Every one's been very helpful and friendly and welcoming and I've had a chance to talk with a number of teachers who've been here for a while and it has calmed a lot of my worried and makes me even more excited about this experience.<br />
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Today's first item of the day was the full-on medical check (everything from hearing and eyesight, to blood and urine tests and xrays), and in a short time we have the official opening ceremony for this orientation week. It promises to be a great way to start my time in Korea!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-59590686478335702062013-04-17T15:57:00.000-04:002013-04-17T15:57:05.622-04:00The pre-adventure adventureWhen my trip to Korea started to take shape last November, I immediately started to look at flights to get me there. As a neurotic planner and travel nut, it is in my nature to start researching flights and trips as early as possible, always trying to find the best deal and the most exciting route! When I came across a fantastic deal with Turkish Airways, which would not only cost me less than my flight allowance budget, but would also permit me a stopover in Istanbul (a whole new city and country to visit), I was chomping at the bit! I spoke to Fabian about my find, and we decided why not make a holiday out of it so that we can make a quick stop in Switzerland to visit his family (a mere 2.5 hour flight away) and spend a few days exploring the city together? One of his great passions in life is history, so to experience the richness of this ancient city is definitely in his "Top 10" list of places to visit.<div>
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And so, here we are! 9 days into our 12 day trip through Europe (and part of Asia)! Sadly, that means we only have another 3 days together before we see each other again in January - a very long and lonely 8 months from now (SAD FACE!) :'-( But, we've tried to make the most of our time together. As mentioned, we were able to spend almost a week visiting his family and friends in Switzerland which was wonderful. This was my second time meeting his family, and they are just as nice as the first time I met them last year - maybe even nicer! :-) We had many laughs playing games with his mother, sister and nieces (I can't recommend <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/38984/mow" target="_blank">Mow</a> enough as a great game for all ages), a wonderful night with many of his oldest and dearest friends, and of course, ate more delicious food than I probably should have!</div>
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We also made a special effort to do some wedding planning. We have decided that given our mutual love of the mountains, we would get married in Switzerland! Details are still not firmed up, but we're aiming for summer of 2015, which would give us time to save money and plan together after I get back from Korea. We met with a wedding planner, and looked a few venue sites, so things are promising and moving along well for now. Given that we're so far from the date and we have a lot of other things on our mind now (like travelling and my move to another country), we'll be able to sort things out in the weeks to come. Having spent the day driving through the beautiful, mountainous area of Valais though is always a pleasure. How can it not be when you have a great view like this while drinking your chocolate milk?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "black triangle-shaped" mountain in the middle is the Matterhorn!</td></tr>
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We arrived yesterday in Istanbul and immediately hit up the shops for many free samples of Baklava and Turkish delight. The weather has been pretty cold, grey and windy, but this is easily remedied by eating more free samples of Baklava and Turkish delight. I have been pleasantly surprised by the food here in Turkey. Having been to the sole Turkish restaurant in Ottawa only once, I didn't think there would be so much great food. But so far, I've really enjoyed our meals. Another not so pleasant surprise I've found being here is that the cost of things are higher than I'd thought they'd be. That's not to say that things are necessarily expensive (after coming from Switzerland, nothing is "really expensive"), but they're much more comparable to prices in Canada, which, for whatever reason, I didn't expect.</div>
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Regardless, we've had a good day and a half so far, and have seen the whirling dervishes, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Baslisica Cisterne, and the Hippodrome. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TN5dujZDbGU/UW76nPJAfNI/AAAAAAAAAJI/ZVHqKhFmUgY/s1600/CIMG1325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TN5dujZDbGU/UW76nPJAfNI/AAAAAAAAAJI/ZVHqKhFmUgY/s1600/CIMG1325.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our room at the wonderful <a href="http://www.hotelsultanhill.com/" target="_blank">Sultan Hill Hotel</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the amazing Hagia Sophia - unfortunately half the room was blocked off for renos, so it was only half as amazing as it could have been, which is still pretty amazing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The eerily beautiful Basilica Cistine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c73ESNL5sTg/UW76wB5nkwI/AAAAAAAAAJg/PFyidodKad8/s1600/CIMG1363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c73ESNL5sTg/UW76wB5nkwI/AAAAAAAAAJg/PFyidodKad8/s1600/CIMG1363.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the Blue Mosque</td></tr>
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We also went for the required Turkish bath, one must experience at least once in a lifetime. It was really quite something.</div>
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Tomorrow is "Bazaar day", where we will visit both the Grand and the Spice bazaars. I really look forward to seeing all the colours and smelling all the strange and wonderful scents...and eating all the free samples of baklava and turkish delights!</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-75255746567541614922013-04-08T05:55:00.000-04:002013-04-17T16:06:58.563-04:00A farewell to homeToday is the big day! Today is the day that I leave Ottawa for the next 14 months! Filled with excitement, nerves and the worry that I've forgotten to do something, I've been up since 4am. After a 5 hour packing session on Friday, I am ready to go, but as always, I have that dreaded "I feel like I forgot..." feeling. Of course, all of my to do lists items are checked off, but I suppose it's inevitable. Today, Fabian and I will take trains, planes and automobiles to get us to our first stop on my journey to Korea: Switzerland! (yes, I'm taking the long way 'round) Stay tuned for beautiful mountain scenery!<br />
