listen to | girls generation

I think this is gonna be
a Christmas worth remembering
the best you’ll ever see

I found this English version of their song Dear Santa and thought it was perfect to share. I don't understand the Korean one, anyway! (The beat picks up at 1:30)

I won't be home for Christmas this year. It's the first time I won't be sitting around the living room with my mom and dad, sisters, bro-in-law and grandmother or enjoying Christmas Dinner. Oh, the Seven Cup Pudding--the only day my mother makes it! Homesickness will be on high levels on the 25th.

While I don't think this will be the best Christmas I've ever seen as the song says, it is still worth remembering! I strung up some lights around my room, found a cute little tree to decorate in the apartment, and thankfully Santa's elves at the post office made sure of the safe arrival of a few presents from family and friends back home!

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, everyone!

november hike video - goraksan

I had hiked Goraksan back in February with a couple of friends, so I wanted to try going on my own this time. Actually, it was my first solo hike here in Korea. It felt good, the solo part. And if you're the type of person who really enjoys taking the stairs and doing lunges? Well, this particular mountain has about 300m worth of steep stairs, straight to the top.

It is worth the climb.

It doesn't take long. I was up and down the mountain within a couple of hours, including a leisurely break to have my little picnic, enjoy the panoramic views of my city and well, take lots of footage of it all.

The Fall leaves were at the edge of going past their prime, as was the nice weather, so I wanted to appreciate them before it was too late. I'm so glad I did.

Jeonju

A couple of weekends ago, thanks to a Friday off from work, HT and I took a trip to Jeonju in the afternoon to visit his old boss and boss' wife. It was a lovely day and they happened to be celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary. It was our second time in Jeonju, our first visit was back in August, and it was a different feeling to be there together again.

The day started with a lunch at a place that only served fresh, local foods and a stroll around Geumsansa, one of Jeonju's famous temples. A lot of it was under construction and they were preparing for a festival, so we couldn't see it in its prime. Impressive nonetheless.

Afterwards, they drove us around on an epic search for the thousands of cosmos currently in season lining the roads which was so beautiful. It was also incredible to see the rice fields. The flat, golden land stretched out for miles, not a sight seen very often in this country covered in mountains. Perfect Sunday afternoon drive material.

We also briefly wandered the traditional hanok village with them in search of the beautiful, one of a kind carvings made from the jujube tree for their anniversary gift, and then we ended our "double-date" with some bibimbap for dinner.

It always impresses me how kind and generous Koreans can be when they have a chance to show you who they are. On the street, it is off-putting how some can just bump into you or straight up push you out of the way without a word. But when you get to spend time together, some can make you feel like family. 

Korean was the language of the day of course, but HT translated for me and the captain spoke some English to me too. Even though the lady only knew limited words, she really made an effort to communicate with me through pictures on her phone of her family and teaching me a few words in Korean. She even gave me a hug when we said goodbye, which is again, kind of a rare thing amongst strangers here. My head hurt a bit from trying to keep up with some of their conversations, but they made me feel comfortable despite it.

Before leaving Jeonju, HT and I stopped by a cozy little cafe that I can only describe as Korea Meets Anthropologie. The traditional style house, white walls, dark wood, quirky decor, adorable music and porcelain kitties--I couldn't resist.

If only these little treasures could be just a teensy bit closer to my Yeosu.