Hello to our blog followers...

We've had a wonderful day off today - a REAL day off! No schoolwork done at all, we had a late start to the day, and have managed to skype with family, do some housework, watch some kids play soccer and do a bit of wandering. AND watch a movie at the Imax theatre in Suwon Station - Real Steel - which was actually our first movie here in Suwon, in English too - a great day!

One of today's highlights would have to be finding a vacuum cleaner 'up for grabs' down at the recycling area of the apartments - this area is where you put things that you no longer require, and anyone can grab them - we've now got two spare mattresses for guests (hint, hint) and a vacuum that also is a steam cleaner, and so far it appears that it is working properly, so that's a bonus!

Our wandering about today took us back to the Suwon fortress area, and we enjoyed taking a few photos of the views and the autumn colours. At the watch tower we found a group of kids about 12 or 13 practising their English speeches for a competition which they will participate in next week. They were talking about the fortress area and the surrounding landmarks, so we stopped and listened and gave encouragement, thanking them for their helpful information! It's fun to meet with Korean people who like to practise their English with you!

While walking we came across some rather interesting artwork in the form of a statue outside a cafe. I suspect they serve pork, hence the forlorn look on the pig's face, and his rather dejected demeanor...

I hope you enjoy the pics!  I've had to change picture applications, but if you'd like more to see from our tripping around today, go to the 'photographs' page. Videos will be added tomorrow!

A Cultural Experience

Today has been a wonderful day of new experiences for us. Our co-worker and new friend, Chang Min invited us, along with some of the other Elementary staff, to attend her daughter's 1-year-old birthday party. This in itself isn't unusual, but here in Korea, turning 1 is a major life event, and the only other birthday that is celebrated to the same degree is 61. Family, relatives, and friends were invited, and the celebration began with a 'liturgy' of sorts - hymns, prayers and a short sermon, then of course - a feast! Special foods including a soup that people have only on their birthday - delicious, too!

After the food was shared, Chang Min and her husband had speeches, including a video and slideshow, a cake, and a wonderful song sung by her father. All in all, a wonderful privilege to be a part of. We finished by being taken down to the bus stop by her father-in-law who wanted to make sure we got to the right place, so we could go back to visit Insadon.

We have another exciting day tomorrow, well - I do !! Time for a hair cut for me, and Mike will most likely spend part of his day on a bike ride - no doubt some school work will need to be done too.

We are off on the PYP training course next Thursday - to Bali!! Very exciting...:)