Happy Canada Day!

On this Canada Day, we sit here and reminisce on the things that we miss about our beloved home:

1. Family and friends
2. Speaking English
3. The Rockies
4. Big, blue, prairie skies
5. Wide-open spaces (I can hear you singing!!)
6. Clean, uncrowded streets
7. BB Q's (which include Alberta Grade A steak and Papa Olson's famous chicken)
8. Old Dutch potato chips
9. Shopping for clothes that fit and don't have frills or sparkles
10. Driving

So on this Canada Day have a Tim Hortons Iced Capp and a maple doughnut for us; and don't forget to say "Eh!"

Life on the 13th Floor

(Memoir's of a Becki living in Seoul)

I know after reading the title you are most likely expecting an exciting tale of life on the 13th floor (Ray and Trev's apartment). But in fact the title is misleading, as this blog is truly about life both inside and outside the walls of my 13th floor accommodations.

This past week has been filled with many new experiences. Some more memorable ones have included living with Kimchi. We, Kimchi and I, have spent many hours together napping, playing, growling (this is mostly Kimchi's department), and hiking in the crazy humidity. Kimchi was even unfortunate enough to get a hair cut.

Outside of the apartment I have enjoyed exploring the city. Last Tuesday, Rachel, Courtney (Rachel's coworker) and I went for a girls night out. We started the night off by going to the Chongdong Theater for a traditional Korean cultural experience. Pictured below are a few of the many musicians and dancers that were featured in this performance. We practically had the best seats in the house, right on the stage. I don't think my ears have recovered yet!

Following the performance we walked around dazzling downtown Seoul. Several blisters and band-aids later we came across an impressive Seoul City Hall.

And, to top it all off, yesterday Rachel and I went for an excursion to Costco. Aside from the two story floor plan it was like a little piece of home. Most of the food was fairly similar. However, one main difference I noted was the impressive fish section which included these lovely octopi, Nummy!!! Anyone hungry???

Two Weeks in Asia

On June 20th Rachel and Trevor were fortunate enough to receive a visit from Rachel's lovely sister Becki and their good friend Jason. Since the auspicious guests arrival they have been busy exploring the many wonders of South Korea. There wanderings have included a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Incheon City, Insadong, Cheonggyechoen and Namsan Tower.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Being fed dwaeji-galbi (pork barbecue) by an over zealous ajumma who seems to enjoy shoveling food into foreigners faces while exclaiming, "Mashessoyo (very delicious)."

Being Korean at the Cheonggye stream.

Drinking plumb and nashi-pear tea (one of the drinks enjoyed by the Joseon kings and queens) at the Yetchatjip tea house. Uniquely enough this tea house actually had a dozen live birds flying around inside, mini water-falls, haunting music and variety of live fish swimming in the tables (as well as in various basins in the washroom).

Becki, Jason, Trevor and Rachel at Cheonggyechoen.

No Dogs Allowed

We wanted to take Kimchi to a park today and let him experience running around on grass (believe it or not, grass is very hard to find over here). So we hopped on the bus and rode it down to the subway station and proceeded to commute, via subway, for the next half-an-hour to the nearest substantial park.


Only, when we arrived at the park there was a very large "No Dogs Allowed" poster to greet us. So feeling deflated we headed down the street in search of something else to do and came across this great piece of art (Koreans seem to be obsessed with pictures of poo).


Anyhow, this great picture and chasing the pigeons (which are sitting on top of the clock tower for a good reason) turned out to be the highlights of Kimchi's non-park day.

Our View

On a calm summer evening this is my perspective while I am unlocking my front door and preparing myself for a relaxing evening of sitting on my 13th story balcony. I love to listen to the lull of the kids and grandparents playing in the park below, the hum of the constant construction on the never-ending skyscrapers nearby, and the horns of the teenage boy's scooters as they race venturously down the bustling street.

2007 Poly Speech Contest

Check out this clip of my student, Elizabeth, taking first place at the 2007 Poly School Speech contest. It's impressive to think that this fourth grade student speaks English, her second language, with such ease.

A Lazy Weekend in Joongkye-dong

Up on the mountain near our house, down the cool mountain paths is this beautiful ancient Buddhist carving which we tend to visit a couple times a week.

Trevor and Kimchi chillin' in the shade on a hot day.

The beautiful view of Seoul from the small temple on Bulam-san.

And our new favorite...Ssamdak. Spicy chicken and sizzling cheese!!