How much is that doggy in the window?

Every day on my way home from school, I walk by a pet hospital. As far as I can tell, it's more like a doggy motel with a guy who wears a lab coat manning the counter. I've never been inside because, obviously, I have no reason to go in. I've got neither a pet, nor the need to enter a hospital.

However, I always look forward to passing by. Why?

This little guy.
Could a puppy be any cuter?

Wait, yes it can. Check out this photo.And now everyone's day is better. ^^

Winter arrives

The weather's flipped over night here. It's FREEZING! Last week the leaves were golden and the breeze was crisp, and now walking to the subway gives me an ice cream headache. I am incredibly impressed with my high school girls who wear uniform short skirts every day. Some of them don't even wear leggings underneath. I wore my long underwear under my jeans today, and I've come to the conclusion that my students simply have lost all feeling below the waist. You should see how they walk. :)

It snowed everywhere in Korea except Seoul last night. Though snow is fun, pretty, and muffles the sound of traffic, I really shouldn't be wishing for it as I've been known to slide AWAY from my school while walking up the hill; it's located on the summit. Snow is scary, and it melts, leaving you even more cold. And yet...I really wanted to chase a snowflake down with my tongue this morning.

Gatbawi (outside Daegu)

An average of 6 million people visit Gatbawi each year.
This Buddha was carved in 638 AD.
Pilgrims come to pray in front of the stone Buddha especially for good health.
It's mystically located on top of the mountain.

What shall we call it?

Introducing "Fonus," FamilyMart's Bonus. Bonus what? Savings, food, an extra polite employee? It remains a mystery. Yet, somehow I'm already sold on the idea. Now THAT'S clever marketing.

Hope

Yes we can.

Yes we will.

"Waffle Fish"

Bungeobbang

This is my favorite Korean street food. I like to call them waffle fish because they're made out of waffle batter and cutely shaped like fish. Inside, however, is sweet red bean paste. For those of you who've never tried red bean, you're missing out.

Bungeobbang stands pop up in the late fall and continue serving until the spring.

I stroll down the brick sidewalks of Seoul, golden leaves falling, the crisp air filling my lungs, hot bungeobbang warming my fingers...I'm happy.

Happy Halloween

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

I wore this costume to school every day this week.

Funnily, I got the same number of stares as usual in this country. ^^

Check out the picture a student drew for me on the left.