Day 126, 127, 128, 129, 130

Well after 130 days in Korea, it's finally Christmas and unlike in Calgary there's actually some snow on the ground here and it's a cold...yes colder than Calgary--> Who would've thought I write that...


But anyway Merry Christmas or a Happy Holidays to everyone! And I can't believe next week will be Jan 1st, 2012, time seems to be flying by. 






Places visited in Korea-->
Seoul:
Gwanghwamun (Gyeongbok palace), Banpo (Rainbow) bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Cheongyecheon, Seoul City Hall,  N Seoul tower, Hongdae (Trick Eye museum), Changgyeong palace, Changdeok palace, Deoksu palace, Bukchon, Myeongdong, Jongmyo Shrine,  Arisu water purification center, Sinchon,, Seonreung and Jeongreung royal tombs, Sinsa


Jeju Island: Hallasan, Ilchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo
Yongin: Korea folk village
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): Panmunjom/JSA, Dora observatory, Third Infiltration tunnel, Dorasan Station
Jeonju
Busan
Paju (Heiri Village)

Day 123, 124, 125

To Su, Mengju, Murat, Antti, Chen, Kubra, Nurdan, Maha, and many more that I can't name. Thanks to you guys, my exchange here went so much easier and smoother. I wish you all the best in your future. 


Thanks for all the memories and for me this isn't goodbye, just see you again soon!




Places visited in Korea-->
Seoul:
Gwanghwamun (Gyeongbok palace), Banpo (Rainbow) bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Cheongyecheon, Seoul City Hall,  N Seoul tower, Hongdae (Trick Eye museum), Changgyeong palace, Changdeok palace, Deoksu palace, Bukchon, Myeongdong, Jongmyo Shrine,  Arisu water purification center, Sinchon,, Seonreung and Jeongreung royal tombs, Sinsa


Jeju Island: Hallasan, Ilchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo
Yongin: Korea folk village
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): Panmunjom/JSA, Dora observatory, Third Infiltration tunnel, Dorasan Station
Jeonju
Busan
Paju (Heiri Village)

Day 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122

Well I begin this post off with disbelief. It is one week until Christmas and it doesn't feel like it at all. I don't feel convinced that it is even Christmas or I just can't believe it. It's probably because I have not been exposed to any sort of western TV here that carries all the holiday ads. I swear if it weren't for me seeing some slight hints of Christmas here I would've just completely missed it. But I'm looking forward to SKYPING with you, Ada, Karen, Danny, Will, Tanya, and every other family member next week. 


Onto other things now, the semester has officially ended now and I am now on a two month winter vacation. Hopefully I will do some things and not lazily lounge in my room and get fat XD
I went shopping with Alex, Su, and Mengju yesterday and that is also a reminder for me that the end of semester also means that many exchange students have left/will be going home soon. It'll be a somewhat down time since it'll be very quiet now. I wish them all the best in their future and endeavors. It's time to look ahead now and I'm excited about the prospect of the new exchange students coming in next semseter now!






Places visited in Korea-->
Seoul:
Gwanghwamun (Gyeongbok palace), Banpo (Rainbow) bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Cheongyecheon, Seoul City Hall,  N Seoul tower, Hongdae (Trick Eye museum), Changgyeong palace, Changdeok palace, Deoksu palace, Bukchon, Myeongdong, Jongmyo Shrine,  Arisu water purification center, Sinchon,, Seonreung and Jeongreung royal tombs, Sinsa


Jeju Island: Hallasan, Ilchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo
Yongin: Korea folk village
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): Panmunjom/JSA, Dora observatory, Third Infiltration tunnel, Dorasan Station
Jeonju
Busan
Paju (Heiri Village)

Day 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116

Nothing to start off this post again. Finished my first final yesterday and I think I did pretty good, maybe 1-2 questions wrong definitely know less than 10 wrong. I'm also feeling a little sad now, since in a week or so many of the exchange students will be going home. Among them are Su, and Murat. At the same time though I'm looking forward to next semester. Will get a new roomate and I'm hoping they can speak a little English, but also hoping to utilize some Korean, Japanese, or even Chinese, fingers crossed.
Well back to studying for my Special Topics in Korean studies final exam on Wednesday now...And then after, back to planning my trip to China in Feb.


And on a side note, I can't believe I have another cold. The second in a few weeks...




Places visited in Korea-->
Seoul:
Gwanghwamun (Gyeongbok palace), Banpo (Rainbow) bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Cheongyecheon, Seoul City Hall,  N Seoul tower, Hongdae (Trick Eye museum), Changgyeong palace, Changdeok palace, Deoksu palace, Bukchon, Myeongdong, Jongmyo Shrine,  Arisu water purification center, Sinchon,, Seonreung and Jeongreung royal tombs, Sinsa


Jeju Island: Hallasan, Ilchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo
Yongin: Korea folk village
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): Panmunjom/JSA, Dora observatory, Third Infiltration tunnel, Dorasan Station
Jeonju
Busan
Paju (Heiri Village)

Day 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106

Guess I'll start this post off by thanking everyone for the birthday wishes! 22 years old now...


