Hello!
So I'm in the UK and in my house. The flight was long, 11 hours this time. I managed to watch, Monsters vs Aliens, 17 Again, Bride wars, Back to the future and I love you Man. It was crazy and the food was horrible. I had this crazy Korean girl who put her seat all the way back and then would sit up, not even to use it! I twinged my back too, it really really hurt but Helena was so nice and bought me these strip things to help it.
At one point on the plane, we went through turbulence and the plane just dropped, I did mutter some words under my breathe and the guy next to me thought we were all going to die but it was okay, apparently the quickest way out of clouds is to just drop through the air.
We got off in Paris and transferred quickly, we waited an hour and got on a tiny airbus only to go up and then down, it was an amazing flight and when we got to Heathrow, our luggage arrived really early on.
Mam and Dad bought a big sign with my name on, I felt like a movie star. I managed to chat the whole journey back to wales and in the house, it was about 1am when we finally all got to bed.
Overall I loved Seoul and I really want to go back, maybe see Japan and China next time.
Here are the things I learnt in Korea:
1. If your white, prepared to get stared at.
2. No one knows where Wales is.
3. In Seoul, Vegetarian = eat everything, get ready to live on rice...
4. The North of Korea is a scary place.
5. Although mainly a Buddhist country, many people are only Buddhist in Theory.
6. Be prepared to eat the same thing for lunch, dinner and breakfast.
7. No one follows Confucius anymore.
8. When people start getting off the tube in mass numbers, follow them.
9. Get ready to see alot of Palaces and Temples.
10. Just because someone is a monk, don't expect them to act like it.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my time in Korea,
Logging off for the last time,
Angharad

Labels: Angharad john, angylionangharad, bimbamba, bye, donguk university, goodbye, logging off, merthyr tydfil, seoul, twelsh

So I got up about 10 ish and had my last ever Omellet! Yay!!!! Mother was really upset this morning and they loed my card with my bad Korean Calligraphy. I'm going to miss them. I packed up my last stuff and put the thigns I didn't want into bags and tried to explain that she can have them. The clothes would probably swamp her though. Next she drove me to Madu station. We waited, and waited, and waited for Mahinda but he didn't show. I had to ring on my UK mobile which really sucked nad he wouldn't pick up. my mother went searching for him, running around like a headless chicken, it was scary. He arrived an hour later than arranged and we got into a cab. I said goodbye to my mother and she hugged me really really tightly. I thought she wasn't going to let me go.
Next we waved goodbye and left for the airport. That's where I am now but I have to log off due to the secruity. The North are always trying to hack the airport through phone signals, or so I'm told.
I'm really excited to go back to the UK now, I've missed everyone so much.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: airport, bye, fly8ing, mahinda, monk, north, plane, scary, seoul, uk

Hi,
Today I felt sad as it was the last day and I wasn't really up for leaving. I got up and showered before having my sandwhiches. I went to uni and only done half of the lecture. At 12 we went with Keele to the British Council and Embassy. There we talked about our experiences and why we came. We had a buffet style lunch which was lovely.
Next we had a rooftop party with free wine. As Brittish students we took it upon ourselves to try and make sure the 40 bottles were disposed of properly.
Overall a non exciting day but a sad one. I've learnt that Seoul is one of those places that can make a Westerner feel really excited, speical and very beautiful. I'm going to be sad to leave.
Even as I write this the woman who has acted as my mother for a month is crying over my departure. Indeed, I am sad to leave.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: britian, leaving, sad, seoul, tears, wine

