Jo's Korean and Other Crazy Adventures

Photos: The Great Wall of China - Badaling 2014

miss_traveller — Sat, 4 Jul 2015 20:56:00 GMT

Trip to Badaling part of the Great Wall of China near Beijing in September 2014.

A Year Has Passed in The Land of Chinese

miss_traveller — Thu, 2 Jul 2015 00:42:00 GMT

I believe I may have had writer's block. Actually I haven't, but I have been so unbelievably busy in the last year that I have not made time to write. I have been experiencing every nook and cranny of this bizarre, crowded and insane place called China - The Middle Kingdom as it was once known. I have triumphantly ended the year on a high note - NOT. I have been in a cast for the last six weeks after slipping and breaking an ankle. Yet, I digress because no matter what happened at the end of the year, I still made it through the first successful year of teaching English in China.

Last September I had the joy of climbing the Great Wall of China. Yes, it was insanely hot and crowded, but it was the experience that counted. Walking that wall with Chinese so close you could feel them breathing down your neck was all part of the experience. In October, I went to see Hong Kong for the first time and viewed a spectacular laser light show set against the backdrop of the towering highrises of Hong Kong Island. Hong Kong was unforgetable in that I walked into a mob of protesters in downtown Kowloon, who were protesting their right to independence that the Chinese had promised them when HK was ruled by the British.

Lunar New Year was quite a time to be in China. I went to visit Shanghai for the first time and what a mix of old and new Shanghai turned out to be. From the modern Pudong skyline to the historic bund. I visited friends who lived in Shanghai and we bought a box of fireworks to light up the night sky. I have never in my life seen so many fireworks all lit off at one time. A memory I won't soon forget. My hearing is still intact surprisingly.

I have had the thrill of visiting the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven in Bejing. Only places I have read about in history books. I never really imagined I'd be able to do and see everything I have seen in just one year.

I will be back for another year in China and plan on writing about my experiences as they come. I go back to Canada for a visit in a few days. A place I call home. I never thought I'd be in China for more than a year, but then again there is so much more to explore. Stay tuned for more of Jo's adventures in China.

Time is Running out!

miss_traveller — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 14:58:00 GMT

What the Hell! How can it be that I am having one of the best summers of my life. I mean when it rains it pours as they say! I have had to condense my summer in a month's time rather than a normal three month summer. I have been having one great time after another in my small city. I am meeting so many new people and enjoying all of the summer festivals and festivities that come this way. Time is moving so quckly that I am sad to see that my good times in this town are coming to an abrupt halt. Having to say good-bye to family and friends is always tough. My niece told me she would cry again when I leave. She said, why can't you get a job around here?" Aww, it really breaks my heart. I guess I do have to live my life though. Luckily she is getting older and I'm hoping it is a bit easier on her this time around.

On another note, I have heard that my visa papers from China have been sent to my agent and should be arriving in the next few days. I had to send all of my papers to the school board including my passport, original medical, two forms, and two passport photos. Once they send it to the company that deals with the embassy, I should be getting it back in the mail in a little over a week hopefully. All of this visa stuff is coming down to the last minute and I am getting a little anxious. I still haven't gotten my e-ticket to fly yet, but that should be coming in a week as well. It'd be nice to know exactly what day I'm leaving, but it should be soon.

I left my part-time job this past week, and although I'll miss some of the people, I won't really miss the monotonous work. I really miss teaching. I really miss travelling and seeing new things every day. My stomach seems to be in knots lately. I haven't been sleeping the greatest and only falling asleep around 5am. I believe I just have so much on my mind. These next few weeks will be the busiest yet. I still have to get my health insurance and exchange my currency to RMB. I also have to install a VPN, so I can get on facebook and google. I have at least one suitcase pretty much packed and the other one is half packed.

This past week I brought stuff to both of my parents place. It felt like deja vu because I have done this once before. I lived in my hometown for two years a few years ago and then left again. This time around its been for one year, but I still have accumulated enough stuff. I really don't want to be doing this whole routine again of coming back and then leaving. If I'm going to stay abroad more than a year, then I should do it that way. It is very difficult to come back and leave again, yet on the other hand, it is like I am living two lives - an Asian life and a Western life. Craziness I tell ya! Welcome to my world where the action never stops.

My father today as I'm putting boxes in my basement makes the comment that I can put the stuff in the empty spots where my boxes were last time.. haha! I may be getting too old for this, but you only live once. Thankfully, I've never had any serious assets I had to worry about. That is why I never bought anything new, because there was always a chance I'd go abroad again. The money I make, I usually spend it on travelling and not on new expensive material possessions or on my kids like other people.

I have to do an online course for the IB curriculum that I will be teaching starting next week. The course is paid for by the school and it will be for a month, but I will only be doing the course for about a week before I have to leave. I already told the director I'd have to finish it in China somehow. Not too much I can do about it. I'll have to really get my brain back into the work/teaching mode which I've been out of for a year. I know it'll be a very tough month settling into the routine in Beijing. That's what being adaptable and flexible is about.

I need to think and stay positive. When there is a will there is a way. Life is short so make it count is what I once said in another post. :)

I'll go back to my deep thoughts that I used to post on some of my other threads.

Deep Thought of the day: Is it really better to burn out then to fade away? I've been listening to a lot of Neil Young lately. 'Hey' Hey,' My My' (Into the Black). Great song by the way!

So much to do and so little time ...going crazy!

miss_traveller — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 14:05:00 GMT

Tick Tock the clock is moving faster everyday so it seems. I have less than a month to prepare for the newest upcoming adventure to teach in Beijing, China. It's at times like these that I seem to lose my head and forget things very easily. That is why I try to write lists of things to do. A million thoughts and things are running through my head. A friend of mine asked me today if I was excited to go and I said I'll only feel like I'm going once I have my visa and flight ticket in my hand. These are two things that are coming down to the last minute. I need to get a Z visa to stay in China as a teacher to begin with. Once I'm there I have thirty days to convert the visa into a residence visa.

I didn't think China was going to be as strict as Korea when it came to getting a medical before leaving. I was wrong. I still had to do all the same tests including a chest xray, ekg, HIV and STD test. I know I'll have to do another medical once in China which is really frustrating for me because I detest giving blood. I never thought I'd hate doing bloodwork, but my veins are apparently very thin and fine which makes it extremely hard for the nurses to find a vein to jab a needle into me. It took three tries to get blood from me the other day. Three freakin' tries! I still have a huge bruise on my arm where the nurse said my vein dried up, hence her need to poke me in the back of the hand to draw blood. Ouch!

I've been talking to friends of mine that teach in China at the moment and have been getting a lot of great information that will help me. I just keeping wondering how bad my body will take the air pollution which I heard is very bad a lot of the time in Beijing. I am bringing a mask because I don't want to inhale most of the particles that can enter my lungs. Yum yum air! I still need to purchase my international health insurance for emergencies and I definitely know I need that. From what I've read, China is a whole different ballgame when it comes to caring about their fellowkind.

I'm trying not to stress out too much, but I can't help it. I'm thinking of all the things I have to do before I leave, and all the money I owe. I know that I definitely need to stay more than a year if I want to save any money. I'm looking forward to travelling to Shanghai, Hong Kong and climbing the Great Wall of China.

I hope the heck I can get on facebook and this site as many social media sites are blocked in China. I'm going to get a vpn which hopefully will allow me to get on all of these sites. I'd die without facebook and keeping in touch with friends and family.