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This past weekend was filled with both tears and joy. In addition to it being my last weekend in Ottawa, it was also my 30th birthday. Both of these reasons were, of course, enough for celebration, but add on my recent engagement, and you've got yourself a great happy birthday/going away/engagement party! I am grateful to the 40 or so friends who came out to celebrate with me! I will miss them all very much! In particular, I am thankful to my Fabian for helping organize the event, and to my great friends <a href="http://modmischief.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Allison and Chris</a>, without whom the party would not have been as awesome as it was! A highlight of the night for many was the photo booth that was set up. Thanks to Allison's seemingly bottomless tickle-trunk, many great moments were captured! See for yourself:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A night full of laughs, and even a couple "special guests"!</td></tr>
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With the good, must come the bad, I'm afraid. I cried many times this weekend while saying goodbye to so many special and important people - my mom and family who came up for a birthday brunch, and my many friends. I know I will see them all again soon, but it's always hard to say goodbye. Thank God for Skype! I'm not convinced I would be able to do this adventure without technology.</div>
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As I take this next step in my journey, I have thought about some of the things I feel that I will miss. Obviously my family and friends are at the top of the list, but I realized the other day that I will also miss some of the even more basic things of my life like asking a shop keeper where to find a particular item. I don't know how to say "where's the toothpaste?" in Korean. Or sitting in a waiting area and understanding what people around me are saying. These are the things I both look forward to experiencing and dread all at the same time. It's a strange feeling. And of course, the food. I will miss our food. Sure, I like bulgogi and bibimbap, but those that know me well, know that when I love a certain dish, I stick with it. Sadly, there will be no midnight <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poutine" target="_blank">poutines</a> in Korea.</div>
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I will miss my home here in Ottawa, with its history and culture and small town feel, with big city amenities, but I know I will be back. In the meantime, I am excitedly looking forward to new views, new places and new experiences!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-90747901761577405562013-03-31T02:35:00.000-04:002013-03-31T03:18:50.360-04:00Love & marriage & kimchiIn <a href="http://themanyadventuresofandrea.blogspot.ca/2013/03/ch-ch-ch-ch-changes.html">my last blog post</a> 2 weeks ago, I talked about the many changes going on in my life: the passing of my cats, the ending of my job, the moving from my home. Little did I know I should have waited another few days to post that write up of big changes because another big change was about to happen.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fabian liked it, so he put a ring on it!</span></i></div>
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Fabian proposed, and of course I said yes! We had been talking about our future for quite some time and we've both thought from very early on in our relationship that we were the right ones for each other. We have so much in common (from both hobbies and interests, to the important things like beliefs and values), but when we differ on things we are always able to respect each others differences and find a compromise where we can both be happy. I knew that an engagement was coming at some point, but I really didn't know exactly when. Not being one for surprises (I'm too much of a planner to enjoy uncertainty), the knowing it was coming, but not when was fine for me! He did a good job too: a romantic trip to one of our favourite little inns in the area and just before going down to a very nice dinner, he asked me to be his wife. I couldn't stop smiling the whole night. <br />
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And of course, the ring! It's a vintage style, with an emerald as the center stone, surrounded by diamonds. It's so elegant and delicate but unique at the same time. I just love it! <br />
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I'm grateful to him for proposing before I left. While it would have been very romantic to have done it while we were in Switzerland or touring Hagia Sofia, we're now able to celebrate this moment with all of our family and friends. Celebrating a year later, while doable, would have kind of sucked all the newness and excitement out of it. </div>
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One idea I had had about my upcoming time in Asia was to have a wedding dress made while I was over there. I mean, the tailors in Hoi An alone are<a href="http://travel.ninemsn.com/world/6912870/suit-up-the-best-tailors-of-asia" target="_blank"> famous</a> for their work. But I also wanted to have the quintessential mother-daughter bonding moment of wedding dress shopping. So, thanks to Fabian's proposal timing, I asked my mom, grandmother and great aunt to come to look at wedding dresses with me and just get an idea of what looks good on me (often what looks good in a picture or on a hanger looks very different when on a body). After trying on a few different dresses, I tried on one that changed everything. It was elegant and glamorous, with just the right amount of drama and sexy. As my mom said "Andrea, it's just so <u><i>you</i></u>". Even though it was nothing as I imagined it to be in my mind when I thought of my wedding dress, I knew it was the perfect dress for me. My mom asked me how I would imagine Fabian reacting to seeing me in it, that's when I started to cry. That's when I knew it was the right dress - I knew he would love it. After we all cried a little (yes, that does happen in real life, and not just on <i>"Say yes to the dress"</i>), I made the <strike>very</strike> extremely impromptu decision to buy it. I was in a state of shock for the rest of the afternoon. Who plans to move to a foreign country in just a few weeks but buys a wedding dress as a last minute purchase? Crazy ol' me, that's who! Of course, since I know Fabian reads this blog, I can't post details about the dress, but I promise in due time to post proper pictures.</div>