Anyway, this is the first post to begin with 3 digits now, and I still can't believe it. But as for today, I was part of a bunch of exchange students that went to Heiri village in Paju city to make clay pottery. I just made a plain and simple cup, since I need one for drinking or putting all my pens and stuff in :P  Many other other exchange students were more creative though, I mean some made sculptures of I dont know what, teapots, and tea sets. Most though were of heart shaped containers  and Seungho made one for his girlfriend, though I think it's cheesy I mean couples initials and a heart :P I'm looking forward to getting my cup come the 16th. 
Other than that, I'm editing my one and only paper of the semester and preparing for final exams. 








Places visited in Korea-->
Seoul:
Gwanghwamun (Gyeongbok palace), Banpo (Rainbow) bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Cheongyecheon, Seoul City Hall,  N Seoul tower, Hongdae (Trick Eye museum), Changgyeong palace, Changdeok palace, Deoksu palace, Bukchon, Myeongdong, Jongmyo Shrine,  Arisu water purification center, Sinchon,, Seonreung and Jeongreung royal tombs, Sinsa


Jeju Island: Hallasan, Ilchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo
Yongin: Korea folk village
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): Panmunjom/JSA, Dora observatory, Third Infiltration tunnel, Dorasan Station
Jeonju
Busan
Paju (Heiri Village)

Day 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100

Well it's by chance that I'm writing a post on the 100th day...wasn't even planning on writing it since I'm tired and sick...At the same time there is really nothing new to write. The semester is winding down now and our final exams are coming up. But I guess the only thing to report on is I bought some Nikes in Myeongdong, after applying for my Chinese visa that I'll be picking up tomorrow, and I met two of the three exchange students that will be heading to U of C next semester. 


For Ada, Karen and whoever reads this that goes to U of C: want to show and guide the Korean students when they arrive?


Those are the only  noteworthy things from the past week, but I guess I just can't believe that it's been 100 days or just over 3 months since I've arrived. I'll never stop saying this: It only felt like yesterday...The things that stick out the most  from these past hundred days would have to be climbing Hallsan on Jeju during Chuseok, The DMZ trip, Jeonju, and Busan. 


Huh, no Seoul things listed... :P






Places visited in Korea-->
Seoul:
Gwanghwamun (Gyeongbok palace), Banpo (Rainbow) bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Cheongyecheon, Seoul City Hall,  N Seoul tower, Hongdae (Trick Eye museum), Changgyeong palace, Changdeok palace, Deoksu palace, Bukchon, Myeongdong, Jongmyo Shrine,  Arisu water purification center, Sinchon,, Seonreung and Jeongreung royal tombs, Sinsa


Jeju Island: Hallasan, Ilchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo
Yongin: Korea folk village
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): Panmunjom/JSA, Dora observatory, Third Infiltration tunnel, Dorasan Station
Jeonju
Busan

Day 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92

Once again I start this blog off with nothing new to write. The only thing interesting that has happened this past week was my second class field trip to Seonreung and Jeongreung, two of the 40 Royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty that are inscribed on the UN's World Heritage list. That was interesting since I've never seen any type of tomb like that before. It consists of a raised mound to mark the site of a grave. Think of it as a baseball mound, but bigger and covered in grass. That's the closest I can describe it.  And it's interesting to see the stone statues of animals and soldiers guarding/looking over the tombs, nothing like it in Canada.
As for what I'm doing now, nothing. Just watching the movie "The Fugitive" as I write this, Seungho is sick as a dog and other than that it's been a very lazy week and day. Need to get working on that paper soon TT and prepare for finals...

Oh for Karen and Ada again, you need to visit Seoul now! Especially Myeongdong which is the shopping street. Along with Namdaemun and Dongdaemun markets. I have a feeling you two might never want to leave...


And I cant believe it's been  3 months already. I swear it only feels like yesterday since I've arrived.  I can honestly say now that Seoul and Korea is my second home now


서울하고한국을좋아해요!!




Places visited in Korea: Gwanghwamun (Gyeongbok palace), Banpo (Rainbow) bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Cheongyecheon, Seoul City Hall, Jeju Island (Hallasan, IIchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo), N Seoul tower, Hongdae (Trick Eye museum), Yongin (Korea folk village), Changgyeong palace, Changdeok palace, Deoksu palace, Bukchon, Myeongdong, Jongmyo Shrine, Demilitarized Zone [DMZ] (Panmunjom/JSA, Dora observatory, Third Infiltration tunnel, Dorasan Station), Arisu water purification center, Sinchon, Jeonju, Busan, Seonreung and Jeongreung royal tombs

Day 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86

What a busy weekend it was. Coming back from a wondrous trip from Busan and I can already say I want to go back badly. Busan is better than Seoul, yes let it be said now. 
After a 4 and a half hour bus ride from Seoul we reached Busan by 2 and another hour to our accommodatuons. We stayed at a shared lodging facility right on the Haeundae beach front. On the first night we had a good view of the Sea of Japan and of Busan. But we couldn't get that room for another night since apparently the owner had booked it to another group. It was kind of our fault to since we didn't tell the owner we wanted to stay another night. The owner though agreed to give us two small rooms though. Too small though... 6 men sleeping in a room no bigger than the average Japanese apartment. Somehow we made it work. The most unforgettable thing for me in Busan was visiting the Chinatown. It was good to have REAL Chinese food for the first time in a few months, everything from the dumplings to the soup were so good, if only they had peking duck it would've been perfect. At the same time, walking along the beachfront was amazing, especially the sunset. I'll also never forget going to a Jimjilbang or Korean spa and sauna. I don't think I'll ever forget that experience since everyone was naked, no towels whatsoever.  
I won't forget Busan for a very long time, there was so much more to see but so little time. I'm planning on going back by the end of the month or next and hopefully seeing more. Even though it's the second largest city in South Korea, it didn't feel like that at all. Nothing was too crowded and it seemed way more organized than in Seoul, more simpler as well. 