I'm very lucky that I've been able to talk to people who have taught in China and get their perspective on life in the middle kingdom. Everyone has their own experiences and that is definitely what I am looking foward to. Hopefully it is a good one! I am excited beyond belief and will feel even more nervous and excited in the next few weeks before my departure. Hopefully I don't die of a stress induced heart attack. It feels like ages ago that I was overseas, but really it was less than a year ago now. It'll be almost a full year once I leave again for a whole different country and adventure. Oh my god, am I really doing this? Afterall, an adventure junkie needs a new adventure now and again. :0 !

Going to China for Real!

miss_traveller — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 14:22:00 GMT

I have to pinch myself to believe it! I left Korea last August (2013) and came back to Canada feeling a bit pissed that I passed up the opportunity to go to China. This past year in Canada has been a bit of a downer because I have been trying to get a full-time job with no luck. I even applied to non-teaching jobs just so I could try to survive in this expensive country. Not much luck at all this past year in relation to work. I hurried to get all my documents in to the local school board to get on the supply list, That opportunity just came up after a year of being here, but I still haven't heard from them for an interview. I had thought a bit about going abroad, but hadn't applied many places thinking it would be good to try to get a job here and get settled.

However, I did apply a few weeks ago to a Canadian company that hires qualified teachers to teach in one of their schools in China. I got an email from the director of one of the schools I had my eye on. After an intense one hour interview, I was not overly confident that I got the position. I knew I was competing with four other people for the position. Five days later, I get an email saying congrats on getting the position from the director. This brings me to the present moment.

I have less than two months to get organized and prepared for this new adventure. I will be going to Beijing, China which is a huge dream for me. I do have concerns especially with the pollution and my health. I am happy that this is a very modern and westernized city where they have English speaking hospitals and doctors if needed.

I have made a list of all the things I have to do to prepare before I leave. My mind has been jumbled for the last few days I guess from the shock and surprise of getting the position. I get myself into the craziest situations sometimes! Me in China? :)

Stay tuned for my progress and emotions up until the big leap in seven weeks. I'll also write about my first impressions of the overpopulated and insane place called CHINA.

Good-Bye Korea ~ An End to a Four Year Affair

miss_traveller — Fri, 16 Aug 2013 21:47:00 GMT

So much has happened in these last few months. I had signed a contract to go to China and would have been on my way there in a few days, but I changed my mind. I got sick these last few months and after a lot of stressing and decision making - I decided to bail out of going to China. It wasn't just that I was sick, but that was a big part of the decision I made to not go to China at this time. Instead I am going back to my home country to see my friends and family and decide what I want to do from there.

I have a million things running through my mind at the moment, but I'm trying not to stress out about my return to Canada. I have no idea yet, where I'm going to live and what I'm going to do. I just know that I had some health problems that really scared me and I believe I have made the right decision for the interm. I just need a break for awhile. This year took so much out of me. With being sick for awhile at the beginning and then again at the end, it really makes me reconsider being abroad at this time. I hope to go abroad again in the future, but for now I just want to see how it goes in Canada.

Life sure does throw curveballs sometimes. Part of me wants to try to settle down in Canada. I've saved enough to get started again until I find another job and to relocate to another city if need be. On the other hand, I already have my eye on an upcoming job in Abu Dhabi for next January. I am happy to be leaving Korea on one hand, yet on the other I will miss a lot of people and things about this country.

I do feel like I'm ready to leave Korea and probably not come back. As I said in my last post, it is time to move on for me.
This country obviously has a draw to it and I have enjoyed the good health care system and cheap dental care in this country. I have had many frustrations this year with the narrow-mindedness of some Koreans and how we as teacher's don't have many rights here or support if something happens in the public school system. I will miss my students so much, but I won't miss the system here and how they push students too much and don't make time for any fun. No wonder the suicide rate is one of the highest in the world, if not the highest.

One thing I felt sad about when I left my school was that none of my students asked for my email. I would have really liked to have kept in touch with a few of them. Well last night I ran into a few of my grade six students on the street. They asked me if I was coming back to Korea, and I said I don't think so. They were so sad, and then I said lets keep in touch by email and then I gave them my email. I hope I end up writing a few of them.

Camp was so so frustrating this year. Two and a half weeks of teaching in sweltering 100 degree heat. Also, having to teach from a boring book. The admin decided to cut out or drastically reduce all the fun activities this year. So, the kids were exhausted, and totally not wanting to study hard especially since they already finished their school year. I really had to push to get through and I kept feeling sorry for the kids. Anyway, it's done. I'm back in Canada in four days and I'm looking forward to it very much. At least I will have more money than any other year that I've left Korea. I also paid of another important debt this year, so at least I feel like I accomplished something.

Good-Bye Dear Asia, even if I never come back...I will never ever forget the four years that I spent here in Korea.

Advice for Newbies coming to Korea

miss_traveller — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 21:34:00 GMT

Are you ready? It is hard to believe that in August, lt'll be almost four years that I have taught in the 'Land of the Morning Calm'. Not four years consecutively mind you. I first started teaching in a private 'hakwon' in 2005. Now eight years later, I am finishing my fourth contract. I wouldn't take back my Korean experience for anything. I feel like I have learned so much over the years since I started in Korea (my second international teaching job after teaching in England in 2005).

I want to share some of my observations with my readers who may be thinking of coming to teach in Korea. I have recently read that a few school boards (Busan) are starting to cut middle public school positions. Perhaps elementary will be next, but who really knows. Things change here on a daily basis and sometimes we don't know till the last minute. Which brings me to some observations about Korean culture.

Koreans don't usually know things until the last minute. You as a foreigner are usually the last person to know about things. For example: changes in schedules, cancelled classes, meetings, or open classes (classes taught in front of the parents). Sometimes it could be because your co-teacher forgets to tell you, doesn't bother telling you or doesn't know herself until the last minute.

Koreans are very group oriented. They will ask the group before giving an individual answer. Korea operates like the beehive mentality in the sense that it is a hierarchy. Age means a lot here. If you are older you are automatically respected and revered. You aren't suppose to challenge people that are older than you. And oftentimes, as foreigners you don't really fit into the hierarchical order of things. In my experience, if you try to talk to people that are older and get them to see your side of things, you will often lose out. The older generation are very set in their ways. Trust me on this.

I'm sure you have heard the stereotype about Koreans being Racist, Nationalistic and Xenophobic? Well, all I can say is that I have experienced all of it, but not all Koreans are this way. Koreans are very nationalistic in that they do feel like 'Korea' is the center of the universe. I have really felt racism and general unfriendliness in my time here. On the other hand, Koreans can be very, very kind and giving people.

When you first arrive, you may feel like Koreans are cold, rude and unfriendly. It is true that the people here can be pushy. Often, if you live in a big city you will have to learn how to deal with people shoving to get on the subway and pushing in the supermarket lines. I find that Koreans are always in a rush. Koreans have grown up to be competitive people. People move from all parts of the country to Seoul (the capital), where most of the jobs are and then they have to compete for the good jobs.

Koreans for the most part are hard workers. Korean parents will send their kids to afterschool academies to learn English and other subjects because of this competitiveness. Korea has developed so rapidly economically in such a short time, that they need to compete and work hard to keep up with the times. More and more students are going abroad to study English and go to school.

