Yes, I am still super spoiled! Here are all the wonderful gifts I received:
Christmas 2011
From Mom and Dad
Black diamond earrings from Aruba
Insulated lunch bag
Collapsible measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Wine stoppers
PJ pants
Purple shirt
Black shirt
From Cavallaro Family
Kindle
Calendar
Navy sweater with cami
Purple sweater with cami
Plum colored Fiesta ware
From Me
Brown boots
From Bennett Family
Amazon gift card
Rum balls
Bottle cap ornament
From Xander’s Family
Red rose sweater
Red bracelet
Starbucks gift card
From School Co-Workers & Former Students
Lindsey-2 sets of holiday earrings and a wine stopper that pours
White Elephant-1/4 bottle of rum
Mrs. Williams-Jar with hard candies
Rashkis-Target gift card
Kit-ornament
Tracey-Kohl’s gift card
Aadit-chocolates
Raksha-chocolates
Susan-holiday tissues
From Polaskis
Target gift card
From Grammy & Grampy
Money
From my Class
Gas gift card
Body spray
Colorful candles and holder
Aqua colored necklace and bracelet
Turquoise earrings
Chocolates
Snowflake mug
Mug with candies
Wooden wind chimes
Detroit Lions scarf
Target gift card
Cookies
Chocolate
Restaurant gift card
Snow globe ornament
Scented candle
Target gift card
Pencil Teacher hanging
Trinket box from Uzbekistan
Target gift card
Harris Teeter gift card
Karissa
Smore cupcakes
Kalie
Catchphrase
Santa
Grayish brown shirt
Blush colored shirt
Auntie Santa
Hat
Gloves
Lotion
Fall soy candles
Bell Ringers
Orange candle
Ball lip balm
Hand lotion
Uncle Duane
Knife set
Aunt Darlene & Uncle Dave
Swivel sweeper
Covered square Pyrex dish
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Seoul, South Korea was a wonderful place to visit. My last morning did not go as planned but it all worked out. I planned to get up at 4:30 in the morning to finish my blog and then I knew that would make me tired for the plane ride. However, I didn't turn the alarm on after I set it. Luckily I woke up at 5:30 naturally. I did have the 6:00 a.m. back up alarm but that would have only given me a half hour. Anyways I packed up and was sad to leave Somerset. Here is the inside of the hotel/apartment room in case you were wondering. Here is the a 
hallway, second 
bedroom, second bath 
,
living room, dining room 
, kitchen 
,
master bedroom , master closets
, master bathroom
. It was a great place! I walked to the bus stop just before the downpour. Here is a last few of the street leading to the hotel. 
At the bus stop there was a French woman waiting for the bus as well. She was heading back to Laos and her fight was a half hour before mine. We waited and waited. The bus was running late probably due to the rainy weather. After waiting ten minutes past the time the bus was to arrive we decided to take a taxi. The taxi driver spoke no English but understood Incheon International Airport. I enjoyed the company of the French lady who was definitely not an American fan. She thinks are whole country doesn't understand consequences. I politely listened since everyone is entitle to their opinion. The taxi cost $40 which when split was $10 more than the bus but I was on time and not wet. We did see the bus so we probably got in the taxi just as the bus was approaching the bus stop. Oh well! In the airport I had lots of time to kill. I was excited to shop and spend the last of my won. I was thoroughly disappointed that that airport has mostly designer things. I did find the Korean cultural experience where I was able to purchase two chopstick/spoon holders. 
The best part was I able to do a craft. I painted a fan. 
Unfortunately I left it in the airport when I attempted to buy Korean wine. I was not allowed to take that much liquid back even though it was purchased in the airport. Darn American law! I cashed my remaining won in and got a smoothie before boarding the plane. On the plane I sat next to two American kids who lived on base in Seoul. They were a family of 10! I was interested to hear their story on our long ride home.
I was able to sleep some and finish a book on my borrowed Kindle. (Thanks Toni!) Once in Atlanta 
it took over an hour to meet Julie and Leah at baggage. Customs was so slow! Now I am happily spending a week with the Cavallaros in Atlanta 
. Atlanta now seems like a tiny city compared to Seoul. I love summer!
hallway, second 
bedroom, second bath 
,
living room, dining room 
, kitchen 
,
master bedroom , master closets
, master bathroom
. It was a great place! I walked to the bus stop just before the downpour. Here is a last few of the street leading to the hotel. 