Oh and I won't forget how we came back. Me and Murat took a train and, but it was standing room only. All fast trains to Seoul were booked. Even though the train ride was 5 and a half hours long, we were able to sit in the snack and game car. Thank god I didn't have to stand for that long, though my butt fell asleep...




And for Karen: No I didn't try your HTML yet. 








Places visited in Korea: Gwanghwamun (Gyeongbok palace), Banpo (Rainbow) bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Cheongyecheon, Seoul City Hall, Jeju Island (Hallasan, IIchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo), N Seoul tower, Hongdae (Trick Eye museum), Yongin (Korea folk village), Changgyeong palace, Changdeok palace, Deoksu palace, Bukchon, Myeongdong, Jongmyo Shrine, Demilitarized Zone [DMZ] (Panmunjom/JSA, Dora observatory, Third Infiltration tunnel, Dorasan Station), Arisu water purification center, Sinchon, Jeonju, Busan

Day 75, 76, 77, 78

Will start this post off by thanking Seungho for inviting me, Murat, and Mark to his hometown of Jeonju and introducing us to his family. It was for celebrating his niece's 1st birthday which is a very important thing in Korea. It was also fun to see some sites in Jeonju, but unfortunately we didn't get to try any Bibimbap which Jeonju is famous for. But I did get to eat fried at chicken 12 AM so that was good :D
And staying at Seungho's cousin's house was very fun, especially since the three kids there were all very interested in seeing foreigners for the first time.At first they were afraid of us, but by the time we left I felt a little sad since it as very fun playing with them...especially that soccer volleyball game we played on their apartment roof. It didn't seem fair though since Murat and Mark are 23 and 20 while the kids were 9 and 7, but their dad joined in which made it even. But the thing I won't forget from that match is how Murat and Mark kicked the ball over the roof 3 times...twice down onto the streets and once onto a neighbors roof...
Speaking of soccer, went and watched a soccer game for the first time ever. It was in Jeonju world cup stadium and the game and crowd was crazy. Especially when the home team scored the tying goal in the last minute of the game. It went all the way to a shoot out but unfortunately the home team lost 3-2...Still, I won't forget that for a long time.


I'll end this post by thanking Seungho and his family for welcoming me, Mark, and Murat to Jeonju. We were treated like we were part of their family and it was awesome. I'm definitely going to need to re-pay Seungho back for the kindness and generosity when he comes and visits Canada. 


So Karen (here's your shout out) and Ada, have any ideas? And Karen, you can actually tell what my line problem is through the HTML??












Places visited in Korea: Gwanghwamun (Gyeongbok palace), Banpo (Rainbow) bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Cheongyecheon, Seoul City Hall, Jeju Island (Hallasan, IIchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo), N Seoul tower, Hongdae (Trick Eye museum), Yongin (Korea folk village), Changgyeong palace, Changdeok palace, Deoksu palace, Bukchon, Myeongdong, Jongmyo Shrine, Demilitarized Zone [DMZ] (Panmunjom/JSA, Dora observatory, Third Infiltration tunnel, Dorasan Station), Arisu water purification center, Sinchon, Jeonju

Day 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74

I guess I'll start off with this comment: I hate this Blogger thing what, the hell is that line on the top of my sentence now???

Nothing new to report, besides another 3 new mosquito bites, I swear right after an old one goes away, new ones just immediately come again. That is my one and only complaint about Korea right, the damn mosquitoes!! I pray for winter to come fast now to kill em all off, good riddance.
Speaking of winter, I heard that Calgary received its first snowfall a few days ago, though it was just a light dusting. I'm still in shorts and its 20 degrees for a daytime temp here...

As for any activites here during the past week, none... I think the laziness has set in now, that and I'm running low on last months scholarship I received from the school. But that didn't stop me from going to a French restaurant in Sinchon. Tried Apple cider, crepes, and something else that was very delicious for the first time. I'm sure you'll all see the pics of me stuffing my face on FB...

So as I sit here, with my Subway meatball sandwich and listening to Days and Space Rock while waiting for a movie to load, I'm looking forward to this weekend and next.  

That's it for this entry.

Oh and Ada or anyone else that reads this blog: Do you know how to get rid of those lines in my post??




