Sorry for the hiatus. I am now back in the States, as of a little more than a month ago.
Sadly, my grandfather (my number one follower), passed away a few days before I left Korea for the States.
I was mostly keeping this blog for him, so I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue posting after that.
But I figure I may as well finish it up.
Just to make a brief summary, my last few weeks in Korea were great, but hectic as usual. I finished up my teaching position at the three 공부방. I stayed up till 3 am or later making copies of the movies my students had created to give to them. (Thanks Nik for all the help!!!)
As much as my English teaching was stressful and frustrating, I feel that it was a good experience for me and I really do miss my students.
YulRin Church students
SamDong - This pic was taken moments before all the boys got in a HUGE fight. Can't even manage to take a picture without someone getting injured...
My two students at Aewha deaf school - so cute!
The one regret I had was that I wasn't able to take drumming lessons because I had Korean class and English teaching. However, through a stroke of luck, I ended up connecting with Noreum Machi, a professional Korean drumming troupe and got to take lessons from Oh HyunJu, the most awesome instructor ever. She is sooo extremely talented; I still can't believe I got to study under her. I feel I learned a lot from her in a short amount of time, and everyone in the troupe was super friendly.
my teacher and me
a bunch of fulbrighters came to the concert
I was mostly busy with saying goodbye to everyone. This time it was a lot harder, because I don't know when I'll be back. Last year, I knew I was coming back in a few months, so it was only temporary. This time, it seemed much more permanent, as I will be starting a 2 year graduate program this fall in the States.
last meeting with HyunJoo unni
final farewell to my former host family - I miss them!!!
Mugong and I visiting Changhyun at his military base
Sogang's Sign Language Club - they were all so sweet!
best night ever - playing frisbee with my 3급 classmates in dongdaemun park
As a thank you, I made dinner for my host family at Nik's house. Our friend, Hyunjeong also came over. Man his apt. really heated up from using the stove and the oven, but I pulled it off. ^^
Since Nik, Emily and I are splitting ways and spreading all over the US, we decided we needed an epic "final hurrah" - a trip to Busan. Timing wise, we were rather crunched, but it was totally worth it. We got back to Seoul the day before I flew out and the day I moved out of my host family's house to spend the night at Eunji unni's. Whew. But sooo worth it.
in Pohang with Dewi for a final farewell before heading down to Busan
our freaking sweet hotel!
at the International Sandcastle competition in Haeundae, Busan
sooo sweet! Em and Nik got my a BR ice cream cake for an early bday celebration!!
Diet coke and mentos experiment anyone?...
Mentos and Diet Coke = fail. BUT lots of funnnnn!
I got back to Seoul and ran around like a chicken with its head cut off. I had to cancel my phone, withdraw my money, buy last minute presents, get back to my host fam's to finish up last min. packing, eat dinner with them, and be ready to leave when Eunji and her mom arrived.
withdrawing all my money - CA$H
final meal with the host fam. - chinese delivery
My host sister, mother, and brother~
Well, its been good. Thanks for reading my blog. Hope you enjoyed it. Til next time Korea!
-Lia