At the bus stop there was a French woman waiting for the bus as well. She was heading back to Laos and her fight was a half hour before mine. We waited and waited. The bus was running late probably due to the rainy weather. After waiting ten minutes past the time the bus was to arrive we decided to take a taxi. The taxi driver spoke no English but understood Incheon International Airport. I enjoyed the company of the French lady who was definitely not an American fan. She thinks are whole country doesn't understand consequences. I politely listened since everyone is entitle to their opinion. The taxi cost $40 which when split was $10 more than the bus but I was on time and not wet. We did see the bus so we probably got in the taxi just as the bus was approaching the bus stop. Oh well! In the airport I had lots of time to kill. I was excited to shop and spend the last of my won. I was thoroughly disappointed that that airport has mostly designer things. I did find the Korean cultural experience where I was able to purchase two chopstick/spoon holders. 
The best part was I able to do a craft. I painted a fan. 
Unfortunately I left it in the airport when I attempted to buy Korean wine. I was not allowed to take that much liquid back even though it was purchased in the airport. Darn American law! I cashed my remaining won in and got a smoothie before boarding the plane. On the plane I sat next to two American kids who lived on base in Seoul. They were a family of 10! I was interested to hear their story on our long ride home.
I was able to sleep some and finish a book on my borrowed Kindle. (Thanks Toni!) Once in Atlanta 
it took over an hour to meet Julie and Leah at baggage. Customs was so slow! Now I am happily spending a week with the Cavallaros in Atlanta 
. Atlanta now seems like a tiny city compared to Seoul. I love summer!
The Woo Family Visit
My last event in Seoul was hanging out with the Woo family. Jae-Hyun was in my class three years ago. If she were still in the USA she'd be going to middle school this year. They picked me up at the hotel and then we drove to their house which is right outside of Seoul which took about an hour. On the way we chatted and I got to see one last view of the gigantic city of Seoul. While in the USA the Woo's had a baby, Zack Hee-Jae. He is two years old and super stubborn like his big sister Jae-Hyun. I found it neat that his birthday was May 2nd in the USA but that was really May 1st in Korea. The time change is really big here! When we got their apartment 
I was given a tour. It was similar to Rory's house. Jae-Hyun let me take a picture of her bedroom.
Here is the living room. 
After my tour we walked to a local park. Zack didn't want to stay in the stroller 
so Jae-Hyun and I walked ahead and she told me all about herself. She is in English Academy with another former student, Yeji, that I didn't get to see. I told her to tell her hello for me. While we were walking in the park Mrs. Woo was cooking dinner. She made an incredible feast 
of many traditional Korean foods. Zack's favorite was the tofu in the soup. Jae-Hyun's favorite was the smoked salmon. I liked it all. While we were eating the neighbor rang the doorbell. She dropped off corn on the cob which Zack also loved. The Woo's told me it was common to share food with your neighbors and that they did this in Chapel Hill too. After dinner Jae-Hyun and I played games and swapped gifts. We played two Korean games, Jacks and this stick game. I was terrible at jacks.
I liked the stick game and some day would like to get a set. We also played Life and Uno Spin. It was great fun! For dessert we had delicious tea and fruit. I loved the golden kiwi! Since it was my last night I had to get back to the hotel to pack up. The Woo's all drove me home. 
(Not the best photo.I need the Woo's to email me theirs.) It was a wonderful visit and an exceptionally nice way to end my trip to Seoul, South Korea!
I was given a tour. It was similar to Rory's house. Jae-Hyun let me take a picture of her bedroom.
Here is the living room. 
After my tour we walked to a local park. Zack didn't want to stay in the stroller 
so Jae-Hyun and I walked ahead and she told me all about herself. She is in English Academy with another former student, Yeji, that I didn't get to see. I told her to tell her hello for me. While we were walking in the park Mrs. Woo was cooking dinner. She made an incredible feast 
of many traditional Korean foods. Zack's favorite was the tofu in the soup. Jae-Hyun's favorite was the smoked salmon. I liked it all. While we were eating the neighbor rang the doorbell. She dropped off corn on the cob which Zack also loved. The Woo's told me it was common to share food with your neighbors and that they did this in Chapel Hill too. After dinner Jae-Hyun and I played games and swapped gifts. We played two Korean games, Jacks and this stick game. I was terrible at jacks.
I liked the stick game and some day would like to get a set. We also played Life and Uno Spin. It was great fun! For dessert we had delicious tea and fruit. I loved the golden kiwi! Since it was my last night I had to get back to the hotel to pack up. The Woo's all drove me home. 
(Not the best photo.I need the Woo's to email me theirs.) It was a wonderful visit and an exceptionally nice way to end my trip to Seoul, South Korea!
Public Bath House and Insadong
I knew I had to go back to Insadong to pick up my last few items as well as check on an item I might have been double charged for but I had to check my bank account first. I quickly walked to the hotel because I needed time to finish shopping as well as to be ready to meet the Woo family. However, on my way I just happened to run in to Norah. She was on her way to a public bath house. Of course, I wanted to try that so I decided to try to fit it in. v=
It was just one subway stop a way. I had 3 hours before my next engagement. Off we went. I was a bit nervous because I thought you had to be naked for most of the trip but that was not true. You only had to be naked for the shower and the jacuzzi.
