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Published: December 6th 2006
Gwanghwamun
Hilary and I checking out the sights a couple of weeks ago. We're in the middle of the city but it was very quiet and zen. Hello again!
I have finally posted some pictures, have a look!
Things are looking up for me, today, one of the 5 year-olds asked me to help her go to the bathroom and last Friday, I got a group hug from my whole 5 year-old class! Score! They are finally warming up to the scary giant that I am! So I was happy about that, well except for the juicy snot (morve en francais) that was left all over my brand-new 3$ HK pants.
Also, tonight, the yoga instructor fixed my position, I guess she has realized I am here to stay, it's not because it was so good before that she had nothing to fix, no worries. I am still the worst in the class, by far, after twice a week for 2.5 months. Oh well...I have come to accept my shortcomings.
One more proof that I am fitting my surroundings slightly better, I regularly get random Korean people talk to me in public places like the bus, a street corner, the pool or the gym. It's not like I can communicate but it's entertaining. This older lady accosted me in the shower the other day after she noticed
Gwanghwamun
The entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace built in 1395 as the primary residence of the royal family when the king moved the capital to Seoul. I was doing water running instead of swimming. She tapped her belly and seemed to be asking if it was good exercise. Of course I said yes and gestured explanations and guess what I see the next day? 3 ladies doing water running. I am so popular!
But the best is this girl who noticed my huge arm muscles (in Korean standards) and asked me about my training and my weight in Konglish. I tried to explain but I think I may have scared her away from weight training for the rest of her life, you shoudl have seen the face she made when I said how much I weighed.
I must mention a few things I have learned in the last few weeks.
1) Fur coats are fashionable for anyone, especially 4 to 6 year-olds. That may give you a little idea of how rich most of the kids at my school are. Gotta love parents trying to show nature friendly values to their children.
1) Do not get a bikini wax in Korea! I shall spare the details but let me give you a few highlights: mat on the floor, no underwear, 2 girls at once, including
Gwanghwamun
Smartest thing ever: floor heating! Those chimneys date back to the 14th century, when they heated the floors with actual fire. a new girl who had no clue what she was doing.
2) One cannot be competitive all the time! Pub golf, 10 hours, 9 pubs, teams of 4, 4 pints of beer to make par, 4 more drinks to get under par. It was fun for the first few bars but it just went downhill from there. Let's just say the Biker Chix didn't win but we tried.
3) Kiwi (New Zealander if you don't know what it means or if you are French) men have a tendency to pee in bed when they get really drunk. Yes, I had heard of it happening but unfortunately witnessed it first hand Friday night or Saturday morning when our rugby coach (yes, coach!) woke up at Nat's house soaked in his own urine. Classy!
So, basically, I am enjoying myself, especially on weekends but the weeks go by fast.
Not many people celebrate Christmas here but my school is owned by Canadians so they are making a huge deal of it. Christmas songs play over and over and over and over again all day and all the decorations make sounds. Great! It's gonna be a long month. The Christmas spirit is
Gwanghwamun
While visiting the grounds of an old palace, we stumbled upon statues representing each year of the Chinese Calendar. I am a dog. kinda nice though, since I am so far away from home. Luckily, I am going to be in Japan for the holidays with Trish and her family. Her mom is flying in from Vancouver and she has an uncle, aunt and cousin who live in Osaka. We are going to try and travel around the country and visit as much as possible over the 10 days I will be around. I am excited. I will let you know about my trip for sure. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Love y'all,
Marie-Eve
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Jerra
non-member comment
Yoga in Ilsan???
Hi, I'm new to Ilsan and looking for a yoga studio. I live near Daehwa station and have been here about a week and a half. I'm teaching English here with my husband. If you could respond and let me know that would be great, thanks so much! -Jerra