Backpacking Bliss

It's been two weeks since I hugged my Korean babies and said my good-byes. I can not even begin to describe how incredibly heartbreaking and rewarding it was at the end. I finally realized that I had made an impression. Teachers and children that I wouldn't have even imagined I had impacted in my 13 months were crying on my last day...it was an emotional whirlwind.

I had a little problem with my visa...basically, I was working and living illegally in Korea for the last week (thanks a lot Swaton), but immigration at the airport took care of everything...I think.

It seems like years instead of weeks since I left Korea and began my backpacking adventure in SE Asia. In the short span of time I've met amazing people from all over the world and have seen and experienced unbelievable beauty. My mind is constantly expanding, and I love the weariness and exiliration that only being on the move can bring.

I'm bringing this blog to an end, but plan to keep up my blogging on a new site:
Stiff Sideways Hugs

Thanks to everyone who has followed my journey and kept in contact this past year. Please know that I am so blessed and incredibly, unbelievably happy.

Hey Korean Won, Sort Yourself Out

December 17, 2007: 1,000,000 Korean Won = approx. 1,000 US dollars

currently...

December 17, 2008: 1,000,000 Korean Won = 705 US dollars

All You Need Are A Few Good Friends...

For awhile, I was trying to cram in as many festivals and short trips into my last few days. Now I prefer to spend my weekends without an agenda, soaking in Korea with fabulous friends, doing everything, doing nothing at all.

Plight of the cheap flight

Cheapoair just informed me that my flight to Bangkok has been changed.

I now have a four hour layover in Shenyang, China and an overnight layover in Guangzhou China. Essentially, it's going to take me longer to fly from Seoul to Bangkok than it would be for me to fly from Seoul to St. Louis. I mean, whatever, that's what I get for buying a dirt cheap flight. I'll take the extra hours for the reduced price.

Gotta gotta get up to get down.

Happy Pepero Day!

I cashed in on Pepero Day this year. Thank you Lotte for having enough brand power to create a holiday bigger than Valentine's Day (at least in Korea).


My kids have been amazing, making it harder for me to come to the realization that in a couple weeks we'll part ways, and I will most likely never see them again. Leaving is so bittersweet, and is more difficult than I thought it would be. Especially when I think about saying goodbye to my sweet babies. I can not even begin to describe the relationship I have established with these little ones. They've touched my heart, and I hope I've somehow found a place in theirs.

Oh, Jun.
Nicky.
Leah.
Dorothy

This week I scribbled down a few things that have amused me thus far:
Kindergarten
Me: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Jun: "A doctor."
Dorothy: "A doughnut."

Elementary
Me: (While giving the vocabulary test): "Maker...like a shoemaker or dressmaker."
Chris: "Chris' maker is his mother."

After telling my favorite class I was leaving in three weeks
Timothy: "Teacher's airplane boom (crashing hand motions), and Teacher, parachute (floating hand motions). Then Teacher, car (driving motions), come back to Korea."
That simple, eh?

Teaching has been so much more than a job.

Korea reacts

Seoul, Korea courtesy of Time

It was interesting experiencing the election from abroad. I think it's safe to say that on November 4rth, all eyes were on America. Personally, for once I think we didn't disappoint. Even after a week I get students who tell me they love Obama, or rock back and forth in their chairs chanting his name: "Obaaama, Obaaaama." Then, tip..tip...tip, crash!

Quirks and Characteristics

A lot of people think they are ugly, but for some reason I've always been obsessed with the big, white Korean apartment buildings. There's something both haunting and beautiful in the multitude of these faceless structures.