Back in the Saddle

We are back in Korea and back at work. We hit some turbulence, both literal and figuratively, on our way back. We had an unexpected overnight in LA. We made it back without to much fuss, just in time to go back to work.

We were too busy to get jet-lag so in that respect it worked out well. We are all settling in well. Q is having tons of fun in the nursery which has even more kids in it this year.

We had a blast this summer hanging and taking trips with family. Here are a couple pics from the moto trip Bryan and I took up to meet everyone in Nutrioso.





This past Saturday we went to an outdoor concert sponsored by a local Mexican restaurant. They actually had a real live mariachi band that played. A band made up of teachers working at our school played as well. They're called Seoulfinger. After the festivities ended a bunch of teachers went out in the Gangnam area where we were to a Canadian microbrewery called Big Rock. Tasty brews!

On Sunday we met up with Jen, Rich and their two boys at the skate-park across the street from out house. Here are some pics.




It looks like a whole month of work before we get our next break. It will be tough but I think we can make it.

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,

Vacation Mode

Aahhhh it feels good to be on vacation. I was completely and totally ready to have a break. It has been go go go since we got here. Now we have a week to do all the things that we have been wanting to do. Or we can choose to do nothing at all and rest up.

So far the break seems to have gotten of to a good start. We have been engaging in good mixture of relaxing, fun, chill and non-stressful activities. I got a good ride in on Saturday before going out to meet with friends that evening. We also had a chance to walk around the neighborhood a bit more and take mental stock of the restaurants and shops. There are an abundance of coffee shops which is good. The earliest doesn't open until 8 AM, not so good. It was a great day to walk around the hood as 70% of the shops were closed and most of the residents were out of the city visiting relatives. We could meander along taking our time to notice all the things you miss when there are hordes of people, cyclists, rollerbladers, baby-strollers, motos and any number of other wheeled contraptions whizzing about as you navigate the sidewalks.

Saturday night I met some buddies for a night out on the town. We met up at Jeongja station and hopped a bus into the city. 40 minutes later we were there, almost where we wanted to be. A short taxi ride and we had arrived at our destination, which to be honest was not anywhere specifically. We were in an area called Sinchon which was more or less our generic destination. We took stock of the wants of the group and decided to for Mexican food.

A short walk ensued and, with bubbling enthusiasm we arrived at a Mexican food restaurant. Then someone threw us a curve ball. It was closed for the holiday. Ooohhhhh. Not to fret, we moved on to Korean food. Our trusty guide BH took us to a great little dive he knew of. It was cheap, tasty and the service was great. Here is a pic of our dinning local.



After filling our bellies we hopped from bar to bar for a couple hours. We mostly stuck to bars that had massive libraries of vinyl records behind the bar from which patrons could request songs. It was really cool to see and even cooler to here great songs being played off vinyl. Here are a couple of such establishments.

Notice the little slips of paper on which you scribble your request.

Check out the LP's lining the wall behind the bar.
We nicknamed this guy the Asian John Belushi, or AJB.
Ahhh, nothing like a Lowenbrau.

Classic.

Sunday J, Q and I hopped in a taxi, then in a bus and went into the city to visit with our friends Stu, Sheree and their two daughters. We walked around sightseeing and spent a couple hours just shooting the breeze. It was great to see them and catch up. They are great people and we are excited to have the opportunity to hang out with them again. Here are some pics from our outing.


Today has been a lazy day. We took a walk this morning down by the river near our apartment. I'll post some photos in a bit.

The only thing we have planned is to check out the Indian food restaurant in our neighborhood later with our upstairs neighbors the Longbothoms. I am crossing my fingers that it is open.

Adios,