Since the last update, I was on my way to China but since I suck at updating, I went...came back and and I'm on my way to Thailand in 2 weeks...

The only thing this tells me is that I must update more often than once every 2 months.

Ok so here is the update, an all in one, all inclusive, almighty, power update. I hope you're ready for this cause it's gonna be a good one!

China...

Well the day came and it was time to leave for China...we caught the train to Busan (about an hr ride from Daegu) to meet the tour at the airport. The trip was packed with things to do. Early morning and late returns to the hotel, which was very tiring but when you only have 4 full days to see Beijing you must make the best of it!

The sights were pretty amazing. Beijing is a true example of old meets new, of traditional and modern all mixed into one. Take the original look of the slanted roofs, the small streets and the multi-generation family homes found in the Huton (old Beijing if you will) and add the modern infrastructure, the well-organized road networks and add the use of balance as the centre of how the Chinese design their cities and you have Beijing. Also, with the Olympics approaching soon, the city has been transformed and I think it's ready for the influx of tourists and athletes.

The hotel was great! Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven. Beautiful rooms and great location and they had THE BEST BREAKFAST EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!! The one thing missing in my life in Korea is the availability of a good breakfast diner! So I would wake up extra early to make sure I got some breakfast before we took off for the day.

Shopping in China was FANTASTIC!!!! The markets were amazing. All the fake goods a girl could possibly want, at the best prizes! The bartering was a great experience and I definitely hope to go back for some more in the future!

Overall the trip was great and I'm glad that I had a taste of China. I will visit again!!

All those positive things being said though, I will NEVER go on a tour again...hahaha...I've traveled far too much to deal with stupid people on a tour. The tour itself was great (props to Kangsan Travel), but some of those people who forgot they were adults while in China I could have done without!

Hapkido

Quick hapkido update...blue belt is now mine!!! WOOT! We also went to a tournament, at which we won gold (but don't ask me how many other teams there were in our catergory, haha). Also our doejang (studio) won first place overall! We were all very happy and Kwan Jang Nim (the teacher, hapkido master in Korean) took us out for lunch! Next belt test in April. Red belt here I come!!

AIR RAIDDDDDDDDDDDDD

Quirky Korea story...

So the other day I was leaving hapkido and the air raid siren was going (it's a drill that happens once a month or so from what I hear, but that hasn't been confirmed)...anyways, I had heard it before but I had never been on the street when it happened. EVERYTHING stops. Traffic and pedestrians. The drill is suppose to be in case of an attack from our friendly neighbours to the North. This way emergency vehicles can get to where they are going. It was very very strange. There are city workers stationed at every corner with whistles making sure nobody crosses streets or drives during the drill period. So I waited at the lights with Yu Rim (a Korean girls who takes hapkido with me) and we laughed at the people being yelled at for trying to cross the streets.

FFFFFinally...

I'm going to Thailand and Cambodia in April. The plan right now is as follows

Fly to Bangkok
Continue onto Cambodia
Spend 3 days in Cambodia
Fly back to Bangkok
Fly to Phuket (pronounced poo-get)
Then lay on the beach, get a tan and drink delicious drinks!!!

WOOT!! I love vacations!!

SIDE NOTE

My time here is flying! I can't believe I am in month 9 of my first year in Korea. Before I know it I will be flying home! I have plans to return to Korea after a short visit home but I'm very excited to see the family and visit with friends!!!

Till next time...Annyeong!!