I heart Korea even though it is smelly!

On Thursday, I made it to base, got pancakes from McDonald's, met up with Angela and her husband Dave, and got to the airport. The flight was very easy, especially since I was reading this book that I absolutely loved. We got to Korea and took the shuttle over to the Dragon Hill Lodge. It was on the base in Seoul and had a ton of different restaurants, like Pizza Hut, Subway, and Burger King. I realized I had not seen a Burger King in almost 3 months, but did not eat there. Anyway, once we checked in we headed over to our Thanksgiving dinner at the hotel. For the most part, it was not very good and the main thing I liked was off the children's table (pigs in a blanket). After, we went to one of the hotel bars and had several drinks. We went to bed early to get up to take the DMZ aka demilitarized zone between South and North Korea. At 7:30 AM we met up with the tour and went about 2 hours North to the DMZ zone. Our first stop led us to one of four tunnels discovered by South Korea that North Korea claimed they dug when looking for coal and not because they were trying to invade South Korea. We made the the trek far below the earth and as I was walking down I thought oh fuck we have to walk back up. When we got down there, it really was painted black. Also, apparently North Korea wants money from South Korea for the tour claiming they should get some since they dug the tunnels. Whatever, the next part of the tour took us to a viewpoint of North Korea. It was very foggy and really could not see much, but it was a really neat experience. Last part of the tour, took us to the train station from South Korea to North Korea. The only people allowed to ride it are people in South Korea that work at this one specific factory. However, I was told that on Friday it was closed due to conflict indefinitely. We got back to the hotel and I went and got my nails done. I swear I saw a bunch of nail shops nothing like Japan. After, we had decided to see a traditional Korean show and have a traditional Korean meal. The show was kind of interesting and the food was absolutely disgusting. In Korea, they serve Kim Chi with every meal. Kim Chi is picked or rotten cabbage. It is so gross and everywhere/everyone in Korea smells like it. I have no idea what 90% of the meal was, but none of it was good. The next day, Angela and I went to get Korean massages. It was a lot like the naked house,but Korean style. You go in pay, take off your clothes, soak in hot water with other naked people, then the little Korean lady called me up for my massage. Anglea and went up there and the little Korean told me what seemed very sternly to lay on the table. I laid on the table and she took out what felt like to Brillo pads and scrubbed my entire body. It was painful and not a good I idea. She flipped me from side to side and I could see skin coming off. Yuck, most of you know that I very sensitive skin and I could feel a slight rash developing over my entire body. However, I am dumb ass and proceeded with the massage. She walked on my back, dumped baby oil and milk everywhere and rub it in, while dumping hot water every couple of minute. I know this sound so fun, but it was an experience. After it was over of course I had a rash everywhere, but ignored it and hoped it would go away. It was so cold that day that I guess the rash went away. We got to the hotel, got her husband, and went to a night market. It was like 20 degrees and freezing. We looked around a bit and I bought some things. After, we went to Outback Steakhouse. It was delicious and by this time Angela had convinced her husband to try the Korean Massage. We dropped him off, found a bar where I could try So Chu/Korean moonshine like 40% alcohol in the shot, and found a bar that for around 5 dollars you could drink free. Dave finished the massage and I am pretty sure was traumatized by the experience. We went back to the hotel and some more drinks. The next day I woke up with a full body rash, traveled back the whole day with it, and went to the emergency room when I got back on base. It was quick got medicine, and woke up feeling much better. I had a great time in Korea, but I leave for America in a week!!! Also, I want to say Happy Birthday to my favorite smelly 30 year old in DC.

Before drinking the Korean moonshine

After drinking the Korean moonshine

Freezing my ass off at the night market

I wish I had been drunk my Korean massage made me so sick :(

I am so funny!

Such pimps that is like 100 dollars, but a zillion Won.

Angela enjoying the delicious meal.

Kim Chi, smells and tastes like garbage and all of Korea/people,places,animals smell like it.

Cass my favorite Korean beer!

At our traditional Korean dinner, the food was so disgusting.

By chance, we found the war memorial where they were celebrating 60 yrs since the war.

Very charming, I so want to go there.

The train station that can take you to North Korea. However, I heard it closed the day I went.

North Korea and me!!

If you look at the fog you will see North Korea.

Being very mature on the tour.

On the tour, we got to go down in the tunnel that North Korea dug to try to invade South Korea. When the tunnels were discovered North Korea said they were looking for coal and even painted the tunnels black. Apparently, it is common knowledge no coal in that area. Also, it was a bitch climbing the tunnel back up.

