We Have Returned!

On Saturday, the 23rd, we left Washington to resume our adventures in Korea. After a 13-hour travel ordeal, we arrived in Seoul on Sunday, the 24th. By the time we hit the sack Sunday night, we had officially been up for 24 hours. Korea is 17 hours ahead of Pacific time, so we gained a day as we traveled. Traveling that far west is basically an endless day.

This week, we're staying in a Korean motel as we wait for the other teachers to move out of our apartment. It is quite the experience. Apparently, Korea really doesn't have hotels the same way the US does. Thus, we are staying in a type of love motel. It is a skanky, brothel-esque, pay-by-the-hour operation, and earplugs have definitely helped at night. Use your imagination, and you have our living quarters for the week. We are really looking forward to moving into our apartment!

Today we visited our school and met some of our students. There's a lot to sort through and prepare for next week when we begin teaching. It's certainly a happy place that cares about its students. I think everyone there feels taken care of. We'll be working hard, but it will be good work to be doing. Once we get settled this weekend, I'll put up some pictures. See you soon!

The Sun Was Shining, But Don't be Fooled!

After a few weeks in California, we went up to Washington to visit the other half of our family. Washington has become a place to which many Californians like to move to get more house for their money, but I will say to them all: the winters really are as bad as you have heard. We've been here three weeks, and it it has been sunny 3 days in total. All the rest of the days it has been not only overcast, but rainy. Seasonal Affective Disorder is real, I tell you!

Anyway, the best thing about Washington have been our friends and family. It's been so refreshing to see the friends and family members we love so much! Enjoy the beautiful pictures of Washington; there's a reason why it's green!

We went down to Seattle to get our Korean visas; here is the famous Seattle Monorail.

A frozen Heart Lake with the mist rolling in on Mount Erie

More mist on Mount Erie

My step-dad, Ben, and our dog, Chelsey--she's the best dog in the world!

Hello, there.

This was taken on the third sunny day of our stay. Mount Baker is in the background; Fidalgo Bay in the foreground.

Pictures of the countryside near my parents' house. I was also experimenting with some "door photos."

The plan now is to leave Washington and head to Korea on the 24th of February, so all our loyal fans will be able to resume their vicarious cultural experience at that time.