Hola,
Today has been pretty uneventful and I've packed all my stuff up. I'm really sad about it actually. I went to Myeong-Dong and bought this tee that I've had my eye on for a while, it's a designer one, BSX, a Korean brand but I really wanted it and i had my birthday money. On the way to a jewellery shop a guy grabbed me and told me how beautiful I was before teasing me about my eyes. I tried to use it to my advantage by getting a discount at his stall but it wasn't really happening.
I got the tube back and saw Korean boy who sometimes walks me to the flats.
On my way I took my chance to ask about western girls and Korean opinion on them. He said that we're pretty because of our white skin, it means that we were rich enough not to work in rice fields and get tanned. I laughed and explained that it was a good ting to be tanned in the UK as it shows you can afford to go abroad. Next he told me that we have wide eyes which is just a nicety. Also western girls have hourglass figures, or so I rather from the hand movements, Korean girls are straight. I told him that this was also funny as western girls seem to strive for a thin look, a more Korean figure and dress code. Finally he told me that my attention comes from looking Western but dressing Asian, looking like a young girl making me cute. I'm glad the flattery stopped there and was replaced by a chocolate bar. I'll be sad to leave my friend but I may email him to keep in contact.
I came in about 6ish and to my surprise the door went and everyone walked in. About five minutes later the doorbell went, Pizza Hut. They'd ordered a pizza with wedges on as a farewell meal. I was so excited, even more when I realised there was coke involved.
Overall it's been a good day, but I still don't want to go home.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: madu, orange line, pizza hut, seoul, western girl

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,
So at the airport now waiting to fly back to the sunny UK. I had a leisurely lie in and I got dressed and packed the little things. Mother cried again. I will sure miss my host family. She drove me to Madu station where we had to wait AGES for Mahinda to come. She even run around looking for him, it was annoying. He finally pulled up in a taxi and I hugged my mother goodbye. I have her email address so I'll definately keep in touch.
On the way to the airport we talked about what might be good for the people going next year, I think I'm going to put my blog down as a reading list for them, hopefully it'll give an idea of what to look for next year.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: areoplane, flying, home, paris baggette, plane, seoul, uk

Hiya,
So was very tired and went to bed earlish after writing my blog. I got up and had a shower about 6ish and my breakfast at 7.15ish. Now inbetween the time I went into the bathroom and brushe dmy teeth, father had his brecfast, got dressed and put on his shoes and was calling me to hurry up. I'm not really sure how he manages to do it but one day I'll catch him out.
We got to class really early so I got us good seats. Luckily we could finish at 10.40 as it was Dongguk graduation for some of the monks and teachers. Because the weather was good and we were all feeling refreshed we decieded that today would be good to do the Inwangsan Shamanist Hillside Walk. Now, I really do hate Korea Sparkling because not only did it lie to me about Noodle X being open, but it also lied to me about it being a 'hillside'walk. First we had to get out of the tube station and walk up this really hard slope, then up this hill to the top where we met some Americans and chatted then up some steps, and that was just the beginning. We got lost and started chatting to a monk who let us go in the temple alone to film and take pictures as much as we wanted. We searched high and low for the Shamanistic icons but only found Buddhist ones until the last 5 minutes where we spotted the drawings in the corner. We then moved on up the mountain, yes mountain, to these rocks which apparently look like a monk praying. I couldn't see it but apparently it brings fertillity. I figured I'd get blessed ready for the future and I done my prayers. I done extra as it's more work to ask for a girl than a boy, it sucked and my legs hurt after a while. We filmed a little and realised that there was a monk sitting on top of the mountain. Stupidly we figured we could get to him, how wrong we were.
We passed the Shamanistic temple, which was closed to our dismay, and carried on up the rocks. We met the American couple and figured that if they were climbing the mountain, than we definately could. Helena was a tad nervous of heights so I went first, she as behind and the Caroline at the rear. It was at this point that we realised flip flops were not the best idea in the world. I tried to find logs and gap in the stones to climb up and we stopped at the highest point to drink the cleansing mountain water. I'm pretty sure we almost deprived the rest of Seoul water for that time as it was really nice and cold. We carried on through the mountain and then started our descent. This was easier said than done and the sweat was running down me. I was at the back this time due to not being confident with going downhill. Helena became one with the forest and walked barefoot most the way and helped me to not slide down the hills.
We finished our walk and realised we smelt really quite bad and had to go meet a film direstcor. We wandered around a little and bought some t-shirts and spray and wetwipes to clean up. I thinkw e done agood job. We then went to meet Mahinda ina new area to get a taxi to the directors house. It was a strange place we went to, near an army base so many white girls and boys. It was unnverving and I really didn't like it there. It was too.. western and I think I'm now prefering the company of Asian people. There were all Americanised stores and one even called, ENGLAND! It was really disturbing. We bought a cake for Lee Myung-se, the director and went to his office in a taxi. He was a very nice guy and smoked like a trouper. He made us a lot of black coffee and was great to interview, I felt very lucky to interview him and he made me realise that I should be doing film, that life is too short. I could relate to him very much and we got talking about Anime and Manga series. I told the girls that he was my temple, my church. I am in much awe of the man. I gave him my email and youtube address, I hope maybe he will contact me.
After the interview his producer and assistants joined us and we went to Myeongdong for dinner. We walked up a dingey alleyway and I was surprised at how cool the resturant was. I had three bowls of rice wine which is really nice and he was kind and ordered omlette, cucumber, fruit salad and tofu for me and Caroline. Everyone had a good laugh and we made jokes about Mahinda, calling him the monk paparazzi because he takes about a million or so photographs.
Anyway, logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bath spa university, buddhist, donguk university, free market, Lee Myung-Se, madu, mahinda, monk, mountain dew, seoul, shamanistic walk

