Gotta Love Modern Technology

I was in Daegu this weekend (that's a city about one hour from here by train) and found some amazing technology. The lockers in the subway (where we left our things as we toured the city) are programed to lock and open with your finger print. You just chose the locker you want...type in the number...place your finger on the scanner...add money....and it locks! You can then re-open it again later with your fingerprint. What a genius idea...no keys or codes to forget.
-Heather

Hello All.... I've been super lazy about blogging my experiences here. I suck at finding time to sit down and write. I need to do it more... I have realized this!

So this weekend was very interesting. It was fun, but emotional. Heather and Matthew decided to have a international Badminton Tournament with all of our international friends. People from Canada, Germany, New York, Oregon, Texas, Florida, and Korea were able to compete! It was an 80's theme and 80's music was enjoyed by all. Heather sported leggings, leg warmers, and a sweet headband!

We had a blast drinking Soju Punch and hanging out on the subway line playing badminton. Heather even gave away amazing prizes, like Macaroni and Cheese and a bottle of Old English, which she purchased on an American Air Force Base here in Korea.

Also, we have a new addition to our family, Soju-The cutest pup in the world! I adopted him after drinking a bottle of soju at a party.

I am still enjoying my life here, but having to say goodbye to our closest friends here has made living here bitter sweet. You meet these amazing people and then they are gone....just
like that. One of our dear friends, Aurelia is leaving us to take care of her sick mother.... We said goodbye to her tonight over cheesy fried rice. We will miss her soooo much! Another friend is leaving shortly to marry her man.... I guess that is what life is like here.... You see so many people come and go....

I miss everyone so much! Stay well!

-Jennifer 3/04/07

Spam?????
A big holiday, Solnal, has just been celebrated here in Korea. Solnal is the lunar new year's day and all Korean's declare themselves one year older. I hope that doesn't mean I'm one year older as well because that would make me 32 in Korean since at birth you are already one in this country. On Solnal it is traditional for families to get together and and eat traditional foods and visit their ancestors' graves. Children wear traditional costumes called Hanboks (as seen above) and bow to their relatives who in turn give them money. This is why most Korean children will tell you Solnal is their favorite holiday. Some people hit loud drums to ward off the evil spirits of the past and welcome a prosperous and joyful new year. This year is the year of the pig so there are golden pig souvenirs all over the place now. A traditional gift on this joyous day is Spam.....yes Spam. Our boss was delighted to give Jennifer and I his deluxe package of Spam and olive oil and we respectfully thanked him. I guess I'll have to find some good Spam recipes. Happy Lunar New Year to everyone!
-Heather