I now I have a new blog... one that's easier to format and looks prettier.
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Hopefully, I'll be a little bit more faithful to updating
Ciao loves
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
I suck at blogs
Yep, I suck at blogs. It's a well-known fact. And if you don't believe me... just look at how many blogs I've done in the year that I've been here. I just tend to forget about them, even when I have the time to write. So I think I'm going to set aside one hour each week (at least) to write an entry.... even if it's just to say that I'm alive.
Ummm, what's new in the land of kimchi? Nothing much. My replacement showed up last Wednesday, so I've been trying to help her out a bit (but sucking at it as usual). Work is crazy intense (hence the name Vacation INTENSIVE Program). We also have a reading presentation festival that ends on Thursday and Friday, so I've been busy with that. And of course, my friend's going away parties. I had three friends leave the country and one friend go into the army. And of course, Diana and I are leaving for Thailand in a little over two weeks (INSANE!). So I'm going to research some stuff on Thailand now... as for now, here's a picture! ^.^
Monday, August 1, 2011
Random pictures from my life
Yup, my life is work work work. Two weekends ago, I went to a MudFestival and here are some pictures!! It was a lot of fun, but exhausting!! Then last weekend, my friend Tamae from Japan came to visit! Another exhausting weekend with a TON of traveling - Daegu to Seoul and Seoul to Busan (one day), then Busan to Seoul and Seoul to Daegu (once again). So exhausting!! But crazy fun! Here's some pictures!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
I lead a very boring life....
Yup, it's true. While I do hang out with friends, it's usually nothing too exciting. This Friday, however, I was out until all hours (sorry Mom!). After work, I hung out with some friends, and then I left to go hang out with another friend who's leaving for Australia this week.
The real exciting part was deciding to stay up instead of sleeping. It was about 5 am when we all left to go home, the sun was starting to come up, so I decided to just sit in the park, drink coffee, and read. It was pretty interesting. I've never been up that early, and it's nice to know that the ajummas and the ajuhsis were exercising that early. I actually joined in because an ajumma kept insisting haha. Maybe I'll join them more often ^.^ Chilgok is really pretty in the mornings.... too bad I usually sleep in kkkkk
Boring life = boring post. Sorry!!
The real exciting part was deciding to stay up instead of sleeping. It was about 5 am when we all left to go home, the sun was starting to come up, so I decided to just sit in the park, drink coffee, and read. It was pretty interesting. I've never been up that early, and it's nice to know that the ajummas and the ajuhsis were exercising that early. I actually joined in because an ajumma kept insisting haha. Maybe I'll join them more often ^.^ Chilgok is really pretty in the mornings.... too bad I usually sleep in kkkkk
Boring life = boring post. Sorry!!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Boring Weekend
Yup, it's a bit of a boring weekend this week. Mostly because I am dirt poor. How I run through my money, I have no clue. I'm starting a new bank account this week in the hopes that that will help me. It would suck to come back from Korea completely broke. Sucks, but not completely surprising haha.
Yesterday was basically just Korean class, and then I went bowling, had Korean BBQ, and played card games with friends. Bowling is so cheap!! I forgot how cheap it is... maybe I'll go more often haha. I definitely need to practice. I played over 100, but I could definitely do a LOT better
Two more days and then pay day!! Wednesday, I don't have any work, so I'll be meeting up with my friend Ben and trying a new Mexican restaurant that just opened up. Hopefully it's semi-decent. I heard that the nachos leave a lot to be desired. Then it's the sand art festival this weekend in Busan, so there should be a ton of fun pictures ^.^
Mmmk, I should probably stop procrastinating and do stuff... like laundry, a little cleaning, and some work. Yup, this is the fabulous life of Rocio haha
Yesterday was basically just Korean class, and then I went bowling, had Korean BBQ, and played card games with friends. Bowling is so cheap!! I forgot how cheap it is... maybe I'll go more often haha. I definitely need to practice. I played over 100, but I could definitely do a LOT better
Two more days and then pay day!! Wednesday, I don't have any work, so I'll be meeting up with my friend Ben and trying a new Mexican restaurant that just opened up. Hopefully it's semi-decent. I heard that the nachos leave a lot to be desired. Then it's the sand art festival this weekend in Busan, so there should be a ton of fun pictures ^.^
Mmmk, I should probably stop procrastinating and do stuff... like laundry, a little cleaning, and some work. Yup, this is the fabulous life of Rocio haha
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
What to Bring to Korea
So basically, this is a list mostly for when I come back... and for those randoms who stumble upon this when asking the age-old question: "What DOES Korea not have?? What do I need for a year in Korea?" Well, here are some answers from my point of view....
What You Definitely Need For Korea
1. AMERICAN MEDICINE!!
As amazing as the Korean health system is, American medicine is by far stronger and more effective (in my opinion). Aleve, Tylenol, DayQuil and NyQuil, and Ibuprofen are just amazing. Definitely bring your own over-the-counter pain and cold medicine. My Aleve and DayQuil were a definite god send during the winter months (which last like for about 6 months). Don't forget your Benadryl if you have allergies or hay fever!! I brought some as a precaution, but it turns out that my hay fever is WAY worse in Korea than it is in Chicago. I think the yellow dust makes it worse (even though it isn't so bad in Daegu). I haven't tried the allergy medicine here yet, but I might if my hay fever gets worse. Vicks is also pretty necesary
2. Deodorant (unless you feel like paying around $8 US dollars per stick)
Yes, they DO have deodorant here in Korea, but it's a bit expensive. And from what I've found, they offer limited brands (Nivea is the most popular one here). In my HomePlus (like the US Walmart or Target), they only have Nivea and maybe one or two other brands if I'm lucky. Thankfully, I like the Nivea brand. But if you're picky, you should bring your own (I had about 8 sticks with me, but I ran through them in about 7 months.... so for a year, I would suggest about 12).
