So a lot has happened, but at the same time not a lot has occurred. This past weekend I visited Euljiro where the city just completed a river resoration project. You can stroll on both sides of the river and there are various bridges you can cross to get to the other side. Or, if you choose, you can cross the river on stepping stones. I want to go back when it’s warmer out. I actually walked around a little bit in the city area too and explored some shops. I saw a Christmas shop and various street vendors who specialize in certain products, like towels. I also want to go back to invest in some towels, they seem like they will be cheaper there than at E-mart. At E-mart one full sized towel can cost you about ten dollars.
After my individual exploration I met up with my co-worker and we headed to the Avalon Thanksgiving Party. Some of the teachers from the elementary school campus very nicely hosted the party at their apartment. It was awesome because I got to meet a bunch of other foreign teachers as well as eat some mashed potato, stuffing, and apple pie!
The next day I met up with a friend at Coex shopping mall in Samseoung. It definitely exceeded my expectations! The mall was huge and had everything you could ever want. Numerous western eating establishments. Naming just a few: Quiznos, Sbarro, and Uno Pizzaria. There’s also a huge movie theater that shows a variety of Korean and Western movies (with Korean subtitles, of course). I got a new book at the mall which is nice because I already finished all the ones I had brought with my from FL. Then I met up with one of my co-workers for dinner. We went to this cool Korean restaurant where they seve spicy chicken and rice. The thing about Korea is that oftentimes they cook your dinner right on the table. You kind of have to tend it yourself too. We ate dinner and then headed to get some icecream. My coworker ordered Korean icecream for me to try. I was skeptical at first, but figured, while in Korea…so I gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised by how great it was. The strange thing about the icecream is that they put redbean past in it…so it kind of throws you off. It comes in a huge bowl and on the bottom is very finely shaven ice, on top of that a huge variety of fruit (kiwi, banana, apples, pineapple, etc…), then the red bean paste, and then 3 scoops of icecream (vanilla and strawberry). You mix it all together and it turns into a smoothie like concoction. Delicious, truly.
My week at school has been nice. Kind of slow due to the fact that all the kids have final exams this week. The’re all busy studying and taking tests. The kids work ethic here though is really admirable. I taught my very first debate class yesterday. It was fun, next weeks topic is going to be Corpral Punishment in school. We’ll see how that goes. I might have some fun stories about that.

This is Kimbap. It's like Korean sushi!
I think I’m catching a cold too…so hopefully I can fight it off. Miss everyone lots.
Love,
Margaret