Hey,
Today I had a lie in and a nice shower and we all met up in Samgakji to go to the War Museum. First we looked the war memorial and I was really taken aback. I couldn't believe how many USA/UK soldiers died helping Korea. It was really shocking to see the names up there. Also commonwealth countries and neighbors had helped fight against the North. I also was stunned by the names of Koreans who died, the names just did not end, it was frightening.
We then looked at the fighter planes, tanks, cars, weapons and uniforms used and being used in war, I can't believe how big everything was.
There were huge statues of brothers hugging and apparently one was north and one was south, it was sad to look up at their embrace and imagion how war can tear families against one another. Another monument was a teardrop made of dog tags surrounded by barbed wire. It was interesting but upsetting.
We got entry to the museum and wandered round. I went into a firing range and discovered that I'm a hopeless shot when it comes to lasers. We also went into a submarine and looked and pretended to be Marines. We also went into the refugee camp which was disturbing, such awful conditions and such strength. We went to a reenactment room but it wasn't very good as we were bombarded by school children and the show was in Korean. On the way out Helena was in a daze and walked into the back of a German guy which sent us all into hysterics.
We left and went to Insdong to grab some lunch. I had rice and the others had Babimbap. We then went shopping only to be cornered by a boy doing a school project. As he was interviewing people got curious to see what we were up to and surrounded us. Men started taking our picture. I turned to one of the English speaking Koreans and asked maybe if we were famous in Korea to get so much attention. However, he turned his attention to try and get our mobile numbers.
Apart from this the day was quite ordinary. I have no idea what I'm doing tomorrow.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: DMZ, fighting, guns, korea, korean south, northan south korea, peace, sad, seoul, shopping, tears, war

Hi,
So last night when I left you I got talkikng with my host family. They asked me about m day so I told them about the folk village. Suddenly everyone disapeared and returned with huge books, photo albums. Apparently mother and fathers first date was at the folk village. They met in 1991 and where married in 1995. He proposed on her birthday and sent 100 red roses, it was really cute. Father takes alot of photos and many where of mother. After this album the wedding photos came out. They had three cermonies, one was more western with a big white dress and a suit. They got married at Lotte World which is like Disneyland, in the castle and the photos are adorable, she looks like a princess. The next was traditional in Korea and was done at the folk village, she was done up in Geisha-est makeup and clothes and hidden for the entire cermony. The last was a resgistars office where a suit and plain white dress were worn. The pictures are amazing and she looks so beautiful, it was breathtaking.
Next we had the honeymoon pictures where I saw a picture of father in a speedo, disturbing isn't even close to the word I have in mind. They went to Jujedo island which is really picture perfect, think Hawii style. Then we just had general photos and towards the end she pointed to her stomach and plainly said , 'baby'. Next we had the birth pictures, it was a little gross, not type the pictures we'd show in the UK if you get me and then really cute baby photos, brother is so adorable, I think I'm going to adopt an Korean child.
A few days after the birth, mother and father went to Japan for a holiday whilst brother was handed over to his aunty. I thought this was really shocking, and she just kinda popped him out an then went on vaccation, crazy.

Anywho, today was Carolines birthday so I got up and showered and stuff before munching my food eally quick and going to uni. On the way up I bought a chocolate cake and gave it to my father to hide in the office. I met Caz in the lecture and she thanked me. In her hands she had a package so I welcomed her and sat down. I asked where Helena was only to find out that she wasn't in. This confused me as Helena had the presents, so how did Caz have presents already? I looked over confused and realised that the presents were different to the ones that we'd bought, now I was trying to text Helena to try and find out what was going on.
Helena came in late and gave Caz her presents which confused Caz as she realised the things in front of her were not from us. She said that Mahinda had given them and we told her that we knew nothing about it. Nonetheless, Caz opened her stuff and was so excited. She read the card first and was questioning our mesages about loosing our souls to one of the presents. She rifled through them trying to see which one was the special one and squealed when she saw her braclet. I was so happy that she liked it, it was so hard to make (see post no. 32). Caz also loved her book which I then teased her about due to the fact she's bee trying to buy it for days only for Helena and myself to distract her.
Break time came and we bunked off to the computer room to update our friends and family on Korean life. Helena pretended to go back to lecture but snuck off to the western bar with the cake. We all met at 12 and got interiewed by the Keele Uni students who are also making a film. We all walked to the western bar and ordered Pizzas, they were lovely and had wedges on top. About halfway through Caz said she was full and Helena and I tried to keep her from eating anymore as we still had the cake. Unfortunately Caz forced it down, I was slightly worried as the cake needed to be eaten ASAP. We grabbed the plates and told Caz to watch out stuff as we sorted the cake out, however being nosy as ever she came to clear stuff away, making me shove her down the ramp. I think it was worth the pushing however and she was excited to see the cake. We all struggled to eat apiece and decieded it would go to a good home in the international office to be munched on.
I'll update later but,
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: back in time post, birthday, korea, living, madu, paris baggette, party, seoul, students, tired, tried, wales

Hiya again,
Today I got up really late. I set my alarm for 6 and then decided I wanted to sleep until 7, only to be awoken by mother to tell me I slept in and was late. I decided that I wouldn't miss much and had a shower and took my time. I strolled to the metro and got off in Anguk and went to the guiding store. I managed to buy some uniform and a badge to take back with me, it's very interesting to see and I took some photos. Their English was bad so I was sad that I could not talk to others about guiding. I then rang my Mam in Wales and chatted on the phone before going to the cosmetics store and then to university. I had the tripod with me and it was breaking my back, I'm glad to no long have it as a burden.
I met Helena and found out that Caroline had also slept in and would be meeting us. We decided that today would be good to go to the women's protest so we got on the tube and went to the Japanese Embassy.
Once there people took our photos and we talked to a man who was a 102 years old and could speak English, Chinese and Korean. We were lucky to meet him. Slowly women appeared and the Embassy shut the gates and the police and riot police came out. The women were protesting because when Japan invaded Korea, they made many woman become prostitutes for the Japanese solders. They re-enacted it in song and dance and it was very moving. The elderly women were very determined and every Wednesday at 12, without fail, they protest and demand an apology for what happened to them.
We filmed them and there were many cameras there ready to film if the Japanese apologised but nothing happened. We went back to uni for lunch and then decided to wander the Gangnam station shops. We also got some bad news from Lucy, the DMZ border tour got cancelled due to swine flu, however, Lucy got home to the UK safely. I'm glad she's okay.
I can't write much more today but will on Friday.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: filming, japan, korea, musical, prostitutes, riot, sad

Hiya,
So after I typed to you all online, I had an egg sandwich which has now led me to the conclusion that I really don't like eggs. I ate it all but felt really quite ill afterward.
Onto today, I got up and rushed because i was so tired from the temple and went to uni. I got some nice texts because my phone was being annoying but is all good now. I got in and met the new lecturer ready for Korean Buddhism. He's American and really really funny and comes out with these little stories ever so often. I read some of Katie Price followed by some of Midnight Sun (the online 5th in the series twilight book). We got some crisps in the lunch and the lecture was followed by Orientation and a special lecture. Both of these were highly boring so I carried on drawing doodles over and over before reading again.
Afterward we had a meeting with Mahinda as Lucy is going home to family reasons. We're going to Pusan tomorrow and although I was excited, I'm not so much anymore. Our meeting was quick and I managed to sneak in a few shopping moments before I got on the metro. However my mood was dampened by sop owners shouting 'big size big size'. Way to help the self esteem.
I got home and checked my university results before taken to a western restaurant to eat spaghetti. It was yummy and I tried my best to eat it all despite having bacon and pepperoni in it. We all had a pizza to share as well. We waited for father and in the meantime I got given a earring and necklace set off my host mother as a birthday present, it's a very pretty set!
We then met father and run to the cinema as it was 7pm and the film was starting. I enjoyed Harry Potter very much and on the way home I explained about Cyfarthfa. They were really impressed with how British ever thing seemed to be there.
Currently I'm just chilling out but I'm not feeling so happy.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: angharad, cyfarthfa high school, donguk university, harry potter, korea, pusa, shopping, unhappy