After that you put on a uniform and can go to fomentation rooms. Fomentation is the application of hot moist substances to the body to ease pain. There were many different room choices that were both hot and cold. They are much like saunas. First, we went into an oxygen room where you lay on a marble floor and breathe in extra oxygen. 
We went to the next floor. This place had five floors. On the next floor we went into a salt hot room where you put hot salt crystals on you. We also when to a jade hot room where you place hot jade stones on you. 
It was hot! To cool off we went to a coal cool room and an ice room. We finished with some type of sauna. 
I was feeling sweaty and relaxed. I had to get back to get on with my day while Norah was going to stay and get a treatment done. It was a spa so you could pay for extra treatments like massage, haircut, exfoliation, and facials. You can eat here, spend the night, do karioki, workout, play games, etc. The choices are endless and it is cheap. I spent just $9.00. Here I am in the subway station heading back. 
On my walk back to the hotel I spotted a car I could take a picture of. Many Koreans have these blue foam things on their car. 
They protect your car when you have to park in tight spaces. You don't have to worry about your car door getting dinged. After getting back to the hotel and checking my bank account. I did not get double charged I was off for last minute shopping. I was greeted in Insadong by girlscouts. 
There were also students taking surveys of what was their favorite Korean food, destination, way of travel, etc. I found Shrek 
on my way. I also had delicious fried rice cake balls. 
I hadn't had lunch so I grabbed those and a plum. I wanted to buy cherries or pineapple but they were overcharging. I guess that is what happens on a Sunday in a tourist trap. I finished my shopping but had to wait on an item so I went to the hotel to shower. I had just enough time to shower, pick up my last gift, and meet the Woo family back at the hotel.
It was just one subway stop a way. I had 3 hours before my next engagement. Off we went. I was a bit nervous because I thought you had to be naked for most of the trip but that was not true. You only had to be naked for the shower and the jacuzzi.
After that you put on a uniform and can go to fomentation rooms. Fomentation is the application of hot moist substances to the body to ease pain. There were many different room choices that were both hot and cold. They are much like saunas. First, we went into an oxygen room where you lay on a marble floor and breathe in extra oxygen. 
We went to the next floor. This place had five floors. On the next floor we went into a salt hot room where you put hot salt crystals on you. We also when to a jade hot room where you place hot jade stones on you. 
It was hot! To cool off we went to a coal cool room and an ice room. We finished with some type of sauna. 
I was feeling sweaty and relaxed. I had to get back to get on with my day while Norah was going to stay and get a treatment done. It was a spa so you could pay for extra treatments like massage, haircut, exfoliation, and facials. You can eat here, spend the night, do karioki, workout, play games, etc. The choices are endless and it is cheap. I spent just $9.00. Here I am in the subway station heading back. 
On my walk back to the hotel I spotted a car I could take a picture of. Many Koreans have these blue foam things on their car. 
They protect your car when you have to park in tight spaces. You don't have to worry about your car door getting dinged. After getting back to the hotel and checking my bank account. I did not get double charged I was off for last minute shopping. I was greeted in Insadong by girlscouts. 
There were also students taking surveys of what was their favorite Korean food, destination, way of travel, etc. I found Shrek 
on my way. I also had delicious fried rice cake balls. 
I hadn't had lunch so I grabbed those and a plum. I wanted to buy cherries or pineapple but they were overcharging. I guess that is what happens on a Sunday in a tourist trap. I finished my shopping but had to wait on an item so I went to the hotel to shower. I had just enough time to shower, pick up my last gift, and meet the Woo family back at the hotel.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
By Myself in Insadong
After the DMZ trip I had the afternoon to myself. I decided to pick up a few more things in 
Insadong and look for a few things the professor from Emory had told me about. Insadong is right next to my hotel so I figured I couldn’t get too lost. As shopping I went in a light rain which cleared some of the crowds. I bought most of everything I still wanted and did some bartering. Then I went to Ssamziegil 
which is a four story shopping mall on an incline. You walk up and up and can legally graffiti 
certain areas to you get to the roof top where you can see most of Insadong. 
It was pretty cool! I had to take a picture of myself.
My hands were full and I was getting hungry. My first idea was to check out a restaurant I saw advertised but it turned out to be very expensive so I walked toward the hotel. On my way I stopped by the bus stop to check out the airport departures. You can never be too prepared! I also stopped at the information booth to triple confirm that it was the correct bus stop to the airport with the correct 
departure times. Then I went to a small Italian restaurant right near 
the hotel. For 8 bucks I got baked spaghetti, 
garlic bread, and pickles. It hit the spot!
