Sunday, February 26, 2012
Exploring One's Seoul
From February 20th to the 24th I went to Seoul to have a bit of fun and to enjoy the Korean culture a bit more with a fellow Canadian friend. On the first day there I went to a Cookin' Nanta theatrical performance with cooking, comedy, and music. I wasn't able to take pictures during the actual performance but I was able to take few pictures before it began. 
The next day, we went to Itaewon area to explore and to shop. We also went to the Korean War Memorial. After all of that we saw a magic show titled The Illusion by Lee Eun Gyeol, a famous magician who won many awards. The show itself was spectacular and something I have never witnessed before. 
On Wednesday, we went to the 63 City building and the Seaworld which was located inside the building. After that we went to the World Cup Stadium where the 2002 World Cup Soccer tournament was held, which was co-hosted by Japan and Korea. Afterwards we walked to the nearby Digital City Gallery to check it out, and finally we went on a Han River boat cruise for an hour or so. The entire day we were walking a lot and we exhausted by the end. 
The next day we caught the 9am KTX back to Busan. Overall, the four days went by so quick because of the amount of fun we were having. The next trip I have planned is to go to Japan! Hopefully I get to see Fukukoa, Osaka and Kyoto! Let's wait and see how it goes. I am excited and nervous (it's kind of expensive there) but either way, it's going to be an experience of a lifetime!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Ulsan For You
The weekend of February 18th and 19th I was very well. On the 18th I volunteered at the Boys Orphanage with my friends Jay, Dharma, Rosie, Thao, Eric, and Laura. We played soccer outside with the kids. They had tons of energy and super active. I was the goalie so the little ones wanted to be a goalie with me. It was quite adorable. After soccer, we went back inside to do some artworks with clay and colour dinosaur pictures. Finally, we handed out little treats for all the kids and said farewell. They were excited that so many foreign teachers showed up to see them and give them candies. It's a monthly event and I hope to participate next month as well. 
After this uplifting event, I had dinner with my friends at KSU and hung out by playing Apples to Apples.
The next day, I went to Ulsan with Jeongeun to see a fellow Canadian, Trecia, who is a former Ryerson University professor and currently she is a professor at an university in Ulsan. She's such a wonderful person, and I always wanted to see Ulsan for myself so I was able to knock two mangoes with one stone. Ulsan itself isn't a spectacular place but it is quite peaceful there. Everyone is well off financially because of the many jobs that are available in the city. Anyways, I took some photos to share with you all. Enjoy! 
Well, the upcoming week is going to be busy as well because I am going to go to Seoul! My fourth time there and I am very excited. I hope to have an adventurous time and I will see you soon.
The next day, I went to Ulsan with Jeongeun to see a fellow Canadian, Trecia, who is a former Ryerson University professor and currently she is a professor at an university in Ulsan. She's such a wonderful person, and I always wanted to see Ulsan for myself so I was able to knock two mangoes with one stone. Ulsan itself isn't a spectacular place but it is quite peaceful there. Everyone is well off financially because of the many jobs that are available in the city. Anyways, I took some photos to share with you all. Enjoy!
The Art of Beomeosa
On Saturday, February 11th I went to the Beomeosa temple with my friends Nav, Yana, Jay, Warren and Gabe. We walked around for a bit and did some site seeing at the nearby mountain. I personally felt that the Beomeosa temple is just like any other temple I have seen in Korea. It didn't surprise me or have a 'wow' factor that I expected considering many Koreans have recommended this place to me. Perhaps, the fact that I am not a hardcore religious person might have influenced my perspection of the temple atmosphere and the trip itself. I still managed to take some photos for you people to enjoy. 
Overall, I would give a mark of 6 out of 10, the 10 being awesome and 1 being super lame.
On Friday, February 17th I went to the Trick Art Museum with my friend Jennifer at BEXCO (Exhibition Place). This was a lot of fun. I am just going to post pictures and let you see how great it was. 
It was only 12,000 won and it was well worth it because we spent almost 2 hours at this place and we enjoyed every minute of it.