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So I suppose you're wondering, how does this all change your plans for Korea, Andrea? Well, to put it simply, it doesn't. I am still going. The proposal was not Fabian's desperate ploy to try to get me to stay. It is a show of our commitment to each other and to making this work. Now, whenever I am feeling sad and alone and am questioning the 10,000 km between us, I just need to look down at my hand to be reminded of the wonderful man I have waiting for me, patiently, at home. And when I go to leave and say goodbye to the (hopefully) many wonderful friends I make while in Korea, I will also look down at my hand to have those feelings of sad goodbyes replaced with the excitement of my reunion with him.</div>
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So while some of the wedding planning is underway (we have a general idea of where and when - details TBD), our engagement will be a bit prolonged because of my trip. On the bright side: lots more time for planning! Coincidentally, one of my favourite hobbies!</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-53075222907292053612013-03-13T09:34:00.000-04:002013-06-02T11:17:13.292-04:00Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!For years, my life felt static - my job was the same, my home life was the same - I felt like I was in the same place I was 5 years ago. I had seen many of my friends get married and have kids, move abroad and just move into the next phase in their lives. I admit I was envious of their progression in life. For all my complaining, 2013 has certainly delivered on being a year of major life changes so far!<br />
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I found out at the end of January that my two cats, Bubbles and Moosh were much sicker than I realized. I had brought them in for their annual check up a couple of weeks before bringing them to their foster home (a great couple agreed to look after them while I was in Korea). They were both diagnosed with serious illnesses. I was in shock to say the least. I had known for some time they weren't in the best shape, but I did not expect the severity that was reality. </div>
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I struggled for a while to decide what to do: get them treatment and hope they get better, or say my final goodbyes to them while we're all still together? I had to make the agonizing decision that it was in their best interest to say goodbye. I knew their conditions would worsen once their lives were turned upside down. A new home and losing their "mom" would put a stress on them, would be that much harder for their foster parents (they didn't sign up to look after 2 sick cats!) and would be so painful for me to watch from afar, when I know I would want to be there with them as they struggled to just survive.<br />
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<i>R.I.P. my two little guys</i></div>
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<i> Bubbles 2000-2013</i></div>
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<i>Moosh 2002-2013</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">**Photos courtesy of Matt K.**</span></i></div>
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I am forever grateful to the <a href="http://www.cathospitals.net/">Bytown Cat hospital</a> for their home care service. They were able to come to my home and save the cats the stress of travelling in their final moments. Saying goodbye to them was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but I believe it was the right decision. </div>
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I had mentally prepared myself for months to say goodbye while I was gone overseas, but I just thought it was temporary. I my mind, they're just at their foster home and I'll see them later. The constant realization that they're not there and I'll never see them again has really been the hardest part. It's like a reoccurring brick wall I hit every time I think about them (which is a lot). After having them in my life for over 10 years, it was a real blow to lose them. Their deaths was the first time I experienced real grief. I don't look forward to more losses like theirs. </div>
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While I had said a tearful goodbye to my boss in December of last year, I didn't feel like that part of my life had ended just yet - I knew I would still talk to him regularly, just we had always done. The death of the cats were the first real big change I would experience this year.</div>
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I was glad for the timing of my impending departure: I packed up and moved out of my apartment just days after the cats' deaths. I couldn't stand being in an empty apartment without them. I had always planned to live with Fabian for my final two months in Ottawa (to spend as much time together before I left), so really, the timing of it all worked out well.</div>
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Last week was another big change: the end of my time at the Senate. It took me days to go around to say goodbye to all the staff that I had worked with over the years. I did my best to say goodbye to them all personally. It certainly was bittersweet - I was looking forward to a new challenge but I know I would also miss the place I've loved working for the last 10+ years.</div>
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Now that I'm unemployed for almost 2 months, I find myself spending time with friends, preparing for my trip and obsessing over completing the <a href="http://www4.aeroplan.com/StarChallenge.do?currentLanguage=en">Aeroplan Star Challenge</a> (if I can do it, we'll be able to fly Fabian over to visit me in Asia twice!)</div>
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My life has been anything but static in 2013. My job is gone, my home is gone, my two guys are gone. They're all changes both good and bad. I can only imagine what other changes this year will bring for me! I can only hope for more of the good!</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-26365802879094311162013-03-06T16:51:00.001-05:002013-03-06T17:39:36.615-05:00Working girlJobs. We all need them. Those that don't have them, want them. And those that do have them, are usually looking for a better one. As my boss's retirement approached, I was constantly getting asked what my new job would be. Even when I said my plan was to teach English overseas, I would regularly be asked specifics about a job I hadn't even started to look for. For months, a guaranteed question in every conversation I would have with my mom was "did you find a job yet?"<br />
