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!
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!
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 :)
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
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
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