The Holidays...

Happy 2009!!Yes the holidays are tough when you are away from family. I can't count the number of times Patrick had to put his arm around me and tell me it will pass. No matter how many lights are placed on the streets and in stores, Korean does not know how to have Christmas like back in the good ol' U...S....A!!

Many times I attempted to pretend like I wasn't in a foreign land. I woke up on Christmas morning thinking I will not let Korea bring me down. I walked to Starbucks in my pj's. I was feeling all great and cozy, pretending like I had my own personal Starbucks in my home. Then I spotted a fellow co-worker having a cup of coffee. We said our, "Merry Christmas" and went our separate ways. I don't think I like anyone seeing me in my pj's.........good to know.

So with that minor embarrassment, we had a lovely time opening up presents that we placed under our mini-tree. We also went to our friend Jon & Arla's for a turkey dinner. They have the pleasure of hosting all the house parties, because they are the only couple with a living room separate from their bedroom. Luck of the draw. I managed to find the brightest green sweater I could wear, accompanied with my bright red slippers and it was a grand evening.


We also rang in the new year with them. What fun!! Patrick tired North Korean soju. Apparently the Koreas like to differentiate themselves as much as possible. We kept it low-key and very relaxing.


Plus, Quito, John and Arla's dog is starting to warm up to me. At Christmas I let him eat my Turkey fat right off my plate. You could say we are buds now.


Patrick and I didn't do gifts we decided to go to Nanta. It's a Korean version of the Blue Man Group, minus the blue and they are chefs. It was entertaining and Patrick even went on stage. He got married to a Korean!!


Now that 2009 is underway, we are ready for what's to come . We have booked our vacation to Thailand with David and we are now going to Shanghai for the Chinese New Year with John and Arla. The first six months have been a bit rough. Now it is beginning to be more comfortable. Traveling always makes things exciting. I really like going to the airport.