Hello,
So we got off the bus and was picked up straight away by this nice man called Truman, because he is a True Man apparently. We went over to our Hotel and were shocked. Mahinda got his own room with a double bed and we all went upstairs to find mats on the floor. It was disheartening. It was also at that point when we looked around that we realised we were in THAT type of motel, say where married men may come for some alone time or with a female caller. This assumption was due to the videos left for our viewing pleasure and some of the channels on TV...
Moving on, we went out for dinner to a vegetarian place and the guy ordered for us. Loads of food got brought out and we munched away, I tried many things such as pumpkin soup, acorn jelly, tofu and peppers until I was full. Only then did we realise that was only starter and our main arrived with rice and broth and pancakes. It was nice but we were really really full. Then came out a cake dessert and rice cakes, it was a feast for a king and cost about 7BP each, crazy. We had tea to settle our stomachs and Truman told us stories about Korea and the symbolism. For example, the sun is the man and the woman is the moon because of the cycles. Also we are made of three parts on our body, also that 12 is a really important number in Korea. It was amazing to learn and we were quizzed on it.
We then retired to our hotel and to our rooms. Helena was flicking the channels and we found an American show called 'the biggest tool'. It was the funniest thing I've seen in my life. Mainly about guys who cheated on their girlfriends and were in therapy. Every week they had to pass a test to gain and infidelity badge, it was hilarious. Mid-way through a girl showed up and announced she was the real girl friend of one of the guys, not the girl who he was there with. We were in stitches and at the end they had to vote off a guy. This week it was Joey who was told he was just a Tool.
We then watched Miss Korea and I told scary stories about fan death before we went to bed.


GOOD MORNING! BA BA BA BA BA BA BA BA DA DA DA.
Even Helena looked like she wanted to kill Caroline for her alarm. We got up and showered and dressed and returned our room to the normal state. We left the items in the room well alone and met Truman outside with Mahinda. We ate on the way to Bulguksa Temple and when we got there mainly just wandered. There they had many national treasures but we were a tad fed up as we've seen many Temples this holiday. It was still great to see and very calming atmosphere, I just love the smell of the chanting rooms. We got quizzed by Truman on things and he prodded us with a foam finger if we got something wrong.
Next we went to the Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO site where we climbed up a hill and saw this large Buddha that was hidden from the Japs and the Confucianisms for many years in a mountain. You aren't allowed to take photos but it was really large and impressive. Afterwards we wrote on a roof tile, I wrote in Welsh and our tile got placed on the International row, it was lush to see all the different messages from around the world.
Afterwards we went to the folk village to look at some pottery and then onto a restaurant. Like yesterday it was vegetarian but only a main course. Mine was yummy, a salad and grass and rice. Truman gave us his business card, Origami made by his wife and we all had very strong Cinnamon tea. We were then given a lift to the bus station where we were travelling for 4 hours from Gyeongju back to Seoul. It was long but good as we got to look at the photos that we'd taken on the bus, Mahindas taken loads, mainly unflattering ones.
I got to gangnam shopping station and we all went our separate ways, I hung on to look round the shops and bought a new skirt. This lady, the shop owner then started laughing and prodding my boobs while saying HUGE! It was funny and she called everyone over to admire the goods. She then proceeded to laugh as she found out my bra size and gave me a hefty slap on the bum as I left the store, quite funny.
I'm now at home and very tired, alot has gone on in Pusan and Gyeongju.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bras, busan, grotto, gyeongju, love shack, motel, pusan, seoul, stores, touching, truman, UNESCO

