Goodbye Korea, Hello SE Asia!

Well, I am closing the chapter on my 2 year life in Korea to go off to travel. I have finished my job, moved out of my apartment, shipped everything home and I am now living out of a backpack. It is exciting, strange, fun and a little sad. I am so sad to leave my life here, but ready to move on to something different new. The orginal plan was to see Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Loas, but with some finaicial restrictions and being homesick, I have decided to shave some time off my trip. I may come home the middle of April now and only see Thailand and Camobodia. The plan may change again, but I will keep everyone updated on here. I am looking forward to the traveling, but mostly catching up with everyone in Canada...

It's Hard to Say Goodbye...

I guess with a little over a week away, I am already realizing how hard it is going to be to say goodbye to this beautiful country and all the wonderful people I have met here. Last week it was especially hard for me when I had to say goodbye to the Korean family that I have been working with for over a year. They were not only my students, but also my family. They are such a loving, kind and generous family that I felt privileged to know.


Here is a picture of the youngest daughter Grace and her two friends Lucy and Danny. Lessons with then are never dull as you can see from the silly picture.


This is a pic of Grace and I being silly again, with bubbles and pink, fuzzy princess crowns.

Even though I am leaving soon, I know these people will continue to be a part of my life. I look forward to the day that I will come back to visit and see them again. I might even see the son, Kenny sooner, if all goes well he could be going to Vancouver to study. Regardless of what happens I will miss them greatly...

Dondaemun Market and Seoul Tower

I guess now that I am getting in to my last few weeks in Korea, I am trying to squeeze in everything I possibly can before I go. I have been here for two years exactly now and I wish that I had done more. I guess no matter what I have seen and where I have been, I always wish for more right before I have to leave...

Last weekend my friends Tim, Shawn, Molly, Christina, Serena, Kevin and Keith all had a full day checking out Seoul. We started out at Dondaemun Market for a little shopping. I believe that everyone that was with was prepared for the amount of shopping that I had planned, except for maybe Shawn who out shopped me in an hour. I went to the market with the goal of bargaining and gift shopping for friends and family at home, and maybe a little for myself. We all ended up leaving the market a little exhausted with huge bags filled with goodies. But wait, it is not over yet!


Here is a pic of the market from above. This is not a parking lot, but rather it is slow moving traffic in Seoul. Yikes! I am never complaining about traffic in Canada again.

Next, we were off to Seoul Tower. The sun had started to set, so I though it would be the perfect time to go up the tower. We all hiked up the hills leading up to the tower. We were all tired, but as soon as we got to the fun Gondola, we were all smiling again.


Here is a pic right before we got on the Gondola

The view from the top was so amazing and beautiful. I wish I had a better camera to capture all of the lights, colors and just the idea of being completely surrounded be people. I did my best, see for yourselves.




We all ran around the circular part of the tower looking at all the different views. We saw how far away we were to various places all over the world. We even had fun in the bathrooms. They were the nicest bathrooms I have ever seen in Korea and had the best view.


I actually got a picture of Keith and I at the top of the tower. It is difficult to get this guy into a picture, but finally I have. It's actually kind of funny how we are both dressed in black.

All in all it was an exciting, fun and exhausting day. I was happy to share it with my friend Kevin from home and all of my friends here. Damn, the closer I get to leaving the harder it truly is. I fell in love with this country and I am going to miss it like crazy!

Kevina in Korea!

Finally, I have someone come to visit me in Korea! Last week my friend Kevin arrived from Calgary to visit me here in Korea and accompany me on the travels to SE Asia. We used to do youth work together back home with immigrants and refugee children. We shared a lot of fun, strange and scary times at the youth centre together. We are now looking forward to catching up after not seeing each other for a few years and the adventures that will follow in our travels together...


Here is a pic of him his second day here eating traditional Korean food.