Last week we had a new foreign teacher (Chris) start at work, so we had a week of covering extra lessons, and him observing our classes.All went well, and now he's started his full teaching role.There have also been a few timetable changes, so I have a couple of different, higher level classes which I hope will be good!On Thursday I went out for dinner with some girlfriends, and we had a different version of the BBQ pork 'galbi' dish which you wrap up in the lettuce leaves.We then took a trip to the Baskin Robbins ice cream shop afterwards!Meanwhile Graham went out with the boys to play some pool, at a pool hall where you can take your own beer.

On Friday we met a friend for lunch and had 'gamjatang'.They put a large bowl of soup in the centre of the table to cook on the stove, and it has huge pork spine bones in and potatoes.You then add mushrooms, cabbage, other leaves, pasta and various other things in to the pot to cook and then serve.It's very messy to get the pork off the spines, but worth it!Graham then went to play tennis whilst I went to work.

On Saturday we took the early bus to Busan, with some friends.As hostels are expensive at Haeundae beach, we booked into a 'love' motel (so called as you can hire them by the hour!)This was 45,000WON per double room (about 24.00GBP) but we managed to fit 5 of us into 2 rooms.After checking in and having some lunch at TGI Fridays, and having a quick look at the beach we headed to the UN memorial cemetery.This was set in beautiful, tranquil grounds and contained the graves of many of those lost during the Korean War.As well as the graves there was a Wall of Remembrance, with the names of all who died on it, as well as monuments, a chapel, 2 small museums and a path for the unknown soldiers.This was free to go in, and well worth a visit.

From here, Graham and the guys went to play screen golf, whilst Brooke and I went shopping!As golf is very expensive in Korea, screen golf is very popular.You hit the ball against a cloth which has the green projected onto it. (See photos).Meanwhile Brooke and I spent 5 hours shopping at the underground little market style shops and at the stalls and shops above ground too.Busan is great for shopping, and even has some things to fit westerners!I managed to get a few bargains - some trainers for 5.50GBP, a t-shirt for 1.65GBP, and a Volkswagen long sleeved top for 2.75GBP.We had great fun hunting out the bargains, and seemed to walk for miles!

That evening we met up with the guys and some other friends for drinks.At midnight the Rock 'n' Roll bar put on a fire floor show which was pretty good, and Bolton won 3-0, so our friend Darrell was very happy!So were the Koreans, as one of the Bolton players is Korean. It was a great night, with lots of dancing, and I had my first pint of proper apple alcoholic cider since we've been in Korea.Over here, they call lemonade cider, which is very confusing, and disappointing!I got the cider in the Irish bar, and it sent my head spinning!

On Sunday we had a Full English Breakfast at the Irish Bar, and then spent the day on the beach.The weather was good, but it was a little windy, so no swimming for us - just a paddle!We arrived back late on Sunday night exhausted after a great weekend away.

Maggie x