Jacqui Daly ~ Photographer.

Here are the photo's that Jacqui took of me last week. She's very talented xxx

Check out her website too http://jacquelinedaly.com/

Spending a month in the UK.

I thought id write a little about the past month back here in blighty.

I took a month off from work (unpaid - meh!!) to come visit family and friends back in the U.K. This summer I would have lived in Korea for 2 and a half years and until now i'd only spent 3 weeks at home, so making the long trip and spending a month here this time has been lovely.

On my last visit I was completely wrapped up in my Korea life and ex-boyf so I was here in body but not in mind. THIS TIME, I totally embraced being here and have enjoyed every minute.

Waking up and hearing the birds sing, driving around the countryside, spending quality time with family, having a pint in a pub, country walks, shopping, having reunions with beautiful friends and most importantly - meeting my baby niece Polly for the first time - these have all been highlights for me this past month. (Along with consuming vast amounts of cheese).

Meeting my baby niece Polly for the first time was AMAZING and it is so hard to think i'll miss the next year of her life. She will be 18 months old next time I see her and its sad to not see her grow in person but i'll definitely make more effort with Skype. She's such a little character already and is the best behaved baby i've ever met.

I have spent the majority of my trip here in North Wales with my parents. I've literally just rested and have been hanging round the house/garden with my grandad/mum/dad. It has been LOVELY to just sit and not have any work to stress about (no kindie kids to take care of!) and I have enjoyed sleeping late and eating yummy comfort foods (calories - eek!)

I also spent some quality time with my big brother Neal and his girlfriend Erica. They are baby Polly's parents and they are amazing with her. It's so clear she is loved and taken care of perfectly by them and I am sooo proud to see my big brother as a Daddy! ^^ My older sister Kate and her boyfriend Rhys also came up to visit (they live in the South). It was great to spend some time with them before they head off for their 1 year world trip starting this summer. I hope I get to come see you guys in NZ or somewhere close by as the thought of not seeing you for another 2 years is sad xx

I travelled down to London last week (takes around 5 hours on the bus from Chester) and spent a lovely weekend with my friends Jo and Matt (they are stars). Then I headed to central London and met up with the fab Kasia (a Korea friend) for some shopping (which I have missed!), after that I headed to Bristol (South West England) for a reunion with some friends (Jacqui~Laura~Jimmy~Lisa~Emma) in my previous home town. I also made a quick trip down to Exeter and stayed with my friend Cassie, her husband and 2 beautiful kids.

Spending a few days with my best friend Jacqui was just perfect. We slipped back into how we always were and I love seeing how even though we are growing and changing as people, our love and friendship always remains. She's a VERY talented photographer and took some pics of me last week - totally vain, but I enjoy her taking pics of me as she always makes them turn out so well! ^^ Im so proud of Jacqui.She is self-employed and a busy bee, but ALWAYS makes time for her loved ones. I'll miss you Jackass xx

Spending time with all my friends has been amazing, but I just wanted to say that seeing my old flatmate Jimmy last week was a highlight. You make me miss Bristol days the most Jimmy. But you're probably not shocked to hear this ^^

Being back in Bristol made me realise how much I miss it. Just being back with old friends reminds me how much I love them and it's such a shame im not able to see them more regularly. The thing is, I know if I moved back to blighty then i'd be happy to see everyone, but I wouldnt be happy in my work/life. The only thing I really miss about the UK are the people. So to move back here for them is obviously an option, but im so happy in the life I have made in Korea and I fear that if I moved back then they wouldnt be seeing the happy/content Ami that they see now. They'd see me with itcy feet and eager to travel/move on again.

There's something about Asia that has kept me mesmerized since my first trip in 2005 and I can't explain what it is, but im definitely not ready to leave Asia right now.

And so, I have 2 more full days here before I fly back to Korea on Friday morning. I'm stocked up with tons of goodies for friends, enough clothes and shoes that I could squeeze into my cases and the all important sticks of deodorant for Jonathan haha.