On Friday, February 17th I went to the Trick Art Museum with my friend Jennifer at BEXCO (Exhibition Place). This was a lot of fun. I am just going to post pictures and let you see how great it was.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Immunity
I have always prided myself on never being seriously sick to skip work or school. In fact I have ridiculed and poked fun at people who were sick every single day of the month or people who have gazillion illnesses at the same time. I should clarify few points, firstly, these people that I do ridicule are at the age of 25 and younger as of this blog post and secondly, I have had colds and runny noses but that usually lasts a day because after I put Vicks, drink mango juice and have a good night's sleep I am better in the morning. I thought this would be like that too. I figured I wouldn't be seriously sick until I am married and with kids, probably when I am 40 or older. However, all of my ambitions were dashed when I got sick on Monday, February 6th, 2012 around 6pm. My ego crashed and burned, my pride stripped of me and I ended up with a fever of 37.4 degrees, classified as a "mild fever" when I went to work the next day (Tuesday).
I was surprised, scared, nervous, angry, and confused when I got labelled with a sickness. Surprised and confused because I didn't do anything differently the previous day. I ate and drank the usual food and drink. I didn't try something new. I had my jacket to withstand Busan's "winter" weather. Nothing compared to Toronto's winter. I am always under-dressed compared to the Koreans on the street or at work, so I know I didn't feel cold. I had my usual energy while teaching on Monday and I was just heading home from Seomyeon after I attempted to get my iPhone fixed from the Apple Service Center. 
This is a super old picture of me sleeping!
Shortly after 6pm, I felt my head getting warm and heavy. There were sharp pain all around my skull. It felt like my brain was swollen, trying to escape or perhaps trying to take a rest. It did just that. I blanked out on the #17 bus from Seomyeon to my place and few of the Koreans noticed that I lost my balance and was on the floor. They immediately offered me a seat and opened the window to let in some fresh air into the overly crowded heated bus. I quickly took the water bottle from my bag and drank the cold water fast as I can. I felt a bit better but my head was still hurting. I got home around 6:15pm. I rushed to get changed from my work clothes, applied Vicks to my forehead, throat, back of my neck and my nose, and then I jumped into my cozy bed. I fell asleep for 13 hours and I woke up for work feeling not great. However, I still got ready and went to work using a taxi.
At work, when I arrived at 8am, I put my bag on my desk, sat down on my chair and used the bag as a pillow to rest my head. Around 8:20am, Christine showed up, felt my forehead and asked me if I was okay. I told her, "no, my head is hurting a lot". She noticed that I wasn't the usual self. Few minutes later Yejin showed up and also noticed my state of condition. Yejin called the school nurse and informed her about my situation. I went into the nurse's office shortly after the phone call. There, the nurse checked my temperature and told me, "mild fever" while showing me the temperature of 37.4 degrees on her device. Few second later, she got a cup of water and two white tablets and told me to take it. I did what she told me to do without any questions. She informed me that it was Tylenol and that it would take affect in an hour or so. I said okay and went back to my office. When I got back Yejin told me that I could go home. I didn't really want to leave because I never had a sick day leave from any of my previous work but I knew I had to in order to get back to good health.
As soon as I got home around 9:30am, I went to sleep and woke up 6 hours later feeling a bit better. Dharma was able to bring me Tylenol and other herbal medicine for me. I felt good enough to go grab dinner as well. Wednesday I was back at work feeling 85%, which is good enough to just play games with the students on their final week of classes. Later that day, I felt much better that I was able to go to a dinner event with my friends and I didn't feel that sharp pain in my head ever again. It last approximately 36 hours but that's 1 hour too long in my books. Overall, I wish I never get this "mild fever" and that I do not have to miss any more work because of any other illnesses. I am now 100% cured and back to my energetic self. I do not want anyone to be worried after reading the first paragraph.
Oh, on a side note classes have finished! I do not have to teach until March 2nd and spring vacation has begun. I'll be trying my best to tour more across South Korea, starting with a temple visit this upcoming weekend! Well, take care everyone and see you soon!
