singing in my lifeboat

Another year over, a new one just begins.... Now is the time to reflect upon the year just gone by and look towards our year ahead. What will I discover, where will I explore, and how will I make positive changes in the life I live. I hope to create an exciting year by following my dreams and desire for adventure.


On New Years Eve, a situation occurred that could have ruined the beginning of the New Year. My purse containing all of my belongings was stolen downtown Seoul. Everything-cash, debit cards, id’s, camera, phone, ipod, house key, you name it. Thus leaving me broke and homeless for a couple of days. The jerk then proceeded to use my debit cards on numerous accounts, and made phone calls from my phone. Thank goodness I have made wonderful friends to help sort this situation out. I have been keeping a positive mind, and looking at the situation as a way to start the New Year completely fresh. Life never presents us with anything which may not be looked upon as a fresh starting point. And I believe in karma...


*because my camera was stolen, all pictures you will see have been taken by Jackie!*


Needless to say, I had a great winter vacation! I spent the week in Seoul with my friend Jackie as we explored the city and enjoyed being tourists. Our first experience led us to Dr. Fish. This is a coffee shop where there are little fish tanks built into the floor. Once you plunge your feet into the tank, the little fishies swarm your feet and eat off all of your dead skin. I was way too ticklish to thoroughly enjoy the experience, but it was definitely worth going!

the fish eating my feet

the fish nibbling at Jackie's feet

Jackie enjoying her pedicure!

After our fish pedicures, we went to an aquarium. This aquarium was definitely the strangest I have ever seen or imagined. They had “fish tanks” made out of anything you could put water in. I have never laughed so much at an aquarium...

fire extinguisher fish tank

fish in a toilet!
 

For New Years Eve, we made our way along with thousands of people to watch the countdown and ringing of the bell in downtown Seoul. It was like being in the crowds at Time Square. There was live music, a countdown, and masses of fireworks to bring in 2010.

we had to take turns to see!
 

Huge crowds of people
 

Jackie and I are both intrigued by Buddhist culture and decided to check out the largest Buddhist temple in Seoul. We definitely felt a bit lost since we did not know the “proper routines,” but there was such serenity in the place that it hardly mattered. It was fascinating to watch people worship and to be completely absorbed in the peace of my surroundings. We were lucky to meet a man who showed us around and explained the symbolism of what we were seeing.

illuminating the evil and darkness of the world
 

sending my wishes up to heaven
 

the 3 Buddhas-each with a specific role
 

ringing the bell to wake up the humans

After the temple, we met up with a bunch of girls and walked around the “wedding street” near the women’s university. The street is lined with over 200 wedding shops full of both beautiful and insanely repulsive wedding attire. We wondered into a wedding café where we drank chocolate milkshakes while modeling old, poofy wedding dresses.

mom-frame this one, it could be your only shot!

bride wars
 

pure insanity

Following that afternoon full of fun and laughter, we met up with friends for drinks and hookah. It was a perfect ending before heading back to the chaos of my job and un-ending attempts of piecing my identity and bank accounts back together.

You only get one chance at life, make it great!