Palbongsan

Beginning of the Trail

Buddhist Shrine

My friend Philip, a music teacher

from the University of Akron, Ohio

Beautiful Scenery

Palbong Mountain in the Distance

 

 Bus shelter where we wait for an hour, before being
offered a ride from a random Korean passing by

(the guy forgot to put the car on park when
he got off to say goodbye and give us further
instructions but THAT is another story)

 Another View of Palbong Mountain

Delicious Galbi with Kimchi Omelette Ring

Thank You, Teacher

Although completely unecessary, many students love to shower their teacher with tokens of affection.  Throughout the years, I've been given an assortment of "gifts", from hastily scribbled letters and torn pieces of a kindergartener's snack, to wine bottles and fancy gift certificates.  I won't deny it, it's nice to know you're appreciated.  Still, I do say I was a bit taken aback when, this past Thursday, "Amy", who'd just flown back from a hiatus in Japan, very candidly brought me back...  a hamburger and a coke.

I ate it.  I lived to write about it. 

For Justin, Who is "Desserting" Us

One of my best students just had his last class.  They can't stay on at our academy once they go off to high school (the equivalent of Canadian grade 11 or so).  He was an amazing little person, who always put forth his best effort and loved to hear about new cultures.  Hence, we had a little "Desserting" us P-A-R-T-Y!  Keep an eye out for him:  this kid is going places.

 

End of Innocence

'What is an elf?" I asked. 

Without missing a beat, sweet, innocent Peter piped up:  "A very beautiful woman who helps Santa."

Quelques photos de Noël

What did Adam say on the day before Christmas ?
It's Christmas, Eve !

Our director, who hijacked his gift BEFORE we made it to

the restaurant for the Christmas party.

As you can see, he was touched by our words.

  Two lovely people on Christmas day.  Can you find the third?

She didn't leave with that scarf.  I didn't leave with that scarf.

D*** white elephant Christmas exchanges.  ^_^

 December 24th:  no snow

December 25th:  magic!

Yummy Fishies

This might look a tad disreputable but it must be THE best snack place in town!  The fishies on the left are made of pancake dough filled with sweet red bean paste.  This particular street stall makes them extra crispy and...the lady's husband always gives me one for free.

I Don't Think It'll Be a White Christmas

There are not many Christmas lights around Seosan but it warmed
me up inside to see this gas station's attempt at holiday cheer.

Just Your Regular Wednesday

This is the latest update I've received from the Canadian embassy.
 Life is never boring here, that's for sure!

__________________________________________________

South Korea will hold a nationwide special civil emergency exercise today at 14:00 for 15 minutes. Sirens will sound, transport will be stopped and some people may be asked to take shelter in metro stations or basements. Aircraft may be heard overhead. There is no need to be alarmed. On 23 November, North Korea fired multiple rounds of artillery shells at the island of Yeonpyeong, killing 4 people and injuring several more. South Korea responded with its own artillery and has strengthened its military presence in the area. We advise against travel to Yeonpyong, or to the other North West Islands of Baengnyeong-do, Daecheong-do, Socheong-do and Woo-do. We assess that there is no substantially increased risk or danger to those living in or travelling to other areas of South Korea as a result of current tensions. Canadians should be vigilant, monitor ongoing developments, and follow the advice of local authorities.

Canadians are encouraged to maintain their level of readiness to cope with any emergency situation. It is recommended that:

you ensure that your travel documents, including your passport, are valid;
you have registered with the online Registry of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) and/or updated your registration with your latest information.

Please see the weblinks below for additional information:

Travel report-up-to-date information about Korea
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=153000

(...blah blah blah blah) 

We hope that this information will be helpful to you,

Your Consular team
Embassy of Canada

Surpris par l'Esprit de Noël