Halloween Care Package!

Today I received a Halloween care package from my lovely mother! Just in time for Halloween.

As I Went Down to the River to Pray

Autumn is definitely here, friends. I am appreciating the beauty of summer turning into fall more than I ever have before. Maybe it's because my only memories of this take place in Colorado. Maybe it's because this is my first autumn not busying myself with being a student since 1996. Or maybe it's because I've hit that point in my life where the whole "time speeds up as you age" sensation is no longer hanging over my head, but straight-up gnawing on my brain.

It feels something like this:

Anyway.

It was a lovely autumn day so I went for a walk by the river and snapped a few pictures. Sometimes I wish photographs could capture the whole experience of being somewhere--the sounds, the smells, the feeling of the very air and sunshine--but then I suppose I would treasure these moments a little less if I could revisit them so simply. But it would be nice if I could share them with all my friends and family!

Here is what I've got:

One of my favorite things about experiencing autumn here: persimmons. In Korean they are called "gam" (감). I never had them before and I love them! Aren't they lovely? 

And I'm not having any trouble transitioning into "fall fashion." Sweaters? Scarves? Cardigans? Tights? Boots? Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes.

LDS Nongseong Ward YSA and Missionaries

Enjoy autumn, wherever you are!

Music I listened to while writing this post: Switchfoot (Hello Hurricane and Vice Verses albums)

Adventure is Out There!

...but first, let's catch up on sleep and get messages. And eat burritos.

Hello there! I have come to the realization that my great Korea adventure has become, well, decreasingly adventurous. It's a strange feeling getting settled into a foreign country! I'm used to being here even though I don't speak the language. Keep in mind, this does not mean I know what I'm doing--it just means I'm less surprised when I do not know what I'm doing, but no less frustrated!

Anyway. My point is, I'm nearing my 5 month mark of living in Korea and yet I feel like I haven't done anything super new or exciting lately. I guess I have a little bit of a "routine"...weird.

But last Saturday I did experience something new: a Korean massage! My friend Molly and I decided to check out a place called "Foot and Body" in downtown Gwangju. We each paid about $30 for like an hour long basic sports massage. Was it relaxing? Errr no. Haha. It was actually kind of intense. I was so sore for the next couple days! I definitely didn't hate it but I'm just not sure it benefited me much. More than anything, it was fun to experience something new with a friend! Thanks, Molly!

They had unisex orange shirts and shorts for us to wear

While waiting for the massage they served us tea as we soaked our feet

Ahhh looks relaxing, yes?

We also got some burritos for lunch and shopped around for a little bit before calling it a day. It was a pleasant, simple day.

What else have I been up to the past couple weeks? Well I'll tell you!

• Patbingsu. I eat a lot of patbingsu. It's a shaved ice and ice cream dessert and it is delicious. So much fun to share with friends!

• I made surprisingly delicious banana muffins that I shared with my coworkers. The previous person who live in my apartment left behind a practically full bottle of ground cloves so I threw in a dash for extra tastiness.

• Shrek nuggets. Enough said.

• My dear grandparents sent me a Halloween card! It is displayed on my desk next to the one my dad sent me!

p.s. I actually really love it when they call me "Pumpkin" hehe

• I'm still loving the food!

Kimchi stew. I was feeling a little under the weather last week and this stew lifted my spirits! I've already ordered it several times this month.

Shrimp kimbap. Always kimbap. With a side of kimchi, pickled radish, and soup of course!

I'm Still Here!

Hello everyone! Sorry if it feels like I abandoned the blog. Have no fear! I will spare you the excuses and get right down to an update.

Ah it has been three weeks, where do I begin?? First of all, I've been in Korea for 4 months and 3 days. I am going through this phase where, at sporadic moments throughout the day, I remember that I am living out one of my dreams. Back when doing something like moving to another country alone to gain extraordinary life experiences felt so far from my reality, I described teaching in Korea as my "Rapunzel-and-the-lanterns-status-dream." I wanted this life so badly. I keep marveling at how much I wanted to do this and how much I thought I wouldn't follow through. And yet I've been here for 4 months and I am pleased to report that I am getting what I wanted out of the experience.

Well, I didn't think much happened the past few weeks that I neglected my blog. Then I looked back on the pictures I've taken! Here are some highlights:

• Two field trips with my kindy class. For one we went to the Korean culture museum and the other we went to a Chinese culture center. See some adorable pictures here! (Caution: these kids are heart-meltingly cute).
• I bought a tree to brighten up my room 
  
• I had McDonalds in Korea for the first time. I never eat McDonalds in America by the way. This was surprisingly delicious.
  
• I went to a Norebang (karaoke room) with some Korean friends. It was my first time going to one. They are very popular here. You rent out a room for like an hour and sing karaoke with your friends. 
  
• I had lunch with a few middle-aged Korean ladies. They were very sweet and paid for my lunch, dessert, and some cookies. Apparently they all have daughters my age and kept telling me how much I remind them of their daughters.

  

  This was our meal. Holy cow it was amazing.

We went out for tea after lunch. They bought me bingsoo since I don't drink tea. This was very healthy tea that did not look very tasty...

Bingsoo! (Ice cream and shaved ice)

Cute little flower-shaped bean treats and spearmint tea!

• After that meal we saw the rose garden at Chosun University near where I live.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• The best part about my job is still my students.
  
• Also my dad mailed me an early Happy Halloween card :D 
  
• And I made french toast 
  

Once again, I apologize for the lack of blog posts lately! I promise to stay more on top of it from now on! Thanks for reading. Now go enjoy the day!