Vacation

Looking Over My Work While Away

Sun, 02/19/2012 - 02:12 — foreignerjoy

I managed to have some free time today to look over my upcoming work for next semester. I recall how before the semester ended, a few weeks ago, my mind was blown by the team leader stuff coming my way.

I figured I needed to give myself some time and then I can approach it with a clearer mind. Looking at it today I definitely feel better about the new duties. Mostly I see I will need to be that person in the middle who communicates and negotiates requests. There are some major duties to take care of, but I think there will be time to understand it all.

Mostly I just hope I will have enough time to set up my new room, including rearranging the teacher's desks and putting away all my materials. That first day back is a full schedule of orientation meetings and greeting new students. I kind of wish they would give us more time to set up.

Haircut

Sat, 02/18/2012 - 12:12 — foreignerjoy

Brunch and Nature Reserve with Mom

Fri, 02/17/2012 - 00:09 — foreignerjoy

You know life is swell when you can have homemade brunch with your mother. A delicious fruit salad with eggs and an english muffin...yum!

My mom has a great companion dog that gives her lots of company.

Where I Stay For Now

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 12:37 — foreignerjoy

First off a few shots of my pizza and salad dinner I had at the hotel near the SFO airport. Then a shot or two of my standard hotel room's view and interior.

Florida

Tue, 02/14/2012 - 13:48 — foreignerjoy

I've been in Florida a little over 24 hours now. It's amazing here, as always. Most people here live amongst year long greenery and large houses. I don't have photos yet but those will come. Today I woke up tired, so rested some more. Then I headed to the mall to get that plug I needed, and after buying it felt like a fool for paying so much. Found out my brother might have an extra attachment that I need, and so if he finds it I will return this expensive gadget.

The rest of the day I did some shopping in the mall, and walked away with two new bags. Not sure if I will return one.

But it is great seeing Americans and their laid-backness. The casual feeling around me is soothing, and hearing English isn't making me nervous. I guess this time around I'm not really having "reverse culture-shock." Mostly I feel like I'm in a dream and know that I'll be going back to Korea eventually.

Landed

Sun, 02/12/2012 - 10:16 — foreignerjoy

My flight to SFO was quickened down to 9hrs because of strong jet streams along the way. I managed to get some shut eye on the plane. What also made it great was the middle seat was empty and the aisle seat was taken by a nice Berkeley guy who shared in the wonders of that city.

I'm currently at my hotel and waking up out of a 4 hour nap in a cozy Queen size bed. Not much is nearby this place, except if I wanted to walk several blocks. I don't feel like doing that so I'm going to order salad and pizza. I fly out tomorrow to catch a plane to Florida. I can't wait! A huge reunion.

Usually when I come back to America from abroad I feel really nostalgic on the first day. I kind of felt this way at the airport and ride over to the hotel. I admired the license plates and variety of cars and colors.

Upcoming DC Trip

Fri, 02/03/2012 - 15:00 — foreignerjoy

As part of my home vacation this month I am going to visit Washington, D.C. with my mother. I have never been here and am excited to see a slice of America I haven't been to. So far I am using Google Maps to pinpoint places of interest and also restaurants and general areas to find oneself at a nice cafe. Here is the map:

View DC trip in a larger map

Seollal in Busan

Thu, 01/26/2012 - 15:52 — unclouded.hope

People Return

Tue, 01/24/2012 - 14:10 — foreignerjoy

It feels like an extra Sunday around here. The roar of cars from the nearby traffic lanes have picked up their buzz. When I went out for bread at my local mart I was happy to see it open and saw people walking around with coffee.

The upstairs neighbor has been playing the piano, which they usually do on the weekend. And the cry of children and teenagers can be heard in the distant park. All signs that Seollnal is coming to its end as people make their way back to Seoul.

Quiet Out There

Sun, 01/22/2012 - 15:04 — foreignerjoy

It's the Sunday before the Lunar New Year's holiday here in Korea. Already I can tell most people in my area (Nowon) have packed up and gone to wherever they need to go for family duties. However, it is usually quiet on a Sunday here anyways.

Not much happening for me this holiday season in Korea. I am meeting a friend for a good meaty dinner and some nice chatting. I have the whole week off next week and in that time I need to withdraw cash for my American vacation and also go to immigration to renew my visa.

I hope your Korean holiday is filled with fun or relaxation. :) Happy Year of the Black Dragon!

2011 You Were...Well..

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 14:29 — foreignerjoy

Wow! It is the end of 2011 already. I'm 30, single and the battery to my wireless mouse just died. This past year was marked by mild discoveries and accomplishments. For one I finally found a school I am comfortable working at and also a neighborhood that is nice to live in.

I got out and saw some nice places, one of which was the beauty that can be found on Jeju Island.

Have a Jolly Golly Christmas It's the ...

Wed, 12/21/2011 - 12:52 — foreignerjoy

I'm currently on my Christmas vacation that will last till the New Year. To give the kids something special we (the English teachers) dressed up in a Santa outfit, played songs and handed out presents. The kids had a splendid time, except for a few that were displeased with their presents. Hey! It's not my fault kid! The presents were brought in by other students and randomly put into a bag.

Dear Korea #042

Mon, 10/10/2011 - 00:01 — NabiChan

Not a very impressive comic, I know. They will start getting better (eventually…hopefully?).

Call me a dweeb, but I think I tend to stress out more than I actually should when I know someone from overseas is visiting. I tend to take on this silent obligation that every single moment they spend here needs to be perfect, and will more than often lead to me using a lot of money and time. What can I say? Do unto others, right?

Festivities at the Seoul Museum of History

Wed, 09/14/2011 - 10:26 — foreignerjoy

Jeju Pt 2: The Chocolate Museum

Mon, 09/05/2011 - 19:49 — unclouded.hope

I had high expectations

Great Expectations

The Chocolate Museum in Seogwipo, Jeju is the second largest chocolate museum in the world (the largest is the Cologne Chocolate Museum in Germany). The building looks like an ancient castle made of chocolate (it’s actually volcanic rock from Jeju). I had high hopes for this museum from the beginning. It was named as one of the ‘World’s Top 10 Best Chocolate Museums in the World’ by the members and editors of VirtualTourist.com and it is the only chocolate museum found in Asia.

With our free coffee with purchase of ticket

Awesomeness…


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