27/25. "Pat Likes Fine Pine Trees"

The above sentence is from a Jungchul Junior 1/2 pronunciation.

It is very lovely indeed to have so many pine trees to smell and wander through here in Changwon. Indeed, pine trees and cones are everywhere. I came across a plethora of them on a hillside in Ginhae on Saturday, with some steps winding their way up through them.. see photo it could so easily have been Wells Pinewoods.

I spent Saturday in Ginhae (MR System) or Jinhae (post-2000 spelling). I have been suffering this week from low energy levels, headaches and a lazy left eye, a la Thom Yorke. I've had problems sleeping. I've felt better. So, it was good to get some fresh air, by the coast... a short 20 minute drive from Changwon. It took longer to park, as it was Festival Time, symbolised by the very pink cherry blossom trees, which are everywhere at this time of year. Changwon has its fair share, too.. but this was more pleasant and there was a warm buzz... i tired quickly, however.

I filmed Junior 1/6 Level Ceremony on Friday.. and I made the only mistake.. the kids did well. I spoke a few dodgy sentences in Korean to the parents. Otherwise, a normal week at work. I've asked about holiday as If I don't ask.. i won't get. We do have another day off next week due to local elections and the candidates have been spotted around town, parading themselves under designated numbers, 1 to 8 this time.

TV wise... inbetween Korean News and debates... I'm up-to-date with Torchwood and I'm steadily watching the final episodes of Six Feet Under.

I am still jealous of couples and being in Ginhae just rubbed it in... perfect place to take your girlfriend.. i'm fed up of being single, i really am. It is not for a lack of opportunity - it's just the ones I fancy are always taken.

On Sunday, it was possibly the warmest day of the year so far, while you lot back in England freeze in the snow. Miso turned up with a colleague from work, Su Jong (a.k.a. Crystal) and we went to a 'fancy' jjimjilbang, near the train station, in Changwon. We sneeked our cameras in for a photo shoot - mostly using Crystal's high-tech gadget... the few on the site are from my camera - i only took a few myself. Obviously, no naked shots or pictures of the hot tubs. There aren't any, honest(!) Relaxing! I used my one and only chat-up line... "I've got a headache"... and it worked like a charm... both girls feeling the need to give me a head massage. AHmmm! anyway, i will stop there!

Yours, frustrated of Changwon-Si,

Phil.