You may be lucky and meet a few good Korean friends. If you know some Korean people who speak English and want to be your friend, then you can really see how kind and generous they can be. If you live in a neighborhood and the Koreans get to know you, they will say hello, and be very open to you. People say, 'hello' to me all the time in my small neighborhood and will go out of their way to be helpful. I have experienced so much kindness from some Korean people, which at times has really moved me.

I have felt very safe in Korea in all of my time here. As a single female, I have walked alone at night, talked to Korean strangers, and I have wandered around unknown areas. I know a few female foreigners who told me they wouldn't walk alone at night. Of course you wouldn't walk into rough areas or do anything stupid as you wouldn't do at home either, but don't stay inside at night because you are afraid.

You need to learn patience. If you thought as I did, that you had a lot of patience before you moved abroad - then guess again. My patience has been tested so many times over the years, that I have learned to pick my battles. If you know how Korean society works, you can often learn how to better deal with the frustrations.

I let many things roll off my back now, and I am not one to be stepped on like a doormat either. You have to learn how to 'go with the flow' in so many aspects of life in Korea. Sometimes you will feel like you have no support or rights as a teacher in a foreign country, and you could be right in feeling that way. Build friendships with people outside of work and find something to do if you get down or miss your home country.

Things do get easier over time, so don't give up too easily. You will learn more about yourself and the world than you thought possible. Best of luck!

China - Me in a Communist Country?

miss_traveller — Thu, 6 Jun 2013 21:16:00 GMT

Yes, you read right! I have accepted a teaching position in China for September 2013. I am a bit stunned myself. The contract looks very good and I am working for a Canadian company, but working at a Chinese middle school. I couldn't pass up teaching only 20 hours a week and only having to be there for 20 hours and not 40 hours, which I am currently doing in Korea. I have so many holidays including a four to six week break between semesters and then I get two months off in the summer.

I plan to do some major travelling around China which I've been wanting to do for many years. It seems surreal that I have had such an interest in the history and culture of China since university. I am super excited to be going, even though I have been warned that China isn't Korea. In the sense that China isn't as clean as Korea. I have heard stories about the horrid air pollution and babies not wearing diapers who poop on the street. I've heard about the huge rift between the poor and the middle class, and the disgusting hacking where people spit on the streets. The medical system isn't as advanced as in Korea, and people don't speak as much English where I'm going. I have to learn some Mandarin and fast.

I'm sure my Korean experience will help me in a lot of ways, but it is a different country altogether. I am ready for anything. I just hope I don't get sick as my stomach is super sensitive. I have so much preparing to do in the next two and a half months. I don't even know if I can get a visa. It is quite a process trying to get a work visa here in Korea. I have to get a full medical test and wait for papers from China before I can go to the specified travel agents to get the Z-Visa.

I was going to go to Canada after this contract, but time-wise it just would not be worth it. I have less than two weeks before I have to be in China. I'd just be starting to enjoy myself, and then I'd have to come back. As much as I miss my family and friends, I'll just have to wait for winter or next summer.

I have so many good friends here in Korea, that I will find it very hard to leave. I know that I am not far away and can come for a visit during the year. I feel like I've seen Korea and have experienced it all in a sense. It is time for a change. I may not like where I'm going, but it is worth a try. As I've learned over the years, there is no guarantee in any risk that you take. Often you gain, more than you lose by taking a chance.

Photos: Japanese Fortress Wall

miss_traveller — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 23:27:00 GMT

Saesangpo near Jinha Beach

Spring at Last

miss_traveller — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 21:41:00 GMT

I once wrote a poem called 'Spring', which I totally forget at the moment. I left all my poetry in a binder in the basement of my father's house. Maybe it's time to write another one. Spring has finally hit South Korea. I had the chance to see the most beautiful cherry and plum blossom season this year. Being out in the rural area, I get to see more flowers and trees. I went to Saesangpo Japanese Fortress near Jinha beach with my coworkers a few weeks ago, and the scenery was really stunning. The fortress dates back to the 16th century, and was built by the Japanese.

Cherry blossoms overarching part of the Japanese Fortress wall.

These last few months have been pretty intense. I really thought spring would never arrive as it has been so cold and damp out till recently. North Korea has been threatening the USA and the South with a possible missile attack and tensions had risen over the last month or so. The media really blew the whole issue out of the water, especially in the western media. My mother was worried about me more than I was worried about myself, based on what she saw on TV (CNN ). The South Koreans are so used to these threats and craziness from the leaders of North Korea, that they sort of laugh about it these days. The media frenzy has died down now, and currently, South Korea is trying to negotiate talks with North Korea. Kim Jung Un, doesn't seem to want to talk or do things any civil way. I don't know what is going to happen, but I suspect much of the same of what has went on for the past fifty or more years with constant threats and 'look at me' attitude.

Wouldn't that be good! hah!

On to other news...Issues with my co-teacher have sorted themselves out finally. I was really worred about a month ago, when my co-teacher took a hissy fit for no reason and lost her cool with me. I felt like she was really angry at me and I was really thinking that things couldn't go on that way for long. I felt stressed to even go to school. My previous co-teacher told me that she was a very difficult person to deal with and that she possibly has some mental problems. I really got worried when she stormed out of my class because she didn't like something I said or it offended her. I am so happy that she has calmed down and started treating me better over the last few weeks. I am not much of an ass kisser, but I have been so extra nice and sensitive to her because of the way she is. I'm learning more and more how to deal with difficult people and I must say, I am not too bad at it. I have learned not to get angry back when a person is yelling at me because it really just escalates and makes the problem worse. My new co-teacher is really helpful and my classes are going so smooth these days. The students love me to death and I really have grown attached to them. It will be hard to leave actually. That brings me to another issue that has been on my mind these days.

If only..Maybe I should listen to this book.

What the heck am I going to do after this contract? I decided not to stay, mostly because I was having issues with my co-teacher and I surely knew I would have to work with her another year. Also, the area is so pretty, yet quite boring after awhile. I was thinking of going to work in Busan or move to Thailand. I have an interview with a Chinese school this week, and I will have to see how that goes. I feel very torn about what to do at this time. I want to take a bit of a break between contracts, yet most schools start the end of August. I will have to figure it out soon enough. As of yesterday, I am finally debt free! I am overjoyed about the fact that all my money I make from here on out can go towards saving.

I started working out at a new gym the last few weeks. I also started swimming again. I forgot just how good I feel after a good swim. I hope to lose about 20 or more pounds before I go back to see my family in Canada in August. I have so much work to do, but I am so determined it isn't funny.

I'll soon be another year older....ugh! I hate birthdays in a way, because I always become so pensive as to what I still want to do with my life. Time is a ticking! I am going to Seoul for my birthday weekend and will see a few friends that I really miss. Hard to believe I haven't been to Seoul since last December. Perhaps I can get some perspective about my future from a few of my good friends that I miss dearly.

I haven't been doing much lately as I am going to try and save about half my paycheck from here on out. That means less eating out, and less drinking. More working out and eating well. 'No pain, no gain' as they say!

Deep thought of the day....

Isn't it time for a big change? Life is short, make it count :)

Photos: Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival

miss_traveller — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 01:52:00 GMT

Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival in Busan

miss_traveller — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:21:00 GMT

On the day of the first full moon of the Lunar New Year, a fire festival is held in cities throughout Korea. This was the first fire festival I have ever attended in my 3+ years in Korea which is a shame. I recently went to check out the fire festival on Haeundae beach in Busan. Before I ever asked my Korean co-teachers about the meaning behind the festival, I had no idea what all the fire craziness was about. The main event of the festival is Daljip (Straw Heap) where they burn straw in huge bonfires under the light of the moon. The reason they burn straw into a fire is to pray at the same time for good fortune and health in the new year.

