Ahn nyeong from... Seoul!

I recently re-read my last post and laughed at my certainty for leaving Korea. The yearning for change was met with a giant whirlwind that swiftly picked me up and has yet to spit me out. But did I leave Korea? No. Well at least not yet.

I am not settled and for a long while, nor was I grounded. But luckily, after a much needed, restful Sunday filled with a whole lot of reflecting and introspection, I seem to have found something strong and sturdy to hang onto. It comes from within myself and despite this crazy vortex that is life, I have regained some stability, something that can be difficult to grasp when you are not settled.

So what's been going on lately? Here are some highlights!

Last month, I celebrated my last day of two years teaching at a public school in Anyang City. Some 900 students at this school will remain in my heart forever. 

Literally that same day, I moved from Anyang City to Sangdo, Seoul to teach university students at Chungang University. 

This is my old apartment. Empty. 

This is the neighborhood surrounding Chungang University. Feels wonderful experiencing campus life again, especially with a different perspective. 

Cake on the roof at my friend, Barbie's, brunch party.

I celebrated Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) by making Songpyeon, a traditional Korean rice cake. 

Welcoming Fall with a bike ride along the Han River. 

HI Seoul Festival- The neon is people hanging from the City Hall building while fireworks are released from the roof. Only in Korea, I tell ya... and I mean that in the best of ways. 

Ridge Climbing at Bukhan Mountain. Feeling pretty tough! 

I met Shannon in Gangreung City for some Gangreung (not to be confused with Gangnam) style type action. Not pictured- belting our hearts out to 90's music, including Alanis Morisette, at a singing room. We documented it with sound clips not pictures and if you're lucky, we sent you one! 

Hiking at Dobong Mountain- Fall is my favorite time in the states and also my favorite time in Korea. But in the two places, the season is completely different. Here, it's marked by bright blue skies, perfectly seen from the top of Seoul's mountains. 

My current status in Seoul is temporary and I have big news to share about the future! But it's getting late, so I'll have to come back for another post later. Til' then, byebye bloggie world. 

Dobongsan (도봉산) in Monochrome: In Seoul, but Not

One of the greatest things about Seoul and it's outlying areas is the ease in which one can hop on a subway and, in less than an hour, be at the base of a a mountain- an escape from the city life. Dobongsan is one of my favorite mountains in Seoul. I've hiked it many times, but it always feels different. Once I climbed to the top and found cats perched on tiny trees near the ledge. There weren't any cats on this trip, but of course, the massive slabs of rock were there to make me feel ever so grounded.

Dobongsan (도 봉산): 3rd time's a charm.

Dobongsan is a mountain located in Seoul and one that I've climbed twice prior. Unfortunately, the first time, it was a bit too icy to reach a peak and the second time, too foggy. Two weekends ago, however, conditions were perfect and we were able to visit multiple peaks. Aside from amazing views, there is something about making it to the top of the mountain that is so much more empowering than to any other point. I feel totally one with a force that I cannot even comprehend.

5 Peaks

A giant update: plans and places.

Gosh, I've been a horrible blogger lately. After changing my mind countless times, I've finally decided to extend my stay in Korea for one more year with my current school. There was about a month period that I confused just about every person close to me, telling them of my certainty for either staying or going and then changing my mind literally days later. My pros and cons lists were enormous, but what it ultimately came down to was one thing- Is this settled, safe feeling something to be embraced or is it a sign of just that, settling? I tend to avoid commitment and safety and prefer a life full of changes, generally on a yearly basis. For good or for worse, it keeps things exciting. On the other hand, it prevents the deepest and most meaningful of experiences, relationships, feelings, etc. from emerging above that surface that I often linger upon. So let it be said, I'll be here another year with plenty more to explore. It was finalized with a kiss on the hand from my vice principle and one in return after a brutally long meeting. Now I'd say that's pretty official.

In other news, I am soon heading home very for a much needed summer vacation. The scheduled visit home has helped a lot in confirming my decision to stay another year. Before it was planned, I was beginning to feel somewhat trapped and anxious in a way other expats I've talked to can relate. Once Portland-bound plane tickets were purchased, though, I suddenly felt a giant weight had been lifted. Although the departure date has been taking it's sweet time in approaching, I've been able to enjoy all things Korean-esk just knowing I'll soon be in the presence of my own culture, and dearly missed friends, family, and animals.
 
Now for an update on my recent whereabouts:

Demilitarized Zone, 2nd Tunnel- A 3.5km long tunnel created by North Korea in 1975. South Koreans discovered it after hearing explosions from within. We walked until bars blocked us from entering the North. It was pretty surreal to think is had been built just 36 years ago for the purpose of an attack! No photos were allowed inside. 

Demilitarized Zone, Cheorwan Peace Observatory- When I thought of the DMZ, the most heavily militarized border in the world, no where in my mind did I picture a place as beautiful as that surrounding the Cheorwan Peace Observatory. Lots of trees and lots of green and I think I only had to see about 5 or 6 guns.

Rafting Sundam Valley, Hantangang- Sunny days during Korea's monsoon season have been a rarity, but on this day we lucked out.

Nabiya Cat Shelter- Recently my  dearest cat Richie passed away. It was extremely difficult to deal with as it's my second animal to pass since being away from home. I'm not going to go into detail about it, but what was really ironic was where I was the day of- volunteering for the first time at this cat shelter in Itaewon. Strange, ay? The shelter is a wonderful place. It houses about 30 cats and not a single human in a 3 bedroom apartment. It's operated by volunteers and funded by donations.

Dobongsan, Seoul- It was my second time up Dobosong, the first being during the dead of winter. Instead of rocks being icy, water from the previous days of rain trickled down freely. We didn't quite make it to the top because it was too foggy, but it was still a great hike.