Jillian's Birthday before World Cup Game!

Last week my co-workers and I had a little birthday party for Jillian before we headed off to City Hall to watch Korea's first soccer game in the World Cup. The first picture has Shawn (from Maine), me, Jillian (from Texas), and Laura (from Maryland). Second picture is the awesome cake that Laura found for the party!

World Cup Soccer in Korea - With the fans at City Hall!

Last week was Korea's first soccer game in the 2006 World Cup. Since this was the only game being aired at a reasonable hour, the Seoul downtown completely shut down early so people could gather together to watch the game on numerous big screens. This was by far the largest and most enthusiastic group of fans I have ever watched any sporting event with! In the subway station at City Hall, I came across a large Canada poster. This would help explain why people always ask about the snow and cold when I say that I am from Canada.

Shelley in SEOUL!! A visit from my sister!

On June 4th my sister Shelley arrived in Seoul! This was one of the most exciting and wonderful moments here in Korea. We had an awesome week together! These were her first few days here. In front of the amusement park Lotte World in my neighbourhood, on my bed in my apartment, in front of my school, her first Korean meal, and a night out at our neighbourhood pub.

Gate at Namdaemun Market

My sister and I stopped at Namdaemun market to look around. This area is always packed with people shopping. The gate above is one of the oldest in Korea, and you can see how the city has developed all around it.

Gyeongbokgung Palace and National Folk Museum

On the City Bus Tour with my sister, we stopped at Gyeongbokgung Palace which is one of the most beautiful palaces in Seoul. We also took some time to tour the National Folk Museum right next door. I had to take a picture of the kimchi making display. Korean's love their kimchi!

No Baseball Game

After two unsuccessful attempts to go watch a Korean baseball game, my sister and I decided to walk home from the stadium, and take some fun pictures along the way.

Seoul Tower

On Thursday night of my sisters visit, we went and spent the evening at Seoul Tower. If any of you were wondering how far I ACTUALLY am from home, I'm over 10, 607 km away! That's pretty far....

Friday night Noraebang, Saturday night dancing for my birthday!

My last weekend with my sister was a lot of fun. Despite the rainy weather, we made the best of it. Friday night we went to a Noraebang with some teachers from school. Shelley loved it just as much as me. Just look how happy she is dancing with the microphone. Saturday night we went out for dinner for my birthday. We went to an Indian restaurant in Itaewon. After that we went to a country bar and did some two stepping. We had so much fun!!

My Birthday!!

My birthday was last Sunday, so some friends from church took me out for lunch and bought me a birthday cake. My sister was able to join us as well! The first picture is me, Cathy, Matt, Faye, and Sarah. The second picture you can tell I was very happy.

Seoraksan National Park Hiking Trip

Two weeks ago I went on a hiking trip to Seoraksan National Park on the east coast of South Korea. I went with Jillian and Laura from work, and we made some friends along the way. 2nd last picture is Laura and Christian (new friend from Peru, and the long bus ride!), and the last picture is Jillian. The day was perfect and the scenery was beautiful!

Seoraksan Hike - The final stretch!

This was the final section of the climb at Seoraksan National Park. It involved lots and LOTS of steep stairs! Once at the top, the view was beautiful, and well worth the effort!