Viewing the fire from a distance

The first thing that struck me as I was walking towards Haeundae beach, was a plume of smoke that rose up in front of me like a giant, black cloud. After seeing the smoke the next thing that hit me was the hordes of people that were walking towards the beach, but also away from the beach. The fire was lit around 3:00pm and people could come and go whenever they wanted to, as the fire went on till well after 10:00pm. I was really shocked to see such a huge fire on the sand. I have seen big bonfires in Canada mostly in the country where it is legal. I always think sand and fire don't mix well. Sand can put out a fire. The meaning of having it on the beach which I later learned is because it is easier to see the moon over the sea. People were shooting things into the fire and praying while bowing. The closer I got to the fire, the more I realized just how much heat it was giving off. I thought I might just burn standing so close to the fire.

The Koreans were sitting close to the sea with small candles that they placed in the sand. They dug holes in the sand and placed a few lit candles in the hole. I noticed that some of them put newspaper around the candles so the wind wouldn't blow them out. They sat around the candles and prayed for good fortune with their hands held together. Seeing this was quite a sight for me. I remember seeing the Thais praying and burning incense around Buddha at the Erawan shrine in Bangkok. This reminded me a little of that scene. The difference is that these Korean people are not praying to a religious deity, they are praying because of the Lunar New Year. They are praying at the fire festival be they Buddhists, Christians or even Atheists. Religion doesn't matter. As long as you believe in the Lunar New Year then you can participate.

Jisin-balgi was also performed. This is a ritural where people stomp on the ground to comfort the god of the earth. There was a lot of dancing on the stage in traditional Korean outfits. I laughed when they played the Gangnam Style song and everyone was marching around in front of bright lights and spotlights. They had two big screen televisions so that people that weren't on the sand could see people dancing around. I almost felt like joining in on the fun. I was too busy taking photographs and walking along the beach.

The Last Four Months Condensed

miss_traveller — Sun, 6 Jan 2013 01:07:00 GMT

Where did 2012 go? I can't believe we are already in 2013. I have been the worst person for not writing about my adventures in the last four months. I had a rough start getting sick the first few months or more. I thought I would never get better. I ended up going to the hospital to get a battery of tests to find out why I was always getting such bad heartburn. I felt like I was going to die many times over the last year or so, but it had just gotten out of control. I figured it was GERD, because I've had the same problem for years, but never got it looked at.

It was an adventure in itself just going to the hospital nearest me. I live in a suburb and no one spoke much English at the hospital, so my coteacher came with me and translated everything for me and them. I was a bit fearful because I was having all these tests done and was hoping they didn`t find anything serious. I was having visions of them finding cancer or the worst possible scenario. I was thinking I may have to go back to Canada if it is anything serious. Again, my mind went to the worst possible case. My insurance covers basics, but not any long term hospital stay or surgeries.

Thankfully, after an ultrasound, EKG, and an endoscopy (which I was put to sleep for, thank god!), they didn`t find anything overly serious. I had to be put on pills for acid reflux and gastritis which was a huge wakeup call for me. Even though I had been working out and watching my diet somewhat for a few years or more prior to this, I still knew I had a lot of work to do. Since I`ve been following the doctors orders for the most part, and taking my pill regulary - I have felt great. I haven`t had any attacks and I`ve felt back to normal for the last two and half months.

I joined a few photo clubs and have been meeting up with people mostly in Busan to take photos. I did a photo shoot of a Korean woman and learned a lot of things about my camera from them. I also went with the same group to an orphanage at Christmas to take portraits of the children. I had a great time and the drive to get to the orphanage was amazing. I got a ride to the orphanage with Keith a fellow photographer. The orphanage is on an island off of a bridge near Busan station. The scenery was spectacular and I got to see a lot of Busan I have never seen before. Busan is so mountainous with so many bridges. I have grown to be very fond of Busan over the past four months because I visit at least once every second weekend. The day at the orphanage was so fun and rewarding. The children were so excited to get presents and I got to capture their smiles on camera.

I had one day off for Christmas this year and I ended up going to Busan for the day with my Korean friend who works with me. She has been teaching me Korean once a week since September. She has been a good friend and her English is excellent. We ate Indian food at `Namaste`restaurant and went for some drinks afterwards. We are hoping that she will become my new co-teacher in March as she has applied for the position. Silgies chances are good that she`ll get the position because she has more experience at the school compared to the others that have applied. I`d love to work with her for six months. I will definitely miss my current co-teacher who I teach grade five with. She is so laid back and easygoing. Things won`t be the same without Jesse, but I hope to see her for coffee outside of school as she lives in Busan.

School has been very good overall this semester. I had a few ups and downs with one of my co-teachers, but we talked it out and I really hope we can work together next semester. We both are hard workers and want the best for the students`. Sometimes she wants it done her way only and sometimes I think I`ll do it her way just to appease her. After trying to get her to see my side, with not much success. I know that I do not want her on my bad side as she is my main co-teacher. She has been a great help since I arrived at my school. I have more leeway with my other co-teachers and I like how I can teach what I want, and how I want to teach. Better yet, is that I don`t have to follow the book. I use the themes of each chapter and develop my own powerpoints, games and lessons based on the theme.

I have yet to decide if I am going to stay another year at my school. I don`t have to let them know for another month or so. I probably won`t know till the last minute. There are definitely pros and cons to working and living where I am. I may have to decide that answer when the times comes. I have thought about going to teach in Thailand, but I may wait another year. I haven`t saved half as much money as I have hoped to so far.

I went to Seoul last weekend and I hadn`t been there in over two months. I got to see some friends and enjoyed seeing Sooyeon, Dan and the baby. The baby is almost crawling now and she is so adorable. She knew me and took to me right away. I bought her a few presents and she was so happy. I hope to go back at the end of February. I really enjoyed being back in Seoul in some respects, but not so much in others.

After living in such a quiet and idyllic place for four months, I was a bit shocked to come into Seoul Station where it was so overcrowded (mostly because it was New Years), and snowing like crazy. People were lined up wall to wall to get on the escalator to get down onto the subway. The people were lined up to get in a taxi and it was generally insane. I really enjoyed spending a bit of time with my friend in Itaewon. One thing I like about Itaewon is the various choices of food. I had chicken kebobs at my favorite Turkish restaurant and later that night had Mexican food. The food is the best for variety in Itaewon (being the foreigner area).

I was happy to leave Seoul after three days just to get away from the crowds. I don`t think I would go back to live there. I like that I can take the KTX speed train and be there in two and a half hours (50,000 won one way). I ended up in Busan for New Years and loved that I could go from one end of the country to the other in less than three hours. The speed train really rocks here in Korea!

So that takes me into a new year of 2013. New year and new possibilities abound. I am heading to Thailand this month to vacation for two weeks. I haven`t been to Thailand in over four years and I am so excited to go back. I hope to write about my experience and write more often from now on. Till then.. Happy New Year to all my readers!

My Three Week Whirlwind

miss_traveller — Sun, 9 Sep 2012 23:07:00 GMT

I can't believe it! Three weeks have already flown by. So much has happened in the last three weeks since I arrived back in Korea. I decided to return to Korea for the fourth time. After realizing that I was going nowhere in Canada and with no full-time job - I decided to go back to a place where I had so many wonderful memories and friends. My first three weeks here in Korea have been like a whirlwind.

