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.