Some Korean Facts...

• The Korean Police do not carry guns. However, the ADT Security Guards do.

• During the 'sign of Peace' at Mass, Koreans bow to one another rather than shake hands.

• As a foreigner in a small city (especially a blond one), you will most likely be stared at, pointed at, and talked about. It's a real confidence-booster, let me tell you.

• After a few months you start to crave Kimchi.

• In motels they don't offer you individualized soaps and shampoos; they place family size bottles and unwrapped, used soap bars for your use.

• Squat toilets are still in use.

• Emergency 911 is 119 here.

• Stopping at a red light is a mere suggestion.

• You pay for your grocery bags.

• Pizza and pasta is served with a side of pickles or radish because Koreans need to balance the softness of the food with something crunchy.

• McDonalds has delivery.

 

A few weekends ago I went to the Jinju Zoo. A very small attraction hotspot but an entertaining one nonetheless.
Being it Korea and all, there were some interesting sights...

First, it's completely legal and socially acceptable to feed the animals processed human food. In fact, the pens were littered with chips and popcorn. Follow the link below to see some monkeys begging for some Korean snacks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IooNv_vlF8

The biggest attraction was the tiger. Not because it was a tiger. But because apparently a while back, the tiger was suffering from a emotional illness called loneliness. The solution? Throw a dog into the same cage to keep the cat company. And now they live in peace and harmony while being oogled by Korean tourists.

Very Happy Easter!

It was only 48 hours ago when my little nephew, Liam Beuschel was born.

I can't even begin to express how happy I am for my sister and brother-in-law. Being their first child and the first grand baby on the Dietrich and Kelly side it is very exciting. I know most people who read my blog are folks from back home but I couldn't possibly not post about this little angel.
I've only met Liam via Skype but I can tell you that I love this little boy more than I could ever express.

It feels like last month when Kate told me she was pregnant. How fast 9 months went by.

This little kiddo makes me so homesick. Now all I can think about is when I can FINALLY hold him. Christmas cannot come fast enough (yet, when it does arrive I'm going to be in shock in how fast the time flew).

I brought a picture of Liam into school today and was showing my bosses, co-teachers, even my students. I don't think my students knew what "nephew" meant, but it's a picture of an adorable baby so I guess the picture was enough of a translator.

Congratulations Kate and Kyle. I love you both so much and I'm so happy for the gift God brought you for Easter!!

Cherry blossoms

Arriving in Korea at the end of November didn't offer me much appreciation for the landscape since everything was dead; preparing for the cold months ahead. But Spring is finally here and with it comes the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Korea is known for their cherry blossoms. They have festivals designated throughout the country. Jinju was no disappointment. It was absolutely beautiful walking under the trees that lined the sidewalks.

 Imitating the totem poles :)