Food delivery Korean Style. Gotta love it.

Haeundae at sunset Saturday night
Louise at the bar talking bands

Happy after that margarita

Soaking up the sun.
Making Jerry blush...
Yum! Yum! Yum! Silk worm larvae anyone? They make a...crunchy snack if you fry 'em...
Louises' sunshine boy

The Starfish. Louise picked it up and put it on the rock for an extra good pic. I was afraid to touch it.
Point Break the sequel. I think the waves were far too small for surfing but these desperate souls were taking whatever they could get.
Louise took these beach photo's with her fabulous digital camera. She just loves zooming in on men-in-motion. Naughty, naughty.

American and Russain?

On Friday night Louise and me met three of the students in my 8 a.m. class for dinner. We wanted bulgogi bar-b-q but had trouble finding a place so we ended up settling for pork. I didn't think it would be good as it looks exactly like thick strips of uncooked bacon but they were quite tasty. We threw them on the grill, cut them in smaller pieces and wrapped them in the usual leaf with onions and pepper sauce. We also ordered beef soup with these clear noodles; it had a great flavour. And of course soju which I tried for the very first time. It's not bad; tastes like watered down vodka actually.

After we went to the Cowboy Western bar. Had Margaritas, sex on the beach and one of us even got an orgasm...(the drink perverts). The students left after that but me and Louise went to O'Briens again. Finally, it was pretty busy. They've changed owners and they seem like good guys. Played darts and pool and chatted with some interesting men. Was a good time.

Saturday we went to Haeundae beach. It was Louises' first time sans typhoon so she actually got to see the ocean, walk along the beach and look for crabs and sea shells and such. Found a blue starfish! That was pretty cool. First time I've ever seen one.

At sunset a band set up camp on the beach, sat in a big circle and started banging on skin drums. Crowds gathered, the kids were playing in the ocean. It got pretty busy. There was a great energy and atmosphere. All in all, a great weekend.

Louise at the beach a couple of weeks ago saying: "I'm queen of the world!"

So far I've only bought socks so I'm still a little pissed off. But soon after this photo was taken I found a great skirt so it all go better!

I'm really starting to get annoyed with the fact that people just crash right into you on the street. They don't budge an inch and just expect that you'll walk around them and get out of their way and oops if you don't they just bash your shoulder with theirs and carry on without a care in the world. I realize this is just a cultural difference but it is really starting to get on my nerves. I have been known to yell: "O, I'm sorry, were you in my way?!"
Something else that ticks me off are the sales people. Every time we go shopping the shop owners or employees follow us around and worse stand right beside us as we look at stuff as if they're afraid we're going to steal something. Che, a student in my class said this is simply another cultural difference and that they're only doing that to ensure they are there if we need them. I say, fine but bloody give me a little room! Honestly, they practically lean over your shoulder then inevitably say: "no big size." So I thouroughly enjoyed going into the langerie store yesterday pointing at my breats and asking: "do you have big size?" then shaking my head when they pointed out all the ones with padding. Right back at ya sista's!
My grievences done with there is some news. Louise quit one of her jobs earlier this week. She couldn't take the kids or I should say certain demanding mothers who no one can please. But she is still teaching adults at another school 2 hrs in the morning and she just got another job teaching at a hair salon as well. Also, she got in to see the dentist; she has to have a root canal and a crown but he's giving her a great deal so she is happy.
I had an embarrassing situation the other night and was pretty bummed out so a little shopping therapy was needed. Louise and I hit downtown Seomyeong's main shopping area where I found a fabulous outfit for great prices and thus, was immediately cheered up. We went to Lotte Department store where all the designer shops are. I should've taken a picture of me outside of Tiffanies! I'm not even impressed by diamonds usually but the diamonds in their window -- well, WOW. I've never seen anything sparkle likethat. All the clothes cost waaaay too much but it was fun to look. Actually, today one of my students told me on the 7th floor things are cheap though so will have to go there next time cause I'm sorry $800 CAD for a skirt is just a little, teeny, tiny too much.

