A Year in Review

Exactly one year ago today, I began writing this blog.  It began as a way to document my journey to Korea and the teaching experiences I would have, but became so much more.  It become my way to take my friends and family around the world along with me while I travel .  My outlet for emotions.  My communication to those I cared for most.  Looking back on that initial post, it is hard to believe I am the same person.  I was lying on the floor of my mediocre apartment, trying to make this life changing decision.  Somehow I knew it was right for me.  It was meant for me.

Since that initial post, I have accomplished more than I ever thought possible.  I have formed friendships with some of the most amazing people from every corner of the globe.  I have been all around Korea and witnessed the Korean lifestyle and culture at its best.  I have traveled to Japan and found the beauty and destruction that has faced that country.  I have seen Thailand and seen the beauty of the country and its people.  Coming to Korea was the best choice I have ever made.  While it was one of the hardest decisions of my life, it has afforded me the ability to experience so much more than I ever could have imagined.

An entire year has passed and I only have the future lying ahead of me.  Before I came here I felt trapped.  Paralyzed.  Unfocused.  Confused.  Now I finally know what I want to do with the rest of my life and how I want to live it.  Coming to Korea changed me for the better.

Before coming here to Pohang, Korea I had no idea what was in store for me.  I didn't know the culture.  I certainly didn't know the language.  I didn't know a single soul.  I didn't know enough about Korea to fill an index card, let alone an entire year's worth of blogs.  Somehow I have fallen in love with the spontaneity, richness and culture that is the embodiment of Korea.

Here are my favorite pictures from 2010.  I can only imagine the shenanigans that will take place in the upcoming year.  The places in Korea yet to be visited.  Friends yet to be met.  Experiences yet to be had.  If 2011 is anything like 2010, this blog will continue with a newfound fervor.  May 2011 bring as many rewarding experiences and friendships as 2010 did.

Our Pohang Beerball League

My 24th Birthday.  Korean style. 

Going away party for Jared, one of the best guys I know.

My very first Pohang Steelers soccer game.

My first Daegu Ropes course excursion

World cup fever

Going away party for Nick Kelly

Mudfest 2010

One of many Guyompo beach trips

At a harbor in Japan with my ladies

The beginning of our Chuseok vacation to Geoju Island

After our hike up a mountain near Busan during Chuseok

Some of my best girls at Bogyeongsa

Angry Sunny during arts and crafts

Devilish little Hansu

The famous Homigot Hand

My part time kinder 6 class

Anna putting on her dancing shoes at With Wine

Pictures in Andong

Ladies afternoon in Daegu at the Holy Grill

Halloween 2010

Ugly Christmas sweater party

Caroling with the babies to each home.  Cutest Santas ever.

Standing on the Bridge Over the River Kwai

Two sleepy tigers allowed me to hold their tails.  Terrifying.

My newest tattoo.

The Koh Phangan Experience

This second post is devoted an island called Koh Phangan.  We spent the tail end of our trip on this island and it was by far the most relaxed I have been in my life.  We did not look at clocks.  Time was not a factor  We judged our day by the sunrise and sunset or when hunger pains eventually set in.  The only things we cared about were the sun, exploring the island and eating and drinking to our hearts content.  We accomplished all of the above.

Enjoy the awesomeness that is Koh Phangan island.

Sunrise on our way to a 4 hour ferry boat trip

The unbelievable line of people on our ferry

I loathe ferries.  Loathe them. 

This view made it all worth it.

The colors of all of the fabric were so brilliant.

Our bungalows for the last few days and my home, the hammock. 

Rob and Jen on their scooters

Riding on the back of a scooter exploring the island

Nick Kelly, my scooter buddy extraordinaire

All our bikes

Treking around the coastline

Yet another view that takes your breath away

I want to go back. 

Right now.

Sunset on the beach

Beautiful sculpture

Yet another group shot

Thailand isn't Thailand without a fire show

My newest tattoo.  Prosperity, love and friendship.  It is placed
on my left shoulder and can be covered or proudly shown
depending on what the occasion calls for. 

Here is Nick getting his bamboo tattoo done.  This process is much different from the usual
machine method.  Fine needles are attached to the end of a piece of bamboo.  Usually 5 needles
are used.  The needles are put in a line so that a fine line can be achieved.  They then gently
tap this into the skin.  Can you say "OUCH?!"

The finished product.  Each line means something specific.  No bamboo
tattoo is the same. 

At the full moon party getting ready for the new year.  Goodbye 2010, hello 2011!

Originally this said, Happy New Year 2011.
A huge tower of fire is the perfect way to wrap up 2010.

Adventures in Bangkok, Thailand

Hello everyone and welcome to 2011!

I have safely returned from the beautiful beaches of Thailand to find the streets of my city of Pohang filled with snow.  The snow (to us midwesterners) wouldn't be enough to close down schools or most transportation, but Korea is a completely different place.  Pohang never gets snow so it was completely unprepared for what appeared to be about 7 inches of snow throughout the day.  Imagine a place like Tennessee with 7 inches of snow.  Shut the state down.  In this case, those 7 or so inches allowed me an additional two entire days away from Kids College and a winter wonderland I have been dreaming of since arriving in Korea.  My first day back from the beach were spent making snowmen, regailing friends with stories of our epic adventures and falling back into the comforts of the routine that is my Korean life.

Now how was Thailand you may ask?  Where to begin.  I spent an entire week in paradise.  We rode elephants.  Played with tigers. Rode in open taxis which are called "tuk-tuks." Ate amazing Thai food.  Did more shopping than most people do in a year.  Slept for two nights in a hammock where I realized the intense appeal and the despereate need to find one as soon as I return stateside.  Went swimming multiple times in the clearest ocean water I have ever seen.  Ate freshly caught mackerel at a beachside cafe that would give a 5 star restaurant a run for its money.  Lounged around with my friends.  Got a new tattoo.  Rode on the back of a scooter around the beautiful beach and mountain scenery.  The list goes on and on.  I feel like the pictures from my trip will tell my story better than I ever could on here.

For my friends and family back at home.  I hope you had an amazing Christmas and that you rang in the New Year in a fantastic way.  Even though I was in paradise, you were still on my mind and constantly in my thoughts.  For the new year, I wish you all one that is filled with happiness, prosperity and love.  Living in Korea has changed my perspective on so many things and those three are ones that I have grown to truly believe in.  I hope you all spent time with those that mean the most to you and that you made the most of it.  Being away from family and friends during the holiday seasons truly make you realize what's important in life.

I made the most of my Thailand vacation with some of the most amazing people I have ever or will ever have the good fortune to meet.  Here are a few of my favorite pictures of our trip to give you a small look into the week long vacation that was my 2010 Christmas and New Years.

Until next time.

The lights of Bangkok.  The month of December is also a big
celebration for the King, not Christmas.  

Our first harrowing Tuk-Tuk ride. 

Tim with the coolest iguana 

The view of the Bridge Over the River Kwai

An old car that I just knew my father would love

And another

When in Thailand...

Group shot with the crazy iguana

The Bridge over the River Kwaii

Group shot on the bridge

The inside of our train to the tiger temple

Beautiful

With two sleepy tigers.  I know I don't look scared but terrified
doesn't begin to describe it.

Our group, a baby tiger and a monk

Casual elephant riding

Virginia and I took the afternoon for girly things like pedicures

And the best massage in existence

This is pad thai.  If you haven't tried it, stop reading and go to the nearest
local Thai place and try it out.  If you are disappointed in it then I am disappointed in you.