Isn't it funny?

So, when I moved to South Korea, to my little town, I wasn't sure what it would be like. I had an idea in my head. A wonderful place a bit like Indonesia. When I got here it was sooo different, but equally as good (in my opinion). I gave myself 3 months of 'settling' to see how I fitted in, how much work I would have to do and just time to relax a little.

Just before I headed off to Hong Kong I had my 3 month anniversary. Very much still happy to be here, and thinking my winter vacation had come round way too quickly. But off I popped with my good friend to experience HK (which, by the way - I loved!!) on returning I found an email in my facebook inbox, from a guy called Nate.

A month or so ago, I joined a Christians in South Korea group, looking for a group of people to fellowship with around where I lived. I've been putting feelers out, but was finding it hard. So the email came as a surprise when I found out that there was a group in Seoul (if not in Seoul, where!?). An invite was issued and I started planning my day trip :)

I think this moving to a country all alone thing has given me some balls, because I went, without hesitation :) and I am so glad I did!! I met a group of awesome and very different people all there for the same reason. It was great. I also ended up staying the night because time flew and it was too late to travel back!

I had almost given up hope on the Korean church front, but I'm happy to say I have found some fellowship :)

Awesome :D

50 Things to be Thankful For: No. 6...

Being an Alien!

When walking back through Korean Immigration, I no longer needed an entry form, to ask questions, or have strange looks thrust my way, because I am a registered Alien in Korea's eyes. And boy does that make me happy!

Photo to be added soon :)

Who Knew? Did you?

Who knew there was a modern and wonderful world outside of my small and bizarre Yeonghae? Not me, that's for sure!

So, last night my vacation began when I was driven to the bus terminal by my bosses daughter. After a 90 minute bus ride to Pohang, I waited for 2 hours before the next bus arrived. I planned to do a lot of reading while I was waiting, but instead I met a really sweet girl, who was dying to speak English - so we ended up chatting for a long time. Which was really nice.

I have really missed speaking quickly and having someone understand me. And not having to focus really hard on understanding them in return :)

Then our 6 hour bus ride to Incheon Airport began. I think I managed about 3 hours sleep on and off, but it was still restful for the most part. Once at the airport (an hour earlier than scheduled) we chilled out and caught a little bit more sleep before a 6am McDonalds breakfast.

I loved it!!!

So, now I'm sat in a wonderfully modern airport on the internet and then off to the WONDERFUL Starbucks for a wonderful coffee before reading or something and then in 2 hours I'll be able to check my bag in and head to duty free!!! WHOOOOP!!! I love airports.

Some of you might be wondering about somethign more important...

I've been in Korea for just over 3 months now (I know, hasn't the time flown by!?) and you'll want to know if I'm bored yet or if I'm still falling in love with the random and bizarre little world of kimchi, socks and bowing? The truth be known...I am. It's a frustratingly funny and wonderful world that I feel preety fine in. I miss a few things from home, but I think I'm coping :p I'm looking forward to this holiday and then a visit from the parents in a few months.

After that, who knows what will happen. I seem to have fallen into a really good hogwan, even with my monster class. And I'm slowly getting the hang of this teaching malarky :p whichI really enjoy!

So, watch this space people, and enjoy the journey!

Lots of love, and the next time you hear from me I'll hopefully be telling you about my trip to Hong Kong! The land of shoes, shopping and 4* hotels :D

50 Things to be Thankful For: No. 5...

SOCKS!!!!!!

I LOVE socks! More than a lot of things. I just get all gooey over them. I love shoes too, but socks are the coolest :p I've never really been a handbag or hat girl, but shoes and socks. I love.

Moving to Korea means that my feet are too big (like the rest of me) to fit into anything (well almost anything!).

I did think Korea would be pretty similar to Indonesia, especially on the coast. Jewellery. Bags. Stalls. You know what I'm talking about.

I love those kinds of things. My senses go wild and I just want to buy everything in sight!

But Korea in different.

Jewellery isn't a big thing. They try to look younger, not more grown up.

But then I saw them...

SOCKS!

And...

MORE SOCKS!!

And I fell in love!

I love the really bad socks, the awesome socks, the funny socks, the cutesy socks, the fluffy socks, the long socks, the ugly socks, and everything in between.

I thought you might like to see some of these wonderful socks I'm talking about, and also share in my life here in SK, so....