I arrived in Seoul for four days in order to visit my long time Korean friend and her husband. They had recently had a baby and I was excited to meet them after not seeing them for a few years. It felt like we had never parted as I spent time with them like we used to do. In my first few years in Korea we had spent a lot of time together and it was so good to see them again. I could not believe that I arrived in Seoul sicker than a dog. I had caught a cold on the long flight from Chicago to Seoul. With all the cold air blowing most of the flight, I must have developed a chill. I was coughing and feeling exhausted as I arrived. I ended up sleeping in a love motel for three nights.

I was hoping to stay with Sooyeon and Dan, but they didn't have much room in their apartment to host me. Sooyeon showed me a decent place to stay near her apartment. I was so exhausted that I was fearing that the cheap ($35/night) room may have cockroaches since it was so darn hot out. The weather hit me like a tonne of bricks when I walked out of Incheon airport. The air was so hot and humid you could cut a knife through it.

So back to the love motel story. Since I hate bugs, I was determined to check the room for any signs of bugs before I said yes to stay at this Love motel. A love motel is a name they call motels where young Korean couples go to before they are married to do the deed. Since most young people live with their parents until they marry, they have nowhere to go for privacy. Hence the term, 'Love Motel'.

I decided since I was so sick and wiped from the 15 hour flight I had just come from, that I'd chance staying at that love hotel even if there were bugs. I really just needed to sleep. I felt like I wanted to sleep forever at that point. I barely slept on the flight as I kept coughing most of the way as well as conversing with the cool American guy who sat next to me.

I sure did sleep. The room smelled of mold from the air conditioner, but at least I had an air conditioner was my thought process at the time. I ended up staying three nights there as it was clean, private and pretty quiet.

After three days in Seoul, I took a domestic flight from Gimpo to Ulsan airport where I had a job waiting. On one hand, part of me wanted to stay in Seoul because I knew it so well. Having spent three years total (from 05-08) teaching English in the concrete jungle, I felt comfortable there. I also was looking for a new change and challenge so I got a job teaching English in Ulsan.

When I arrived in Ulsan, I was picked up by a lady who worked for the MOE. She took me to the location where I would have a one week training/orientation. The orientation site was not in the main city center and I thought it was a bit out of the way. I was still feeling sick and couldn't shake the cold I had. It didn't help that I was still freaked out by the one hour frightful flight from Seoul to Ulsan. I really thought I was going to die as we were trying to land in Ulsan. The clouds were so black and low as we were descending that I couldn't see a thing. The plane was shaking and I thought we were going to crash. I was making sounds like 'Oh, my God' as we were going through the clouds, and I was starting to get looks from the Koreans across the aisle from me. Thankfully, we eventually landed in one piece, but I was visibly shaken from the experience. There was only one other foreigner on the plane and he was an older German man who seemed oblivious to the crazy weather conditions.

I digressed for a moment. For the one week orientation I was placed in a room that had three smaller room with two bunk beds in each room. There were two showers, and two bathrooms. I had a roommate and had to sleep on the top bunk. I wasn't really looking forward too much to the training, because I had done a similar training in Seoul two years in a row. I still felt sick and somewhat old. I believe I must have been the oldest person in the whole training with 40 other teachers from all over the globe. It didn't matter to me that I was older actually. I did notice it though in certain respects. I couldn't hop onto or jump off of a top bunk like I did in my twenties.

I ended up being sick for most of the training which really made the experience not so delightful. I tried my best, but I certainly wasn't as social as I usually am. The days were planned and long. I was counting down the days to be able to get to my location and start teaching.

I started feeling somewhat better by the end of the orientation. I met some really cool people and found out that a few of them would be placed near me. I only found out after orientation started that I would be placed in a school out of the city center. I asked a lot of people where my school was and they didn't seem so sure. I was getting a bit nervous as to where I was going to be considering no one seemed to know where it was.

Eventually I found out that I was about 30 minutes south of the main city. By what I was told, I was halfway between downtown Ulsan and downtown Busan. I was a bit worried about being out in the middle of nowhere and if I would like it. My worries were put to rest when I met my co-teacher. She seemed super nice and answered all of my questions. Her English was very good and she took me to the Bank and Immigration right after we met. My cough had turned into a very sore throat by the end of training and I was thinking that I may have strep throat.

I tried to be myself, but it was hard. I could hardly talk and felt so tired from the long week and from fighting a cold. The last thing I felt like doing on the day I met my co-teacher was go to the bank and to immigration. I knew that she was doing it all to get it out of the way since we live so far from the city center. I tried to make the best of it and did tell her how I was feeling. She told me she would take me to the pharmacy to get stuff for my throat. I was so grateful that she had said that.

I ended up getting stuff for my throat and she brought me to my apartment by about 8pm that day. I had Saturday and Sunday to rest before I started at the school on Monday.

I started to feel a bit better by Monday and was so happy to have a really nice and clean apartment that was furnished. The area where I live seemed small, but there seemed to be stuff here and I was looking forward to exploring it.

So it was three weeks yesterday that I arrived in Ulsan. I finally feel back to myself and have been settling in quite well. I love my school and my students. My area is quiet and I am about a ten minute bus ride to Jinha beach. I have met some foreigners in this area and we go out at least once a week. I found a gym, sauna and a few good restaurants. I have also decided to study Korean and learn how to read and write it. I found a Korean girl at my school who wants to meet once a week to teach me Korean and practice her English. I met her for the first time yesterday and she has helped me already learn how to read Korean. I hope to study by myself everyday and also learn more vocabulary.

I travelled into Ulsan city center only one time since I've been here. I hope to take the train to Busan soon. There is a train station in my area that has a train that goes to Haeundae beach in about 40 minutes. I have so much more exploring to do and I can't wait. My goal is to save money this year, but I still want to do a bit of travelling. I was thinking that I might visit Bali, Indonesia in January on my two week break. First I have to get paid first. I only get my first paycheck in two weeks.

I forgot to mention that since I've been here, we've caught the tail end of two typhoons. School was cancelled one day because of the heavy wind and rain from the tail end of the typhoon. I have thought that these last three weeks have been like a typhoon. They have went by rapidly and the experience has went by as a bit of a blur. No, I haven't been hallucinating, because I have indeed arrived in this amazing country.

Random Musings of an Adventure Junkie

miss_traveller — Sun, 8 Jul 2012 12:48:00 GMT

I don't even know where to begin with this one. I can hardly believe it myself that I'm about to embark on another adventure after being jerked around in the middle east a few years ago. I came back pretty unsure about believing what people say, especially when it comes to abiding by a contract. I've been pretty happy being back in my hometown these last few years. I've had a chance to reconnect with old friends and family, and make many new friends.

I have never went a day without thinking about my past adventures and all the things I saw and experienced while abroad. I knew I'd want to go abroad again because I don't think I'm meant to settle down right now. There is so much more to see of the world. I miss teaching, although more than that - I miss travelling. I miss seeing new places everyday and experiencing new and different things every day. I don't miss the stress of living in a new place, but I believe my exciting return to Korea will be a more smooth one compared to my first year.

I'm going to a smaller city called Ulsan. Ulsan has about 1.1 million people and is on the west coast, about 70 km from Busan. I visited Busan with my Korean friend, Sooyeon. We went for a weekend visit about four years ago. I really liked the city as it is a port city with lots to see and do, including overcrowded beaches which will be an experience in itself.