Hiya,
Got up and got organised before I looked out the window, it was absolutely tipping it out. Mahinda cancelled because he melts in the rain and Lucy isn't feeling up to much so our plans were reorganised. Mother came and my breakfast, she cut the crusts off my bread today, it was amazing, I almost hugged her. She then drove me to the tube, I think she spent so long drying my converse that she didn't want them to get wet again. I got on the tube and met Lucy and Caroline at Chungmoro and we went to Dunkin Donuts (see a theme here?) for some coffee. We decieded the cinema was a good idea and got tickets to see Transformers 2. We wanted refreshments and managed to get the biggest tub of popcorn and a drink for only 600won, It was amazing, I didn't even dent it. The film was funny mainly due to Helenas comments and Caroline getting upset. We were just amused at the cheesy lines Optimus Prime banged out.
After the film we went to Myeong Dong just because it was still raining, we found this big market thing with loads of frilly tops, I am definately coming back at the end when I have some money left over. I can't wait!
I'm home now and found out that Brother has he pokemon game, I guess I should say bye to him now as he's become a pokemon master, only emerging from the game when needing to eat, I'm pretty sure he took it in the bath with him earlier. I'm not sure whether he got into school but I have a feeling he's done well.
Tomorrow we're going to a spa and I just can't wait!
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: amazing, bath spa university, film, korea, love, mall, melon, pokemon, popcorn, seoul, shopping, transformers

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

Hiya,
So today I got dressed and fixed myself up before going to university. Father and I got a lift off mother but only to the Tube station. I got a seat early and was able to play animal crossing on my Nintendo. We got off and father saw a colleague who bought us a taxi, it was very kind of him. We got to university early and I was able to buy some biscuits and a Mountain dew. The others came in except for Lucy who is ill today, I feel bad for her as Migraines are horrible. I listened but I'd already studied the subject so it was a little boring to me. We where then allowed to go early so I went and changed some travellers cheques with Caroline. It took so long, about 30 minutes in all. I now appear rich in Korean Won when in sterling it is very little (5GBP=10,000 Won). We got our money and had Babimba in the canteen with Mahinda. I think he was Little upset as the nun did not have time to come and eat with us today. We discussed many things about filming and home. It made me a little home sick which was annoying as I'm getting used to Korea now.
We left Mahinda and went to the library to research and study although not much got done as we were mainly looking at photos and looking up touristy things to do as we are no longer going to JeJudo Island.
We decided to leave the computers and visit father. I told him we were going shopping and he gave us an orange juice to take with us. I think we really brighten up the office when we come over and say hi to everyone in the international place.
I decided that we should go to Myeong Dong so together we took the tube down. When we got there, we were so amazed we didn't know what to look at first. It was amazing, so many shops and clothes and shoes. I loved every second. We wandered for ages and picked up various things. Lotte department was very disappointing as it was very expensive and not very fun. Helena got hungry so we all went in search of food. On the way up we passed a noodle bar and there where white gentlemen sitting in the window, excited to see them I waved. They looked very awkward and apparently it meant we couldn't eat there. However, the girls hid me and we swallowed the embarrassment and went and sat down. We called over a few waiters and tried to explain that we didn't eat fish or meat. They tried to tell us that the only vegetarian meal was for two and because we are a three it wouldn't work. Helena tried auguring but eventually we got up and left. We wandered around for ages until they stopped for a cigarette and then I noticed an Indian place. It was a sauce, drink and nann for only 11,000 so we went up and tried to explain we were veggies. The guy was little confused at first but then when I showed him my Korean translation book he sat us and got a menu, there were loads of veggie curries so we ordered away. I also had a Lassi, a yogourt drink for the first time, it was really nice and cool. My mild curry was very hot but otherwise yummy. We talked over food and then went back to the shops where we got some clothes. I got the lushest dress, it's a kind of Lolita one and I got it for 5GBP, very happy.
Lucy said she was going home so we thought it'd be a good time to depart. I got on the train asap and got a seat so I played Nintendo on my way home. I called Gav and it was nice to talk to him, he thought I was saying something weird when I was saying hello in Korean to my doorman.
When I got in I had a lovely plate of watermelon sitting for me, I am very lucky. We talked about what to do tomorrow (it's host family day after university) and we are going to the cinema with brother and his friends to watch terminator. The films are in English with Korean subtitles so I should be okay. Brother got 0 wrong on maths, P.E and ethics, I'm very proud of him. Tomorrow is Geography and English, I said he must do well for me and I am currently giving him lots of tips.
I am hoping to join Erasmus when I get back to university in England because it's possible to study someplace. I am thinking of studying in Florence, Italy for my third year. However, I am yet undecided. I would really like to travel more and Italy seems ideal. I do enjoy Korea and maybe I will come back to the International school one day to teach English.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bath spa university, britian, brother, donguk university, dresses, english, erasmus, exams, gavin, hungry, indian, korea, mahinda, mr kim, study, teacher, uk, yum

Hello again,
So I got up mega early, got ready and put on my super cute dress. I had my breacfast that was left for me, had a wash and brushed my teeth. I got my bag and off I was, ready to go. Except as soon as I opened the door, I set off all the alarms in the apartment making my host mother get up and spoiling her lie in. I was soo embrassed like you would not believe! I kind of left in a hurry after that and got on the metro. I brought my DS to play and it made the time fly way better than normal. I managed to go and get to Donguk University and get lost as we were all meeting at a certain Cafe. I rung Helena and I managed to find it but when I got there it was shut. I was starving so I didn't to walk until I found a nice open cafe. I managed to walk 3 tube lines before getting to one! Because I walked so far I managed to make myself late as I had to get another tube back, it was crazy!
We walked to the ambassitor hotel and met a nun, Mr Kim and Professor along with Mahinda. We got into two taxis and was off toKyeomg Bk Palace. It was really huge and much grander than the one yesterday as it had been rebuilt for historical purposes.
We had some more photo opputunities and I got to talk with the nun who was really nice and very pretty. Our tickets in were paid for and we had a tour guide. I did some filming but got bored very easily so did not get much done. Our tour guide was very nice and her english was amazing. I learnt that the king and queen had seperate houses and that the mother of the king was in some ways more important than the king himself. Also about the zodiac animals protecting the Palace from evil. We then got to stroll around the houses and the gardens, it was boiling though and everyone had really horrible headaches. Some schoolchildren got their photos with us, it was really funny.
Afterwards we passed this hut where you could try on the gaurds uniform. We managed to blackmail the professor into dressing up (we said he'd either dress up or go to the temple :P) which he done and looked very well suited. He even walked like the gaurds did. Lucy and Helena dressed up with him as you could only do a few at a time. Afterwards me and Caroline dressed up. We managed to get different colours and make angry poses for the camera.
Later we got in the Taxi to Insydone and had some food. The nun and Mr Kim ordered lots of side orders and we each got tiny amount of rice. Me and the professor talked about Switzerland and Ammsterdam (he's dutch and teaches in Switzerland currently) and then about religion as a whole when the bill came and we had to pay 10,000 won each. Now 5 pound is resonable for a meal but for me, it was not as I only had a spoonful and politely declineded the offer of more. I now have learnt my lesson.
After the shock of lunch we again got in a taxi and we went to the Korean Museum . It would've been interesting at a different time but because we'd be walking around all day no one was really fussed. We looked at the paintings and fine art but then went to the gift shop and to get some ice cream.
Finally our day events were over and we all made our ways home. Lucy had to go to the Karoke with her host family so Helena, Caroline and myself went to Myeong Dong which is amazing. We didn't get to look around for long but they are so many things I want to buy. I am thinking of leaving some of my ugly british ones behind as Korean clothes are cheap and delicate. I am definiately going back soon.
I got home about 8.30ish and had some fruit. We started singing Hey Jude and they loved my t-shirt when I explained that it was the Beatles. Me and the host mother reinated this morning for everyone to laugh at and we made fruit tea which was... strange. I told them about my day and host father went out and bought a book for me on Buddhism. It's very nice of him. Brother is running around like a nutter because he has a P.E exam tomorrow. I was talking about Korean fashion (the girls here wear short skirts, long tops and little heels and clipclap everywhere) and I started teasing him about making liking a girl in school. His mother joined in and he went bright red, it's really funny to watch. We then had some crisps and helped brother revise for his exams and I acted out various scenes from today. Host mother commented that I'm looking Korean today, I think it's because of my makeup, short hair and asian dress sense. I'm definately dying my hair black when I get home though.
I've uploaded photos for you all to look at now so plese check them out!
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: alarm, basking robbins, britian, dress, exchange, family, girl, journey, korea, korean melon, museum, palace, shopping, sunday, university

