We spent our Saturday morning walking around Namdaemun Market. We didn't buy much else besides some snacks, but it was fun to people watch (and take photos, of course!).

Last night, we played Settlers of Catan in the park with friends. It felt exactly like something we'd do in Canada, which was really nice. We've met such good people here.

On Sunday, we visited Songdo. It's a city built completely from scratch, on reclaimed land. It seems to have been built with a "if you build it, they will come" mentality. Right now, it's eerily empty. I can't tell if the idea is a flop or if it just needs more time (construction doesn't finish until 2014).

It was so strange to wander around empty streets, after having accustomed to the hustle & bustle of Seoul and Incheon. A friend of ours compared it to the scenes of empty New York City in I Am Legend. It was a bizarre but beautiful experience. So many interesting buildings, so much green space! We can't wait to come back and bike around Songdo's Central Park. And grab another muffin from this coffee cart!

*Mike took some photos and made a short promotional video for my school. Check it out here.

A Saturday spent by the Hangang River in Seoul with friends from my school. We walked by the river, ate some fried chicken, and listened to music.

We've been here almost three weeks. And you know what, it's sort of starting to feel like home. We know where to get groceries, how to hail a taxi, how to properly dispose of garbage (Korea has the most bizarrely complex system!) and I'm slowly getting the hang of those darn chopsticks (yes, 25 years old and inept with chopsticks. The kindergarten students at my school are continually showing me up!). 

The paperwork is all in order for our Korean bank account AND we're getting cellphones. This is our life, not a vacation. I can hardly believe it.

I'm thankful everyday that Mike is here with me. He's my built in support system, chief navigator, and keeper of the tidiest apartment in all the land - I'm lucky and I know it.

*My classroom!

1. Our view from a bus window, outside of Seoul.
2. The view from a lookout in Jayu Park, Incheon.
3. Itaewon, Seoul.
4. A kitten outside our apartment.
5. Exploring Seoul with new friends.
6. Our view during dinner.
7. Mike in Chinatown, Incheon.
8. A boy skipping to school near our apartment.

*Major cred to Mike for this post.

This was my favourite day in California. Something about cliffs, sandy beaches, and the ocean just pulls at my heart.

It was a bit surreal to splash in the waves with Kylie. I'd seen photos of her doing so many times in Hawaii... and here she was beside me! I'm happy I got the chance to do so.

We spent a few sunny (hot!) days exploring LA with Kim, Andre, Spencer and Kylie. They took us to some really great spots and we ate amazing food. I must admit, I'm missing North American food a bit right now, so I can barely look at these food photos...

Some more photos here.