A Weekend Away ... Seoraksan National Park

Before the hike

A group of teachers from our school went away this past weekend on an overnight hiking trip. We left Friday evening and drove about 4 hours east to Seoraksan, the 3rd highest mountain in South Korea according to Wikipedia.




We slept in a hotel Friday night, rose early the next morning for breakfast and then started on our trek! Although it seems that Fall is passing us by quickly, the colors were still quite vivid!



We hiked several hours up towards a unique rock formation called Ulsanbawi.

After quite a hike to the base of these rocks, Jen was ready to consider the trip successful. Above us rose metal staircases that seemed to disappear into the rocks.


Deciding she had come too far to turn back, she hiked up the steps (we've heard there are 800 total) and we happily made it to the top!



After descending all those steps and the mountain trail, we took a much easier trek to the cable car which took us to a different peak where we could enjoy the view and a bit more exploring.


We had a great time with co workers and enjoying God's creation! What a way to spend the weekend!

Funky Hair Day

Check out Jen's classroom blog to see some of her latest adventures!

Click HERE!

Jen's Adventures

One of the things I, Jen, have picked up while here in Korea is a love for riding. I've always liked riding, since my first ride on the back of a Harley and then multiple rides on a red Yamaha in Guam ... but now I am developing a love for DRIVING.

When we moved into Seoul, we were just far enough away from my new school that walking or a bus could take 30 minutes. Driving, on the other hand, takes 10 or less. That's where it started.

We picked up what was supposed to be a 50 cc scooter for a cheap price. Then we learned why it was so cheap. We live on the side of Namsan which is probably the highest point in Seoul - it's where Seoul Tower is located. The ride to school involves both up and down hill and the poor little scooter just didn't have the steam.


I was brave enough to consider a step up. We stopped by our local bike shop, where they've come to know at least the bald foreigner who comes in, if not his wife, too. They laughed at my scooter and said "Made in China." Cory test drove a few other 50 cc bikes that had considerably more power, so we made the trade.

I had this scooter for about 6 months and loved it, though I can't find any pictures of it! It wasn't super powerful, but it got me where I needed to go, shopping bags fit between my feet when necessary, and I could even drive it to church and my mid week Bible study. It seemed perfect for me. There are other adventures I had on it I could share, but those are for another time.

I became a little dissatisfied with its lack of power, but had promised that I wouldn't keep upgrading. Someone else made the decision for us and stole it right out of our driveway about 2 weeks ago.

Our buddy, Eddy, left Korea in August and left his scooter with us to sell. He hadn't had any luck and we didn't mind. Ok, I didn't mind! I enjoyed riding his 125 cc!


So, the end of the story is that it seems we will be purchasing Eddy's bike from him for me. I love driving it and still feel like I'm not in over my head! I don't know that I'll ever graduate to a bigger bike or motorcycle style. I like wearing skirts to school and can still do it modestly!

A Walk in the Park

The other day Jen and I were getting tired of the routine. The city of Seoul had just finished construction on a new park by the river not too far from our house.

I'd call it Han River Park, but that name gets used by ALL of the 10-15 parks along the river from the west side to the east side. We decided to jump on the scooter and head down to the river with the dog and catch the sunset. But, I think we missed it.

The sun was gone, but there was still enough light to catch some decent pics of the scenery. Every once in a while, my 3-year-old point-and-shoot surprises me with some good shots. This was one of those times. I like the first one the best.

What do you guys think?

Grilling on the Rooftop

The building we live in has a decent sized rooftop where our landlord grows lots of lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, and probably more. We purchased a small size grill and have enjoyed a few barbecues on the roof.

Snickers enjoys running around on the roof - especially since it includes sniffing at a bunch of bunnies the landlord keeps. We're still not sure why he has them, perhaps to eat the food garbage?

First Days of School

If there is anything you learn from Harry Wong's "First Days of School" it's PROCEDURES, PROCEDURES, PROCEDURES. At least, that's what Jen got.

And so it goes, that the first few days of her classroom are FILLED with PROCEDURES. Jen has rules for EVERYTHING - so from 8:00 until 3:00 you had better refer to Mrs. Dyck's Classroom Guide or you're going to end up losing recess time.

Don't forget. Jen teaches 4th graders. However, it seems that after a few days of reminders and reviewal of all these instructions, the kids get it all under control. There are still occasional misdemeanors, but most often it becomes a teaching opportunity and is more from lack of thought than outright rebellion. So she teaches them to THINK BEFORE YOU ACT.

Here are a few pics of Jen's classroom this year. She is planning to make her classroom blog open to the public, so we'll let you know.

Vacation

Today is my first official day of vacation. Unfortunately today is also Jen's first official day back at work. Sad for us.

Don't despair, though. Tomorrow I will be leaving for Thailand for 8 days or so and I'll be sure to take lots of pics and keep you up to date on the adventurous adventures I'll be having. I'll be back before you know it.

Have a great August with your families and children. I'll be in touch soon.