Places visited in Korea: Gwanghwamun (Gyeongbok palace), Banpo (Rainbow) bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Cheongyecheon, Seoul City Hall, Jeju Island (Hallasan, IIchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo), N Seoul tower, Hongdae (Trick Eye museum), Yongin (Korea folk village), Changgyeong palace, Changdeok palace, Deoksu palace, Bukchon, Myeongdong, Jongmyo Shrine, Demilitarized Zone [DMZ] (Panmunjom/JSA, Dora observatory, Third Infiltration tunnel, Dorasan Station), Arisu water purification center, Sinchon

Day 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66

Once again not alot to report on for the past week besides going to visit a Water purification Center here in Seoul. We were guided on a tour by the chief manager and his assistants. Alex pointed out that there were 27 or so staff that did the tour with all 10 of us... Originally it was supposed to be 17-20 students but don't know what happened to them and frankly don't care. Each of us got a good souvenir afterwards in the form of a water flute and a nice wooden board. I'd like to thank everyone there that guided us on the tour and as promised I'm promoting Arisu water here. You can't get their water in any supermarket but perhaps someday ^^

Anyway, finished my first class presentation yesterday and now there is only a paper to do. And I better get started on it since it's supposed to be 10 pages long...Also went to a Korean BBQ restaurant for dinner last night, made up for that terrible BBQ on Jeju that's for sure :D
Oh and this just popped into my mind, Battlefield 3 came out. Ada is Will going to buy it?

Finally, I can't believe it's already been 2 months since I've come. Still feels like yesterday.



Places visited in Korea: Gwanghwamun (Gyeongbok palace), Banpo (Rainbow) bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Cheongyecheon, Seoul City Hall, Jeju Island (Hallasan, IIchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo), N Seoul tower, Hongdae (Trick Eye museum), Yongin (Korea folk village), Changgyeong palace, Changdeok palace, Deoksu palace, Bukchon, Myeongdong, Jongmyo Shrine, Demilitarized Zone [DMZ] (Panmunjeom/JSA, Dora observatory, Third infiltration tunnel, Dorasan station), Arisu Water Purification Center

Day 59, 60

Three letters to begin this post: DMZ!!!


Yup, with Alex and Marine, we visited the Demilitarized Zone. The only word I can use to describe that area would be: Surreal. I woke up at 5:30 AM since our tour to the DMZ began at 7:30 so I'm tired as I write this. But it was completely worth it. Even before we were at the DMZ, there were many look out houses. I know they were look out houses since there was barbed wire fencing everywhere, and armed ROK soldiers walking on patrol. First off was the Joint Security Area or JSA, the place with the blue houses and where North and South Korea are separated by a stone slab. Went in there with our US Army guide and, well, I can say I was in North Korea since half the conference house we were in was in North Korea. Also took a photo with the ROK guards there. No smile whatsoever, just standing in a Taekwondo position ready against a North Korean attack. Oh and the North Korean soldier(s) on the other side were taking photographs or just looking through their binoculars at us. It was interesting and at times tense, since we were told that we should not make any gestures or comments towards the North Koreans. If just one of us inadvertently made  a gesture and the North Koreans saw through their binoculars, well you'd be reading about an international incidence on the news... After that we went to an observatory and viewed the North Korea Propaganda village, the place where one of the tallest flag poles in the world stands. Then, we went to the Bridge of No Return, where POWs would be returned to North or South Korea.

Here's a link to the places I saw today, for those that don't know: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Security_Area


The tour after that was ok, but wasn't as exciting as the JSA part. The Third Infiltration tunnel was a good workout, located about 73 m below ground and almost 1700 m long. I say workout because the tunnel was only 2 m high, and the entrance was inclined at 11 degrees for about 400 m, huffing and puffing back up. Then after that, we had lunch in a building near a border crossing with North Korea, and after that our last stop was Dorasan Station, a train station built during the Sunshine Policy years. It's the first train station before North Korea, and symbolizes hope one day that trains will run from Seoul to Pyongyang. 


Well that's what I did for today. This is one of the things that I will never forget, because it was very surreal and at times eerie to be standing in the Demilitarized Zone, and thinking that North and South Korea are just a concrete slab apart.








Places visited in Korea: Gwanghwamun (Gyeongbok palace), Banpo (Rainbow) bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Cheongyecheon, Seoul City Hall, Jeju Island (Hallasan, IIchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo), N Seoul tower, Hongdae (Trick Eye museum), Yongin (Korea folk village), Changgyeong palace, Changdeok palace, Deoksu palace, Bukchon, Myeongdong, Jongmyo Shrine, Demilitarized Zone [DMZ] (Panmunjeom/JSA, Dora observatory, Third infiltration tunnel, Dorasan station)

Day 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58

I'll start this post off with an update on the weather here. It's getting cool now, but I'm sure not as cold as Calgary. The heating in the dorms have started and I appreciate it when I feel cold but since my room faces the sun for most of the day and combined with the heating, it feels like summer in here. Very hard to sleep or try to do anything... That's my biggest complaint right now, just too hot, even had to turn the A/C back on.
Anyway, I can knock off the last palace or shrine in Seoul after visiting it yesterday on a class field trip. It was good, though I heard  many students complained it was boring just walking on a guided tour for an hour. Course, this is coming from the "party" students, the ones that just party and drink and have no interest in history or culture, their classes, future...
But enough of that which makes me sound like a 50 year old.

