I've been in South Korea for a week now...it's been a whirlwind of intensive training and trying to figure out this weirdly cool country. Here are my first impressions of Korea:
It's surprisingly clean and modern. While in Seoul, I didn't feel like I was in Asia until I tried to read the signs...which are all in Korean. I don't read Korean...yet. I feel completely illiterate.
Koreans seem really friendly, but scared of the white folk.
Koreans have seriously old-fashioned opinions about tattoos. I was asked if I'm part of a mafia or in a gang. Yes, now do your homework.
I was in Seoul for my first 5 days here going through training for work. I arrived in my city of Goyang Friday evening thinking I would be able to move into my apartment and finally get settled. Unfortunately, the teacher I am replacing at my school is still in the apartment until Monday, so I'm holed up in a sexy-time "love motel" till then. It smells like bad air freshener and post-coital cigarettes.
There are a lot of French-style cafes around which is wonderful...I have a horrible obsession with pastries. And coffee.
There is a lot of chlorine in the water here. I'm sure my blond locks will be green in no time. Upside? I won't need a green wig or my Guinness hat for St. Patrick's Day.
I met some of my new students Friday evening. The 6 year olds here speak better English than my oldest students in Thailand...and they're extremely eager to learn. I love it already.
In Thailand, pretty much everything was translated into English because it a high-tourism country - from menus to (most) products in shops, to signs, to restaurants. It's not like that in Korea, at least not that I've seen anyways. This only increases my need to learn how to read Korean...and STAT!
I've decided I like kimchi.
And most importantly, Korean beer is pretty delicious.
It's only been a week, but my first impressions of Korea are a-okay! It's easy to meet folks, which I struggled with in Thailand, and that in and of itself makes me happy. Knock on wood, but I think there are good things to come here.
Also, I noticed I passed the 2,000 reader mark. Thanks for reading ya'll!
Happy Trails!
P.S. Be prepared for some pretty awesome song parodies.
This is my last week home in wonderful, colorful Colorado before I head off on the Next Great Adventure: South Korea. Colorado certainly hasn't let me down with its crazy weather during my visit. I landed amongst late spring snow storms, experienced days of rain with thunder and lightening and now it's beautiful and sunny with temperatures in the low 80's. I've enjoyed visiting friends over this great State and decided to share some fun activities for those of you that have never been to Colorado and might want to venture out west some day.
Along the Front Range in the Denver-Metro Area:
If you visit Denver in the spring or summer months, when baseball season is in full force, head to Coors Field in LoDo (Lower Downtown) and check out the Colorado Rockies. Coors Field is - in my eyes - an architectural masterpiece, with beautiful landscaping behind Center Field where you'll enjoy a geyser of fountains if the Rockies hit a home run! With many delicious restaurants around the ballpark, grill stations, ice cream stands, and my favorite - micro brew stands, you can stuff and drink yourself into a summer-loving-baseball coma. Cheer for the Rockies, who are enjoying their 20th season this year! Go Rox!
Coors Field
Rockies v. (the evil) Yankees
Likewise, if you're in Denver between August through December...head to Mile High Stadium (it's actually called Sports Authority Field, but it'll always be Mile High to this Colorado Native) and find out why I'm obsessed with the Broncos. My blood runs thick with Orange and Blue...John Elway is back and Peyton Manning is the head of this team, this is our Super Bowl year...I can feel it in my veins...PFM!
With many different concert venues dotted around Denver, check out a show at one of my favorite venues (all located within a mile of each other on Colfax): The Ogden, The Filmore, or The Bluebird.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Or...if you're here between April and September, check out a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, in Morrison, Colorado - only a 30 minute drive from Denver to the foothills of the Rockies. Trust me. You won't be sorry. Red Rocks is by far my favorite place to see a concert and one of my favorite places on Earth. With breathtaking scenery and some of the best acoustic sounds bouncing off those red rocks, it's not hard to figure out why I love it so much.
For another fun (or should I say "funny") activity...check out the underground Comedy Works in Larimer Square. I promise you'll leave laughing your ass off. I was fortunate enough to see Chris Hardwick this time...hilarious! Nerds, unite!
If you're into the bar scene, there are many to be had all along the Metro area. Denver is famous for its delicious micro-brews and great food. Why not try a local delicacy like Rocky Mountain Oysters - they're unlike any other oysters you've had, I'll guarantee you that ;)
I-70 West-bound: The Rocky Mountains:
In the Rockies, you can go south, west, or north and find something truly amazing - and completly different.
To the south, you've got the majestic Sangre de Cristo range. Nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo's is Great Sand Dunes National Park - well worth a visit! The dunes don't look very big in this picture, but they're massive once you're there, walking around.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Sangre de Cristo mountains
Keep heading west on I-70 and you'll drive through some truly lovely mountain towns...among them are Idaho Springs and Georgetown. If you keep going to Glenwood Springs, enjoy a dip in the famous hot springs. You'll also be a quick turn from Colorado's famous ski resorts of Vale, Brekenridge, Aspen and many, many more.
Head up north and you'll reach my other favorite place in Colorado: the always charming town of Estes Park - gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and home to the Stanley Hotel - you know, The Shining hotel. Stay a night at the Stanley to see if you can meet any of its famous guests...that checked in, and never checked out! Try a hearty breakfast with elk or buffalo sausage, then take a drive or a hike through RMNP where you're sure to see some wildlife in its natural - breath-taking - habitat. By the way, if you happen to stay at the Stanley, I highly recommend checking out the Redrum Punch or Bloody Mary at the bar...honestly, they're the best I've had. Check out my other blog on Rocky Mountain National Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park from Old Fall River Road
Rocky Mountain National Park
A moose in Rocky Mountain National Park
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park
A belated 30th Birthday present from my British friend...
...keys to Room 217!
I was fortunate enough to head back to Gunnison, Colorado (south-west Rockies) while home, to visit my Alma mater: Western State Colorado University (previously Western State College). Gunnison is insanely charming and just 30 minutes from anything you could want from the Rockies. Take the back dirt road to Crested Butte by heading up Ohio Creek Pass for some amazing views, or head out to Blue Mesa Lake and go hiking in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Eat a delicious breakfast at The W Cafe before you go. When you come back, try a half and half salad at Marios Pizzeria, then say hi to my friend, and owner of, the Brick Cellar (aka the wine bar).
"W" Mountain...the highest collegiate letter in the US
My Alma mater...Western State Colorado University
The Pinnacles at Blue Mesa
The Castles rock formation on Ohio Creek Pass to Crested Butte
There is so much Colorado has to offer. If you're an adventurer, try climbing one of the Fourteeners. If you're not into adventure, just relax around the city of Denver and enjoy some beer and delicious food!
I've definitely enjoyed my 5 weeks at home and I'm proud to be a native of Colorado, but it's time I'm off again on the Next Great Adventure.
