Devastated

Tragedy has engulfed my family with the death of my nephew. I feel heartbroken and helpless. Tammy and Alissa I love you.

I turned a little more Korean...

...the day I started buying fake glasses.

It's all about not looking directly into the camera.


I actually want to purchase a new pair of reading glasses while I'm in Korea. Apparently it's possible to get an eye exam and a new pair of trendy frames, for under 50 bones. Why the heck am I buying fake spectacles?

Ode to the KTX

There's something romantic, almost nostalgic about train rides. Rocking back and forth at a steady unsteady rhythm I close my eyes and remember to breathe. Rubik's cube in my lap, favorite pens spread out on my tiny tray. The Korean man beside me is reading the paper and moving his legs from side to side, matching the beat of the song playing on my ipod. The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth. My flip flop clad feet give into the surrounding motions. The jumbled mess in my mind clears. This is my time to reflect. This is my therapy.

Geek to chic

Words can not describe my love for this music video. Usually it's the girl who goes from geek to babe, but in Korea it's all same same. Big Bang's killing it!



I love the one finger pointed upwards in triumph as he walks away. What's her problem anyway? I love a man in thick coke bottle glasses...no, really.

Upcoming Adventures!

I'm going to Jeju for the Chuseok (Korea's "Thanksgiving") holiday! I booked my flight and hostel last weekend, now I just have to work out the details. I'll be traveling solo, and I'm actually really excited about it. I can't wait to relax and get some beach time.
Courtesy of Flickr

I also made a new Korean friend last weekend, Ami. We're going for dinner with her "boy cousin" on Friday and hiking a mountain and drinking makgeolli next Saturday.

Ahhh, I just can't get enough of Korea! I am so happy and excited for these next three months!

Dog Cafe

You haven't lived (or laughed) until you've been to a dog cafe. Carly and I were lucky enough to stumble upon one the other day in Seoul. We had both read about it, but nothing could have prepared us for the wondrous experience. As soon as we walked into the door, we were met with the horrendous smell that can only come from massive amounts of dogs frolicking around in one tiny space. They were everywhere! Dogs of all shapes, sizes, and colors were jumping off tables, running around, and wallowing on the floor. The greatest thing? No one was even phased by it. Koreans calmly sipped their coffee as dogs leaped around them, slobbering on everything...but I mean, no big deal, the lint rollers were provided.


Puppy Cafe from Elizabeth Holbrook on Vimeo
Cool kids just ya know, chilling with the canines.

Dog abuse?
Hahahaha! I'm evil, but doofy animals kill me.
Eeensy weensy puppy
Tuckered out.

나는 한국을 사랑한다!

I can't believe that one of my best friends is actually here, living in Korea. How often does that happen? These past two weekends have reminded me how much I've missed Carly and our amazing random days. I now have someone here who knew me before Korea...someone who's part of my amazing circle of friends back home who know everything about me, including my insecurities, my flaws, and awkwardness. The ones who stood beside me during a low point in my life, and yet for some crazy reason still love me in spite of everything. The ease, comfort and happiness that I feel when I'm around them is indescribable. Everyone says they have amazing friends, but mine are truly keepers. I'm beyond happy that Carly's here...AND she came at the perfect time. Festivals, long weekends, and island getaways are just around the corner. I have three more months in Korea, and I want to drink in every single moment that I have left.

Reunited

A little blurb I jotted down the other day:
The rainy season has passed, leaving behind clear skies and beautiful weather. After six months of teaching my four year olds, they have truly become "my babies," warming my heart constantly with their little smiles and sticky hands. Lately when I walk into class, my elementary students start cheering uncontrollably. Last night I hiked my mountain in the dark and enjoyed the serenity and solitude at the top with happy Koreans. For some reason, I've had an abundant amount of energy this week. I'm meeting Tara in an hour to smoke some delicious shisha...
I couldn't be any more in love with Korea.

I love Song Chon Dong! (taken from my favorite classroom)