Taipei

We had the day off today before we travel to Tainan, where the camp is so we did a day trip to Taipei. Saw some cool temples and markets and did a lot of walking. It was very hot out (like 34 degrees) so we made frequent shade/slushie breaks to try and stay cool. We were able to navigate public transit pretty easily and it helps that our hotel is a stone's throw from the train station in Taoyuan. We have met a few other teachers who are staying in the hotel, but none of them will be working at our camp. It seems like this company is pretty big or at least runs lots of camps on the island. I'm just off to meet Kate and Linda for dinner. Happy Early Canada Day!

Made it to Taiwan (my room!)

Tokyo!

Made it safely to Tokyo! (and I'm actually in Seoul as I write this) Our flight from Detroit was really good. All three of us slept well so we aren't TOO exhausted. We found an awesome outdoor observation area where you could see the runway and the city in the background. We had some birthday drinks and vending machine ice cream bars to celebrate Kate's birthday before catching some shut eye in the airport. The flight to Seoul was unremarkable, except that we got a full meal (beef entree) at 7:30am. Now it is 9:16 and we aren't too sure what our next meal should be! We are flying Korean Air again so we will probably get something else awesome! We are just resting and waiting for our final flight to TAIPEI!

On the road again!

In my last post, I left off in Seoul, South Korea. 5 months later, I'm headed back in that direction with my friends Kate and Linda. This time, I will be teaching in Tainan City, Taiwan for 2 weeks and Suwon City, South Korea for 1 month. I'm also sneaking in a 4 day jaunt to Tokyo before returning home in August! As usual, I will attempt to keep my blog updated as much as I can.

Itinerary:

June 27: Toronto - Detroit - Tokyo - Seoul - Taipei
June 29 - July 15: Tainan City, Taiwan
July 15 - August 18: Suwon City, South Korea
August 18-23: Tokyo, Japan
August 23: Tokyo - Detroit - Toronto

인천국제공항 방문 기념사진 도착

s

On my way home, I had approximately 6 hours between arriving at Gimpo Airport and having to take a train to connect for my flight at Incheon International.  I briefly considered stashing my luggage and making a break for it to see a bit more of Seoul, but I figured I should be more practical and just kill time at the airport... as it turned out, Incheon is the best airport EVER! I didn't feel like I was killing time at all, I actually felt a bit rushed!  There was a designer shopping area, stage with live entertainment... and a cool photobooth thing where you could send an email picture of yourself (see the blog picture!) I also got some delicious sushi at the Asian restaurant, and saw a traditional Korean parade before I finally had to check in at my gate!

I also lucked out once I got on the plane because I didn't have a seat mate so I had both seats all to myself for 11 hours!!

인천국제공항 자기부상열차 홍보관을 방문하여 주셔서 감사드립니다.

Seoul!

s

I had one day off in the two weeks I worked at camp, so I decided to make the most of it and fly to Seoul for the night/day.  Kate and Linda were finished their camp and staying with a friend that they had met at their camp, so I hopped a flight and met up with them for almost 24 hours.  We were able to make pretty good ground, hitting up a shopping/market area, as well as seeing City Hall, and a few other notable landmarks.  We also had some good food and drinks before I had to head back to Jeju!

Winter Camp Begins!

Happy New Year!

I have arrived safely at my residence at Halla College, where the Winter Camp will take place. Sorry no fancy shmancy pictures yet.. I don't have wifi.... but I do have a gigantic desktop computer, so at least I have internet. I know some people will be upset that I can't put up any food pictures for awhile, you'll just have to wait, people.

My residence is FAR less posh than Kate and Linda's... the school was built in the 60s and I don't think much has been updated in the residences since then (except for the 1990s computers, of course!) It is also COLD! Kate and Linda could control their heat in their room... not this little mouse! They also had an ensuite bathroom, while I've got a communal one... and I haven't quite located a shower yet... so hopefully I can bathe at some point! The hallway where my room is is very dark and really resembles anything you may have seen in a Russian spy movie.

Despite my whining, I'm safe and happy... I'm sure it will make for some funny stories... It's seriously so cold typing right now though!!

That's all for now... the first question I asked the Director of the camp was how to get food... so she is coming to meet me to show me where the cafeteria is in a few minutes... again sorry (Martha)... there will be no pictures.