On Wednesday morning we got up early (well early for me) to do a hike with some friends.We went up the mountain near to our apartment, so I agreed to go, as I figured I could then fit in a nap before starting work, which I did.One of our friends, and my recruiter, brought along his two small children, who I was very grateful of, as it meant the pace was kept pretty steady and we took time to enjoy the scenery and the play equipment!Usually I love hiking, and especially mountain climbing, but I've not done any in a while due to the ridiculous humidity here.I know that people in England keep saying that it's too hot back home, but believe me it is nothing compared to what we have here.Not only is it very hot, we have intense humidity.Some days the humidity is over 90%!There are times when I really think I could cut the air with a knife.I am very grateful for our AC unit, which makes it possible for us to sleep, but the problem is drying clothes, and my hair.The air is so damp that clothes can take days to dry, and using a hairdryer with no cold option is not pleasant at all.Last year I travelled with no hair dryer or straighteners, and it was fine to just let my hair dry in the sun, but some days here that just does not work.I guess I'll just have to stop washing my hair!Anyway, we had a great hike, and hope to join the group again soon for another.

On Friday night I had a staff meal after work.This was for the whole school, Elementary and Middle School teachers, English and Math, reception staff, technicians, and all those other people whom I have no idea what they actually do in the school!We practically took over the restaurant, where we all ate Samgipsal, and drank lots of soju.Koreans really love to drink, especially the soju.Some of us then went on to another bar where we stayed until the early hours.Graham joined us here, along with some other western friends, and Graham won me a heart shaped cushion on a dart game (see photos)! Soju really takes its toll on me, and I spent much of Saturday in bed recovering!

On Saturday evening we went to a friend's wedding reception.It was at a hotel which had its own brewery, and was probably the best beer we've had since being in Korea (saying that, it's not difficult to beat the competition)!We had a great evening, and met some new people, and now we know where to go for a decent beer.

On Sunday we decided to head downtown to do a bit of shopping and walking around.It was a really hot sunny day, so great for a walk by the river.For the first time I actually saw a stall selling dog outfits!We've seen the outfits on the dogs, but had not seen the full variety of options before.Unfortunately they are all for small dogs, so Pam (my mother-in-law) I couldn't get one for your dog Oscar - believe me, if we could have we would!In the evening Graham cooked a fantastic meal of sausages, mash, peas and gravy.The sausages aren't great, but they will do, and it was nice to get a taste of home (thanks to my Mum for sending the gravy granules).We were so full afterwards though, as we're not used to eating big western meals anymore, so we went for a walk around the reservoir.It was dusk, and cooling down a little, and the power walking Koreans were out in their masses!They were all there, covered from head to toe, some even wearing gloves, and we were sweating in our shorts and vest tops.There were loads of turtles, so we spent much time watching them, and then feeding the fish with crushed crisps!

My work has been very hectic lately.We are changing the testing system in the school, and stared the new tests today.All seemed to go well, let's hope it continues to for the rest of the week.

Maggie x