Day 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51

Not alot to report on besides two major things, the fireworks and walking around Myeongdong. First the fireworks. The pictures have been posted on Facebook and it's something you'll never see in Calgary. There was approximately 1 million people attending the fireworks and I'll believe that number since I can't describe how crowded the subway stations and park, near the Han River where the fireworks took place, were. Me and Su left before the fireworks before they were done, thank god, since we had estimated it would take a long time to get back to the University. Well, it only took us an hour...Now I'm thinking I should've stayed until the end, but then I just remember how crowded it was.
And yesterday took a walk in Myeongdong. I've found the Shibuya of Seoul!!! Along with name brand stores, there's street vendors that will satisfy any type of shopping and appetite. Yes, Ada I know you're following this blog, so this section is specifically for you and Karen, and your shopping habits...
Oh, should've mentioned this in my last post, but I got my first hair cut in Korea a couple weeks ago. Need to re-cut since it's still too long...




Places visited in Korea: Gwanghwamun (Gyeongbok palace), Banpo (Rainbow) bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Cheongyecheon, Seoul City Hall, Jeju Island (Hallasan, IIchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo), N Seoul tower, Hongdae (Trick Eye museum), Yongin (Korea folk village), Changgyeong palace, Changdeok palace, Deoksu palace, Bukchon, Myeongdong

Just wanted to add to the last post, visited the Korean Blue House or saw it at least as me and Su were looking for the Chinese embassy. And I think I can be officially considered Korean when 3 random Koreans come up to you while walking in Seoul and ask for directions and such...

Day 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44

Not alot to write about again, so I'll just get straight to the interesting parts. Went to Yeoido with Alex and Marine for the largest church in South Korea. Apparently it can seat up to 80,000 people and it looked as big as the Saddledome. I can't believe that Canada doesn't have anything comparable to that size. Afterwards, we went to the 63 Building and watched my first IMAX 3D film there about Boeing and their 787. There was also an aquarium there too, but it was the most depressing I'd ever seen. The enclosures were way too small for the animals that were there, what I still don't get is why would the aquarium decide to put some pelicans in a small room that doesn't allow them to fly?? If that aquarium ever closes, I won't feel sorry.

And today, went with Su to the Chinese consulate and embassy to ask about visa requirements to China. It seems very easy and convenient now, so I better get planning my China trip. Oh and knocked off another palace on my list of sites to see, Deoksu. Very small compared to the other ones.





Places visited in Korea: Gwanghwamun (Gyeongbok palace), Banpo (Rainbow) bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Cheongyecheon, Seoul City Hall, Jeju Island (Hallasan, IIchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo), N Seoul tower, Hongdae (Trick Eye museum), Yongin (Korea folk village), Changgyeong palace, Changdeok palace, Deoksu palace, Bukchon, Myeongdong

Day 33, 34, 35, 36, 37

I don't really have much to say for the past 5 days, everything is now settled and classes are well underway which to me means fun time is over. But I did manage to sneak in a few sites. Alex and me went to Changgyeong and Chandeok palace which was a good break from studying and very interesting learning more about Korean history and culture. Oh I need to thank Seungho for helping me do some online shopping at a Korean site, I got 5 more shirts because of him and all for less than $100, $95 to be exact. 5 shirts for $95, I have my one Diesel shirt that cost over a $100 alone...

And before I forget, working at S-Cafe was great yesterday. It was nice meeting you guys yesterday: Baekkwang, Changseong, Remy, and Jae-won.






Places visited in Korea: Gwanghwamun, Banpo (Rainbow) bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Chyeongyecheon, Seoul City Hall, Jeju Island (Hallasan, IIchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo), N Seoul tower, Trick Eye museum Hongdae, Yongin Korea folk village, Changgyeong palace, Changdeok palace

Day 29, 31, 31, 32

As you can see, the only new thing added during these past few days was the Korean folk village in the city of Yongin. I'll be honest I was somewhat angry at Seungho for taking us there, since for the time (1 hr 30 mins) and money ($15) I was expecting something but it was very boring. I walked away asking myself "what did I learn?". Of course I can't hold grudges for very long and it's not a good thing either so I would much rather forget and move on, I have a lot more other things to be concerned about than having wasted an afternoon...Oh that reminds me I need to get started on that UNESCO project for the Korean heritage class.

And I can't believe it's already been a month since I arrived, some days during the past month felt like it flew by while at other times it just dragged on and on. Well let's see what month 2 will bring.





Places visited in Korea: Gwanghwamun, Banpo (Rainbow) bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Chyeongyecheon, Seoul City Hall, Jeju Island (Hallasan, IIchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo), N Seoul tower, Trick Eye museum Hongdae, Yongin Korea folk village

Just wanted to add, Seungho tried Ayran at the Turkish restaurant the other day and well, I'll never forget the look on his face XD...

Day 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

Once again not alot to talk about, just getting into the routine of things: go to bed late, get up, eat, class, eat, work on things/be lazy, eat, go to sleep. Yeah that seems to describe my days. I guess the most interesting thing I did during these days was go to a trick eye museum in Hongdae. Besides that nothing too exciting except being bit by mosquitoes 12 times or so...







