Nine months

Only time will tell...

Today, 24 December 2015, marks 9 months in South Korea. It also happens to be Christmas tomorrow and as for that reason I thought I'd share some butterfly thoughts.

It's snowing.

"Snow brings the promise of fun to the hearts of children" - Ania Botha 

It's snowing and like a child's heart this teacher is also really excited about the snow. I went out to join the fun and had my first snowball fight in my life today with my learners. My hands were freezing but it was awesome. The classes all took turns to go outside and play, making snowballs as big as soccer balls or just small tennis ball sized snowballs in order to throw each other. Snowfall brings joy to those who think it's still magical.

Trick Eye Museum

"Pleasure may come from illusion but happiness can come only from reality" - Unknown

This weekend I invited a bunch of my friends for a visit to the Trick Eye museum. I knew we were going to take a lot of photos but I didn't expect it to be that much. It was almost impossible not to take pictures at every single art piece because it was just so good.

The museum is in the university town, Hongdae. After a little search and first walking past it we found it, bought our tickets and entered the museum. It was quite expensive but I guess the artists have to get paid as well. There was something for everyone. For some pictures we had to use our imagination a little more than in others which really added to the fun. Almost all of us were teachers in Elementary and Middle school and as teachers go we have to be creative but at this museum our creativity were on a whole new level. It was fantastic to see and it caused a lot of laughter.

Traveling Tips for Solo Woman Travellers.

Follow you feet... And Go!!!

The only thing that you definitely need is a passport. The rest you can figure out as you go...

1. Don't have concrete plans.
2. Budgets are important, but don't be too hard on yourself. 
3. Have fun. 
4. Travel light. If you can't carry your own luggage it's to heavy.
5. Be open minded.
6. Look after your passport. It's worth more than gold.
7. Good trainers/ walking shoes will be your best friends. Keep in mind it should support your feet.
8. Shower Flip flops is a must.
9. Don't take too much girly things aka make up.
10. Leave your hairdryer/ straightener at home.
11. Travel by foot as far as possible. 
12. The best way to explore a culture is with your eyes.
13. Eat street food as much as possible.
14. You need a good looking hat. And don't forget to pack it.
15. A scarf is a must. You never know when you'll need to respect a culture/ religion.
16. Bikini should be the first thing you pack. 
17. Be willing not to shower for a day or 2 if you want to save some money.
18. Pack your bag and then repack it but eliminate half of what you packed the first time.
19. One accessory is necessary.
20. Take a small towel.
21. Alcohol in moderation.
22. Don't drink water unless you know it's safe.
23. Don't try do everything in one day.
24. Have hand sanitizer in in a reachable place.
25. Take tissues with you everywhere you go.

Friendsgiving

"It's always more festive with great company and too much food"

Friendsgiving is an American tradition that spilled over to Korea since the influence of America is much greater than one would expect. But in my case it wasn't exactly the influence but rather the fact that I met a lovely couple who came from America who is also teachers and lives in my town. They were so kind to open their house and invite everyone to join in on the feast. We were 12 people all together for the festivities. 

Covered in White

"First snow is like first love. You never forget it"

It's end November and it's officially snowing. Well, not everyday yet but it's getting there. I woke up to what seemed to look like just another super cold morning but as I was walking to my lift-stop I saw snow. First thing I did was snap a picture. As I was walking out of town the amount of snow that fell in the night became more and more. It was awesome! It didn't last too long though. By the afternoon it was almost gone again.

Night out in Itaewon

"You can't be old and wise if you were never young and crazy"

These days instead of traveling over weekends I spend saturday through to sunday out with my friends exploring Seoul. Winter is upon us and as much as I love going away over a weekend doing so in horrible weather is not that much fun. 

Relationships in South Korea

Things are completely different here... 

Recently I had somewhat of an awkward experience with a Korean guy. Since I got to Korea the cultural differences was quite apparent and after I thought to myself ' you know everything now' I got surprised yet again. Before I explain the whole story behind this post I should first tell you a story. Things are different here and if you don't know the culture you could find yourself in a little bit of a situation. 

The Doctors appointment

I hurt my back in some misterious way whist at a teachers dinner. After going to my normal everyday Hapkido class and warming up something didn't feel right when I had to do sit-ups. That night was hell. I couldn't move at all. Everytime I turn it's like a knife strikes my spine. 

Doctor it is!!! 

Halloween

"Trick or treat! Trick or Treat!

 Give me something food to eat!"

My very first Halloween dress up and that all the way in Itaewon, Seoul with two great friends. It's a night to remember.