Seoul Tower

Andrew and I decided to spend another afternoon exploring so we traveled into Seoul to see the infamous Namsang Tower.

We chose to ride a cable car up most of the way rather than hike as it was a pretty frigid day. But once we reached the top, I saw Seoul like I've never seen it before. You can see everything from up there...and from 360 breath-taking degrees.

My favorite part was the love locks that lined the perimeter on the main platform. I had heard about these before but it was certainly not what I was expecting. Some time passed and it was becoming dark. Lucky for us, we could see not only the bustling lights of the city, but we could spot grand Christmas lights as well. So after taking a bunch of pictures, we went exploring for the Christmas lights we saw from the tower. I think we were both pleasantly surprised with our findings around Shinsegae and Lotte Department Store in Myeongdong. We even found Charlie Brown along the way!

To top the night off, we had dinner at Tomatio's, a Korean version of Chipotle (a Mexican restaurant I seriously miss from back home) and it was muy delicioso. Moral of the story, I really love our dates, especially when Andrew marks them on his calendar.

Who's the Boss?!?

Not only was this a Television show, but now an actual episode in my real life.

I was sadly informed today that our amazing boss Jae has resigned and will be finished at the end of the month. This news was unwelcomed by all teachers and it completely put a dark cloud over the entire day. No one wants to see her leave, especially when we know her replacement, Tony, has a bad reputation. One teacher even said he would formally give his 30 day notice tomorrow.

I on the other hand, want to give the new guy a chance. At this point, I have not signed a new contract for my four month extension. Finishing at the end of June is so ideal for me right now. I could make at least Laura's wedding if not Emilie's wedding as well, and there's a lot of money to be saved from now until then. The thought has crossed my mind to only extend 2 months as I'm not really into working for a boss on a power trip. But at the same time, staying the full four is much more advantageous to me. I think I'm mostly stressed or concerned about the new situation because the same thing happened to Sionna and Paulina at their campus. They loved their boss. But when she decided to resign, she was replaced by a crazy dictator on a seriously, serious power trip. And unfortunately for them, it has really ruined their time here. I'm not saying the same will happen to me. But I still am away from home and living in another country. And after 12 months, the time I'm no longer legally bound to this country, I'd really hate to regret my decision of staying so long. But, I guess only time will tell.

And another one bites the dust...

The group is getting smaller yet again. This coming Friday is officially Andrew's going away party. Although the "shin-dig" is two weeks premature, it is none-the-less happening and new friends must say good bye. This event will be both casual and local, as we're simply hanging around Bundang. But I have a feeling we will be taking over Dublins in a serious way. Not only is Andrew leaving but Paulina and Sionna are bidding adieu this Sunday as well which will take place at Butterfingers, one of the very first restaurants we went to in Seoul.

I guess our time here has come to an end. But, it was all one hell of a beginning.

It's a Jump Off

Although this is my favorite Lil Kim song, I'm referring to a lil snowboarding action we witnessed this past Saturday. It just so happens it was the first snowboarding competition held in an Asian city. And that Asian city was in my backyard; Seoul.

A large group of us made a trip into see the much anticipated event as well as the Christmas lights that surrounded the 34 meter high by 100 meter long jump built in the middle of Gwanghwamn Square. With the majestic mountains in the background and a rather large statue of a past Korean general positioned front and center, it was one of the most amazing settings I have ever witness for such an affair. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, a total of over 260,000 citizens and visitors enjoyed the three-day Seoul Snow Jam where 29 riders from 10 countries competed in the World Cup Big Air.

After dusk set in and the frigid air made our tootsies cold, we all headed to Texas, bar that is (for Andrew of course), taking plenty of snapshots with friendly strangers along the way. Eventually, we "camped" at the well known watering hole known by the locals as Ho-Bar II (but known to foreigners as just another western bar).

Hours later, we made it back to Bundang where we ran into Dave and his girlfriend. Soon after, a plate full of hot chicken filled our tummies and then I was off to dreamland with thoughts of our upcoming Snowboarding Christmas trip upon Colt's arrival less than 10 days away.

Later I learned a snowboarder from Switzerland had won the gold. But the whole time I was rooting for America. Hey...the dude was a hottie!!!