I was surprised, scared, nervous, angry, and confused when I got labelled with a sickness. Surprised and confused because I didn't do anything differently the previous day. I ate and drank the usual food and drink. I didn't try something new. I had my jacket to withstand Busan's "winter" weather. Nothing compared to Toronto's winter. I am always under-dressed compared to the Koreans on the street or at work, so I know I didn't feel cold. I had my usual energy while teaching on Monday and I was just heading home from Seomyeon after I attempted to get my iPhone fixed from the Apple Service Center.
This is a super old picture of me sleeping!
Shortly after 6pm, I felt my head getting warm and heavy. There were sharp pain all around my skull. It felt like my brain was swollen, trying to escape or perhaps trying to take a rest. It did just that. I blanked out on the #17 bus from Seomyeon to my place and few of the Koreans noticed that I lost my balance and was on the floor. They immediately offered me a seat and opened the window to let in some fresh air into the overly crowded heated bus. I quickly took the water bottle from my bag and drank the cold water fast as I can. I felt a bit better but my head was still hurting. I got home around 6:15pm. I rushed to get changed from my work clothes, applied Vicks to my forehead, throat, back of my neck and my nose, and then I jumped into my cozy bed. I fell asleep for 13 hours and I woke up for work feeling not great. However, I still got ready and went to work using a taxi.
At work, when I arrived at 8am, I put my bag on my desk, sat down on my chair and used the bag as a pillow to rest my head. Around 8:20am, Christine showed up, felt my forehead and asked me if I was okay. I told her, "no, my head is hurting a lot". She noticed that I wasn't the usual self. Few minutes later Yejin showed up and also noticed my state of condition. Yejin called the school nurse and informed her about my situation. I went into the nurse's office shortly after the phone call. There, the nurse checked my temperature and told me, "mild fever" while showing me the temperature of 37.4 degrees on her device. Few second later, she got a cup of water and two white tablets and told me to take it. I did what she told me to do without any questions. She informed me that it was Tylenol and that it would take affect in an hour or so. I said okay and went back to my office. When I got back Yejin told me that I could go home. I didn't really want to leave because I never had a sick day leave from any of my previous work but I knew I had to in order to get back to good health.
As soon as I got home around 9:30am, I went to sleep and woke up 6 hours later feeling a bit better. Dharma was able to bring me Tylenol and other herbal medicine for me. I felt good enough to go grab dinner as well. Wednesday I was back at work feeling 85%, which is good enough to just play games with the students on their final week of classes. Later that day, I felt much better that I was able to go to a dinner event with my friends and I didn't feel that sharp pain in my head ever again. It last approximately 36 hours but that's 1 hour too long in my books. Overall, I wish I never get this "mild fever" and that I do not have to miss any more work because of any other illnesses. I am now 100% cured and back to my energetic self. I do not want anyone to be worried after reading the first paragraph.
Oh, on a side note classes have finished! I do not have to teach until March 2nd and spring vacation has begun. I'll be trying my best to tour more across South Korea, starting with a temple visit this upcoming weekend! Well, take care everyone and see you soon!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Palawan, Philippines Vacation
I have been looking forward to my winter vacation ever since I found out that I will be actually having one. The previous winters I usually just stayed in Toronto and hung out with my high school friends, university crew, co-workers or with my cousins. This is the first year that I spent my time travelling to another country to experience something new during the winter vacation period. My winter vacation was from January 21st to February 3rd to Palawan, Philippines with my friends Warren, Steven and Kristin. 
Side Note: 1 peso = 30 Korean won, 1000 won = $1 CDN (all approximate numbers).
First day was spent at Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan. We just stayed there for one night but we managed to tour around the city quite a bit. There are tricycles everywhere so we could easily hop into one and the driver would take us anywhere for 20-50 pesos (depending on how far the location was). The dinner we had that night was the best meal I had in the longest time. Portion sizes for 5 people was plentiful, taste and flavour were amazing too. 5 people because we made a new friend at the hostel place we were staying. His name was Will and he's from the UK. He's an avid traveller and shared stories of his experiences in many places in the world. 
