Hello,
Because I'm already 19 in Korea and I'm in the temple tomorrow we figured that we'd go and celebrate my coming into the world today. We had a lecture first off and played around online checking emails and such and then exchanged some money. I'd looked up spas last night and knew the one I wanted to go to, so we popped on the metro to Seoul Station, got lost, asked a police man and was shown by an English speaking Korean where it was.
We got to the spa and paid about 4GBP which gave us access to everything! It was amazing, we got given two towels and went through to the changing area. We then took off our shoes and went to another desk where we were given a t-shirt and shorts, it was at that point we realised that everyone around us was naked. We got lockers and stripped off (EVERYTHING) and got into our new spa uniforms. We then went upstairs and got bagels which were really yummy. First we went into this sauna room which gave a whole new meaning to the word hot! It was boiling, much hotter than an English Sauna, it didn't even compare. Naturally we didn't spend long in there. Next we went to the ice room, a room full of ice where we were heckled by old men thinking we looked Russian. It was highly amusing! Onto the Dug out rooms which didn't really do much, that or we missed the point of it. After that we went to the Oxygen room. It had a big air thingy and my lungs felt really nice afterwards although we all agreed to feeling a tad giddy after too long. We moved to the Charcoal room where we stayed for a while, it was meant to speed up your metabolism so we wanted to stay there the longest and had a short nap. A man kept snoring which sent me and Caroline into fits of giggles. We relaxed and moved to the salt room, it was lovely, being surrounded by millions of rock salts which were warmed and you could just lie in and absorb, it felt so nice and you could talk whilst just chilling.
We checked out some other rooms but weren't bothered so we decided to see what the bath rooms were like... big mistake, there were many naked ladies. We stood about for about 30 minutes debating the pros and cons of getting naked and joining in. Caroline was the first to say no, then Helena said no so I took it upon myself to take one for the team and I'm glad I did. I got changed in the toilets (no way was I trouping around the spa with my goods on display) and went to the showers. The first bath I took was at 42oC and had Jade in it, it was okay little hot for me though. Next one was at 45oC and looked like gravy, it had some mineral dirt in it but it freaked me out a little so I didn't stay in there long. It was a bit creepy as the women looked at me, I guess seeing a western girl naked probably makes them feel so skinny. The next pool I went too was full of charcoal and I stayed in there for a while despite the scalding temperature of 48oC, it was bloody hot in there. I gave in after that and went in a salt pool at a mere 30oC and found a nice swimming pool. Little did I know (i found it out afterwards) that the pool was an Ice pool. I immersed myself only to regret it big time. I felt really dizzy at the shock in temperature and only realised what had happened when I saw ice cubes float past me. I however stayed in and reasoned that it was probably being amazing for my skin, it was only until I realised I was growing a layer of frost that I got out and eased my frozen body into a massage bath which soon warmed me up. It was amazing, then sauna at the end really helped and when I had a shower I was given free shampoo and conditioner to help with my skin, to close the pores up.
I got changed out in the open (everyone had seen everything at this point) and went back upstairs where I found Helena and Caroline and we went off with our cameras to capture moments in the rooms. We however got distracted and found a Karaoke machine and sung Flying without wings and Bohemian Rhapsody, it was so funny, especially when we realised the rooms weren't 100% sound proof. We then went on these massage chairs which I thought would be a really fun idea. How wrong I was. It was like the chair wanted revenge for everything in the world. It strapped us in and held my hands and ankles in place and proceeded to kneed at my back and bum. It was like being stabbed over and over and it kept pinching my bum. It then vibrated us and tried to snap our necks. This lasted 10 minutes before releasing us where we decided never to trust my judgement about chairs again.
We finally got dressed and left the spa and walked over to pizza hut for my Birthday meal. Me and Caroline shared a medium cheesy bite pizza which we couldn't finish and Helena had a salad. Now I'm at home waiting for my family to get home, it's so quiet without them all! The spa website is Here: Siloam Sauna if you want to check it out.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bagels, bath house, bath spa university, clothes, girls, killer chair, SAUNA, spa

