tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76836251858665658322024-03-13T10:24:59.407-07:00The Daily Life of Betsy TeacherBetsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-42564999014087171132012-03-29T07:31:00.005-07:002012-03-29T08:04:01.062-07:00Dalat and Hoi AnAfter I left Saigon, I went up inthe the mountains to a place called Dalat. It's a cute, tiny little town that is best known for its coffee farms and it's crazy house, which is a Gaudi-esque building, where you can actually stay over night! <A href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqT9swgyCBQ/T3Ry9nZbV6I/AAAAAAAAAKw/u2yw3TVSfMA/s1600/Phu%2BQuac-HCM-Dalat%2B200.JPG"><IMG style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725327429167962018 border=0 alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqT9swgyCBQ/T3Ry9nZbV6I/AAAAAAAAAKw/u2yw3TVSfMA/s200/Phu%2BQuac-HCM-Dalat%2B200.JPG"></A> Also, I ate crickets. They were deep fried and served with some good sauce, so they weren't actually too bad!!!<br /><br /> <A href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTne7Kv2LQU/T3RzW2VFAeI/AAAAAAAAAK8/9-_POcrdCYY/s1600/Phu%2BQuac-HCM-Dalat%2B105.JPG"><IMG style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725327862672982498 border=0 alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lTne7Kv2LQU/T3RzW2VFAeI/AAAAAAAAAK8/9-_POcrdCYY/s200/Phu%2BQuac-HCM-Dalat%2B105.JPG"></A><br /><br /> My favorite part of Dalat, however, was going into one of the local villages and sitting in the home of some hill tribe women. They were five sisters, all living in the same house, along with their mother and various children. We sat with them for about an hour, introducing ourselves, and our guide, Mr. Rot, translated and told us stories about their lives. Apparently, when these women give birth, they go off on their own, deliver the babies themselves, and then stay alone for 7 days. People will come to give them food and water, but it's bad luck to touch the new baby, so they leave them alone for a week. Interesting, huh?<br /><br /><OBJECT id=BLOG_video-9bb179abbe1751c5 class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="9bb179abbe1751c5"></OBJECT><br /><br />We rode around the countryside on motos...(me riding on the back of course), and by the end of the day my stoach was full with delicious food and fruit, and lots of good memories!<br /><br />I then flew into Hoi An, an old fisihing city right on the water. It was such a quaint city, there are parts that no motos and cars are allowed to go, just walkers or bikers. At night the city is lit up with lanterns, and the streets are fillllled with tailors and shoe shops. I treated myself to a few things, and then a few more....and then a few more. And then I treated myself to a new bag to carry it all in! I stayed in a beautiful hotel near the beach, but it was unfortunately quite far from the city center. I either had to take a shuttle bus or ride a bike, which I did a few times. Here's a pic of me setting a lantern into the river while making a wish!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-91tpxJPIaWQ/T3R5AbLH7CI/AAAAAAAAALI/zPpXHFZdV48/s1600/Hoi%2BAn-Hue%2B048.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-91tpxJPIaWQ/T3R5AbLH7CI/AAAAAAAAALI/zPpXHFZdV48/s200/Hoi%2BAn-Hue%2B048.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725334074496117794" /></a><br /><br /><br />Hoi An was probably one of my favorite cities thus far...it was so cute, not too much to do besides wander around, shop and people watch. There were lots of little old houses and museums that we could go into, but I found myself more interested in just walking around.<br /><br />It was then off to Hue, which was kind of a wasted trip...not a lot to do there but see the citidel (ask me who lived there....) and see some tombs. It was a nice day yesterday, though...<br /><br />And now I'm at my last stop before home! Tomorrow I'm going into Mai Chau, a city up in the mountains where we'll stay in a house on stilts and see some local people at work, and then Sunday I start my Halong Bay cruise for two nights before home! It's defnitely been an amazing and quick month...but I'm excited to get home and see the family before I take off again!Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-87625067778672363042012-03-22T07:46:00.005-07:002012-03-22T08:13:47.970-07:00Good Morning Vietnam!!(I'm sorry, but I couldn't NOT)<br /><br />So, my two day tour down the Mekong delta was decent. My favorite part was the last day, where we went to one of the biggest floating markets in Vietnam. We spent the morning on a boat, passing by local merchants selling their goods. They show what they are selling by tying their produce to a flag-staff and waving it above their boats. I bought some amazing pineapple, an iced coffee, and a delicous rice/fig/banana thing wrapped in a banana leaf. We then went to a rice-noodle factory to see how the noodles are made.<br /><br />I arrived in Saigon Thursday night. I got myself some delicous Pho (vietnamese noodle soup served with beef, pork or chicken, soy beans, onions, peppers...mmmm, to die for! I just had a bowl for dinner, and could go for another right now). I spent the night there, took a quick moto bike tour around the city (my new favorite thing to do), and then headed to Phu Quoc island, off the west of the country. I spent three nights in a beach side bungalow there. It was amazing! My first day I laid on the beach all day, but the second day I took an all day moto tour around the island. We visited a fish market, a pepper farm, the best beach on the island, and the Coconut Tree prison, which was used during the Vietnam war to house and torture prisoners. I was the only westerner there, and believe me...I felt those stares like daggars. I have so much more to learn about the war here...but I know enough that it makes me uncomfortable. I also found probably the only Mexican restaurant on the island, and treated myself to a margarita and a quesidilla after a long day. <br /><br /> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hvpt9Ank8fo/T2s9giLM9AI/AAAAAAAAAKY/kfx9Vs0_rLo/s1600/Phu%2BQuac-HCM-Dalat%2B007.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hvpt9Ank8fo/T2s9giLM9AI/AAAAAAAAAKY/kfx9Vs0_rLo/s200/Phu%2BQuac-HCM-Dalat%2B007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722735380643247106" /></a><br /><br />After my marvelous beach weekend, I headed back to Saigon for a few nights. I visited the chu Chi tunnels outside of the city, where I learned a bit more about the war. We were able to crawl down through some of the original tunnels (widened for the westerners, thank you McDonalds) and watch a movie about the war. My favorite line from the movie? "Like a band of crazy devils..." is literally what was used to describe how the Americans invaded Vietnam. Awesome... <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNNtfZoNYKY/T2s-fyob1HI/AAAAAAAAAKk/XvWK1ohiTTM/s1600/Phu%2BQuac-HCM-Dalat%2B068.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNNtfZoNYKY/T2s-fyob1HI/AAAAAAAAAKk/XvWK1ohiTTM/s200/Phu%2BQuac-HCM-Dalat%2B068.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722736467392582770" /></a><br /><br />After that totally pro-American visit, I took a trip to the War Museum in Saigon. It was heartbreaking to see the pics of people who have suffered from side effects from Agent Orange, to see the pics the photographers took of the war (many of whom died in the war or after). Really eye opening...like I said, I need to learn more.<br /><br />I met up that evening with Amanda, who I met in Siem Reap, for some dinner and drinks. We've been meeting up lots during my trip, it's nice to have a travel buddy! Hoping to see her in a few days here in Hoi An.<br /><br />I left the next morning for Dalat, a mountain city in the middle of Vietnam, where the weather is cooler, the people are less pushy, and the scenery is amazing. I'll save that for another post, however, because 1) it's too incredible to describe in just one post and 2) I have an 8 dollar mani/pedi scheduled for the morning, and I'm just too darn tired to write anymore! Lots of tailor/shoe shops are callng my name here in Hoi An...thinking about getting a nice silk dress made for my lovely friend Sarah's wedding in September!! Good nite to you all....Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-8788009214267725692012-03-12T02:42:00.004-07:002012-03-12T02:55:02.254-07:00Tatai VillageAfter the trek, I took a small boat across the river to visit the local village. I walked down through the rice paddies, ran into some water buffalo, and saw many locals in their homes. Thats my favorite part of vacations, I think, seeing the locals live their daily lives. It was incredible to walk among the small, colorful, houses (many with satellite dishes!) and see the many animals they hae and hear lots of "hellos! and bye byes!"<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TnMOTHLK8B0/T13F8BpSrgI/AAAAAAAAAKM/9Bj3eyOajUU/s1600/PP-Rainbow%2BLodge%2B077.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TnMOTHLK8B0/T13F8BpSrgI/AAAAAAAAAKM/9Bj3eyOajUU/s200/PP-Rainbow%2BLodge%2B077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718944736854846978" /></a><br /><br /><br />After about 20 min of walking, I came across a small group of children. Not sure what they were doing, I was invited to take a seat with them. Ironically enough, they were having a small Christian sermon being led by two Korean missionaries! We had a little chat, took some pics, and I went on my way up to the village school.<br /><br />I saw a few boys playing at the school, talked to the English teacher, and headed down the road a bit to see the pagoda. All the monks were doing their wash, so their robes were hanging out to dry! Walked back to where the boat was coming to pick me up, watched some Khmer boys playing volleyball, and head with Won back to the lodge. Overall, an excellent village trip!