Ruwais

I have arrived. The trip was pretty uneventful. I do have to say that business class on Emirates airline was really nice. Of course, I got picked to have my carry on smelled by the trained dog. But I didn’t have to have it gone through by the secondary check point. It didn’t seem like such a long trip, but that could because it is shorter than the trip to Seoul and back.

UAE entry is easier than the states or Seoul. I did not have to fill out any forms and being in business class you get a fast track pass, but there was no line anyway. Mike was there to meet me. But I was picked to have my luggage go through the scanner, but it was quick. He didn’t have a car, but a driver. So a nice relaxing drive to the flat. Saw the lights of Dubai and the traffic, but not much else.

The 4 – 5 hour trip to Ruwais seemed to last forever. Getting out of Dubai took forever. Traffic is bad, not sure if it is as bad as Seoul at rush hour, but seems comparable. We stopped about halfway home for gas and to eat something. It was a choice of pizza, burgers, chicken, or donuts. I had chicken and had Mike get donuts for the next day’s breakfast. Good thing, nothing at the flat. Nothing but walls, sink, windows, cabinets in kitchen and in bedroom, and a bathroom. No tub in the bathroom, but a big shower.

The Kitchen The living room

We got home and saw our flat. It isn’t bad, just nothing in it. Had to blow up the beds and make them, then sleep until Thursday. Mike has every other Thursday off and it was his Thursday off. So we spent time viewing what was in the area. It is hot!! Although this is cool weather, can’t imagine what it would be like in the summer. We have a good view out our window. We can see the manmade lake from the kitchen window. Did see a deer the first day, but haven’t seen it since. We ate lunch and dinner at the recreation club. It is the men’s rec club. The womens is elsewhere. There is a store about 5 blocks away with a little shopping and a salon for men and one for women. Funny thing is they spell it saloon instead of salon. Marek picked Mike up and he went to the camp and got a few things.


Friday is their Saturday. It is the day that it usually spent at the beach. So Marek took us to the beach. Is a nice beach and the water is warm, but nice and clear. Mike and Marek went to the camp for lunch and brought things back for me to eat. We met some Polish people that Marek knows and I met the wives. We came back to apartment and then got ready to meet them for drinks at the beach. We only had snacks for dinner thinking that there we would have snacks at the beach. That didn’t happen so I ate the crackers and fruit we had at the flat when we got back. The ladies mostly speak Polish and a little English. I talked with them some, but mostly talked with the men, since they speak English better and the wives were discussing things in polish. Guess I may have to learn polish. They said they would take me this coming week. We will see how well we communicate then.


The hotel’s beach The view from the beach – bait shop
Saturday Marek, Mike, Thomas, and I went to Abu Dhabi to the mall. It takes about 2.5 hours. We stopped halfway for a break. It helps you not get sleepy, since the scenery is all sand. Mike wasn’t feeling well. So after looking at things didn’t buy anything. We mostly rested. Have found the bed I think will be best and a table and chairs. Will get the starter set of dishes and pots and pans from IKEA when we go back. The washing machines won’t fit in the space allocated for it in the flat. So it will have to go next to the refrig. Will have to get something to go in the space where it is suppose to go. I have decided that I will get a toaster oven and portable burners. Maybe a microwave too. Decided to wait and see if Borouge will pay anything for furnishing the flat before we go spending much. Found out I can go in the camp for a short visit (an hour maximum). So went after we got back and Mike brought me dinner from the cafeteria. He has TV, so watched that. The internet wasn’t working, so still no contact with the outside world. Borouge doesn’t know where the international phones are, so no calling anyone either.


We have no contract yet. They say they are negotiating it. Mike isn’t sure who they are negotiating with, it isn’t him. So he isn’t sure he wants to stay here. We will see. That is why we aren’t buying things yet. But maybe if I buy things he will decide to stay.

Sunday Mike went to work and I stayed at the flat by myself for the first day. He called and he got a car yeah. So we now don’t have to walk everywhere. I did go outside for awhile and decided I didn’t want to walk far. Had crackers and cheese for lunch. When Mike came home we went to the place to get internet service. He found out what he needs, so hopefully he can get all the forms tomorrow and turned in, so we can get internet soon. We ate at the rec center again. It was Indian food this evening. Not bad, but seems like pretty much the same thing all the time. The apartment smells we are on the ground floor and have open drains in the floor. They smell sometimes and the maintenance people come and take off the cover and stick their hands down it and push things around. It takes the smell away. So no more smelly apartment. Yeah!! One of the pipes of water has a leak it is in a closet so one of the floors of the small closets is wet. But since the floor in those closets is lower than the flat floor we don’t have water in the flat. They are supposed to fix it this week; they have to get in the apartments above us. Guess we are lucky we get to hear everyone shower or turn on their water. But it could be worse. It is a nice view from the kitchen so that I am thankful for.