Hello all,
Today we're been doing not much as it's host family day. The lecture wasn't very interesting and Lucy was back in from being ill. We all decided to go 'for a western' which consisted of chips an a panini. It was lovely and we talked about what's happening in the next few days. Only 2 people are allowed to go to the Demilitarized Zone. Helena was very nice and gave up her place for me, I'm really lucky so me and Caroline are going on the weekend. Lucy and Helena went home and me and Caroline stayed for a few moments to go on the computers and reply to emails etc. I then left and walked to the tube station to go home. I could hear the noise as I ascended to my flat. As I entered I was greeted by 12 adolescent boys and poor mother. There were laptops thrown around on the floor, each child hooked up to a headset and shouting angrily. It looked like I'd stepped into a MI5 headquarters. After many questions 'who are you?', 'where are you from?', 'how old are you?", I was beckoned forth to come play Starcraft, the Korean Addiction game (think world of warcraft, same company, same addictive powers over boys). I assume I done well as one child was taunted with chants as I destroyed his player. After much chocolate and more questions the children grabbed shoes and run home (or to game bang, a gaming cafe) I was later informed. I helped mother clean up and used the computer before we got ready and went to the Lotte Department store. Lotte Department is like, perhaps House of Frasier with a cinema and Resturant. Mother bought the tickets for (wait for it... *gulp) Terminator. I faked enthusiasm in the upcoming film and done a very bad Arnie impression. We went downstairs for some babimbap which tasted horrible but I managed to somehow eat up. We then waited for the film to start and was bought some honey popcorn and a drink. I closed my eyes for the evil that began on the huge screen. It's not that I don't like the film but more that I'm terrified of the terminators. I wish we'd stuck to the original plan, a j-horror or night at the museum 2. The film was overall not bad but I must admit I was shaking leaving the cinema.
Brother complained he wanted a snack so we went to the nearest 7/11 and got some Ramyun and some pocky and melon. We got home and mother tried to explain it was was an instant meal. I didn't want to point out that we had these in the UK but I made a big show and clapped at the 'magic' of Korea. She then brought out these cakey snack things. They were sticky and tasted like pasta when you put them in your mouth. However, as soon as you bit in a sticky sweet liquid came out. It was the weirdest sensation ever and I did not eat another.
Anyway, tomorrow should be interesting,
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bath spa university, boys, funny, girls, korea, raymen, seoul, starcraft, teenagers, terminator, western

So I left you earlier after going to the computer room and blogging and facebooking and such. We decided that because we had a free period that we'd go to Deoksugang Palace today instead to go and see the changing of the guard. It was very interesting so watch and the guys let us have pictures with them. We would wave at them and they'd smile, we're lucky because we beat the crowds. There were about a hundred police around, some in riot gear and some in plain clothes because there have been many protests and riots lately. Someone threw a glass bottle at the guards that was dead scary.The guards put on a dead good show; there were bands and traditional music and marching. This guy banged this massive drum, it was dead scary because was like a cannon going off. It took ages for the ceremony but was just so interesting to see so I'm glad we went. We got to have photos with the new guards but they were much scarier.We then got to wander round the palace that was really cool but weird because loads of people want to take your picture and to pose in their photos. It's really weird how much the Koreans love western people, they just always want to talk and shake your hand.We wandered around the palace grounds and done a bunch of filming and just generally chilling out. I think everyone was happy because it's the first day that we've done something touristy. The grounds were lovely and so busy, it cost us about 50p to enter which was really worth it, we had so much fun just making jokes and doing silly poses.
After the Palace we went to Dunking Doughnuts which was a first for Mahinda. He seemed to really enjoy it and we've planned out loads of activities ready to go do in the coming weeks. Everyone then went home but I stuck around and went looking at the shops. I found a really nice lace skirt and bought it for only ?, it's really pretty and amazing, very Korean. I then headed home, no weirdos this time! I managed to call mam and dad and tried to ring Gav but because i have uni on a saturday, I got a little confused about the days.When I got home we had the longest talk ever. We had a big chat about the North and the South and I tried to explain why Wales and England had ongoing hostility. Host mother brought this massive watermelon and I explained why I was shocked because their tiny in comparison in the UK. I also got to have some crisps for the first time and I was told that their made out of 'all potato' not 'GM potatoe like in UK'. I didn't think kettle crisps were modified but prehaps my Korean family know something that I do not :P We then had some discussions about Tea and I had a try of some Chinese tea. In my defence, I did not know what I was drinking. It was okay but a little bland for my liking. I made sure to help brother with his 'avenging' of his friend as he really wants to beat him at English. I have faith in him. He's such a lovely boy and wants to be a famous chemistry sciencist. I'm just about struggling in my mission to be a primary school teacher (which apparently I'll be good at, but then I must have the babies > says Korean mother). Finally it was bed time, food has been left on the table for me as hey want a lie in tomorrow and I'm up really early, I can't blame her really, poor woman is up at 6.30 making my food and drinks before I leave.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: babies, cute, drum, games, genetically modified, girls, gm food, korea, north, palace, riots, seoul, south, teacher, teens, wales, war

