December Days

The blistering cold has kept us indoors a few more days than usual. However, we have managed to have some adventures in December.

Jake's birthday party was a whirlwind night starting at an all-you-can-eat raw tuna restaurant and ending at numerous bars and clubs in Itaewon. We discovered a brewery with delicious beers on tap which was a refreshing change of pace. Later, we stumbled upon Club Mu and danced the night away to a variety of international beats. Some smoking santas made an appearance as well.

Another December day, I traveled with Relee and Gina to Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul. This is a historic area of the city with traditional Korean homes dotting the mountainous side streets and alleys. After meandering amongst the rooftops, we escaped to a quirky cafe. The walls were draped with napkins cleverly decorated by customers.

The following day, Relee and I bused to Suwon to explore the palace and fortress wall. The palace was surprisingly tucked into the center of the city. Taxis, buses, and people zoomed by the historic temples without a second glance. After spending an hour or so exploring the palace, we realized that the fortress was in fact another tourist site all together. In our confusion, we accidentally detoured a solid kilometer before running into the actual fortress wall. Stretching over 3 km, the sturdy stone wall was an easy yet scenic walk. The south gate perched above the city. We conveniently timed our descent with the vibrant orange sunset. A nice close to the long touristy day.

Returning to the US in February

Big news!  Jake's parents recently sold their ballroom and the new owner has asked Jake to join the team. Therefore, we are ending our contract early and coming back to Portland. It is exciting, but a bit of a shock as we intended to stay in Korea till July. Luckily, we are squeezing in one more trip to Thailand before we say goodbye to Asia.

Jake and I are both returning to Portland in mid-February. I will be in Illinois from February 22nd till March 5th. I hope to visit everyone so lets make plans asap. Oh yes, and if you know of any random teaching jobs available in March, send them my way. Enjoy the New Year festivities.

 

Xmas in Daejeon once again!

We enjoyed Christmas in Daejeon once again. Our good friends allowed us to invade their apartment and crash for 3 whole days. We watched endless movies, had mega board-game tournaments, and of course, ate exquisite food. On Christmas night, it began snowing and didn't stop for a day. A layer of white covered the city streets and we frolicked to Gungdong for an evening of singing. The goal at the Karaoke room was 80% xmas carols. I can confidently say we accomplished this feat. We also had a fate meeting with my college friend Kate who just happened to surprise her brother for the holidays. It was a lovely way to spend Christmas. Thanks to everyone who sent cards and gifts. We truly appreciate you thinking of us when we are away. Much love.

Harvest Dinner

It's official, we had the most nontraditional Thanksgiving ever! Initially we had quite a scare when the 9kg Costco turkey didn't fit in our school's "easy-bake-sized-oven." But Jake and David successfully performed a spinal extraction and cooked the beast. Our potluck featured endless international dishes from cilantro beans and green curry to good ol' staples like stuffing. Let's just say, no one went hungry.

The after-party is when the real fun started though. Ian and Lynn threw a 90's throwback dance party in one of our school's large classrooms. And Jake's backward clothes were no mistake. With life-size projections of Kris Kross and Prince, one could not resist the beat.

The nonsense continued with all-night norae-bang (karaoke), rooftop fireworks, and more. Thanks to all our friends for a stellar celebration.

And Happy Birthday to Kim. We hope you enjoyed your stay ; )

Seoul Lantern Fest

Last Saturday we headed to Seoul to check out the vibrant Lantern Fest on the Cheonggye Stream. The event displayed lanterns from all over Asia. Crowds of people filled the lower sidewalks along the stream for a close up look at the displays. After discovering that the line for the lower-level queued for miles, we opted for the upper sidewalks. Here are some shots from the road:

Note: This is a Chicken Fight - Korean Style!

Bukhansan - Short & Steep

Bukhansan lies just north of Seoul. We ascended Baegundae Peak and were awe struck by the spectacular views of the city. While it was a rather quick hike as far as Korea goes (4 hours round trip) it was exerting. Deep lunges were required to climb the predominately uphill terrain. Later, we found ourselves hoisting our bodies up wire cables on the slick granite ledges. Now I understand why the Koreans sport climbing gloves. Here are some shots from the trip...

Nas, Relee, me, Ashley & Jake on the summit!

