"I'd rather have 15 minutes of wonderful then a lifetime of nothing special" -Steel Magnolias
Anyway, after that dinner, it was time for the next activity. My friend Jay suggested going on a night hike up the mountain behind his apartment. So naturally I jumped on board. There are some things you just don't say no to. Especially when you are living in Korea. Duh.
So at 11 we met up and headed up the hill from sea level. All I have to say is that I'm glad I was well-nourished. It was straight up in the pitch dark there for a long while. But good conversation, burning legs, and water breaks in the smelly forest are some of the kinds of things that make it wonderful. Plus there were all of these really magnificent mobile coffee/liquor shops on "Lovers Lane" (yes, Koreans go parking too). Stiles, it made me think of you so much. I miss you brother bear. There was one coffee shop called "Starbus". Yes, it was a bus and yes, it had the Starbucks logo and everything. And finally: yes, I am [fairly] positive corporate Starbucks has no idea.
When we made it to the top, this is the view that was waiting for us:
So we started down where that bridge is on the left of this page. From sea level to a mountain top. Pretty amazing. Here's another great part: After we walked down (took the road down), we went for a 3am swim in the Sea of Japan. We couldn't see anything so Jess was a little antsy about the possibility of more jellyfish friends. But I reminded her that we had a nice little discussion about the Korean who mentioned that jellyfish here are friendly and harmless creatures. Yeah right. But don't worry Jess, we already had that pee plan in order. Gender specific. Although Jason was the only guy...We'd just have to tell him tough luck.
By the time we got done with the swim, the subway opened in about an hour so we warmed up at Jay's and looked through some pictures like a bunch of zombies not wanting to pay for taxies. Don't hold it against us, Jess and I are still waiting for payday numero uno. Start the countdown! Approximately: 6 DAYS!
I got back to my apartment at 6:45 this morning...so I went to dreamland until this afternoon. Mmmm lazy Saturdays. I love them. I've appreciated all of the free time here so much. It's really a great deal to live and work here as an English teacher. Because I'm at a hagwon, a private after-school English school, I work from 1:30-8:30. So I have all morning and time after work. It's a great schedule. I'm becoming quite the night owl though. This is most surprising. You see, I love to go to bed early. I have been called an "old lady" on multiple occasions because of this previous habit of mine (and for other reasons...). But my life in Busan has been very night-oriented. The current problem is that I also love my mornings so I don't like to sleep in. I'd rather explore than sleep! I wouldn't have found "Kim's English Books" or all of these fun little shops in my area without these mornings. I also get to see Jessica in the mornings a few days a week as well. We went to the beach again last week, the day before a storm, so it was extra wavy and wonderful at Haeundae beach. Snap, I'm just living the life.
The best part of all of this so far is the fact that God has continued to make himself more and more evident. 7000 miles from home is a crazy concept, but God is way bigger than a tiny little ocean. I love that I've had so much time to dive into the Word and have a community of believers who are real about their faith and about life surrounding me. I also have had so many opportunities to love on and encourage a couple of my coworkers. Is it possible that Christ is communicated through my actions? I hope so. That's all I want to leave here, Jesus. His sweet aroma. Please continue to pray for opportunities. There are doors to be opened!
Anyway, I will leave you now. Please have a wonderful week. Live for today. And live for Him.
It's so fascinating to read your posts. Keep 'em coming. Your pictures are beautiful! Those night cityscapes are stunning! We are around all week end if you have a chance to Skype, I know the kids would love to say hi. I'll leave skpe up and running.
ReplyDeleteHey, you need to check out www.obu.edu/blogabout. We are having a little obu blogging day on Monday!
Horhays pictures. I love the 'lover's lane' picture.. the one I keep commenting about. I just can't get enough of that mountain in the back!!! I may post this on my blog.. but only with ur permission and of course, I'd give you the credit!! :D
ReplyDeleteAhhh, I can't believe that we actually got to experience what you wrote in this post. It sounded like a dreamland.
Anyway, love you friend. And God is awesome.
i love you, nancepants. i miss you, but i am sooo excited about what you're doing with your life. believe me, God is always using you =)
ReplyDeleteWell folks, I have the most inspiring sister on EARTH.
ReplyDeleteNance, seriously. I adore you and I am so thankful to have you as a sister. You are one fine gem. I laughed so many times reading this... about the "starbus" especially. I will make sure to keep it a secret, but hopefully no starbucks spies come to South Korea. Just sayin', they are serious and it could totally happen.
Love you sister, keep these awesome posts coming and make sure to read my blog, too :). Once I figure out how to work the thing, make it pretty, and once the British adventures begin, I'll start writing. xoxo