cheers to optimism, may the future be bright

family.friendship.love.personal fulfillment.

United in their triumph over evil, Ron, Hermione, Harry and Ginny, watched the Hogwarts Express pull out of King's Cross station for the last time. As the silver screen faded into darkness, I sat there, heavy with the realization that this was the final installment in the Potter series. Although many of the sub stories met their natural ends, we are left to wonder what is next for our favourite witches and wizards and the fantastical world in which they live. Here I think Rowling accomplished something unique and really quite special. She propels readers and movie goers alike to recognize the everyday magic that exists in our muggle world and reminds us that we always have something worth fighting for.

boreyonged

Last weekend we joined in the hilarity, randomness and straight up mess of the Boryeong Mud Festival. This annual event, attracts waygooks from across South Korea for a weekend much like those of our childhoods past. With mother nature's coveted blessing, the sun shone down on us as we frolicked in the sea, got down in the mud and shook our groove thang under midnight fireworks and lasers. 

tri mud love

bromuding

yup, definitely mud in my teeth

Scanning through photos, I would have to say that these 36 hours are best left untouched - a once in a life time experience if you will. If you have the chance to be boreyonged, jump on it, or more appropriately,

 IN IT!

bright neon MUD love

"excellent and sometimes beautiful photo"

Talked to my parents via Skype

watched 'Bad Teacher'

woman love, best type

so snoozy, stage five leaker. 

Basked in the sun

sipped my iced mocha 

I could have had more than one

lived la vida loca. 

Brunch at the Wolfhound Pub

barely arrived alive

I needed a tummy rub

definitely did the porcelain dive. 

Flipped through my photo book

and enjoyed my eggs and bakey

the lime green cover was all it took.

Woke up shakey

star fishes decorated the room

fits of laughter

snapshots of the night, zoom zoom zoom

looked like disasters. 

Face down outside Elune

so not okay

made the boys swoon

mayday, mayday!

Rocked and rolled

one flip wonder met her match

shots, shots, shots I was told

even saw someones snatch.

Big Apple pre game

little black dress, 5 inch heels

primp, push up, you know, same same

should have had a proper meal. 

Toasts from the girls I love the most

cake too beautiful to eat

really I'm not trying to boast

what a twist of fate that made us meet

But thank god that we did

I can't imagine life without you now

although its time to make our bids

this is not goodbye or ciao

so lets leave it there

keep in touch and share our next endeavors

take care

love you forever. 

Girls, you know who you are. Thank-you so much for the most precious birthday and heartfelt words.

oh the places you'll go

21+2

With 23 just around the corner and my return home around a few more (might as well run with that metaphor) the words "what next?" have been haunting me. In truth, I know what's next, I'm back to the ol' academic bump and grind to begin my post graduate work in the field of international development. Ultimately, I would like to work for a non governmental organization that shares my belief that education is the cornerstone of sustainable growth. Growing up in Canada, 'a baby country', a term affectionately coined my by my 6th graders, I did not appreciate the role of history in modern society. Overtime it became clear why traditional values remain in Korea's education system today. Among other things, this year has taught me patience, understanding and tolerance of cultural differences, an attitude that I hope will allow me to realize my professional aspirations.

The above paragraph sounds like a well rehearsed answer, but what lies in the subtext are the anxieties I have about the unknown. When I can't make sense of my feelings, I usually look to the internet and self medicate. Arguably the worst thing to for oneself (so Cancer of me). Today Google connected me with an astrology site, that assured me that my emotional flux is characteristic of my zodiac sign. Phew. What is more:

• Cancers need to feel like they are making a difference, however small, in order to feel content.
• Cancers dig house parties. 
• Cancers are prone to poor eye sight. 
• Cancers love pillow talk. 
• Cancers reaction to confrontation is directly proportionate to how thick their shell is.  

I guess, whatever will be, will be. 

busan vices

Here are some 'not so obvious' remedies to homesickness, culture shock and all the surprises that come with living abroad. In addition to a wonderful network of friends and family, these things have aided in my survival this year. 


FOOD:

Costco

Suyeong Station (line 2 #208), any exit will do. From here, flag a taxi, shouldn't set you back more than 3,000w.  I encourage you to add an 'e' to the word "CostEco", this will ensure you are deposited at the right place. When in doubt, wave your membership card. Just as an aside, each member (35,000w to join) is allowed to shop with a guest/time on their card. Costco is the foreigner food mecca. Cheese, wine and pesto, OH MY! It is difficult to escape under 200,000w, they only take cash so arrive prepared. The best part of any Costco excursion is the personal pan pizza and soft serve ice cream waiting for you on the other side.  

