I wanted to post this picture awhile back because it is pretty much the best way to explain the couple of blocks surrounding my school. The street is called the Hagwon-ga, which means 'private school road'. As you can see in the sign there are floors upon floors of English schools, math schools, pc bangs (rooms with computers that Korean's spend hours playing starcraft and other various computer games) and of course, because this is Korea, there is a random bar thrown in the mix. Such a crazy, but cool place.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
One day left
Until school is out for Winter break and I am off to Paris. David left yesterday morning and is already enjoying cheap brie and croissants. I can't wait to join him and have an adventure outside of the Asian continent. 
I wanted to post this picture awhile back because it is pretty much the best way to explain the couple of blocks surrounding my school. The street is called the Hagwon-ga, which means 'private school road'. As you can see in the sign there are floors upon floors of English schools, math schools, pc bangs (rooms with computers that Korean's spend hours playing starcraft and other various computer games) and of course, because this is Korea, there is a random bar thrown in the mix. Such a crazy, but cool place.
I wanted to post this picture awhile back because it is pretty much the best way to explain the couple of blocks surrounding my school. The street is called the Hagwon-ga, which means 'private school road'. As you can see in the sign there are floors upon floors of English schools, math schools, pc bangs (rooms with computers that Korean's spend hours playing starcraft and other various computer games) and of course, because this is Korea, there is a random bar thrown in the mix. Such a crazy, but cool place.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
a little holiday message from my friends
Starring Weisse class 6 year olds, Eagle, Brian Lee, Marcella and Alex. Eagle was loving it. The others were really into coloring Santa.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Highest Art Gallery in the World
David and I spent Sunday exploring the Seoul National Cemetery as well as one of Seoul's tallest buildings. The cemetery offered a peaceful hike through rows of graves and monuments dedicated to South Korea's most honored soldiers, generals and presidents.
It was refreshing to be out of the concrete jungle of the city. We even signed the guestbook saying we paid our respects to the past presidents of the country we currently call home. After working up an appetite we headed to Seoul's 63 building. With 60 floors above ground and 3 below, the building was quite an interesting mix of entertainment.
The basement housed a wax museum, aquarium (complete with penguins...underground. strange.), a hugely expensive buffet, food court, imax theatre and of course a bakery. We also discovered that the 60th floor was currently home to the highest art gallery in world, showcasing the work of several iconic artists. The promise of a sunset and views of Seoul from South of the Han beckoned us to the top. We weren't disappointed with what we found. 
It was refreshing to be out of the concrete jungle of the city. We even signed the guestbook saying we paid our respects to the past presidents of the country we currently call home. After working up an appetite we headed to Seoul's 63 building. With 60 floors above ground and 3 below, the building was quite an interesting mix of entertainment.
The basement housed a wax museum, aquarium (complete with penguins...underground. strange.), a hugely expensive buffet, food court, imax theatre and of course a bakery. We also discovered that the 60th floor was currently home to the highest art gallery in world, showcasing the work of several iconic artists. The promise of a sunset and views of Seoul from South of the Han beckoned us to the top. We weren't disappointed with what we found. 
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Sa wa de kaa.....wait where am I?
Saturday David and I met up with Danny and his co-worker Gabby in Dongdaemun market. While I wouldn't suggest anyone go to this market around Christmas season, on a Saturday afternoon (one could hardly move because there were soooooo many people out) it was fun to explore the never ending stalls of clothing and accessories and pretty much anything else you might want. Outside of the big shopping centers one could find stand after stand of ajummas (old ladies with perms and visors) selling stacks of books, as well as more scarves and beanie hats than I have ever seen. All really interesting, but just a little too crowded.
After a full afternoon of shopping, we headed back across the river to South Seoul for some very tasty Thai food. We spent two lazy hours feasting on duck curry (with the most delicious pineapple I have ever tasted), chili chicken, noodles and of course a giant pitcher of beer to wash down all the Thai spice. So so good.
After a full afternoon of shopping, we headed back across the river to South Seoul for some very tasty Thai food. We spent two lazy hours feasting on duck curry (with the most delicious pineapple I have ever tasted), chili chicken, noodles and of course a giant pitcher of beer to wash down all the Thai spice. So so good.
A Merry Little Christmas
In the name of Christmas spirit I splurged and bought a mini fake Christmas tree the other day at Home Plus (sort of the Korean equivalent of Target, needless to say I love Home Plus ALMOST as much as I love Target). David and I were very cheesy, drinking hot cocoa and listening to the 'Number 1's: Christmas' cd, while decorating it. David's mom was also sweet enough to send an awesome package to him full of gifts, taco seasoning, lifesavers and wedding invitations. Pretty much everything that you need to celebrate Christmas in Korea. The tree makes it much more cozy in here. And being cozy makes me happy.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
"Dear Santa, I like beetle"
This is my friend Eddie. He is in first grade, likes purple grapes and his favorite animal is the king beetle. Every week I get to spend two glorious, easy, hours with him at the end of the day hanging out, taking spelling tests, talking about our favorite foods, and playing games. Today we got done with our class work super early and I asked Eddie what he wanted to do. I offered up several games but he had his own idea. Eddie just wanted to spend some time drawing beetles, because really who wouldn't?
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Acro Towers
On a cold, dark walk home it is nice to have these towers to guide me. Even though I've never been in them Acro Towers constantly proves itself to be my point of reference whether I am on top of a mountain looking down on Anyang, or catching a cab home. They are kinda pretty too all lit up.
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