Am I the only one that did not know KIA and Hyundai were Korean cars??

Yum! Korean worms are everywhere.

Hopefully, I will heart Korea

I am really excited about Korea. I have no real expectations of this trip, but can't wait to take my picture at the North Korea border!!! The plan thus far is wake up, get to base, take the bus to the airport, we will be there at 4:30 PM, 1:30 AM New Orleans time, and will be having Thanksgiving dinner at the hotel. I am excited to see the hotel, I will be staying at the Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul, should I be captured by the communists. Friday, we are taking the DMZ tour aka North Korea. Saturday, I am not sure, but maybe some shrines, shopping, and cheap spa treatments. On Sunday, back to Japan and one week of work before I come home!!!! Happy Thanksgiving.

Coming home baby!!!!

You guessed it I'm coming home, well at least for two weeks. For the past month, I was trying to come home without having to pay for it. I managed to find a conference related to counseling military children,in South Bend, Indiana (who knew Norte Dame was there). After, I got approved to go to New Orleans for two weeks. I fly into Indiana on the 9th, fly to New Orleans on the 12th and even managed to fly out of New Orleans on the 29th. Now, you may be thinking will I get back on the plane on the 29th and I am. I have too I really don't know what the consequences would be if i did not return. So I am super excited to come home and be able to see Rosalind, Monkey, & Magee, go to the last Saints game, and spend my birthday/Christmas at home. My Hong Kong trip will now be at President's Day on Feb.12-16th. Today, I spent most of the day making arrangements for my travel. I did have two clients and got one more. I guess business is picking up right before I leave. However, I have been a counselor for a while and I know most people in counseling stop coming until after the holidays are over. Even though it is probably when they need the most outside support. I went to the gym and met my new friend at Chilis. She is staying at the hotel where I stayed when I first got here. Tommorow, I have some clients and my last time with my English class. I will miss them I truly enjoyed talking with them. At least, I know they have a great understanding of New Orleans. I have my fingers crossed that maybe he will just give me the class. After, I am meeting Eko for drinks and the next day Korea. I will try to update, but this maybe my last post till Sunday. I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and can't wait to see you.

Getting lost in Kitakara

On Friday, I went to the gym and to my newest hot spot TGI Fridays. I really love the Friday's Chicken, grilled chicken with bacon and cheese. I went to sleep at 8 because of my trip the next day which I had to be on base for 4:30 AM. Surprisingly, I easily got up, put my many layers of clothes on, and got a taxi right away.The trip consisted of couples and old people. I had my own seat being one of the only single people on the trip and headed 400 miles north of Yokosuka. We stopped at a truck stop where it was covered in snow. I walked round, made a snowball, and was surprised that it was cold, but not that cold you could not be outside. After, we went to our first stop some storehouse, which was boring. Our next stop was Kitakara. Apparently, Kitkara is like the ramen capital of Japan, people come from all over Japan just to eat this ramen. It was ok, but after the ramen I separated from the group thinking I knew where I was going. I didn't and got so lost. I knocked on this car and an older lady who spoke no English tried to help me with directions. She pulled over and asked me to what I can only guess was if I wanted a ride. Her son was with her and spoke a little English. They drove me to the place I had pointed to on the map and I freaked when we got there because it was the wrong place. I started tearing up and panicking, I acted out the place I was suppose to meet the tour bus and some how they figured it out. I jumped out the car and thank them. I got to the bus like 10 mins. late, but no one noticed. I decided that my helplessness is international and even when I don't speak the language i still can get someone to help me. However, I later realized I left my new gloves and my sunglasses in their car. I will miss my sunglasses. The rest of the tour seemed to take forever. I went to a castle, it was pretty. I got back to the base at midnight and caught a ride from a coworker. On Sunday, I went with a person I met on the tour to Tokyo. She had only been here for two days and me being an expert of Japan I showed her around. We went back to Harajuku and to Shibuya area. Both places had a million people and it made me very cranky. Unfortunately, I did not know this girl and I was cranky, maybe a new friend or not. I got back, got my laundry, and American lady pulled over and asked me if I needed a ride. Although, I know it is dangerous i risked it for a free ride to the laundromat. Back at work, got good news that I will share maybe tomorrow or the next day.

On Sunday, I went back to Harajuku street minus all the umbrellas. I walked down that street and was very cranky by the end.