It is Monday and I am writing this blog. I will see what else I get done today. Yesterday I did a cross word puzzle and picture puzzle and organized the things in the kitchen cabinets. Wow. But still feel a little jet lagged. I am getting up at 2 or 3 for an hour or so and read. But think I will soon get over that. Mike came home and went to play tennis at the hotel. So I tagged along. Thought I might be able to access the web from my computer, but not unless you are a guest. Next time will see about asking Thomas for his password and log in. He is staying there until his wife and two children come along with their furniture.

Tuesday I now have a routine. I get up and exercise for an hour or more, then either read or do a crossword puzzle. I am working on some yoga poses and can now do the tree for 1 min. Not a great accomplishment, but every little bit helps. It is one of the poses you do on the Wii fit. I am determined to keep in shape while I am here. After dressing I decide which craft I will work on and get the things I need for it. Today I made a necklace from wire and beads. Tried knitting, but decided I need help to move on. So that will have to wait. Two rows and I am stuck. Yarn over knitting and yarn over purling have me confused. Will get help with it when I visit my mom in NC, either from my mom or sister in law Carol. Went with Mike to the camp for dinner, even ate in the mess hall. Someone else has their wife with them, so Mike decided it was ok. After dinner we went to the activity room where I accessed the internet. Only had a little while before it closed, so didn’t get much done. Just checked on the bank accounts, of course Borouge wired the money to the wrong acct, so had to adjust payments and it took all my time. Maybe tomorrow I will be able to email people.
Thursday found out we have no internet in the apartment (flat) complex. I was not happy, but after a day or two calmed down and started thinking of solutions. Will probably get satellite service. Here it is rather expensive. Set up is over $200 US and monthly fee over $100 US. Since we aren’t sure what the company will pay for us living here we are waiting to see what happens with the contract. But I am sure whether they pay or not I will get internet. Mike wants to make sure I am happy. He is surprised by how I have not complained and taken things in stride. Thursday is the drinking night. So we went to the bar at the local hotel. The men from the camp pay for a bus to take them and bring them back. Since if you get stopped and have any level of alcohol you are deported. I had OJ while Mike had a beer. But like all bars it was loud and smoky. Next time I think we will have drinks on the beach. That is so much nicer.

Friday is their Sat. So we got ready for the trek to the desert. After packing we got our laundry and dropped it off at the camp. Ate lunch at the camp and then left in Marek’s company car. We were to meet at the LIWA hotel about 2 hours away. It is on the Liwa Oasis – the blub says the Fertile Crescent shaped oasis bordering the vast Rub Al Khali Desert (known as the “Empty Quarter”). They had snacks and then instructions – when we stop deflate tires to the pressure of 18. When driving use low gear they will pull out if we get stuck. We didn’t have a gauge and when we did the tire I deflated was at 17, the others were 18, 16, and 11. But we told it was ok. So off we went. Marek and Mike drove the first day. We got stuck once and dug ourselves in so had to be pulled out. But we weren’t the only ones. We were a big group (34 cars besides the tour guides). Later were told it was too many, next time they would only allow 10 cars. We got to a camping spot around 6 pm. You picked your spot and then grabbed your tent, sleeping bags and pillow seat. Glad Mike knew what he was doing I wasn’t sure if I would have figured out the tent. We then pumped up our blow up beds and we were ready for night time. It was hot, but cooling off. They said when the sun went down it would get cool, but didn’t feel it yet. The bathroom facilities were over a dune and find a private spot. It was a far walk to find a place to squat outside of the range of site and one must be careful not to step where others had stopped or your shoes could be dirty. Much better in the dark to find some place. The stars were wonderful. The guide pointed out Venus, Mars, Saturn, etc. They cooked potatoes, beef, lamb chops, and chicken. It was a feast and enough no one went hungry. After supper they started a fire and some of the children roasted marshmallows. We went to bed early some stayed up late. You can hear lots in the desert at night. Did not appreciate the man who used the facilities right behind our tent. There was evidence of it in the morning.