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

Hi,
So I got upearly today because I did not want to be late. No one was around so I figured I'd just leave. However, as I went to the door and mother came and got me back. She made me breakfast which was a sandwich with banana, jam and cheese, very strange mixture. I then went to leave when I was stopped again. I had to wait for host father, I don't think he even needed to come in today. However, He got ready and we went offf. He then took me to go on the bus which was really strange, it's apparently because we're late. We got off the bus and got on the tube station. After a short journey the host father got us a taxi to the university. I told him Ifelt like a movie star :D The lecture was annoying but Caroline didn't feel well so we left early. I've been looking up a Taekwondo course for a day. I'm really wanting to do it! I think I'll do it, alone or otherwise.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: korea, lecture, mother, seoul, study, wales

Hello,
So today after I was online we decieded that we'd go to the shopping place because I wanted an anime book to read in english. Our sheduale looks crazy busy but I'm sure it shall be fine. We've only got one shopping day penciled in though, this makes me sad. So Lucy went home early to catch some rest. It started to pour down again which was so annoying as we're in linen and such again. We spent about 15 minutes in the metro station trying to work out what tube to catch and what exit to depart from. We got there eventually but came out of the wrong exit and ended up in a bigger store than the last one we went to! It has such cute stationary as well, I was in love. I got a chobits book and we walked around looking at cute items. We got hungry and started to walk around looking for a place. We looked for maybe an hour before finding an italian. We all ordered a pizza and was surpised when they came with no tomato puree. It was really strange but lovely, I found some Dr Pepper, it was like magic! I realised today that I've taken a Korean intonation which means I'm speaking but there's a lot of gaps between my words and I say umm or errr and I've noticed that I've taken a Korean way of answering questions. We then wandered some more before going to the Metro and departing. On the way the tube stopped again to be cleaned by this boy thought I didn't understand. Due to last night I was anxious to talk to anyone and pretended to not understand. However, this boy took me as a Europian (because my eyes and boobs are a big giveaway) and started lecturing me about how great English was and that I was stupid not to learn it. He then tried to find out my mobile number. A nice old Korean man helped me get rid of him by telling him something in Korean to which he went away.
I'm home now and on my way I bougth Pocky for brother. He done very well, he got 3 wrong in music and 2 in Home but 0 in science, he thinks this is okay but not good. However, he seemed happier with being presented with chocolate. I think there is great pressure on him to do well like his father.
I've just shown the family my sheduale and we're going to see Harry Potter on the 7th as a treat because that's the day brother finishes school. I think we're also getting some dinner at a Korean. I'm nervous because I'm not so happy with Korean food. Host mother just came in and gave me a plum. I think I looked confused about what it was so she explained in her broke english that it's a plum and that it's cut with a knife. It really tickled me.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: brother, crazy, europe, girl, harry potter, korea, korean melon, shopping, south, tube, wales

Hola,
So after I text you we went to the kitchens to meet Mahinda. However, he did not show up for almost two hours!! However we did get quite alot of things listed that we want to see nad worked out a sheduale. I made some drawings to remind me of what things we want to do but Lucy gave me a telling off and said I wasn't being invovled with the group. Not my fault if I learn differently, it upset me very much.
Apparently when we go to Pusan we're going to a Rehab centre that the dean owns to stay there as it is cheaper. Except it's not where people where addictions go but people with learning diffuculties. How weird is that? So we sat down at lunch for a very long time and talked about different attractions. Mahinda told us that the Government are paying for us to go to DMZ, the no mans land between the North and the South. Our hotel, food and daytrips are going to be paid for when we go and we'll be officals from the U.K. I'm excited but I'd rather not be attacked by the South.
We the went to a different town near the other university. It was a short ride and very packed, It was much nicer than the other places that we've been to so far. Helena's student camena dmet us and we really wanted to go to Noodle X, a noodle bar that was in the lonely planet guide. We searched for it high and low only for the student to point out that it had closed down (the book is out of date!) However we managed to find an english type Pub and ordered lots of "western" food. Me and Caroline got cheesey nanchos and some crinkle chips. The food came and it was huge, it was so nice to have a filling meal rather than sloppy rice.
We paid our bill and walked to the Tube and went our seperate ways. About 10 stops before my own this man started talking to me asking about the Uk. I was happy to talk to him. After a short whil eh started to get a tad aggressive and demanded to know where I live and my mobile number. I was quite nervous so I got off at a different stop and walked around. I'm not always sure whether someone is being friendly or not in Korea as it can be mistaken easily.
I am however, home now and there's work EVERYWHERE. Another exam is tomorrow and brother is frantic!! It's 11.30 and he still is not going to bed. I'm very tired so shall be logging off now. I'm hopefully uploading pictures tomorrow in uni! So you have them to look forward to!
I'm still not 100% about being here but I guess I'm stuck right?
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bath spa university, chips, gangnam, korea, metro, rice, scary, soeul, welsh girl