Places visited in Korea: Gwanghwamun, Banpo (Rainbow) bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Chyeongyecheon, Seoul City Hall, Jeju Island (Hallasan, IIchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo), N Seoul tower, Trick Eye museum Hongdae

Oh just wanted to add to the last post, went to N Seoul tower and the view was spectacular. Seeing Seoul all lit up at night is very beautiful, and I highly reccomend it to whomever will visit Seoul. Pics will be posted soon.

Day 19, 20, 21, 22

Don't know where to begin since there isn't really much to talk about. The two days after Jeju were mainly used for rest and recuperation. Only yesterday did I start to do things again. I joined a club on campus and I'll be honest, it wasn't what I expected it to be. It's supposed to be an english speaking club, but I think many clubs are just about hanging out and socializing, as evidenced by the Soju bottles I saw in the club room. I'll give it a shot though. And as for today, I started my duties at what is called Global cafe S, where UOS students come in and chat with foreigners to improve their language abilities. So that was fun, I'm looking forward to meeting many students in there.

That's it for this post.

Oh yeah I should've mentioned this on my first post, but every car here is either a Hyundai or Kia. There are almost no foreign cars or companies here, which I find very surprising.


Places visited in Korea: Gwanghwamun, Banpo (Rainbow) bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Chyeongyecheon, Seoul City Hall, Jeju Island (Hallasan, IIchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo), N Seoul tower

Day 15, 16, 17, 18

It's been a couple of busy and tiring days. Jeju has come and gone, but the experience will remain. Our arrival in Jeju was something to remember. We didn't know where to go, so we rode a bus into the city, but rode back to the airport because we didn't know where to get off. In the end we took a taxi to a landmark hotel. From this landmark hotel we looked around for an hour or so for accommodations, and finally found one. All of us thought it was a good place to stay...more on this later.
The next day, we were off to Hallasan, South Korea's tallest mountain. Alex's Korea guide stated it would be an easy climb...yeah that was a lie. Hallasan was the toughest thing I have done since climbing Mt Fuji in Japan. It took 7 hours to climb and descend Hallsan, and I hurt my foot on the descent. But we did meet the other students from UOS that went to Jeju, a group of Chinese students. So that was fun meeting them while climbing Hallasan. Anyway, for what remained of the day, we went to a chicken and hof (beer) place to eat, everyone was sore but it was good.

I can't say alot for the next day besides my legs were sore and tired as hell. But still we left Jeju city for another world heritage site: IIchulbong, a dormant volcano on Jeju's east coast. By this time, the weather was cloudy and rainy and would remain like this for the rest of our trip. Also since the town that IIchulbong was in didn't have anything else to see, we moved onto the southern city of Seogwipo. In Seogwipo we saw a famous waterfall and tried Jeju's famous black pork. The black pork bbq dinner was disappointing. We were first handed another table's meat and then the staff weren't too friendly, and to top it all off it was very expensive: $60 for 3 pieces of meat and a small pork chop...Oh and Seogwipo was getting hit by a severe thunderstorm at this time. Massive amounts of rain and constant thunder for 8 hours or so, all through the night. A good and free "light" show. I don't know if that storm was actually the remnants of a tropical storm or typhoon that fizzled out, felt like it though.

As for yesterday, we headed back to Jeju city since our flight would leave Monday morning. We tried to visit the lava tubes/caves that were next to Jeju, but because of that storm that dumped all that rain, it flooded the caves and was closed...The rest of the day, just lounged around and didn't really do anything else.

Jeju was a good trip, it was very different from Seoul and the other major cities in Korea. I want to return there some day and hopefully the weather will cooperate this time. At the same time, I want to stay there longer have a Korean friend come along since I'm sure we would've had a better time if we could've understood some of the things that were said to us. But I bid farewell to Jeju its countless grandpa statues.

Oh before I do forget, about that first accommodation in Jeju we stayed at. The first thing on the TV set when I turned it on was a porn channel...that should've said something but I thought "ok that's a nice feature..." Well turns out we stayed in a love motel and to make things worse, I shared a room with Alex. No wonder the lady at reception thought we were gay when checking in...

Places visited in Korea: Gwanghwamun, Banpo bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Chyeongyecheon, Seoul City Hall, Jeju Island (Hallasan, IIchulbong, Jeju City, Seogwipo)

Day 12, 13, 14

I guess I'll start off with, I can't believe it's already been 2 weeks since I arrived. Time really is flying fast. So I finally visited Namdaemun and Chyeongyecheon with Murat and Seungho, unfortunately Namdaemun was covered due to renovations...so much for seeing that...However seeing Chyeongyechon was very good and beautiful. I couldn't believe that there used to be a highway that ran where it is now...
Didn't do anything really for Day 13 when it was my day off and I just decided to study Korean and other things, at the same time there's a major holiday coming up in Korea called Chuseok where everyone returns to their hometowns to honur ancestors. It almost seems like Obon in Japan.
As for today, Day 14, I watched the University's own rendition of 'Chicago' which was excellent, considering it had Korean students speaking english for 2.5 hours. I can't speak Korean for 2.5 minutes...So job very well done to the Korean students who did 'Chicago'.

