Selfie Stick

hi!
Back to my Asian roots.. in the country I can't seem to get away from.  South Korea is continuing to charm me for the third time.  I began this journey with a 8 day stay in Gwangju for orientation with the other 80 teachers in my program. The orientation went extremely well! Even got married on the second day and won an award for being half Korean (aka having a keen interest in Korean culture).

Part of the ceremony involved a strength test to determine if my groom was ready for the wedding night.,, I got to wear a 5 layer traditional dress for an hour, bow to the ground numerous times, exchange some drinks in a ritual ceremony, and sing on the microphone in front of the whole orientation.  During the tea ceremony part I lost it and began laughing to the point of crying.. which fit well with the occasion I guess. All of this happened with no preparation and older women moving my body parts like a puppet. I volunteered with the impression that I will solely be playing dress up under my own will. 

 

Mokpo!

On the last day of Orientation a couple teachers came to pick me up and take me to my new home in Mokpo.. ahh I love Mokpo!  Despite my apartment being smaller than my childhood bedroom.. I think I will be very comfortable here. I am a 15 minute walk from the port and one of my schools (one with 34 students) overlooks the bay!

This is for real...

Damyang Bamboo Forest

Not a go pro

everywhere...

Here we go!

Hello from the Tokyo airport! I am too tired to move much and do not have the proper money to purchase anything. 2 more hours and I will be on my way to korea!

The past couple of weeks/ months felt like a dream. Luckily I have this blog to remind me of my past...

Oregon 

Utah

Nevada

California

Mexico

Missouri

Oregon

How lucky am I??!! Thank you family and friends for your support and advice and love and inspiration. I am so happy and wouldn't be living my dream without you!

People are so cool! 

New friends in Sayulita: Katrin and Janell

Lauren Birch becoming not Lauren Birch : ) sooo happy I made it home for this special girls special day!

and a little pre travel Portland skate session with this one and only super gal pal, Erin! 

Positivity Power!