Hello again,
So today has been interesting. I left you when it was time to go see the teacher who teaches Indian Philosophy and helps with the international affairs. He gave us some lovely coffee (their instant has sugar and milk added already, a miracle!) and some Korean Green tea. It tastes pretty bland in flavour but probably does wonders in the detoxing world. I gave him the Rugby ball and he said his daughters would enjoy it. We than saw a photo of them, they are quite young and very cute. Lucy came late and brought her host student Olivia with her. We all chatted about certain things before going off to the University kitchen. We were very lucky and our lunch was being paid for by the University. The kitchen does western type food so we had two pizzas to share and I had a lovely cheese baguette and a coke. It was the nicest thing ever, seriously. After lunch we all separated to go check the mail and get some drinks before meeting Mahinda. We walked down to the Tube and rode for three stops. We decided that we would like one month rental mobile phones for safety and to contact one another. We walked around for what seemed like forever, but no one done the deal that we were hoping for. Whilst the others were talking, me and Caroline went for a walk and in the windows are really cute puppies up for sale. They were so sad looking but so cute. This one was very fluffy and had big puppy eyes. I took a photo, I wanted to bring him home. We went then to a English/Korean bookshop. There were so many anime books but most were in Korean, I'd never seen so many in my life. The others bought Korean guides and books about Buddhisim. Olivia was very kind and managed to bar gin with a phone retailer so now we have three (very crap) mobile phones for the month so I will get the number in case anyone would like to text or call me.
After the phones and books we wanted to visit tourist information to find leaflets for the tube and for things to do. Mahinda got us really lost because this man showed the wrong way. However we found a man who had lived in New York and spoke good english, he drew us a map and we were soon on our way! After walking around some more we found it and picked up as many information booklets as possible. I want to go to Dinoworld but it had already closed. I think we are going mud wrestling though. After about 10 minutes of being in the tourist information, some Korean group walked in. Myself and Caroline were sitting down when this very elderly lady started making her way towards us. I was abit worried because she was staring, having obviously not seen many westerners. Lucy noticed our worried looks and called us over only for 'dawn of the dead' lady to start following. We sharply made an exit and she still shuffled behind us. We were hysterical afterwards. The group met back up with Mahinda and we walked through the town to find some food. I spotted a McDonalds but everyone gave me evil looks. We went to many restaurants but the main vegetarian meal seems to be Babimba which we are not to keen on. We found one place but the food cost about 20(BPS) so we gave it a miss. The next one we found served beansprout noodles so we went and sat down. Lucy and Helena shared a massive broth on a heater whilst Caroline, Mahinda and I had the noodles. I wish someone had told me that they were served ice cold. It was a shock to the system and tasted mainly of just plain cooked spaghetti, not nice. Caroline accidentally gave me this chilli paste, I think my reaction was quite funny. Lucy and Helena had a same go at us for not eating meat which was annoying as I don't particular like eating meat and am fussy when I do.
We left the restaurant hungry so I slipped into a 7/11 and got a small snack. We made our way to the tube station but I needed the toilet. Little did I know it was a crazy hole in the ground one, really not nice! I had a right job to lift my trousers up and down at the same time. I got home about 10o'clock, it was scary walking in the dark but okay, lots of teenagers are in the parks playing football and it's very well light. I got in and felt lucky because I got fruit and an ice cream so I feel a little fuller. I had a really nice shower and we've been talking about the hostility between the north and south of Korea. It seems the South hope that they are reunited again soon.
Brother is practising his singing for an exam tomorrow, it's quite funny but sweet. I am nervous for him, he's very stressed out. I offered to take him to see Harry Potter when he is done with everything and he seemed happy at the suggestion. I think he really wants his game (he's getting pokemon) more than anything so he is studying all the time when I am home.
It is now 11.44 and I am very tired so I'm going to head off to bed. I hope all is well in the UK!
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bath spa university, cold, donguk university, harry potter, hills, hot, ice noodles, international affairs, korea, north, south, sun, tourist office, uk, wales

Helloo,
I'm up at the uni really early again today, I guess it's just easier for me to go on the computers and it's takes me a long journey to get here anyway. On the way to uni I saw a poster for a vet and on it is a fox terrier! I took a photo straight away. I'm quite impressed that I got here on my own, vise versa with getting home last night.
I think today that we are meeting the man who made the trip possible, I have a welsh squashy rugby ball for him as a present. After that we are getting... PIZZA! I can't wait! Although me and Caroline have to find the place, that hsould be quite hard, the campus is so large. We're then going around the town and going to tourist information to get leaflets and broushures. Hopefully we'll have loads of time to go shopping. I'm not sure if I'll buy anything today but I definiatly want to find a Lolita shop.
This morning for brecfast I had facepack salad again along with Korean Melon. It was lovely but a little too sweet. Host mother stopped me beofre I went out the door today, I managed to get a treat for uni. Pocky (long biscuit sticks with chocolate on) and mountain dew. It made me laugh and she seemed very happy. I managed to walk with Brother today too. He was tired as he was up late studying hard. He really wants his computer game. I explained that my boyfriend also likes computer games.
I now have to go to international affairs to meet the others.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bath spa university, donguk university, girl, korea, korean melon, merthyr tydfil, metro, mountain dew, pocky, salad, seoul, wales

Hiya,
So I'm feeling better since the last post, I guess it's because I came to the uni with host father and I had to wait 2 hours alone, making me mope over everything. The tube takes an hour and I have to walk through a big park to get to the metro. I then have to go up the steepest hill (I swear it's like pen-y-fan) before getting to uni. This nice young boy helped me in the uni today as he could see that I was quite upset. When it was lesson time, he got me to my class and explained I was late because I was very homesick. We had an orientation today and met our buddy. Ours is called Nancy and she likes to make jokes about our english. She taught me some words which I later found out mean 'stop staring at me' and 'please go away now'. We got our library cards and explored the campus abit. We then met up with Lucy and decieded it was ready for lunch. Seeing as me and Caroline didn't want Korean food we went to a baggette shop and bought 2 bagettes and a glaric bread. We sat down and ate before realising that the glaric bread actually had sugar on!! How weird is that? I just hear Peter Kay in my head going 'Garlic bread? glaric bread with sugar on? That's the future that is'. Apparently most savioury things are sweet and vise versa. They also don't really have sugar here by a syrup that you pour into the drink.
We then all sat down and had a very long meeting. We decieded to go to a spa on my birthday and a theme park for Carolines, I'm quite excited. I have everyones phone number and bought a new notepad for my lessons. We've decied to rent a mobile each to get hold of each other as we want to call and for emergencies. It's important because we all live so apart. We also discussed host families and I realised I'm lucky as I'm in a quite well off family as I sleep in a bed and get normal food like toast for the morning (poor caroline had fish bone soup this morning). At one point me and Caroline went to the toilet and this crazy woman kept shouting at us to try help give us directions, was crazy. We have loads of plans for the week though so it should keep us busy. Our main sheduale is 9.00-12.00 is lesson time, 12.00-12.30 is free time, 12.30-1.30 is lunch, 1.30-2.00 is meeting time and 2.00-6.00 is filimg and work and sightseeing. Time after that will probably be for dinner as we don't want to burdan host families too much.
After our very long meeting we met up with 4 previous Korean students who studied at Bath Spa and 3 students going to the UK to study there in September. Mahinda was very nice and treated all of us to food at a nice Korean resturant. I sat next to a girl who was very persistant on making sure I ate alot of pepper paste, it was hot. I had Bimbamba which was beans, egg, seaweed and rice. It was very strange and I mainly ate seaweed and rice. Caroline was lucky as she got a car and the host family took her home, dropping Helena on the way. Lucy and I walked to the station and caught the metro. I was quite confused at first and thought I was going the wrong way but I was alright and I worked it out. I managed to get a seat today but about halfway the tube stopped and everyone had to get off. A man tried to explain that the cleaners had to come on and we had to catch the next tube. I'm pretty sure if he wasn't there I'd be cleaning a tube right now!! I managed to get off okay and find my way home. I was abit nervous on the way as it was dark and I was walking alone in the park but I got home okay.
My host mother just made me ice cream and fruit with a smoothie drink and we all talked about our days. Brother (that's what I'm having to call him) has an exam on the 7th and he is nervous. If he passes he gets a new game for his DS, he is studying very hard. I explained today that I actually live in Wales. I had to draw a map and explain what it was like there. I also managed to try out some Korean on them, they seemed very impressed. Host father is still not home, he works long hours, 8.00am until 10.00pm. I'm thinking of a shower now as I am very hot and sticky. I've been told to avoid fan death today that I'm allowed to open the window, hallujah!
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bimbamba, crazy, england, fan death, fruit, garlic bread, ice cream, korea, library, madu, metro, wales

Hello all,
I'm not sure what it was, but last night my supper consisted of. I had broccoli, lettuce, cucumber, peppers and banana on a plate and then this stuff on it which I swear tasted of my face cream. It was so weird. I keep being fed a block of cheese as well. I'm eating it though so it's not too bad. I then went to bed only to be woken again cause host father was home. We decided on a plan and I have a key to the house. Then went to bed about 10.30ish. I had to turn off the fan because of fan death. Korean believe fans will kill you in the night, it's really funny.
Got up at 7 today and had a wash and stuff. Had a block of cheese for my brekkie. Host mother gave me some water and we set off into the metro. We walked for about 10 minutes and got to the metro. I now have this card thing that I have to put money on. I have no idea how it works. We travlled for an hour, got off and walked up the biggest hill ever. I got shown where our class is and now I'm just waiting for the others.
I'm not really liking it here at the moment and I want to go home.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bath spa university, facepack, hot, korea, sad, seoul, sticky