See you soon Korea and farewell to the UK.

x

Jindo Sea Parting.

On March 18th-20th I visited Jindo with friends Janet, Gloria and Hee-Jung.

Jindo Island is the third largest island in South Korea, located in South Jeolla in the South West.

We took the KTX (train) down to Mokpo on the Friday evening after work (under 4 hours travel time) and spent a night in a cheap motel, just to get a good nights sleep before heading to the island the next day.

Unfortunately the girls were all feeling a little under the weather so they were dosed up on meds, but they still decided to brave the long train journey and outdoor plans we had. When we take these little trips we are usually up and out early each morning but due to everyone feeling a little sleepy/sick we slept late and didnt get to the bus terminal until after lunch.

We took a bus from Mokpo over the Myeongnyang Strait via South Korea's longest suspension bridge (spanning 484 meters). The journey only took around an hour in total.

Jindo is famous for 2 things - the Korea Jindo Dog and the Sea Parting Festival.

Being someone that isn't the slighest bit interested in dogs (and my fear for dogs grows the longer I stay in Korea as I hardly ever see them here, so when I do I just wanna freak out to be honest), I dont have much to say about the Jindo Dog. They could be seen around the island alot and whilst in the taxi travelling back to the bus terminal I saw MANY Jindo dogs in cages on the sides of fields. I guess thats how they store them. Weird.

Anyways, the reason we went to Jindo was for the Sea Parting Festival that takes place annually. To give you some background on the event...

Every year, a narrow land pass (about 2.9 km long and up to 40 meters wide) opens for about an hour between the main Jindo Island and a small Modo island as a result of tidal activity. This event attracts hundreds thousands of tourists and is accompanied by local festivals. (taken from Wiki)

This year they decided to cancel the festival due to the foot and mouth disease that is affecting large parts of Korea. We decided to head down there anyway and see what was going on. We assumed that itd be a nicer way to see the sea parting without herds of tourists. We didnt expect much of a crowd. We were wrong!

The festival might have been cancelled but there were still hundreds of people there ready to walk through the sea. Everyone was in great spirits and excited to see the 'Miraculous Sea Parting'.

We each bought a pair of rubber boots from a street vendor - I ended up being really allergic to them as my face and hands started to itch and burn like crazy when I took them off (note to self - im allergic to rubber - oo err).

We then started the strangest walk we'd ever experienced. Walking and at times, wading through the sea from one island to another...along the way groups, couples, families were all enjoying the same walk, some drinking beer, others exploring for sea life, others digging for clam shells. As the sea only parts for an hour or so we felt the need to rush but it was actually kind of tiring so we got about 3/4 of the way and turned back to head to dry land..turns out that most people were told to turn back soon after we did as the tide was turning again and they could have been stuck on the other island.

It was a fun afternoon and definitely something i'll remember ^^

We bumped into some friends from Suwon whilst there so got some pictures with those guys and stayed in the same pension for the night. The next morning the weather was so dull and gloomy (the yellow dust from China was in full force) so we decided to head back to Mokpo, eat and take the KTX back to Seoul. We had originally planned to wake up early and explore some temples but the weather was blocking that plan.

I'd recommend a trip to Jindo for this event. I hear they are holding it again in July so if you are in Korea then make the effort to see the 'Miraculous Sea'.

My Apartment.

It's not so new anymore as I moved in the first week of February. But here's the pics i've been promising people back home. You can have a little nosey into my nest.

I cleaned up alot to take these pics but as im a little OCD then it doesnt look much different to this usually ^^

My living space/bedroom.

My window seat. My favourite thing of the whole apartment. I bought the cushion bed in Thailand at Xmas time but I have 2 more back home in the UK so im considering bringing one more back with me next month.

View of the kitchen and storage space - I have tons of storage! ^^

My kitchen and bathroom. Complete with oven (thanks Jen!) and my green bike stored near the front door.


