Dear Brunei Darussalam

A stunning image (and article) about the iconic Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque c/o Nai69 “ClickWithMyLens” “A Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures” is the tagline of the tourism board of Brunei.  I have noticed over the past 6-8 months that I have a steady group of readers in Brunei.  I do not…

Christmas comes to Korea – 24 Hr. Whirlwind

Christmas Eve melted right into Christmas Day.  On the 24th, we all wore red and brought any North Pole-style accessories we had (those reindeer antlers sure came in handy…again!).  The kids were SO excited to spend their coupons they had been collecting all year.  The afternoon classes get two “Carrot Days” (think of the “carrot…

Christmas comes to Korea: Part 2

It feels a little bizarre to be reflecting on various expat holiday events in Korea now that it’s January 3rd, but that’s what happens from Christmas through the New Year.  My gym trips have become less frequent (thank goodness my weight has not increased!), I’ve slept in later, spent much more time with friends, and…

Christmas comes to Korea: Part 1

Christmas came and went suddenly.  Leading up to the 25th there were lots of opportunities for me to miss my parents, miss my friends back home, and miss the traditions we had together, but the actual day went by in the blink of an eye (we’ll get to that later!).  The holiday is celebrated in…

Hagwon Hell to Heaven

So, you didn’t read up on living and working in Korea quite enough, you didn’t research your school enough, etc. and now you’re in a new country without a job or a place to live.  Great.  First things first: PANIC. You’re going to panic whether Dr. Kate tells you to or not.  If you have…

Weekend Warriors: Haeundae Smokehouse

Most people who know me would tell you I value a lazy Saturday or Sunday Funday full of sparkling conversation over a fantastic brunch, bubbles included (of course!).  In Busan, a traditional Eggs Benedict isn’t exactly tough to find, but one that’s done well certainly can be. My first eggsperience was at an establishment in…

Bubbles Shinsegae: Champagne taste. Beer Budget.

After a marvelous day perusing Pale de CZ in Haeundae for brunch (we’ll get there – Haeundae Smokehouse needs it’s own post), followed by the Andy Warhol Live Exhibit at the Busan Museum of Art, we were ready for an early night in, but weren’t quite ready to call it a day.  With the help…

Gamcheon Cultural Village – Different perspectives

Gamcheon Cultural Village is the kind of place you can visit again, and again, and again and still never have the same experience twice.  As you might remember, we visited Gamcheon with G’s Mum a little while ago.  Having missed the “Stairway to the Stars” last round, but discovering it this time made staying in…

Weekend Warriors: Cafe Ean // H&M Home!

 On a quiet street in Gwangan, you’ll find a buzzing brunch spot a few blocks away from Gwangalli Beach.  Take exit 5 from Geumnyeonsan Station, walk straight for a block, then turn left.  Walk down toward the water for 2 blocks then turn left.  Cafe Ean awaits you there! There are a few different rooms…

4 Ways to Avoid an Expat Horror Story

A lot of people come to Korea with wild expectations of big money for little to no work.  When asked to stay a couple extra hours each month for extra tutoring or testing they consult a forum and get all up in arms about it going against their contract, when in reality they are working…

Weekend Warriors: Tredita Pizzeria

Last night The Dudettes were playing at Ol’ 55 in KSU, so we decided to grab some nosh in advance of the show.  This was a great excuse to try out Tredita for their wood-oven pizza.  I’ve really been craving awesome crust and Pizza School has just not been hitting the spot. To find Tredita, head…

Hallowe’en in the Bu!

Hallowe’en in Busan was one of the best times I’ve had in years!  I actually got to celebrate my favourite “non-holiday” 3 times in my new city.  The fun began back in September when the head Kindergarten teacher mentioned that we would be ordering our costumes soon.  We’d be wearing non-DIY costumes at our Hagwon…