<br /><br />That evening we had another awesome meal, and I packed up to go back to PP. I arrived there yesterday evening, met Amanda again, had lots of fun chatting and eating with some Spanish guys, and went to bed only to get up and leave again this morning. I also ran into my favorite little street boy, who I had bought some bracelets from my second day in PP. Each time we saw each other he'd say, "Hey lady, I know you!" We played some rock scissors paper, he showed me some magic tricks, and took a few pics together. Super sad to see so many street kids, but it was nice meeting him and realizing that although he's trying to work, he's really just a 5 year old boy who wants to play. <br /><br />It was honestly really sad to say bye to the hostel boys, they were adorable and super friendly, and I'm hoping to get back there some day!<br /><br />Spent all this morning on a speed boat down the Mekong Delta on my way to Vietnam. Passed through passport check, checked into our floating hotel right on the river, and am currently overlooking the delta! Tomorrow we're going to see a fish farm, and the next day we'll head to the biggest floating market on the delta, before getting to HCM in the evening. Not too sure what I think of the country yet...not nearly as friendly as Cambodia, but it's just day one! Friday I'm off to Phu Quac, for my 3 day beachfront bungalow extravaganza! Can't wait to having nothing more to do than just sit on the beach and read. Weather's spose to be great too, 95+ and sunny!!Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-28435849323820943102012-03-12T02:32:00.004-07:002012-03-12T02:41:15.816-07:00The mighty JungleSo, after an uber depressing day in PP, I had a nice relaxing day on Thursday. Head breakfast, paid wayyy to much to a cute tuk tuk driver to drive me around the city, and then in the evening met up with Amanda, who I met in Siem Reap, for a boat cruise and some dinner. The next morning, I took a bus to Koh Kong, up in the mountains in mid-Cambodia. <br /><br />This is where I stayed...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-0GbrMo2_g/T13DVVeRLYI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/Aq95dy3QLoQ/s1600/PP-Rainbow%2BLodge%2B024.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-0GbrMo2_g/T13DVVeRLYI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/Aq95dy3QLoQ/s200/PP-Rainbow%2BLodge%2B024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718941873139166594" /></a><br /><br />No big deal, right? I met some cool people, made some awesome connections for S. America, and enjoyed an amazing dinner before heading to bed in my own private bungalow, mosquito net included. The next morning I woke up feeling like a princess as I looked out the window at the jungle below.<br /><br />I had signed up for a trek to the Tatai waterfalls. I knew there were going to be leeches, so that nearly stopped me from going, but I've decided to do one thing every day that scares me, and that was it. Two hours, lots of sweat and LOTS of leeches later, we made it to the falls. (you'd be proud dad, after the first 10 leeches or so I was flicking them off all by myself!)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JfoVYg26i0/T13EMU6m3pI/AAAAAAAAAKA/hOQ6TAti0EM/s1600/PP-Rainbow%2BLodge%2B035.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JfoVYg26i0/T13EMU6m3pI/AAAAAAAAAKA/hOQ6TAti0EM/s200/PP-Rainbow%2BLodge%2B035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718942817882398354" /></a><br /><br />We spent a good hour or so splashing about, having a few drinks, and eating lunch. we headed back to the lodge around 2 or so, took a quick dip in the river which was amazingly warm and clean, and headed back to our rooms. The other group went kayaking, but I decided to wanted to visit the Tatai village across the river. <br /><br />All in all, Im so happy I did the trek! It was incredibly rewarding to make it there after the two sweaty, leechy hours. I'd definitely recommend the Rainbow Lodge for anyone heading to Koh Kong, great food, beautiful place, super helpful staff!Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-49262450430620479032012-03-07T00:37:00.003-08:002012-03-07T00:57:43.993-08:00Phnom Penh-Killing Fields and S-21arrived yesterday afternoon in PP. After a decent 4 hour ride from Siem Reap, and a quick tuk tuk ride, I was at my hostel, Velkommen Backpackers. I'm in a 6 person dorm room, which is actually really unfortunate for the boys in my room, as I'm quite the snorer. Actually, a roommate had to wake me up and tell me to roll over. Woops!! <br /><br />This morning I headed off bright and early to the Killing Fields. I had actually never heard of the genocide here in Cambodia until living in Korea, where many teachers come to visit here. It's something that was left out of our American textbooks, I assume, just like lots of other important parts of history that we didn't learn. <br /><br />The fields were incredible. Sad, but set in a beautiful orchard with birds chirping and flowers growing, that you would never suspect that thousands of people had been murdered there. You would never suspect, except for the hundreds of graves dug in the grounds, and the nearly 9000 skulls and various bones displayed in the Memorial at the front of the fields. I walked around to different areas, listening to a recording of what had happened at each specific place. The place where the trucks stopped to let people off, the place where nearly 450 bodies were found, the tree that women and children were killed at, and the class cases holding old clothing of the prisoners. At the end of the tour, I walked into the memorial that holds the skulls, and listened to a beautiful song about Phnom Penh. It was definitely a sad, sad visit.<br /><br />After that, my driver took me to the Tuol Sleng Musem, perviously known as S-21. This is where more than 17000 people were held before being taken to the Killing fields. It's an old school, composed of 4 buildings that were used to house and torture the prisoners. One building now contains pictures of each of the victims that arrived at S-21, a very chilling experience to see their faces and actual pictures of victims after they had been tortured. I walked through all the buildings silently, and saw the cells where they were kept. Mostly 2x4 ft cells made of wood or brick. Terribly sad. After the liberation of S-21 in 1979, only 7 survivors remained at S-21. These men had all survived by using some of their skills such as painting or photography. Of those 7, only two remain, one of whom was actually at the musuem selling his book. His name is Bou Meng. I bought his book and took a picture with him. He is smaller than me, speaks little English, and gave me the biggest smile when I bought his book. Out of respect for the victims of the genocide, I will not be posting my pics of the Killing Fields or S-21, but I will post the picture of Bou Meng and I. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8KPuaZZ37Pg/T1chypxLymI/AAAAAAAAAJo/GRcViMiWtfs/s1600/Killing%2BFields%2B064.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8KPuaZZ37Pg/T1chypxLymI/AAAAAAAAAJo/GRcViMiWtfs/s200/Killing%2BFields%2B064.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717075406059457122" /></a><br /><br />Overall, a very informative but depressing day. After meeting Bou Meng, and getting a small kiss on the cheek from him, I quietly walked away and cried for the first time that day. The tears that I had been wanting to cry all day had finally come, and it took me a few minutes to stop. <br /><br />Currently reading "First They Killed My Father" by Loung Ung, a girl who lived in PP when the Khmer Rouge took over on April 17, 1975, and lived for several years being moved from camp to camp. Haven't finished it yet, but can't seem to put it down. <br /><br />So, hopefully the toughest part of the trip is over. I'm glad I was able to go and see just a part of this heartbreaking history of this amazing country. The people have been recovering for years, but I doubt that the memories of what has happened here will ever disappear. <br /><br />On a happy note, I'm getting a tan! Woo hoo!!! And am receiving emails from students back at SLP. Love love love. :)Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-67288658231482445952012-03-04T07:45:00.005-08:002012-03-05T09:58:23.876-08:00Ragin' Asian Adventure-Days 1, 2 & 3motos. naked babies. the skinniest cows i've ever seen. rice. colors-pink, blue, green. geckos. Lady, you wanna tuk tuk? lady, you wanna silk scarf? I make good price for you. smells-manure, burning wood, grilling meat, orange blossoms, lilacs. Palm trees. the best pineapples I've ever tasted. beer. temples. dirt. men in sarongs. monks. monks on motos. babies on bikes. hello, bye bye! dogs. everywhere. Cambodian weddings (it's wedding season). temples. beer. honking motos. cambodian music that i cant understand. toothless old women. more naked babies. more colors. more smells.<br /><br />the past two days have been nothing less than incredible. Traveling alone is so empowering, and while I've met a few fun people already, I love not having to check with someone else on where to eat, sleep, what to do and what to see. Where to go. It's been awesome. <br /><br />My first day here I went to see some of the smaller temples that are a bit farther away than Angkor Wat. I woke up early, hiked up a small mountain, had lunch with my tuk tuk driver, Piri, and then watched the sunset over Pre Rup. Not too much of a view, but a wonderful, HOTTT sweaty day. <br /><br />The next morning I went to see some floating villages nearby. It took nearly an hour to get there, and on the way we went through some local villages. It was awesome to see the locals in their homes, going to/from the market, selling goods and cooking outside. Lots and lots of adorable babies too! Then I hopped on a boat with two brothers, both of whom were no older than 17, and we rode down the river past the "floating" villages. They're not really floating now, just on high stilts, but I believe during the rainy season the water raises really high so it seems as if they are floating. Stopped for a coffee and played with a few more babies, then rode out on a huge lake for a bit before heading back to the hostel.<br /><br />I was picked up about 1/2 hour later for my cooking class. We made Cambodian curry, spring rolls, and a crispy dessert that reminded me quite a bit of fortune cookies. In the evening I went to dinner with a few other lone female travelers, one of whom I'm hoping to meet up with in Phnom Penh later this week.