The mountain is supposed to be a mother and the small rock is the baby on her back.

Mountain village & bus depot.

Return from bliss...

The trouble with a whirlwind vacation to scattered points across the globe is the difficulty of expressing the experience sufficiently. Many people have curiously inquired, "how was your trip, what did you do, what did you see???" I feel like saying, “just go yourself, you won’t regret it.”

Vietnam is truly an indescribable land lingering in time. The old-fashioned streets of Hanoi’s old quarter are bombarded with billions of scooters. Entire city blocks in this congested square kilometer are dedicated to one trade and one trade alone. This makes it impossible for a one-stop-shopper, yet convenient for a haggling bargain hunter. One street boasts stationery, another tinsmiths. Peek a few rows over and discover Buddhist alter lane, furniture parkway, or stone court. Kind-eyed women sell local vegetables out of hand-woven wicker baskets amongst the bustling boulevards. Rugged street kitchen tables topple with customers eager to score a cheap meal. Life is in motion.

Adjacent to the vibrant Old Quarter, you find solace at Hoan Kiem Lake. The pleasant pond has a notable pavilion jutting out of the center; the home of a legendary golden-tortoise still lingering in the waters. A path winds around the vast lake, allowing people to escape the city’s beat, even for a moment.

Far from Hanoi’s traffic jams lies the peaceful coastlines of the country. School children mount vintage bicycles (one on the pegs, one on the handle bars, and one on the seat) and leisurely cruise along the wide dirt lanes. Cows laze about on corners, blocking your path as they see fit. Sun-kissed paddies burst with fall crops. Most people sport the stereotypical conical hat to protect themselves from the relentless heat. And most refreshing are the friendly smiles and peppy hellos that greet you at every juncture.

Now, let’s not forget the sea. The South China Sea brings emerald waters ashore. Pure sand beaches lack jagged rocks, shells, and litter. Large coconut boats line the beach front, waiting for a fisherman to test it on the waters. Quaint seaside restaurants pepper the coast. Want a beach chair and straw umbrella? Splurge on one 50 cent drink and the space is yours for the day. Sadly, this bliss may slip away or at least transform as large resorts pop up across the serene shores. Hyatt, Le Meridien, and major golf clubs have already posted advertisements of their upcoming developments in this real estate jackpot.

So, I finish with these thoughts…go to Vietnam. Experience the land in transition and enjoy the endless beauty.



*Blurbs on Honk Kong, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, & Food to come. Promise.

Hong Kong + Vietnam Pictures

Check out the pics on picasa web albums using the link below. Annecdotes to come (if I can convince Jake to write some ; )

Hong Kong skyline from Victoria Peak

My Khe (China) Beach near DaNang, Vietnam

Web Album Link: http://picasaweb.google.com/kaadalac/HKVietnamSept2010?authkey=Gv1sRgCKG4x6fjncmQwAE&feat=directlink

Incheon - more than just an airport!

Incheon offers numerous sights beyond the obvious "international airport." The city is actually split between Yeongjong or airport island and the mainland. From Incheon Terminal to Ganseok Station, meandor a strip of park blocks with bubbling fountains and winding walkways. Head to the open port streets near Incheon Station to discover a host of historic buildings dating back to the late 1890's, when Korea was opened up to foreign companies. Three Japanese bank buildings line the narrow avenue.

A cruise thru China town awakens the senses and feels like a minature get-away from Korea. Golden dragons guard the monumental towers.

Traditional red lanterns line the alleys, brightening up the streets.

Wooden thatched houses vend traditional chinese goods along the way.

Bountiful bakeries offer endless sweet breads to delight the palate. Check out this crumbly moon cake, chuck-full of sweet potatoe.

Folks on a dinner mission will delight in menus, from plentiful shrimp fried rice to the popular ja jang myeon (sweet potatoe noodles coated in a homey black-bean sauce).

A stroll through Jayu Park, 1888, reveals a striking view above the port city. A statue of General MacArthur recalls the struggles and feats of the Korean War. Around the corner, a monument dedicated to Korean-US Amity illustrates the ties our countries have built through the years.

A 45 minute trip to airport island provides an escape to the west sea beaches. With low tides and muddy shores, be advised to wear footgear in the waters.

Barnicles can really mess ya up ; )