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

Hey,
Today I had a lie in and a nice shower and we all met up in Samgakji to go to the War Museum. First we looked the war memorial and I was really taken aback. I couldn't believe how many USA/UK soldiers died helping Korea. It was really shocking to see the names up there. Also commonwealth countries and neighbors had helped fight against the North. I also was stunned by the names of Koreans who died, the names just did not end, it was frightening.
We then looked at the fighter planes, tanks, cars, weapons and uniforms used and being used in war, I can't believe how big everything was.
There were huge statues of brothers hugging and apparently one was north and one was south, it was sad to look up at their embrace and imagion how war can tear families against one another. Another monument was a teardrop made of dog tags surrounded by barbed wire. It was interesting but upsetting.
We got entry to the museum and wandered round. I went into a firing range and discovered that I'm a hopeless shot when it comes to lasers. We also went into a submarine and looked and pretended to be Marines. We also went into the refugee camp which was disturbing, such awful conditions and such strength. We went to a reenactment room but it wasn't very good as we were bombarded by school children and the show was in Korean. On the way out Helena was in a daze and walked into the back of a German guy which sent us all into hysterics.
We left and went to Insdong to grab some lunch. I had rice and the others had Babimbap. We then went shopping only to be cornered by a boy doing a school project. As he was interviewing people got curious to see what we were up to and surrounded us. Men started taking our picture. I turned to one of the English speaking Koreans and asked maybe if we were famous in Korea to get so much attention. However, he turned his attention to try and get our mobile numbers.
Apart from this the day was quite ordinary. I have no idea what I'm doing tomorrow.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: DMZ, fighting, guns, korea, korean south, northan south korea, peace, sad, seoul, shopping, tears, war

Hi,
So last night when I left you I got talkikng with my host family. They asked me about m day so I told them about the folk village. Suddenly everyone disapeared and returned with huge books, photo albums. Apparently mother and fathers first date was at the folk village. They met in 1991 and where married in 1995. He proposed on her birthday and sent 100 red roses, it was really cute. Father takes alot of photos and many where of mother. After this album the wedding photos came out. They had three cermonies, one was more western with a big white dress and a suit. They got married at Lotte World which is like Disneyland, in the castle and the photos are adorable, she looks like a princess. The next was traditional in Korea and was done at the folk village, she was done up in Geisha-est makeup and clothes and hidden for the entire cermony. The last was a resgistars office where a suit and plain white dress were worn. The pictures are amazing and she looks so beautiful, it was breathtaking.
Next we had the honeymoon pictures where I saw a picture of father in a speedo, disturbing isn't even close to the word I have in mind. They went to Jujedo island which is really picture perfect, think Hawii style. Then we just had general photos and towards the end she pointed to her stomach and plainly said , 'baby'. Next we had the birth pictures, it was a little gross, not type the pictures we'd show in the UK if you get me and then really cute baby photos, brother is so adorable, I think I'm going to adopt an Korean child.
A few days after the birth, mother and father went to Japan for a holiday whilst brother was handed over to his aunty. I thought this was really shocking, and she just kinda popped him out an then went on vaccation, crazy.

Anywho, today was Carolines birthday so I got up and showered and stuff before munching my food eally quick and going to uni. On the way up I bought a chocolate cake and gave it to my father to hide in the office. I met Caz in the lecture and she thanked me. In her hands she had a package so I welcomed her and sat down. I asked where Helena was only to find out that she wasn't in. This confused me as Helena had the presents, so how did Caz have presents already? I looked over confused and realised that the presents were different to the ones that we'd bought, now I was trying to text Helena to try and find out what was going on.
Helena came in late and gave Caz her presents which confused Caz as she realised the things in front of her were not from us. She said that Mahinda had given them and we told her that we knew nothing about it. Nonetheless, Caz opened her stuff and was so excited. She read the card first and was questioning our mesages about loosing our souls to one of the presents. She rifled through them trying to see which one was the special one and squealed when she saw her braclet. I was so happy that she liked it, it was so hard to make (see post no. 32). Caz also loved her book which I then teased her about due to the fact she's bee trying to buy it for days only for Helena and myself to distract her.
Break time came and we bunked off to the computer room to update our friends and family on Korean life. Helena pretended to go back to lecture but snuck off to the western bar with the cake. We all met at 12 and got interiewed by the Keele Uni students who are also making a film. We all walked to the western bar and ordered Pizzas, they were lovely and had wedges on top. About halfway through Caz said she was full and Helena and I tried to keep her from eating anymore as we still had the cake. Unfortunately Caz forced it down, I was slightly worried as the cake needed to be eaten ASAP. We grabbed the plates and told Caz to watch out stuff as we sorted the cake out, however being nosy as ever she came to clear stuff away, making me shove her down the ramp. I think it was worth the pushing however and she was excited to see the cake. We all struggled to eat apiece and decieded it would go to a good home in the international office to be munched on.
I'll update later but,
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: back in time post, birthday, korea, living, madu, paris baggette, party, seoul, students, tired, tried, wales

Hiya again,
Today I got up really late. I set my alarm for 6 and then decided I wanted to sleep until 7, only to be awoken by mother to tell me I slept in and was late. I decided that I wouldn't miss much and had a shower and took my time. I strolled to the metro and got off in Anguk and went to the guiding store. I managed to buy some uniform and a badge to take back with me, it's very interesting to see and I took some photos. Their English was bad so I was sad that I could not talk to others about guiding. I then rang my Mam in Wales and chatted on the phone before going to the cosmetics store and then to university. I had the tripod with me and it was breaking my back, I'm glad to no long have it as a burden.
I met Helena and found out that Caroline had also slept in and would be meeting us. We decided that today would be good to go to the women's protest so we got on the tube and went to the Japanese Embassy.
Once there people took our photos and we talked to a man who was a 102 years old and could speak English, Chinese and Korean. We were lucky to meet him. Slowly women appeared and the Embassy shut the gates and the police and riot police came out. The women were protesting because when Japan invaded Korea, they made many woman become prostitutes for the Japanese solders. They re-enacted it in song and dance and it was very moving. The elderly women were very determined and every Wednesday at 12, without fail, they protest and demand an apology for what happened to them.
We filmed them and there were many cameras there ready to film if the Japanese apologised but nothing happened. We went back to uni for lunch and then decided to wander the Gangnam station shops. We also got some bad news from Lucy, the DMZ border tour got cancelled due to swine flu, however, Lucy got home to the UK safely. I'm glad she's okay.
I can't write much more today but will on Friday.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: filming, japan, korea, musical, prostitutes, riot, sad

Hiya,
So after I typed to you all online, I had an egg sandwich which has now led me to the conclusion that I really don't like eggs. I ate it all but felt really quite ill afterward.
Onto today, I got up and rushed because i was so tired from the temple and went to uni. I got some nice texts because my phone was being annoying but is all good now. I got in and met the new lecturer ready for Korean Buddhism. He's American and really really funny and comes out with these little stories ever so often. I read some of Katie Price followed by some of Midnight Sun (the online 5th in the series twilight book). We got some crisps in the lunch and the lecture was followed by Orientation and a special lecture. Both of these were highly boring so I carried on drawing doodles over and over before reading again.
Afterward we had a meeting with Mahinda as Lucy is going home to family reasons. We're going to Pusan tomorrow and although I was excited, I'm not so much anymore. Our meeting was quick and I managed to sneak in a few shopping moments before I got on the metro. However my mood was dampened by sop owners shouting 'big size big size'. Way to help the self esteem.
I got home and checked my university results before taken to a western restaurant to eat spaghetti. It was yummy and I tried my best to eat it all despite having bacon and pepperoni in it. We all had a pizza to share as well. We waited for father and in the meantime I got given a earring and necklace set off my host mother as a birthday present, it's a very pretty set!
We then met father and run to the cinema as it was 7pm and the film was starting. I enjoyed Harry Potter very much and on the way home I explained about Cyfarthfa. They were really impressed with how British ever thing seemed to be there.
Currently I'm just chilling out but I'm not feeling so happy.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: angharad, cyfarthfa high school, donguk university, harry potter, korea, pusa, shopping, unhappy