<br /><br />This morning was my longest, albeit most incredible day. piri picked me up at 5, we rode to Angkor Wat, and I sat around for a bit until the sun rose. It was absolutely incredible!! the sky was pink all around, and the temple just rose out of the dark. I walked around that temple for a while, before hitting a few others (including the one where tomb raider was filmed!!!)<br /><br />In the afternoon I took a quick nap, then headed into the town to do some shopping and bargaining. Got some nice gifts, then went out again for dinner and to see an Aspara show, a traditional Cambodian dance/show, It was lovely and the dancers were amazing. Going to bed super early tonite, as I'm leaving early in the morning for Phnom Penh. Sad to be leaving, as Siem Reap was incredible, and my hostel was absolutely amazing... Siem Reap Rooms in case anyone is interested! They're super accomodating, helpful, amazing staff, good food, and great advice/help with booking things. <br /><br />So, Phnom Penh for a few days before going into the mountains on Friday. My trip thus far has been a blast, and I'm hoping the rest of the days will be just as great!!! Hope you're all doing well, wherever you are!!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mjJe_TLZy6Q/T1Thg3_1ijI/AAAAAAAAAJc/7zqQ2gFGMO4/s1600/Angkor%2BWat%2B014.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mjJe_TLZy6Q/T1Thg3_1ijI/AAAAAAAAAJc/7zqQ2gFGMO4/s200/Angkor%2BWat%2B014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716441781943765554" /></a>Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-32618552829385190112012-02-27T14:02:00.003-08:002012-02-27T14:05:38.622-08:00Graduation Day, Graduation Day!Well, it's finally arrived. My last day at work/graduation day!! Mixed feelings...sad to leave but happy to be moving on. Yesterday was my last day teaching, and it was a tough one....but just had to share some of my favorite quotes from the day.<br /><br />Me:"You're going to write goals for the next year, like 'I want to make good friends, or I want to have a nice teacher'".<br />Andrew: "We already have a nice teacher"<br /><br />Heather: "Teacher, please don't cry tomorrow. If you cry, then I want to cry" She then puts her head down and sheds a few tears. <br /><br />Andrew: "Teacher, I really, really miss you"<br /><br />Me: "You guys are so sweet and smart!"<br />Sally P: "Teacher we are delicious?!"<br /><br />It was a good last day. Managed not to cry too much. Charlie took a few pics of me on his phone then sent them to me on his cell. He's six. No big deal. <br /><br />Love these kids. Love my life.Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-33624291769689510162012-02-20T00:34:00.000-08:002012-02-20T00:41:34.649-08:00Its all coming back to me now...So after my last post I went through all the posts for the past two years. It's so funny and nostalgic to go through the things I wrote about my job and students from when I first started. Most of my predictions were right!! My kids have turned into amazing speakers.<br /><br />This past weekend was a fun and sad one. Had a going away party on sat night with friends from church, and Caroline who just arrived Friday!! We studied in Spain together four years ago and she just started her job today. I was so happy to introduce her to all my awesome friends!!<br /><br />Sunday I wentto church for the last time and said bye to all the people there. Two guys who I met on my first day in 2010 were there and it was nice to have them with me, as we have hung out quite a bit.<br /><br />So the goodbyes have begun... It's been hard and I know it will only get harder!! Pray that I make it through please. Hope you all had a nice weekend!!Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-5105564716070005122012-02-10T15:21:00.000-08:002012-02-10T15:40:02.737-08:00And nearly 8 months later....For any of you that may have read my blog before, I sincerely apologize! I'm sure you thought awhile back that you'd never hear from me again, but you're wrong, haha! 8 months have gone by since I last posted...and you know, life happens, you get busy...and I. AM. SORRY.<br /><br />The past 8 months have been filled with many many ups! and a few downs. Shortly after my last post, my parents and cousin came to visit me in Korea. We took an amazing trip to China where we hit nearly all of the major tourist sites in Qingdao, Beijing, and Guilin. The highlights were the Great Wall of course, and the boat ride down the Li River that we took amongst mountains and amazing pinnacles. Absolutely breathtaking.<br /><br />After vacation, school was back in full swing, and the family quickly went back to the US. Fall came, the leaves changed, I took a few hiking trips around Korea (this country is so amazingly beautiful in fall and spring!) And then winter came! My kids were learning faster than ever...amazing little English speakers they are! <br /><br />The beginning of December brought much heartache. As I'm sure you all know, my wonderful grandma, Reba Mullis, passed away. We were so glad that she went peacefully in her sleep, but it was a tough time for all of us. I was heartbroken that I couldn't be at home during such a tough time. Luckily, technology is amazing and i was able to watch her funeral via skype at 1:30 am my time. It was an incredible tribute to my grandma. She was such an inspiration to us all, quiet, but very strong and had great values. It was a blessing to be able to go home for Christmas to spend the tough time with my family. We miss you Grandma, and love you forever! But we know now she's with Grandpa, David, and the others in her family who have gone before her, so along with the heartache we all feel, we're sooo happy for her.<br /><br />As I said, I spent a quick, jetlagged, amazing week back home and then it was back to Korea! January was here then left, where the heck does time go? If anyone knows where the past two years of my life went, please let me know! It's now less than three weeks before I take off for my SE Asia adventure! I'll be traveling for a month through Cambodia and Vietnam, itinerary below! <br /><br />Graduation is less than three weeks away. I look at my little babies every day, several of whom I have taught since I first got to Korea. Their first day was my first day, and we've gone on this journey together! They know I am leaving, but dont seem to understand that I won't be coming back. I try not to talk about it to much, as don't want any tears in class just yet (mine of course). I'm so damn proud of all of these kids. They can have complete conversations, and I had a big part in that! Amazing. That's all I can say about them. And adorable of course :)<br /><br />The next three weekends are full of fun things planned, parties, parties, work (we're holding orientation classes this Sat and next, just for an hour each), parties, and lots and lots of Korean food! It's gonna fly. I'm thrilled to be moving on, but sad to be leaving. I've made incredible friends, learned what I want to be when I grow up, and had some awesome adventures. Thanks to all who helped me along the way!<br /><br />And here's a brief itinerary of my trip next month...more details to be included later! I promise to post again before I leave! Happy Weekend!!!<br /><br />March 2-Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Explore the temples of Angkor Wat and the city for a few days. Head to Phenom Penh on the 6th.<br /><br />March 6th-Hang out for a few days in PP. Learn some history about the Khmer Rouge, see all the tragic sites there. Probably cry. While I'm there gonna get a visa to vietnam, and try to plan a trip down the Mekong Delta.<br /><br />March 9-10-Staying at the Rainbow Lodge in the Cardamom Mtns. It's an eco lodge in the middle of the forest, looks awesome! Google it!!<br /><br />Back to PP then, to hopefully head down the Mekong Delta for a few days. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh. Hang out there, and then fly to Phu Quac, an island off the coast of Vietnam. I rented a beach side bungalow for a few nights...gonna relax on the beach and do some hiking!!<br /><br />From there, heading up to Dalat, Vietnam. Its a city in the mountains, very quirky, has some crazy architecture. Very different vibe from the other areas of Vietnam. Also famous for the Easy Riders, guys who take you on moto tours around the area. Hoping to take a tour one day!<br /><br />Then, heading to Hoi An, near the beach. It's a historic, quaint area, with lots and lots of tailor shops! Gonna get some amazing boots made for cheap, explore the area, and hit the beach some more.<br /><br />Then off to Hanoi, I want to take a night trip into Sapa, where I can hopefully stay with a local family and see how they live. <br /><br />After that, I have a tour booked around the Halong Bay. Its gonna be the end of my trip. I'll take a boat tour around the bay, do some kayaking, swimming, sleep on a "junk boat" one night, then the next day do some cycling and hiking on Cat Ba Island. Spend the night in a bungalow at a nature conservation place thingy...then head back to the boat and back to Hanoi. I arrive to Hanoi the 2nd, and fly out to Chicago the 3! Will arrive back about 10 am on April 4th.<br /><br />I know that much will change! Traveling is always an adventure. I havemost of Cambodia booked, and then gonna wait to book a few places in Vietnam. Can't wait!! I'm doing it alone, and could not be more excited about it. Sorry Dad, but I will have a cell phone! Lots of pics to come.Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-8846870554984368962011-06-23T05:03:00.000-07:002011-06-23T07:32:08.371-07:00And the award for worst blogger goes to...Me....I'm awful at these things!! I was doing good up until March, and then BANG!! Spring comes, fun comes, and now it's summer already. I'll make it brief...just the highlights!<br /><br />March came and went...I've since lost two students in my class, and we're down to five. An amazing five. Three that started with me in Jan of 09, one that came in March of 09, and another that just started this March. And they're all. Just. DOLLS!! I am so proud of how far they have come!! We are having full on conversations now. They told me to call my parents and tell them to bring cake when they come and visit. They told me to call my mom and ask her to send me some "indoor shoes". The kids all change their shoes when they arrive in the morning, and they noticed that I don't do the same. They're amazing, and I have another 8months to go with them. I was just telling a new teacher today, that this is the first job, the ONLY job where not one morning have I ever woken up and been upset to go to work. Sure I'm tired, cranky, sometimes I was out too late the night before, but I'm always willing to go in. I think I've finally found my calling....