DMZ

Barbed wire and barricaded roads abound, our first stop was a tunnel discovered by South Korea in the 1970's. The tunnel came fewer than 30 miles away from Seoul and is said to be large enough to allow 30,000 soldiers through in one hour, presumably with the intent to invade Seoul. Since then, at least four (and depending on the source, upwards of 14) tunnels have been discovered. Allegedly, NK claims these tunnels to be "defense bunkers" in the event South Korea were to invade NK.  Anyway, we put on our hard hats and penetrated Tunnel Three nearly 150 feet deep, until we reached the barricade just south of the demarkation line.

Our second stop was the observation deck. The rules were strict; "no photos beyond the yellow line". I had the good fortune of having Matt (7 feet tall, almost) extend his limbs into the sky and capture as much as possible. The most interesting observable site was the Gaesong Industrial Complex- an "industrial town" completely uninhabited, but designed to appear progressive to tourists peering in. 

Lastly, we stopped at Dorasan Station- the last train stop before entering North Korea. Although the rail was renovated in 2002 in attempt to make steps toward reuniting North and South Korean families separated by the war in 1950, Kim Jung Il still only permits cargo to enter the country.

The best part was getting two South Korean guards to laugh, a perhaps shameful feat on my part, but completely worth the priceless photos.  The sequence is quite hilarious.

Dr. Fish and Han River Cruise

Dr. Fish!

Mad Cow Protesters

Jerry and I walking to school

Han River Cruise

Week two of session two is over! It was a tough week but by and large it went well. Though sleep was exiguous (that was for you Elyse), I'm tolerating it well, and am proud of my body for proving so resilient! I am also proud to mention that my reading class ranked number one last week in the "gold" category for its compiled high test scores, fewest tardies, and best behavior!

On Wednesday evening, Laine, her mother and I went to Dr. Fish Cafe. The idea is that there are healing properties that come as a result of having hundreds of little fish nibble away at the dead skin on one's feet. Not quite sure if it's true, but it was nonetheless exhilarating and unique. The video is quite hilarious and even has sound! 

Last night Laine, her mother, and my roomie Yerin went on a Han river cruise. It was so serene and did good things for my psyche. There is something truly majestic about water reflecting city lights.

Today I'm going to do some preparation, hopefully get a manicure, and get to bed early. Tomorrow will be a big day as I'm heading to the demilitarized zone. I believe I'll even be able to go in to North Korea very briefly.... details to follow! 

Sunday in the City

How is it that the weekends pass so quickly?

It's Sunday, just before noon. It's bloody humid today, the worst it's been since my arrival.

Last night Jerry and I walked to COEX (Seoul's famously ENORMOUS underground Mall) to see the new Will Smith/Charlize Theron film, Hancock.  It was entertaining and kept us occupied for two hours, but didn't seem to impact me much beyond that. The best part of the night was walking down the streets, beer in hand, knowing that we were well within the parameters of the law (this is a culture that LOVES its drink... there is debauchery, belligerence, and vomit nearly EVERY night of the week). Gross.

There was a very interesting movie promotion outside of coex. A tres ominous faux scene of a UFO crash landing, complete with police tape. I'm speculating it's for the Cloverfield sequel.

This morning I went to the grocery store and purchased my usual assortment of fruits and vegetables, cereal, soy, spicy tuna, and vegetable crackers. I am now parked comfortably at 7M, about to commence my week's preparation. 

I've included a picture of the outre Christian church immediately outside my apartment. It is an ever so odd juxtaposition against the 30-story financial buildings of my hood... 

Week 1, Session 2 Reflections

free time

Week one of session two is finally over. This could very well have been the most difficult week of my life, and I have been so stressed, so sleep deprived, that it has taken a physical toll on my body. I have had a nasty cold for a week now, that has recently evolved into a hacking cough. I will be good to my body over the weekend and try to nurse myself back to health so that I can take on next week. Hopefully it will continue to get easier as I become used to feeling like poop and having no personal life.

I do not wish this to bear semblance to a complaint, for I have no regrets for having taken on this job. I have learned. A LOT. Everything from grammar, to Korean culture, to insight into myself. This experience has put many things into perspective for me, and for that I am grateful.

Last night I was paid for the first time in 6 weeks. It was not exactly what I expected, but I suppose that was to be expected. Apparently I will be returned half of the funds that are taken out for taxes/pension upon return to the states.

Last night I went to the jjimjiibang, a Korean bath house replete with pools of varying temperature, several saunas, a sleeping area, dvd bang, restaurant, etc. Some people spend entire days at these places because there is literally no reason to leave. Laine's mother is visiting so the three of us stripped down to our birthday suits and enjoyed the freedom of being in the nude. It was incredibly pure, natural, and freeing. We also paid an extra 20,000 won (twenty bucks) to have a twenty minute scrub. When I opened my eyes, I found myself surrounded by sloughs of skin; pretty nasty, although it made me feel a new degree of clean. I left feeling rejuvenated and appropriately pampered. 

I'm at the seven monkeys staring out the window watching the monsoon. It is so luxurious to have the time to do nothing but stare out a window watching rain fall.

Today I slept until 9am. I am overjoyed.

I have been corresponding with Kalmoe and am particularly inclined to try and make my way to Beijing. My last weekend in Korea is a three day weekend, and although tickets are upwards of $800 (for a two hour flight!), I am oh-so close and fear I may regret it forever should I not see her (along with many of my other fellow UW alums) compete. 

I've posted a picture of my new favorite lunch. I make my own kimbap roles. With wild rice, spicy tuna and kim (seaweed), I've got a delicious roll of fun.

That's all for now. Miss you all very much...