We're Back!!!

Hello Everyone, its has been a while since the last post. Jolene and I had an amazing trip around Southeast Asia during the past three months. There were stories to tell and perhaps I will one day write them in a book. But for now, I will provide proof of travel and current proof of life as we have yet to see many of our friends since arriving back in the states. The following is short story about our time in Bali (the first of the 7 countries we visited). Enjoy the photos and the text. We are excited to see you all and can't wait to re-start life in the states.

Indonesia:

We arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia during the first week of March. We two Islands while we were there, including the famed island of Bali, went scuba diving, body surfing, temple gazing, mountain climbing and trekking. Two unique experiences include: Understanding first hand the difference between Muslim and Hindu cultures and being locked in our hotel for 24 hours during the celebration of Nyepi.

Singapore:



Thanks to my generous parents, Jolene and I stayed at the Hilton for two nights making our trip to Singapore the most comfortable of all the countries we stayed in. Highlights include: Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, Sintosa Island, Amazing Food and the Merlion.

Malaysia



A quick visit to Kuala Lumpur with the Dufour's saw us going to the Little India night market and China Town. Afterwards, Jolene and I took five days on an Island gearing up for Thailand. Highlights: Riding Double on a Yamaha 150 discovering hidden beaches and secluded coves.

Thailand



We spent three weeks in Thailand soaking up the gorgeous island beaches, sunken reefs, amazing food and vacation atmosphere that lives up to its legend. Highlights: Scuba Diving in Koh Tao, Snorkling the Similans, Ko Raya and Ko Phi Phi, Witnessing the Bangkok Riots, Five-day water fight (Songkran) in Chiang Mai.

Laos



A 15-hour bus trip from Thailand landed us in Laung Prabang, a French Colonial haven in a severely impoverished country. We kayaked down the Mekong, rode elephants and toured some old Buddist caves. Highlights: Exploring the rural areas of Laos and shopping in the Tribal Night Market (Elephant tusks and Tiger's teeth).

Vietnam


Vietnam was the most interesting country during our travels. From culture to communism to chaos Vietnam was never dull. Highlights include: Two days on a boat in Halong Bay, Old town of Hanoi, DMZ in Hue, Shopping in Hoi An, Motorcycle charade in Ho Chi Minn, and the tour of the Mekong Delta.

Cambodia

Our final stop, Cambodia, was a treasure unique to itself. With gisly images of the war scared on many of the local people a sense of compassion is overwhelming. Yet equally overwhelming is the sight of what this poor nation use to be exemplified by the truly epic temples of Ankor. Highlights: Sunset at Pre Rup and touring Ankor Thom on our bicycles. Also the German friends we met and traveled with there.

An Young E Ga Sayo!

Well after nineteen months of kimchi, rice and red pepper paste we will now shift our culinary tastes to the sweeter, spicier cuisine of Southeast Asia. We have packed and planned for a ten-week regional rundown of Southeast Asia. We'll begin our trip with Dave and Trisha in Indonesia and head towards Bali. We will be updating our trip with stories and pictures as we go along and as Internet cafes permit. We miss you all and we will see you when we come back in May. Until then An Young E Ga Sayo!

Asian Invasion

For those of you who are familiar with skiing, especially those who have skied at southern California resorts, know that skiers from asian countries travel in groups...large groups (also known as the Asian Invasion). Despite the SoCal hostility towards this "siege of the slopes" we have gained a new understanding and appreciation for their travel style. Because, while its highly unusual for American culture it a very convenient way to reach the ski resorts. So on January 29th we gathered up the willing band of 4 and attempted to invade a white mountain on Eastern turf. When we arrived we realized we were far outnumbered. The turf was not soft but hard like concrete and the skis chattered like frozen eskimos. I took a 20 mph spill and wore a raspberry the rest of the day, Jolene took two on one run and nursed her wounded pride. Our friends took several bites out of the snow with various parts of their bodies and yet we persevered. At the end of the day, we quietly boarded the bus and attended to our injuries on the way home. As for success? Well....we'll be sticking to western slopes from now on.

Coron, Philippines

Jolene and I decided to head south for the winter instead of braving the winter weather like we did last year. It was a great choice. We stayed 7 days in Coron, Philippines. We made a total of 15 dives in and around WWII Japanese Cargo and War Ships sunk by U.S. Planes. The Bridge, Cabins, Boiler Room and Turrets were still intact on some of the ships. Jolene got her longest (41 min Bottom Time) and deepest dives (118 ft) on the trip. We also had time to tour the town, try some local grub and ride horses through the Jungle. It was a great trip. We are trying get back into gear at Home in Korea while planning our next vacation (only 2 months away). Love you all and hope you have a Happy New Year.

Changing of the Guard

This season begins a season of change here in Korea. With Christmas approaching, new teachers replacing our year-long friends and the weather gifting frosty mornings by way of snowy nights, our routine has been pleasantly interrupted. Most of all we are really excited about the snow. Here are some pictures of our city. Yeah for a White Christmas!

Life...

Here are some of pictures of the past few weekends. We've slowed traveling a bit because the weather is getting really cold. We're getting excited for our Christmas trip to the Philippines. Love you all and miss you all very much.

빼빼로 데이

Question: How do you market an unspectacular variety of chocolate biscuits to an overly healthy conscious country?

Answer: You start a new holiday!

On November 11th, or 11/11 it is becoming customary for children and adults to pepper their friends, family, lovers and would-be lovers with a box of chocolate dipped cookie sticks. We have documented the recent phenomenon to give you just a glimpse of the "Pepero craze" thats seems to keep growing every year. In is sixth (or so) year, the annual "Pepero Day" continues to bankroll the Korean chocolate biscuit niche. Lotte, the Korean manufacturer, accounted for 55% of its Pepero sales during the first two weeks in November.



Today one of my students cried because she realized that all of her money is gone and she doesn't even like Pepero. "Teacher it gives me a headache and I can't sleep deep at night. I hate Pepero Day". Hmmm, Western commercialism connects with Eastern diets...bad combination.


...This is just about half of the goodies Jolene and I got from our kids...