Dear Blair

So it's your birthday, and it's the second one in a row that I've missed. So to make up for it I had my little ones sing a little song for you...cause no one can be angry when looking at these faces, but you could certainly be angry looking at my ginger face! It was chaos trying to get the little munchkins to sit still and sing, so I did the best Birthday Song I could, hope you enjoy!

Without further adew, this song was made just for you, my big sister!

Exploration and War Calls.

Yesterday was "Teachers Seminar Day" at my Hagwon, which for the foreign teachers meant a day off. Perfect. It couldn't have come at a better time. I was in much need of a 'me' day and I got my wish.

With a day of freedom, Sarah and I set out with cameras in hand. We head for downtown, Eunhaeng-dong, to take pictures along the way, get some fresh air, and exercise.

When we reached the downtown core we took a right to get to a crosswalk. We were walking and talking and minding our own business when out of nowhere we were attacked!

Okay, so mayhap that isn't exactly how it happened, but it felt like an air raid. My mind was screaming "man down! man down! We need an air lift!"...I may have recently watched a movie that has put me in the frame of mind to cause such a strong reaction...(insert fake cough here saying Green Zone).

So as I was saying...out of nowhere we were attacked...by a gang of pigeons! Referring to them as a gang sounds more intimidating than a flock. This gang attack sent Sarah and I screaming/yelping, walking/stumbling backwards until our backs were up against a wall. We opened our eyes and delighted in the fact that we had sent them off flying for their lives. Clearly our war calls lead them to crap their hypothetical pants.

We found ourselves in the void between two buildings instead of on the sidewalk we were on prior to the attack. Looking down the void, it was a beautiful vision.

A colourful gate swung open just right to offer a glimpse of a small stairway. On either side of the stairs sat potted plants, and empty wine bottles reflecting the sun just right.

Clearly our curiosity peaked and we decided to stop for a tea break. Immediately this place gave me goosebumps and made my arm hair stand tall like soldiers.



It was gorgeous, charming, cozy, cottagey, cooky, crafty, and the perfect hideaway. On the second floor is a terrace surrounded by colourful murals and postcard style photos taped up on the wall.

It got my creative juices flowing and my excitement level flew through the roof. To top it all off the drinks were deliciously delicious and beautiful.

Could you ask for much more from a coffee/tea spot I ask you?

No. No you could not.

We'll be back 'Terrace J', we'll be back.

~end note: my day was topped off by going rock climbing for the first time in YEARS with my friend Matt. It was great to get the adrenaline pumping and the view at the top was great...unfortunately no pictures so you'll have to use your imagination. I'm so stoked to climb again, and I'll try to snap some shots next time.

The first hike of spring...it's finally here!

Every mountain paints a different picture, and every forest sings a different song. Today the picture was full of bright colours, sparkling eyes, and large grins. The song was that of laughter and good conversation.

The first hike of spring. Ahhhh...can you feel it? The light breeze. The sun warming up your skin and the trees, readying them to bloom. Perfect. A mountain is the perfect setting for a Sunday of enjoying the arrival of Spring. Today was no exception to that.

It felt great to be hiking without snow pants, parka, gloves, and hat. My pale skin could breathe in the fresh mountain air. My "ginger" skin held true to its character and turned a light shade of pink from the glorious rays of sun peaking through the tree branches. I even gained some new freckles, and got a squinting headache. Not that I love headaches, but it was acceptable for today. As much as I love winter hikes for the glistening snow crunching under my feet, and clinging to tree branches, it does feel awesome to be back in lighter gear, and feeling the breeze and the sun on my skin.

Of course the company contributed a great deal to the pleasure value of today. I was accompanied by my friends, Kevin and Matt, and we were hiking in their neck of the woods, Boksu-dong. If mountains have ears then this one had a good show today, mostly thanks to Matt's phenomenal sense of humour, and Kevin's quick quips back. I did a lot of listening today, which is not exactly normal for me, but today it was necessary to absorb the verbal circus surrounding me. It was refreshing, hilarious, and the perfect team for the the first hike of spring.

Everything about today was beautiful. Thanks boys for a wonderful welcome of Spring and all of the joy that comes with it!

It's good to share

On a dreary, and rainy day there is nothing better than sitting indoors, near a window, with a book in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, and some sweet tunes playing in the background.

This is where I find myself. And I couldn't be more content.

I felt inspired to share my joy.

I am sitting in my seventh floor apartment, next to a floor to ceiling window with a view of the beautiful city I call home, and the mountain whose peaks I regularly admire and occasionally visit. I have one of the three books I am currently reading in my left hand (The Last Lecture), and a cup of green tea in my right hand. The tea is cradled in a stunning handmade cup that I acquired on my latest solo journey to Insadong, Seoul. The sweet sounds that my ears are fortunate enough to hear are coming from two gorgeous swedish voices (First Aid Kit), singing in a woodland. The lyrics couldn't be any more true at this very moment.

I just live because I love to

Can a rainy day get any better than this?