Next day we awoke and had breakfast. I made Mike walk the dunes with me and be look out while I used the facilities. It was a rather long walk, but dune walking is interesting. Several of the group left. So instead of 34 cars we were down to about 24. A Volvo was too heavy and kept sinking in the sand so it went back. They would never have made it. I drove three times and got stuck every time. The first time was when two cars ahead stopped and we either stopped or ran into them. Afterwards learned you just go around them if possible. But the guide got in the car and drove it off, no pulling. Mike, Marek and I all got stuck at least once. The last time I got stuck we were to go over a side of a slight hole and the car slide sideways into the hole. I tried to drive out, but ended up getting stuck, the guide had to pull us out. But when he came to investigate he saw a better pathway and had everyone else go that was, since I was the second car to get stuck there. We were suppose to get back to the roadway at 2, but didn’t make it until 5pm. The best drive was the one Marek had, you go straight down the dune to the bottom. Just drive off the edge and let gravity do the work. Of course after we all got down the guides drove down quickly. They used gas and we were told no way. You might have flipped if you made a mistake. But dune driving is definitely fun. I can see my son Bryan having a great time. We got back and after inflating the tires back to proper pressure, I made them stop back at the hotel to use the facilities. Enjoyed a real bathroom and sink where I brushed teeth and washed as much as possible. When we got to Gyahita sp?, the car got washed and cleaned. It looked like a new car again. We even got back to the camp in time for dinner. Ate and packed then came back to the flat. It was a long but good day.

Home

I am in Sugar Land still. I visited all my children. Trish and Bryan the weekend after arriving in Houston. Amanda the first weekend in October. It was parents weekend at TCU. I didn't do any of the parent activities, except the football game. Instead we visited and went shopping. She now has a table to eat meals on and two chairs to sit in while she eats. Found Wii fit while we were shopping so bought the game and played with it before I left. It said I was about my age and slightly overweight. So guess I will work at losing some of that weight. I enjoyed the Wii fit and am practicing my yoga, so when I come back I will be able to master the techniques.


Amanda had fall break starting Wed. so she came home and was going to take me to the airport. But Thursday morning Mike called and there was a slight problem, so I didn't leave. I will leave in about 10 days. I am thinking Oct 20 or 21. So that way I can vote early and not hassle with absentee voting. We will see what happens. Now that Ramadon is over and peoples vacations are ending, maybe the problems can get resolved. But I can work on my quilt I started over a year ago and a few other projects. Might even get motivated to work on the flower beds in the front yard. But I will see if I can visit some more with my friends before I leave and enjoy the things in the states while I am here.

Back home Sept 24

Sat. Trish and I went shopping in Birmingham. We mainly just window shopped, did get a few things. Ate at the Tavern, it was good and we could watch the Alabama game on their tv. So was fun. Spent all day and when we got home Trish went over to a friends to visit.



Sun. I hung curtains and pictures while Trish studied.



Monday I finished up the rest of the chores and talked to the men about mowing Trish's backyard. Not sure they really want to do it, but got two quotes one for $30 and another for $35. Her yard is tiny and I get my yard in TX done with flower beds weeded for less than that. Oh well may go back to getting a mower. Took Trish and three of her friends out to dinner before I left on Tuesday to Desperados Steakhouse. It was good steak and the girls really liked the mashed potatoes. Was a fun evening.



Tues. I drove to New Orleans. Before I left I got a call from Ruth and she told me Sue Beigler had died. She suffered from ALS. She will be missed. Bryan, Marj and I went out to dinner at Pascal's Manale. Didn't get the bbq shrimp which they are known for, but what we had was good. Really liked my asparagus/shrimp soup. They thought it was good too.


Wed. I returned the rental car after jumping the blue taurus. It is old and doesn't like sitting in the garage. Then did some errands.

Thurs. cleaned and straightened things up. Had dinner with Pat Baker and Debra Gallemore. We caught up on what was going on with every one's family. They are doing fine and Debra in a grandmother again. Debra still doesn't have electricity. Hopefully she will get it soon.

Friday had lunch with Pat Dickerson. Also called a roof person to put a chimney cover on our chimney. He will do it on Monday of next week. Yeah!!!

The weekend was quiet. I fed Ruby (neighbors dog) while they went on a NASCAR driving weekend. They told me it was a lot of fun. Hung the plates back in the kitchen and other pictures that were sitting in my room. Hadn't rehung them since I had the house painted this past spring. Went to church and visited with friends there.

Monday I went to my old bible study. Was great seeing everyone again. Afterwards we went to lunch. Enjoyed catching up with everyone. Afterwards I mailed packaged, deposited checks, and got my hair cut. It is really short now. Figured I needed it short for the middle east. Talked with Mike he has a five day weekend. He will try to keep busy. He is adjusting well to the middle east. He is still in the hotel and probably will be there until I arrive. Then we will settle into our accommodations. Looks like we will be in the company complex. Let you know what it is like when I find out.

Home for a visit after Ike Sept 15

Sad to leave Jay and Ruth's had a great visit. Arrived home Monday, but it was dark so couldn't see much damage. No trouble getting a rental car, they were all stored at the airport I think. Had lots of choices. There was an accident on the beltway so it took me over an hour to drive home, but that was ok, I was home.