I'm really starting to get annoyed with the fact that people just crash right into you on the street. They don't budge an inch and just expect that you'll walk around them and get out of their way and oops if you don't they just bash your shoulder with theirs and carry on without a care in the world. I realize this is just a cultural difference but it is really starting to get on my nerves. I have been known to yell: "O, I'm sorry, were you in my way?!"
Something else that ticks me off are the sales people. Every time we go shopping the shop owners or employees follow us around and worse stand right beside us as we look at stuff as if they're afraid we're going to steal something. Che, a student in my class said this is simply another cultural difference and that they're only doing that to ensure they are there if we need them. I say, fine but bloody give me a little room! Honestly, they practically lean over your shoulder then inevitably say: "no big size." So I thouroughly enjoyed going into the langerie store yesterday pointing at my breats and asking: "do you have big size?" then shaking my head when they pointed out all the ones with padding. Right back at ya sista's!
My grievences done with there is some news. Louise quit one of her jobs earlier this week. She couldn't take the kids or I should say certain demanding mothers who no one can please. But she is still teaching adults at another school 2 hrs in the morning and she just got another job teaching at a hair salon as well. Also, she got in to see the dentist; she has to have a root canal and a crown but he's giving her a great deal so she is happy.
I had an embarrassing situation the other night and was pretty bummed out so a little shopping therapy was needed. Louise and I hit downtown Seomyeong's main shopping area where I found a fabulous outfit for great prices and thus, was immediately cheered up. We went to Lotte Department store where all the designer shops are. I should've taken a picture of me outside of Tiffanies! I'm not even impressed by diamonds usually but the diamonds in their window -- well, WOW. I've never seen anything sparkle likethat. All the clothes cost waaaay too much but it was fun to look. Actually, today one of my students told me on the 7th floor things are cheap though so will have to go there next time cause I'm sorry $800 CAD for a skirt is just a little, teeny, tiny too much.

Last night I put on my dancing shoes and walked to the school in the pouring rain where I was scheduled to meet the students from my class for dinner. I waited, and waited, and waited. 20 minuites later I trudged home grumbling to myself about how unreliable and rude people could be. Checked my phone when I got home and found 9 missed calls. Just then Jade called asking where I was saying she'd been waiting for me -- on the 3rd floor of the school! Grrrr. I then told her I'd been waiting in the lobby. That mix-up fixed I changed out of my skirt and heels into jeans and this time took a taxi.
Marine (that's his english nickname) took us to a fabulously rustic restaurant a few blocks away. The stone gravel entrance way led to wooden tables that looked like they'd been cut whole from the tree. Lights hung on strings from the ceiling and a man with a guitar seranaded us with Korean songs of unrequited and lost loves.
For the first time I tried Korean liquor made from rice. Marine poured it from a copper kettle into my bowl and bid me take a sip. It wasn't bad but the aftertaste was strong. Marine and Jade poured sugar into a metal tray, held it over the flame, mixed in a little baking powder then poured it onto a steel plate. They explained it was a traditional Korean "cookie". We didn't get to eat it in the end, it was too hard. Oh, well.
They ordered some kimchi "pie", sausage and dofu. We nibbled as we talked and drank and listened to the music.
Louise didn't come because of the rain (another typhoon passed by) and because she was tired. Also, she woke the other morning to find her tooth broke. Tomorrow we're going to church because they have free dental care for foreigners.

The weekend went well. Louise and I went to Nampo-dong which was the former downtown of Busan. It has since been outdone by Seomyeong (the area I live in) in terms of popularity but I digress. I loved Nampodong! There were TONS of famous clothing stores and when you turned off the main street there was a maze of market vendors selling absolutely everything from purses to shoes to suitcases, dresses, jeans, blouses, etc, etc. We literally spent 6 hours walking around looking at all the clothes, drooling. Kids in a candy store. Truly. I bought a few things which they put in little black plastic bags and took some shots for you folks which I'll post below momentarily.

Sunday we hit Shanghai street which would be more aptly named if it were called "Russia street". It was much less impressive not to mention eerily un-busy. In fairness, it could have had something to do with the fact that it was Sunday and a lot of the shops were closed. Ate at a chinese restaurant but it wasn't very good and I was a little dissapointed.

Stopped into a Starbucks in Nampodong and who was working behind the counter but one of the students from my class! We said hello and talked for a bit and I found out later that she was going to treat us to free coffee's but we left too soon.