The next four nights we stayed at El Nido (northern part of Palawan). During our stay in El Nido, we later found out, the filming of The Bourne Legacy movie was happening at one of the smaller islands! The first day of El Nido, we decided to take it easy and just enjoy the natural beauty around us. The second day we decided to go island hopping. I even tried snorkelling for the first time in my life. It will also be the last time too. I scrapped my left knee against the corals and it was painful the next day. The third day I decided to get a massage for 400 pesos. It was relaxing, and felt really good, especially after all that island hopping from the previous day. The last day, we decided to go island hopping again. This time, no snorkelling but relaxing on various smaller islands in El Nido. The best island from the island hopping experience was called "Snake Island" and my favourite experience was when I was able to sleep on a gigantic palm leaf under a palm tree with the cool breeze from the water hitting my body. I fell asleep for an hour. It was a great tropical island experience that I always wanted. 
The next two nights we stayed in Sabang. The first night, we did not have reservations so we had to find a place on our own. For three hours we looked but finally we found one near a mountain. It was a sketchy place at first but the owner of the cottage was very friendly. She made us a huge dinner (fish curry and banana blossom curry with rice) and it was delicious. The next day we went to the Underground River, which was recently voted as one of the new 7 wonders of nature. It was a great experience in my opinion but I wouldn't call it a wonder of the world though. After the underground river experience, we came back for lunch and decided to do whatever we wanted to do. Kristin and Steven decided to read books along the beach, Warren was busy checking out the town while I decided to go play basketball with the local kids. I played 2 on 2 basketball for about 30 minutes until the court got occupied by the older group of locals. 
After Sabang, we headed to Port Barton for four nights. Port Barton was a quiet place to just relax on a hammock and that's exactly what I did most of the time. I played chess with Warren in the mornings or afternoons and I managed to have 3 days of massages (500 pesos, 400 pesos and 500 pesos respectively). I had extra pesos left so I might as well enjoy my time in Philippines by eating chicken adobos (a classic Filipino dish), drink halo halos (ice drink with fruits - mango was my choice, obviously), quench myself with fresh coconut juice, and have massages. Port Barton was by far the quietest place I have ever been to. 
Finally, one last day in Puerto Princesa again to get ourselves organized for our long journey back to Busan, South Korea and our temporary homes. Overall, my vacation was wonderful. I wouldn't change anything about it. I brought enough pesos to do everything I wanted to do. I tried something new (snorkelling), I tried new dishes (chicken adobos), I tried new drinks (halo halos), and enjoyed all the mangoes that I wanted. The funniest part is that mango season doesn't start until May! Coincidentally, that's when I was born. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a mango festival happening in the Philippines on May 6th. 
Anyways, I enjoyed everything about this winter vacation that it made me realize how small the world truly is. I have always wanted to travel and a geography major it was always a dream but I was also hesitant because I never flew on an airplane before. However, all that changed after I moved to Korea for a year. I understand the airport procedures, the research and organization needed to execute an enjoyable vacation, and the amount of money is needed to have a fun time.
PS: I collected a bag full of seashells to give away as souvenirs to my family and friends in Canada but that got confiscated at the Manila airport because seashells are not allowed on airplanes. I guess I should have hid them better next time. Oh, well.
Side Note: 1 peso = 30 Korean won, 1000 won = $1 CDN (all approximate numbers).
First day was spent at Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan. We just stayed there for one night but we managed to tour around the city quite a bit. There are tricycles everywhere so we could easily hop into one and the driver would take us anywhere for 20-50 pesos (depending on how far the location was). The dinner we had that night was the best meal I had in the longest time. Portion sizes for 5 people was plentiful, taste and flavour were amazing too. 5 people because we made a new friend at the hostel place we were staying. His name was Will and he's from the UK. He's an avid traveller and shared stories of his experiences in many places in the world.
PS: I collected a bag full of seashells to give away as souvenirs to my family and friends in Canada but that got confiscated at the Manila airport because seashells are not allowed on airplanes. I guess I should have hid them better next time. Oh, well.
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