SKYPE

Isn't skype the greatest thing!?  International calls WITH video, for free! This is a screenshot of my desktop from yesterday's family skype date!  

Mom and Dad in Cali, and Me and Amy in Korea!

Amy's first official day in Korea!

I still can't believe my sister is here!   I woke up this morning, rolled over in my bed, and there she was, ready to greet me with a "Good morning sister!"  I couldn't help but laugh, thinking this may, quite possibly be, the very first time she's woken up before me!  It's so fun to have her around!   We all lounged around the apartment for a while and then decided to get out and have some brunch... but in Korea, brunch doesn't really exist unless you go to an American style restaurant... So, we went to Breeze Burns (an American burger joint)!  

Outside my apartment building on our way to the subway.

Amy was really excited to see the "Gambling Shack" in person!  Unfortunately, there were no old korean men gambling at 10 o'clock in the morning!  Regardless, a picture was in order! :)

I was embarrassed that the first restaurant meal we ate was comprised of: eggs, toast, bacon, hashbrowns, and a waffle, but such is life!  We'll eat Korean food the rest of the week!

I was pushing my tummy out, trying to show how full I was from the gynormous breakfast... ended up looking more like I'm showing off a prego belly!!  I assure you all, there is NO BABY in there!

After breakfast, we walked through Nampodong and headed for Jagalchi, where Amy witnessed her very first Korean princess dog! 

The following are pictures that she took while we were out and about today!  I'll let you experience our day through her eyes!   

The Jagalchi Fish Market: 

After walking the VERY CROWDED fish market, we took a taxi over to check out Songdo Beach (the beach closest to my place!)   The sun was out in full affect this afternoon making for a gorgeous day!

After the beach, we taxi'd over to my Pharmacists to get some medicine for my sis.  I'm happy to report her coughing is much better tonight... I know you were all worried.  *** Thank goodness for Korean meds!

Then we made the trek back up the hill to my apartment; checking out the fruit stand on the way!  Amy was a total champ with my hill!  She's a New Yorker, so she's used to walking, which was great!

Amy was exhausted by this point (and understandably so from the jetlag) so, she took a nice long nap and woke up around 6:30pm to Aaron delivering pizza for dinner!

We're all staying in and lounging tonight so Amy can get rested up for her big day of acupuncture, massages, and walks along the beach tomorrow!   I only wish I had the day off to enjoy it all with her. :(

***    

My sister is here!!!

Last night my sister Amy arrived in KOREA!!!  

Aaron and I got to the airport about 20 minutes before her flight landed, so we could be sure to get a front row space in the arrival area!  We wanted to be the first people she saw when she came through customs!

After 30 long hours of traveling, she made it to Korea!!  It's so nice to have her here with us!  

Last night, the 3 of us had a sleepover at my place!  We're all up early this morning and getting ready to head over to Breeze Burns for brunch and then the Jagalchi Fish Market for the big festival!  I love having my big sis here!

***

CSI

On Friday, Aaron and I ventured over to the Busan Police Department to get our fingerprints done, so we can send them to America for our FBI check (which is a new requirement for VISA's in Korea).  When we arrived, we were sent up to the CSI department!!  How funny is that?!

It's probably the most mellow CSI unit in the world!  So mellow in fact that the 2 men working there started taking pictures for us in their CSI hats!!  Gotta love the low crime rate in this country!

****

'Twas the day of a field trip!

'Twas the morning of Wednesday, when all through the school

Not a 5th grader was stirring, none breaking the rules;

The padlock was hanging, from the 6th graders room

All the students were missing, one could assume.

  Their slippers were stored, in their cubbies with care,

  Each pink one and blue one... yes, all were there!

 The windows were closed and the hallway was bare.

No fighting or laughing, a sight surely rare!

 When, what to my wondering eyes did appear,

But a big black school bus coming near!

 While looking out the window, I saw each one,

the boys and girls all having such fun...

Boarding the bus, with backpacks in hand,

The students were traveling to a far off land!  (Seoul!)

The teachers with whistles, helping the flow

Yelling, "Come along kids, it's time to go!"

"Now, Jenny! Now, David! Now, Kari and Brandon!

On, Lisa! on Nathan! on, Justin and Shannon!

I ran down to see them and bid my farewell,

"Have a safe trip, and make memories to tell!"

Now Ella at her desk, and I at mine,

It's a quiet morning for she and I.

All classes are cancelled and we have a break!

because the students aren't returning until next week!

So, thank goodness for Gosspip Girl, Mad Men, and Glee

Cuz with no kids to teach, I'll be watching TV!  

So, peace and quiet today I will seek

Happy Wednesday to all, and to all a good week!