<br /><br />April came and went. The SLP teachers took a field trip to a different city, where we got to see some movie sets, hang out, drink, have BBQ, and the next day we road rail bikes. Bikes along an old railroad. It was a blast!!! I also took a trip with several other girls to a mountain ridge down south, where we hiked for over 6 hours, hit 4 peaks, and nearly cried from frusturation. There were times when we had to go down a 90 degree angle ladder. We had to use ropes at points to pull us up. But we made it, and the views were amazing. <br /><br />April also brought the cherry blossoms!!! These beautiful trees were everywhere, and I made sure to really appreciate them this year, because I know I won't be here next year to see them. Last year I was already hoping to stay until the next spring to see them, but this time....I'll be leaving. And they were gorgeous. <br /><br />May came, and went. Work during the week, fun on the weekends....We had one day off for Children's Day, and another for Buddah's birthday, where I went into Seoul again and saw the same lantern parade as last year. <br /><br />June came, and we headed down to Busan to relax on the beach for a few days over the Korean Memorial Day. The weather was perfect, and we all got a little sunkissed. We were at the tbeach during the day, at the bars at night, eating amazing food and enjoying our first three days off in a row in a very, very long time!!! <br /><br />Last weekend I went bungee jumping!! I've honestly never wanted to do it, but there's a super cheap (and honestly, semi short) place to go around here. A big group of girls and I went, it cost 25 bucks and we were harnessed by our waists, which made me feel way safer. I've gone skydiving twice before, and I really think I enjoyed this way more. The feeling of freefall was way more intense. I didnt let myself look down, the guy counted to five, and I ran and jumped!! I like to say that I did a "Pocahontas dive" like she did in the movies. Just went for it. And it. was. amazing. I loved it and hope to go again soon, maybe by my feet, but I don't know, it kinda sounds a bit more painful.<br /><br />I was supposed to go on another hiking trip this weekend, like 10 hours!! But it's raining all over Korea, and there's supposedly a typhoon coming, so I'm saving it for another day. In a few weeks we will go down to Boryeong, where the Mud Festival is that I went to last year. It was a blast last time and I'm hoping for the same this year. Then two weeks later my parents and cousin Chuck come!!! We're gonna expolore China for a year. I'm so excited!!!<br /><br />I've been going through a rough phase recently, they come and go. Just general feelings of lonelyness...(sp??? ENGLISH TEACHER!!!). It's honestly kinda hard to come home every night and not have someone to talk to or say good night too. Looking forward to the day when I have someone there all the time... :)<br /><br />But they come and go, like I said. So I know this one will pass too!! We've gotten a few new teachers in the past weeks, and they're all super fun and friendly. It's such a huge difference from when I first came a year and a half ago, not for better or worse, just different. I really like everyone I work with!! I've got another 8 months to go here, and I'm gonna enjoy them while I can, cause I'm sure once the time comes for me to leave I'll be sad. <br /><br />So I'm off. Another Friday is coming!! They are my short days. I get off at 4. Looking forward to the weekend, but always excited about seeing my kids again and hearing what there weekends were like. Hope you're all safe and happy, and happy weekend to you!!Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-54490883936855446742011-03-04T03:18:00.000-08:002011-03-04T03:32:00.585-08:00They're baaaaack!!My little lemons, that is. I was very excited to get my 6 year old class back from last year, and now that I have begun to teach them again, I'm still, very excited.<br /><br />We've moved from Lemon class to Orange class, and this year will be less focused on coloring and learning the ABCs, and more focused on forming sentences and having conversations. I have 6 out of the 9 students that were there when I left in December, and a new girl, Rachel, who is quiet as a mouse but speaks amazingly well. I can't even imagine what their level will be this time next year! The two slowest students in the class have both since dropped out, and now most of the kids are at almost the same level. And Yulia, the talker, who was still having trouble reading when I left in December, has finally grasped the concept of reading and is able to read nearly a full storybook outloud! I was so proud of her today, gave her two hi fives, and she blushed out of pride for herself :)<br /><br />So, here are my two favorite pics from the Taylor Swift concert last month!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHw7tvOBNXA/TXDLxaOksiI/AAAAAAAAAI4/CU5Zs1mUJEU/s1600/Taylor%2Bswift%252C%2Bgrad%252C%2Bboarding%2B016.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHw7tvOBNXA/TXDLxaOksiI/AAAAAAAAAI4/CU5Zs1mUJEU/s200/Taylor%2Bswift%252C%2Bgrad%252C%2Bboarding%2B016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580183988026520098" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rgMKhSKWNvA/TXDMERo0c4I/AAAAAAAAAJA/iXddRHADB-k/s1600/Taylor%2Bswift%252C%2Bgrad%252C%2Bboarding%2B031.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rgMKhSKWNvA/TXDMERo0c4I/AAAAAAAAAJA/iXddRHADB-k/s200/Taylor%2Bswift%252C%2Bgrad%252C%2Bboarding%2B031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580184312138199938" /></a><br /><br />It was an awesome concert with awesome girls, and probably one of my favorites of all time (although, I haven't been to toooo many concerts....)<br /><br />And here's me on my first boarding trip!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BgjxA6SyJeM/TXDMl8mY-oI/AAAAAAAAAJI/mOdyWytvTXk/s1600/Taylor%2Bswift%252C%2Bgrad%252C%2Bboarding%2B063.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BgjxA6SyJeM/TXDMl8mY-oI/AAAAAAAAAJI/mOdyWytvTXk/s200/Taylor%2Bswift%252C%2Bgrad%252C%2Bboarding%2B063.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580184890606418562" /></a><br /><br />Again, sorry for my lack of computer skills, and my inability to post pictures the correct way. <br /><br />And one more from kindergarten graduation!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aFqi9lPF6mQ/TXDNCxLHD9I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/Ut9kkqGmgHk/s1600/Taylor%2Bswift%252C%2Bgrad%252C%2Bboarding%2B065.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aFqi9lPF6mQ/TXDNCxLHD9I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/Ut9kkqGmgHk/s200/Taylor%2Bswift%252C%2Bgrad%252C%2Bboarding%2B065.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580185385755414482" /></a><br /><br />My Lemons, er, Oranges, getting their certificates of completion of one year at SLP. They didn't graduate, but look how cute they are!<br /><br />And last weekend I moved into my penhouse suite, complete with full sized bathroom and balcony. I haven't completely finished unpacking yet, but once I do I will be sure to post pictures of my awesome new place. I'm having a housewarming tomorrow with a bunch of friends from church, so I hope my neighbors don't go to bed too early!!<br /><br />Happy weekend!Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-68007440217100172762011-02-20T03:05:00.000-08:002011-02-20T03:39:41.868-08:00Philippine adventures, Taylor Swift!! and little LemonsSo, exactly two weeks after I arrived back in Korea, we had a 5 day vacation!!! My coworker and friend Claire had asked me while I was back in the US if I would be interested in a trip to the Philippines, and as I had been wanting to go, of course I agreed. So I picked up some extra Parkway shifts, and the day after we returned from our cruise I booked my ticket to Boracay!<br /><br />We arrived at hour hostel Wed evening, after an extremely long day of traveling. I had taken two flights, a two hour bus ride through windy roads, a 10 minute ferry ride (on which I which i was sure I would be tossed into the ocean and never seen again, it was so choppy!) and then finally a "tricycle" ride back to our hostel. The tricycles in the Phil. are basically mopeds with a little cart on the side, where you can seat about 4 people. Cheapest form of transportation and also fun!!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6L1EQX08qY8/TWD4eAIUyxI/AAAAAAAAAIg/N9q19WzEg9Y/s1600/Philippines%2B179.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6L1EQX08qY8/TWD4eAIUyxI/AAAAAAAAAIg/N9q19WzEg9Y/s200/Philippines%2B179.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575729532999355154" /></a><br /> Our first tricycle ride, with Jubee in the background<br /><br /><br />After Claire and I settled into our hostel, we went out to explore the nightlife. We weren't sure where to go, so we hit up a few beach bars, where we met some Filipino guys who were more than willing to be our tour guides for the night! They took us to a club, Club Paraw(sp?), where we danced the night away to the same music that was played all four nights we were there. It was my favorite night of the week, just cause it was so unexpected. <br /><br />The next morning, we woke up (because I wake up early every day, my body didn't let me sleep past 9 am any of the days we were there!!), had some lunch, then hit the beach. That evening, we got some dinner, hit the clubs again...and repeated the scenario for the next two days. It was such a relaxing, amazingly beautiful, and fun/random little vay-cay. I attempted to scuba dive, but couldn't keep my head underwater for more than 10 seconds before I panicked. I had never had a desire to go, but since I was in a country that is known for its diving, and since it was so cheap (70 bucks for 3 hours!) I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I went into it knowing that I was a little nervous, so I wasn't bummed that I couldn't finish out the dive. I gave it a shot and that's all what counts! Now I know that I don't need to try it again.