Part of a replication of a samurai apartment from back in the day

My first castle, I was disappointed to learn that it had been rebuilt in the 60's and was not 400 yrs old. I learned there are only two original castles left standing in Japan. I will have to locate them and see the legit castles.

My shoes in the snow for Rosalind.

I thought the leaves were pretty.

A tribute to my sunglasses that I lost later that day :(

Snow!!! Lots and Lots of snow!

Ready for the cold, I have on two pairs of pants, two undershirts, sweater, jacket, gloves, hat, scarf, and parka with fur. I could barely get out the door.

I made it through another week.

Yeah! It's Friday, looking back over the past week my professional opinion is that this job depresses me. I know what your thinking, especially Rosalind that I knew that before taking it. I really did I knew I would do nothing and get paid for it. You may read this and think why is she bitching I would love a job where I did nothing. As for me, I am person whom not only loves, but needs to stay busy. So, I am not sure what I am going to do, but that I am glad it is Friday and I don't have to be in this office. Last night, I had my second English class and I explained to the best of my ability American football. I know me teaching about football, but I needed a topic that was an American issue that they probably had little understanding about. Also, before I leave they will be experts on the subject of New Orleans. We drew pictures, talked about the stadiums, one even knew who Peyton Manning was, and explained Superbowl Sunday. They seemed to really enjoy it and proceeded to explain to me Japanese baseball. It is huge here and taken very seriously, well the Japanese take everything very seriously. After, I went to the naked house/onsen. I love it there. You can take a shower, not have to clean up, soak in the hot water, and go home. You see most bathrooms and apartments in Japan are so small you can barely move around in them. So you come to soak and enjoy the space. Also, it was freezing and it was nice to be in the hot water. Now, I am back at work, no plans for tonight because I have to be on base for 4 AM. However, I guess I will be walking in the cold unless I see a taxi no buses run at that time. I can't really call a cab because they do not speak English. Other than that I am looking forward to my first trip with the recreation department on base. We are going to Aizu, which is 400 miles north of Yokosuka. I hate the cold yet I signed up to go further north, where even on the itinerary said to wear many layers. We are going to Kura no Saton suppose to be like old school Japan, then Tsurga castle my first castle, and back to Yokosuka. We get back at 9 PM and then I am meeting Eko for drinks. Sunday, I have no real plans, but may really try to go to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. I hope you have a great weekend. Miss everyone tons...

I think the hot drinks at the 7/11 are cute.

I have never had these, but I like the name Snufkin.

Pocky is delicious, white or milk choloate potatoe sticks.

Don't know what they are called, but a great little snack.

Yum, a hot dog with mayo and ketchup sitting on a shelf!

Mayo and corn sandwich anyone???

I eat these sometimes in the morning, pickled egg sandwich.

This is something I like sweet egg. It is good on top of rice.

This is a nasty dessert in Japan. It takes like playdough with black beans in the middle. Yum!!

I think I may be ready to go

Now, I am not a quitter, but I have been thinking for several days that I am ready to go home. Today, was the first day I really felt that I would not be a failure if i went home. I have done so much and you will never understand how hard I have tried, but I am exhausted. I more than miss home and really words can't describe this experience. However, today I have had enough maybe tomorrow I will feel differently. I moved to another country and created another life. I know a lot of people experience this, but you know what I love my life in New Orleans maybe it took me coming to Japan to see it or as Ros likes to say I always have to put my hand in the fire. As many of you know, especially those that are close to me that this past year was very difficult. I worried my friends, upset my parents, and was absolutely horrible to Rosalind. For the first time, in a long time, I feel at peace. I am not worried about what you might think if I leave, really I feel I have done what I needed to do. I am not worried about disappointing my parents and I know you will be disappointed. I could only ever hope that you are proud and try your best not to judge me for my actions. I guess we will see. Please do not comment I don't need a pep talk, but thank you. Homesickness is a bitch...

Winter will begin on Thursday!

I went to dinner with Eko and she told me I had to go get a better coat because winter would be here on Thursday. Now, to me it was windy and cold, but apparently this is warm and it will be freezing from this point. Also, I am going to Korea next week and I checked the temperatures there, in the 20's. Wonderful, I love the cold. I can guarantee that from this point there will be daily comments about how fuckin cold it is here. Anyway, we went to a Mexican restaurant, which I thought was funny and it was great. I swear better than any place in New Orleans. After, we went to the mall and unfortunately the XL in Japan is like an American M maybe even S. I went over to the men's and found a purple parka with down, hood, lining, and fur. I guess it was good to have a mom with me since she was like no that won't be warm enough try this one and put that one down. It's fine I have never had a parka so I can check it off the list. Since, I did not go to the gym I walked home in the cold and was nearly blown down by the wind. Awesome!!! So Japan has greeted me with another nice surprise of a cold ass winter. Work was boring. I had one client and talked to a really really old friend for two hours, that was great. Tomorrow, I teach my class and will continue to educate them on Thanksgiving and the American divorce system.

