Maybe my tastebuds are changing as I get older or maybe it's cause I'm in Korea and I gotta eat to survive but recently, there are a lot of food that I'm beginning to like that I didn't when I was younger...squid, radish, jam...the list continues today with mushrooms.
Until next time...
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Birthday in Korea
Special...
This year, I had a pretty special birthday. I'm away from my family and friends but thankfully, I've met some pretty great people here that I was able to spend the time with. It's pretty awesome that my birthday coincides with the Korean Thanksgiving Holiday, Chuseok, so I've been off since last week Thursday and able to stretch out my birthday activities all week!! It's been quite a few days so I'm glad to have today to rest and enjoy some "me time".
But you wanna know how I spent the weekend don't ya?
Well, where does royalty spend their birthday, at the palace of course! I went to 2 palaces: Doeksugung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace. Absolutely stunning pieces of history! It's hard to put it into words. I kept trying to imagine what it would've been like to live during that time in a place so grand. If I could go back in time, just to witness...
I also got a chance to walk along the Cheonggye Stream. I walked for quite a while...taking in the beauty of this stream in the midst of Seoul. Surrounded by modern buildings and skyscrapers. The infusion of the past and the present here in Korea is amazing! I'm intrigued by how the 2 seem to come together so beautifully.
After the palaces, something I've always wanted to do: Ballroom Dancing!! Went to a Tango class, rocking a pair of low-top chucks...lol. Needless to say, I had to take them off. Man!! Ballroom dancing is intense! It's definitely harder than it looks and toes were stepped on repeatedly. It was a lot of fun! Some of the people there were really good, been dancing for years and others were beginners like myself. It was nice to get out and do something different!!!
Tuesday, I went to the DMZ (demilitarized zone). It's an area between 2 military powers, where military activity is not permitted. Kind of like a boundary of peace... Seeing as how I visited the DMZ between North and South Korea, I had to abide by very strict rules from dress code to gestures. North Korean soldiers look on as tour groups come around and if they see anything that could be construed as offensive, then we have a problem so no waving or pointing and picture taking is only allowed at certain times. Not gonna lie, it got a little nerve wracking standing on the North Korean side of the conference room, next to a South Korean soldier...but what a moment!!!
They have a bridge, called the Bridge of No Return. After the Korean War ended, soldiers were allowed to choose which side to live on. Once you made your choice, there was no going back. Many South Koreans have family members in North Korea that they have not been able to communicate with since the war.
A very different, very special birthday this year. I plan to embrace every new experience and moment that I have whilst in Korea. There's so much more to see...and while I just turned a year older, I feel 5 years younger!!
For pictures of the weekend, check out the Photos page!!!
Until next time...
This year, I had a pretty special birthday. I'm away from my family and friends but thankfully, I've met some pretty great people here that I was able to spend the time with. It's pretty awesome that my birthday coincides with the Korean Thanksgiving Holiday, Chuseok, so I've been off since last week Thursday and able to stretch out my birthday activities all week!! It's been quite a few days so I'm glad to have today to rest and enjoy some "me time".
But you wanna know how I spent the weekend don't ya?
Well, where does royalty spend their birthday, at the palace of course! I went to 2 palaces: Doeksugung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace. Absolutely stunning pieces of history! It's hard to put it into words. I kept trying to imagine what it would've been like to live during that time in a place so grand. If I could go back in time, just to witness...
I also got a chance to walk along the Cheonggye Stream. I walked for quite a while...taking in the beauty of this stream in the midst of Seoul. Surrounded by modern buildings and skyscrapers. The infusion of the past and the present here in Korea is amazing! I'm intrigued by how the 2 seem to come together so beautifully.
After the palaces, something I've always wanted to do: Ballroom Dancing!! Went to a Tango class, rocking a pair of low-top chucks...lol. Needless to say, I had to take them off. Man!! Ballroom dancing is intense! It's definitely harder than it looks and toes were stepped on repeatedly. It was a lot of fun! Some of the people there were really good, been dancing for years and others were beginners like myself. It was nice to get out and do something different!!!
Tuesday, I went to the DMZ (demilitarized zone). It's an area between 2 military powers, where military activity is not permitted. Kind of like a boundary of peace... Seeing as how I visited the DMZ between North and South Korea, I had to abide by very strict rules from dress code to gestures. North Korean soldiers look on as tour groups come around and if they see anything that could be construed as offensive, then we have a problem so no waving or pointing and picture taking is only allowed at certain times. Not gonna lie, it got a little nerve wracking standing on the North Korean side of the conference room, next to a South Korean soldier...but what a moment!!!
They have a bridge, called the Bridge of No Return. After the Korean War ended, soldiers were allowed to choose which side to live on. Once you made your choice, there was no going back. Many South Koreans have family members in North Korea that they have not been able to communicate with since the war.
A very different, very special birthday this year. I plan to embrace every new experience and moment that I have whilst in Korea. There's so much more to see...and while I just turned a year older, I feel 5 years younger!!