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jGqTyrqB_i4/TWD5CTMrW9I/AAAAAAAAAIo/Bs4cijiVsH0/s1600/Philippines%2B232.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jGqTyrqB_i4/TWD5CTMrW9I/AAAAAAAAAIo/Bs4cijiVsH0/s200/Philippines%2B232.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575730156593175506" /></a><br /> Sorry its sideways!!! But check out this view...<br /><br />Our hostel was great, it was run by 5 family members, all of whom seemed to be under the age of 20, and all of whom were ridiculously helpful and goofy. Jubee, the guy who picked us up from the airport, was just this bubbly little energy ball, and would appear around the hostel at random moments. Hello maam!! He would call at any time. Are you okay? Are you okay?? <br /><br />All of the people in the Phillipines were so nice(with the exception of the Manila airport), and I have no doubt in my mind that I will be taking another trip there in the future (possibly next Christmas??!!). Anyways, it was really hard to leave that Sunday. Jubee took me to the ferry, and when I went to board, he grabbed my hand, said so sweetly, "take care, maam, take very good care". I nearly burst into tears because I REALLY didn't want to leave. I've never had a vacation where there was nothing on the agenda besides beach, food, and dance clubs. It. Was. Perfect. I had a great travel buddy too!! Claire and I were on the same page the whole trip. We were both looking for nothing more than a fun, relxing mini vacation, and we got exactly what we wanted.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ks7no4Aebc/TWD5lEny0EI/AAAAAAAAAIw/hMrYZDJ-8XE/s1600/Philippines%2B183.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ks7no4Aebc/TWD5lEny0EI/AAAAAAAAAIw/hMrYZDJ-8XE/s200/Philippines%2B183.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575730753975799874" /></a><br /><br /> Our first night out<br /><br />Claire and I were on separate flights home, and I had only one hour between my flight from Kalibo and to Macau in China. We left Kalibo about 20 minutes late, so by the time we arrived in Manila I had half an hour to get through security and get on the next plane. The ever helpful airport staff (can you sense the sarcasm?) never seemed to be able to help me along the way, and after waiting about 10 minutes in a line, having a man check my passport, ticket, etc, and THEN ask me to go fill out an immigration form (which I've never had to do upon leaving a country), I, the ever saavy traveler, did what any experienced traveler would do. I burst into tears. Through my sobs I was able to choke out that my flight left in ten (YES TEN MINUTES SIR!!) minutes, and the guy, obviously extremely confused and seemingly terrified at my outburst, let me go through with out the paper (hopefully I'll be let back in next time!) I made it to the gate, was literally the last person on the plane, and we took off five minutes later. I made sure to let the people there know that NO ONE that I had asked for help along the way had been able to do anything for me besides wave me in the general direction of where I was supposed to be going. Thanks, Manila.<br /><br />Anyways, my flight arrived in after the last bus left for my city, so I rented a cot in the airport spa, slept for about 6 hours until Claires flight arrived at 5 am on Monday, and then we took the bus back to Dongbaek, where I showered and walked to work by 9 am!!! I was pretty tired that day, but, airport mishaps and all, it was damn well worth it.<br /><br />The next Friday, a few girls and I were able to go see Taylor Swift in Seoul! It was an amazing show, and once I get the pics on my computer I will put them up.<br /><br />In other good news, I officially found out Friday that I will be getting my original kindergarten class back for the next school year! When I left in Dec, my replacement began teaching them, and I took over some second year students. But after my current kids graduate on Friday, my old Lemon class will become second year students, and I will have them until they graduate next February. I didn't really care what classes I got this year, new kids, old kids, etc, but I am thrilled to have my old students back. I will have taught them for two years by the time they graduate, and it will be very cool to see them through from beginning to end.<br /><br />All in all, life is great over here in Korea land. Today was beautiful, and spring is coming!! I can feel it. Thank goodness!! I'm meeting more and more people every day, and am just loving life right now. Hope you all are as happy as I am, wherever you may be!!! New pictures, and my first snowboarding attempt posts are coming soon!!Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-613770921207469012011-02-15T03:08:00.000-08:002011-02-15T03:31:28.133-08:00Soulmates!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pMqSpUAxgU/TVpj-vxpGJI/AAAAAAAAAIY/d2tdFdgZ1_s/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3pMqSpUAxgU/TVpj-vxpGJI/AAAAAAAAAIY/d2tdFdgZ1_s/s200/006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573877418452129938" /></a><br />So, I arrived back in Korea on January 18th. My flight came in at 9:30, and I was lucky enough to catch the last bus back to my city. Because I was getting in so late, I stayed the night at my friend Ryan's (aka my soulmate's) house. Let me tell you a little about Ryan...<br /><br />She arrived last year about 6 weeks after I did. I was thrilled to not be the new teacher anymore, and she and I were pretty much inseperable from there on out. She had lived in Barcelona for a year, the same time I had studied in Spain. She's from near San Francisco, but went to school in San Diego. And she's awesome. And beautiful. She's got beautiful dark skin and hair, and her Irish side also brings out some freckles. She's a very sweet, kind, soft spoken but very opinionated girl. <br /><br />We worked the same schedules, so we walked to and from school quite a bit, which led to many dinners together on weeknights. After we discovered the nightlife, we could be found out and about often. The first night outside of our city that we had together, we stumbled upon this amazing place called, "Lose Control Clubby Bar". So we ended many of our nights out there, dancing along with the mostly 18-24 year old Korean hip hop crowd. She went to Thailand with Elena and I, along with another girl, and one night, after a few glasses of Cass light, I told her, (and I quote)..."I'm so glad we are friends!! I just feel like we are soulmates!" And I meant every word of it.<br /><br />After I decided to extend my contract, I knew that it would be hard to be here without Ryan, because, I had only been here a few weeks when she arrived. There are plenty of fun people around to always hang out with, but she was always my "go to" person when I was bored, or sad, or lonely. I expressed my concerns to her, and she assured me that I would get along just fine, because there are lots of cool people in our area. She also assured me that we would have regular skype dates. (Also, when I was unsure what I would be doing this next year, she told me that I was more than welcome to come live at her and her mom's house, because she had two twin beds in her room!! I may still take her up on the offer some day.)<br /><br />Before I left Korea in December, we had one "last" weekend together, because I actually came back to replace her. Our last weekend was kind of a bust due to some idiot who shall remain nameless (ahem Drew). Anyways, Ryan took me to the bus stop the night before leaving korea, and mid embrace the bus driver honked at me to get on my way. Luckily I was able to skype with her and get a real goodbye once I got to the hostel.<br /><br />She kept me updated while I was back home on what was happening in Korea...and I was so excited to see her again when I came back in January! It was bitter sweet, because she left just 4 days after I arrived. I took her to the airport, we had one last "soulmate" hug, and I surprisingly didn't start crying til she had gone through the gate.<br /><br />So now she's gone, but she was right. I am getting along quite well without her...although I do miss her a lot!! And we have skyped at least 4 times, and talk several times a week on facebook. I've made soooo many great, amazing friends during all of my travels, and Ryan is one of the greatest, and most amazing. I take great comfort in knowing that I will see her soon upon my arrival in the US next year, unless she is already in S. America (where I will join her later on).<br /><br />So cheers to you, Ryan teacher!!! You made my first year in Korea amazing and unforgettable...and I just hope to have half the experiences I did with you in this next year. I will raise my tinto de verano to you, and to our many crazy travel and soulmate stories that are sure to happen in the future!!! I LOVE YOU!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_-FZv4iPCCU/TVpjS1jqqLI/AAAAAAAAAII/e5DplrKQYrE/s1600/198.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_-FZv4iPCCU/TVpjS1jqqLI/AAAAAAAAAII/e5DplrKQYrE/s200/198.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573876664089880754" /></a><br /> In Thailand<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aoOnocfcfz0/TVpjotSkdxI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/--uuDvPEC2E/s1600/241.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aoOnocfcfz0/TVpjotSkdxI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/--uuDvPEC2E/s200/241.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573877039827810066" /></a><br /> If you look hard you can see me in her glasses!Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-42976712731481517772011-02-14T02:53:00.000-08:002011-02-14T05:24:29.528-08:00Can I get a breather here??I don't think I've had barely ANY time to myself to just RELAX in the past, well...two months!!! It'll take a bit to catch you all up, so here we go!!