So it's been another few weeks - and I'm officially through the holidays! It ended up being a great week. My friend April came up to Seoul for the weekend- we went out in Hongdae Friday night, and during the day on Saturday, we went shopping, ice skating in front of City Hall, and out for dinner. The ice skating was only a dollar for rentals, and we did it for about an hour! Then we found a cute second floor place and got Korean bbq - which has become my new obsession. They bring out - usually pork - and grill it on either a grill or a hot stone over a stove, and its the most delicious meal. Then you wrap it in a lettuce leaf with garlic, onions, and this sauce that's just seriously incredible. Plus all the sides just make it the best.

And don't forget shots of sojuuu!

We went out again on Saturday, to her friend G-Mo's party. He's a music producer, and an awesome rapper. We listened to his show, and there was a raffle for christmas gifts, one of which April won. We ended up going to a club and going back with some friends we made to an army base in Yongsan. We stayed at their hotel room with like 7 people and hung out there til the morning.

We got Subway, SOFT cookies, and a trip to shop on base. Of course there were countless things I wanted, such as the delicacies of Doritos, Egg nog, microwavable pizzas, Kraft singles, Ranch dressing, and American chocolate, but I was so overwhelmed all I managed to grab was a bag of Reeses Pieces. Which dont get me wrong------------------- i'm thrilled.

Speaking of ranch, April also had tried to leave again the night before after we had arrived at the base hotel. When i say night before, also, I mean 5:15 a.m. - to go dancing, despite us telling her everything would be closed. She ended up finding this boy sleeping in the hallway, and left to go to a club. WHen all was said and done, I found out later he was very "mean," and she had tried to get an MP to write him up formally, because he was 'disrespectful' to her and wouldn't give her the Ranch dressing he had in his room. The MP wrote up a formal complaint for her, and actually made the poor guy give her his ranch dressing and apologize for his rudeness. (this is all totally understandable, and until you live in Korea land, or a country like it, you'll never realize the lengths you may go to for some kraft singles or a delicious salad dressing).

We found out later the "formal complaint" was on loose leaf paper. That was probably thrown away sooon after. But ranch dressing was obtained. So i'd call that a success.

Anyway - the next day (Sunday) we decided to just swing on down to Jinan 3 hours away where she lives, and do Christmas down there. I had nothing else planned, so I stayed at her house these last three days. She worked on Monday, so I finally relaxed for a day - I believe it's the second day I've had in 4 months where I have had nothing planned. I was going to do some hiking and exploring, but besides a quick walk to this beautiful pagoda with gorgeous views, I slept in and watched a few movies while she was away working.

We spent the weekend going to a great buffet, exploring around, and shopping. We also made french toast, which was super exciting.

Not a lot from this weekend, but it was tons of fun, and glad I didn't have to hole up by myself for Christmas. I skyped my fam - and now in 2 days, I'm leaving for Jeju Island - which will include gorgeous hikes, scenery, and motorized scootering on an off shore island. There's also incredible "peanut" makkeoli I hear, and I cannot waittttt to try it.

ALSO most recently, I think I finally might have a possible plan in mind for when my contract ends. April ends her contract in September, mine in August. That will probably mean I have about 3 weeks or so between when she ends and when I end. I want to travel to SE Asia - possibly with Miss Carlee Potter if she comes - and tour 2-3 countries. (At the top of my list are Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.) I also want to go to Vietnam - but I think Vietnam is essentially beaches, and besides a few war exhibits, offers a lot that the other countries do). Of course I have 7-8 months to decide, but its still so exciting. AND i can always come back another time later on in life sometime!

THEN after that, I would fly back to Seoul, and depart with April to BELGIUM AND GERMANY for oktoberfest and some traveling in Europe. We are also considering Austria! I'm almost positive I'm doing this, provided I can figure out how to keep all my luggage safe with someone in Seoul, and get my airfare provided a few months later than planned from my school. Which who knows how my director will feel about that. She can be as helpful or as unhelpful as she wants to be (to put it lightly) depending on the day.

But I don't see why I wouldn't do this now. When else will I have places to stay with friends in Germany during OKTOBERFEST.

As long as I'm home for the 2013 holidays, I think it'll be fine.

SO MANY EXCITING THINGS though, from this weekend. Lots of plans of things to do. It's going to be a great new year for sure. I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store.

Oh and I miss my dog. Which is why he's right up there at the top. Murphy <3