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I had heard and read a lot about the great demand for English teachers overseas, so I wasn't really worried about finding something in the end. I felt it better to take my time to prepare, in what I felt to be the "proper way". I wanted to get my TEFL teaching certificate first, then sort out exactly where I wanted to go, and then I would worry about finding an actual job. The first two steps took a bit of time (see <a href="http://themanyadventuresofandrea.blogspot.ca/2013/03/why-korea-you-dont-even-like-kimchi.html">previous post</a> for my story on those), but finally in November I was ready to tackle step three. I've previously gone into <em>why</em> I've decided to do this, but now let's talk about the <em>how. </em><br />
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Over the summer, I met many people who shared their previous experiences of teaching in Korea with me. All of them had been good. When I asked them how they found their jobs, most just told me that they had looked online (places like <a href="http://www.eslcafe.com/">Dave's ESL cafe</a> and the like). I had looked on the job board on that site and was completely overwhelmed. I didn't know what offers were considered good, which were bad, which came from reliable companies, or which from the shady places you read about on the net. During one of these conversations in September, I was speaking with a friend who had previously gone over to teach in Korea and he recommended <a href="http://www.canconx.com/">Canadian Connections</a> to me. They are a recruitment agency based out of Toronto that deal exclusively with teachers going to Korea (and not just from Canada, so don't let the name fool you!) I read over their website and looked at some of their online videos. Seemed like an ideal way to really kick-start this adventure. I thought with their experience and contacts, they would help make the job search and everything leading up to actually starting the job much easier to manage, and hopefully much less stressful. Turns out, I was right!<br />
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I sent them my ESL teaching-geared CV (it's meant to be a different layout that your standard CV), within a week, I had had an interview with one of their recruiters and had 4 job offers by the following week! I considered them all carefully, since they each had their own pros and cons. To live in Seoul but work in a private institute or live outside the big city but work in a public school? Ultimately, I made my decision to be at a public school just outside of the capital in Incheon - Korea's 3rd largest city, home of the country's major airport. Being 3 times the size of Ottawa, and only a 1 hour subway ride from Seoul, I thought this was the best option for me. So, as of April 21st, that will be my new home for a year!<br />
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For those considering teaching in Korea, I do recommend Canadian Connections. They've been great to work with and have been very patient with all of my questions. I also recommend taking a chill pill while going through this process. It can take a while for the paperwork to go through and no matter how organized you are, there's only so much you (and the recruiters) can do. Right now, I'm playing the waiting game for my contract to come in. I had sent all of my documents in back in December hoping to speed up the process, but so far, no such luck. I just hope it comes in soon! Once it does, I have to go to the Korean Embassy to apply (and get) a work visa. All this before I leave in just over a month! <br />
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It's so hard to believe that I have such a short time left at home! I will miss my friends, family and Fabian - indeed my whole life here in Ottawa - so much while I am gone! I hope to spend as much time with them as I can before I leave! They say time flies when you're having fun. This one time, though, I hope that expression doesn't hold true!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-62256628092509603162013-03-01T06:47:00.001-05:002013-03-06T16:56:10.164-05:00Why Korea? You don't even like kimchi!In my previous post, I talked about what prompted me to decide to move to Korea. My job of 8 years was coming to an end, and I felt I wanted to experience something different. Having been in the same job since I graduated university, I felt that I learnt all that I could from this position; I didn't feel challenged by it anymore.<br />
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Don't get me wrong, I loved the job, my place of work and heck I even loved my boss! But when I can fill out a travel claim in my sleep, it's time to try something different, don't you think? I knew working for another Senator wasn't an option. Not only would it mostly be doing the same things, I'm not sure I would have found a Senator that was as great a boss as my previous one. No offence to the many great Senators I've gotten to know over the years, but my old boss was a truly great man. I think they would agree with me too - every one always loved him. Over our near decade of knowing each other, we had gotten to know each other and our families quite well. He certainly has become like a father figure to me. I have tremendous admiration and respect for him and I know that that won't go away now that I no longer work for him. I will always be grateful that he took a chance on a very young and inexperienced fresh-out-of-school girl to essentially run his whole office. It was a big leap of faith on his part, and I hope that I did my best for him. I certainly hope that I can one day come back to the Senate under a different role in administration because it has become like a family to me. I will miss walking into Parliament and feeling the history and privilege of just being there. But just as a baby bird must someday leave the nest, I had to spread my wings a try something new.<br />
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When beginning my research into teaching abroad, one of the first things I looked into, was getting a TEFL certificate. While some people I spoke to said it was unnecessary I thought it was important for a few reasons:<br />
