Corinne's birthday weekend

I've been so busy lately, that I've neglected my blog. Today I had to update, however, because it was someone special's birthday.

Corinne, of course.

We went to the salon during the day, out for an amazing dinner, and then out on the town. First, we had to sing birthday-themed songs in the noribang (karaoke). Next, we took some Korean-style photo booth pictures.

Off to MF for cake and drinks.

Chevelle, Corinne and I

Corinne's friend Chloe was kind enough to bring a shirt for all of us to sign (of course I wrote about a paragraph). Rui, on the right, is rocking one of Corinne's birthday gifts (the bow on the side of his head). I think he can pull it off.

Chevelle, Becky, and Laura

Chevelle and I being silly. I will spare my loving family the partying photos, but can ensure that a good time was had by all.

~ ~ ~

The next morning, nine of us girls decided to go to the cherry blossom festival in Jinhae. Surprisingly, we all made it to the station on time and had a fabulous trip.

How many hung over ladies does it take to decipher train times?

First goal of the day: figuring out how to get home.

We saw the Jinhae Tower, and decided to hike up it. It was beautiful. We got some great views of the city and ocean.

The six of us, brave hikers.

We went on a walk to find the bus station, but climbed a tree instead.

The eight girls I went with, after realizing that we waited for the wrong bus for an hour, since none of us bothered to read our tickets.

Its been a whirlwind, I feel like 2 months have passed since my last update. I feel so thankful and appreciative to have met so many wonderful people in Korea. My group of friends here is supportive and understanding, and most importantly, likes me for who I am. It really is a life changing experience- moving here and being able to become friends with people from all different fields and countries. Don't get me wrong, I miss my friends and family back home every day - but my life here is full of love and positive people, and that makes every day I am here a good one. Lately I've really started to understand that true happiness isn't fleeting - I am happy with my life and the person I am becoming, and that makes me feel so much more fulfilled than I can describe. I've been happier scrubbing floors and windows lately than I have doing much more interesting things in less happy times. I've always believed that life is what you make it - and I have to say, that my life is pretty fantastic.

Busan's Temple by the Sea

This past weekend Corinne, Sean, and I went down to Busan. Saturday the weather was beautiful, so we went to this temple right on the water.

Lots of visitors leave small Buddhist statues or stack stones to make pagodas in and around the temples. Since this was on the beach, these huge rock formations had statues and pagodas all over them - on top and in small crevices.

This is a popular Buddhist symbol and is used in most of the temples.

The roofing was especially intricate here.

On Sunday, we had more adventures planned but the poor, rainy weather convinced us to stay inside instead. We got some very authentic Thai massages and went to a beautiful, clean jjimjilbang. I think I've described them here before - they are public baths. There is a bathing area with different temperature tubs that is gender segregated, and a communal areas with saunas and varying temperature rooms. This one in particular was unique because it is the largest in Asia. Also, it has so many different saunas and an outdoor hot bathing tub; it was incredibly relaxing. The best part might be that it has a rule - no kids under 14! It felt like a 5 star hotel spa, really. I really wish this one in particular was closer to Daegu, but settle for less glamorous ones while in town.

Lunar New Year

Earlier this week was Lunar New Year, and we had a party for our kindy students. Everyone dressed up in hanbok (or traditional Korean clothing). The foreigner teachers were provided outfits by our director, and Corinne and I had identical ones. They were beautiful.

The kids played traditional Korean games, some of which we lead, others they taught me. It was a lot of fun.

Corinne and I worked together for most of the day.

I love their traditional headbands.

These are most of my students in KE, my homeroom.

It is tradition to have very bright colored fabric with beautiful prints on it. I was not disappointed.

Then, we got Wednesday to Friday off work! Tricia arrived and we ran off to Seoul. It was a wonderful week. You can expect pictures from our adventures later, but for now, dinner!

Trick Art Museum

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