Hiya,
So I'm already 19 in Korean and still 18 in Britian. It's crazy, I'm so old. I got up and packed for the temple an had the quicket breakfast known to man before grabbing my cards and present and going. The tube annoyed me because I couldn't get a seat althought I had about 5 bags with me, so annoying. I got into a small arguement with a Korean girl too cause she nicked the seat I wanted, it sucked. However my mood was lifted when I got into uni and had cards and presents to open. I got some stickeres, face mask, nail varnish and the cutest earrings off the girls and new charms for my braclet off my parents along with some spending money! I'm really happy about it. We had our last ever lecture and graduation of Indian Buddhism so I have a nice folder with a diploma certificate, it's all good.
We said our thanks to Professor Bronkhurst and gave him a card, he signed our fans for us as a momento and hopefully we'll be seeing hin in Bath for a special lecture. We all popped over to the international office and dropped off our stuff before going to food. I just had soup as I'm not up to eating much at the moment. We had a chat with Mahinda and currently we're in the computer rooms waiting to leave.
My birthday is quite uneventful, I can't say what it's like because I'm bored and we celebrated yesterday. Overall I'm just waiting to go home now.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: 19, age, bath house, bath spa university, birthday, buddhism, cards, girl, mahinda, metro, seoul, soup, tired

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,
Today I got up really early and had a shower and such before heading over to Hongik university where we all met up at Dunkin Donuts and had some coffee. We then realised that the Free market wasn't open for another 4 hours. We wandered round the shops and laughed at the names of the stores (such as Boobi Boobi and Condomania) before having more coffee and wandering in and out. Helena saw an amazing t-shirt that said 'Don't kill yourself, I will pray for you' with a cross through suicide. Made us laugh anyway.
We then went over to the free market. It's basically a market for the students who can't afford to own shops so have stalls to sell their artwork and fashion. It's really pretty and one girl wrote my name in korean for me. We then looked at some earrings and I managed to get some lovely presents for people although I paid full price for everything (there's something morally wrong with bartering with a student). There were bands there and one group that amused us for looking quite indie only to not really be. Helena iffed and awwed about a painting for a while but gave up eventually and didn't get it. We went to go get some rice but I was just so hungry and ended up going to a really nice Indian resturant. There was a bollywood film on and I think we all were amused by it, watching it over and over. I ordered rice to the guys amusement and a Naan as I still feel abit dodgey with my stomach. Lucy and Helena had a curry and Caroline had some noodles, however it was full of peppers and chili so it was so funny to hear her complain about how hot it was.
Lucy then left us as we went to Isadong for the rest of the day. We found a big protest about the treatment of people in North Korea and talked to an Amercian protester about it while filimg, then we pasted an animal protest about dogs being in the cages in pet shops (don't worry dad, I didn't touch any dogs). We wandered around the art shops and got cornered by a boy who had the biggest book ever on Britian and started quoting facts about what everyone in the UK likes, sterotypically. It was quite funny actually and he mentioned Wales which was damn awesome. We were getting quite tired and decieded to have some tea at a traditional tea house. It was really funky and although it cost about 6000won we got to try new things. I had citron tea which was lemon pulp and hot water. It felt so nice to have a sit down and a break. Caroline had some crazy watermelon punch and Helena had some tea that tasted like Christmas.
We wandered some more before going home. I managed to not get crazy people and when I got home was greeted by a large amount of watermelon. I ofund out that brother has to be up at 6 tomorrow to go to the enterance exam for a posh highschool, he's been studying all night now.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: art, crazy people, free market, seoul, students, teacher, teapot, traditional, uk, wales, watermelon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Logging off for now,
Angharad