Hello!
I am here in Korea at my host families house. It is all very nice, I'm living with the director of international studies, his wife and their son. So far I have unpacked and have just had my first Korean meal, omlette, rice and peppers with a nice glass of orange juice. iI'm down as a vegatrian on the trip to make my life abit easier. Apparently I like Omlettes now, well i'm not fussed but it's food. I am surprised at just how close the weather is, it is so hot and sticky! I can't wait to have a shower. The last 24 hours have been well interesting. Gina backed out literally last minute so mam and dad had to run me up to Heathrow. Caz, Mahinda and Helena arrived and we all checked in. After some amusing photos in Heathrow we got on the plane at about 10.30ish. We were all granted access first to the plane because Mahinda is a monk, it was dead funny. We arrived in Paris at 12, having to rush to the next gate and we found out we were all sitting seperately, so annoying. Mahinda had to wear bags on his feet due to his shoes having metal in lol. The in flight films were really good, I got to watch Madagascar 2, 101 dalmations, Adventures of Tintin and Friends. They also had pretty cool games to play. The food on the plane was icky, I just had a rice ball and a ton of bread and a pot noodle type thing. After 10 very boring very long hours we landed at about 7am and got our baggage and started the wait for the university people. At 10 they came and took us to Dongguk, which is an hour away in a taxi. Mahinda told us all we're fat and ned to lose 10lbs each and tried to get the girls and our poor driver set up. Finally we arrived and had a quick introduction where we met our host families. Everyone else has teenagers but I get the boss dude, bit gutted as all he done was put a piece a paper around my neck, put me in a taxi and wave goodbye, I know how it feels to be an evacuee after that expirence. His wife met me from the taxi and I have my own pair of around the house slippers. The toilet here is dead weird, too many buttons :S It's really quiet here, she doesn't speak much english and is just a housewife who goes out in the day. However she is nice and showed me how to work the computer! My mac is playing up :'(

I'm really homesick atm, just hit me that I'm here for a month and my birthday. :( I got to get to uni tomorrow by myself :( eek

Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bath spa university, girls, jet lag, merthyr tydfil, rice, seoul, tired

Hi all,
At home in Wales typing atm and just about to have a cup of tea. Going to start packing my things now. I have no idea of what to take, just light clothes I guess. Gina and Caz text me saying how nervous they both are, I know the feeling. Gav should be coming round about 6 to have tea and many cwtches. Gina is going to pick me up in 12 hours time (5am) and we're going to set off to Heathrow. I'm abit anxious about luggage allowence and the fact that we only have one hour to transport everything between the two flights in Paris. Scary stuff. Lucy is already out in Korea so we'll be meeting up with her on Monday.
My new phone is going well so I'll be able to upload to this blog quite often to keep everyone up to date with my activities. My email is angharad,john@bathspa.org if anyone wants to contact me! I'm quite dissapointed with the fact that I'll be spending my birthday in Korea and not with my family and friends, but I'll be okay, I'm hoping we'll do something special for it.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bath spa university, blog, girl, girls, korea, merthyr tydfil, parents, seoul

