cherry blossoms!!!

This weekend was cherry blossom weekend. Seoul had a few different festivals to celebrate the blooming of the cherry blossoms, the biggest one was in Yeouido, a small island in Seoul. I went twice! Friday night I went with two of my co-teachers. It was great to see the trees at night because they had them all lit up with different colored lights. I don't get to hang out with my co-teachers much outside of school, so it as really nice to spend time with them. We also went out to eat at a Mexican restaurant, yummmm. On Saturday I went back to the same area, but this time in the afternoon. Even though I was there just a few hours before, it was still just as fun! It was super sunny, lots of people everywhere, and little performances on every corner. Not to mention, the trees were beautiful! That night some new and old friends got together to have a girls night in honor of the beginning of spring/Easter (hence the bunny ears in the one photo).


I wanted to show you guys that every letter and card you send means something to me. I tape them on my wall to remind myself that I have great family and friends. Plus, it's less blank space on my walls! I have a little collage of photos too, just so I don't forget what everyone looks like ;) I'm still in the process of adding more pictures, those were just some that I happen to have either already printed or were on my USB when I went to the shop. As much as I love all the changes and new experiences the last couple years have brought, it never gets easier being away from home. So, thanks for sending me reminders!!!

Uniting Korea & 21K

Last week there was a big World Cup qualifying game in Seoul; North Korea vs. South Korea. Sports is one of the only reasons North Koreans can come into South Korea or any other country for that matter. I went with a group of friends to the game Wednesday after school. It was so so cold that night despite that fact that it's suppose to be spring (we tried many methods of staying warm including laying across each other!). The game was tied 0-0 until the last 3 minutes, just as we were trying to sneak out to beat the crowd. South Korea scored, winning 1-0. The stadium was really pretty crowded, but the support was completely one sided. North Korean players were allowed, but not fans. Speaking of North Korea, as I'm sure most of you have heard about the missile that was shot off Sunday. There had been a bit of buzz about it here before hand, but really everyone was pretty calm and unfazed.
Actually, when it was fired Sunday, I was in the middle of running a half marathon. I ended up making it to my half marathon and finishing!!! Despite the sickness and knee problems, I finished in 2:18. I wish I could have been healthy, because I think I could have done a lot better, but there's always next time! I did the race along the Han River in Seoul with a few running friends. We had a nice carb party the night before (pasta, bread) and a nice big meal and celebratory drinks after. I really enjoy doing the races here because they give you so much stuff! In the last race I got a whole track suit, this time in my race pack I got soap, make-up compact, a running shirt, and sun screen. I finished 18th out of the girls in the race so I got an extra prize. However, the prize was a gift box set of men's after shave lotion. I double checked with the people to make sure I got the right gift, but they assured me I did. It was strange, but whatever! Not only that, but we got medals and lots of snacks and drinks! Maybe I'll do one more race of some sort, just for all the stuff! The first 3 pictures are before; the last 2 are after.