Hiya,
Got up and got organised before I looked out the window, it was absolutely tipping it out. Mahinda cancelled because he melts in the rain and Lucy isn't feeling up to much so our plans were reorganised. Mother came and my breakfast, she cut the crusts off my bread today, it was amazing, I almost hugged her. She then drove me to the tube, I think she spent so long drying my converse that she didn't want them to get wet again. I got on the tube and met Lucy and Caroline at Chungmoro and we went to Dunkin Donuts (see a theme here?) for some coffee. We decieded the cinema was a good idea and got tickets to see Transformers 2. We wanted refreshments and managed to get the biggest tub of popcorn and a drink for only 600won, It was amazing, I didn't even dent it. The film was funny mainly due to Helenas comments and Caroline getting upset. We were just amused at the cheesy lines Optimus Prime banged out.
After the film we went to Myeong Dong just because it was still raining, we found this big market thing with loads of frilly tops, I am definately coming back at the end when I have some money left over. I can't wait!
I'm home now and found out that Brother has he pokemon game, I guess I should say bye to him now as he's become a pokemon master, only emerging from the game when needing to eat, I'm pretty sure he took it in the bath with him earlier. I'm not sure whether he got into school but I have a feeling he's done well.
Tomorrow we're going to a spa and I just can't wait!
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: amazing, bath spa university, film, korea, love, mall, melon, pokemon, popcorn, seoul, shopping, transformers

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

Hiya,
So today I got dressed and fixed myself up before going to university. Father and I got a lift off mother but only to the Tube station. I got a seat early and was able to play animal crossing on my Nintendo. We got off and father saw a colleague who bought us a taxi, it was very kind of him. We got to university early and I was able to buy some biscuits and a Mountain dew. The others came in except for Lucy who is ill today, I feel bad for her as Migraines are horrible. I listened but I'd already studied the subject so it was a little boring to me. We where then allowed to go early so I went and changed some travellers cheques with Caroline. It took so long, about 30 minutes in all. I now appear rich in Korean Won when in sterling it is very little (5GBP=10,000 Won). We got our money and had Babimba in the canteen with Mahinda. I think he was Little upset as the nun did not have time to come and eat with us today. We discussed many things about filming and home. It made me a little home sick which was annoying as I'm getting used to Korea now.
We left Mahinda and went to the library to research and study although not much got done as we were mainly looking at photos and looking up touristy things to do as we are no longer going to JeJudo Island.
We decided to leave the computers and visit father. I told him we were going shopping and he gave us an orange juice to take with us. I think we really brighten up the office when we come over and say hi to everyone in the international place.
I decided that we should go to Myeong Dong so together we took the tube down. When we got there, we were so amazed we didn't know what to look at first. It was amazing, so many shops and clothes and shoes. I loved every second. We wandered for ages and picked up various things. Lotte department was very disappointing as it was very expensive and not very fun. Helena got hungry so we all went in search of food. On the way up we passed a noodle bar and there where white gentlemen sitting in the window, excited to see them I waved. They looked very awkward and apparently it meant we couldn't eat there. However, the girls hid me and we swallowed the embarrassment and went and sat down. We called over a few waiters and tried to explain that we didn't eat fish or meat. They tried to tell us that the only vegetarian meal was for two and because we are a three it wouldn't work. Helena tried auguring but eventually we got up and left. We wandered around for ages until they stopped for a cigarette and then I noticed an Indian place. It was a sauce, drink and nann for only 11,000 so we went up and tried to explain we were veggies. The guy was little confused at first but then when I showed him my Korean translation book he sat us and got a menu, there were loads of veggie curries so we ordered away. I also had a Lassi, a yogourt drink for the first time, it was really nice and cool. My mild curry was very hot but otherwise yummy. We talked over food and then went back to the shops where we got some clothes. I got the lushest dress, it's a kind of Lolita one and I got it for 5GBP, very happy.
Lucy said she was going home so we thought it'd be a good time to depart. I got on the train asap and got a seat so I played Nintendo on my way home. I called Gav and it was nice to talk to him, he thought I was saying something weird when I was saying hello in Korean to my doorman.
When I got in I had a lovely plate of watermelon sitting for me, I am very lucky. We talked about what to do tomorrow (it's host family day after university) and we are going to the cinema with brother and his friends to watch terminator. The films are in English with Korean subtitles so I should be okay. Brother got 0 wrong on maths, P.E and ethics, I'm very proud of him. Tomorrow is Geography and English, I said he must do well for me and I am currently giving him lots of tips.
I am hoping to join Erasmus when I get back to university in England because it's possible to study someplace. I am thinking of studying in Florence, Italy for my third year. However, I am yet undecided. I would really like to travel more and Italy seems ideal. I do enjoy Korea and maybe I will come back to the International school one day to teach English.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bath spa university, britian, brother, donguk university, dresses, english, erasmus, exams, gavin, hungry, indian, korea, mahinda, mr kim, study, teacher, uk, yum

Hello again,
So I got up mega early, got ready and put on my super cute dress. I had my breacfast that was left for me, had a wash and brushed my teeth. I got my bag and off I was, ready to go. Except as soon as I opened the door, I set off all the alarms in the apartment making my host mother get up and spoiling her lie in. I was soo embrassed like you would not believe! I kind of left in a hurry after that and got on the metro. I brought my DS to play and it made the time fly way better than normal. I managed to go and get to Donguk University and get lost as we were all meeting at a certain Cafe. I rung Helena and I managed to find it but when I got there it was shut. I was starving so I didn't to walk until I found a nice open cafe. I managed to walk 3 tube lines before getting to one! Because I walked so far I managed to make myself late as I had to get another tube back, it was crazy!
We walked to the ambassitor hotel and met a nun, Mr Kim and Professor along with Mahinda. We got into two taxis and was off toKyeomg Bk Palace. It was really huge and much grander than the one yesterday as it had been rebuilt for historical purposes.
We had some more photo opputunities and I got to talk with the nun who was really nice and very pretty. Our tickets in were paid for and we had a tour guide. I did some filming but got bored very easily so did not get much done. Our tour guide was very nice and her english was amazing. I learnt that the king and queen had seperate houses and that the mother of the king was in some ways more important than the king himself. Also about the zodiac animals protecting the Palace from evil. We then got to stroll around the houses and the gardens, it was boiling though and everyone had really horrible headaches. Some schoolchildren got their photos with us, it was really funny.
Afterwards we passed this hut where you could try on the gaurds uniform. We managed to blackmail the professor into dressing up (we said he'd either dress up or go to the temple :P) which he done and looked very well suited. He even walked like the gaurds did. Lucy and Helena dressed up with him as you could only do a few at a time. Afterwards me and Caroline dressed up. We managed to get different colours and make angry poses for the camera.
Later we got in the Taxi to Insydone and had some food. The nun and Mr Kim ordered lots of side orders and we each got tiny amount of rice. Me and the professor talked about Switzerland and Ammsterdam (he's dutch and teaches in Switzerland currently) and then about religion as a whole when the bill came and we had to pay 10,000 won each. Now 5 pound is resonable for a meal but for me, it was not as I only had a spoonful and politely declineded the offer of more. I now have learnt my lesson.
After the shock of lunch we again got in a taxi and we went to the Korean Museum . It would've been interesting at a different time but because we'd be walking around all day no one was really fussed. We looked at the paintings and fine art but then went to the gift shop and to get some ice cream.
Finally our day events were over and we all made our ways home. Lucy had to go to the Karoke with her host family so Helena, Caroline and myself went to Myeong Dong which is amazing. We didn't get to look around for long but they are so many things I want to buy. I am thinking of leaving some of my ugly british ones behind as Korean clothes are cheap and delicate. I am definiately going back soon.
I got home about 8.30ish and had some fruit. We started singing Hey Jude and they loved my t-shirt when I explained that it was the Beatles. Me and the host mother reinated this morning for everyone to laugh at and we made fruit tea which was... strange. I told them about my day and host father went out and bought a book for me on Buddhism. It's very nice of him. Brother is running around like a nutter because he has a P.E exam tomorrow. I was talking about Korean fashion (the girls here wear short skirts, long tops and little heels and clipclap everywhere) and I started teasing him about making liking a girl in school. His mother joined in and he went bright red, it's really funny to watch. We then had some crisps and helped brother revise for his exams and I acted out various scenes from today. Host mother commented that I'm looking Korean today, I think it's because of my makeup, short hair and asian dress sense. I'm definately dying my hair black when I get home though.
I've uploaded photos for you all to look at now so plese check them out!
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: alarm, basking robbins, britian, dress, exchange, family, girl, journey, korea, korean melon, museum, palace, shopping, sunday, university

