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

Parc national Woraksan

Province:  Chungcheongbuk-do

Woraksan  = "Moon Crags Mountains"

4.9 km, 1097 m

Man-Made Lake in Seoul

 

Christmas Cheer

 It's great to be friends with the girl
    who works at the local coffee shop. 

Cause then, you get free muffins
with your sweet potato latté on your way out of town.

AND wonderful homemade knitted mittens. 
Thanks Soo-Kyung!

C'est Noël, c'est Noël, apporte des bébelles! 
Fini (ou presque), le magasinage du temps des fêtes.

Bizarre Happenings

I work 6 days a week.  I teach 9 classes each and every one of those days.  I also meet with friends, go on hikes, take care of the groceries...  In short, I'm away from the apartment quite a fair bit. 

Is it just me, or it a tad strange, then, that every time I go to Seoul, and only when I go to Seoul, without fail, the cats hunt down the latex cleaning gloves, drag them into the litter box, and uncannily proceed to MAKE WATER on them?  It's weird.  I'm just saying.

Mug Shots

We are making movies in one of our classes, which led me to take pictures of various students.  Here are some mug shots of great kids.  These guys crack me up week after week.

Par une belle journée d'automne

De nouveaux horizons

Je n'ai pas été très assidue. Je sais que je n'ai pas écris souvent, en deux ans. Mais l'on peut FAIRE, ou bien l'on peut PARLER de ce que l'on a fait. Ce fût un 24 mois bien occupé!

Nouvelle année, nouvelles résolutions.