Week 3 
Carbs, Sugar, and beer...... the Korean diet

Week 3 is going well so far. Every week is easier and easier, though still difficult at times. So far this week I have gone to a Hoff (Pub), gone hiking over mountains, tried kem-chi again (still horrible), walked downtown, and ate at McDonalds.
Hiking is so beautiful here. What is even more amazing is what you find at the top! Yes, Yes, the view is breath taking, but just incase your not breathing hard enough, they put exercise equipment up there!!! No joke, I wish I remembered to take a picture of it, cause it's hilarious. They have a weight bench, a bench that slants upward for sit-ups, and other things. They even had hula-hoops there (Emily, you would be proud)!!

Anyway, Tuesday after yoga my friend Sarah and I were going to go swimming at  a local pool house. These are hard to find, but for 6,500won (approx 6$) you can go swimming. Even after Sarah explained to me that there is little modesty here and everyone is expected to shower before and after in community showers (gender appropriate of course), I still agree to go. She warned me that everyone would be staring, but that's just because Americans Shave/trim (whatever) areas, and Korean women do not...... at all...... Huummmm I am not to sure about this idea now. I learned that at least my tankini is acceptable swimming attire though. Then, right  before we walk in she says 'Oh, do you have a head cap for swimming"? No, not something we normally wear right???? Well, it is mandatory that everyone, no matter where you are swimming,  wear a swim cap. Since that was going to cost more money, Sarah asked if I would like to walk downtown instead... at this point.... Hell yea!!!!
Off to downtown we walk with my modesty in tacked. We walked A LOT....miles, and miles. A 7 month pregnant woman just walked my butt off and she isn't even breathing hard. For an American, I didn't think I was in that bad of shape till I came here. Back on topic  now!!! Downtown is really cool. Matt would hate it! Here is where the affordable shopping is, but you still have to be very clever. We went to McDonalds, which was very much the same. However, the lack of Diet Coke crisis that Matt blogs about, extends here as well. NOOOOOO!

Speaking f eating, I am already getting tired of the Korean options here. Everything lately has been high in Carbs, sugar, and at night, everyone just wants to drink beer. It's like I am in college again. These Koreans may be starting to eat more unhealthy western style foods, but if they keep climbing mountains to get to exercise machines, I guess they can eat and drink whatever the hell they want. I think Matt is on to something here.... they are definitely like Klingons..... just much smaller and walk A LOT!

Pictures from Friday, sept 7 

Our train ride from Ulsan back home to Gyeongju South Korea. 

THursday and Friday, Sept 6 and 7th

I really, rely love my yoga class. It's actually pretty funny cause I pop and crackle in every pose, and my friend Sarah who is pregnant huffs and puffs her way through each move she can do. Then there is our instructor who is this little Korean girl who can make her bones bend in this smooth, seamless movement with excellent breathe control. I have no idea if I am the oldest in this class, but the way my joints keep popping, they might as well call me Granny.
I was going to go running with Anne again today, but Matt and I had a lot of errands to run. We had to stop by my school to pick up some furniture that was delivered there by accident. While there, we were unexpectedly fed dinner and was showed where the piano was. Matt, who is going through music withdraw, had to play..... and of corse I had to sing. We ended up giving a little mini concert and the teachers and students  came in to watch and listen. It was cute, and I think everyone is excited for me to start. Well, we are going to have to wait for quite some time still.
Friday, was a big travel day. Luckily, we had beautiful weather. On our second trip to Ulsan, we took the train for the first time. It wasn't the supper fast bullet train, but it was still nicer and faster than the bus. Poor Matt, he gets so stressed out, and in a bad mood when we travel. Not being able to communicate, really bugs him, despite the fact that most the tellers here speak decent english. We submitted my application for an Alien card to officially become a resident of Gyeongju. Woohoo. We got home and took our daily nap. We are becoming quite use to naps. It's a bad habit, but nice.
Matt decided to go out with our friends to enjoy another Friday night drink fest. I passed this time, cause I was just tired.... or scared of the crazy soju here... one of the two.

Wednesday Sept 5

Not a lot to report today. I was going to go hiking with a friend, but had to stay home while our internet was being fixed. Later though,I went on a nice run with a new friend, Anne, along the local lake side. It was so humid down there, but absolutely beautiful. I learned that though the area is nice, the water is not fit for swimming in.... actually most Koreans don't even swim. WHAT!!! I with Matt of this one... these people are nuts not to like water. I guess I am the only one in this country then that loves and appreciates the song "Pontoon" by Little Big Town. Lol Christy and Amy- I still love this song!!

September 4 

I got up extra early to go to the coffee shop for my weekly Skype call to the family.There is 13 hours difference, so there is a very small window of time to catch each other. After a nice long chat, I head to my first yoga class with some friends. I am so excited. It was a great class and so refreshing. Much of it to my surprise was very similar to yoga in the States, but there are a few twists.
More furniture showed up today, which is also very uplifting. Because we purchased the cheapest things we could find, it's not very impressive or comfy furniture, but it will do. My mood is lifting more and more, but Matt is still struggling. He is finding it difficult to look beyond everything that is 'wrong' to us, and shrug off the things that bother him. At least he has an easy, stress free job that makes a lot. One things for sure, this adventure really makes a person appreciate everything back home. My friend said she was showing her class some pictures back home, (which were just normal, adverse pictures of a house and yard) and the kids were amazed and kept saying she is rich. She had to explain that no, her family is not, but that is how most live in America.... it's just different. There are definitely pros and cons to all countries. I actually find the nature here beautiful. I can't wait to go hiking and exploring!!

Monday September, 3

I am really starting to feel better about everything. Matt has to go to work pretty early this morning. (ahhh how the tables have turned) I leave at the same time to head to the coffee shop. I try to call the family, but  we haven't quite worked out Skype issues yet. I hang out and message some local friends before heading back home. I am finally starting to make many plans with various people to keep busy. I got yoga class lined up, a running partner, and a hiking partner. My butt better be smaller after this week! Anyway, Matt makes it home early since his last class got canceled today. Wow, rough job right? He said two teachers already left to go back home. We aren't too surprised because it is hard for a while, especially if your doing this alone. All our new friends that are here by themselves amaze me. Majority of them are right out of college too!!
Throughout the day, some furniture starts to arrive. With my supervisors help the other day we were able to order a few things for the apartment. WOOHOO chairs!!! Anyway, we go back to the school tonight to pick up some documents. My results from the traumatic hospital health screening are in. Everything is prepared to take to Immigration office in Ulsan to apply for Alien Card. Since we have already done this once for Matt, we aren't as nervous about it. Since Matt is off on Friday, we will probably make a day trip to Ulsan hen. For now though, back home to relax!

Day 7 Sunday

Oh soju....... you are horrible the next day!!! I never got too, too drunk last night, but you wouldn't know it from todays hang over. Wow, I felt like crap all day. We venture out though to the local coffee shop to get internet access. On the way there, we meet several people from last night. They were on their way to the little 'Top Mart' store which is a little grocery store here. Matt and I tugged along because we couldn't remember where it was and we needed a few things anyway. It's nice randomly running into people you know out here and also very comforting. After all our errands, we make it back home, and just watch a movie. Boring day, but good.