A Relaxing Week

This week has generally been a relaxing one. We had three days of work, only two with students. We had to report to school on Wed for staff development. The purpose of the day was to get a jump on the upcoming WASC accreditation process. The staff was put into teams and given a schedule. The "work" was split up with fun activities. Some of these included navigating huge inflatable obstacle courses as well as scooter racing. Each team rotated and competed against other teams throughout the day. It broke up the monotony of revisiting the WASC process. To give you an idea of how involved the process is we don't have to be done until the spring of 2010.

On Thursday we hopped in the car and ventured to an area called Iteawon where we stumbled on a great Mexican food restaurant. While we ate Q ran around the restaurant entertaining the wait staff. They were letting Q take ornaments off the Christmas tree which he was setting down on the floor and booting across the room. They thought it was hilarious. After a tasty meal we decided to get in a little shopping. Iteawon is a very touristy area so we thought we may get some stuff for the house or possibly find some western sized clothes. As we exited "Amigos" we were bummed to find that the weather had turned sour and it was now snowing enough to need an umbrella or waterproof gear; neither of which we had. We deliberated a bit and decided to pack it in and call it a day.

We backtracked to the car, which by the way was parked in the worlds smallest underground parking garage. It had precisely 7 parking spaces. We aimed for home and were on our way. Of course within three minutes it cleared up and stopped snowing.

Friday we took Q in for his 18 month check up complete with a couple immunizations. After driving up and down the street and then walking around the building that contained the doctors office a couple times we found it. We were basically holding the doctor's business card up and trying to find a sign that matched. Although I am slowly learning the Korean alphabet I am still basically illiterate. It makes it difficult to find things when you can't read.

The doctor said Q is doing well and according to the Asian growth charts he is quite average. According to the US charts he's in the 20% region.

After the Q's check up we went off in search of the "Aquarium". We eventually found it and went in to check it out. Here are some pics from our visit.





If you look at the people on the right you can see that Q was almost as much of an attraction as the marine life. People are fascinated by light haired fair skinned wee ones.




It is actually a really nice aquarium. We will definitely be returning.

Quinn is used to people getting in his face and wanting to touch him and hold him. If he doesn't want someone to touch or hold him he just tells them no at which time most people are courteous and don't push it. At times I have been pushing him down the street in his stroller and he's waiving and saying hello to complete strangers as we pass. He thinks it's hilarious as do they.

After the aquarium we b-lined it to a B-day party for the daughter of some fellow teachers. Q had a great time and enjoyed playing with their cat.

Yesterday I got out for a ride with a buddy on a trail he dubbed "Happy Hour". Here is a Google image it the ride:


This week it's back to work. We have three weeks until winter break and our visit back to AZ. We are very excited and looking forward to the seeing everyone.

Adios,