That time I bought a bicycle...

This is my new bicycle, Jujubee. 

She's a bit shy, so leave her comments to make her feel at home. 

Now, a photo album for Juju's first outing..

At Global Island, which is at the Incheon National University. 

There's something tricky about this place though...

Straight from RUN DMC, "it's tricky," but really cool.

Then we stopped to get our work out on. Juju's all about staying in shape. 

After that, we stopped at the splash park to get cooled off. 

Nothing makes you feel like a kid again than the unexpected surge of water from a fountain. 

Juju took this pic of Lucy and I. 

A girl of many talents that Juju is. 

Then Juju's rumbling stomach led us to Angelonia's. 

The most adorable shabby-chic restaurant in Songdo. 

Juju and I can't remember the name of this treat, but it's popular with all the locals.

Shaved milk ice, red beans, and chunks of rice cakes. Delish. 

And, you can't have a successful first outing without stopping for some "bornless" chicken.

P.S. Five points to whoever can figure out what bornless is really supposed to say. 

And that's how you make a first outing unforgettable. 

Don't forget to let Jujubee know how adorable and fly she is. 

Me on the other hand, I think she's the mullet to my 80's outfit. 

Stay true, stay real. 

H. 

One month down...

I thought it only appropriate to celebrate my one monthaversary doing it Julie Andrews style with a
few of my favorite things.

And a quote from one of my kids.

"Teacher has green, yellow....and black eyes.  Like a flower."

Not exactly sure what flowers she has seen, but I'll take the compliment?



The awesome apartment buildings.




The beautiful flowers everywhere.
Literally, they're everywhere.

  

Being here with Lucy and Seth.

The art around Songdo.

Hanging out with these cuties all day.



And trying the new food.
(Seaweed wrapped around rice with a meat filling.
They're delicious and found at a local convenient store near you ;)



In this one month I have made acquaintances with some locals.

Traveled alone on the subway. 

Shakin' my groove thang in Seoul.

Spotted a very foiiine trainer at my gym.

And failed at cooking anything out of my comfort zone.

I'd say things are going to be pretty good from here on out.  

Stay true, stay real.

H.

Life Lately

In Gangnam.

 

 In Songdo.

(my current residence)

 

In Namdaemun.

 

 

Stay true, stay real.

H.

Adventures in Cooking

Cooking terrifies me.  I don't like it, and at this point I'm not sure I ever will. Like the saying goes, I can't take the heat, and I will gladly step out of the kitchen. 

But, living on my own limits me to two options: fast food or cooking. 

I'm all for eating fast food, when you don't have time to cook...unfortunately, I've lost all excuses to not have time, so I'm forcing myself to take a stab at this, not literally.  At this point in my life, a bowl of cereal or making scrambled eggs constitutes as a satisfactory meal (my future husband is so lucky).  Since those aren't necessarily the healthiest choices all the time, nor are they always appetizing, I've taken it upon myself to find some recipes.  Today's recipe was lemon seasoned tilapia with broccoli, or something like that.  Here are the results: 

I found a lemon seed within my tilapia/broccoli mix.  And, the tag was still on the garnished lemon.  

Progress people.  

Somewhere in France, someone is learning to be a sous chef, and it sure as hell isn't me. 

Stay true, stay real. 

H. 

Things Korean Kids Say 2

Kid 1: "That [turtle tail] looks like poop."

Kid 2: "Noo, poop doesn't have a face and legs..." 

Stay true, stay real.

H. 

Things Korean Kids Say

I decided I wanted to share with you all the wonderful things that come out of the Korean kids' mouths.  So, without further ado, here is entry one:

"Harry teacher." 

(Translation, Hilary Teacher) 

Stay true, stay real. 

H. 

Happy Birthday...a week later

My birthday was on June 5th and almost a week later I'm still receiving love from back home.  There's nothing like celebrating through a lovely card seven days late.  Cheers to being young and free.

Stay true, stay real. 

H. 

Another day, another dollaaa

It's Monday here in Incheon, which means another work week.  Which also means I get to hang out and teach the kids I came here for.

So, here are some of the kids I work with. They're adorable and so funny. 

Even though venturing to a country that I'm not used to is terrifying, unnerving, scary, and any other adjective to describe a nervous wreck, these kids make it worth it.  They have definitely lightned my life and given me a new perspective on life and other cultures.  It's hard being away from my family and friends, but I know I'm meant to be here.  It feels so right.  

Never let fears block a door that's meant to be opened. 

Stay true, stay real. 

H. 

Incheon, Korea- My New Home

I have officially been in my new apartment in Incheon, Songo, Korea for a little over a week now.  It's strange to sit here an think that I'm on my own in such an unknown country, town, environment, but the thought is exhilarating to say the least.  I'm still getting acclimated to the cultural differences and language. Obviously, I have no knowledge of either things, but I'm having a great time learning it all, even if I come off as the dumb American...but hopefully for only a little while longer.  

I've visited Seoul with my friends that are here a couple times now.  The place has everything- tourist attractions (some I still haven't seen), low key towns that are adorably breathtaking (side-note: I would have pictures of my day trip to Namdaemoon, but I accidentally deleted every single picture taken..literally, every. single. one.), and, of course the most important, delicious food.  That's probably been my favorite thing so far, eating the unique and odd looking food.  At the school I work at, they provide us lunch, which allows me to try traditional Korean normalcies.  Ah, it's absolutely unreal that I'm here living out my dream! I'm sure it won't hit me until a few months down the road, until then, I'll keep documenting this great experience...and of course showing some pictures: 

Stay true, stay real. 

H. 

Dinner with Lucy and Seth 5 hours after my 14 hour plane ride. 

Yummy Korean barbecue at Bornga. 

My life long friend, Lucy. 

Not long after my plane ride. 

The tiny apartment I lived in for 4 days. Nothing like life experiences.