So, there you go - that's where I live. Im looking to buy a small sofa next month so that will complete my home ^^

Lunar New Year/Seonal/설날

As Lunar New Year fell mid-week this year we had Wednesday to Sunday off work. Assa! I decided to head down south to Jinju 진주 (famous for it's lantern festival every October) and Hadong 하동 (famous for it's green tea).  Both are in the South Gyeongsang Province and it took around 4 hours by bus.

I took the trip with friends Jen, Janet and Hee-Jung. We headed down there on the Wednesday night (i'd moved into my new apartment the night before and was manic before the departure) and arrived late into Jinju at around 2am.

Our first night was spent in a cheap motel in Jinju. The standard situation of turning up at a random place in the middle of darkness and not knowing where to stay, so just looking for the nearest 'Love Motel'. 4 girls sleeping in a row makes for a cosy nights sleep kkk ^^

Thursday morning was spent exploring Jinju town and its famous Fortress. We took lots of pictures and explored the ruins (which were actually restored very well and in great condition). After some sightseeing, a visit to the Jinju National Museum (nice) and a pasta lunch, we took a local bus to Hadong.

Hadong is roughly an hour away from Jinju and it's a place that I cannot wait to return to. The actual center of town doesn't have much going for it. Just a small bus terminal and some pretty standard high street stores. But once you take the local bus further out of town you get a better feel for the place. The countryside is magnificent (yes, I used that word!). I felt so relaxed the entire trip, being outdoors in fresh air and with views of the Seomjin River and Mt. Jirisan backdrop - it was a perfect way to spend Lunar hols.

Janet is little miss organised (and we adore her for it) so she had made us an itinerary for the trip. We wanted to see as much as possible over the 4 days so set about checking off the 'things to do' on her list. First stop was staying the night in a traditional village in the mountains.

The bus driver dropped us off in pitch black skies, in the middle of a mountain range and we had one of those moments that made us think 'errr, what the hell do we do now?'....but after a 5 minute (dark) walk up a hill we found a little pension (similar to a B&B but basically just a heated room with no beds) to stay in. The couple running the pension hadnt expected any guests that night as it was the most important day of the Lunar Hols but we arrived on their doorstep around 9pm looking for food and a room. They welcomed us, gave us a room for the night and set about cooking us dinner...we enjoyed Pajeon washed down with beer.

The next morning we were asked to wake up and eat breakfast at their parents house up the hillside at 8am. So we woke early doors (around 7am - a standard on a trip that includes the wonderful Janet kkk ^^) and headed up the hill to find the parents house. We were welcomed into a little traditional village house...basically made of rubble/stones and with a roof covered in branches. So cute. The entire village is so quaint and had only basic amenities.

The grandmother could be seen, with kids running around and the grandfather adding wood to the fire/stove. Each room was heated with ondol but the ondol was bascially just a fire below the buildings (that wasn't a great explanation but you'll maybe get what I mean). We were given a hearty breakfast of fried fish, rice, tofu soup, an assortment of vegetable side-dishes, finished off with lots of fresh fruit and rice cake snacks. Delicious.

After breakfast we decided to head to the local Art Center a few km up the mountainside. It was a slow walk but the girls are used to hiking (unlike me) - we all enjoyed it. We explored the Art Center which was basically tunnels and paths leading around forest area towards the main attraction - Samseonggung 삼성궁.
Located high up on Mt. Jirisan is Samseonggung. The sanctuary was erected in 1983 (the year I was born!) in honor of the Emperor of Heaven (Hwan-in), his son Hwanung, his grandson (and the mythical founder of Korea), Danggun. The compound included hundreds of stone pagodas and was beautiful to see on a day of blue skies.

After this we headed to down to Hwagae Village 화개마을 for an afternoon exploring the local market. Located in the center of Hwagae Village is a famous market that’s long been a place of commerce for three provinces. Better known as “Hwagae Jang-to,” it’s also a great place to purchase beautiful ceramic ware, bags of medicinal roots or to sample a local specialty – soup made from freshwater marsh clams. We found delicious snacks, beautiful pottery and plenty of dried herbs/teas to sample.

