The Philippines

This holiday season, once the bell rang 7:25pm and we were free, free at last, Bryan and I took off for a tropical Christmasing in the Philippines. We stayed in Boracay, just off the main center (my main traveling tip) in a little private cove called Balinghai. Six bungalows built into the side of a cliff made for a romantic setting, with some beach markets, restaurants, and bars an ideal 15 minutes away.

I learned a lot in the Philippines. I learned that bat cave adventures should be handled with caution, if ventured upon at all. I learned to always, always mind the live wires. I learned that 3 on a moped driving through the roadless Filipino jungles should include careful thought and a finger-numbing grip. I learned that Zorbing should be immediately googled and then partaken in. And I learned that Bryan's bartering skills are that of a wet dishcloth.

I also learned that Swedish people can quickly become excellent friends. I learned that white russians on the beach with said Swedish friends can be a badass way to ring in the new year. And I also learned that when in Rome, eat the seafood. Definitely, definitely, definitely eat the seafood.

And although pictures never say it all, here is my attempt at bringing the Philippines to you, one digital snapshot at a time.

The Happiest of New Years to You

2011: A new year. Ever-so-exciting 2010 is now a thing of the past. But instead of being nostalgic of time gone by, I'm going to be thankful for the past year, and extremely hopeful for the year to come. I still can't quite believe the year I had, and although I in no way want to depreciate the other years of my life, I have to say 2010 has perhaps stolen the trophy.

And even though mine and Bryan's year was filled with some obvious good times (traveling, meeting great friends, and experiencing new culture), and although this is far too cliche coming from a teacher (and for this I apologize), what I enjoyed most this year were the countless little things learned along the way. Like, for example, in Asia, to never be the first nor last person to cross the street. Also, important Korean vocabulary, like 'mekju' and 'doogae'. And most importantly, when in doubt, shoot 'em a ten. Then flex.

This nomadic life we find ourselves in seems to be agreeing with us, and we're both equally stoked to keep on truckin' in the overseas teaching market. So athough we love home, we seem to be settling ourselves into a home away for home (for now, at least.)

And because Jack Kerouac says it better than me, I'll leave you with this:

"Our battered suitcases lay on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life."



A happy and healthy new years to you, from our home to yours.

A Korean Koristmas, Second Time Around

Our Christmas post is coming to you nice and early, since our actual Christmas will be spent snorkelling in the Philippines. I know, I know, life's a bitch.

We've settled into our new, more modest apartment just in time for Bryan and Selina's 2nd Annual Koristmas Party. Useless gifts being the theme, we exchanged presents of fish food, flattened pennies, whitening face masks, and a poo noise-maker hammer that screams "I Love You" when smashed. Oh my dearest friends, you are so very clever.

We ate far too much delicious food, indulged in some celebratory Christmas drinks, and played games into the night.

Believing in keeping blog posts short and sweet, I'll leave you with one of my favorite Christmas quotes, from none other than the wise Dr. Seuss:

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."



Happy Holidays!

Thank you, Mr. Clean!

After last year's costume success (Wayne and Garth - shwing!), Bry and I were a little hesitant to tackle Hallowe'en #2. However, Mr. Clean and his housewife were a major party hit. Slightly lost on Europeans (Are you Sisqo?) all the North Americans were drawn to the bright white, big, bad cleaning machine. Bry played the part perfectly and I was a loyal supporting actress. Partying with the likes of Dr. Pepper, the Hamburgular, Van Gogh, and the Care Bears, Hallowe'en proved itself as it has every year, letting the kid inside escape for some good old fashioned childhood fun.





How'd we do?

ZZZZZZZZIP!

After renting a love motel and accidentally staying out far too late wandering the streets of Seoul, Brent, Lizzie, Bryan and I set off for an early morning trek to Mungyeong Ziplining course. On a couple (and I do mean a couple) hours of sleep, a 7am subway, and a 2.5 hour bus ride, we made it to Zipline Heaven. Following a rocky ride in the back of a questionable truck up the spirals of a fall-colored mountainside, we started the fun. We ziplined for 3 hours, from summit to base. I learned that flying through the air with gorgeous Korean countryside views is a decent way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Fresh air, good friends, and another bullet checked off the bucket list, we chalked the weekend up to success and logged it in the file of good memories and great times.

Oh Korea, you did it again.

Global Gathering Korea

This summer was a blur, with our trip to Bali, my parents visiting from Ottawa, Lo and Kev from Busan, and Jenny from Vietnam. So Global Gathering electronic music festival seemed the perfect way to finish off the amazing times we had and say good-bye to the warm weather. With a massive outdoor venue, ideally set beside the Han river, Global Gathering provided the perfect opportunity to have one of those nights you find yourself wandering home in the morning sun, broke, lost, deaf, and completely at peace with the fact that you lost one of your shoes. Also, somehow Korea was able to swing a mind-blowing lineup featuring FATBOY SLIM, JUSTICE, and ARMIN VAN BURREN! Needless to say the stoke was burning high.

Upon arrival I was intrigued by the sea of taco trucks and Jagger tents, I knew this night was chalking up. Two tacos down and a fist full of Jagger (5 for $20), Justice hit the stage and I held onto Selina for her life, shielding her from crowd surfers and a crowd going nuts for Justice's heavy acid organ drops. It was a mashy good time. Afterwards as we were refuelling with more Jagger bombs and butter chicken there was a summoning calling from the main stage "I want to praise you like I shhhooouullldddddddddddddddd." IT WAS TIME. I have seen a lot of DJs . . . hands down FatBoy was the most schooled in the art having thousands of people leaping and screaming for two solid hours. No down time, zero. Not even a bit. All in all a wonderfully charming evening!

Bob and Cheryl's Excellent Korean Adventure!

Apprehension, hesitation, doubt, and a deep-set general fear, were all emotions I experience in preparation of my parents' arrival. In August of 2010, Bob and Cheryl made the long voyage to visit Selina and I here in South Korea, and also take a detour to see Satomi in Japan. Although they have traveled before, no trip had been as far, or to locations outside the comfort zone of English tourism and accommodation. I was a little worried they would get lost, stranded, or end up in China . . .


Fortunately, I was proven wrong and we all had an amazingly hilarious Bob and Cheryl adventure here in Asia, complete with exploring Namsan mountain, kareoke, going to temples, and trying lots of new foods. Bob took immediately to the chopsticks as Cheryl kept a fork in her purse at all times, actually. Also, Bob adapted to the finer offerings of Korea: kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage), soju (rice alcohol), and spam (a delicacy!)
They left for four days to Japan where Satomi showed them Ninja castles, busy shopping streets, and introduced them to more foods unfamiliar.




Upon their arrival back to Korea we had a surprise waiting for them: Jenny Sloan! My cousin Jenny came from Vietnam to spend the weekend with us. Selina and I found ourselves hosting a full house, and it really started to feel a bit like home. All in all it was an amazing trip, Cheryl never tried chopsticks, the locals are still confused by things Bob was ranting about, and nobody ever wants to see a temple ever again!