A Few More, Then..

Are you enjoying these ancient photos? Doesn't seem a little weird to be posting photos from sunny, warm times when most everything now is cold and white? Maybe it's kinda nice to remember those times anyway..

Not much else to report on over here. I'm very much starting to look forward to Christmas. Not because of the greatness of the day as much as I'm just excited to have some time off work. I will get the whole Christmas week off, which is super nice. I think I've become tired recently, mentally and especially physically. That's not completely true, as my health is steadily improving now, but for awhile there, it really seemed I couldn't shake being sick.

During the break, I don't really plan on doing anything too crazy, but again, that's okay with me. A nice break seems sufficient right now. Is there anything interesting I can tell you about my life? I guess I still have moments where I remember that I'm living in a foreign country. The longer I stay here, the more everything seems normal. Everything on the street; the street vendors, selling fruit, vegetables, dokbokki to the constant motorbikes zooming around, making their deliveries to the constant hustle and bustle of people here...

The other night, I went with another native teacher to an art show. Without HJ, it was a totally different experience. I felt like a complete foreigner, but not in a bad way. It was almost like we were on The Amazing Race or something because we had to ask a bunch of people for directions...everything being in Korean mind you. To me, I think I enjoyed wandering around Seoul almost as much as finding the art show. I really felt so lucky to experience such a unique city, it suddenly changed my outlook..

Okay, let's get into it then. These next photos were taken during Chuseok, when HJ and I went to Seoul Forest. If I remember correctly, this place was created recently. It might not resemble what we would think of as a forest, but it is cool in its own right, more like a park. There's tons of paths, trees, and little ponds, playing grounds, etc... HJ and I rented a two seater bicycle and explored the many trails there. The really cool thing is that the park is connected with the paths on the Han river. Personally, I find the Han river the most breathtaking part of Seoul. Incredible, really really beautiful. I guess it's just such an escape to the torrid pace of the city.

A little slice of life, just under the water in one of the ponds..

Desperately trying to look cool, wearing HJ's shades..

Quite pretty, is it not?

Wildlife in Korea! This is unheard of! Photo verification is needed!

I'm actually part of the wildlife display. People were impressed..

Thar she is..the real beauty of our trip..our bike! No wait..maybe HJ?

Nature at its finest. It was a beautiful day too..

The awe-inspiring Han river. And we thought the Fraser was cool..

The Han river has an absurd number of bridges criss-crossing its expanses. At night, they can be quite beautiful, because they're all lit up. Yet, even during the day, this bridge is just wicked.

Cool perspective, eh? You could really cycle forever around the river..

Wanna go for a swim? Somehow I don't think so..

Because of Chuseok, there were a number of traditional activities available. One of them was this traditional game, called simply Yut. It's not that complicated...kinda like a board game, but instead of dice, you use four sticks. Good times. HJ killed me...and I mean killed me.

Alright, keep yourselves well out there. Have a good week.

Loves to everyone.

-Paul