Hello,
Because I'm already 19 in Korea and I'm in the temple tomorrow we figured that we'd go and celebrate my coming into the world today. We had a lecture first off and played around online checking emails and such and then exchanged some money. I'd looked up spas last night and knew the one I wanted to go to, so we popped on the metro to Seoul Station, got lost, asked a police man and was shown by an English speaking Korean where it was.
We got to the spa and paid about 4GBP which gave us access to everything! It was amazing, we got given two towels and went through to the changing area. We then took off our shoes and went to another desk where we were given a t-shirt and shorts, it was at that point we realised that everyone around us was naked. We got lockers and stripped off (EVERYTHING) and got into our new spa uniforms. We then went upstairs and got bagels which were really yummy. First we went into this sauna room which gave a whole new meaning to the word hot! It was boiling, much hotter than an English Sauna, it didn't even compare. Naturally we didn't spend long in there. Next we went to the ice room, a room full of ice where we were heckled by old men thinking we looked Russian. It was highly amusing! Onto the Dug out rooms which didn't really do much, that or we missed the point of it. After that we went to the Oxygen room. It had a big air thingy and my lungs felt really nice afterwards although we all agreed to feeling a tad giddy after too long. We moved to the Charcoal room where we stayed for a while, it was meant to speed up your metabolism so we wanted to stay there the longest and had a short nap. A man kept snoring which sent me and Caroline into fits of giggles. We relaxed and moved to the salt room, it was lovely, being surrounded by millions of rock salts which were warmed and you could just lie in and absorb, it felt so nice and you could talk whilst just chilling.
We checked out some other rooms but weren't bothered so we decided to see what the bath rooms were like... big mistake, there were many naked ladies. We stood about for about 30 minutes debating the pros and cons of getting naked and joining in. Caroline was the first to say no, then Helena said no so I took it upon myself to take one for the team and I'm glad I did. I got changed in the toilets (no way was I trouping around the spa with my goods on display) and went to the showers. The first bath I took was at 42oC and had Jade in it, it was okay little hot for me though. Next one was at 45oC and looked like gravy, it had some mineral dirt in it but it freaked me out a little so I didn't stay in there long. It was a bit creepy as the women looked at me, I guess seeing a western girl naked probably makes them feel so skinny. The next pool I went too was full of charcoal and I stayed in there for a while despite the scalding temperature of 48oC, it was bloody hot in there. I gave in after that and went in a salt pool at a mere 30oC and found a nice swimming pool. Little did I know (i found it out afterwards) that the pool was an Ice pool. I immersed myself only to regret it big time. I felt really dizzy at the shock in temperature and only realised what had happened when I saw ice cubes float past me. I however stayed in and reasoned that it was probably being amazing for my skin, it was only until I realised I was growing a layer of frost that I got out and eased my frozen body into a massage bath which soon warmed me up. It was amazing, then sauna at the end really helped and when I had a shower I was given free shampoo and conditioner to help with my skin, to close the pores up.
I got changed out in the open (everyone had seen everything at this point) and went back upstairs where I found Helena and Caroline and we went off with our cameras to capture moments in the rooms. We however got distracted and found a Karaoke machine and sung Flying without wings and Bohemian Rhapsody, it was so funny, especially when we realised the rooms weren't 100% sound proof. We then went on these massage chairs which I thought would be a really fun idea. How wrong I was. It was like the chair wanted revenge for everything in the world. It strapped us in and held my hands and ankles in place and proceeded to kneed at my back and bum. It was like being stabbed over and over and it kept pinching my bum. It then vibrated us and tried to snap our necks. This lasted 10 minutes before releasing us where we decided never to trust my judgement about chairs again.
We finally got dressed and left the spa and walked over to pizza hut for my Birthday meal. Me and Caroline shared a medium cheesy bite pizza which we couldn't finish and Helena had a salad. Now I'm at home waiting for my family to get home, it's so quiet without them all! The spa website is Here: Siloam Sauna if you want to check it out.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bagels, bath house, bath spa university, clothes, girls, killer chair, SAUNA, spa