Tues. went through most of the mail in the morning. Had a letter from the deed restriction office - needed to trim the bushes. Since my neighbor Patti raked my front yard, I didn't have much hurricane damage to fix, so trimmed the bushes and thinned out the lariope(sp?). Carrie next door invited me for breakfast. It was delicious - pancakes, bacon, and sausage. Then I came home and got together the things Trish wanted. Will leave tomorrow and visit with her for the weekend.

Wed left for Tuscaloosa. I went to New Orleans and had dinner with Bryan and Marjorie his girlfriend. It was late, so spent the night with him. We ate at Upperline - it was nice. In the morning I stayed around and we went lunch with Bryan. We ate at Crabby Jacks - they have huge po-boys - I only ate half of mine so Bryan has another leftover for lunch tomorrow.
Got to Tuscaloosa on Thursday in time for dinner. Trish and I went out to eat. She told me all the things she would like done while I am here and I will see what I get to.

Fri - I tried weedeating the backyard. The weedeater I brought from home didn't work. So looked into buying a new one. Met a yard man in Home Depot - he explained the different items to us and said why didn't we hire someone. Told us to look in the phone book. But after talking some more he will come out and give us an estimate on the cost to mow her backyard. Trish is keeping busy with law school, so doubt she would keep up with the lawn mowing anyway. We will see what he quotes. We went to the movies and saw The Women. We enjoyed it, Trish says she may get the movie when it comes out. Not sure I liked it that much.

Heard from Mike - went driving around exploring - he put his feet in the Indian Ocean. Said he will try to check out the housing in Ruwais - saw the camp for single people, but not the married housing. Guess I will find everything out when I get there.

Last week in Seoul

Monday I was hoping to hear the exact time of departure, but that was not to be. It is now Wednesday and we aren't sure if we will be leaving. The powers to be have not yet authorized his travel, so we will wait and see what happens.

Tuesday I went to the AWC (American Women's Club) meeting to say Hi and Bye to my friends. They have a raffle at the end and I got a lovely necklace. Actually Ina got the necklace, but she only wears two necklaces so gave it to me as a parting gift. She is so sweet. After the meeting we went to eat at Buddas Belly in Itaewon then coffee and to the express bus terminal for shopping. Liza had to get some groceries and I needed to get out of the apartment. I stayed home all day yesterday and was getting tired of sorting and going through papers.

Wed. I went to the craft class at Oakwood. We made two flower hair ribbons. It was fun. Mike came home from work so I could go, since the packers were to come. They came, but no boxes and not a big enough car to take our stuff. So after the secretary translated, DHL said they would be back before 4 pm. Then I went to lunch at Mita's since it was my last week. I thought it would be just her and me, but it was a surprise lunch with the girls from Oakwood. The picture is of the girls, Leanne had to leave before the photo. The food was great and it was a total surprise. I had a good time. The packers came back, but they just threw things in boxes and said they would pack at their office. So off they went. Mike and I went to La Grilla to celebrate getting things packed up.

Thurs. work gets an email from the packers what to do with the things that they would not pack and send. They couldn't pack playing cards or Mike's medicine. Told them to bring them back to our room before 10am tomorrow. Also found out that the tickets have not been approved for our travel. After a few more phone calls and some hassle they were approved. But with Ike threatening we changed my reservations to have a stop in Los Angeles before going to Houston. Mike will go straight to Dubai and get a car to Abu Dhabi. We ate at On the Border for our last meal in Seoul and ran into Debbie and Gene. So we ate and visited with them.

Friday. Finished packing, but Mike waited for the DHL packages. He took me and my bags to the City Air Terminal and then we came back for an hour before I would have to leave for the airport. DHL came at 9:30am and we went to the air terminal. I went to the Korean Air lounge to wait for Mike. He caught up with me around 10:45. We had some food then walked the terminal. I left for LA and he went to the Korean craft area and made a hanji box and got to play a flute. Which according to him, he couldn't make it make a sound. But he got to keep it. It was a good way to spend his free time before his flight. I arrived in LA and Ruth was waiting for me. On the way home from the airport we stopped for lunch and caught up with what was happening. She told me that IAH (Houston airports) were closed at 10 am Fri. morning. We watched the hurricane news, had dinner and watched the new some more. Mike called to tell me he arrived safely in Abu Dhabi and was staying at the Hilton. I also talked to my mom and the girls to let them know we were fine. Couldn't get in touch with Bryan. I fell asleep and finally decided I needed to go to bed and did.

Sat Watched the news and wondered why when there was mandatory evacuation about 10,000 people stayed on Galveston Island. They were lucky the storm surge wasn't as high as predicted. Talked with my neighbor, my house is fine, the only damage she noticed was the chimney cover blew off. But she found one in her front yard and it is in my garage now to be put back on. No electricity yet and it may be awhile. My plans now are to stay in LA until Monday and fly home. But that depends if they are flying into Houston and I can get a rental car. My neighbor Carrie said if the electricity is still off tonight she will clean out my refrig and freezer. I have great neighbors. Jay and Ruth went to a social event tonight and I am watching their dog Toots. Toots and I had a good dinner and are watching tv. I will probably go to bed soon, since I still feel a little jet lagged.