<br /><br />I arrived back in the US December 15th, exactly a year after I arrived in Korea! It was great to see the family, my beautiful baby niece, and old friends after a long time. The holidays were great (and I just weighed myself today and have officially lost the 7 pounds I gained back in the US!!). I got to see many people that I hadn't seen in a very long time, spend some much needed bonding time with lil Sadie poo, and just hang out in the US. <br /><br />And of course, I picked up some shifts at my favorite place, Parkway! After working there for 5 years through college, I was ready to leave it a few years ago. But when the opportunity presented itself to go back and pick up a few shifts over the holidays, of course I jumped at the chance! It worked out perfectly because in the 6 or so shifts I worked there, I was able to earn about half of the cost of my plane ticket to the Philippines!! (save that for a later post)<br /><br />So Christmas came and went, (I swear, even as we get older the presents under the tree seem to grow!) and then New Years came and went (I spent it at a local bar with a close friend, pretty chill). And then it was time for our Caribbean cruise!!<br /><br />My parents had been raving about cruises since they went on their first one in 2007. The timing was perfect, cause I was home and the baby was young enough to be left behind...<br /><br />So we headed off to Puerto Rico. After checking in, we enjoyed the ship, looked around, and danced quite a bit (well, everyone else did, Elena and I went to bed!) The next several days were filled with off shore excursions to St. Thomas, Dominica, Greneda, Bonaire, and a beach filled day in Aruba. <br /><br />In St. Thomas we did some kayaking, snorkelying, and a bit of sightseeing. Dominica and Greneda were my favorites, cause we got to see some amazing waterfalls and beaches, and they were both filled with lush jungles!! Just beautiful. Bonaire wasn't too much to see, a lot of history of slaves, and lots of salt pyramids (that they export I believe). It actually looked more like Africa with lots of dry trees and sandy, dusty roads. Aruba was a blast too, and we spent the day just hanging on the beach, had a wonderful lunch on the dock, and then headed back to the ship where we would set sail for the next day and a half at sea. The ship was amazing, and there was always something going on!! Movies, zumba, dancing, eating, drinking...that's where I gained most of my weight back home!! Before ourflight back to Chicago took off from Puerto Rico, we got to see a bit of the Old San Juan, as well as the Bacardi Distillery, which was very cool. And of course we got to sample some of the local rum!! It was such a fun trip with the family...a once in a life time thing!! I know my siblings and I are so grateful to our amazing parents!<br /><br />So then I had another week in the US, where I met up with 4 very close and old friends. All of us are at such different and fun times in our lives so it was great to catch up. After one more family get together (and lots of Sadie-kissing) I was off to Korea again on Monday January 17th...<br /><br />All in all, it was a much, much needed "vacation" time that I got to spend at home with great family and friends...Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-10291193644590229202010-12-10T07:52:00.000-08:002010-12-10T08:06:37.684-08:00How Do You Measure a Year??I love rent. in cause anyone got that blog title.<br /><br />Five days from today will be my one year anniversary in Korea!! Just in time for me to go home again...<br /><br />I'm so extremely satisfied with how this first year in Korea has gone. Of course, there were some challenges, (um, hi...I'm a kindergarten teacher...I've never been a teacher before, and yet here I am!) That was me a year ago...but now I feel like a seasoned pro.<br /><br />Seeing these little kids, who started last January with not much more than "Hi, my name is...", as tiny, little, English speaking people makes me so happy and proud. It was definitely a challenge at times, but also, I had some of the most fun of my life up there in front of those kids, singing, dancing, sometimes yelling, and teaching. I was the first foreign person that many of them had ever seen, and I hope that they will remember me for a long, long time.<br /><br />Of course, I will still see most of them when I return. But, they won't be "my" babies anymore, they'll be someone else's! My replacement came Tuesday, and she seems like she'll do a great job with them. But I'll still feel a little envy when they go to hug her before me ...<br /><br />Anyways, this year has passed so quickly, and yet it seems like I've been here forever!! Korea is home to me right now, and I'm happy with it that way. I hope that I feel the same way when I'm getting ready to board the plane to come back in January!!<br /><br />But for now, I'll pack my bags, clean my apartment, and get ready for the Holidays at home with family and friends. And my beautiful baby niece! I'm super excited for our cruise too, it will be so nice to have our immediate family together for a week. It's been a loooong time since that happened!<br /><br />I'm happy to have the next year or so laid out for me. My time in Korea is not complete yet, who knows if it will be by this time next year or not, but for now I'm so happy to be here for another year. I have some thoughts for the future, South America, possibly Europe again...who knows. I'm not gonna lay out any plans just yet...but I know that I won't be done traveling this huge, amazing, beautiful world we live in for a very, VERY long time!<br /><br />Thanks to all of your for all your support in my many adventures...you have no idea how good it is to have people that believe I'm doing what's right for me right now...when all it seems like people my age are doing is getting married and having babies!!! I want that all some day....but my time will come, right mom??<br /><br />I hope to see many of you over the holidays, but if not, keep in touch!!Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-35397535497729289892010-11-01T04:43:00.001-07:002010-11-01T04:57:37.920-07:00Betsy goes hiking (yes...it's true dad, and no there was no boy involved!)Last weekend...the week before Halloween, a group of girls from my village and I went on a hiking/leaf looking/Korean village stay. It was a blast, and so beautiful! We left late Fri night and drove to Juwonsan park...we stayed parked in the bus for a little til the sun rose, and then walked up a hill, to this...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pxcGIG7vBds/TM6owMNdILI/AAAAAAAAAHw/nn4PFFL8CFY/s1600/123.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pxcGIG7vBds/TM6owMNdILI/AAAAAAAAAHw/nn4PFFL8CFY/s200/123.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534546537949765810" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pxcGIG7vBds/TM6ovhZbytI/AAAAAAAAAHo/NSXOWrbwDRk/s1600/100.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pxcGIG7vBds/TM6ovhZbytI/AAAAAAAAAHo/NSXOWrbwDRk/s200/100.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534546526457285330" /></a><br /><br />Gorgous huh?? The colors werent even in full "bloom" yet...but it was soo pretty.<br /><br />Next, we walked into the park, where we headed off on our 5+ hour walk. It was only about 1 hour uphill, but coming down was possibly even harder!! There were so many people, that at times there were lines to get around and see the waterfalls (not much more than some trickling streams). But...it was beautiful and soo nice to be out walking around.<br /><br />After our walk, we drove another couple hours to this Korean village, where we got to stay over night in old traditional Korean houses, sleeping on the floors and all. It was a lot of fun, and meeting some of the people really took me back to when I was living in Brazil and was constantly surrounded by other students from different countries...It was a lot of fun.<br /><br />the next morning we got to see a Korean mask dance, which was...interesting. then we headed back into Seoul. Got into Dongbaek around midnight...and then it was Monday again!! The week flew by, and Fri we had our Halloween party, which was fun and so cute to see all the kids in their costumes. This past weekend was busy also, I joined a friend of mine in Seoul at this international gathering of people...mostly Filipinos, and Koreans, with a few Europeans and Americans...we had a blast out at the clubs all night, and I met some really cool people. They do it every couple weeks, so I'm sure I'll see them all again!! <br /><br />Can't believe its Nov 1st...wow. 6 weeks and I'll be home again, and then its back to Korea!! It feels like I've been here forever...but the individual weeks and months go by sooo fast. I'm glad to be taking advantage of it all...<br /><br />Happy November 1st everyone!Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-53256539494814630352010-10-26T21:51:00.000-07:002010-10-26T22:00:15.798-07:00He said whaaaaa??My kids were just cracking me up today, so I had to write about what they said before I forget. First, Carson came in today with a perm. Yes, a five year old Korean boy, with a perm. Since his hair was not too long to begin with, it didn't do much more than just give him thicker, fuller hair, but it was definitely noticable. Carson pointed it out to me, and then Kenny, who is like the master of geography and knows more countries' flags than I do, asked if he could stand up and point to a flag. When I let him, he pointed to the Indian flag. I said, oh, that's the Indian flag. Kenny says, "yes, I think Carsons hair looks like Indian people's hair." I was RED in the face. Snorted out loud. Tears nearly streaming down my cheeks. Not only was I amazed that Kenny knew the country by pointing to the flag, but Carson did, in fact, have this thick hair that looked more like something you would see in India than here in Korea. And then Jane pointed out my ridiculously red face, and we all had a laugh for a few minutes.<br /><br />In my next class, Charlie (who has always been and will always be my favorite) and I were arguing during lunch about some Toy Story lines. Yes arguing, in English, with a four year old Korean child. Cool huh?? Anyways, he kept saying "You infinity, and beyond!!" and insisting that this is, in fact, what Buzz Lightyear says. I argued back, but then he told me that in the second Toy Story movie, there is a "fake" Buzz, and that this is what the fake Buzz says. "Real Buzz say, To infinity, but not real Buzz say, "YOU infinity!!". So, can anyone help me out here?? I've never seen the second, but Charlie was dead set on this. Either way...having a normal (somewhat) casual conversation with a four year old (whos native language is NOT English) over lunch pretty much melts my heart and makes me realize how much I love my job...Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-81367967868333147192010-10-26T05:07:00.000-07:002010-10-26T05:19:53.048-07:00North Korean borders and South Korean zoosLast Saturday, the SLP teachers took a little trip to North Korea. Well, not really, but we did get closer than I'm sure most of you have been!! The DMZ, for those that do not know, is the Demilitarized zone. The 2 km north and south of the border dividing the two Koreas. We got on a little tour bus that took us to the train station that goes to North Korea, then to another building where we got to stand behind a line and take pictures of N. Korea, and see the competing flags (N. Koreas is higher, btw). Then we headed to the area where we got to explore the 3rd tunnel, the 3rd of 4 tunnels that N. Korea dug in preparation for the attacks on S. Korea. Luckily, the ROK discovered the tunnels (well, these 4 at least!) and we got to walk down into one of them. It was really interesting visiting there...it's heartbreaking to see the difference in these 2 countries, but the hope that the S. Koreans have for that one day the two will be reunited is really uplifting. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pxcGIG7vBds/TMbF5d-db_I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/R0tH3Pns_LI/s1600/059.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pxcGIG7vBds/TMbF5d-db_I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/R0tH3Pns_LI/s200/059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532326783361052658" /></a><br /> sure is pretty and colorful for such a serious place eh?<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pxcGIG7vBds/TMbGZKinmYI/AAAAAAAAAHY/GbFW2idlkEo/s1600/065.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pxcGIG7vBds/TMbGZKinmYI/AAAAAAAAAHY/GbFW2idlkEo/s200/065.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532327327899818370" /></a><br /> <br />The next day, two teachers and I set off the the Seoul Zoo. Unfortunately, we got there pretty late in the afternoon, so we didn't get to see too much. (and we missed the dolphin show!) But the fall colors were gorgous...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pxcGIG7vBds/TMbHJ2VBIkI/AAAAAAAAAHg/ioaFOH8MiG4/s1600/074.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pxcGIG7vBds/TMbHJ2VBIkI/AAAAAAAAAHg/ioaFOH8MiG4/s200/074.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532328164287652418" /></a><br /><br />I got to see a lot more colors this past weekend, when a group of us went on a hiking/folk village stay several hours away, but that post will be coming soon!!Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-22422776877253207682010-10-03T04:15:00.001-07:002010-10-03T04:34:22.694-07:00Home Again, home again, jiggity jig!So, I'll fill you all in on my quick, but most needed, trip back to the US of A!<br /><br />I arrived cheery eyed and bushy tailed at OHare around 4pm on the 18th. It was a wonderful reunion between my mom and I, and then we were on our way back to Sycamore. We stopped at home, where we met my dad, and then headed to Genoa for Tim's show at the Genoa Oktoberfest. After a beer and a brat, we took of for Joe and Gail's, where I got to see my first niece!! I'm sure most of you have seen lil Sadie, she was just breathtaking, and I was instantly in love. <br /><br />After spending a bit there, we went into Sycamore for the block party, only to see that it had been seemingly cancelled! We stopped by Taxco to see if Jesus was there (he wasn't, he was at Blumen Gardens, where the block party was taking place!). So we had a margarita there, then took off for the party, which was a like a Sycamore reunion for me. I hadn't seen that many white people all together in a very long time!! But got to see a whole lot of people that I used to work with, and then I headed to MVP's with some friends that I used to work with at Parkway.<br /><br />The next day, mom had a party at our house, where I got to see both sides of the fam. I was extremmmmely jet lagged, so I apologize for seeming out of it!! Haha that feeling didnt really go away until Wednesday or so. The following days were filled with lots of dinners, lunches, catching up, and running around. I had to renew my license before I could drive in the US, so on Tuesday I spent a good part of the morning at the DMV. Welcome to America! haha. I also had stuff to get together for my new visa for Korea, and had to take a trip into Chicago on Friday for that too. Tuesday was the surprise anniversary party for mom and dad, which went super well, and I'm grateful to all who made it out!! It was kinda a last minute thing, but mom and dad were happy, and so was I. 30 years!! That's quite an accomplishment these days. Hoping that someday I'll be doing the same with my husband!!<br /><br />Saturday morning was back to the airport...like I said, it was a very quick, but wonderful trip home. Knowing that I would be back in less than 3 months made leaving again quite easy. I arrived 12 hours later in Seoul, at 4pm Sunday afternoon!! Going back to work the next day was surprisingly easy. Haven't had time to be jet lagged really, which is a good thing!! Yesterday (Sat) we had a mini-Olympics with our kinders. All the moms and dads came, and we had a big day of relay races and fun games, with lots of prizes and singing too!! We taught the kids the chicken dance and Take me out to the Ball Game, which was absolutely adorable to see them sing!! I'll have to get a video of them singing it to show you all. It was a lot of fun to see the parents, I've met most of my kids moms, but havne't met any dads, so that was cool to see them all having fun together. Today was a lazy day after church, probably a good thing, considering I haven't had time to clean or do laundry since I've been back!! In a few weeks we'll be going to the DMZ, the area between N. and S. Korea, and then the week after that I'm hoping to be going on a little hiking trip up in the mountains to see the fall colors. Hope theres nice weather!!!<br /><br />I've been looking into doing a volunteer program in Mexico for a month when I'm home this winter. We'll see if I can get placed in time...but if not I'll just have to think of some other trip to take while I'm home!! 2 1/2 months of not working will drive me (and my mother, I'm sure) crazy. We'll see...I'll keep you all posted though!!! Im gonna try to upload a few pics from home.... <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pxcGIG7vBds/TKho56uVmyI/AAAAAAAAAHA/VAsh7Z3SmtE/s1600/196.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pxcGIG7vBds/TKho56uVmyI/AAAAAAAAAHA/VAsh7Z3SmtE/s200/196.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523780287195355938" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pxcGIG7vBds/TKhp1kbW9eI/AAAAAAAAAHI/HVcNOORnn2o/s1600/218.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pxcGIG7vBds/TKhp1kbW9eI/AAAAAAAAAHI/HVcNOORnn2o/s200/218.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523781312002323938" /></a><br /><br />I have some more that I havent yet uploaded to my comp, so I'll be sure to add them soon!Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-58787884227881619662010-09-17T16:04:00.000-07:002010-09-17T16:10:39.479-07:00The Day has arrived!!so, the day is here. I'm sitting in the airport in Seoul, hoping the next 20 hours pass quickly. I'll board the plane to Beijing in about an hour, and then it's a 5 hour layover there, then off to Chicago!! My anxiety is pretty bad right now, hoping to make it through the flights. May take some medicine to knock me out!!<br /><br />There are no words to describe my excitment!! I can't wait to come home and see everyone, most importantly my family and new niece!! Our family will be complete again, for about a week, until I'm back in the Korea.<br /><br />My 25th birthday was great, Thursday night we went out for some drinks, and the bar sang Happy Birthday at midnight. Friday was an easy day at work, we didnt teach classes, just had a fun game day in celebration of the Korean Holiday coming up. Chuseok is like Thanksgiving, everyone goes home and visits family. Then in my afternoon classes we had tests so no teaching either! Went out for Thai food, and then to the local watering hole for some drinks. One of the teachers has finished her contract, so we had a joint going away/bday party. All in all a great bday, and now I get the best present ofall, going home!! <br /><br />Can't wait to see everyone!! T-minus 22 hours and counting!!Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-17796938186043393912010-09-07T06:30:00.000-07:002010-09-07T06:34:21.519-07:00She's here! She's here! Sadie Jane is here!!well, not HERE, here of course, considering here is South Korea!<br /><br />But as I'm sure you all know, Joe and Gail welcomed little Sadie Jane last week. I hear she's just beautiful, and I've gotten to see a few pics, but I'm really looking forward to seeing her in real life and kissing her a lotttt!!<br /><br />Things have been going as normal here, work during the week, days passing quicker than ever, and then fun things on the weekend. This Sat my small group from church will be hanging out to celebrate both my and another girls birthday. Can't believe I will be 25!!! ahhh....<br /><br />but then the next day...I'm heading home! So excited, and I try not to think about it too much so it passes quickly, but I can't wait to go home and see everyone! It's gonna be a whirlwind week.<br /><br />The weather's been cooling down...not much, but a bit. today was 80, but at least not humid and muggy!! And it was super sunny. Hoping that by the time I come back from the US it will have cooled down more!!<br /><br />Can't wait to see all of you in a week and a half!!!Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-81022273532781684402010-08-26T06:06:00.000-07:002010-08-26T06:10:46.704-07:00CLICK!!!I've been waiting for this day. The day when something would just click in the minds of my little kids, and they would not only understand what I was saying, but be able to respond with the best of their ability.