Pasta Vanita and Burger Pasta, KSU

Kyungsung University Station (line 2 #212), exit 5. Located on the second floor just outside the station, PV has been a staple in my carb hungry diet. A full course meal will set you back no more than 20,000w (+booze). I suggest the caprese salad and the cream of mushroom linguine combo. For the other winos out there, PV has a stocked wine (beer and spirits too) list, glasses starting at 6,000w and bottles starting at 30,000w. 

Take exist 5 and walk towards the Puckyung University Campus, turn right at the Dunkin' Donuts. Burger Pasta will be on your left, half a block in from the main road. BP is the place where everyone knows my name (Cheers! ahaha). They cover all the western favourites, from greasy spoon hangover specials to hearty salads. Their chicken burger is often too hard to pass up but can be substituted with the potato wedges. Try their lemonade too! 

Namaste, Haeundae

Haeundae Station (line 2 #203), exit 3, about half a block beyond The Wolfhound Pub. Namaste is a quaint Indian restaurant tucked away from the bustle of Busan night life. Before my first Namaste experience, I was not an Indian food lover, but I have since been converted. The energy in the room echos the colourful menu, the tandori chicken and butter nan particularly delectable. Although the dishes are expensive, I promise 

that you will not be disappointed! 

SHOPPING:

When in Korea, shop like the Koreans do! Nampodong (#111), PNU (#128), KSU (#212) and Seomyeon (#219) are the areas that have the best market style shopping. Stores and stalls here will see massive inventory turnover, so don't wait if you spot a must have piece. Your shopping experience will vary depending when you visit, typically independent vendors setup their stalls only on the weekends. Get ready for for sensory overload!

For cosmetic purposes Shinsegae and the Lotte department stores (line 2 #206) are the only way to go. No one should risk going native when it comes to skin care! After a little beauty pick me up, the Kyobo bookstore, located inside Shinsegae, offers a plethora of English books, keep your brain cells engaged.

ENDORPHIN'S:

KAFA Fitness, KSU

Joining a gym was one of the best things I could have done for myself this year. Finding motivation to honour this commitment is always a challenge, but, true to form, it has been the most effective antidote to relieve stress. There are loads of gyms around the city, however they are not usually street level, so keep that in mind when you are searching your area!

Beomeosa Temple & Hiking, Beomeosa

Beomeosa Station (line 1 #133), follow the crowds to exit. There are dozens of trails around Busan, but none really compare to the variety and beauty of those found decorating the hills of Geumjeong Mountain. 

Savory says
@Namaste

Enjoy our dynamic Busan!

its always in the details

Writing has been my therapy for years. A means of self discovery with the hope of finding myself somewhere in the black and white letters that dance across the page. Although this journey has seen many faces, it is unsure of its audience. What I've realized along the way is that's okay. For this reason, it came as a great surprise when my close friend JB shared one of my recent blog entries on her Facebook page.

I am private about my writing and I understand that maintaining a blog effectively contradicts this statement. Nevertheless, this attitude is rooted in the admiration I have for my peers and how eloquent their writing styles are in comparison to mine. I read about a dozen blogs, some are sharp, quick witted accounts on Waygook life, others are informed political proses and another chunk are trashy tabloids. I guess its fair to say that regardless of their content, they have an impact on me and thus are bookmarked online as weekly must reads.

To learn that JB reads my work like I read so many others is wildly flattering. The fact that she then re posted this particular entry for a greater audience, implies that in her opinion my words are worth hearing. At the end of the day, its always nice to receive a little personal validation. Thank-you for being there to listen even when I didn't ask you to be and thank-you for reminding me that life is not about comparisons but instead finding comfort in your own skin.

So let it be said JB, possessing the ability to celebrate my passion only intensifies the light you have been in my life this year.

Listen. Acknowledge. Support. Repeat. 

my kids are cuter than yours

Remember when I moved to Busan, South Korea to teach kids English for a year?

Snoopy 

go grade 3 gaga 

Snow, Ball and Me

Polo, just wait Ralph on line one

Oh yeah, it was amazing.

"see you next time"