Sunday I checked with my neighbor again to see if I would be able to get home. She told me they now have electricity. So that is good news and grocery stores are open. Yeah!! So I am getting ready to fly home. Not sure if I will have a rental car available or not, but getting to Houston is good. Will let you know how that goes later.

This weekend Mike got a call asking him when he was coming to Abu Dhabi and on Monday got another one saying he needs to be there. So looks like we will be going sooner rather than later. He still doesn't have a contract, but has been told he will soon.

Well they don't celebrate Labor Day in Korea. But I took a day of rest and watched the hurricane news. Glad that New Orleans levees survived and that Bryan was safe in Alabama. Did go exercise in the evening with Mike, so maybe I will maintain my weight, since I can't seem to lose any. It is Mike's fathers birthday. But forgot to call and wish him a Happy Birthday. Hope he had a good one.

Tuesday we to Kim's brauhaus for lunch with Ina, Liza, Collen, and Ruth. Had a great time visiting. Ruth's mother and sister are coming for a visit and Ina's sister is to arrive today. Colleen leaves for holiday in England and France on Friday. So they all will be busy. Mike and I needed some papers notarized, so went to the US embassy. It closes at 3:30 and we arrived at 3:20, so had 10 minutes to spare. Afterwards we went to Itaewon and ate at Hard Rock cafe and then walked around. It was a nice evening, so we got some exercise then came home by subway. Looks like I need to start packing, but since I am a procrastinator, I will probably wait until next week.

Thursday my embroidered boxes came. Love them Then I went to book club with Liza, Ina, and Colleen. We ate in Itaewon first at the Flying Pan then went on to Elizabeth's house in Itaewon where the meeting was this month. We discussed Eat, Pray, Love. Ok book, but no one raved about it. Afterwards we went shopping in Itaewon. Colleen bought a Louis Vuitton purse for her sister who she is going to visit on Friday and a wallet to match. I purchased a suitcase, since we gave the girls one of ours when they came for a visit, so they could take the souvenirs home.

The weekend was slow. We just went through things and rested for the upcoming week. Sunday was Todd Tapley's 40th Birthday. They just moved to Seoul with their two children from Sugar Land. We went to his party, just stayed a short while since moving day is quickly approaching.

Week of Aug 24

Wed. the 26th I went shopping with Colleen. We went to Insadong and I bought another brush for my display. While we were there Ina called and said she would go with us to Namdaemun. We ate at Spaghetteria, it was ok.

Thurs. I met Ina and Colleen at Naebong where they live and we taxied to Namdaemun. Found the embroidered boxes I wanted as a souvenior. Ended up getting them, they are making them and will deliver Sept. 4. Can't wait until they get here. We ate at the OKitchen in Itaewon. Was a fun day. Mike and I went to the gym when he got home.

Friday - went to Oakwood's ladies coffee. Afterwards 5 of us went to Garak market. We bought fresh veggies and fruit. It is definitely and interesting place to go. Some of the things you have to buy large quanities, since they sell to the restaurants here. Amiee and Meeta are buying fish at the market there. Most of them are alive until you buy. We got a little wet from the fish flopping around in the low water they were in. You have to be willing to walk in the smelly water there.

Sunday - we had a picnic by the river. There were about 14 from Oakwood who went. We left at 3pm. Had food, some of the guys played soccer and visited. Had a good time and got to know some of the spouses. Garrick and Alan are playing football.

Week of Aug 17, 2008

Sunday morning we got up early and met the Rantas at Butterfinger Pancake. Attached are a few of the menu items. The Koreans tell it like it is. It was delicious. After breakfast we all came back to Oakwood and played Sequence and watched the Olympics. We saw Phelps win his 8th medal. Then it was time for lunch. We ate at On the Border. It was good too. Then went shopping. Mike got the cords he needs for hocking the ipod up to the tv so we can watch tv shows and movies on the tv. The Rantas have rented movies and said it was good.



The menu items didn't transfer from the phone so here they are:



Morning After

Big Fat Jay's Special

The Big Fat Special



The Koreans say it like it is.





Monday was gym day and shopping. Swam in the morning and then got ready for grocery shopping. Got good snacks on the whole, but did get a few cookies at costco. Forgot my peaches in the van, and when they first called me said I got my fruit, then realized I also bought peaches. So had to call back and tell them the peaches were mine. When Mike got home we went to the gym and he hit golf balls and then treadmill. I did the treadmill and bike and a few of the machines. Then for dinner we went to Pho Hoa (a Vietnamese noodle restaurant) Afterwards I wanted a flaked ice dessert, so we went and had one at Paris Baguette. Not as good as the ones at Paris Croissant. The ones tonight had marshmallows in it.