For pictures of the weekend, check out the Photos page!!!
Until next time...
Sunday, September 23, 2012
NEW PHOTO PAGE!!
Hey everyone! Make sure to check out the new photo page. Just click the "Photos!!" button above the Instagram pictures. Enjoy!!
Jimjilbang...the naked SPA
Awkward...
So, a few weeks ago I went to a Jimjilbang which is a SPA. It's a staple in Korean culture and something that both men and women enjoy. From those I've spoken to though, more women attend than men and most men go with their girlfriends or wives.
You're thinking, SPA? What's so interesting about a SPA? Most SPA's, nothing. A Jimjilbang...well...it's a naked SPA. Yes, yes, naked...at least for part of it.
Here's how it works:
When you arrive at the jimjilbang, you get a bracelet that also contains a key. That key is to your locker. First things first, put your shoes away. No shoes allowed in the SPA. Then go to your respective gender floors, where the AWKWARDNESS begins.
Once, there you get out of your clothes and enjoy the various, hot tubs, baths, massages and showers, all in the nude. Granted you're in an area with the same sex, but it's still awkward for a while. Ladies just walking around, sitting in the hot tub, talking, laughing with friends...enjoying a lil "me time". I can only imagine what goes on on the men's floor...lol. Once you're done...take a shower to rinse off and put on the comfortable, stylish pajamas provided to you and explore the co-ed section of the SPA.
In the co-ed section, there are various other SPA rooms, restaurants, an arcade, and nail salon. The bracelet with the keys is like your pass card. If you do anything extra, you swipe your bracelet. Don't get too excited...you pay for it on exit.
You don't have to stay the night. But if you decide to, then get a pillow and find a spot on the floor or in a chair.
In the morning, change back, return pajamas, grab your shoes and pay. Overall, pretty cool experience for a decent price (12,000won = $11).
So, a few weeks ago I went to a Jimjilbang which is a SPA. It's a staple in Korean culture and something that both men and women enjoy. From those I've spoken to though, more women attend than men and most men go with their girlfriends or wives.
 |
| entry to the jimjilbang |
Here's how it works:
When you arrive at the jimjilbang, you get a bracelet that also contains a key. That key is to your locker. First things first, put your shoes away. No shoes allowed in the SPA. Then go to your respective gender floors, where the AWKWARDNESS begins.
 |
| this must be us... |
 |
| no women allowed... |
Once, there you get out of your clothes and enjoy the various, hot tubs, baths, massages and showers, all in the nude. Granted you're in an area with the same sex, but it's still awkward for a while. Ladies just walking around, sitting in the hot tub, talking, laughing with friends...enjoying a lil "me time". I can only imagine what goes on on the men's floor...lol. Once you're done...take a shower to rinse off and put on the comfortable, stylish pajamas provided to you and explore the co-ed section of the SPA.
In the co-ed section, there are various other SPA rooms, restaurants, an arcade, and nail salon. The bracelet with the keys is like your pass card. If you do anything extra, you swipe your bracelet. Don't get too excited...you pay for it on exit.
 |
| check out the ice in the background...this room was -7degrees C. |
 |
| karaoke... |
 |
| contacts out...time for bed... |
 |
| lights stay on...smh |
 |
| K.O.!! |
In the morning, change back, return pajamas, grab your shoes and pay. Overall, pretty cool experience for a decent price (12,000won = $11).
Next time, I think I'll try a massage...cost extra, but may be worth it...
Until next time...
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
The trip...WHIRLWIND
Well, what a WHIRLWIND adventure I've been having. This is Day 5 for me in Korea and man oh man have things been interesting. I don't want this to be a long post but bear with me. It's the first post since arriving and I have quite a lot to share.
Flight in 1 word: LONG
It's a 14 hour flight (non-stop). Have you ever had to sit for 14 hours straight? I have, and let me tell you, it's not the most comfortable of positions...lol. The plane was huge but the seat pitch (leg room) was small. I had a window seat which I liked cause I could lean against the side to take naps. I should've listened to my dad when he said to buy the neck pillow.
Food was good. Movies were great. Most I'd seen but I got a chance to watch the few I hadn't. A friend told me to try not to sleep too much on the plane because jet lag is serious. Well, I slept. Not as much as I was planning to. The guy in the middle seat next to me had his light on pretty much the whole flight and I left my eye shade thingy in the bag that was in the overhead compartment and...the seat belt light was on a lot due to turbulence...lol.
After 4 movies, and several other hours of whatever. I arrived, safely, in Korea. Going through customs was easy. I was worried I might loose luggage but they all came pretty quickly through baggage claim.
Apartment - Ho!!: BEAUTIFUL
I don't know if the cab driver that took me to my apt did this on purpose or if the scenery is just that amazing but the ride was great. I was in this tricked out mini-van cab with a stereo system, decent size TV playing Tom & Jerry with Korean subtitles. The scenery was beautiful. I saw everything from open fields to tall skyscrapers. Incredible horizon and breathtaking overlook onto the water. The airport is on it's own island.
