Happy One-Year Anniversary!

Has it really been a year since I've been living in Korea? This time last year I was at Roanoke airport saying my goodbyes to my ever amazing family. I still think about that moment I boarded the airplane and thought, "What the hell am I getting myself into?" My parents said that a year was going to be such a long time, but I remember assuring them that this year would be just the opposite. I sure was right!

So to celebrate the anniversary of my stay in Korea, I felt it very appropriate to travel to Hong Kong. Well actually it just so happens I get a week off for summer vacation, but I'm going to say this is a gift to myself for my hard work. I'll be leaving tomorrow afternoon(Korean time). Wooo! I can't wait!

http://www.photos4travel.com/

These last two weeks at school/work have been so much fun! With the end of the semester ending, we had many activities planned for the kids. First, was our monthly Birthday party. Now this party was slightly different than the rest because we had the most students celebrating. You know what that means...more fried chicken and pizza. Yeahhh!

blowing out the candles

Below is a picture of my little munchkins from Nemo class. Joshua and Soo (both in the middle) have crushes on each other. As you can see, they already look like a married couple.

my little munchkins from Nemo class

Soo and Jennifer

Our next activity was "Water Gun Play Day." All the kids brought in their water guns and we had a water gun fight outside on our school's balcony. It was so cute to see the kids getting so excited! We also filled a few water balloons for a toss game. That idea failed due to the kids not understanding the directions, so it ended up being a toss between teachers.

Nadine Teachaaa

my team...Team Bubbles

Sally was serious about this fight

As I previously stated, I'm officially on summer vacation. I haven't been so excited for those words since High School. I began my vacation with a visit into Seoul for Gillian's last night out before she leaves home to Canada.   We went to the one place in Seoul I have been dying to go to...Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower). Check out Gillian's blog, http://loveoftheseoul.tumblr.com/ She's a photographer and has some amazing pictures!

After a short bus ride and hike, we made it to the top. 

so hot and sad from the hike

happy chingus

This tower is a hot spot for couples. Below is a picture of love padlocks. The locks of love is where love birds lock their padlocks and throw away the key to symbolize that their love will be locked forever. It is the cutest and sweetest idea I've heard! If anyone would like me to "lock their love", let me know and I gladly will.

Summer has been one big ball of adventures. I'm loving every moment of it! Except for the humidity which is causing me to shower at least twice a day. Ick!  Can't wait to share my experience in Hong Kong with you all. Sending big hugs your way!

-Jenn xoxo

Parting is Such Sorrow

As teachers coming to Korea it's to be expected that we all teach for a year and then part ways to new, exciting adventures. However, when coming here I never thought that I would have met so many amazing people that would make such an impact in my life. If there is anything that I have learned while being here, it is that the good times go by too fast. In the picture below I have had to say farewell to 7 people within the last 5 months. That's a lot of tears in such a short amount of time.


Christmas Party in Seoul


This week I will be saying farewell to two more people, Sarah and Erin. These people have been part of my experience in Korea from the very beginning. As many other people plan to do, they will be traveling the world and have big plans for their future. I'm so excited for them and I feel so blessed to have met them during my travels.



Erin <3

Sarah!!

One a lighter note, I started the countdown for my return home. Only about 12 weeks!! Ahhh I can't even believe it. What do I want to do first? What shall I eat first? What am I going to wear when I get off the plane?? These are a few of many questions that have been running through my mind lately. I miss you all more and more everyday. I'm ready to come home!!

-Jenn xoxo

Party! Party! Party!

February has been a big month of celebrations and it's not over yet. This past week, we celebrated our monthly Birthdays at school. Nothing says "Happy Birthday" in Korea better them some cake, pizza, and fried chicken. These are three items that are always on the menu.

Barney class

My favorite part about Birthday parties are being able to play with my little babies! :)

Princess Sevin

My sweet Isaac

Three of cutest but worst behaving students at ILS.

With graduation approaching in a week and a half, stress has become a daily occurrence. On Thursday myself and a few other teachers stayed three hours after quitting time to finish up poster boards for the kids' presentation. Luckily, our boss was so kind to treat us to a nice Italian dinner afterward!

On Saturday a few of my friends thought we'd be adventurous and check out Hooters in Seoul. It sits right next to one of my favorite buildings in Seoul. I call it the "Swiss cheese building"... because it looks like Swiss cheese. The food was bad and it was the worst service I have ever had here in Korea. Needless to say, I won't be going back nor do I recommend this place to anyone. 

After dinner, I celebrated two Birthdays for two awesome Canadians. The party was scheduled to be held at a hotel, which was the perfect venue for the classy and lovely Miss Gillian. Unfortunately, after about 20 minutes into the party we got kicked out. This did not stop us! We continued the celebration at a norebang. A norebang is a private room that you can rent out with your friends and sing karaoke. It's seriously the best thing to ever be invented. The best parties are the parties that don't go as planned! :)

Birthday boy & Birthday girl

It was great week here in the ROK! Spring seems to be teasing us with warmer weather. I can't even begin to tell you just how nice it feels to have above 30 degree temperatures. This coming week will be yet another week of graduation prep, celebrations, and farewells. 


I hope everyone has a fabulous week! Miss you all so so much! <3


-Jenn xoxo