Insadong and look for a few things the professor from Emory had told me about. Insadong is right next to my hotel so I figured I couldn’t get too lost. As shopping I went in a light rain which cleared some of the crowds. I bought most of everything I still wanted and did some bartering. Then I went to Ssamziegil 
which is a four story shopping mall on an incline. You walk up and up and can legally graffiti 
certain areas to you get to the roof top where you can see most of Insadong. 
It was pretty cool! I had to take a picture of myself.
My hands were full and I was getting hungry. My first idea was to check out a restaurant I saw advertised but it turned out to be very expensive so I walked toward the hotel. On my way I stopped by the bus stop to check out the airport departures. You can never be too prepared! I also stopped at the information booth to triple confirm that it was the correct bus stop to the airport with the correct 
departure times. Then I went to a small Italian restaurant right near 
the hotel. For 8 bucks I got baked spaghetti, 
garlic bread, and pickles. It hit the spot!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Last Day-Olympic Village
This morning I got up and had a lot on my agenda. I ate a quick breakfast 
of dumplings, fried rice, and salad. I did say breakfast! 
That is what was on the buffet this morning! Yummy! I then checked in with the KU professors about my route via the metro. I ended up going to one stop and coming home another way. 
I got to Olympic Park and was amazed at it size. The Koreans are also super proud to be hosting the 2008 
Winter Olympics as you can see advertising everywhere already. The entrance is grand. There is a huge peace gate, followed by the eternal 
torch, and the flags of the countries that participated. I also took a peek at the eternal flame. I enjoyed seeing the flags of the countries that are now no more.
After walking to through the gate and flags and picking up a map I started heading to the Olympic museum. On my way I passed a park where older Koreans were working out. There is workout equipment! 
There is also a nice playground. The museum was empty and free. 
What a bonus. The guidebook said I was going to have to pay but I guess since 1988 was a while ago it is less of an attraction. I enjoyed the museum. The first floor is the history of the Olympics. 
I loved the history but won't bore you with too much of it. Here is a traditional 
Korean drum that helped start the Olympics I especially enjoyed all the gymnastic 
features. Here I am trying to take a picture with Nadia. 
If there would have been someone else in the museum with me I would have asked but I was the only one in there. Upstairs the museum focuses 
on the 1988 games where there is a cafe, gift shop and 4D movie. The movie was closed but I enjoyed the rest of the museum. After the museum I decided to walk the rest of the park. It was overcast and perfect weather. 
You cross a bridge where you can see concert sites. 
There were beautiful flowers 
and a nice statue garden. 
I didn't get the statues but enjoyed seeing them.
I found the 
gymnastics hall and got yelled at for getting too close. They were hosting a girls event, 
like a concert so I couldn't see the inside. On my way out I saw fountains 
you can play in like at Centennial Park in Atlanta. My Olympic Village trip was a good one!
of dumplings, fried rice, and salad. I did say breakfast! 
That is what was on the buffet this morning! Yummy! I then checked in with the KU professors about my route via the metro. I ended up going to one stop and coming home another way. 
I got to Olympic Park and was amazed at it size. The Koreans are also super proud to be hosting the 2008 
Winter Olympics as you can see advertising everywhere already. The entrance is grand. There is a huge peace gate, followed by the eternal 
torch, and the flags of the countries that participated. I also took a peek at the eternal flame. I enjoyed seeing the flags of the countries that are now no more.
After walking to through the gate and flags and picking up a map I started heading to the Olympic museum. On my way I passed a park where older Koreans were working out. There is workout equipment! 
There is also a nice playground. The museum was empty and free. 
What a bonus. The guidebook said I was going to have to pay but I guess since 1988 was a while ago it is less of an attraction. I enjoyed the museum. The first floor is the history of the Olympics. 
I loved the history but won't bore you with too much of it. Here is a traditional 
Korean drum that helped start the Olympics I especially enjoyed all the gymnastic 
features. Here I am trying to take a picture with Nadia. 
If there would have been someone else in the museum with me I would have asked but I was the only one in there. Upstairs the museum focuses 
on the 1988 games where there is a cafe, gift shop and 4D movie. The movie was closed but I enjoyed the rest of the museum. After the museum I decided to walk the rest of the park. It was overcast and perfect weather. 
You cross a bridge where you can see concert sites. 
There were beautiful flowers 
and a nice statue garden. 
I didn't get the statues but enjoyed seeing them.
I found the 
gymnastics hall and got yelled at for getting too close. They were hosting a girls event, 
like a concert so I couldn't see the inside. On my way out I saw fountains 
you can play in like at Centennial Park in Atlanta. My Olympic Village trip was a good one!
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