I have so much on my mind and so much to do in the next month before I depart to the 'Land of the Morning Calm.' I'm hoping this year to be able to save a bit of money which is going to be darn hard let me tell you. Considering I love to travel whenever I can, I am going to have to find a way to travel and save. Is this possible? I believe I'll travel within the country for the first six months and then let loose and take a trip outside of Korea.

Part of me is wondering why on earth I am going back to Korea, because I have been talking about moving to Thailand for ages. If I can save some money, and secure a good position in Thailand, this could be a future possibility. I really want to climb the great wall of China at some point in the next year. This China trip is at the top of my to do list.

Korea is like my second home in a way. Having been there for three years in the past, I do still have some friends there and that makes it comforting. I would love to visit these friends who live in all different cities in Korea.

I do have a few concerns, especially not knowing what school I will be placed in. I'm hoping I don't get stuck in a school like in my last year in Korea, where the people weren't overly friendly and I really felt isolated. I feel like I have to try really hard this year to befriend and make the most of this opportunity. I have had to work really hard to get this job and gather all my documents (and pay for them), in order to go back. The process is even harder now to get a job in Korea. There is more red tape and there are fewer jobs (more people applying for jobs). I'll be going to Ulsan, which is a coastal city and supposed to be a clean, and pretty city with lots of bike paths.

As I write, my to do list is not getting finished. I still have to pack and organize my stuff. I have accumulated lots of stuff these past few years. I have so many souvenirs, pictures and clothes. Piles of clothes where half of them don't even fit me.

I was biking here in my small town today, and it was the most beautiful day outside. Blue sky, sunny, with a slight breeze. I laid down beside the river and soaked up the scenery. I have grown to appreciate many things about living in my country of birth - Canada. The wide open spaces, friendly people, and natural beauty. I often wonder why I want to leave this country, especially to go to a packed, overcrowded, and often polluted place. I realize it must be because I am an adventure junkie that can't get enough adventure. Just like a heroin addict needs a drug - an adventure junkie needs an adventure.

Third Time's A Charm?

miss_traveller — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:24:00 GMT

After being away from Seoul, Korea for six months, I decided to bite the bullet and come back to 'Korea Sparkling,' and 'Land of the Morning Calm.' I decided that being offered more money and more holidays, plus getting a chance to see all the great friends I had made previously, was a good enough reason to embark on a new adventure.

The area I moved into was an area that I vowed I would never move to. It is the busiest area of Seoul, where all the businesses are located, and it is the most modern area of Seoul. Modern also equates to more expensive as I'm quickly learning. I've been living in Gangnam area for a few months now. The place is a zoo. Don't get me wrong. It is clean, and my apartment is extremely new and modern. There are just tons of people around dressed to the gills. I could never dress like I would back in Canada. People in Canada would look like slobs compared to the way people dress here.

Suits, ties, dresses, high heeled shoes, and expensive purses pervade my area. Korea is all about looking the best. The way people look here must be important. I see signs all over the place for plastic surgery. I see girls on the subway looking in mirrors obsessively. I find it sad in a way. Appearances are only skin deep in my opinion. This society has taught me to take more pride in my appearance in a way, but they go way overboard at times with appearances.

This 'superficiality' also happens in the workplace. My boss worries so much about what the parents will say, and how the classroom looks, because I know she is worried about getting a promotion. Things have to appear to be perfect, and orderly. When in fact underneath this facade, things are often disorganized as I'm realizing. This is part of Korean culture that I accept, but don't always agree with.

I'm guessing I'm noticing it more because I live and work in the most affluent area of Seoul. That is just one thing that I've observed over the years of living here in South Korea. Seoul has become so modern and technologically advanced in the past ten years, that it boggles my mind just how westernized it has become. Coffee shops including Starbucks, and Coffee bean are on every block in my neighborhood. The prices for things have also skyrocketed. No thanks, I don't want to pay $5.00 for a coffee at Starbucks.

You have to pay a lot more for western goodies here in Seoul, than you would back home. This makes sense, but Seoul is the second most expensive place to live after Tokyo, Japan. Thankfully my employer pays for my rent, because the cost of living has increased. This is being felt all over the world I suppose.

On the flip side, It has been wonderful to see my many friends, and talk about my adventures in the past six months. I spent three months in South East Asia. A month in each Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. I also feel that once you've spent time in Cambodia, you draw a different perspective about money and poverty. The people in Cambodia are so poor, and they work to live. They are friendly towards foreigners, and very giving. It was very refreshing to see.

After leaving Cambodia, I felt that we are spoiled as westerners, and even Koreans are spoiled. We don't appreciate what we have. For many people, life is often about wanting more, and being never satisfied. I learned a lot from visiting Cambodia. It has changed my outlook on life.

Busan Christmas trip with Soo-yeon

miss_traveller — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:18:00 GMT

From December 21st to 24th, My best Korean friend and I took the bullet train down to Busan. Busan is Korea's second largest city, and it has the second biggest seaport. Busan sits on the southern coast of Korea. I had been wanting to visit Busan for the longest time, so I was very happy when I was asked to visit Busan with my best Korean friend.

We have been friends since I first arrived in Korea back in September 2005. Sooyeon was my partner teacher at the hakwon I worked at. We hit it off instantly when I told her I was from Canada, as she had been there before and wanted to go back in the future.

We boarded the speed train and arrived in Busan, three quick hours later. During this time we went to see many parts of the city. Busan is famous for its beaches. We went to Haeundae beach, and we couldn't believe all the seaguls that were on the beach. Think about the movie, 'The Birds' and you'll get an idea as to how many birds were there.

Haeundae beach is really beautiful, but it was too cold to swim. I heard from others that this place gets so packed in the summer that you can barely move, and all you see is sun umbrellas, side by side on the beach.

They had this statue on the beach which represented the 'year of the rat' that was coming up in 2008. I thought it was fitting to get a picture of us together since we had spent so much time together in 2007, and hoping that 2008 would be a great year for both of us. Especially since I am a rat in Chinese astrology, I was hoping that this was a good omen.

We walked along the beach, and then at the end of the beach there was a path going up a rocky mountain and we decided to follow it. I thought it would be a nice walk along the water. We got ripped off by an Ajumma lady! How ironic was that! As we walked up the stairs and around the corner, there were two old ladies selling some nuts that are popular here. They cook them so they are soft, and then you open the shell and eat the inside. I don't find them that good, but the lady put them in my hand, and said, 'Ocheon.' She wanted five dollars for them. I didn't really want to pay so much for them, but I already had them in my hand, and felt bad for the lady. So just as I was about to give her the money, she put 'songpyeon' in my hand. Songpyeon is a rice cake, with sweet stuff inside. I really didn't want all this stuff, and sooyeon wasn't saying anything as I was saying no to the lady. Then the lady yelled, in a rushed voice, 'Manwon!' I was thinking no way do I want to pay ten dollars for this. I felt bad because I already had them in my hand. So being the nice person that I am, I caved in and handed over the money quickly into her fast grabbing, oily hands. I looked at Sooyeon in shock.

As we walked away, I looked at Sooyeon and said, 'I can't believe I just paid 'manwon' for this. So, let us enjoy the food. We walked around big boulders, and ended up on a path. The path led to the lighthouse that we had seen in the distance on the beach. This is where I was hoping we'd end up and not in the middle of nowhere to where we were lost. I always felt comfortable having Sooyeon around, because she could speak Korean, and could help me out in so many ways.

