Checking In

12/26

I'm back! I'll first start by saying it's probably a good idea to stop making promises about updating this regularly, because that has definitely not been the case. I'm leaving for Indonesia in approximately 8 hours and since constant distractions have been getting the best of me, I thought I'd use a little free time to (briefly) check in here before checking in for the upcoming travels.

Fact: It is much easier to travel than to write about it.

The first semester has officially been over for 3 weeks, meaning the 3rd grade class (the oldest grade in middle school) graduated, a lot of them who I'm sad to see go after they made the semester so enjoyable, but with their graduation also comes a whole new class of 1st graders (the youngest in middle school) when the new semester starts in March. With that, the current break I'm on  has been consumed with extra classes, an online class with five 7-year olds on a remote island nearby, lesson planning...and now begins the traveling. Starting today until the end of next month, I'll be covering Jakarta, Bali, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Another bonus: A lifelong friend is flying in a few days after I return from Bali, and traveling with me for the remainder. I have a lot to be excited and thankful for, and especially glad I can share a little of my life in Korea with a good friend from home.

The holidays also brought unique and memorable experiences. Thanksgiving celebrations were a success, consisting of 12 people sitting on every surface of my house enjoying the endless rounds of food that was supplied by all and made with a collection of ingredients from all over the country. The menu included salad, mashed potatoes, 2 kinds of cranberry sauce, stuffing, pumpkin soup, marinated beef (turkeys are apparently hard to find), vegetables, pumpkin pie, 2 apple-pear pies (an apple-pear is a real fruit here...and an excellent creation), caramel brownies, and banana bread. That’s right, enough food to feed 30 and demolished by 12. The food marathon ended in those 12 people sprawled across the floor and unable to move for the next 2 hours while Ian kindly serenaded us with his guitar to ease the collectively shared agony. Needless to say it was all a joint effort. Christmas was a combination of Jangheung festivities (home), a Christmas party at a local orphanage where I'm able to volunteer, and a get-together in Mokpo with friends on Christmas day. New Years was made of an epic snow storm that turned into a cozy night at home with my neighbor Cassie and Gina who made the trek from Gwangju: Drinks, dancing, late-night Korean food, and a good time had by all... The best memories always come from spontaneity.

 Two months in a quiet town with freezing temperatures have also resulted in the acquiring of 5 Taekwondo belts...How, you might ask? Having a practice everyday, and being put on the fast track to a black-belt tournament in May. It's turned into an awesome hobby and now a steadily improving "skill" that hopefully won't be the demise of me when I'm sparring for a black belt in 4 months.

1/17- Taekwondo

It's amazing how fast the time is going, and the consistent distractions make it go even faster. I embrace the unpredictable routine and don't see it as a bad thing, and even though I miss everyone at home the aspect of being disconnected from a normal lifestyle and immersed in life here is both inspiring and liberating. I'm now off to Indonesia, and will talk to you all again soon...blog or no blog.

Have an awesome few weeks!