The Holi-Days Inn Korea

The holidays in Korea are a special time. It hardly seems like the holidays, but that can be a good thing, especially when it's so overdone in the states. People have told me that the holidays are the hardest time here, and although I think I get less homesick than the average person, it can be difficult at times. It can be hard not having the food and decorations, the people, the traditions... but Korea is a place to make our own traditions and our friends are what help us through.

I spent a wonderful Christmas weekend in Gwangju with my friends, and we had an absolute blast. I met Bry, Amanda and Diana for coffee on Christmas Eve and then went on to an incredibly delicious Chinese lunch in my neighborhood, followed by some shopping which included trying on all sorts of hats, mittens and ear muffs. We then went back downtown for some coffee and then had a great dinner of samgyupsal and ddok galbi at Senior's restaurant, of which we don't actually know the name! We just call it that because it's owned by Yong Suk's senior! (A 'senior' is what Koreans call a friend who is older than you.) After dinner, we all went out to a few of the foreigner bars/clubs in town, and later I ended the night by walking home in the snow. Taxis were scarce and the snow was just beautiful. I couldn't resist!

Amanda, Diana, Me, and Bry at lunch

Downtown In The Snow

Fresh snow on my way home

Sunday started with some much needed sleep, followed by meeting the girls for coffee. Our Sunday crew included Amanda, Bry and Diana, as well as Tanisha, Brandi, Yong Suk, who only stayed for coffee before heading back up to Seoul. After coffee, just us girls went out to eat. We decided on Western food, but the wait for Outback was 2+ hours! Pizza Hut is directly across the street, so we decided on that for Christmas dinner. After eating, we all parted ways and I went home to spend the remainder of the evening by myself. It was a great weekend, and one I won't soon forget.

I'll be spending New Years Eve with friends tonight, too! I'm quite excited about it. I'll meet first for dinner at senior's restaurant with Brandi, Yong Suk, Amanda and Lina, and possibly a few others. Then we'll all go out for a night on the town!

Great friends, fun, and new traditions - what a great way to spend the holidays!!

Happy New Year 2012!!!