Fall Leaves

   Yesterday we had class as usual in Seoul, but after class met up with a guy who gave us some of his used books. He's given us books before, so it was nice to chat with him for a bit (and now we have some really good reads waiting for us on our shelf). We're getting closer to our final exams; only one full week of classes left and then it's go-time on the 28th and 29th! We're looking forward to a tiny break in between this term and next (maybe 3 weeks).

  Today we took a break from studying and took the bike for a short ride into the country. The rice fields and leaves were so vibrant with colors; it was really nice to see. The temperature was just perfect, too, but we know the cold will be here soon.

  Nothing else too exciting going on right now, just staying busy with work and school. 

Hanging out next to some rice fields.

An elderly couple gathering their harvest.

Love the colorful leaves!!

Hot-Air Balloon Fest

  On Saturday we had our second statistics exam. It was a lot more difficult than the last one, but luckily we were allowed a "cheat sheet" so hopefully that helped us. After class we took a bus 2 hours south-east to Daejeon, Korea's 3rd-largest city. They were holding an International Hot Air Balloon Festival that we really wanted to see.

  We got into the city around 7pm, and after a bit of confusion, found the festival grounds. The balloons were set up right along the Gap River in the middle of the city, and it was quite impressive. We got dropped off on one side of the river, took some photos from afar, and then walked across the floating bridge to get an up-close view. They were lighting them up one by one, and in the dark it looked really cool.

  After awhile we got hungry and found this restaurant that over-looked the whole festival. The food was good and the view was great. We got back to the fest just in time to catch a few fireworks being set off.  A bit after 10 we started walking to find a hotel, but ended up jumping in a cab 45 mins later (we weren't in the 'hotel part' of town). Sunday morn we got up and headed back to the festival grounds, where they happened to be giving free balloon rides. We waited in line for 45 mins and took advantage of the short trek in the balloon (basically up 20ft and then back down again) but it was still really fun.

  There's a Costco in Daejeon, so we went there again to pick up a few things. We found cereal, bagels, and tortillas.

  This week we've got no tests for Uni, but in 2 weeks we have final exams for both classes. It's crazy how time flies.  Hope everyone is well :D

PS- I've posted 60 pics of our fall experiences on my facebook acct, so click here  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2073230&l=2f50b&id=184902869

 

Hot air balloons by night.

The beautiful daejeon Landscape.

In line for the big ride.

Up, up, and away!!

Foundation Day & Festivals

Friday, October 3rd was Korea's Foundation Day, so we didn't have class. We headed an hour and a half south-east to Chungju, where there was an Internatl Martial Arts Festival happening. There were 30 countries in this fairly small city to show off their native countries dances. We were able to see Brazil, Australia's Aboriginies, Korea's Taekyun, New Zealand and Kenya. It was really nice to see the traditional dress of all the countries. Our friend Amy came with us, and it was a really good time.

   Saturday morn we headed into Seoul for class, and when we finished at 4pm, we headed to the financial district to take in a Fireworks Show. It was a competition between Hong Kong and Korea, with each show lasting 25 minutes. There were tons of people, and it was a bit overwhelming. We went with Heath and Amy, and it was a good time. We all spent the night in Seoul and on Sunday morn we got up and went to Costco (similiar to Sam's Club) where we stocked up on Western food! We were happy to find the following foods: bacon, salami, sour cream, muffins, tortilla chips, American brand granola bars and crackers!!

   This week we're busy with classes; our final exams will be at the end of October for this term, so there are lots of things to get ready for. Luckily we'll get a 3 week break in between this term and next (we really need a break).

   This Saturday we have a statistics midterm, and after that we're going to head to Daejon (2 hours south east of Seoul) for a hot air balloon festival. It should be really cool, so stay posted for pics from that!! For now, enjoy some pics from last weekend:

Rice is almost ready to be harvested, and it has turned a bright green color.

This was our view on the way to Chungju.

Korean Martial Art Tae-kyun (similar to Taekwondo)

An aboriginal tribe from Australia.

This is in Seoul's financial district Yeoido (you can see that tall building to the left: that's the 63 Building, the tallest in korea).

Hong Kong did their show for 25 minutes, and Korea went right after.

The crowds of people were ridiculous: this is a major road that has been completely stopped due to pedestrians (and motorists) stopping and taking pics in the middle of the road.