1) Having no experience teaching made me nervous. Sure, I've done lots of public speaking and am very comfortable talking to people, but having to create and execute an actual structured lesson plan? Nothing. So, while not as in depth as an actual teaching degree (by far! this was only a 60 hour in-class, 40 hour online program) I thought it would be a good "crash course" on how to teach.<br />
2) Both of the programs I was looking into offered help with finding an overseas teaching job for all of their graduates. From everything that I saw and read, finding a job in Korea (or anywhere for that matter) is stressful at best and extremely overwhelming. Job boards are filled with ads and it's difficult to know exactly where to start. So if some one was going to offer to help me, of course I'd take them up on that offer!<br />
3) Usually having a TEFL certificate, again while not being a Bachelor of Education, shows the employer you're serious about the job and will help when you get hired when you have zero experience, and might even push you to a higher pay bracket. Of course, for some people doing this, money isn't everything. Not that it is for me either, but a girl's got bills to pay! Being able to live decently and have a bit of money to put aside at the end of the month was important to me, so this little piece of paper just helped me that much more.<br />
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After a few weekends this past summer, I had my certificate in hand and was ready to start the official job hunt. But where did I want to go? China? Japan? Korea? The answer was still a question mark at that point. I had been on vacation in China the previous summer and really loved it so it was high on the list. I had been to Tokyo briefly and thought it was an interesting option too. To make a decision, I had to ask myself why I was actually doing this. Why did I want to give everything up for a year, and move to the other side of the world? This was an important question and one I've had to remind myself of the answer many times over the last few months as the nerves have started to set in.<br />
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<b style="text-decoration: underline;">I want to move and teach overseas because I want to have a different experience. I want to experience living in a different country, in a different culture, with different challenges. As strange as it sounds, I even <i>want</i> to experience culture shock.</b> (Please remind me of this statement when I am sad and questioning my decision to move overseas and want to come back early!)<br />
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Of course, all of the countries would easily meet all of these criteria. I was interested in each of their cultures, although admittedly, I love dim sum and sushi far more than I like kimchi. In the end, my choice of country boiled down to the benefits. Each country will fly you there and back. China and Korea both provide free accommodation to their teachers, Japan gives you an allowance and you're on the hook for the tab which can eat into your savings when you're in one of the most expensive countries in the world. China pays about half of what Korea does, so in order to save a bit more money, Korea won the battle for my new home. Since the decision was made, I've done all that I can to embrace the Korean culture: taking language lessons at the Korean Embassy, dinners out at local Korean restaurants, and had a 4 hour marathon karaoke session Korean-style (isn't karaoke the national sport over there?). I hope that doing these things to prepare will lessen the severity of my culture shock that I know is inevitable.<br />
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Every one I've talked to who has gone over, and everything that I've read online, has told me that there is a pattern that happens when some one moves to a foreign culture:<br />
Phase 1 - the honeymoon phase, where everything is exciting and new. I've been told this may last for the first few months after my arrival.<br />
Phase 2 - culture shock hits, you're alone in a strange land and all you want is to be home with everything familiar. I've been told to keep myself busy when this stage comes, as sitting at home sulking will only make it worse. I've also be advised to avoid alcohol and becoming a regular at the local ex-pat pub during this time as some who have never left this phase congregate there and will try to bring me down with them.<br />
Phase 3 - acceptance of the life and culture of this new land and the ability to enjoying it for it is: a beautiful experience.<br />
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I fully expect to go through each of these phases, and I'm sure it won't all be easy or pretty. I hope you, my friends and readers, will all be there to experience the highs and lows with me!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-70837541619411850852013-02-26T23:20:00.001-05:002013-03-08T10:11:20.499-05:00Hop in your time machine!! Punta del Diablo, UruguayUPDATE:<br />
Just as I posted my previous <a href="http://themanyadventuresofandrea.blogspot.ca/2013/02/backwith-vengeance.html">monster of a post about my upcoming trip on Korea</a>, I saw that I had a draft from my trip 2 years ago in Uruguay. I figured I might as well add it. It doesn't seem finished (I remember the internet was slow and annoying), but here it is just the same.<br />
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On New Year's day, we woke up at around 9 to take advantage of free breakfast and pack up our things before checking out of our Montevideo hostel. Since our bus wasn't leaving until 4 in the afternoon, we decided to wander the city a bit more and at some point grab lunch. Little did we know that would be practically impossible!<br />
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We decided to walk out towards the beach area in town and sit in a nearby park and read. Once we tired of that, our tummies were grumbling so we figured we'd find a local eatery. It being Jan 1, everything was shut down. There was the odd convenience store that was open, as was the ice cream shop we had been to the previous day, but nothing to get an actual meal - not even McDonald's! After about an hour of walking, we finally found one restaurant open near our hostel. Not surprisingly, it was packed. Once we finally had some food in us, it was time to go to the bus station to take a 4.5 hour trip to our little beach village.</div>
