Hi friends! Long time no write and read! My apologies on the 5 months absence. I have been very busy with school, travels, sitting at home watching too much Netflix, and my laptop died (RIP).
I last posted about my summer vacation, which ended in August.
Students returned to school, excited to see their friends again. I’m not sure if it was due to COVID19, but students often stayed at home, or went to their private academies to study math, science or English My students rarely told me they had a fun filled summer vacation. To be fair, many of my students were happy they were able to sleep all summer.
Growing up, during our summer vacations, my brothers and I had long lists of chores we were expected to complete before we could go to the pool or hang out with friends. However, our parents made sure we had a little travel in our summer vacation, mainly consisting of long road trips. Mom ensured we were learning during our driving breaks, strategically stopping at historical landmarks and museums.
So, let’s flip through the past 5 months, together, starting with September!
This month flew by quickly. I went on 2 day trips with a friend (B) and her mom, who was visiting from the USA, and a weekend trip with a friend from South Africa (M).
Day Trip 1: 경주
My friend B invited me to join her and her mother for their day trip to 경주 (Gyeongju), a historical city known for its royal tombs. The city is only a 1.5 hour drive outside of Daegu.
I had visited Gyeongju once before, during the winter time. It was a more beautiful experience the second time around, as the grass was green and flowers were in bloom. My only complaint would be the humidity and heat, summer finishing its season strong. We cooled off with refreshing drinks at a local café, overlooking rice fields.
Road Trip: 울산
In mid-September, the weekend before 추석 (Chuseok), another friend M and I went on a road trip. Our original destination was meant to be 해동용궁사 (Haedong Youngung Temple) a beautiful seaside temple in northeast Busan, but our car navigation system led us to 대왕암공원 (Daewangam Park) a lovely seaside park, in Ulsan. It was a happy, delightful accident, which gave us beautiful views overlooking the ocean as we walked along the trails. We even watched the sun set!
We stayed at an Airbnb just off Jinha Beach. I was able to rise early the next morning and capture the sun rising over the ocean waves. That morning, we meandered and slowly made our return to Daegu.
All in all, it was a lovely first official road trip, using my new Korean driver’s license. I will eventually make it to the temple!
Day Trip 2: 대전
B and her mother invited me to join them on a day trip to 대전 (Daejeon), B’s old stomping grounds before she moved to Daegu and started a family.
We walked along market streets, ate delicious bread from a famous bakery, and enjoyed amazing 김치찌개 (kimchi stew). B had been raving about this soup, and I completely understand why! The kimchi was sour, and the flavors were delicious! We ended our day at a local bar B used to frequent, Lucky Strike.
It was a quick trip, but I will return to Daejeon soon!
September extras
I also began kickboxing, after a friend helped me find a gym I felt comfortable with. The owner of the gym is very kind, funny, and hard working. The students, mainly high schoolers with college and mid-20-somethings mixed in, have been very welcoming. They try to practice their English with me, and are patient when I try to practice my poor Korean with them!
Here are some pictures I captured around Daegu, during my every day happenings.
Stay tuned for October, November and December!
A Girl And Her Pez 