Magkoli and Tofu Making Day!

Had a culturally explorative time with Krystal learning to make tofu a magkoli. The tofu was warm and delicious! I even have some magkoli to take home with me :)

Seoul Tower

Took in the expansive view from Seoul Tower. Was also able to see the love locks - people solidify their love by placing a lock on the wall/railings/trees. Took the Namsan cable car up the hill rather than walking. In the summer it will be a lovely, long and curvy trek.

Christmas Lights

Spent a chilly evening walking through the Christmas lights display at Shinsegae mall with some co-workers/friends. Felt like Home.

Snowman Family

My fave is the Frenchie!

The Elf on the Shelf

Though I am sure I am breaking TM rights by having used the cover page, I have created my own version of The Elf on the Shelf. I am totally buying one for myself when I get home by the way!

I also think I did quite a good job creating my own elf ;)

Oh Christmas Tree

As our class name is Blue Jay class we made a Toronto Blue Jay Christmas tree.

How cute are they!

Saturday of hell

Tomorrow is our schools big perforce. We have been practicing so much that both my kids and I have loathed performance practice since September. We are now being reward with a 12 hr unpaid work day of which we will be locked in a windowless room to babysit our kids. 

Face palm.

Sudoksa Temple

Last weekend I spent a good solid 24 hrs tucked away from society, nestled in the mountains with monks of all sorts. I even made three Canadian female friends. One even dated a boy from my hometown! I took a trip to a Buddhist monastery with Adventure Korea; yet another cool your company here.

I didn't go in anticipating an epiphany or "aha" moment but more to learn, gain perspective and try some different meditations.

Because there wasn't really a translator, I feel we missed a lot of learning. We did try a variety of meditations though: 108 bows - made my own mala beads! - 330 chanting, listening to drums - connecting to my aboriginal heartbeat - walking meditation, seated meditation, lying meditation - of which I totally fell asleep as it was after the 330 am chanting - and focused meditation - we made lotus flowers and stared at then.

I look forward to furthering my own knowledge through reading and participating in another temple stay elsewhere. It was a good starter temple though. I snuck snacks in and severely layered myself as I thought it was going to be hella strict.

It was so not though! We had more than enough to eat an it was too hot in the rooms. I also caught a monk sneaking off to smoke. Ha! Guess we're all human eh.

Our guide monk was super sweet though. She said others consider her mind not clean as she likes alcohol, meat and girls. Heart warmed.

All in all it was a mental calm am not a physical calm. I was so stuff and sore after the 108 bows.

SANTA! I know him!

Prepping the kids and my classroom for Christmassssss! Love it. It keeps slushing here though. No real snow sadly:(

But my class and bulletin boards are coming along. We've been listening to Christmas music everyday too. 

I'm in heaven.

Made this tree for the kids to decorate. Who are we kidding, it's for me to decorate! Haha

Going to try and do some research on "Elf on the Shelf."

Hello Kitty Cafe

In Hongdae we discovered the REAL Hello Kitty Cafe! It is an adorably, quaint, busy, pink, little shop.

Coffee wasn't anything special, but it was just so special to be there :)

work environment

Most days this work place scares me. The environment is so tense and hostile. It truly is sad and awful and horrific! My being does not like it at all. Accompanied with the culture shock and shock of what my school is, my body is reacting in a manner to say "I am not ok with this."

I will give this a good solid effort for the year. Though there is an impeding fear of the school closing down and going bankrupt.

Let's hope my acupuncturist can help sort my insides out!

FC Seoul soccer game

Making some new friends and connecting with things from home today. Went and watch the FC Seoul soccer team play today. Was chilly but a really great time.

Animal Cafés

Since most people live at home in the tiny family apartment until they are married, there is little space for pets. Korea has opened up both kitty and puppy cafés. You pay a few, usually around 8,000 won; 8$ For this you are able to pet all the cats or dogs and have a cup of coffee. 

What a great idea!

There is one very close to me. I will be checking it out soon. Hopefully Sally and Bauer won't know I've been cheating on them ;)

Insadong

Travelled to a Korean tourist place last night. Was quaint and super cute. Many alleys left to be explored. I will definitely be returning. They sell many "I love Korea" paraphinelia, tea pot sets etc. There was no shortage of cafés and restaurants to choose from as well.

Tried some green tea made in Jeju. Such a wide variety of flavours! A bit pricey but will need to head back and purchase some.

It is also home to the only Starbucks which has NO English in the sign as well.

Explored an open air-esque market area too.

1/4 down

Today marks my three month anniversary from when I started my contract with CIS. It has been, and continues to be filled with adventures, in/off again feelings of homesickness/frustration/despair/happiness/exploring. Thoughts crappiness that is my school never ceases to amazing me, I have learned to manage it and my emotions around it better;improving everyday. 

My journey has just begun, though it feels like the fast three months have flown by yet dragged on.

I am so appreciative of all those who have kept in touch with me. You truly have no idea how fantastic it is for me to receive a text/email/FB message/ Skype/FT with you. I love it all!

Thank you so very much for all of your love, support and time while I am on this adventure. I send you so much love!

I celebrated today with a toffee nut latte at Starbucks. Close enough to beig back home right? ;)