I know I have yet to finish Borneo posts, but I couldn't help but put up a post or two about our recent travel to Japan over Chuseok. This is actually our second trip, but the first one we took where we could actually do anything. The first trip Derik was out due to a terrible ankle sprain/partial ligament rupture. On of our favorite parts of our recent trip was a visit to Kyoto. I've never been to a city as peaceful as Kyoto, and honestly I could totally see myself living there someday!! Nothing like riding an electric bike around for the day along the river, and watching the sunset go down (can't forget sucking down a few cardboard cartons of sweet tea either). Our second day in Kyoto, Derik and I rented electric bikes and headed ... Read More
Archives for September 2013
Homeless for Half a Month
It's official. As of Monday Derik and I won't have a home for half a month. Technically until October 13th, but heck...what's two days? Before you freak out as much as I have over the last few days, I have to say we have a lot to be thankful for. Remember this from my twitter feed and this post? Well you should. Because that was just from two days ago. Anyway the low down is our current housing contract is up on Tuesday. The housing situation in Geoje Island is crazy right now and finding an apartment is little to none. We had a really nice realtor step in to help us (seriously she's one of the nicest ladies I've ever met), and after calling TWENTY different property owners she only found four places available in our area. One of ... Read More
I Don’t Understand
I love Korea. I really do. We've lived here for almost two years and have no plans of moving anywhere else soon. We have so many opportunities here, and can't ignore the fact that it's allowed us to experience so many wonderful things! I never would have dreamed my life would be like this a few years ago, yet here we are. I can't say that we've completely gotten over the culture shock of living in Asia. I'm used to being surprised on a daily basis. I'm used to getting right in the middle of random, weird situations. I'm used to food prices being outrageous. However there are certain things I just cannot get past. I don't understand, and I don't think I ever will. Sorry Korea, I love you, but I just don't get it. 1. The driving - It's ... Read More
Looking for Saltwater Crocodiles
Well sort of. One of my lifelong goals is to see a giant saltwater crocodile in the wild. I don't know why, but I'm strangely fascinated with these ancient looking 'dinosaurs.' Maybe it's because the only English channels we seem to get here are Discovery and NatWild. I was probably a little overly excited when our jungle river tour-guide told us the river was home to quite a few of these giants. Unfortunately they like to be closer to the ocean and we hadn't the time in the day to venture that far. Before our trip it was also rumored that we could see pythons (!!!), pygmy elephants, long-nosed monkeys, a type of firefly native to Borneo, monitor lizards, and of course various other monkeys. I'm a huge fan of the outdoors, and the ... Read More
Blogging 101: Advice
It's no small secret that growing your blog does not happen spontaneously. Shoot, we all wish it did. I spent the entire first year of my blogging life just hoping the right person would come along and 'discover' me and how awesome my blog was. Yeah that didn't happen. It wasn't until I decided to take over the monster my blog had become did I realize I could actually do things to influence how my blog was going to succeed! We've all had our internet stalking moments trying to figure how this blogger did this or that, and how the heck they're so 'big.' I've found and received really great advice, but have also stumbled upon crappy advice. Blogging is a constant learning and growing process, and I still feel like I have tons to figure ... Read More
Saturday Takeover: Misadventures in Japan
Well, I'm officially back from an 'almost' week in Japan. You may have noticed the lack of my presence around these parts, but our trip was rather sudden! It was a fantastic way to relax over the Korean holiday. While I wade through emails, design requests, and comments, it only seemed fitting that I'd have a guest poster! Mrs. B purchased my Saturday Takeover spot a couple weeks ago, and she was scheduled to write today. I received her email while hanging out in Osaka, and wouldn't you know it but her guest post was about Japan!!! Perfect. Fitting. Lovely. I'll let her introduce herself, but please enjoy! I'll be writing my own Japan posts as soon as I finish Borneo. The life of a ... Read More
Korean Commercials Pt. 2
I've decided it's high time to post another round of korean commercials on the blog. If you missed the first group, you better go check out the awesomeness here. I'm constantly viewing new confusing TV ads every day, and I can't help but wonder WHY. I enjoy some of these for the pure entertainment factor, but you have to agree. Not exactly the classiest, most to-the-point, or clearest commercials you've ever seen. 1. Shrimp and cherries are NOT meant to be on a pizza. Italian chefs everywhere will be rolling around in their graves. 2. Play Etude. This one speaks for itself. 3. Well this one's pretty much just talking about how Korea now has LTE-A (because LTE wasn't good enough of course), and it's the fastest ... Read More
Expat Blues
It's a real thing guys. While you're sitting at home or maybe in a classroom at school wishing for a life of travels-it's not always fun and games. Yes, Derik and I have had an AMAZING travel experience and have loved every moment together (difficult and easy). There are down moments. After living abroad for almost two years without familiar company coming to visit or us going to visit them, it gets difficult. Especially when friendships come and go so quickly on our little island. This last week I was feeling particularly down (could it also be due to the fact it was the week before vacation-that week is always killer), and couldn't get my act together over anything. But instead of dwelling in the sadness of my situation (I'd be lying if ... Read More
Seoul Changed Me
I'm so happy to have a fellow world traveler taking over the blog for the day! Casey from True Colours has been a little bit of everywhere, and I'm eternally jealous of everywhere she's been and where she is going. Seriously, if you want to get a little green with envy visit her Upcoming Travels page. I need to try and convince Casey to pack me along in her suitcase! This lady has spent some time in Korea as well, so we can relate a little bit in our expat journeys. Go grab a cup of tea, sit down, relax, and read a bit about this lovely lady! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Living in Another Language readers! I'm Casey and I blog over at True Colours, documenting my love of ... Read More