hrm

am trying something out...

cool.

yikes

i lost a month. where did march go??  yikes.  

nothing much to report.  i have my annual chest cold again.  i'm a little bit worried because it usually only gets better when i go back to the states, and that's a ways away yet.  >_<  but, it will probably be fine.  it's getting warmer.  spring is finally here!  flowers are starting to bloom.  it's still pretty chilly at night, though.  i think home weather and here weather traded places.  

no new photos in a while, so here's a oldie.  cherry blossoms in gyeongju from a few years back.

two holidays, belatedly

in honor of lunar new year and valentine's day, which both fell on the same date this year...

ddeok-guk (떡국) -- rice cake soup.  in korea, you turn one year older at the new year, not on your birthday.  (though, i'm not sure if it's one year older on the january 1 new year or on the lunar new year... does anyone know?)  this soup is traditionally eaten over the lunar new year's holiday to make you grow one year older. 

also

Nut to you, valentine!  brought to you by the bakery chain Paris Croissant.  at least they didn't add an "s" to nut.  ~lol~

snow

it's snowing! it's like christmas snow, the perfect snow for snowball fights and snowmen.  what a strange winter we're having in seoul.  it doesn't usually snow this much.  

but i'm happy.  i miss snow. and yes, i know that when i get home i'll probably get really tired of the snow, but for now... i miss it. snow is happy fun.

across the street.

lonely car.

midnight trek.

footprints & a heart.  i made the heart.^^

down the street.  hope they have good window scrapers.

guts!

a strange mix of chocolate, caramel, cookie roll, & peanut butter.

guts.  are you ready?

the Jeju Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival is coming up again at the end of February.  the boy and i went to this festival on Jeju Island three years ago with some co-workers.  it was really cool.  

basically, an entire mountain is set on fire while everyone prays for a good harvest.  in the past, farmers set their fields on fire to burn harmful bugs and allow new grass to grow for their cows.  

here's the mountain on fire.  it was one of the most amazing experiences i've had here.  the heat was intense.  to see an entire mountain go up in flames, it was unforgettable.  

before the mountain is burned at sunset, there are a number of booths and restaurants set up with traditional Jeju food....

lots and lots of snacks....

and tons of people flying kites. 

if you're ever in Korea 15 days after the lunar new year begins, stop down in Jeju-do.^^

travelbug

i'm ready for some travel.  we won't be doing much this year, though, due to weddings and things next year.  

have been looking back at old photos recently.  and dude.  i want to travel.  ~lol~

halong bay, 2007