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

Hi,
So I got upearly today because I did not want to be late. No one was around so I figured I'd just leave. However, as I went to the door and mother came and got me back. She made me breakfast which was a sandwich with banana, jam and cheese, very strange mixture. I then went to leave when I was stopped again. I had to wait for host father, I don't think he even needed to come in today. However, He got ready and we went offf. He then took me to go on the bus which was really strange, it's apparently because we're late. We got off the bus and got on the tube station. After a short journey the host father got us a taxi to the university. I told him Ifelt like a movie star :D The lecture was annoying but Caroline didn't feel well so we left early. I've been looking up a Taekwondo course for a day. I'm really wanting to do it! I think I'll do it, alone or otherwise.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: korea, lecture, mother, seoul, study, wales

Hello,
So today after I was online we decieded that we'd go to the shopping place because I wanted an anime book to read in english. Our sheduale looks crazy busy but I'm sure it shall be fine. We've only got one shopping day penciled in though, this makes me sad. So Lucy went home early to catch some rest. It started to pour down again which was so annoying as we're in linen and such again. We spent about 15 minutes in the metro station trying to work out what tube to catch and what exit to depart from. We got there eventually but came out of the wrong exit and ended up in a bigger store than the last one we went to! It has such cute stationary as well, I was in love. I got a chobits book and we walked around looking at cute items. We got hungry and started to walk around looking for a place. We looked for maybe an hour before finding an italian. We all ordered a pizza and was surpised when they came with no tomato puree. It was really strange but lovely, I found some Dr Pepper, it was like magic! I realised today that I've taken a Korean intonation which means I'm speaking but there's a lot of gaps between my words and I say umm or errr and I've noticed that I've taken a Korean way of answering questions. We then wandered some more before going to the Metro and departing. On the way the tube stopped again to be cleaned by this boy thought I didn't understand. Due to last night I was anxious to talk to anyone and pretended to not understand. However, this boy took me as a Europian (because my eyes and boobs are a big giveaway) and started lecturing me about how great English was and that I was stupid not to learn it. He then tried to find out my mobile number. A nice old Korean man helped me get rid of him by telling him something in Korean to which he went away.
I'm home now and on my way I bougth Pocky for brother. He done very well, he got 3 wrong in music and 2 in Home but 0 in science, he thinks this is okay but not good. However, he seemed happier with being presented with chocolate. I think there is great pressure on him to do well like his father.
I've just shown the family my sheduale and we're going to see Harry Potter on the 7th as a treat because that's the day brother finishes school. I think we're also getting some dinner at a Korean. I'm nervous because I'm not so happy with Korean food. Host mother just came in and gave me a plum. I think I looked confused about what it was so she explained in her broke english that it's a plum and that it's cut with a knife. It really tickled me.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: brother, crazy, europe, girl, harry potter, korea, korean melon, shopping, south, tube, wales

Hola,
So after I text you we went to the kitchens to meet Mahinda. However, he did not show up for almost two hours!! However we did get quite alot of things listed that we want to see nad worked out a sheduale. I made some drawings to remind me of what things we want to do but Lucy gave me a telling off and said I wasn't being invovled with the group. Not my fault if I learn differently, it upset me very much.
Apparently when we go to Pusan we're going to a Rehab centre that the dean owns to stay there as it is cheaper. Except it's not where people where addictions go but people with learning diffuculties. How weird is that? So we sat down at lunch for a very long time and talked about different attractions. Mahinda told us that the Government are paying for us to go to DMZ, the no mans land between the North and the South. Our hotel, food and daytrips are going to be paid for when we go and we'll be officals from the U.K. I'm excited but I'd rather not be attacked by the South.
We the went to a different town near the other university. It was a short ride and very packed, It was much nicer than the other places that we've been to so far. Helena's student camena dmet us and we really wanted to go to Noodle X, a noodle bar that was in the lonely planet guide. We searched for it high and low only for the student to point out that it had closed down (the book is out of date!) However we managed to find an english type Pub and ordered lots of "western" food. Me and Caroline got cheesey nanchos and some crinkle chips. The food came and it was huge, it was so nice to have a filling meal rather than sloppy rice.
We paid our bill and walked to the Tube and went our seperate ways. About 10 stops before my own this man started talking to me asking about the Uk. I was happy to talk to him. After a short whil eh started to get a tad aggressive and demanded to know where I live and my mobile number. I was quite nervous so I got off at a different stop and walked around. I'm not always sure whether someone is being friendly or not in Korea as it can be mistaken easily.
I am however, home now and there's work EVERYWHERE. Another exam is tomorrow and brother is frantic!! It's 11.30 and he still is not going to bed. I'm very tired so shall be logging off now. I'm hopefully uploading pictures tomorrow in uni! So you have them to look forward to!
I'm still not 100% about being here but I guess I'm stuck right?
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bath spa university, chips, gangnam, korea, metro, rice, scary, soeul, welsh girl