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It was a mostly uneventful trip, but I found it to be quite warm. The sun was hot that day! We arrived in town around 8pm and trekked to our hostel on the other side of the quaint fishing town. When we checked in, we were told that guests staying in the suites, which we were, had the open to get their breakfast in bed every morning. And best of all, for FREE! We wandered into town and had a late dinner (or I should say late for us dinner since 10pm is a standard dinner time in South America) and ice cream. As a side note, I have to say, the ice cream down here is pretty good. Not as hard as it is back home, but not as soft as gelato. And it's nice and creamy. Matthew approves too.</div>
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We were both pretty exhausted so we went back to our hostel and fell fast asleep as we listened to the waves crashing only a short distance from our room. The next day, I wanted to be lazy and relax the whole day, since that was the intention of going to Punta del Diablo. We read in the hammocks that were on our room balcony (that overlooked the ocean - it was quite lovely!). Later in the afternoon, we finally managed to load up on the sunscreen and head down to the beach. It was quite nice, but the water was a bit too cold for me, so I mostly stayed on my towel. There were good waves and therefore many surfers too.</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-37159325901480529702013-02-26T23:17:00.001-05:002013-03-06T16:55:36.420-05:00Back...with a vengeance!So, it's been over 2 years since my last post on this blog. I've traveled lots in that time (China, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Alberta and BC) and many things have changed, but one of the biggest change is still yet to come! I am moving to Korea! The city of Incheon, to be precise. I will be going there for a year to teach English, the age range of my students is still TBD.<br />
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But before I go on about my future, I suppose I should fill in about my past. Since my last post from Uruguay back in 2011, I have had the great fortune of having a new love in my life. Fabian and I have been together since July of that year and I have to say I can't remember when I have clicked so well with a partner. To have found some one who loves and respects me just as much as I do him is something that I cherish and will work to keep...which will be no small feat while we are 10000km apart! I write this on my blog for all to see because a) when you're in love you want to shout it from the mountain top b) you'll be hearing a lot about him (and likely the relationship) over the next year of blog posts (so best I fill you in before you start asking who the heck is this Fabian guy she keeps referring to?) and c) I'll probably have the long distance relationship moments where I'll look back on it and be reminded of why I am committed to making it work.<br />
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As I said, there has been lots of changes that have taken place over the last two years, but most of them have happened in the last few months. The catalyst for my moving to Korea was that my job as an assistant to a Senator was coming to an end. My boss was retiring at the mandatory age of 75. After 8 years of working for him, and a total of 10 on Parliament Hill, I felt the need to try something different. Clearly, I've always been interested in travelling (and my case of wanderlust has only worsened with age) but living in a foreign country is not something I've ever had the opportunity to do. You have a completely different experience when fully immersed in a different culture for an extended period of time. The longest I've been away from Canada for one stretch of time was 1 month in Australia. Hardly extended and hardly shocking. (Don't get me wrong, I loved Oz, but it's very similar to Canada, only with more beaches, tropical climates and taps that serve pre-mixed rum and coke *ew*)<br />
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I knew well in advance my job was coming to an end, so I had ample time to decide what my next move would be. Work for another Senator? Find another job in government? Move to the private sector? All very responsible, grown-up options. One day a year ago, Fabian and I were talking about what we wanted for the future. We both love to travel and don't have any kids, so why not take advantage of it now? I threw the idea of teaching abroad out there, fully expecting it to be rejected. But to my surprise, it wasn't. We talked about it and it sounded like a decent option to look into. Over the next few days, the idea sat with me, and the longer it did, the more I realized that this is what I really want to do. It just felt right.<br />
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Over the following days and weeks, I researched places, requirements, schools, and a whole gamut of information to see how I could turn my dream into a reality. After hitting a few of the same roadblocks, it became clear that if I wanted to continue down the path of moving overseas, it would have to be something I would do alone. You see, Fabian is from Switzerland, and therefore, does not have English as his first language, nor has he done any of his schooling in an English-speaking country, both requirements for most of the countries we were interested in teaching in. We looked into him teaching French abroad, but we ran into even more problems with that option. We finally came to the conclusion that he would not go. He would stay in Ottawa. I thought about if that's what I wanted to do too. But every time I thought "I should stay here", there would be something in my gut that said<br />
that that was the wrong decision. <br />
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When I told Fabian about my decision, he fully supported me. He understood that this was my dream and he did not want to stop my from achieving that. This is why he's a great boyfriend. He has been nothing but supportive and encouraging to me. I'm not sure I would be able to do the same if the shoe was on the other foot. That's what makes him an amazing boyfriend. It was never a question of "are we going to break up?" it was always simply "how are we going to make this work?".<br />
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From that point on, I've worked on doing what I needed to do to be prepared for this: I took a TEFL course to get a basis on how to teach; I've taken Korean lessons to understand the language a little bit and perhaps (hopefully) lessen the amount of culture shock; I've gotten all of my affairs in order - tenants to rent out my condo, storage locker for my things, etc. I even had a "Korean night out" with friends and enjoyed Korean food and karaoke. If that won't get me ready, nothing will!<br />