Here is what we bumped into on our meanderings, and after being ripped off by ajummas. The views from the lighthouse was well worth the walk. We could look out on the south China sea, and there were mountains on one side. It was such a clear night. On the right of the lighthouse was the Gwangan bridge that was lit up in so many vivid colours. This bridge is famous here in Busan.

The next day we decided to take a walk to see Busan tower. When we arrived, we had to walk up a lot of stairs, until we got to the top. At the top we saw Busan tower which is a lot smaller than Seoul tower, I was thinking at the time. There was a cool map of Busan as we reached the top of the stairs.

A statue of a famous man (not sure who), and Busan tower in the background. We were heading there to go to the top and see the view of the magnificient surrounding water. Busan shipping port is the second largest second to Incheon near Seoul.

The views from the top were just awesome. It was a clear blue sky, and there was nothing like getting a bird's eye view of Busan and the shipping port. Beautiful place!

We only went to Busan for three days and two nights, and we were lucky to get to see quite a lot. We also went to the famous Busan fish market, and I took a trip to Beomosa temple.

I hope to get to Busan again sometime. Busan was smaller than Seoul, and only had a few subway lines. It was a really nice change of pace, and I wouldn't mind living in this type of place. On the KTX bullet train, you can get to Busan from Seoul in three hours. It was a nice way to spend the Christmas holidays, and spend time with one of my favourite friends.

Jeju Island and Jen's Visit

miss_traveller — Sat, 9 Feb 2008 15:03:00 GMT

My time in 'The Land of the Morning Calm' is coming to a sad end. In a few weeks, I'll be on my way to Thailand for a week vacation, then I'm off to teach English in Cambodia for three months.

I want to backtrack right now because I have done so much since the last time I wrote. During 'Chuseok,' (Korean Thanksgiving) my best friend from Canada, came to visit me. She was here for ten days. During those ten days, we took a four day trip to Jeju Island.

I had been wanting to go to Jeju Island, since the first time I arrived in Korea. As every Korean will tell you, 'Jeju is the place to see.' Jeju Island is often called, the 'Hawaii' of Korea. Many young Korean couples go there for their honeymoon.

We took a discount airline called, 'Jeju Airlines' to get to the Island, which is Korea's largest island. The island is oval shaped, and is 73 km from east to west and 41 km from north to south. Jeju Island has a temperate climate, thus, why it is called 'the 'hawaii' of Korea. Jeju also has 'Hallasan' which is the highest mountain in Korea, and sits (more like towers), in the middle of Jeju. We could see Halla mountain from anywhere on the island, but it was hard to see the peak because it is so high up (1950 metres).

The plane we were on made me a bit nervous. It was a propeller plane, and it was extremely small. It was kind of cool to leave from Gimpo airport, because we had a nice view of Seoul during the day. Seoul is soo huge! When we arrived on Jeju the view coming down was awesome. Jeju is a volcanic island, and the beaches are full of black volcanic and basalt rock. The contrast between the green of the island, the blue of the ocean, and the black of the rocks was magnificient.

The first thing we noticed when we arrived was the temperature. Even though it was October, we found it really warm compared to Seoul. We didn't even pack any long sleeved shirts. We saw palm trees, and found out that mandarins, are one of the main fruits that they grow there. Jeju oranges are famous in Korea. They are sold all over the island, by Adjumas (older women), at every tourist place we ran into. In the airport, Jen - being the smart thinking ahead one - decided to buy a rain poncho. She said, that it is better to be safe than sorry. I thought that she may have been right, so I decided to buy one too. As we found out the next morning - Jen was right.

We hopped on a bus and headed to Seongsan, which is located at the northeastern tip of Jeju. We were excited to climb, Seongsan Illchulbong (sunrise peak), which is a volcanic crater, surrounded by 99 sharp rocks. Many people climb this mountain to see the sunrise. We booked into a room which had incredible views of the ocean, and of illchulbong. We arrived at night, so we couldn't see much.

The next morning we planned on getting up very early to hike up the crater. When the alarm went off at 530am, we looked out the window and realized it was very foggy, and rainy. We decided to wait a bit, to see if it cleared up. We headed out around 8:30, and knew that we had missed the sunrise, but wouldn't of seen much with the weather the way it was. I didn't forget to grab my poncho, on the way out.

The climb was amazing. The crater had stairs that went up on side of the crater. You could see all of Seongsan, and Udo Islet, which was across the sea. It rained quite a bit, as we started off, but as we neared the top, it cleared up a bit. Thankfully, we got some nice pictures.

The view from the top. It started to clear, finally.

Here is the volcanic crater at the top of the Illchulbong. What an awesome view. The east sea is behind it, but the illusion of the photo, makes it look like the sea is at the same level as the crater, but the crater is much higher up.

This was the sign in front of the crater, to give some information on this unusual looking crater that is shaped like a crown.

Here is a view looking towards the small strip of bridge that you have to cross to get to Seongsan, which is the northern most tip on Jeju. I am surrounded by the sea here. What a surreal moment.

The next day, we took a bus over to the southern part of Jeju, to Seogwipo. This area is known for their famous resorts, and Jungmun beach. It also has quite a few waterfalls, that we discovered. This one below is, "Jeongbang Waterfall." It is the only waterfall in Asia that flows directly into the ocean. At 23 metres, it is one of the twelve most beautiful scenic views on Jeju Island.

I wish we had more time to spend in Seogwipo area. We only had a day and a half to take in all the sights. We then headed to see another famous waterfall on Jeju. This one is called, "Cheonijiyeon waterfall." It has been designed and protected as a natural monument. Wow!

We also took a bus, to try and find this famous temple named, "Yacheonsa" that we saw in the tourist booklet. I had read that it is supposedly the largest Buddhist temple in Asia. I really had to find it. We got off the bus, and had to walk for about 15 minutes before we stumbled onto it. On the way, we were surrounded by Orange groves. Can you believe it? Rows and rows of orange trees. The oranges (mandarins), were still green, and not ripe yet. However, it was truly a sight to see.

It was truly a peaceful walk towards the temple. There was no one around, but us, and mandarin trees. I noticed how different Jeju seemed to be, compared to the rest of Korea. It was way more laid back, and there was a lot less people. What a splendid vacation, indeed.

We finally ran into Yacheonsa, and were we ever amazed at how intricate, and huge it was. This is just one part. We walked around the grounds, and I took many pictures. Here are just a few that I took that day.

On the way out, you get a whole view, of the area. How peaceful can this be. I wanted to stay here forever. Almost, surreal looking. There were many wild flowers growing in this area. I decided to snap afew of the beautiful flowers that were growing near the temple.

We saw many other sights, on Jeju during those four days. We packed everything in, so we could see as much as possible. On the way home, I had spectacular views of the sunset from the plane. What an end to a truly magical place.

B-Boy Korea - Bust a Move!

miss_traveller — Sat, 4 Aug 2007 23:04:00 GMT

^^The youtube video is from Planet B-boy. It is break dancing between North and South Korea soldiers at the DMZ (demilitarized zone) border. It is a must see. Phat stuff! Dope music and break dancing.

A B-boy is a term for a person who is devoted to hip-hop culture. More specifically it refers to a male who practices break dance. I recently had the chance to see the B-Boy Korea show in Seoul. The show harmonizes B-Boy dance and Korean traditional music. The show was 40,000 won, and we had second row seats. Me and a few friends, were excited to see this show that we had heard good things about previously.