Tuesday - my ear was bothering me, so went to the clinic at Mike's work. Found out I had an outer ear infection. The dr told me to be sure and rest, with infection I should be tired. Definitely listened to that and came home and napped til Mike got home. Of course on the way home I stopped at Paris Croissant and had a flaked ice dessert and I ate it all by myself. Mike also sent an email on favorite Korean restaurant http://kr.youtube.com/rekordronny It is really scary and not for those with quesy stomachs. Unfortunately it has backfired, his Korean coworkers that he sent the link to want to take us to the restaurant. They enjoy it and say it is really good. Since I was to take it easy, we went out to dinner at Trombola (an Italian restaurant) It was good and we enjoyed it. I even ate the mushroom soup, which was ok. I went to bed early, missing the Olympic coverage.



Wed.- I slept in and watched the Olympics. Did go shopping and found shoes for our weekend rafting trip. I had left my water shoes at home and we need them for rafting. Thought I would have to by men's shoes, but they had crocs in big sizes - went up to size 10 for women. So I am set for rafting. We ate at Oakwood's new refurbished restaurant. It was good, but the mushroom soup wasn't as good as Trombola.



Thurs. - Liza, Colleen, and Ina came to Oakwood to eat lunch. We went to On the Border. Had a good lunch and visit. Caught up on what has been happening with everyone. Afterwards we went to Starbucks for coffee. I had water. Cooking dinner tonight. We will have pork ribs and veggies. Mike went to exercise while I cooked dinner.

Friday - We went out to dinner and I had a lazy day of resting.

Sat. - We got up early to go rafting. Made it in time for the bus and left to the Handang river. It was lots of fun, but the itinerary was changed. Since it rained Friday, the river was up and no bungee jumping and we went to a few sites since rafting was postponed and instead of a two - three hour trip we had an hour trip. The river was about 2 meters higher than normal. After our trip we went to dinner with the Rantas at Tony Romas. Inhaled our food and had a good time.

Sun. - Rested after the trip and was lazy all day. I did get some laundry done. It was also Bryan's bd, so I emailed him a bd wish. Hope he had a good one.

Monday I went to lunch and met Debra at Chosun Deli. She had already eaten, but I sat with her and we visited while I ate. Mike got home and we went to the gym. After our workout I cooked dineer. We had leftovers of the pork and had bbq pork sandwiches.

Aug 8 - 16, 2008

Friday night was happy hour at Oakwood. We went down and played some pool, had sodas, and ate the snacks. Afterwards we watched the Olympics opening ceremony on the big screen in the lounge. Since it was in Korean, the staff interrupted some of it for us. Was interesting to hear things, but having no idea what they were saying.

Sat. we watched the opening ceremony on the armed forces network, so it was in english. Finally new what really was happening.

Sunday had invited the Rantas(Colleen and Tim) to go on an Oakwood outing to a show called Jump. It is a non-verbal show based on Taekwondo. It was a good show and we enjoyed it. They picked Tim out of the audience to have a part in the show. He did a wonderful job. We ate at On The Border before we went to the show. After the show the bus stopped at the Cheonggyecheon stream and saw the burial stones for an emperors mistress. The emperors son removed them and used them for a bridge. (The picture above and below shows some of the stones) Then we ate at a Korean restaurant and had ginsing chicken soup.

On Monday Mike was to take the secretaries to lunch. But one went on vacation, and the other had plans he didn't find out about until later. But he invited me to go along, so three of us (Mike, Alisha, and me) went to Pho Hoa (Vietnamese Restaurant) It was good, but way too much food. Afterwards we stopped at Paris Croissant and had something called Flaked Ice with red beans and fruit. Wasn't sure how I would like the beans (since I am not a vegetable eater), but it was great.

Tuesday was lunch to say goodbye to some at Oakwood and welcome to some others. We ate at Marco Polo a restaurant on the 52nd floor in the coex. It was great, we had a private room and had a great view. We could see the learning courses for buses and taxis. There were even some driving on the course while we watched from above.

Wed was flower decorating class. I swam before the class, for my first day of exercise for the week. We made an arrangement, and the teacher told us where to get more flowers to make another and how much each bunch should cost - anywhere from 1 - 2.50 US dollars. We will see if I make another or not. I think the teacher has gotten use to us westerners. We do are own thing and don't follow directions very well. She usually tells me I didn't do it right - it is bad, but this time she said fine. But she did say it was european design, so probably more leaway in doing it. Oriental is very exact I have found out.