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I'll go more into the job hunting process in another post. I have just over a week left in my job before I am unemployed, then a month of sleeping in and visiting family and friends before jetting off to far and distant lands. I plan to post more in that time too to get every one fully caught up. But I think this giant post will suffice for now! Until then!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-90115112907690249882011-01-05T15:00:00.003-05:002011-01-05T15:21:14.841-05:00Montevideo, UruguayNormally, I would spend the morning of December 31 sleeping in, and preparing to be up late that evening. in 2010, however, I was climbing into a taxi at 4:30am and on a plane by 6am. Obviously, I slept for most of the 1.5 hour flight to our connection Sao Paulo but was unable to do so for the 2nd half to Montevideo (I hate being in the middle seat!). As we arrived in Uruguay's capital city at noon and would be staying for only one night, we tried to make the most of our time and dropped off our bags at the hostel and went straight to the local bus station. While mostly all of our trip was planned and booked, there was one element I couldn't book ahead of time: the bus from Montevideo to the southern beaches. As I know that New Years is usually a very busy time to travel, I was quite worried that we wouldn't be able to get a bus to our destination and therefore cause us to miss out of a great vacation spot and loose a lot of money at the same time. <div>
</div><div>The bus station was a mad house! People everywhere! We went to the first ticket agency and asked for tickets for the next day. They had no availability. Same thing at the second. At this point, I started to panic. The one thing that I couldn't control during this trip's organization seemed be unravelling before me. As they say, though, third time's the charm and we were able to get tickets both there and back. I was relieved to say the least! <div>
</div><div>After my heart pace slowed to a normal rate, we decided to wander the city aimlessly. It's a good thing we didn't plan to visit any specific museums as most places were closed for New Years. It would seem to me (and I could be quite wrong) that a couple of New Year's traditions in Montevideo is to throw out pieces of last year's calendar onto the street (like confetti) as it was every where, and also to throw water onto people as they walk unsuspectingly below your balcony. As I was unaware of these things when I first arrived, I initially thought the city was just really dirty as it was covered in paper, and I gave the finger to the guy who doused me with water. I feel bad for both things now, but they seemed justified at the time.<div>
</div><div>After avoiding the crowds celebrating in the streets (have you ever seen Matthew in his tourist garb? Tilley hat, water bottle and giant camera. It screams "please rob me!"), we came back to the hostel to relax for a few hours before the festivities and dinner of NYE. We opted to attend the small party the hostel was having for guests as we didn't know where else to go. We met a few other American tourists from Colorado and spent most of our evening with them. It was a really nice time. Good conversation and laughs. We went to the roof of the hostel to ring in the new year. Unfortunately we were too low to see what sounded like many, many fireworks going off around the city, but we got to see a few nice ones. When things failed to pick up at the hostel after midnight, our small group decided to try to find a real party at a local bar. After that bombed, we decided instead to finish off a bottle of champagne in the main square of Montevideo. Not a bad way to start the new year.
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</div><div>After sleeping for a few hours, we awoke to journey to our next hot spot and one I had been looking forward to for quite sometime, Punta del Diablo in southern Uruguay.</div></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-43940716268134003042011-01-05T14:23:00.005-05:002011-01-05T15:00:28.454-05:00Iguazu FallsSince my last post, a New Year has started, numerous international borders have been crossed and many, many photos have been taken. I blame a busy schedule and a lack of reliable internet connections for not having posted in just over a week. To keep this interesting, I will do one post for each stop over the last week so that it breaks it up to a well sized easy read.<div>
</div><div>So, to pick up where we left off: going to Foz do Iguacu, Brasil.</div><div>
</div><div>After a short, direct flight from Rio, we landed in Foz, checked into our hostel and took a bus straight to see the Brazilian side of the famous Iguazu Falls (the spelling of the name of the falls varies based on whether or not you're writing in spanish or portuguese, but I prefer it with a "Z" so the spanish version wins). It was suggested to us from many sources that we needed to see the falls from both the Argentine and the Brazilian side, and that it would take the better part of a day to do the Argentine side, where the Brazilian side would only take a few hours. </div><div>
</div><div>A couple of cheap bus rides later, we arrived at the falls. The site was well organized and the lines were efficient. We took one of the trails that runs along the canyon overlooking the falls that leads towards the "main fall": the devil's throat. It was all very spectacular. Part of the trail includes a walkway that goes out into the falls area and you get very soaked from all the water spray. Lots of good photo opportunities as well. I think that day alone, Matthew and I took a good 400 photos! As the park closed at 5, we had just enough time to walk the trail, go up the lookout, and then catch the very crowded bus back to town.</div><div>
</div><div>Once we got back to the hostel, we decided to take a dip in the small pool by the outdoor patio and bar. There, we met two other travelling couples, one from South Africa and one from Canada. We spent much of the evening hanging out and chatting with them. Others joined us throughout the night, but due to a poor memory, I don't remember details (sorry, peoples!). Nonetheless, nights like that are one of the main reasons I like to stay at hostels: you just never know when you'll make a new friend!</div><div>
