Semester Ends, 4 days off....Yahoo!

Well, the first semester just finished...long 4 day weekend ahead...time to relax, hang out in Jeongja, ride my mtb, study Korean language, read, walk around, eat good food....i think you get the picture....

Below is Thurs. night after work. A few Korean teachers leaving the academy and 4 days off...time to celebrate. Local bar across the street from the academy called, "CHEERS!" Where everybody knows your name!



Hanging out, having some beer, eating some food, and laughing about the simple pleasures in life.


OK...Kevin.... So, you really want to know....?



Not too late of a night....the next day, TGIF and no work! Beautiful bluebird day, and time to explore a new trail. I have been here, but where I am about to go is unknown to me. Therefore, I printed out a map, grabbed my compass and headed out for some more spectacular single track, I hope!



Some pretty buff single track, time to let it roll! Checking out the plastic on the trees with the green tape. Hmmm....Some kinda tree testing. Maybe!



Another sign with a skull and cross-bones...beware! This is meant as a caution to individuals not to tap the trees for water for medicinal purposes. Poisonous...beware! OK, I'm glad I brought my Camelbak for hydration.



Looking back towards Jeongja in the distance. A little smoggy, nice to be out in the mountains and a bit more fresh air. Some new home sites below.....



Nice looking places outside of the city...



It's nice with the leaves off the trees and the colder temps, you notice more of the surroundings.



Whoa, am I in Colorado. Where did this house come from? There are normal "Western Suburbia" houses here. Colorado bluebird skies above, what a day!



A look down at a big country club. The course looked pretty easy, not that I know my golf, but the fairways were pretty straight. Nice to see more hills in the distance.



Time to check the map and the signs. Pull out the compass, re-fuel the body, stretch, etc.



Made it to the top of the mountain. I had to hike-a-bike for a little bit, therefore the downhill on the other side should be technical and fun. So far, it's been smooth rolling single track.



A shot of some mountain trekkers having some lunch....



Am I going the right way?



Ah, I recognize the lake in the distance. This is near the beginning of the "Cafe 32" loop. I always wondered what it was like up here, where I currently am riding. Cool! More good trails.



The downhill was fun and a bit technical....amazed some hikers on my ability to navigate the steep rocky cascading trail. OK, a few sections I had to walk, tried to ride, but.....



Here's a shot for Tim and Chad back in Boulder. Kinda looks Dry Gulch'ish.
This part of the downhill ruled. Following a small stream for a while. Will be back for this section.






Some of you may recognize this photo. The area felt familiar as I was riding by. I asked someone to take my picture, and they mentioned that this was a really good restaurant. I said, "I know!" Really, "why yes...I have connections." The person was surprised. Thank you Hyo-jeong.
Look back at the last posting for a look at the tasty food.



Well, that's all for now. I did enjoy my 4 days off and this was just the beginning.

Hope you all enjoyed the ride! :)

Just About 3 Full Months in Korea and the End of the First Semester of Teaching English...

Well, 3 months have just about passed. So far, everything has been "A" OK! The winter semester starts next week, which means winter is on its way. Another one of my favorite seasons. The cold weather feels refreshing, sunny days, and much less humidity. It's starting to feel more like Colorado.
The leaves are off the trees, so enjoy the few pics below of the last images of beautiful fall foliage.



Near Seohyeon Station, an outdoor amphitheater. Looking forward to some music in the spring/summer so I can jam out to some Korean tunes.



I was out and about shopping and noticed the window washers. Pretty tall building with pretty little safety. Where's the OSHA rated harness fellas? Instead you see a swing-set seat attached to the rappelling line....hmmm.... The boyz at WCS (Wireless Construction Services) would get a kick out of that.....



This is interesting. I have noticed outside of many small restaurants, tanks of various sea creatures waiting to be eaten by humans...check out the Octopus. I hear a delicacy is eating smaller octopus's while the are still alive. You have to be careful not to let the suction cups attach to you tongue or throat....I may give it a try. :)



Outside of the restaurant, edible sea life in the aquariums.



Always checking out maps. Excited for this Friday 11/30 thru Monday 12/3, no classes. I will be venturing out on some solo exploring mtb rides. From the rides that I have done, I think I will be finding some more incredible single track that Bundang has to offer.



Going to lunch with my language exchange partner. What a nice traditional place.....



Loving the food here. All about the Well Being. Many flavorful side dishes.




YES...this is a Dunkin' Donuts. Probably one of the best one's that you'll ever step foot in. You would not believe the atmosphere. Nice place for Korean Study.



Check it out.......As you can see, I enjoying hanging out here. Although, not to worry, the donuts are staying in the display case.....moderation.....moderation.....life is about moderation.....
They do brew up some decent coffee.



