H.A.G.S.!

...or Have A Great Summer, as many of us remember from the days of signing yearbooks in our pre-college lives. For Americans, this would be the time of year when students say goodbye to school and welcome the long stretch of summer vacation. However, there is no concept of summer vacation in Korea. The train just keeps on-a-rollin'.

My family departed these lands just a short week ago. We covered quite a bit of ground during their stay, and it was eventful to say the least. It's an interesting dynamic playing tour guide when you don't know exactly what you're doing. I'm still very much in the acclimating stages of my adventure in Korea, but was able to maneuver the family around for the most part. After our time in Seoul and Suwon, we journeyed south to the more beautiful countryside of southern South Korea. We stayed a night in a luxurious ***** hotel right on the famous beach at Busan, with the help of one of my co-teachers connections. After enjoying the high life, we left for Gyeongju, which is a small city north of Busan. Located there are several ancient sites from Korea's storied past. Many of them are Buddhist related (temples and such), and they are situated up in some nice mountains. So we had a view in both Busan and Gyeongju. One of the teachers from my school is from Gyeongju, so she and her sons met us for a buffet dinner while we were there. The kids were great, and one of them is taking a trip to the U.S. for an English summer camp, so I imagine the mother wanted her son to get some English practice in before leaving.

The trip with the family went by fast, and was very fun. Now it's status quo for me until August, when I'll have some vacation time and my friend and Marquette Alumn/Superfan Brian Danielle will visit. I've got a nice holiday this Wednesday because of national elections. Their campaigning techniques are pretty strange. Instead of going door-to-door, campaigners gather on street corners, blare loud music, and dance/bow for cars and people passing by. There's not much dignity involved.

As for the current political situation, don't worry fam and friends. The Korea's are not happy with each other, but there isn't any imminent danger I face, and the U.S. Embassy sent out an email to all American Citizens in Korea stressing that we are ok right now. The only thing I'm worrying about right now is where I can get some decent Mexican Food. Fortunately T Bell is on it's way to Seoul. Booyah.

Enjoy