Bored

This job is so boring it is not even worth writing....

Mt. Fuji

Friday night, I went to the naked house aka onsen all by myself. It is amazing how comfortable it is and yet you are basically taking a bath with random Japanese people. On Saturday, I got up, took the train to Yokohama, and D&T picked me up to go to Mt. Fuji. Luckily, D&T had decided to rent a car. When you rent a care for like 40 dollars all the tolls are in included with the rental. Otherwise, the tolls would have been like 150 dollars basically for a two hour drive. I was amazed some of the tolls were like 15 to 20 dollars. I was thinking how 50% of the time when I worked on the Westbank I had to search for a dollar and sometimes would have to get off the interstate, find an ATM, and then I had a dollar. I don't think that would work here. Anyway, the drive was very nice and Mt. Fuji was beautiful. When we got there, we looked at the cute shops, ate some free samples, and attempted to take pictures of Mt. Fuji. It was very very cold and cloudy so you could not see the top. After, they took me to an outlet mall in Japan. However, it was not like our outlets the stores were like Prada, Gucci, Vivan Westwood etc... They did have a Gap, but it was so overpriced that it was not worth looking. We ate at an Italian restaurant and drove back. When I got back to Yokosuka, I met Eko for some drinks. We went to a karoke bar named Texas bar, you can take a guess that it was a very classy establishment and went back to the bar I went to my very first day here that I thought was named Charlie's, but really it's called Casablanca and the owner is Charlie. We had fun and too much to drink. On Sunday, I dragged myself out of bed to do laundry. It is so much work to do laundry. I have to put all my clothes in a suitcase, drag it down stairs, walk to the bus stop, get it on and off the bustop, drag it to the laundromat, and do the same to get back to the apt. However, I did find a restaurant I like called Johnathan's like Denny's, but better. So, it's Monday back at work and have to come everyday this week. Today, I have to pay my rent hard to believe I have been there a month.

After some drinks....

Later that night, hanging out with Eko at a place called the Texas bar.

After Mt. Fuji, we went to an outlet mall. Look dad they even sell cheesesteaks in Japan.

I thought the sky at Mt Fuji was so blue and pretty.

I attempted to take a picture of the top, but the clouds blocked the view.

We were in the clouds...

Pretending I am about to hike to the top, I even found a walking stick to pose with.

Detta and I at the fifth station, the last station you can drive too. It was freezing!!!

Various items at Mt. Fuji

I finally made it to Mt. Fuji!

Yeah!!! It's Friday

I am so excited that it is Friday, not that I have really been at work this week. I got to work and everyone asked was I ok etc etc and really I was just out one day. You would have thought I was on my death bed. When I got to my office door, Eko had left me some pears and I thought that was very nice. I will be sure to thank her when we go out on Saturday. I got some bad news when I checked my email. My proposal to go to this random conference had been shot down. However, I have two back up conferences one in South Bend, Indiana on 12/11-12/12 and one in San Diego on 1/26-1/30 so cross your fingers that they let me go to one of these conferences or maybe both!! I am planning to go to New Orleans should they let me go. Anyway, I did some paperwork and left at 11:30 to get a pedicure and manicure. I had to cut the manicure short when I realized I had been gone almost 2 hrs. hehe So, I am back at work waiting for my new client, 14 year old girl always fun then to the gym. No going out tonight because I am going to Mt. Fuji early in the morning. Baby, I saw the Jets won, you heart Brett Farve. Have a great weekend!!!

Sick day

I was tried and did not go to work. I have slept the day away and now am about to get up to get lunch. So I lasted two months without calling in I think that might be my world record. However, tonight I have my class and I have to go to work tommorow. Until my class, I am going to watch Gossip Girl, my new favorite retarded show.

Christmas time at Tokyo Disney Sea even though they are mostly Buddaists.

The Queen Mary at American Frontier Land, it was massive.

It looks just like the one in Mexico.

So original with our poses and our attempt to hold up the world.