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

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

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

Hello!
So I'm in the UK and in my house. The flight was long, 11 hours this time. I managed to watch, Monsters vs Aliens, 17 Again, Bride wars, Back to the future and I love you Man. It was crazy and the food was horrible. I had this crazy Korean girl who put her seat all the way back and then would sit up, not even to use it! I twinged my back too, it really really hurt but Helena was so nice and bought me these strip things to help it.
At one point on the plane, we went through turbulence and the plane just dropped, I did mutter some words under my breathe and the guy next to me thought we were all going to die but it was okay, apparently the quickest way out of clouds is to just drop through the air.
We got off in Paris and transferred quickly, we waited an hour and got on a tiny airbus only to go up and then down, it was an amazing flight and when we got to Heathrow, our luggage arrived really early on.
Mam and Dad bought a big sign with my name on, I felt like a movie star. I managed to chat the whole journey back to wales and in the house, it was about 1am when we finally all got to bed.
Overall I loved Seoul and I really want to go back, maybe see Japan and China next time.
Here are the things I learnt in Korea:
1. If your white, prepared to get stared at.
2. No one knows where Wales is.
3. In Seoul, Vegetarian = eat everything, get ready to live on rice...
4. The North of Korea is a scary place.
5. Although mainly a Buddhist country, many people are only Buddhist in Theory.
6. Be prepared to eat the same thing for lunch, dinner and breakfast.
7. No one follows Confucius anymore.
8. When people start getting off the tube in mass numbers, follow them.
9. Get ready to see alot of Palaces and Temples.
10. Just because someone is a monk, don't expect them to act like it.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my time in Korea,
Logging off for the last time,
Angharad

Labels: Angharad john, angylionangharad, bimbamba, bye, donguk university, goodbye, logging off, merthyr tydfil, seoul, twelsh

So I got up about 10 ish and had my last ever Omellet! Yay!!!! Mother was really upset this morning and they loed my card with my bad Korean Calligraphy. I'm going to miss them. I packed up my last stuff and put the thigns I didn't want into bags and tried to explain that she can have them. The clothes would probably swamp her though. Next she drove me to Madu station. We waited, and waited, and waited for Mahinda but he didn't show. I had to ring on my UK mobile which really sucked nad he wouldn't pick up. my mother went searching for him, running around like a headless chicken, it was scary. He arrived an hour later than arranged and we got into a cab. I said goodbye to my mother and she hugged me really really tightly. I thought she wasn't going to let me go.
Next we waved goodbye and left for the airport. That's where I am now but I have to log off due to the secruity. The North are always trying to hack the airport through phone signals, or so I'm told.
I'm really excited to go back to the UK now, I've missed everyone so much.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: airport, bye, fly8ing, mahinda, monk, north, plane, scary, seoul, uk

Hi,
Today I felt sad as it was the last day and I wasn't really up for leaving. I got up and showered before having my sandwhiches. I went to uni and only done half of the lecture. At 12 we went with Keele to the British Council and Embassy. There we talked about our experiences and why we came. We had a buffet style lunch which was lovely.
Next we had a rooftop party with free wine. As Brittish students we took it upon ourselves to try and make sure the 40 bottles were disposed of properly.
Overall a non exciting day but a sad one. I've learnt that Seoul is one of those places that can make a Westerner feel really excited, speical and very beautiful. I'm going to be sad to leave.
Even as I write this the woman who has acted as my mother for a month is crying over my departure. Indeed, I am sad to leave.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: britian, leaving, sad, seoul, tears, wine

Hola,
Today has been pretty uneventful and I've packed all my stuff up. I'm really sad about it actually. I went to Myeong-Dong and bought this tee that I've had my eye on for a while, it's a designer one, BSX, a Korean brand but I really wanted it and i had my birthday money. On the way to a jewellery shop a guy grabbed me and told me how beautiful I was before teasing me about my eyes. I tried to use it to my advantage by getting a discount at his stall but it wasn't really happening.
I got the tube back and saw Korean boy who sometimes walks me to the flats.
On my way I took my chance to ask about western girls and Korean opinion on them. He said that we're pretty because of our white skin, it means that we were rich enough not to work in rice fields and get tanned. I laughed and explained that it was a good ting to be tanned in the UK as it shows you can afford to go abroad. Next he told me that we have wide eyes which is just a nicety. Also western girls have hourglass figures, or so I rather from the hand movements, Korean girls are straight. I told him that this was also funny as western girls seem to strive for a thin look, a more Korean figure and dress code. Finally he told me that my attention comes from looking Western but dressing Asian, looking like a young girl making me cute. I'm glad the flattery stopped there and was replaced by a chocolate bar. I'll be sad to leave my friend but I may email him to keep in contact.
I came in about 6ish and to my surprise the door went and everyone walked in. About five minutes later the doorbell went, Pizza Hut. They'd ordered a pizza with wedges on as a farewell meal. I was so excited, even more when I realised there was coke involved.
Overall it's been a good day, but I still don't want to go home.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: madu, orange line, pizza hut, seoul, western girl