Thursday Mike went fishing with his work group after lunch and got home after midnight. So he had a long day. They had sushi on the boat for a snack and cooked the rest of the catch when they got back to shore for dinner. Had fish head and their insides made into a soup. Not sure anyone ate that. Mike didn't, at least he said he didn't. I spent the day with Colleen and we went shopping and then played Sequence until Tim came home. I was lucky and beat her. We played two games with Tim and Colleen won one and Tim the other. After that we went to Tony Romas and had their ribs. They were delicious.

Friday was Korean Independence Day. So no work for Mike. But he got a call from Paul who is his boss and works for Borealis. (Mike is working for Borouge the other partner in the joint venture). He wanted to take us to dinner. I suggested Marco Polo since he hasn't seen much of Korea. It was lovely and they had fire works on the water which we watched during our meal. We got back from dinner around 11 pm. We watched some Olympics on the AFN (armed forces network) then went to bed.

Sat. I got up for the hotel's Korean class, only to find out it was canceled. But they didn't tell me. So we went to the gym and swam. Mike walked and kicked in the pool, while I swam. Then for a treat we went to Paris Croissant and split a flaked ice with just fruit, no red beans. Was really good. I cooked dinner and we watched the Olympics. We see a lot of other sports that you don't see much of in the states. I have seen archery, table tennis, judo, weight lifting, badminton and anything else the Koreans are playing in. It is interesting because I recognize words like smash and swish. You can tell when they are excited, but most of the time have no clue why.

That is all for this week. Tomorrow we are meeting the Rantas at Butterfinger Pancake for an american breakfast and then they will come here and we will play some games.

Aug 3 - Aug 9

Slow week.

Monday went shopping with the hotel. Stopped at the flower mart on the way. Purchased some cut flowers and an orchid. Not the greatest at flower arranging, but makes the room feel a little homier. Also went to costco and got Mike a classic Ipod for his birthday. Now he can listen to music on the subway ride to and from work. It holds 80 G which I don't think he can fill, but we will see. Decided he didn't need the 160G. I also went swimming in the morning before shopping so did some exercise.

Tuesday Colleen and I went to Ipark. It is an electronic mart. Colleen had previously purchased a cover for her ipod touch that I liked, so we went to that vendor and I bought a cover for my touch and Mike's classic. We went to Itaewon to eat lunch. As we were leaving the subway we noticed all the riot police, but went in the front door to Hard Rock Cafe as the police were next to the side door. Remembered that President Bush was in Korea that day. We did go to a foreign market and bought frozen green beans. They aren't easy to find here.

Wed tried to go to the gym, but no luck. It is closed the first Wednesday of the month. I forgot, but didn't get all the way there. A fellow hotel guest told me as she was exiting the elevator that it was closed. So I just walked the coex.

Thursday I went swimming again at the gym. After rinsing off in the pool shower, found my goggles were gone. So now I have to get another pair. I was really surprised, because the Korean's rarely take things that aren't theirs. Guess some parent thought they were their childs.

Friday we went to Happy Hour at the hotel. Played several rounds of pool. With another couple played a few rounds of 9 ball. I am getting better, but have a long way to go. Afterwards we watched the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Was different seeing it and hearing it in Korean. The staff did interrupt some of it for us. Watched it Sat. and it made mor sense. Found out how the countries came in, by strokes since China has no alphabet. And why they kept showing the shoes. Didn't realize the athletes were making the prints on the fabric. It was really amazing though.

Well better get moving today so the cleaning staff can clean for me.

Mike's birthday

Thursday morning Colleen and I went to Sinsa and walked around. Then went to express bus terminal where I got my book for the book club meeting in Sept, a korean/english dictionary, and a book for enjoyment.

Colleen and Time were meeting us for dinner. We went to On The Border. They gave us free guacamole and sang to Mike. They didn't understand when he said he was 29. Thought they misunderstood him. I said he has been saying that for 28 years, but that went over their heads. The Ranta's treated us to dinner, which we enjoyed. Thank you both soooo much.

We went back to our apartment for dessert. The hotel gave us a green tea cake. I didn't even try it. But I had stopped at Hyundai department store and picked up 4 slices of different cakes. We tried them. They were good.

Friday I swam for an hour. Then came home and did some ironing and cleaning. When Mike got home we went to happy hour and played pool. The hotel had fried bananas, spicy chicken wings, pizza, and french fries for snacks. I won the 9 ball pool game. I won three games by hitting in the nine ball. It was mostly luck I have to admit.

Saturday I went to the hotel's Korean class. They had a new teacher, I didn't like her as much as the old one. Will have to get use to her. But she will only be teaching for 4 classes. How she writes the korean in english alphabet is different than the other teacher. It makes it harder to learn korean when it is shown in english alphabet different ways. But maybe I will pick up some more. Afterwards Mike and I went to the TechnoMart in Gangbyeon. It is like a lot of Korean marts where different vendors rent out the spaces in a department store setting. They didn't have anything we really wanted, but was interesting to see it.