</div><div>After a short sleep, we awoke to take another couple of buses and crossed into Argentina to see the falls from their side. The views were nothing short of breath taking. Every time you saw them, you thought "this is nice", and then take a picture. Two steps later, you'd say "wow, this is even nicer" and take another picture. This went on and on. We took another 400 photos! Thank goodness for 4GB memory cards!</div><div>
</div><div>After another dip in the pool, and a couple of drinks during happy hour (I think Caipariniha might be Matthew's new favourite drink), we had a late dinner of tasty beef and then hit the hay.</div><div>
</div><div>Our third and final day in Foz was spent crossing yet another border, this time to Paraguay. As I hope to see as many countries as I can in my lifetime, I figured this was likely my best opportunity to check this small landlocked country off my list. I had heard mixed things about the possibility of getting a visa at the border or even needing one at all, so Matthew and I decided not to take the chance of being deported from Paraguay and got them in Ottawa before we left for our trip. I had read a great deal that the city and country were unsafe and that we should really watch our things, but luckily we didn't encounter any real problems. I was unsure what to expect from Ciudad del Este since I'd only heard about the shopping there. Well, it turns out, the only things to do in the city is shop. The markets were a bit nuts and crowded - dare I say far more crazy than anything I experienced in South East Asia! You could buy just about anything there, however, that doesn't mean that things were cheaper. In fact, most electronics we looked at were more expensive than they are back home. Needless to say, we only bought a couple of souvenir shirts and my requisite magnets before crossing back into Brazil to do our final Brazilian souvenir shopping and getting an early night's sleep. We had an early morning flight to catch on New Year's eve to visit our next destination: Montevideo, Uruguay.</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4245259005715128784.post-3706432010030053092010-12-27T19:30:00.004-05:002010-12-27T20:09:40.265-05:00Things to do in RioAfter our first sleep in Rio, we decided (semi required) to spend the day on the beach since everything else was closed for Christmas. It was quite a lovely day to spend at the beach too! Hot, sunny and not a cloud in the sky (well, ok maybe a few, but they were way off in the distance). We rented a parasol umbrella for only $1.80, and it was the best money I ever spent! I can only imagine how red I would be now without it. We ended up spending about 3 hours on Impanema beach, which according to reports is a better beach than the more famous Copacabana beach. I thought it was really great. The sand was nice and soft and white; the water was warm; there was a nice breeze coming off the water; there was lovely scenery all around us as well as many beautiful people to look at (both of the male and female variety). So, our Christmas 2010 was basically spent lounging on the beach, reading, relaxing and catching some (but not too many) rays.<div>
</div><div>Once our water supply ran out, we decided to head back to the hostel for a quick shower then go for dinner. After much wandering, we finally settled on a tex-mex place where I had yummy tacos, and Matthew had fish quesadillas. After dinner and a quick nap at the hostel, we wandered over to the rocks that separate Impanema and Copacabana beaches to watch the sunset. It was quite nice and romantic. On our way back to the hostel, Matthew decided he wanted to try his first suco (juice) bar. He got Acai, and I decided to get melon. Then, he was keen on having dessert. </div><div>
</div><div>It was at this point that my stomach started to feel a little unwell. At first, we thought it was just being overly dehydrated because we had been out in the sun all day. But, not 10 minutes later, I was sick and lost all the tasty tacos I had eaten for dinner that evening. I decided to call it an early night and thought surely I would be fine in the morning. After all, we have a whole tour arranged to take us around the city and there were still lots more we wanted to on our last day in town! Oh, how naive I was...</div><div>
</div><div>Two hours later, the sickness at both ends started, and went every 20 minutes for the next few hours, then every 60 minutes. At 1am, we decided it must surely be food poisoning and asked our friend Google for any advice on how to deal with it. We were informed that it's one of those things that just has to pass on its own in a day or so. For the next full day - ALL of December 26 - I was laid up in bed being ill. Matthew was very good to me, brining me lots of water to help re-hydrate me, re-arranging our tour for the following day, getting the hostel owner to agree to keep the A/C on in the room during the day (I think I might have died were it not for that one!), and brining me a little food when I felt up to eat it. Now, I've never had food poisoning before, but as bad as it is on its own, you can just imagine how bad it is when you're stuck in a dorm room with 7 other guys and have a small shared bathroom down the hall to run to every time you're going to be sick! Needless to say, it was quite miserable. But I am grateful to Matthew for his help and kindness as well as to hostel owner Sylvia for her great hospitality.</div><div>
</div><div>Since all of Sunday was a bust for us, we had much ground to cover today. The city tour that we were scheduled to do yesterday was pushed back to today. So, we got to see Sugar Loaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer statue, the famous tile steps (who's name escapes me at the moment) as well as numerous other sights in Rio. We were quite lucky to get to see both the mountain and the statue as for the last couple days they were too heavy in clouds to see anything. Photos to come to Facebook soon (and also perhaps a few here). It was quite a full day and well worth it, I thought. I was able to get a couple of small souvenirs, but I still have yet to get my magnet. Since Impanema does not apparently have any souvenir shops (go figure!), I will have to hope that they have a few to purchase at the airport tomorrow morning before we leave for Iguazu Falls.</div><div>
</div><div>So that has been our Rio advenutre. Not at all what I had expected or would have really hoped (being sick anywhere is no fun!), but a good time nonetheless. I am glad to say that I have seen Rio, although, I think next time I will come during their winter season and will bring a bigger water bottle!</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02870042557718797073noreply@blogger.com0