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,
So at the airport now waiting to fly back to the sunny UK. I had a leisurely lie in and I got dressed and packed the little things. Mother cried again. I will sure miss my host family. She drove me to Madu station where we had to wait AGES for Mahinda to come. She even run around looking for him, it was annoying. He finally pulled up in a taxi and I hugged my mother goodbye. I have her email address so I'll definately keep in touch.
On the way to the airport we talked about what might be good for the people going next year, I think I'm going to put my blog down as a reading list for them, hopefully it'll give an idea of what to look for next year.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: areoplane, flying, home, paris baggette, plane, seoul, uk

Hiya,
So was very tired and went to bed earlish after writing my blog. I got up and had a shower about 6ish and my breakfast at 7.15ish. Now inbetween the time I went into the bathroom and brushe dmy teeth, father had his brecfast, got dressed and put on his shoes and was calling me to hurry up. I'm not really sure how he manages to do it but one day I'll catch him out.
We got to class really early so I got us good seats. Luckily we could finish at 10.40 as it was Dongguk graduation for some of the monks and teachers. Because the weather was good and we were all feeling refreshed we decieded that today would be good to do the Inwangsan Shamanist Hillside Walk. Now, I really do hate Korea Sparkling because not only did it lie to me about Noodle X being open, but it also lied to me about it being a 'hillside'walk. First we had to get out of the tube station and walk up this really hard slope, then up this hill to the top where we met some Americans and chatted then up some steps, and that was just the beginning. We got lost and started chatting to a monk who let us go in the temple alone to film and take pictures as much as we wanted. We searched high and low for the Shamanistic icons but only found Buddhist ones until the last 5 minutes where we spotted the drawings in the corner. We then moved on up the mountain, yes mountain, to these rocks which apparently look like a monk praying. I couldn't see it but apparently it brings fertillity. I figured I'd get blessed ready for the future and I done my prayers. I done extra as it's more work to ask for a girl than a boy, it sucked and my legs hurt after a while. We filmed a little and realised that there was a monk sitting on top of the mountain. Stupidly we figured we could get to him, how wrong we were.
We passed the Shamanistic temple, which was closed to our dismay, and carried on up the rocks. We met the American couple and figured that if they were climbing the mountain, than we definately could. Helena was a tad nervous of heights so I went first, she as behind and the Caroline at the rear. It was at this point that we realised flip flops were not the best idea in the world. I tried to find logs and gap in the stones to climb up and we stopped at the highest point to drink the cleansing mountain water. I'm pretty sure we almost deprived the rest of Seoul water for that time as it was really nice and cold. We carried on through the mountain and then started our descent. This was easier said than done and the sweat was running down me. I was at the back this time due to not being confident with going downhill. Helena became one with the forest and walked barefoot most the way and helped me to not slide down the hills.
We finished our walk and realised we smelt really quite bad and had to go meet a film direstcor. We wandered around a little and bought some t-shirts and spray and wetwipes to clean up. I thinkw e done agood job. We then went to meet Mahinda ina new area to get a taxi to the directors house. It was a strange place we went to, near an army base so many white girls and boys. It was unnverving and I really didn't like it there. It was too.. western and I think I'm now prefering the company of Asian people. There were all Americanised stores and one even called, ENGLAND! It was really disturbing. We bought a cake for Lee Myung-se, the director and went to his office in a taxi. He was a very nice guy and smoked like a trouper. He made us a lot of black coffee and was great to interview, I felt very lucky to interview him and he made me realise that I should be doing film, that life is too short. I could relate to him very much and we got talking about Anime and Manga series. I told the girls that he was my temple, my church. I am in much awe of the man. I gave him my email and youtube address, I hope maybe he will contact me.
After the interview his producer and assistants joined us and we went to Myeongdong for dinner. We walked up a dingey alleyway and I was surprised at how cool the resturant was. I had three bowls of rice wine which is really nice and he was kind and ordered omlette, cucumber, fruit salad and tofu for me and Caroline. Everyone had a good laugh and we made jokes about Mahinda, calling him the monk paparazzi because he takes about a million or so photographs.
Anyway, logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bath spa university, buddhist, donguk university, free market, Lee Myung-Se, madu, mahinda, monk, mountain dew, seoul, shamanistic walk