After work today I had visions of hitting the beach, sipping a latte and breathing in fresh ocean air since it was the nicest day in a long time. Thought, "I'll just take a little nap first." Yeah, woke up 3 hours later! Ah, man!

Been going to the gym in my builing. I like it there because it's almost always empty and there are huge windows from floor to ceiling, so I walk on the treadmill and stare at the river on the left, mountains on the right and the park straight ahead.

Tomorrow night I'm going out with some of the students from my 7 a.m. class. Should be fun they're mostly men. haha.

Animated advertising is the latest in Busan..

Morning classes are going really well. For one they are more full than the afternoon classes but maybe that has something to do with summer being over and everyone getting back down to business, not sure. Most students are fabulous and it's a breeze the only kink in the armour being it's tough to get up at 6am especially after sleeping in for the past....year? Anyway, I'm adjusting better and better everyday and the time flies.
In the afternoons, I've been grocery shopping and cooking. Made my most fabulous stirfry ever the other night. Even Louise said it was rather tasty. Spicy dofu soup with yam was on the menu this evening. Watch out Martha Stewart! (she cooks doesn't she?) .
Socially, I've been spending time with an very cute aussie neighbour in my building. Louise and I ran into him the sunday before last and since then he invited me to join him for his evening cigarrettes. Although, I do believe that will end soon for two reasons. First, the weather is cooling off quickly and secondly and worst of all -- there are RATS. Yeah, that's right, I said it r.a.t.s. Did I mention I HATE rats? First night we were there, John looked over my should and said in a casual tone: "how do you feel about rats?" I jumped up and screamed. That about answered that. I'm such a girl when it comes to those disease infested rodents. Oh, and they're HUGE. Well, ok, maybe not THAT huge but they're too big anyway. And brave! They just keep running right past like nobody's business. We nicknamed him (is there more than one or is it the same fellow running back and forth?) Bob. No particular reason except I always found it amusing to give animals human names. Ok, well, it's late and I'm rambling like a crazy person.
It's the weekend and I'm thrilled, plan on sleeping in and hopefully hitting the town.

Pile the rocks and make a wish...
Pet Parrot
Who is this that darkens my doorway? Just kidding Weeza.

Me trying to look casual. Never works.

Praying to the Buddah.

At the museaum, Miniature statue of the one cut into the rock.

Me in the subway. Sorry, just camera happy now...

Me in the classroom with my freaky new dye job and haircut. Really must learn to speak Korean...

Louise's first lunch in Busan what to have but Bulgogi. She loved it immediately.

Me chillin' out in my pad. Seeeexy, eh??

Popbingsu. The Yummy Korean summer desert make of crushed ice, ice cream, red beans and fruit. Soooooo good.

The Buddah. People would go into the temple, bow and pray and sometimes give money.

Dong-Il and me in front of the Buddist Monastery.

Louise and me on the path that leads to the tombs.

Unexcavated tombs of the kings and other Royal persons

Lunch spread before we set out.

This past weekend was a long weekend so DongIl invited Louise and I to Gyeongju for a day of sightseeing. He picked us up at my apartment at 10:30am and we arrived there an hour and a half later. The countryside was filled will rolling green hills and mountains.
First, we stopped for some lunch, during which a guy with a video camera approached us and asked if he could video tape us eating and commenting on the food; I did, so I imagine I was on Korean T.V. but I never saw it.
After lunch we visited the tombs of ancient kings, which were huge grassy mounds. Inside you weren't allowed to take any photos but truth be told it was just one room with a few artifacts encased behind class and wasn't that spectacular. Dong-Il, our guide informed us that this kingdom lasted 1,000 years but the Koreans know little about it because when the Japanese invaded they took the scrolls with them. Only one tomb has been excavated and the rest are left untouched to preserve them; because the papers are gone they don't know whose even buried in them though.
We hit a museum after that which had miniature statues of the Buddah carved into the cliff a little ways away that we did not have time to visit. And lastly, we went to the Buddist temple. Again we weren't allowed to take photos of the Buddah but Louise and I did anyway and we kinda got yelled at just a bit. Oops.
Tomorrow is the beginning of the new month of teaching which means all new students as well as a new schedule. 7am - 1pm now. Sweeet.
Take care everyone. Lots of Love.