Page 2 of Karen Meets Korea Europe Travel Blog Posts


Asia » South Korea » Seoul » Yongsan-gu » Ichon Station April 17th 2011

Ever wonder why we think we have it all together when really we are not in control of the final outcomes. I find it so funny that we painstakingly plan, toil and stress over so so many things in this life that in the end tend to work out for good. Of course, our initial choices do play a role in our personal level of satisfaction in regards to the outcomes. Let me take you on my journey of highlights regarding some of my final outcomes for the week. I visited Insadong with my Hanji instructor, Sangsil. We enjoyed lunch and visited a few art galleries. She introduced me to the bus transit system. I personally still prefer the subway. After lunch she directed me to the subway entry for my home destination. I got on ... read more
Smelling the Blossoms
My Honey
Magnolia's

Asia » South Korea » Seoul » Yongsan-gu » Ichon Station April 7th 2011

One of the highlights of my unplanned experiences happened this week, but before you go on if you are not open to learning some of the details of what is involved in a Medicinal Herbal Hip Bath in Seoul you may want to consider skipping the Dragonhill Spa section. If you are curious please join me in my journal of explanation. I will begin with the joy of finishing my best yet Hanji Painting. This one took me two class sessions and at least 6 hours of homework to finish. I am very pleased with the end result. Please note without the guidance of my teacher this would not have turned out to be what it is today. Thanks Sungsil. Dragonhill Spa- On Tuesday I decided to take on the challenge alone of Dragonhill Spa. This ... read more
Myeongdong

Asia » South Korea » Seoul » Yongsan-gu » Ichon Station April 1st 2011

I am told spring is right around the corner and I must say that I can feel the difference as the warmer days are making their much appreciated appearance. I see the signs of the trees green buds and the cherry blossoms delicate flowers beginning to reveal their inner beauty. One day this past week I was able to take off my jacket on my journey to and from the subway. It was refreshing! We have been experiencing the yellow dust which reminds me of the oak pollen in San Antonio. At this time the dust is not as heavy as the pollen, we will see as time progresses as to the increase in density. Currently I am working on what I would claim to be a beginner Hanji Painting masterpiece. My plans are to have ... read more
Handsome Hubby
Adding Spring to our Apartment
Itaewon

Asia » South Korea » Seoul » Yongsan-gu » Ichon Station March 26th 2011

Some days are filled with times of reflection on the good times of the past and the exciting times of the present. Over the last two weeks I have reflected back on the very beginning of this journey. One significant send off event I revisited was that of our dearest family and friends gathering to say goodbye. Jeff and Kaycie pulled off this surprise of a lifetime which started our journey to Seoul. I have attached a video of this big event. As I move forward in writing this blog I also will reveal my newest memory maker moments last week. Here in Seoul we have encountered both the very bitter cold and the signs of slightly warmer spring days. The trees are just beginning to bud. Spring and the heat of summer are just around ... read more
Hanji 7 Daisy
Hanji #8 Fish
Karen Baking Apron

Asia » South Korea » Seoul » Yongsan-gu » Ichon Station March 14th 2011

This week my amazing hubby Matt surprised me by bringing our oldest son Dustin, his wife Melissa and our 3 gorgeous granddaughters to Seoul for my Birthday. On Sunday evening I was playing soft music and working on a Hanji Painting when low and behold 3 little girls come bouncing in to greet me. I had tears of happiness flowing down my face. This was so awesome. I will share our journey this week more in photos and videos. Cyrstal was so kind as to design a daily itenerary of activities to do during their visit. Thank you Crystal, we are so appreciative. Mon, 03/07- We began our journey taking the subway to Youinaru Station to visit Building 63 the tallest building in Seoul. Building 63 contains aquariums filled with fish, otters, penguins, seals just to ... read more
Subway adventure with WA Kids
Papa with girls
Birthday Celebration with Family

Asia » South Korea » Seoul » Yongsan-gu » Ichon Station March 6th 2011

This was my time to get caught up on evaluating the homework for my great students, preparing for this weeks class sessions and enjoying my new found past time of Hanji Painting. I will begin this week on Tuesday as I had ended my last blog with my return from Thailand journey notes ending on Monday. Our lovely Korean roomate took great care of Matt while I was away. I think he may be getting a bit spoiled with all of the attention. The Koreans just love to serve whenever they feel needed. This is one of the awesome things I admire about their upbringing. Tues. 03/01- Spring is just around the corner I am told. Today the brisk bitter wind from the North reminded me of just how cold I felt upon my arrival back ... read more
Sunset from our bedroom 2
Sunset from our bedroom 3
Hanji #5-Marilyn Gift

Asia » Thailand » Central Thailand » Bangkok March 1st 2011

This week I will take you along on my journey into Bangkok, Thailand. I had the pleasure of joining Monique and Pam on their adventure. It was time of discovery and bonding with new friends. Lifestyles in Bangkok are very enlightling. On this journey it is best to visit with an open mind that is completely free of judging others. I am learning about many cultures, customs and daily lifestyles which predetermine individual lifestyle choices that may be a bit foreign to my understanding. 02/22- Tues. Monique, Pam and I had planned to leave from DHL at 5:45 a.m. Upon arrival to the base I encountered a snag. 'I had left my base pass at the apartment which was 5 min. away'. Matt turned around and we went back to our home so that I could ... read more
Wood Carving Center
Tuktuk Ride
Sweet Ladies in their Bonnets

Asia » South Korea » Seoul » Yongsan-gu » Ichon Station February 19th 2011

This week enveloped me with the sincere appreciation of stress. At times in life we overcommit of which in many cases cause the birth of 'stress'. I am curious as to why as we are so darn hard on ourselves. It is almost like we feelthat if we do not accomplish what we set forth in our minds we have failed. This week I was reminded that stress enhanced my appreciation for all opportunities that came my way within my journey. 02/14-Mon. Valentines Day in Korea. I found out from my Korean friends that here in Korea it is not uncommon for the women to provide the candy and gifts to the men. The men have a tendency to not reciprocate the sweet gifts of love to the women. This is an excellent place for my ... read more
Traditional Handbok
Mrs. Moon our Korean Teacher
Mrs Moon, Monique and Phyllis

Asia » South Korea » Seoul » Yongsan-gu » Ichon Station February 13th 2011

Extreme highs and sitcom lows. In life just when you think you have things figured out there comes out no where a curve ball that hits you smack dab in the nose. This is how I would best describe my week of wonderful learning opportunities. Okay, at the time those encounters were frustrating and I would not have selected the choice word of opportunities, as I am sure you can relate. Let me begin with my weeks journey. 02/07-Mon. Began my day by baking batch number 2 of Miracle Banana Bread. Each time it is getting better. I think I have found one of my mistakes. I could not find regular baking soda, however, I found a box that you place in your fridge to use to absorb oders. So why not use it, seems to ... read more
Second Hanji Painting
New Bed
New Armoire

Asia » South Korea » Seoul » Yongsan-gu » Ichon Station February 6th 2011

Gujeong Holiday (Lunar New Year) is one of the highly celebrated holidays in Korea. This year the Koreans here in Seoul begin preparations on 2/2, Wed with most all of the Korean businesses closing at noon. The city began to re-open on 2/5,Sat. and 2/6, Sun. More self-discovery this week. I suggest for those who are reading this to take a moment and recall a time that you were in an unfamiliar place where all things previously familiar take on the face of the unknown. For some it may present fear or terror and others it might present itself as a challenge to conquer and overcome. What emotions does this memory trigger for you? If fear and terror present itself, then I advise never to take on a journey such as this one without someone who ... read more




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