Same-same just a bit later

I am talking about Fall in Korea. It is similar (or same-same in korean english) to our fall in MN however it seems to just occur later. We were enjoying nice 70 degree weather up until Halloween. It has now taken a sharp dip down to the low 30s.  It's COOOOOLD. I have to remind myself that I am from MN and that I can handle this.

Anyway, I went hiking with a couple friends the weekend before at Bukhansan National Park which happens to be in Seoul, north edge. The leaves were all changing, beautiful colors, and there was a cool view at the peak of the city of Seoul. It is the second tallest mountain in Seoul.  Compared to the hike I did in Seoraksan earlier in July (see pics below),  this hike was easy.  It was only a couple hours in comparison to the 12 hour hike to the top at Seoraksan. However, the scene at the peak was very different than the other climb.  I am not sure if I emphasized enough in my previous hiking post that Koreans LOVE hiking.  I am not sure why it is such a favorite pasttime but the mountain is always littered with Koreans in their high tech hiking gear like dri fit clothing which I am convinced keeps them sweat free, making me feel completely rediculous in my sweats and running shoes.  Often they let me know they think I am ridiculous by laughing, snickering, or just plain staring.  Whatever. I can still climb! Anyway, my point is that the peak was covered with these Korean hikers and the peak itself was extremely rocky and small.  Mike came along but stopped climbing quite early in the hike.  He is scared of heights and after reaching the top I know that he couldn't have made it without wetting himself. It was ACTUALLY pretty scary... first you pulled yourself up with a rope using a metal railing for support that was nailed to the side of this steep rock.  Once you were at the top, you were joining a large group of people, pushing by each other to get up and down and all around.  The top was all rock, no flat area to stand and with everyone pushing it got quite scary.  But there was a wonderful view of the city and the beautiful foilage that was red, orange, yellow, and green still!
Here are some pictures to enjoy.

is it... The Ilkka's backyard???

If you look closely, you can see 2 people on the mountain through the leaves... this is a very popular mountain to do free climbing on, pretty much meaning rock climbing with the bungees, carabiners, ALL.

There's Mike, Matt's behind him bending over, and Ray a bit farther down the hill. It was a hard climb. Worked up quite a sweat!

THE TOP!

The Korean hikers at the top of the mountain

There is Seoul down there.. look closely!

The beautiful leaves and their fall colors.

The scary top, and the railing you hold on to for dear life.

ME @ the TOP--->

I'm a teachaaaaaaa WOW. how did that happen?

Yep. That's right, I am actually a real teacher. Crazy huh?  Didn't think it would ever happen?  Yeah well me either.  But here I am.  4 months in. 1/3 finished with my contract. Time flies. I decided to make a posting about my kids and other random school pics/events.  First the kids had their school pictures, which involves about 12 pictures, some in costumes (princesses outfits with props - don't ask me!), some in their very formal school uniforms, some in hogwart-like robes, and of course a group photo. Here are some pictures I managed to capture from this event.

Here they are! My class in their sharp unis

Jina, Joshua, Emily, Thomas... all the girls love Joshua!

Here are some randoms that I have taken during my time here.  There are a couple dance party pictures, a couple caught in the moment reading, and a nice one of some of my whiteboard artwork, pretty beautiful if you ask me. :-) Enjoy.  this post is dedicated to kid pictures.

The Sexual Violence Cow... an odd presentation our kindergarteners attended with this cow man using puppets to explain sexual violence. couldn't say much more. it was all in Korean.

Some favs. Daniel and Sunny SO cute!

A Pistachio class dance party and YES of course in their uniforms which they were about 3 times in a year.  Such special outfits required a bit of fun.

Yep here is my whiteboard artwork.  You might need to click on this one to see it up close. I am usually the WORST whiteboard artist but I was quite proud of this masterpiece.  It diagraphs how crayons are made.

More cuties! :-) LOVE them.

IT'S THAI TIME!

Too excited not to blog about this before all other recent and not so recent events... I just booked a flight to Thailand today for Christmas, leaving the 25th returned the 2nd.  I am very excited - planning to see the grand palace, take a tuk tuk ride, ride elephants through the jungle, snorkel, relax, and get a tan. Can't wait. time for a countdown... considering my next day off of work is December 25th. Yep. Christmas Day. Saweeet. I am planning on going to Bangkok for a couple days and then to fly to Phuket (the beach) for some more fun. Here is a picture of a beach in Phuket... and if it looks familiar it's because it's a famous poster! Woo.

Yes. this IS where Emily will be spending her Christmas.

Don't be too jealous... join me.

Well... it's been a while.

First off, I will apologize for my absence of blogging for far too long. Many things have happened since I last posted and I'm sure this will be a long update. 

How about I start off with the wonderful visit with my padre... the lovely Mr. Ilkka stopped by and hung out for a while as part of his 3 country business trip.  It was definitely one of the best weeks so far.  I enjoyed showing him a piece of my life here in Seoul. We met for dinner a couple times and then got to spend a full day together on Saturday.  We started the day off at my hole in the wall apartment.  Dad got a chance to see my living conditions and the surrounding area.  We then took off for Insadong, a very traditional area of Seoul.  In Insadong is the only Starbucks coffee sign in the entire world that is not in English.   There are many vendors lining the streets selling their goods.  There were also many foreigners roaming the streets just like my dad and me.  We had a nice Korean lunch, walked by the Cheonggyecheon Stream which is a creek that is lower than street level that flows through the city.  It is a little bit of much needed peacefulness among the craziness that is Seoul. After we ventured over to the Korean War Museum. There we met up with Mike and enjoyed the museum which had both an indoor and outdoor display of artifacts.  Many planes, guns, uniforms, videos, etc.  It was just fun to spend time with Dad. Top finish off our great day together, we went to my usual restaurant on my block, the one I have talked about before where I get gift certificates for my frequent business and most workers recognize me.  We had samgypsal (pork BBQ) - delicious! And of course when we checked out, we were given another gift certificate! :-) Following dinner was my favorite part of the night.  I took Dad and Mike to the noraebang for their first experience with the magic of a singing room.  We had such a blast there singing together. Great way to end the night. It was so special that Dad could spend some time with me.  I hope he comes again!  And brings Mom this time :-) right Mom?

Thanks for a fun week Dad!

Dad and I in my sweet apartment.  Timer pic!

At the Fountain in Gwanghwamun

Still at the Fountain Area - Beautiful Flower bed, supposedly there are the same number of flowers planted here as days that Seoul has been the capital of Korea

At the stream - self vacay of course!

That says Starbucks in Korean. Try to read it... I dare ya.

A close up of a wind toy that a vendor was selling on the street in Insadong

We are all Dorks. Here is Dad the Dork. Dad with his best friend.

Emily the Dork. YES the leaves ARE larger in Korea.

Now Mike the Dork. (at the war museum)

War Museum... statue outside

Dad and Mike inside a transporter/tank

Dad in front of the famous war memorial statues.

My turn with the statues!

Inside the museum, just working on my gun skills. ( i was horrible, dad was great!)

Dad enjoying the BBQ... chopstick PRO.

And of course following dinner was the memorable noraebang experience...Dad probably enjoying some Nirvana.