I don't think I'll ever be able to find the words to describe how thankful I am that Samantha came to visit me. It was such a blessing to have a familiar face around to share my "Korean Life" with. She got to meet my co-teachers and visit some of my favorite places in Ulsan. Now when I need to vent or share a funny story she will be able to truly understand because I'll be honest, sometimes you just need to be here to understand how things work. She even got to experience one of my classes getting canceled while I was in the middle of teaching.
Samantha's adventure started off with a confusing bang (as it should be, this is Korea). The bus she was on didn't stop at the stop she needed, but keeping her cool she walked back towards the stop I was waiting at. The only problem was - I was at the wrong stop too! (the map was not very specific on what side of the street I should be on). I was sitting on a bench with my friend Mikaela trying to decide what to do because the bus monitor said Samantha's bus wouldn't be here for another hour. A few minutes later Mikaela said, "I see a tall blond girl walking towards us." Mikaela's response sums up Samantha's whole visit. The reaction Samantha got was priceless and some of my students about had a brain aneurysm trying to comprehend how tall she was (and then factor in her blond hair and blue eyes I'm surprised no one fell over.. although there was one 6th grade boy who stood inches from her feet staring at her for two minutes with his mouth wide open). The best way to share our wonderful 12 days together is through pictures.
Do you remember a picture I posted back in January in front of this palace? Well I finally got to go inside it! One thing I do appreciated about South Korea is their history and how well they preserve their history. The historical sites are all so cheep to visit as well - 3,000 won to visit this beauty.
It was Buddha's birthday on May 17th and the city was covered in paper lanterns.
Samantha's first Korean meal - bulgogi.
I took Samantha to Ilsan beach and we decided we needed to recreate our Lake Michigan picture.
This lady grabbed Samantha and wanted to take a picture with all of us so a man with a large camera took our picture. I have no idea where the picture ended up but I decided to have him take one on mine as well. I have never had this happen before.
Our days involved a lot of coffee.
And a trip to the bamboo forest.
Of course I took her to get samgipsal.
And the most important thing: BUBBLE TEA! I think Samantha visited the little bubble tea shop around the corner from my apartment everyday. She went so often that she got a free one!
Once again, it was a great 12 days and I slept for a full 12 hours the Saturday after she left. I was so tired from all of our adventures. Samantha left with a suitcase full of Korean beauty products, her tenth country marked off her visit list, and many memories of Korean life.
Now life is back to "normal" and I'm preparing myself for my last 4 months in Korea with a final "to do" list.
Bless friends!
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