My apt is great. It's in a nice area, controlled access and not as small as I was expecting. There's a lot of closet space, small kitchen and bathroom and living area. The bathroom is probably the more difficult of places to be in. There's no defined shower space or curtain so at first water was getting everywhere...lol. I'm figuring things out though. There are many other native English speaking residents that I've met thus far so I don't feel isolated or alone. I've met some great people. I'm really close to many subway and bus stations but walking is pretty easy too. There's multiples of everything here so I can walk a few blocks and find whatever I'm looking for.
School: EXCITING
I started working on Monday. Due to jet lag, I couldn't get to sleep Sunday night and as a result woke up at 3am on Monday (getting better). My school is a 30 minute walk from my apt. Needless to say, I'm getting quite the workout twice a day. I went out Sunday to find the school, making sure I knew how to get there. I didn't, which resulted in me getting lost in Seoul for 2 hours...lol. I found my way eventually and am even finding new routes.
The teachers are very welcoming and interested to know a lot about me and my decision to come to Korea. My experience as a teacher provides an advantage to understanding the school, students, staff and curriculum and because they know my background, they threw me right into the thick of things. I was teaching on day 1. I'm working with 3-6 grades and I see each of my classes once a week. They call me "Delia Teacher"...lol. I love it. Whenever I say something in Korean, they giggle. We're in the 2nd semester of the school year so in March, the students will matriculate to the next grade level. I didn't think I'd like working with the older kids, but I'm enjoying it. My co-teachers are amazing!! They're patient, understanding and challenge me to get right to work and be creative, which, if you know me, I love. The curriculum is pretty much mapped out but I have the freedom to spice it up!
Well, that's all I can get in for now. Check back soon for more updates, pictures and an exclusive on being in the midst of a TYPHOON!!!
Until next time...
Flight in 1 word: LONG
It's a 14 hour flight (non-stop). Have you ever had to sit for 14 hours straight? I have, and let me tell you, it's not the most comfortable of positions...lol. The plane was huge but the seat pitch (leg room) was small. I had a window seat which I liked cause I could lean against the side to take naps. I should've listened to my dad when he said to buy the neck pillow.
Food was good. Movies were great. Most I'd seen but I got a chance to watch the few I hadn't. A friend told me to try not to sleep too much on the plane because jet lag is serious. Well, I slept. Not as much as I was planning to. The guy in the middle seat next to me had his light on pretty much the whole flight and I left my eye shade thingy in the bag that was in the overhead compartment and...the seat belt light was on a lot due to turbulence...lol.
After 4 movies, and several other hours of whatever. I arrived, safely, in Korea. Going through customs was easy. I was worried I might loose luggage but they all came pretty quickly through baggage claim.
Apartment - Ho!!: BEAUTIFUL
I don't know if the cab driver that took me to my apt did this on purpose or if the scenery is just that amazing but the ride was great. I was in this tricked out mini-van cab with a stereo system, decent size TV playing Tom & Jerry with Korean subtitles. The scenery was beautiful. I saw everything from open fields to tall skyscrapers. Incredible horizon and breathtaking overlook onto the water. The airport is on it's own island.
My apt is great. It's in a nice area, controlled access and not as small as I was expecting. There's a lot of closet space, small kitchen and bathroom and living area. The bathroom is probably the more difficult of places to be in. There's no defined shower space or curtain so at first water was getting everywhere...lol. I'm figuring things out though. There are many other native English speaking residents that I've met thus far so I don't feel isolated or alone. I've met some great people. I'm really close to many subway and bus stations but walking is pretty easy too. There's multiples of everything here so I can walk a few blocks and find whatever I'm looking for.
School: EXCITING
I started working on Monday. Due to jet lag, I couldn't get to sleep Sunday night and as a result woke up at 3am on Monday (getting better). My school is a 30 minute walk from my apt. Needless to say, I'm getting quite the workout twice a day. I went out Sunday to find the school, making sure I knew how to get there. I didn't, which resulted in me getting lost in Seoul for 2 hours...lol. I found my way eventually and am even finding new routes.
The teachers are very welcoming and interested to know a lot about me and my decision to come to Korea. My experience as a teacher provides an advantage to understanding the school, students, staff and curriculum and because they know my background, they threw me right into the thick of things. I was teaching on day 1. I'm working with 3-6 grades and I see each of my classes once a week. They call me "Delia Teacher"...lol. I love it. Whenever I say something in Korean, they giggle. We're in the 2nd semester of the school year so in March, the students will matriculate to the next grade level. I didn't think I'd like working with the older kids, but I'm enjoying it. My co-teachers are amazing!! They're patient, understanding and challenge me to get right to work and be creative, which, if you know me, I love. The curriculum is pretty much mapped out but I have the freedom to spice it up!
Well, that's all I can get in for now. Check back soon for more updates, pictures and an exclusive on being in the midst of a TYPHOON!!!
Until next time...
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