Livin' in America!

Wow, my blog kind of lost steam fast when we arrived back home! I've had a couple people ask me what was up, so I figured I would update everyone.

Daniel and I arrived back in the U.S. at the end of October. We loved Korean culture! We were lucky to be able to see all the unique places we did (the Great Wall, Beijing, Seoul, Busan, etc.). However, it was time to say goodbye. We miss the many friends we made while overseas, but are enjoying being back with friends and family here. Since October, I have moved to Cookeville and am teaching ESL at Tennessee Tech University. I LOVE my new job! I teach mostly Saudi Arabian students. Before they can go to Tech, they must pass some English classes and tests. That's where I come in. Everyday is a new adventure. They learn so quickly and are very eager to learn English. They keep me laughing and it's a joy to work with the other teachers and staff. Daniel is currently working with his Dad in real estate development. He stays busy, but enjoys it as well.

We're hoping to be able to continue traveling, but no certain destination is in mind at this time. I will post again, when another adventure begins....until then!

Cheonggyecheon Stream and Han River Tour

Cruising down the Han River...
One of the many car/train bridges we passed under....

Daniel and I finally got around to taking the Han River Tour, after one failed attempt and endless summer heat that kept us away, and it was very enjoyable and relaxing. It was a short 1 hour cruise up and down the river where we got to see the tallest building in Seoul, the National Parliament Building, and other historic sights. While in the area, we also got to stroll down Cheonggyecheon Stream in downtown Seoul. It was once completely covered up to make way for buildings, but has now been rebuilt and made into one of the city's most beautiful park areas. We're still enjoying the wonderful fall weather here. If only winter would stay away!

Hiking

At the top with our Kentucky friend, Amanda.
The leaves are changing and is so nice here!
Viewo of Seoul in the background...
Ascending the peak in Suwon...
View of Dongtan and Suwon in the background...


Daniel and I have had several great hiking adventures lately. . . Mt. Gwanggyosan in Suwon and Mt. Dobongsan in Seoul. From the mountain in Suwon, we could see our neighborhood in Dongtan, which was cool. Mt. Dobongsan was a strenuous hike uphill the entire way, but the view of Seoul from the top was amazing! My legs are killing me now, though :(

We've had wonderful weather here and we're really enjoying the outdoors before the cold winter hits. We have another hiking trip planned to one of the tallest mountains in Korea. Its on November 6th with the Adventure Korea Tour group...can't wait!

Farmer's Music and Dance

Suwon Folk Village

Traditional wedding ceremony. The groom rides away on a horse, while the bride is carried away in the box...



On Saturday we took a much anticipated trip to the Folk Village in Suwon with some co-workers and friends. We've tried to go several times, but because of the rain we've had to wait it out. The folk village had lots of cool performances, exhibits, and craft makers. We had lots of fun taking pictures and enjoying the nice weather!

We have the next three days off for Choosok (Korean Thanksgiving) and are planning to head to Lotte World Amusement park again, hike around Seoul's Mountains, and relax!

Seoul Racetrack

I've been slow to post these pictures. A few weeks ago, Daniel, Lexi, Issac, and I went to the Seoul Racetrack and had a great time! The admission to get in was less than a dollar. This is the only legal form of gambling that Korean citizens are allowed to do, so it was a mad house! We didn't lose any money or make any, but then again we were only betting quarters and dollars.

Monsoon season has just begun here in Korea, so it doesn't look like we'll be able to head back to the track any time soon. Fall is supposed to be beautiful here with great weather. I can't wait for that! We're planning a hiking trip for September and starting to think about a winter vacation in Thailand...

Super Students!

This is a video I made for the second CDI April video competition. My summer intensive class, which met twice a week for four weeks, participated. They are my youngest students, ages 7-10 years old. All the CDI schools in Korea are competing, so hopefully we win! The best video gets a 50,000 won prize ($50 USD) for the teacher...cha-ching cha-ching!