<br /><br />The day has arrived!! For most of my kids at least. The past two weeks have been awesome, well, speaking wise, not necessarily behavior wise. Seems the more they know how to say, the wilder they are!! But hey, I'll take it.<br /><br />I'm talking like, full on conversations with my kids. "Teacher, what did you say?" "Tomorrow we will go on a field trip!" " I will not come tomorrow teacher", "why?" "because I will go swimming". It's amazing.<br /><br />And one of my favorite little girls, who stopped coming mid July, will come back in September!! yayyy!!<br /><br />That's all for now...<br /><br />Oh yeah, 22 days!!Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-23578999909782081152010-08-20T22:20:00.000-07:002010-08-20T22:26:18.933-07:00Holy Hotness!!So, I just walked 20 minutes back to my house in the blazing sun. It looks like I walked through a sprinkler cause of how sweaty I am. And the Korean people passing me by have not a drop of sweat on them!!! What the heck????<br /><br />It's a beautifulllll day, but man oh man is it hot!! I'm already not looking forward to next summer here, and it's a year away! Fall is coming, fall is coming....<br /><br />Not too many updates on this side of the world. Classes are going as normal...we'll have another "open class" in October, where the moms can come and see the progress of their kids (and, lets be honest, judge the teachers as well). It's not like an open house back home, oh no, they come and watch us while we give a lesson that we've rehearsed for about two weeks. <br /><br />Hoping to go into Seoul this afternoon, it's my oldest friend in Korea Molly's last weekend...she's gonna go to Sevilla for a few days before she gets home. Jealous!!!<br /><br />Last night a hugggge group of foreigners went out to noraebang...the private kareoke rooms. It was a blassssst. Seriously, I'm never gonna be able to do regular karaeoke again!! (sorry, i have nooo idea how to spell that word!)<br /><br />Less than one month til the birth of my first niece!! I'm hoping she'll be there when I get home...or at least will make her appearance before I leave on the 25th!!<br /><br />Hope everyone is doig well, and I look forward to seeing you soon!!Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-44247837208226576432010-08-08T22:23:00.000-07:002010-08-08T22:25:45.551-07:00Decision's been made...So, here you have it folks...drum roll pleasee.......<br /><br />I'll be home September 18 until September 24!!<br /><br />Then I'll be home December 15 until end of February!!!<br /><br />Then I'll be back in Korea for another year!!!<br /><br />And I couldn't be happier about each of these things.<br /><br />My year has gone so great thus far....may as well add another year onto the resume huh? Plus the money, culture, and job is great. Don't see a down side to the decision!!<br /><br />Less than six weeks til home!!!Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7683625185866565832.post-58084675218306674982010-07-28T17:41:00.000-07:002010-08-06T19:11:32.042-07:00Under the Thai SunSo the past week has gone so quickly cause we've been so busy! After Elena and DJ arrived on Wednesday, we were going non stop. Thursday we took a trip to the Korean Folk Village in my city, a beautifl place with lots of old buildings, cool performances. I went in the winter once, but it was much prettier in the summer!! Thursday PM we headed into Seoul to find DJ's hotel, and then Elena and I walked around for a bit in Itaewon, a busy foreigner part of Seoul. Friday DJ went to the DMZ, and Elena came to school with me. My kids were so excited to meet her! For the past month or so I've been telling them that my sister is coming. When I wasnt in school on Thursday they were very concerned, but when Elena came they were super excited. She gave them all little bracelets that are popular back in the US right now, and they all told her how beautiful she is, and they were all "happy and excited" because "teacher's siser is here." It was so cute. <br />Friday night we had a going away dinner for Renee, at Shabu Shabu, and Elena got to cmoe with. Sat was a busy day in Seoul, and was pretty decent weather luckily. We went to the Korean War museum, had lunch in Itaewon, walked through a really pretty olderarea of Seoul and stopped at a tea shop for some drinks, and then in the evening we took the cable car up to the top of Namsan Tower, where we got a view of the entire city of Seoul. It was cool because we went up when it was still light, but it got dark so we got to see it iat night too. Then we said bye to DJ and went back to Dongbaek...started packing for Thailand and fell fast asleep!<br /><br />We left my aparrment around 430 on sunday morning to catch the airport bus, Sunday was a full day of flying. First to Shanghai, then Bangkok, then finally Phuket. Poor Elena!! I'm used to it, but she's not the biggest fan of airports. Finally we arrived to Phuket, got in a taxi, and arrived to our hostel. Our first hostel was sooo cool....very laid back and the workers were so nice. <br /><br />The next morning we woke up for a spa package!! Two and a half hours of bliss....it was amazing. We got facials at the end too, and some deliious tea and cookies!! Definitely worth the money, more expensive than a normal Thai massage, but probably half the price of what you would pay for such a service back home!!<br /><br />That afternoon my two friends Ryan and Renee were flying into Phuket, and would be meeting us at the hostel. We met up with them, and took off immediately for elephant trekking!! It was honestly a bit of a let down, we paid way too much for a trek through the "jungle", that was really nothing more than a dirt road up a mountain and about five minutes in the jungle. And it was completely pouring the whole time!! But, we did get to see some amazing views of Phuket.<br /><br />That night we went out for some dinner...first of many amazing meals! Then we hung out in our hostel for the night.<br /><br />Tuesday we took a ferry to Koh Phi Phi, another island two hours away by ferry. Definitely my favorite part of the whole trip! We stayed at an absolutely amazing resort for only one night...but it was totally worth it!! Bungalows with flowers everywhere, an amazing pool, good restaurants and a breathtaking private beach!! (If the tide was in...) Tues afternoon we hung out by the pool, had some fancy dinner, then listened to a band play for about two hours. It was great! Then Wednesday was sooo beautiful, clear skies and warm, and we hung out by the beach all day until our ferry left back to Phuket. The resort was called Phi Phi Island Village Resort and Spa or soething like that....definitely a possibility for a honeymoon!!<br /><br />Wed we stayed on another beach in Phuket, at another great hostel. We went out to eat , then the next day we took a speedboat to another island only 15 minutes away. We payed less than 30 dollars for the boat trip, which included lunch, snorkelling (even though the water was too cloudy to see much!) and the boat of course. Not a bad deal and we got to hang out on another beach! We also went parasailing!! It was super short, and I actually didn't like it very much, cause at one point they dip you in the water for a second, but for some reason with me i was kinda dragged along for a few seconds...(not too exciting, especially when you can see the jellyfish from way above!!) But I would do it again if it were longer!!<br /><br />Thursday night we had dinner at our hostel, they have an amazing restaurant, (our bill, which included four full meals and three beers totaled less than 30 bucks....so awesome!!) then Elena and I went for a walk down the road. We got "Dr. Fish" pedicures, something I had done in Korea already, but you stick your feet in these tubs and little fish come and "suck away the dead skin". Not sure if it really works, but its fun nonetheless! Then we got an amazing Thai pancake on our way home, which was pretty similar to a crepe, except crispier and more delicious!! <br /><br />Later Ryan, Renee and I went out to check out the famous Bangla Road in Phuket, the biggest night life spot. And nightlife we got!! People everywhere, trying to get you to come to their bars, shows, fighting matches, etc. It was insane! We ended up going to this hugggge bar that was like lots of little bars in one, and ran into a guy we met at our first hostel, who took us to a night club. It was a lot of fun, but I don't think I could have handled it for more than one night! When we had had enough, we got some Subway (mmmm) and took a tuk tuk (a little taxi, but kinda and open air thing) back to our hostel.<br /><br />Friday we had a few hours to kill before we went to the airport to go back to Bangkok, so we hung out at Kata beach. It was another amazaingly beautiful beach...and I wish we had longer to stay there!! Then we got in a taxi and said goodbye to Phuket, then flew to Bangkok for our last night and day!<br /><br />Our hostel in Bangkok was great too, and after we checked in we headed out to find some food...only to realize, we had no idea where to go, and even after asking people, we were unsuccessful in our food hunt. So, tired and hungry, we went back to our hostel and ate there.<br /><br />The next day, Saturday, was a loooong day. Our flight didnt lieave until 1am on Sunday morning, so we had all day to explore Bangkok. We went to the Grand Palace, saw the reclining Buddah, huge!! had a great lunch, explored the worlds biggest market (over 15000 stalls!) and then headed to Siam, the central area of Bangkok, where apparently there had been a lot of the protests. We just wanted to check it out, and didn't stay long...then it was back to the hostel to get our things, grab a taxi, and head to the airport!!<br /><br />It was an amazing, albeit fast, trip. I'm sure I'll go back one day to explore it more!! I've been soo tired this whole week...and this weekend is going to be used to catch up on sleep and cleaning!! I've also got a huge decision to make...my school asked me to extend my contract for another year, and I told them I'd let them know by Monday. If this is the case, I would be coming home for two months in Jan and Feb!! And would get a huge apartment, like with a living room, separate bedroom, and a balcony!! Hmmm....decisions, decisions!! Keep me in your thoughts, and hope you all are doing well!!Betsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548384008944923177noreply@blogger.com0