That night we stayed in another motel just next to Hwagae Jang-to and got a good nights sleep before another early wake up call.

* Hee-Jung had to head home on Friday night so we said goodbye to her back in Hadong central town.

Saturday morning arrived and we took a local bus to Ssanggyesa Temple 쌍계사. This is situated in the southern slopes of Mt. Jirisan. It was founded in 723 during the Shilla Dynasty, most of it was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of the late 16th century and reconstructed in 1975. The temple complex contains several cultural assets, including one national treasure: a 3.6-meter tall stele built in the 9th century to celebrate the life of the famous Buddhist monk, Hyeso. (Can you tell I copied this from Wikipedia ?? ^^)

The temple was beautiful. We took tons of photo's and spent a few hours walking around and taking in the views. We also decided to buy a slate tile and each write a wish on there. We left the slate tile next to the temple and let's see how many of our wishes come true...

That afternoon we decided to head to the Tea Cultural Museum 차문화전시관. Im a HUGE tea drinker and so was very happy to spend a few hours sampling teas and buying more tea pots/miniature cups. Hadong is famous for its delicious Green Tea and it holds a tea festival every spring when the cherry blossoms are out.

We then spent a relaxed evening at the motel and woke up early on Sunday morning to travel home.

I actually met a guy at a Korean music festival 2 summers ago that was from Hadong and it suddenly dawned on me on that Saturday night that I should contact him. He called me back and we chatted for a little while, turns out he's doing his military service at the moment. I arranged to visit Hadong again soon and look forward to some more sightseeing with a local friend ^^

* This trip actually took place the first week of February so i'm just a LITTLE late in posting about it ^^

I plan to catch up on blog posts this week - a recent happenings blog/new apartment blog/trip to Jindo blog.

2011 - A new year and lots of change ahead of me.

It's January 24th but i'll say Happy New Year anyways! ^^

I haven't posted a blog on here since August. Crazy to think that 6 months has passed by so quickly. The past few months of my life haven't been easy - thats for sure, but I have always been a positive thinker and i'm determined to make 2011 a year to remember.

In 2010 I began my 2nd year here in Korea. I started working at Bambini school and although there's been management changes and the year was full of drama, im still happily working there. I was deeply in love and moved in with Tae-Sun. We made precious memories together and I feel lucky to have had him in my life, but alas we eventually split. I was an emotional wreck from October to recent days but I've finally realised that im happier on my own right now. Sometimes love just isn't enough in a relationship. I feel proud to have had the guts to walk away from something that made me happy, but that I knew deep down wouldn't be healthy for me in the years to come. He will make some girl very happy, but it just won't be me.

Onwards and upwards.

Christmas was spent in Thailand with the fabulous Kasia. She has become a very important person in my life and I treasure our new friendship. Kasia went to school with an old University friend of mine and moved out to Korea last April. We hit it off when we first met out here - it's lovely to have another Brit in Seoul! ^^

So we spent 8 days in Thailand - just a short break in Bangkok and on Koh Chang. It was magical to return to where I spent many months in 2006 - the island has changed quite alot but it was lovely to see some familiar faces and to rejuvenate myself after a difficult few months.

It was whilst I was in Thailand that I realised I wasnt ready to give up travelling and settle just yet. I returned to Korea on Jan 2nd fooling myself and telling myself that I could give up adventures and more solo trips that have been planned in my mind for years (Bolivia, Nepal and Tibet). But just one week into January it dawned on me (and Kasia made me see it too ^^) that I wasn't fully happy with the life I was signing up to with Tae and that I needed to be ME.

Anyways, this month is already flying by and im feeling excited about life again. It really feels like I have a fresh start now. Previously I was terrified about the prospect of going it alone again and not having any plans as im hitting the grand old age of 28 this April. BUT, now im thrilled to have a chance at doing whatever I want to do.

Soon it will be Lunar New Year break and we have 5 days of vacation (incl. the weekend). I will be heading South to Jinju and Hadong with friends Jennifer and Janet for some fresh air and relaxation.

