It's been awhile....

YES I realize I have been neglecting and I'm sorry.... I have just gotten all caught up with work and life...and well that didn't leave much time to sit and spew my words into blog. But here it is...let me take you back a bit...(the weeks are all mashed together for me so I'm not sure where exactly I left off last....)

Well one of the main reasons I've been so busy lately is work- Level tests. Let me explain....so each month the kids here take exams, it's the schools way of testing them. They don't have weekly tests or anything, it's only once a month- the end of the month. Well then after that the teachers take half of their classes, grade the writing portions and write comments- for only half the kids. Well at the end of April that happened but then come the beginning of May there was Level tests- this happens every 3 months. They are harder exams and it tests the kids to ensure they are in the proper class depending on their English abilities and skills. Well seeing as we had just finished monthly tests and then jumped into Level tests- lots of work. We also had to write comments for each of our kids (even though we just did it for half 2 weeks before..). So ya- busy busy busy. I'm not complaining though- I really love the work. It's fun for me. I just felt like I was drowning in papers covering my desks in multiple piles....anyway, it's over now, I can breathe again until the end of June atleast! Yay!!

This past weekend I went to the National Palace with my Korean friend Inae. She showed me around and for only 3,000WON we toured the grounds of the old Palace and there was a Folk Museum. It was pretty interesting- only problem was it was raining and we were outside for a lot of the touring of the Palace. I'm glad I had been smart enough to buy an umbrella before getting on the subway- it felt like rain.

After the Palace we decided to roam the streets of a little crafty area- many vendors there create their own pieces whether it's art, jewllery, etc. Well....I knew the time would eventually come- didn't think that it would be that day, but I did it. I ate the silkworm larva. It was well- interesting to say the least. I had a chaser in hand as I scoured the cup for what looked to be a delicious one- not sure what I was looking for? Maybe one that wasn't so big and juicy? I popped it in my mouth and chewed it- ever so slightly. I didn't want it to 1. pop open in my mouth squishing out the guts and 2. I really didn't want it to get stuck in my teeth! Gah! Umm the taste? I guess it could be compared to maybe a little crunchy....ummm....salty thing? Haha...I don't know. The smell is so foul to me- I couldn't really get past that I don't think. And the fact that I knew it was a bug? I don't know....probably will never do that again...

Our day ended off with some Arabian buffet- a hidden jem I was introduced to a few weekends back with a couple I work with. On the weekends they have a really amazing buffet- unfortunately though we were too late to make it this time around. After that Inae and I took in another first for me in Korea (well without having to work the next day...) an all you can drink FREE for ladies bar....yikes. This came after playing beer pong on the army base with some American army boys. Inae and I had met up with a fellow Canadian- one I went to University with, Erin, after dinner and the 3 of us got signed onto the base with one of her friends who lives there. Just another one of those adventures....

A couple weekends ago I experienced the Korean Casino- however, it is actually illegal for Koreans to gamble here, so the casino was filled with Foreigners. Most of them were actually either Chinese or Japanese. I played a little slots and Roulette (a guilty pleasure for those of you who know me well...). I didn't win any money but I now got in the experience. I went with 2 of the guys that I work with- after we had dinner at a delicious chicken place- they bring you a huge steaming wok-like pan with hunks of chicken, veggies, glass noodles and this super good sauce- it's like a sweet, sticky soya sauce....mmmm!

Last Sunday was the Lantern Festival- it kicked off Buddha's birthday week! I went with the girls I work with- it was beautiful to see all the lanterns. I would have liked to spend more time during the day but we mainly went for the parade. There were, I'd say, hundreds of people all carrying different lanterns. They also had floats- which we missed most of because of our location but we got to see some at the end! There was also a concert-like thing that we only stayed a bit for, having to work the next morning. It featured some crazy drummers, a nice traditional dance of some sort and also a K-Pop group with a dude that resembled an Asian K-Fed- not so cute. These kind of things are what knowing the language would be key for. They had announcers saying stuff- but ya. No clue. Nice to see though!!

Well what I had heard about Teacher's Day was true- you definitely get spoiled!! All week I had gotten little goodies from random children I teach. At the end of the week I made out pretty good! My children got me things like Chanel Perfume, a Burberry scarf, Lancome gift set, LUSH gift basket, flowers, chocolates, teas, lip stick, etc. The best part of it all wasn't even the gifts- as corny as this sounds I got some beautiful thank you cards. Some of the parents, with their limited English, took the time to write me some heartfelt thank yous. Those are the things that makes this job the most rewarding (again corny I know). I'm just so proud of my kids already! My babies are starting to read and have come such a long way even in the last 3 months! I will probably die the day I have to leave them all! It's going to be so hard! I have 9 months to go and I'm already dreading my "good-byes". My babes make me so happy! To see their little smiling faces each day, their hugs, the random times they raise their hand to tell me they love me- so adorable! I love them!!

So yes- this was the long weekend, the weekend I had planned to go to Taiwan to see some friends. However, in my inability to make decisions and my fear of commitment, I waited too long and there were no flights left. The director of my school even had 2 different travel agents he uses to search for something- nothing came up. This will be a definite lesson learned on my part. No more last minute for me- I missed out on travelling to another country and seeing some good old Ontario girls!

Well this weekend proved to be OK even if I was unable to go to Taiwan. I had some good adventures but also scored myself a COUCH! Haha...yes, in true University style I got a couch from the side of the road. Sketchy I realize- but my place needs some more...."stuff" in it. I always feel like it's so bare, not to mention it's nice to lay in another place other than my bed. I figure it will also come in handy if I have guests in the future. One of the girls I work with messaged me when she had gotten home and said there was a pretty decent looking couch downstairs, so I messaged another friend and went down to check it out. Sure enough there she was- all white couch with just 2 foot prints on the cushions- probably from some idiot walking down the street. Other than that it was in great shape! With some help, I took her home, washed the cover and wha-la! A beaut addition to my ever growing "home" (away from home).

I was advised before coming to Korea to leave my heels at home- a wise choice I might add. However- ALL KOREAN LADIES rock the super high heels! It's insane! I've seen more ankle rolls in the last 3 months than in all my 26 years! This got my curiousity going....and I caved. I bought a pair- and let me tell you, they are HIGH. I've rocked them 2 times now- both successfully I might add. The one time I was even on the back of a scooter touring around (had I known I'd be touring around on a scooter I wouldn't have worn them....but ya know- that's a WHOLE other story...). Yessss to heels!!

I'm sure there's a million and one things that I'm missing out on right now. I apologize for not keeping this up- my original goal was to write once a week....I'll do my best to get back into it and bring lots of stories to those of you from home who are currently living vicariously through me....I miss you all so much!!!

Sending love from Korea- xo