Hello all,
Today we're been doing not much as it's host family day. The lecture wasn't very interesting and Lucy was back in from being ill. We all decided to go 'for a western' which consisted of chips an a panini. It was lovely and we talked about what's happening in the next few days. Only 2 people are allowed to go to the Demilitarized Zone. Helena was very nice and gave up her place for me, I'm really lucky so me and Caroline are going on the weekend. Lucy and Helena went home and me and Caroline stayed for a few moments to go on the computers and reply to emails etc. I then left and walked to the tube station to go home. I could hear the noise as I ascended to my flat. As I entered I was greeted by 12 adolescent boys and poor mother. There were laptops thrown around on the floor, each child hooked up to a headset and shouting angrily. It looked like I'd stepped into a MI5 headquarters. After many questions 'who are you?', 'where are you from?', 'how old are you?", I was beckoned forth to come play Starcraft, the Korean Addiction game (think world of warcraft, same company, same addictive powers over boys). I assume I done well as one child was taunted with chants as I destroyed his player. After much chocolate and more questions the children grabbed shoes and run home (or to game bang, a gaming cafe) I was later informed. I helped mother clean up and used the computer before we got ready and went to the Lotte Department store. Lotte Department is like, perhaps House of Frasier with a cinema and Resturant. Mother bought the tickets for (wait for it... *gulp) Terminator. I faked enthusiasm in the upcoming film and done a very bad Arnie impression. We went downstairs for some babimbap which tasted horrible but I managed to somehow eat up. We then waited for the film to start and was bought some honey popcorn and a drink. I closed my eyes for the evil that began on the huge screen. It's not that I don't like the film but more that I'm terrified of the terminators. I wish we'd stuck to the original plan, a j-horror or night at the museum 2. The film was overall not bad but I must admit I was shaking leaving the cinema.
Brother complained he wanted a snack so we went to the nearest 7/11 and got some Ramyun and some pocky and melon. We got home and mother tried to explain it was was an instant meal. I didn't want to point out that we had these in the UK but I made a big show and clapped at the 'magic' of Korea. She then brought out these cakey snack things. They were sticky and tasted like pasta when you put them in your mouth. However, as soon as you bit in a sticky sweet liquid came out. It was the weirdest sensation ever and I did not eat another.
Anyway, tomorrow should be interesting,
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bath spa university, boys, funny, girls, korea, raymen, seoul, starcraft, teenagers, terminator, western

So I left you earlier after going to the computer room and blogging and facebooking and such. We decided that because we had a free period that we'd go to Deoksugang Palace today instead to go and see the changing of the guard. It was very interesting so watch and the guys let us have pictures with them. We would wave at them and they'd smile, we're lucky because we beat the crowds. There were about a hundred police around, some in riot gear and some in plain clothes because there have been many protests and riots lately. Someone threw a glass bottle at the guards that was dead scary.The guards put on a dead good show; there were bands and traditional music and marching. This guy banged this massive drum, it was dead scary because was like a cannon going off. It took ages for the ceremony but was just so interesting to see so I'm glad we went. We got to have photos with the new guards but they were much scarier.We then got to wander round the palace that was really cool but weird because loads of people want to take your picture and to pose in their photos. It's really weird how much the Koreans love western people, they just always want to talk and shake your hand.We wandered around the palace grounds and done a bunch of filming and just generally chilling out. I think everyone was happy because it's the first day that we've done something touristy. The grounds were lovely and so busy, it cost us about 50p to enter which was really worth it, we had so much fun just making jokes and doing silly poses.
After the Palace we went to Dunking Doughnuts which was a first for Mahinda. He seemed to really enjoy it and we've planned out loads of activities ready to go do in the coming weeks. Everyone then went home but I stuck around and went looking at the shops. I found a really nice lace skirt and bought it for only ?, it's really pretty and amazing, very Korean. I then headed home, no weirdos this time! I managed to call mam and dad and tried to ring Gav but because i have uni on a saturday, I got a little confused about the days.When I got home we had the longest talk ever. We had a big chat about the North and the South and I tried to explain why Wales and England had ongoing hostility. Host mother brought this massive watermelon and I explained why I was shocked because their tiny in comparison in the UK. I also got to have some crisps for the first time and I was told that their made out of 'all potato' not 'GM potatoe like in UK'. I didn't think kettle crisps were modified but prehaps my Korean family know something that I do not :P We then had some discussions about Tea and I had a try of some Chinese tea. In my defence, I did not know what I was drinking. It was okay but a little bland for my liking. I made sure to help brother with his 'avenging' of his friend as he really wants to beat him at English. I have faith in him. He's such a lovely boy and wants to be a famous chemistry sciencist. I'm just about struggling in my mission to be a primary school teacher (which apparently I'll be good at, but then I must have the babies > says Korean mother). Finally it was bed time, food has been left on the table for me as hey want a lie in tomorrow and I'm up really early, I can't blame her really, poor woman is up at 6.30 making my food and drinks before I leave.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: babies, cute, drum, games, genetically modified, girls, gm food, korea, north, palace, riots, seoul, south, teacher, teens, wales, war