Of course classes are now in full swing, but as I mentioned a major Korean holiday is coming up so campus may as well be shut down until next Wednesday. But I won't be lounging around in Seoul though (hopefully) since tomorrow I head to Jeju Island. So there won't be any updates for a couple days.

Until then.

Places visited in Korea: Gwanghwamun, Banpo bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong, Namdaemun, Chyeongyecheon, Seoul City Hall

Day 9, 10, 11

The last 3 days have been crazy, so to say. The ice breaking trip is something I'll never forget, very loud and fun in a small place called Gapyeong. And since it was so loud, during the trip I actually tried to camp outside. Just brought a pillow and started to sleep on the lawn of the lodgings we were all staying at. Maybe it was a good thing that someone came and took me inside to sleep since it did get a little chilly outside...That helped a little since it was warm, but I had no futon like blanket to sleep on so I slept on the floor with a pillow...

The day after was a mix of tiredness and soreness, but overall it was really fun and I don't think I'll ever forget that experience. As for today, didn't do anything just sat around the dorm watching documentaries and had a very delicious pizza dinner. I swear I'll never look at pizza or fried chicken the same way ever again in Canada.

Time for week 3 to begin.

Places visited in Korea: Gwanghwamun, Banpo bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam, Gapyeong

Day 7, 8

Not much to write about since I'm getting settled in here very quickly now. I guess the most interesting things I have done in these past two days were: eat at a sushi/sashimi place near Cheongyangni station, which to be honest was not that good and the owner seemed to have taken advantage of us being foreigners and charged us a lot. I felt sorry for Murat's roomate, who took us to that place, since he paid for it. Oh and I've realized that the university seems to be located in a very conservative part of Seoul. Since when we were all heading to the sushi restaurant, Murat was walking on the wrong side of the sidewalk and some old guy pushed him aside and yelled "right side!", if Murat's roomate hadn't informed me that this area was very conservative I would've passed that guy off as drunk and wanting to pick a fight. And speaking of drunk guys, the sushi restaurant had 3, each of them just yelling random things. Good entertainment for a not so good meal.
The other interesting thing in these last two days was go to Itaewon with Murat. Itaewon is literally a"foreign town" in Seoul. Within the first few metres from the station, I had already seen countless foreigners which is a stark contrast from the rest of Seoul. Murat also showed me a mosque in Itaewon as well. I'll be honest, it was very surprising especially since Korea is mostly Christian and Buddhist. All in all ended the day with a nice dinner at a Turkish restaurant. Though we could've chosen many other Middle Eastern restaurants in the area.

For Alex or Ryoko, if you read this: I tried a drink that was similar to the Dooh we had at the Iranian restaurant, except this one was not carbonated and no mint.

Ok well I guess I did write a lot. Won't be on here for a couple days due to an Ice breaking trip for all exchange students.


List of places visited: Gwanghwamun, Banpo bridge, Itaewon, Gangnam

Day 5, 6

I can't believe it's been almost a week since I arrived in Korea. 2 days of classes have already passed and the busiest is yet to come. I haven't been up to much over the last 2 days, just preparing forms and paying off dorm payments, and getting to know where everything on campus is. Oh that reminds me I should post more pics, but it's late here and I'm tired as usual. All pics will be posted on Facebook since it just seems more convenient.

As for places that I've been to, I'll start a list and keep adding to it now: Gwanghwamun, free orchestra concert at the Banpo Bridge which I originally went for the light and watershow,

Well that's it, off to bed now since it'll be a busy class day tomorrow.

Chalja

Day 4

Continuing from where I left off with this yesterday, today was the first time I went to a Korean movie theatre and watched a movie. Of course I didn't go alone and the movie was in English, subtitled Korean, but it was unique and fun. The theatre was almost the same as the North American ones, tickets are purchased from a line of computers, and the selection of movies seems small though that might only be at the theatre we went to. Afterwards, we went and ate at a street cafe, well more like a noodle cart but it was interesting and was very cheap.

Today was a good break day before a very busy week, classes start tomorrow and all paperwork must be handed in as well...

Korea Day 3

Today was very fun. Went with my buddy SeungHo to Gwanghwamun and saw the King Sejong and Admiral Yi statues/memorial. After, we took a stroll through Gyeongbokgung palace which was very cool. All pictures have been upped on facebook.

As for dinner, our friend Murat joined us. SeungHo took us to a fried chicken restaurant and it was THE BEST fried chicken I've ever had. KFC will never taste the same to me again.

Well that ends day 3, classes begin on Mon and there are many forms to fill out still. Oh forgot, orientation was yesterday and that was fun. Got a free shirt!!

Korea

Well it's been a few days since the last post, but this one is now from Korea. Am currently sitting in my dorm typing this and planning on where to go. Korea almost started off as bad as Japan when the person that was supposed to pick me up from the airport was nowhere to be found. I was contemplating taking a taxi to the university but thank god she found me, turns out I came out at the wrong arrival gate...Anyhow, it was good to meet a few other exchange students in Mark, Marin, Yahjie, Murat, and our very good guide SeungHo.

Pictures will be posted soon as I try and find a adapter for my camera battery charger.