Ahhh....at last, my first experience of a snowfall in South Korea. Really enjoyable walk home from work.....the iPod was on and i was "singing in the snow"



A premonition of the holiday that is just around the corner.



One morning.....the mini fish market on wheels......"get your fresh fish here"



Local fruit and vegetable market. Gotta love the availability of fruits and vegi's.



Another nice meal....grilling up some beef tips. With the many side dishes, sure to be a tasty meal. I am holding a bamboo cup in which rice was delivered in. The hint of bamboo flavor made the rice tasty. the green leaves are used as a wrap for the meat and the sides. Delicious!



Insadong, an area of Seoul. This person is taking a swing at the making of super sticky rice paste. Interesting. Many uses of rice.



An archery set....Koreans are know for their archery skills....many Olympic medals have been won.



A Buddhist temple in the Insadong area, called "Jogyesa". I am thinking of doing a temple stay for a day or two. Sounds very interesting....for a little meditation, soul searching, checking in with the inner being....











Back to the Seoul Museum of Art. Van Gogh has arrived. Very nice display, although it was opening day, a bit stuffy, but quite enjoyable.












Here's a photo of Hyo jeong, my language exchange partner and friend. Her English name is Iris, hence the background.



Afterwards, we walked to a locals secret stash where you can eat Mackerel and drink Makolli, a milky white rice wine. Too much can make for a terrible hangover...

Diggin' into the Mackerel....




Makolli, you drink from a small bowl, with two hands, and it's served in a large bowl, similar to a dog bowl. I wondered how many Makolli's this silver bowl has served over the years, countless! Good times....good times....




Well that's all for now......see you soon!

Cheers.....

Autumn the "Favorite season for many!"

Above....Nice Halloween card....I received this from one of my cousin's sons. Joey Bannister. He lives in Buffalo, NY and we have shared some emails and questions for his 6th grade class. Upon his request I sent him Korean candy for a Halloween and his classmates. In return, he sent a really nice card signed by is entire class.....COOL! This makes me feel like a actual school teacher. Thanks Joey.

Below is one of many modern design features in the continuous park along the Tan Chon river. This is very close to my studio apartment. Cool features. You can take your shoes off and walk on the straight path consisting of different shaped stones and wood. Very relaxing and massaging to the feet. Feels soooo good.




This is my new Ferrari. Pretty sweet, eh! I have always wanted a Porsche, but I'll settle for the Ferrari. Not sure if you know the real reason I came to S.Korea......
I was chosen to be a movie actor...they have started me off in commercials, but I just recently hit the big screen. So...stay tuned for the next film coming out in 2008....
OK...just messing around....this is parked outside my place and maybe the owner is a star...I see random sweet cars in front of his place. OR maybe he's Mafia?




Some more fall colors. Beautiful time of year. A favorite among many I know.
Heading up the road to to hit the single track....my quick "Cafe 32" Loop ride.



A view from the top look out. You can kinda see the nice colors amongst the city air....



Some school is having a field trip. Nice hike for the kiddos. It was fun saying hello to them, some were very excited and funny while some were a little shy.



The trails are covered in leaves right now....I decided on this really technical descent instead of the normal "cafe 32" loop. Pretty interesting....when in doubt let it roll. Almost wiped out once, but caught myself.....



The trail ends near a small temple. I believe temple is for the young, praying to/for children.



Nice shot of the small traditional Korean temple....Lots of beautiful colors.



A look inside....the corner wall is made up of tiny candles....



A small shrine of different Buddha's. Mainly, baby Buddha's....this was on the side of the road leaving the temple....




Well, learning my Korean letters, writing, speaking, etc...
this banner says in Korean letters (characters), Hapkido and it's an art of self defense, as you can see from the pictures. Pretty cool when you can start to figure stuff out in a foreign language.


Funny shot.....they are having a Yo-Yo competition....not your everyday occurrence. Must be kinda popular....drawing a large crowd.



Thinking of skiing....cool cafe....the inside was decorated with the latest in ski fashion...



I found my new helmet....



Typical Chinese Fusion Restaurant seen around the city....



A little sidewalk artwork....



Some delicious looking meat....looks tasty....pork, chicken, lamb....



One of the many trails around Bundang.....



Cruising back after a ride along the Tan Chon River....these two are making good use of there townie cruiser on a Sunday afternoon...



Walking to work one afternoon and notice some kids playing....interesting looking game....



More fall colors....just about over for the season....the leaves are falling...and the temps are getting cooler.....winter is approaching...



This pic goes out to Patrick W. Stumbled upon this BMW motorcycle shop. Hope you are enjoying your new ride....BMW R1200GS SWEET BIKE! Can't wait to ride with you.



Well, that's all for now.....Hope you enjoyed the show!

All the best....

Anyong-hi Kyeseyo......