I have signed with Bambini school another year so I will soon be entering my 3rd year here in Korea - time flies! The new boss has been kind enough to re-house me in Beomgye (close to where I lived in my 1st year so I know it well). I move into my new apartment next Sunday and im full of excitement about this. It's a nice Officetel building with lots more space than I have here. The most important thing about moving is leaving behind the memories in this apartment and starting afresh so I can't wait for next weekend now! ^^

I'm supposed to be going home for 3 or 4 weeks this coming spring. Not sure of exact dates yet but my boss says it will be before May. I feel like I should go and make the most of everyone back home. I have only spent 3 weeks with you guys in the last 2 years and  as time passes I feel further away from you all.

I'll post again next week once i've made the move into my new home!

To wear or not to wear - Knickers at the gym.

2 blogs in one night - a rare occurrence!

I had to tell you about my strange experience earlier today.

I've finally joined a gym and am aiming to lose ALOT of weight - my plan is to go 5 times a week (2 down, 3 to go) and really stick to a routine of running, cycling and cross training - we'll see (im crap at exercise!!).

My gym is great, row upon row of treadmills and tons of brand new equipment that looks the part but I havent got a clue how to use it as its all in Korean! (give me time and i'll attempt it all)

So this afternoon after work I did my usual on the treadmill (whilst listening to The Prodigy full blast!) ^^ and when it was finally over I headed to the shower room.

Now, Koreans are very open when it comes to nakedness. I should be absolutely used to this as ive been here a while now (and have been to naked spa's) and ive experienced many a naked-time in Europe (particularly in France). The women in France seem to just let it all hang out in the changing rooms (bushes and all! haha). Anyways, my point is, although im absolutely okay with being naked in a public spa now I REALLY dont like showering naked with just a few Korean women around me.

* Safety in numbers applies to me here - im more nervous when there's just a few of us as they can concentrate in on me and all my flaws, rather than being able to hide in a big crowd of nakedness at the spa!

It's not for vain reasons. Well, only a little bit...you see...there's a few things that make me feel awkward - mainly the fact that I have boobs and they could be described as quite big. This means I get stared at ALOT. Also, I find lots of women (im talking mainly older Korean women) seem to be very intrigued about what's going on down below in my lady garden. I spend my time trying to avoid these parts on the women around me and just concentrate on the showering but I cant help feel im being stared at from all (unflattering) angles.

Today, whilst showering, a middle aged woman (an ajumma as we'd say in Korea) decided to befriend me. I was happy to smile and say hello whilst washing my hair. But she wanted more. You see, as I have the fear of going naked in the shower room, I had on black knickers. Yes, I probably looked strange showering in my knickers but I just needed the security of them. Anyways, she tried to make conversation about my knickers and basically was saying to me "Oh dear, you're a silly one. Take your panties off!". My reply to this was all smiles and "It's okay, don't worry, im fine". BUT, she wouldnt take this for an answer.

The very random and over-friendly lady decided to tug-tug-tug on my knickers from the side as I was showering and signalled for me to take them off right there and then. She was determined to make me lose the pants and pulled quite hard at them! What the hell was I supposed to do?!?! I considered making a run for it (she was old - I could totally out run her), I thought about actually just taking them off but then I felt like i'd be performing some sort of strip tease for her (err!!) so I casually and politely removed her hand from my knickers, smiled and said in my best Korean "No, thank you. Im finished". (I then grabbed my towel, ran to the locker room and left the building as fast as I could).

Lesson of the day - Do not bring unwanted attention to yourself (even when you are trying to hide parts that you thought would bring attention to you - does that make sense?!) ^^

I re-told my little adventure to Tae-Sun over dinner tonight (I cooked chicken fajitas for him - his first time eating them) and Tae's reply was "HAHA - You are so silly. You looked like a crazy girl in the shower. She was just trying to help you". That's me told!!

I'll be back at the gym tomorrow night but im going an hour later due to work hours - fingers crossed my new friend is taking a rest!! ^^