Jam-Packed Weekend

Wow, what a weekend. I haven't had too much to post about lately because everything has become routine. But I broke out of that rut because we got a four-day weekend to use.

The reason for the four-day break is that Children's Day was on Tuesday. Fortunately, our bosses also gave us Monday off. It gave us endless possibilities.

Our first adventure happened Saturday and Sunday when a group of us went to 석모도 (Seokmo Island). It's only about 40 kilometers or so west of Incheon, but it really is like going to a different world. Vicky, Chong-Wa, Eli and I took the trip.

The driving took a few hours because of all the traffic. As I've said before, there are very few entertainment options here, and 50,000,000 people who all have the same days off. It makes travel just horrible.

Once we got there, we took a ferry to get from main land to the island. We got to our very tiny, but affordable, room around 3 p.m., and we started our day.

First, we rented bikes and took a self-guided tour around the island. We went to a Buddhist temple and toured it. Coincidentally, it was Buddha's birthday on Saturday. So we got to see some special ceremonies and decorations.

They also have a giant stone Buddha laying on his side, as well as a giant flight of stairs up the side of the mountain. It was a cool time to take the tour.

Then, we went to the beach on the West Sea. The interesting thing about this beach is the speed at which the tide goes in and out. On Saturday night, we saw it with the tide completely out. You could see where the water reached, but was very far away. It was too far to even see at night. The girls rubbed mud on themselves. Apparently it's good for the skin. I disagree. Haha.

After that, we went back to our place for drinking and relaxing.

In the morning, we went back to the beach to see it with the tide in. And for the two hours we spent there, we watched the tide rush right back out. We even followed it along for a little while, walking right with it. We were easily 300 meters off shore when we stopped, with only our feet covered in water. It was a really incredible thing to see.

On Monday, Vicky and I went to Everland. It's billed as the Disney World of South Korea. Calling that is a stretch, but it was a nice park. Once again, driving took nearly three hours, even with only 40 kilometers to drive.

The park is best known now for it's newest ride, the T Express (sponsored by a cell phone company. Surprise, surprise). The T Express was actually worth the two-hour wait in line. It was an all-wooden coaster and pretty impressive. After that, we went on a boat-type ride and walked through a funhouse.

Then, after waiting for about 90 minutes for another ride, it broke and we were sent away. Fortunately, they gave us a card to get on any other ride without waiting.

But we were short on time. We got some dinner, then watched the electric parade and fireworks show. Both of them were pretty cool to see. They did a really nice job.

Then, we got on our fourth ride of the day. It was some ride that you would most likely find at a smaller amusement park, but it was a lot of fun. And there was NO waiting.

After that, we got in the car for our two-hour trip home. The only downside of the day is the traffic -- people and cars. The park was just too small with not enough rides for everyone. When I pay W32,000, I hope to get on more than three rides and a funhouse.

On Tuesday, I went to Guworldong to buy some T-shirts, look for a new study book (I've finished 5 now!) and get a gift for Vicky. We'll reach our 200 day anniversary tomorrow (Thursday). This time, I did the shopping all by myself. I guess that Korean studying is paying off. I bought her a necklace to match her ring and earrings.

This week will be nice because we only teach for two days. Friday is another market day, which is a fun day for the students. No classes!!!

Anyway, I took a TON of pictures and even a few videos from the weekend. I'll try to post them tonight. It will take me some time to sort through them all, but expect them soon.

Check back later for the pics!!!