We ate at Chosun deli for lunch and I cooked supper here. I do cook some.

That is all for this week. Tomorrow I will try to do some more knitting and read the book club book Eat, Pray, Love. I am a beginner knitter trying to make and afghan with specialty yarns, will see how I do. So far I have done more ripping out than knitting. Time will tell if it will turn out.

That's all for now.

Chongdong Theater

We had fun at Chongdong Theater. We got there a little early, no traffic which is unusual for Korea. So we walked around the neighborhood for about 30 minutes. Then it was dress in traditional Korean outfits. Mike dressed as emperor, I was in wedding costume. Will try attaching photos. Then we learned how to play the Jang go (korean drum). That was fun, but it isn't easy. We played it slowly, I don't know how they play it so fast. We had seen most of the performances before, but it was really interesting seeing them play something we learned the basics of playing. It is the first time we have been on a hotel tour that they didn't feed us. We came home and went to McDonalds for dinner. It was about the only place opened.

Monday I did my swim for 1 hr and about 15 minutes water aerobics. It is the first time I had seen the pool full. there were two people in all the lanes. But I was ready to leave when most of the people showed up. Afterwards I was tired and hungry, so after getting dressed went to On The Border for their lunch special and then came home and did laundry. No fun. Even got some ironing done.


Tuesday I met Colleen at hongik university. That is where the b-boy performance was. The stores in that area looked interesting, so we decided to go check them out. I was running late, but the stores open even later than we thought. We had lunch at Subway and then went to Starbucks after we walked the area. Had a nice time at one of the stationary shops. Colleen even got some shoes. I have too big of feet to wear any we saw. On the way home we saw a bar. A picture of it is below. The name shows you that the Koreans definitely don't understand some of the translations.

Saturday July 26, 2008

Had a lazy morning. Since it was raining, we stayed in the coex. Went to lunch at Chosen deli and split a tuna sandwich while maid came in an cleaned. Then got directions to are evening plans. The guest relations worker wrote out the directions in korean for the taxi driver. The driver was horrible. It took us 1 1/2 hours to get there. It is usually 30 -45 minutes. we went in circles, traffic was bad and Mike was not happy. when we got close we said yogi (means here) paid and walked the rest of the way.

ate at a seafood italian place called Il Mare. We met four other american couples. One was our good friends Colleen and Tim Ranta. The food was good, we were 30 mnutes late, but no one had ordered yet, so didn't have to rush. Then walked to the show Ballerina who loves b-boy. Attached is the link to watch parts of the show. http://sjbboys.com/ It was fun and enjoyable except for the volume of the music. My ears still hurt. The koreans are really good at break dancing I must say. we didn't think we could take pictures so left camera at home, and they said take all the pictures you want. You could even join in and break dance at several places. No one in our group did so.

Tomorrow we are going to Chongdong Theater where we will get to wear a traditional korean costume, learn to play a janggu(korean drum) and see and hear traditional korean arts. Will let you know how it is.

Week of July 20, 2008

This is my first attempt at blogging, so don't know how it will work.


Last Thursday Colleen and Tim Ranta, Phil, Mike and I went to On The Border grand opening. It is in the coex mall where we live, so may be bad for my diet since it is so close.

Saturday we went to Dongdaemun market. Had breakfast first at Butterfinger Pancake. An American type restaurant. Has good pancakes and waffles. Ate too much. As you can see a lot of our entertainment is eating, which could be why I am gaining weight. It started raining so we came home after getting wet.

Monday was grocery shopping. Tuesday Colleen and I went back to On The Border for lunch and shopping. I am not Korean size so can't buy clothes here and my feet are too big so no shoes either. Guess I will have to stick to jewelry and purses. Wednesday was flower arranging class and then lunch. We only transplanted plants. We planted a palm tree in a glass jar with blue water balls and wrapped another plant with moss to set on plate. It is like the Chinese do in their gardens we were told. So I have a few more decorations for our apartment.

Last night we watched Sweeney Todd dvd. Definitely not something I will watch again. In fact I think I looked away and missed about 1/2 of the movie. Pretty gory. tonight we watched The Kingdom. Not something you really should watch before you go to the middle east. Colleen and Tim lent us those dvd's and also The Legend. So have one more to watch. Hopefully The Legend isn't so gory.

Tomorrow is ladies coffee at the hotel. Saturday we are going to see The Ballerina Who Loves a B-Boy. Not exactly sure what it is but will let you know after we see it. Before the show we are eating at Il Mare. A seafood restaurant in Korea. Let you know how it is.