I like to watch break dancing, and I've seen awesome break dancing in NYC, and in movies before (thinking about the movie, "Breakin"). I wasn't sure what to expect from this show, although I figured it would be mostly hip hop dancing. I was a bit disappointed because the first half was more like watching an amateur theater performance.

There was one part where it reminded me of a freak show. There was a Korean guy with blond dreadlocks, who was behind a box. His arms and legs were scrunched up to his ears, making him look like a midget. He was kicking his legs, and arms to the music, making it look funny as hell.

For a moment, I felt like I was watching this freak on 45 speed. 100% freak show entertainment folks. Only in Korea ;)! It was whack. I couldn't stop laughing. We kept waiting to see the boys take off their shirts and dance god dammit! "Chill out Jo," my friends kept whispering.

The Korean drumming was typical, but I've seen traditional drumming many times (thinking of Nanta performance) before. I guess they had to fill the two hours with something. Get on with the show!

Finally, after fifty minutes into the show - they started break dancing!!!!!! There were about eight dancers total who looked like Korean teenagers. There is a reason why they call it B-boy, and not B-man! At the end of the storyline, there is a B-boy battle between two sides.

Most of the boys were good at "popping" - or as I say, "vibrating," their bodies to the beat. One boy, who looked no older than 15, could spin on his head. It looked kind of painful actually. Later in the show, he decided to be smart and put on a helmet. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to use a flash in the performance, so my pictures of the actual breakdancing, didn't turn out. Note: See youtube video for actual breakdancing!

There were a few cuties who took their shirts off, and were quite ripped from being dancers and all. It was the highlight of the show - well almost! The show left me wanting to see more dancing, since they only danced for about half an hour. The music was NOT hip hop type music. It was more of a mix of Korean traditional music, fused with hip hop music.

Disappointing to say the least. The break dancing wasn't too bad, but I've seen better. And that is my very critical review of the B-boy Korea show. If you are debating on going to see it - I'd say skip it and see the "Nanta" musical instead. Thumbs down X 3 my friends.

This link is a preview of part of the B-boy planet documentary. It's dope dawg ;)! I especially like the Koreans break dancing in the subway in Seoul, at the end of the video.

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfq2Zwr0ABM

Disclaimer - B-boy Korea is a spin-off from the documentary that was recently made, called, Planet B-boy.

Boryeong Mud Festival 2007 - Let's Get Dirty!

miss_traveller — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 01:16:00 GMT

"Let's get dirty," was my theme for this past weekend, where I visited the 10th anniversary, of the Boryeong Mud Festival. I went with the "Adventure Korea" tour group, to Daechon Beach, which is two hours south west of Seoul, on the yellow sea. The mud festival is a yearly festival that attracts many foreigners. Many people go to not only see the beach, but to partake in the mud activities near the beach. Daechon Beach mud is known for making mud cosmetics, as the mud is supposed to help tighten the skin and prevent aging (I sure could use a little of that). More about the mud benefits below.

"As lovely as the city’s beaches, mountains and ocean views are, Boryeong is mighty famous for its mud. Beginning in July of 1996, the city of Boryeong began extracting superior-quality mud from the pristine tidal mud flats near Daecheon Beach. Boryeong mud was discovered to be remarkably good for the human body. The mud produces a large amount of so-called far-infrared rays (FIR), a form of light - invisible to the naked eye - which ionizes and activates water molecules in our cells and blood. The effects of FIR are improved oxygen levels in our bodies, the removal of toxins and fats from our bloodstream and elimination of waste, and improvement of nervous functions. The mud contains more germanium, minerals and bentonite than mud imported from overseas, including the so-called “black mud” of Israel’s Dead Sea region, also renowned worldwide for its cosmetic effects and used as an ingredient in skincare produces.

The city of Boryeong produces some 16 cosmetic products using Boryeong mud including the ever-popular mud packs. The wondrous health and cosmetic effects of the mud have been proven by studies by the Korean Research Institute of Standards and Science, Korean Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Taepyungyang Technology Institution and Wonkwang University. The town’s mud products, meanwhile, have passed the rigorous standards of international health agencies such as the United States’ FDA and Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. In 2001, it also received ISO 9001 certification."

http://english.tour2korea.com/03Sightseeing/TravelSpot/travelspot_read.asp?oid=3755&kosm

http://www.worknplay.co.kr/buryeongsites/buryeong.html

I found out upon arrival to the area, that the real mud flats where Boryeong ships its mud from, is twenty minutes away from Daechon Beach. We stopped at the mud flats, and had to change into military gear. There were about 300 of us from 'Adventure Korea' who had to take part in a rigorous military training, in the mud. We had to wear, mud shoes, and dress in army pants and long sleeve shirt. The mud was quite deep and in some places, I lost my shoes. My friend actually had her shoe sucked underneath the mud, and we couldn't find it. We had to run in the mud around flags, and do jumping jacks. We had a mud fight, and mud wrestling. I have never felt that dirty before.

I'm waiting to get the pictures from Adventure Korea before I post any on here of the mud flat experience. After spending about a few hours or more, playing in the mud, we all got to indulge in a beer, by the side of the road. Only in Korea can you drink outside by the road, and on the bus. I had mud in EVERY crevice of my body.

The showers consisted off some guy spraying ice cold water from a fire hose (strong) at us as we walked by. There were also a few showers outside, for everyone to share. Lets just say, that I wasn't that clean afterwards. There were no places to change, so we were pretty wet and dirty afterwards.

We then headed to Daechon Beach, where we were staying in guesthouses for the night. The beach is nice, but it is a sand/shell beach, at 3.5km long. The mud events were taking place on the street, where they had a mud wrestling area, and a huge water slide. There was also a band shell, facing the beach. We walked along the beach, and ended up sitting on the beach at night drinking, while my friend played the guitar for all of us. All that was missing was a campfire. I walked along the beach with friends, and enjoyed the good company, with the sound of the waves crashing on the shore.

Here is a picture of the happening area along the beach, where there was some mud events taking place. You can see part of the slide on the left hand side. There were many people here, but not as many as the weekend prior. We were at the last weekend of Mudfest.

The weather was very cloudy on Saturday, but the sunset ended up being really beautiful. Sunday was very sunny, and it was too bad we had to go home by 4pm. On Saturday, I put some blue mud on me, I think it was more like paint, because it was so hard to get off of me. They had a jail, where I had to go, because I was a bad girl that day. Thankfully, I had a get out of jail for free card. Phew, that was close.

Beautiful sunset on the yellow sea.

The whole weekend was pretty relaxing. On Sunday afternoon, me and a few friends had booked an appointment to get a mud massage. What a treat that was!! It was a full body massage, where they put mud all over you. I mean everywhere! You let the mud dry, and then you take a jacuzzi afterwards. It was a two hour blissful experience, and we almost missed our bus back, because it took longer than expected. For forty five thousand won, it was well worth it. My skin still feels smooth, and soft, four days after.

On Sunday it was a beautiful day with blue sky, and I am sans-mud at this time.

I would recommend going to this mudfest if you get a chance. It is always around the same time every year. This year it was held for two weekends including July 14th, and 15th, and July 21st, and 22nd.

These are some crazy signs that were posted on the main street. I felt so special as a foreigner. Only in Korea, I say.