... just kidding!

When you are looking into working abroad do make sure you FULLY read your contract. Have someone else read your contract. Read it again. Ask for clarification. Then light it on fire as your employer will probably NOT uphold it at all.

On second thought, bring the contract with you and use it as TP as you will not have any in your apart-ah upon arrival.

This week I have been given less than 24 hours notice that I will be receiving a new class. Funny, I already have a doctors appointment schedule; I cannot teach this class today. I have since been informed that I will be fired if I am not present for the 1.5 hour class today. FML.

I am becoming so very tired of this game. I have felt absolutely ZERO support from my recruiter and my employer. Be forewarned you WILL be on your own. And there will more than likely be NO one for you to turn to for support.

Continuing to enjoy the nature around Korea. More exploring of Dobongson, and hopefully more to come!

Traveling as a Lifestyle Choice

Lately I am embarking upon severe research of the Philippines. I have another solo trip coming up that I am madly attempting to plan without the utilization of tour groups; ie. planning out everything on my own. This is all fun and swell, minus the fact that the Philippines is so spread out you are required to fly most places. With limited time to visit and in wanting to limit my funds, I need to do some heavy planning prior to leaving so as to capitalize on cheap flights within the areas I wish to venture off to. So many options and adventures to be had as well!

I have stumbled onto a few Canadians who have given up the daily 9-5 grind and have commenced a life of travel abroad and working along the way. They seem to be so happy. I am having a strong and positive reaction to this (potential) lifestyle change ... Prepare yourself friends and family! :) The most notable blogs have been: goatsontheroad.com    vagabondish.com   and   travelingcanucks.com
It is like they were sent to me at this time.

Mayhaps after this stink in South Korea, accompanied with my few mini excursions in Southeast Asia, I will do nothing more than continue this work and travel abroad; though this time around there will be much more emphasis on the traveling and relaxing portion than, as we all know how this year has been (not to complain or sound ungrateful; this just has seriously NOT been what I was expecting or hoping for myself this year).

Who knows, I could be that dirrrty kid who backpacks forever ... I think my heartstrings and fingers are crossed for this option. But how do you complete unplug from the life you (I) have left back home? - in terms of finances, the daily grind, etc ...

Jagged Ridge Hike

Though the cherry blossoms may have been next to nil, it was lovely to get back into nature and away from the hustle and bustle. It truly felt like I could have been anywhere else OTHER than Korea; which was Faaaaabulous. Many of te spots we stopped at reminded me heavily of Victoria and Vancouver. Aaaahhhh!, to breathe in the fishy, harbour-y smells again. A true delight!

The lot of us WinK'ers completed a four hour hike followed up with a Korean style kimchi pancake and magkoli. Delish! The following days saw wandering in the harbour, a POW camp, checking out spectacular ocean views and consuming COPIOUS amounts of oysters - for my first time with oysters, it couldn't be any better!

Traveler's

Once upon a time, a Canadian male specimen fell in love with a beautiful, Korean women. After many months of what I imagine to be soju filled days of courting the pair wedded. After weeks of living in Korea, the male opened an authentically Canadian burger joint. As days passed and the years went by, it was only natural that I should happen into this restaurant. And on my was it delicious! REAL bacon. REAL, creamy avocado, REAL hamburger meat. It was delicious. My taste buds are still dancing.

Pak

Sitting on a subway, reading A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens. This is how I am spending a vast majority of my sunny, crisp Sunday off; traveling way south (about two hours!) for an ayurvedic appointment and to meet up with mon aimée to grab a legit Canadian burger. Stoked on life at zee moment, though slightly disheartened to be stuck on a train. I'm missing out on feeling the sunrays dance over my body.

Today, an older gentlemen sat beside me. He was dressed like the typical weekend warrior Korean hiker. Totally exuding the part. A real nature man. I could sense he came with a purpose. Sure enough he had an English language question. To be fair, I definitely look the part to assist him, eapecially being the only "whitey" for the entire train!

Pak and I got a talking. It was a lovely conversation. So nice to have a human connection again. A connection outside of work. A connection to snap one back into the real world, whatever that means. It's quite disheartening to look upon the vast masses as see everyone on their phone and other electronic devices, purposefully ignoring others. I can slightly remeber a time when you would make idle chit chat with those on a bus. Those days are long gone, and mostly dead.

Except for today.

Pak has been to BC and many parts of te states for school and for visiting purposes. I find it very admirable and rad he has had so many life adventures. Definitely feeds my itch to travel and explore and to say "what the fuck," because really, what do I have to loose?!

This is life. We only have NOW. Why not seize the moments, capitalize on all the excitemt and exhilaration that there is to be had. Money will come and go. People will come and go. And sometimes experiences come and go; I am not wanting to pass these up.

Also Pak likes Canadian more - we're friendlier. Win for Home! 

discovery

While attempting to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at St. Mary's hospital, the cabbie drove by the cafe moon. It looked intruiging. Internally I hoped to have some time to pop in. Luckily, the stars aligned in my favour.

There isn't food like I hoped, but the coffee is decent enough. The space is beautiful with a wonderful view, even in this dreary day.

One must keep their eyes, hearts and minds open for new things.