Hope you enjoy my randomness, and my 2nd post of the day :) xx

50 Things to be Thankful For: No. 4...

Yeonghae!

The place that I live. The wonderfully unpredictable predictable place! I know that I am one of a kind here. I'm getting to know how I can act around ajouma's (old ladies), the kids and just in general. I love the food, the people, the cold weather (sometimes!). I feel safe here.

So, I finally thought it was about time to venture to other parts of South Korea solo. I chose Daejeon for my expedition as I needed to be around there for an appointment on Saturday. I let myself get excited about the places I could go, the things I could see. The bus ride, the train ride. Everything!

Error!

The bus ride was simple. The train ride, simple too. The lovely taxi drivers of Daegu were all that I expected and more.

Daejeon...not so friendly. Not so accommodating to foreigners. Even in my broken Korean. They just didn't like me. They didn't want to help. I was too different. I wasn't one of them. Eventually I got a nice taxi driver who helped me find my hotel. And a nice lady on the phone helped me too. But needless to say when I got home I was smiling!

I felt exhausted and stressed. Something I haven't felt in a LONG time. Maybe about 3 months.

There were a couple of good things that came of the trips. I found a Starbucks and bought myself a new baby pink mug (LOVE) and got a free mobile thingy :) and I managed to reread a good book, The Curious Indecent of the Dog in the Night-time. Which I love. Oh and the bus ride!

What can I say it was a good one!

I hope you're all well, and having a good start to the new year :) don't worry this won't stop me from venturing out into the wonderfully bizarre world of South Korea xx

And here's to A NEW POST :)

Hi guys,

I'm really sorry I've left it so long to update the blog - and now there seems to be so much to tell you once again! But I'll focus on New Years (as that's the freshest in my mind!)...

On Thursday I taught my usual classes, which are now in the mornings and I'm really liking that fact! Then I came back to the apartment and relaxed and got ready to go out for New Years. In the evening I went over to Yeongdeok, the next town over, to where Natasha and Rob live. Another couple of Canadians were there too, and we drank and played Mario World (or whatever it's called) and laughed.

We decided to go to the beach to see the NY in with all the locals, and it was sooo much fun! We saw some of Rob's students who followed us round for most of the time we were there. The Korean's seem to like to practice their count downs, so when it came to the actual countdown we weren't as prepared (but we still celebrated by shouting and stuff). Then while we were saying our Happy New Years to everyone they started hitting a HUGE bell. But not the normal 12 times to signify midnight, it was more like 30 or 40 times...I wish I'd counted!

The Canadians!

Being promised an awesome fireworks display, we waited impatiently for the bell ringing to stop. Then came these two massive lit birds that were flying round the beach and overhead, we think they were meant to light the bonfire, but alas in true Korean style they never made it - crashing, hilariously into some bushes and trees!!!!

The bonfire was lit by some fireballs instead, it was pretty cool...and THEN the fireworks started - they were really good, apart from the thick smoke that was created by the bonfire! But I think it added to the Korean experience :) I wouldn't have changed anything for the world!

The Bonfire!

I actually think the Korean's thought we were crazy. And I guess in a way we were. The celebrations are very conservative compared to the normal Western ways, but still really good :)

The great fireworks (I can't wait to see the show in Hong Kong!)

After that we went back to Yeongdeok to sleep for a few hours before our trek up a mountain to watch the sunrise. We were surprisingly in good spirits as we woke up, got ready and made our way up the very steep 1km path. I've been ill these last couple of weeks, which made it really tough for me - I was almost sick a few times, and slowed the group down. I almost didn't make it up there. But I'm glad I did!!! With about 5 or 10 minutes to spare we settled right by the edge of the top of the mountain. All my feelings of sickness went away as soon as I saw the sun rise. It was magical! I really loved it :D

Denise drinking some champagne after watching the sin rise!

We set off some fireworks, just because we could! And then made the slow trek down (in the vain attempt not to fall down! We still fell!!!!) had a great breakfast, and spent the day relaxing.

The weekend went a bit along the relaxing road, before we all went home. Me to plan the final bits for Chris and my Hong Kong trip, and all the Canadians to finish packing for their vacations.

It was a good finish to the old and start to the New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE - may this year inspire you to be brilliant in your own way!

ps: I'm sorry about the underlined script - I can't get it off :s