Hello again,
So today has been interesting. I left you when it was time to go see the teacher who teaches Indian Philosophy and helps with the international affairs. He gave us some lovely coffee (their instant has sugar and milk added already, a miracle!) and some Korean Green tea. It tastes pretty bland in flavour but probably does wonders in the detoxing world. I gave him the Rugby ball and he said his daughters would enjoy it. We than saw a photo of them, they are quite young and very cute. Lucy came late and brought her host student Olivia with her. We all chatted about certain things before going off to the University kitchen. We were very lucky and our lunch was being paid for by the University. The kitchen does western type food so we had two pizzas to share and I had a lovely cheese baguette and a coke. It was the nicest thing ever, seriously. After lunch we all separated to go check the mail and get some drinks before meeting Mahinda. We walked down to the Tube and rode for three stops. We decided that we would like one month rental mobile phones for safety and to contact one another. We walked around for what seemed like forever, but no one done the deal that we were hoping for. Whilst the others were talking, me and Caroline went for a walk and in the windows are really cute puppies up for sale. They were so sad looking but so cute. This one was very fluffy and had big puppy eyes. I took a photo, I wanted to bring him home. We went then to a English/Korean bookshop. There were so many anime books but most were in Korean, I'd never seen so many in my life. The others bought Korean guides and books about Buddhisim. Olivia was very kind and managed to bar gin with a phone retailer so now we have three (very crap) mobile phones for the month so I will get the number in case anyone would like to text or call me.
After the phones and books we wanted to visit tourist information to find leaflets for the tube and for things to do. Mahinda got us really lost because this man showed the wrong way. However we found a man who had lived in New York and spoke good english, he drew us a map and we were soon on our way! After walking around some more we found it and picked up as many information booklets as possible. I want to go to Dinoworld but it had already closed. I think we are going mud wrestling though. After about 10 minutes of being in the tourist information, some Korean group walked in. Myself and Caroline were sitting down when this very elderly lady started making her way towards us. I was abit worried because she was staring, having obviously not seen many westerners. Lucy noticed our worried looks and called us over only for 'dawn of the dead' lady to start following. We sharply made an exit and she still shuffled behind us. We were hysterical afterwards. The group met back up with Mahinda and we walked through the town to find some food. I spotted a McDonalds but everyone gave me evil looks. We went to many restaurants but the main vegetarian meal seems to be Babimba which we are not to keen on. We found one place but the food cost about 20(BPS) so we gave it a miss. The next one we found served beansprout noodles so we went and sat down. Lucy and Helena shared a massive broth on a heater whilst Caroline, Mahinda and I had the noodles. I wish someone had told me that they were served ice cold. It was a shock to the system and tasted mainly of just plain cooked spaghetti, not nice. Caroline accidentally gave me this chilli paste, I think my reaction was quite funny. Lucy and Helena had a same go at us for not eating meat which was annoying as I don't particular like eating meat and am fussy when I do.
We left the restaurant hungry so I slipped into a 7/11 and got a small snack. We made our way to the tube station but I needed the toilet. Little did I know it was a crazy hole in the ground one, really not nice! I had a right job to lift my trousers up and down at the same time. I got home about 10o'clock, it was scary walking in the dark but okay, lots of teenagers are in the parks playing football and it's very well light. I got in and felt lucky because I got fruit and an ice cream so I feel a little fuller. I had a really nice shower and we've been talking about the hostility between the north and south of Korea. It seems the South hope that they are reunited again soon.
Brother is practising his singing for an exam tomorrow, it's quite funny but sweet. I am nervous for him, he's very stressed out. I offered to take him to see Harry Potter when he is done with everything and he seemed happy at the suggestion. I think he really wants his game (he's getting pokemon) more than anything so he is studying all the time when I am home.
It is now 11.44 and I am very tired so I'm going to head off to bed. I hope all is well in the UK!
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bath spa university, cold, donguk university, harry potter, hills, hot, ice noodles, international affairs, korea, north, south, sun, tourist office, uk, wales

Helloo,
I'm up at the uni really early again today, I guess it's just easier for me to go on the computers and it's takes me a long journey to get here anyway. On the way to uni I saw a poster for a vet and on it is a fox terrier! I took a photo straight away. I'm quite impressed that I got here on my own, vise versa with getting home last night.
I think today that we are meeting the man who made the trip possible, I have a welsh squashy rugby ball for him as a present. After that we are getting... PIZZA! I can't wait! Although me and Caroline have to find the place, that hsould be quite hard, the campus is so large. We're then going around the town and going to tourist information to get leaflets and broushures. Hopefully we'll have loads of time to go shopping. I'm not sure if I'll buy anything today but I definiatly want to find a Lolita shop.
This morning for brecfast I had facepack salad again along with Korean Melon. It was lovely but a little too sweet. Host mother stopped me beofre I went out the door today, I managed to get a treat for uni. Pocky (long biscuit sticks with chocolate on) and mountain dew. It made me laugh and she seemed very happy. I managed to walk with Brother today too. He was tired as he was up late studying hard. He really wants his computer game. I explained that my boyfriend also likes computer games.
I now have to go to international affairs to meet the others.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bath spa university, donguk university, girl, korea, korean melon, merthyr tydfil, metro, mountain dew, pocky, salad, seoul, wales

Hiya,
So I'm feeling better since the last post, I guess it's because I came to the uni with host father and I had to wait 2 hours alone, making me mope over everything. The tube takes an hour and I have to walk through a big park to get to the metro. I then have to go up the steepest hill (I swear it's like pen-y-fan) before getting to uni. This nice young boy helped me in the uni today as he could see that I was quite upset. When it was lesson time, he got me to my class and explained I was late because I was very homesick. We had an orientation today and met our buddy. Ours is called Nancy and she likes to make jokes about our english. She taught me some words which I later found out mean 'stop staring at me' and 'please go away now'. We got our library cards and explored the campus abit. We then met up with Lucy and decieded it was ready for lunch. Seeing as me and Caroline didn't want Korean food we went to a baggette shop and bought 2 bagettes and a glaric bread. We sat down and ate before realising that the glaric bread actually had sugar on!! How weird is that? I just hear Peter Kay in my head going 'Garlic bread? glaric bread with sugar on? That's the future that is'. Apparently most savioury things are sweet and vise versa. They also don't really have sugar here by a syrup that you pour into the drink.
We then all sat down and had a very long meeting. We decieded to go to a spa on my birthday and a theme park for Carolines, I'm quite excited. I have everyones phone number and bought a new notepad for my lessons. We've decied to rent a mobile each to get hold of each other as we want to call and for emergencies. It's important because we all live so apart. We also discussed host families and I realised I'm lucky as I'm in a quite well off family as I sleep in a bed and get normal food like toast for the morning (poor caroline had fish bone soup this morning). At one point me and Caroline went to the toilet and this crazy woman kept shouting at us to try help give us directions, was crazy. We have loads of plans for the week though so it should keep us busy. Our main sheduale is 9.00-12.00 is lesson time, 12.00-12.30 is free time, 12.30-1.30 is lunch, 1.30-2.00 is meeting time and 2.00-6.00 is filimg and work and sightseeing. Time after that will probably be for dinner as we don't want to burdan host families too much.
After our very long meeting we met up with 4 previous Korean students who studied at Bath Spa and 3 students going to the UK to study there in September. Mahinda was very nice and treated all of us to food at a nice Korean resturant. I sat next to a girl who was very persistant on making sure I ate alot of pepper paste, it was hot. I had Bimbamba which was beans, egg, seaweed and rice. It was very strange and I mainly ate seaweed and rice. Caroline was lucky as she got a car and the host family took her home, dropping Helena on the way. Lucy and I walked to the station and caught the metro. I was quite confused at first and thought I was going the wrong way but I was alright and I worked it out. I managed to get a seat today but about halfway the tube stopped and everyone had to get off. A man tried to explain that the cleaners had to come on and we had to catch the next tube. I'm pretty sure if he wasn't there I'd be cleaning a tube right now!! I managed to get off okay and find my way home. I was abit nervous on the way as it was dark and I was walking alone in the park but I got home okay.
My host mother just made me ice cream and fruit with a smoothie drink and we all talked about our days. Brother (that's what I'm having to call him) has an exam on the 7th and he is nervous. If he passes he gets a new game for his DS, he is studying very hard. I explained today that I actually live in Wales. I had to draw a map and explain what it was like there. I also managed to try out some Korean on them, they seemed very impressed. Host father is still not home, he works long hours, 8.00am until 10.00pm. I'm thinking of a shower now as I am very hot and sticky. I've been told to avoid fan death today that I'm allowed to open the window, hallujah!
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bimbamba, crazy, england, fan death, fruit, garlic bread, ice cream, korea, library, madu, metro, wales

Hello all,
I'm not sure what it was, but last night my supper consisted of. I had broccoli, lettuce, cucumber, peppers and banana on a plate and then this stuff on it which I swear tasted of my face cream. It was so weird. I keep being fed a block of cheese as well. I'm eating it though so it's not too bad. I then went to bed only to be woken again cause host father was home. We decided on a plan and I have a key to the house. Then went to bed about 10.30ish. I had to turn off the fan because of fan death. Korean believe fans will kill you in the night, it's really funny.
Got up at 7 today and had a wash and stuff. Had a block of cheese for my brekkie. Host mother gave me some water and we set off into the metro. We walked for about 10 minutes and got to the metro. I now have this card thing that I have to put money on. I have no idea how it works. We travlled for an hour, got off and walked up the biggest hill ever. I got shown where our class is and now I'm just waiting for the others.
I'm not really liking it here at the moment and I want to go home.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bath spa university, facepack, hot, korea, sad, seoul, sticky

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