Mar 10, 2014

February 2014


February 2014

As some of you might have noticed, (most likely Grandma) my blog has been a little bit less frequent as I am a enjoying my second year in Korea. I am still enjoying new and exciting things here in Busan, the fun seems to never end! At the same time, I am re-experiencing some of my favourite things according to the season. I am able to condense it all into a one month summary!




In Korean culture, it is not very common for children and teenagers to 'Hang-out' at the house of their parents. For that reason, there are many themed rooms where friends and couples can spend some time together in. For example, Singing-room , video game-room, Multi-room, DVD room etc. The picture above is another example. A room at this place costs around $ 7 per person for two hours and it is a private room with a TV. The cost also includes unlimited snacks and drinks with a little canteen, Such as coffee, tea, nachos chips, cookies, toast, ice cream, etc. The room we stayed in was great for people watching but we were also in plain view for people from the streets to see us too. That is why we tried to get people to wave back to us.  It was decorated really frilly and girly and an interesting experience! Something very unique to Korea and different from anything at home.


I was fortunate enough to participate in a photo exhibit this Month! This is the part of the exhibit in the underground subway station for people passing by to stop and enjoy. I feel really lucky to be able to participate in opportunities such as this one. An opportunity I might never get to have again.


Me and my photo (bad glare)
It will be on display at an actual gallery in March!



A better view of the photograph



James - the most loyal student I have ever had. Such a cutie. Always has my back and thanks me after every class! "Thank you very muchy"


Showing off their taekwondo skills! Very popular sport amongst the kids.



A nice walk a dusk by the sea!


It doesn't get much better!



Traditional kite flying homemade kites- with some difficulty. I will have to work on my kite flying skills, it is not as easy as you you think.


Moving up to the big leagues - that tiny dot in the air is his kite!


The most affectionate cat I have ever met. Maybe it was because I met her at a dog cafe and she needed some attention from a cat lover! She was licking my face all over just like her roommates, a dog would.


Yes-I gave some of the dogs attention too, at least the little ones.





Feb 5, 2014

Happy New Year - January 2014

January


Here are some highlights from January!

New Years Eve





Winter Hike # 1








Equipment form one of the exercise stations found on every hiking mountain




Winter hike # 2










View of the first three peaks we hiked while standing on the fourth!


I have one leg!




Some Salsa pictures





A new friend!



Korean New Year- A welcome visit from Hahee and a wonderful new year present!

























Jan 8, 2014

Merry Christmas 2013 - No better way to spend Christmas than giving back!





December 2013

This holiday season, I spent some time at a couple of local orphanages volunteering.  A few wonderful and devoted foreign English teachers created opportunities for other people to get involved and used their time, efforts and resources and organized a Christmas present drive for the children.  They also created these volunteering Christmas events so that people could volunteer their time to interact with the children, bring them Christmas treats and watch them receive presents!


First orphanage, Boys Town, all boys facility.


View going up the mountain to where they live.


Painting ornaments.





Professional picture taken with present by Busan's foreign photography group!


Playing with their new toys!  They were really excited!







Making Christmas cookies!


Nampo-dong.  Christmas tradition!




Look any different from last year?











Christmas Cake


Something to open Christmas morning!


Sun setting on Christmas day!





Suyang Orphanage - boys and girls facility outside of the city







Picture with Santa!





Colouring and playing with the girls and boys!