I Hope this Post is in English!

Since almost everything on my screen is in Korean, I can only hope this post translates into English upon reading. As I type it is over course in English but who knows what will happen when I turn it off! Ha Ha. I am having an amazing time in South Korea! Sunglim and Quon-So have been such great hosts and friends. The baby, Juhan (pronounced Chew-wan), makes me laugh! He's three and very smart. Sungrim says he like me tremendously. The other day he ran up and hugged me and said I love you in Korean. Awwwwwwwww! My heart just melted. Quon-So says he is amazed that even though the baby and I speak two different languages, we still understand one another. He asked me how is that possible. My response was I don't know...I just do. Sungrim's mother asked a similar question when we went to service Sunday morning. It was a huge Presbyterian church and while it was totally in Korean, many aspects translated well. It reminded me the most of Baptist service. I had not been to Sunday service in a long time. It was cool to accept communion.

We have explored a lot in the week I have been here. From exploring the secret gardens at one of the many palaces to learning traditional dances at the Korean Folk village, everything is exciting and educational to me. I am learning and trying so many new foods as well. From juk (rice porridge) to fun snacks like hotteck (warm pita bread filled with honey), everything is new and fun. I have tried quail eggs, seaweed treats, and a form of green scallion pizza. Of course I was already way familiar with my favorite Korean dish...Kimchi! From what I learned at the Kimchi Museum, the particular type of kimchi I like is that of a royal line! Do I have some form of royalty running in my veins? LOL. All in all, a great experience.

They too are learning from me by way of English practice lessons. Everyone here, like most in the country, are eager to learn our language. It is a shame that we in America do not follow suit with our diverse cultural base. In turn, I have learned several phrases and words. Each day I get my two words to learn. I think I'm up to about 15 which is pretty cool. Sungrim and her husband say that my pronunciation is pretty good! Sweet! When I get back home, my goal is to master Spanish for an upcoming, not yet planned trip to Spain in 2008. Who knows, I may just learn Korean after that since I have people to practice with frequently. The only trouble with Korean though is while the language may be easier to learn than actually writing it. Writing Korean is very, very difficult. More so than other languages. I can start with spoken word though.

It is early...about 7:30 on Tuesday morning (+13 hours US time). I am feeling better than
Sunday. I managed to develop a light cold with a scratchy throat and actually had to go to sleep early Sunday night (about 5:30pm) and didn't get up until the next morning. I have been taking tons of Echinaesia (sp) and Vitamin C. I am much better now. Just residual sniffle left. O.K. I better go. Not sure what the day will bring but I am sure it will be fun and interesting. We will visit Everland, N Seoul Tower, and the tunnel under the DMZ in the upcoming days. I can't believe that I only have just over a week left before I must return! Time really does fly. Maybe more on Thursday. Gamsung Hamnida!