My Seoul Longs for You

Away, far far away... from the land that caressed my Seoul.

Four years, 16 seasons of Winter through Fall. I don't

want to forget anything about her. The streets. The traffic.

The cherry blossoms of Spring. The heat of Summer. The

leaves changing colors in the middle of Autumn. The people.

The hellishly cold Winter. The slab of ice on the street that

never melts for 3 months. The food... oh, yes! The food! The

city that never sleeps. Seoul, my friend you hold in your heart

all those people so dear to me. Yes, the people. My friends.

My Seoul longs for you. I reach deep into my inner being

to find that place where you'll never be forgotten. You remind

me that you are always with me. You are now and forever...

My Seoul!

Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival

It’s April in Seoul and the ice has melted away as new life begins to reintroduce itself to the world. The hibernation of all things living has come to an end. Spring is here and Korea is happy to announce the return of the sun.

Throughout Korea there are many cherry blossom festivals under way. One such festival recently took place in Jinhae, South Gyeonsang Province from March 31st - April 11th. This festival is held annually since 1963 and features three hundred thousand trees. The festival averages over a million visitors every year.

This year’s festivities in Jinhae have been a trial of adversity for the people of Jinhae. Recently, a Korean Naval ship based out of Jinhae came under the world’s radar as it sank into the waters off the coast of Korea in the East China Sea. Due to this event some of the festivities that take place during the cherry blossom festival have been cancelled. This news however, didn’t deter the visitors from making the pilgrimage to Jinhae.

Every visitor to Jinhae’s Cherry Blossom Festival would recommend as do I, that this is the event to mark into your calenders for Spring.

Friday, Birthday and Washington

The title is a shorten version of the origional. Mainly because it got way to long. It's Friday, A Friends' Birthday and Visitors From Washington in Town. Like I said, it's way too long for a title unless I was making a long winded statement.

I've been sticking with the three pronged title. It just seems to work for me.

Today is Friday. That's got to be good news in the big picture of a work week. The week is done and the evening is about to begin.

It's also my friends birthday. He's planning on going to the gym where he does a form of martial arts. Before I meet up with him the plan is to run down to my previous home in Jongro-gu. I've had the opportunity to move out and have been given a place of residence rent free. Usually, English teachers recieve this benefit for entering into a foreign country to teach. Korea is really good to it's teachers. Sure, there are horror stories but for the most part... I digress.

While at home I want to shave. I've got my basic living utilities back there in Jongno-gu. My beard is getting too long. I want to get some underwear that isn't so tight on my waist (yeah, I've been putting on some weight). I've also got to pack up some of the things that still remain at my old flat. If possible get everything out by this weekend and leave the key with my flat mate. She's great by the way and I will definitely miss having such a great room mate like her.

Upon getting that shit taken care of I'll be shooting off to meet some folks I know from Washington. They have been in Korea for a few months down in Busan to teach English. They have just arrived in Seoul and are heading out to visit extended family. I will meet them and take them on a wild night of Seoul weekend living. Part of that journey will lead us to meet up with my friend who's birthday party begins about 9:00 P.M.

It get's crazy in Seoul and you've got to love it.

Camera & Pictures

The area of Seoul that I live in now is called Jongro-gu (Jongro-District). It's known for the many historical buildings in the area. This past winter I lost my camera and haven't purchased a new one yet. Purchasing a camera will be put on hold until a can secure a job but be patient. I hope to have some pictures up soon. However, since I don't hava a camera to take any pictures I used google image to bring you a little of what's around me.

Korea, I Love You!

My first week back has been great. Sure, there were some jet lag issues. I don't have a job, yet. It's really, really, super hot. Parts of the city smell like open sewers. The air is smoggy. The traffic is ridiculous. You can't drink water from the tap. You can't find a good micro brew like Fat Tire or Alaskan Amber. My car is back in Washington. There's a looming war just to the North.

Despite all this... It's great to be back!