Monster Mash Madness

Korea is not big on Halloween, although we sure brought it out on Saturday night. We dressed up and had a few celebratory drinks before heading out to the bar. I was not allowed to take my camera out, as some people suggested that it would be lost (now how would that ever happen!?). There were some well thought out costumes, such as a guy dressed up as kimbap, as well as a Macy Gray look a like! I met bundles of people and had a lot of fun. Here's what the bunch of us looked like:

Fall Fun

On Friday the kinder kids enjoyed the crisp autum weather with a trip to Bulgok Mountain (Wonderful hiking literally right outside my apartment door!). We had such fun climbing the jungle gym and dancing around. My kids and I were doing a cross between square dancing and a jigg. We also went on a nature hike looking for cool leaves and nuts and the like. The kids freaked out when they saw a caterpillar on my shirt. But of course, I thought it was cute!

T Shirt Weather Still??

Holy crap, fall has arrived without a warning! The Koreans were going around yesterday wearing sweaters and jackets with shivers coming from them. Now it was chilly, but a sheer cry from the snowsuits we would be wearing at home at this time!

Birthday Fun

Last week was the birthday week. Among my birthday, there were also three others, lots of gifts to pass around! For my 25th, we went to VIPS, a steak and salad bar, and stuffed outselves with buffet. The staff came and sang happy birthday and then brought out a bunch of silly hats and we had to pose for a pic. Too bad they didn't fix the red eyes!

On Saturday, I participated in some beer drinking for the birthday celebrations. We went to this a semi-fancy establishment for drinks that had an amazing atmosphere of trees and fountains, ponds and plants. Really nice! The beer of choice for me was Tsingtao which brought me back to the good ol' days of China. I also met a puppy here that I wanted to steal but he was too big to fit under my jacket!

Wow, we haven't even conquered Halloween yet and we have already been discussing the kinder Christmas Concert! I am in charge of the haunted house, which will be ultra fun. And we are also doing different Halloween activities in class next week. Let's see how much they can be frightened!

YBM Sports Day

On Saturday, we had a sports day with the kinder kids and competed against another YBM school in Bundang. Most of all the kids showed up and we played different games and activities and danced. The kids sure had lots if energy and wore me out. I participated in a relay race. Once I got the stick, I booted it and all the parents were cheering me on. I almost wiped out a kid in the process! Fun times were had by all.

Opposing Forces

Tensions have been rising in the nation of North Korea. The communist state conducted a nuclear test of its bomb last night- consequently enough, the anniversary of president Kim Jong-Il's inauguration.

"The nuclear test is a historic event that brought happiness to our military and people" says the Korean Central News Agency. "The nuclear test will contribute to maintianing peace and stability in the Korean peninsula and surrounding region" (MSN News).

In fact, the testing has done the opposite and aid to North Korea has been suspended. The South Korean Governement, as well as the US Military in Korea has heightened its defense against the North.

And so in defiance of the world, a small yet powerful nation has done what everyone has feared. But just how much further will they push that fear?

Picture It

This weekend, James, Jocelyne and I went to Yongsan. If it has a switch, then you can find it here. Yongsan is the biggest electronics market in Asia. However did I manage to find a camera? We delt with this really nice man, Mr. Yang, and with his help I deciced upon a Sony Cybershot. With 7.2 megapixels, this baby can do anything. "Arggg arggg arrggg, more power!" (Tim the Toolman Taylor, Home Improvment)

Happy Chuseok

Here is the gift set compliments of YBM given to all of the teachers for the Chuseok holiday. I'll be smelling great forvere! Thanks YBM! And many thanks also to my wonderful kindergarden students for the great gifts! Happy Chuseok!