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After 6 months away in the U.S. I longed to return to pursue this unfinished journey in S. Korea. Who's to say if this is a right or wrong decision...guess this one is between God and myself. It has been very interesting thus far as I continue through my midlife of self-discovery. The sights and sounds quickly become familiar here, as it has been awhile since my writing of my journal adventures for those who enjoy engaging themselves in living through my adventures. I must admit I feel a bit rusty at getting my mind in the flow of informative writing.
On one of our dinner adventures we had the unique pleasure of ordering something unknown, which turned out to be 'Raw Beef'. My hubby found himself a new delicacy, while I discovered my fear of even attempting to try this one...I am not really interested in the possibility of ever knowingly taking a risk of dying by the debilitating of ones brain functions at the hoof of Mad Cows Disease. I prefer to die not really knowing what caused my demise.
To date I have had two encounters of being kicked out of taxis...let's just say wrong place...wrong
time...wrong language. While I so appreciate that I am the foreigner...sometimes it can be a little disheartening, especially when you have no idea where your steps might take you. In those situations you must not give up faith and determination in finding your way...wallah...I am here today...see it all worked out perfectly.
Last Sunday while my hubby rested, I took a long walking journey. My heart lead me to water that I so love. The Hangang River enveloped me with peace, joy and fantastic unexpected experiences. There were jetskiers, waterskiers, sail boats and those in canoes enjoying this beautiful day in the river. As I got closer to the Mapo Bridge the long lost fountains began the art of waves to music from the top level of the bridge. My heart began racing as I desired to reach the summit of the lower bridge so I could be just behind the fountains. It was an amazing high. After this time I journeyed onto the Floating Island. To my unexpected surprise Seong Yun joined me on the Island with Gema (a Maltese puppy that I once previously owned). Seong Yun took me to the top of the floating island...the view
Yongsan Station
My Train Journey Beginswas so beautiful. I had such a great time visiting with her and playing with Gema. My day was blessed by unexpected happenings on this journey that I began solo.
As we are soon to move to an area near Camp Humphrey's. Our first trip I found a clown on stilts who befriended me and gave me his heart...'awww'. On our second trip to the Pyeongtaek area we checked out After two additional trips meeting with Jennifer together no agreement on housing was secured. My hubby is thinking Penthouse and I think of a Villa with a patio. With this being said, my next venture takes me into the realms of solo house hunting. I once again brave the discovery of learning a new route utilizing the train transit system from Yongsan to Pyeongtaek. The train station can feel confusing and overwhelming for the expat...the key is to stay keep calm. In my experience at Yongsan Station I discovered the counter and shared my plan of action with the sweet Korean behind the glass enclosed ticket counter. Very few words of understanding are exchanged, however, 'wallah' I once again discover that I can do it by myself. I am
so proud as I take my tickets in hand, board the train, find my seat and arrive just in time for Jennifer to pick me up. All is going great. I found a cute place for us in Doori during my time there. After this discovery Jennifer dropped me off back at Pyeongtaek station where I aimlessly wandered around to find my way back to a train pick up point, praying that I am getting on the right train. As I begin my travels I discover that I did it again... 'yes', things along this route begin looking familiar. Feeling comfortable I began playing a game on my I-phone soon to realize that I missed clearly hearing the announcent for the next stop. I heard what I thought to be Yongsan and many people were exicitng the train, so I also confidently exited. As I entered the top of the escalator I begin to question the surroundings. To my bewildered surprise I am not at Yongsan Station, I soon discover that I am at Yeongdeungpo and the train for Yongsan has since left me in the dust. My mind starts racing, what do I do now? My phone battery died...due
to my overzealous challenges of playing Bejeweled. I said, "Okay, get a grip", I then took my ticket to the counter and showed the agent my ticket...she stated, "take subway". Now with some additional assistance I found Line #1 which was 4 stops from Yongsan Station...once again, 'whew', I found that I can do all things through perseverance.
Recently we had the honor of a Korean Col. and his beautiful wife treat us to an amazing dinner at the Seo Kang Pal Kyung resturaunt. I must admit this was the most elegant dinners I have ever encountered to date. The dinner included at least 5 forks, various knifes and spoons. This is truly where I began to wonder, 'why have I not prepared myself with etiquette dining classes'? I must say that through careful observation and staying calm I was able to pull this one off...yipee. I recommend this place for those seeking an amazing view and exquisite dining for an extra special occasion. Wait there is one thing that might hinder your visit...our dinner for four was just over 800,000 KRW...yes, $800.00. I asked myself, really...oh my goodness...thank goodness we were honored guests.
Now onto some fun
stuff...this section is dedicated to the ladies only. Yes, another amazing journey to a Spa with staff who only speak Korean. First scheduling an appt leads to a lot of looking at a calendar, finger pointing and time negotiating comprehension. In the end I signed up for 10 sessions...this is before attempting my first session. How bad can it be? Here it goes...I am game for anything...right??? The sessions are 90 minutes of deep tissue massage, includes a facial with about 5 different types of applications of various things and some type of laser application. Now I will take you on the experience of my massage journey...one of the facial applications includes having your face enveloped with some type of mask where only your nostrils are exposed. Deep relaxation breathing techniques are good for this one, especially if you feel at all claustrophobic, and did I mention that they leave you in the room alone for at least 5 mins or so. Once your time is up they peel off the now latex mask...reminds me of my childhood memories that included adhearing elmers glue to my skin and then peeling it off once dried. Here goes the best part of
Icheon Ceramic Festival
AFSC Friends, Marian, Pam, Lisa this adventure...ladies have you ever had your breasts massaged by a strange woman in a land far, far away? Well now I can say I have. I am thinking this is probably great for our lymph nodes, however, it is a tadbit awkward. I just convince myself that this is medicinal and theraputic...then I am fine...LOL! Overall this experience on a scale of 1-10 I rate this experience as an 8...thank goodness as I have 9 more sessions to look forward to...
On May 4, I attended a tour with AFSC friends to the Icheon Ceramic Festival (April 28-May20). Beautiful pottery for sale. The vase I found is gorgeous...for now though it will remain in a box until our move. Definitely recommend visiting this one to experience art & beauty combined. Do not forget to negotiate on pricing.
This blog of this journey has come to an end. Look for my next posting coming soon!
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Rusty and Marilyn
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Chat and blog
Karen Enjoying reading your fun stories, and seeing the interesting pictures of your adventures! Enjoyed the chat yesterday, too. R&M