Hello!
I am here in Korea at my host families house. It is all very nice, I'm living with the director of international studies, his wife and their son. So far I have unpacked and have just had my first Korean meal, omlette, rice and peppers with a nice glass of orange juice. iI'm down as a vegatrian on the trip to make my life abit easier. Apparently I like Omlettes now, well i'm not fussed but it's food. I am surprised at just how close the weather is, it is so hot and sticky! I can't wait to have a shower. The last 24 hours have been well interesting. Gina backed out literally last minute so mam and dad had to run me up to Heathrow. Caz, Mahinda and Helena arrived and we all checked in. After some amusing photos in Heathrow we got on the plane at about 10.30ish. We were all granted access first to the plane because Mahinda is a monk, it was dead funny. We arrived in Paris at 12, having to rush to the next gate and we found out we were all sitting seperately, so annoying. Mahinda had to wear bags on his feet due to his shoes having metal in lol. The in flight films were really good, I got to watch Madagascar 2, 101 dalmations, Adventures of Tintin and Friends. They also had pretty cool games to play. The food on the plane was icky, I just had a rice ball and a ton of bread and a pot noodle type thing. After 10 very boring very long hours we landed at about 7am and got our baggage and started the wait for the university people. At 10 they came and took us to Dongguk, which is an hour away in a taxi. Mahinda told us all we're fat and ned to lose 10lbs each and tried to get the girls and our poor driver set up. Finally we arrived and had a quick introduction where we met our host families. Everyone else has teenagers but I get the boss dude, bit gutted as all he done was put a piece a paper around my neck, put me in a taxi and wave goodbye, I know how it feels to be an evacuee after that expirence. His wife met me from the taxi and I have my own pair of around the house slippers. The toilet here is dead weird, too many buttons :S It's really quiet here, she doesn't speak much english and is just a housewife who goes out in the day. However she is nice and showed me how to work the computer! My mac is playing up :'(

I'm really homesick atm, just hit me that I'm here for a month and my birthday. :( I got to get to uni tomorrow by myself :( eek

Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bath spa university, girls, jet lag, merthyr tydfil, rice, seoul, tired

Hi all,
At home in Wales typing atm and just about to have a cup of tea. Going to start packing my things now. I have no idea of what to take, just light clothes I guess. Gina and Caz text me saying how nervous they both are, I know the feeling. Gav should be coming round about 6 to have tea and many cwtches. Gina is going to pick me up in 12 hours time (5am) and we're going to set off to Heathrow. I'm abit anxious about luggage allowence and the fact that we only have one hour to transport everything between the two flights in Paris. Scary stuff. Lucy is already out in Korea so we'll be meeting up with her on Monday.
My new phone is going well so I'll be able to upload to this blog quite often to keep everyone up to date with my activities. My email is angharad,john@bathspa.org if anyone wants to contact me! I'm quite dissapointed with the fact that I'll be spending my birthday in Korea and not with my family and friends, but I'll be okay, I'm hoping we'll do something special for it.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bath spa university, blog, girl, girls, korea, merthyr tydfil, parents, seoul