3. Towels!
While they, of course, have towels in Korea... most of them are ridiculously small. If you are like me and prefer beach-sized towels, I would suggest bringing one or two. I brought two towels with me (one beach size) and I use them the most. The CostCo here in Korea does have the same towels as the States, so if you are ok with normal size towels (and not beach-sized), you can just buy them here. Of course, they're about $15 dollars per towel.
4. An E-Reader (if you're a reader like me)
My Kindle has been amazing to have here. English books are only sold at certain bookstores (mostly Kyobo and YoungPoon), but the selection is limited and the books cost about 2-3 times more. With my Kindle, I can just pay the normal (or slightly cheaper) price and have the instant gratification of reading it whenever I want. I can even switch between books if I'm bored. Sadly, I have the version of the Kindle with the WiFi only in the States, but I'm definitely going to upgrade if I stay here longer (which hopefully I will).
5. Undergarments (if you are not the traditional Korean size... which is small)
If you are a bigger girl... or have boobs, you need to bring your own bras. Good luck trying to find it here. I'm sure you can, but the hassle of trying to find any is a determent in itself. You'd have to buy them online, most likely, and I haven't been able to find any while I've been here (for about 10 months now). I'm fully planning on stocking up when I got back for a small vacation. Also, extra underwear is good to bring. Again, most Korean girls are itty-bitty, so if you aren't, you should pack a ton. I know my washing machine destroys them, so I'm happy that I was extra paranoid.
6. Dry packets of comfort food
Jello, Horchata packets, etc. Dry food stays good and it's good to have for those moments when you're homesick... or just sick of Korean food. I would definitely suggest seasoning packets if you like Mexican food since good Mexican food is tough to find.
I'll expand more on the list as I think of more things that I (and future Korea-goers) might need. I'll also have what you should NOT bring (aka, what Korea does have). Right now, I'm hungry, so I'm off to make some food!
What You Definitely Need For Korea
1. AMERICAN MEDICINE!!
As amazing as the Korean health system is, American medicine is by far stronger and more effective (in my opinion). Aleve, Tylenol, DayQuil and NyQuil, and Ibuprofen are just amazing. Definitely bring your own over-the-counter pain and cold medicine. My Aleve and DayQuil were a definite god send during the winter months (which last like for about 6 months). Don't forget your Benadryl if you have allergies or hay fever!! I brought some as a precaution, but it turns out that my hay fever is WAY worse in Korea than it is in Chicago. I think the yellow dust makes it worse (even though it isn't so bad in Daegu). I haven't tried the allergy medicine here yet, but I might if my hay fever gets worse. Vicks is also pretty necesary
2. Deodorant (unless you feel like paying around $8 US dollars per stick)
Yes, they DO have deodorant here in Korea, but it's a bit expensive. And from what I've found, they offer limited brands (Nivea is the most popular one here). In my HomePlus (like the US Walmart or Target), they only have Nivea and maybe one or two other brands if I'm lucky. Thankfully, I like the Nivea brand. But if you're picky, you should bring your own (I had about 8 sticks with me, but I ran through them in about 7 months.... so for a year, I would suggest about 12).
3. Towels!
While they, of course, have towels in Korea... most of them are ridiculously small. If you are like me and prefer beach-sized towels, I would suggest bringing one or two. I brought two towels with me (one beach size) and I use them the most. The CostCo here in Korea does have the same towels as the States, so if you are ok with normal size towels (and not beach-sized), you can just buy them here. Of course, they're about $15 dollars per towel.
4. An E-Reader (if you're a reader like me)
My Kindle has been amazing to have here. English books are only sold at certain bookstores (mostly Kyobo and YoungPoon), but the selection is limited and the books cost about 2-3 times more. With my Kindle, I can just pay the normal (or slightly cheaper) price and have the instant gratification of reading it whenever I want. I can even switch between books if I'm bored. Sadly, I have the version of the Kindle with the WiFi only in the States, but I'm definitely going to upgrade if I stay here longer (which hopefully I will).
5. Undergarments (if you are not the traditional Korean size... which is small)
If you are a bigger girl... or have boobs, you need to bring your own bras. Good luck trying to find it here. I'm sure you can, but the hassle of trying to find any is a determent in itself. You'd have to buy them online, most likely, and I haven't been able to find any while I've been here (for about 10 months now). I'm fully planning on stocking up when I got back for a small vacation. Also, extra underwear is good to bring. Again, most Korean girls are itty-bitty, so if you aren't, you should pack a ton. I know my washing machine destroys them, so I'm happy that I was extra paranoid.
6. Dry packets of comfort food
Jello, Horchata packets, etc. Dry food stays good and it's good to have for those moments when you're homesick... or just sick of Korean food. I would definitely suggest seasoning packets if you like Mexican food since good Mexican food is tough to find.
I'll expand more on the list as I think of more things that I (and future Korea-goers) might need. I'll also have what you should NOT bring (aka, what Korea does have). Right now, I'm hungry, so I'm off to make some food!
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