Just to add to the last Japan post, I guess it ended as it started...with transportation problems. The JR Narita Express train was stopped due to an accident... But I made it to Narita so i'm not complaining. That's it for Japan.

Day 12

Well 2 weeks,  or 12 days however way you want to look at it, has passed by very quick. I can't believe that tomorrow at this time I'll be writing this from Seoul. But all good things have to come to an end. I'll be honest, this trip to Japan wasn't too much fun for me since I couldn't spend or buy anything, but it did help me prepare for Korea--> No jet lag!! and living on my own for the past 2 weeks has helped.

And finally pictures are being uploaded.

I guess I'll end the Japan portion of this blog with this: Thank you Akira, Mayumi, Ryoko, Tomoki, and Chiemi for making my trip fun and worthwhile. Thank you for showing me new places and new food :) All the best to all of you on school, and job hunting and I hope to see you all again next year!

Bring on Korea!!!

Day 11

Back in Tokyo and just waiting for Korea now. I noticed that there was Hanabi (fireworks) today along the river, found out by looking out my hotel window...but captured some shots of it. Anyway that's it for Day 11: arrive back in Tokyo and lounge around in my hotle room. Hopefully my last full day in Japan tomorrow will be better.

Oh and pics will be up soon...

Oh just to add to Day 9-10, I was surprised to have met some Cantonese speaking Japanese in Kobe yesterday. Of course they were Kobe tourism officials doing a survey, but this happened in Kobe's Chinatown and for a moment I felt I was back in Calgary.

And thanks again to Chiemi and Ryoko for guiding me on my last day in Kansai.

Day 9, 10

Sorry for lack of updates again, but I just keep forgetting or am too tired. Anyway for Day 9, Ryoko and her friend Tomoki took me to Kobe. My first time there and I already know that I want to go back. Seeing the earthquake memorial there was another somber moment、but at the same time it's incredible to see how the city of Kobe completely rebuilt and transformed after that disaster. Also saw the longest suspension bridge in the world, the Akashi Kaikyo Ohashi, which was lit up at night. Once again pictures will be posted as soon as I get back to Tokyo tomorrow.

If you read this blog, thanks again Tomoki for guiding me around Kobe :)

As for today, Ryoko will be guiding me through Osaka today. sigh. I can't believe in 3 days I'll be writing this from Seoul.

Day 8

Well in Osaka now, but don't plan on doing anything for the day since it's raining and I'm tired. But tomorrow should be a whole lot more fun since it'll be a day trip to Kobe.

If Akira, Mayumi, or Ryoko read this, thank you all for making this trip a whole lot more worthwhile. Without you I'd be completely bored out of my mind.

Day 5, 6, 7

Well I guess I should update this now that I have access to a computer again.
Anyway I can't believe its already been over a week already since I arrived, and only another 6 days before Korea.
As for Kyoto, I can honestly say I've been bored again...mostly because I have no one to talk to here and I've seen some of the major sites already. I guess that's why I decided to take a very small day trip to Hiroshima yesterday (18th). It was only to visit the A-Bomb dome and Peace Park but was very sombre. Today's the last full day in Kyoto before heading off to Osaka, so let's see what happens.

Oh before I do forget, here's an interesting story. When I first arrived in Kyoto and found my hostel, to my shock and disbelief it was completely closed down/went out of business. Thank God that I asked a security guard at a nearby grocery store of where the hostel was, and it turns out their new location was on the next block...If it hadn't been for that guard, I can surely say I would be typing this from Osaka and be much more angry due to having been charged a no show penalty. So I thank you Mr.security guard!! :D

Day 3-4

 No updates yesterday since I arrived back late from a gathering and there wasn't ebough time to write on anything, but yesterday was fun because I did get to see some old friends again and helped a new one with her upcoming exchange to U of C. As for today, I have arrived in Kyoto and will be making the most of it assuming it's not too hot and it won't make me lazy. Hopefully I'll be able to see Daimonji. But who knows...

Day 3

Day 3 was alot better than Day 2 that's for sure. Today I met up with my friend Mayumi who took me around Kamakura and parts of Yokohama. It was very fun but extremely tiring, on your feet all day and walking in 40+ degree weather. I can honestly say if you want a sweat bath come and visit Japan during this time now. In all, it was very fun and productive, it beat sitting around all day yesterday and already asleep at this time...I'll post pictures later since the computer I'm on is the same 15 yr old comp from before and doesn't have a memory card reader.

Day 2

There's not alot to write about for the 2nd day except not doing alot and feeling the effects of 4 hours of sleep. At the same time it's 40 degrees and add in the humidity, you'll sweat the minute you walk outside. So that's the most of day 2. I can't add any photos since I don't have my laptop and the computer I'm writing this on is about 15 years old too. Hopefully day 3 will be more exciting.

Welcome to Japan...finally...

I guess I should get this blog started...But if you knew what happened yesterday (See FB post) I was in no shape or form to write about anything. These are the only pics I took yesterday.

The last one of the Tokyo Tower is a "rare" one I guess. Completely darkened, due to the rolling blackouts.

Ok that was it for Day 1: 17 hours to Tokyo and running on only 3.5 hours of sleep from the past 48hrs

Bring on Day 2...

Coming in Aug 2011