Hello,
So we got off the bus and was picked up straight away by this nice man called Truman, because he is a True Man apparently. We went over to our Hotel and were shocked. Mahinda got his own room with a double bed and we all went upstairs to find mats on the floor. It was disheartening. It was also at that point when we looked around that we realised we were in THAT type of motel, say where married men may come for some alone time or with a female caller. This assumption was due to the videos left for our viewing pleasure and some of the channels on TV...
Moving on, we went out for dinner to a vegetarian place and the guy ordered for us. Loads of food got brought out and we munched away, I tried many things such as pumpkin soup, acorn jelly, tofu and peppers until I was full. Only then did we realise that was only starter and our main arrived with rice and broth and pancakes. It was nice but we were really really full. Then came out a cake dessert and rice cakes, it was a feast for a king and cost about 7BP each, crazy. We had tea to settle our stomachs and Truman told us stories about Korea and the symbolism. For example, the sun is the man and the woman is the moon because of the cycles. Also we are made of three parts on our body, also that 12 is a really important number in Korea. It was amazing to learn and we were quizzed on it.
We then retired to our hotel and to our rooms. Helena was flicking the channels and we found an American show called 'the biggest tool'. It was the funniest thing I've seen in my life. Mainly about guys who cheated on their girlfriends and were in therapy. Every week they had to pass a test to gain and infidelity badge, it was hilarious. Mid-way through a girl showed up and announced she was the real girl friend of one of the guys, not the girl who he was there with. We were in stitches and at the end they had to vote off a guy. This week it was Joey who was told he was just a Tool.
We then watched Miss Korea and I told scary stories about fan death before we went to bed.


GOOD MORNING! BA BA BA BA BA BA BA BA DA DA DA.
Even Helena looked like she wanted to kill Caroline for her alarm. We got up and showered and dressed and returned our room to the normal state. We left the items in the room well alone and met Truman outside with Mahinda. We ate on the way to Bulguksa Temple and when we got there mainly just wandered. There they had many national treasures but we were a tad fed up as we've seen many Temples this holiday. It was still great to see and very calming atmosphere, I just love the smell of the chanting rooms. We got quizzed by Truman on things and he prodded us with a foam finger if we got something wrong.
Next we went to the Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO site where we climbed up a hill and saw this large Buddha that was hidden from the Japs and the Confucianisms for many years in a mountain. You aren't allowed to take photos but it was really large and impressive. Afterwards we wrote on a roof tile, I wrote in Welsh and our tile got placed on the International row, it was lush to see all the different messages from around the world.
Afterwards we went to the folk village to look at some pottery and then onto a restaurant. Like yesterday it was vegetarian but only a main course. Mine was yummy, a salad and grass and rice. Truman gave us his business card, Origami made by his wife and we all had very strong Cinnamon tea. We were then given a lift to the bus station where we were travelling for 4 hours from Gyeongju back to Seoul. It was long but good as we got to look at the photos that we'd taken on the bus, Mahindas taken loads, mainly unflattering ones.
I got to gangnam shopping station and we all went our separate ways, I hung on to look round the shops and bought a new skirt. This lady, the shop owner then started laughing and prodding my boobs while saying HUGE! It was funny and she called everyone over to admire the goods. She then proceeded to laugh as she found out my bra size and gave me a hefty slap on the bum as I left the store, quite funny.
I'm now at home and very tired, alot has gone on in Pusan and Gyeongju.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: bras, busan, grotto, gyeongju, love shack, motel, pusan, seoul, stores, touching, truman, UNESCO

Hiya,
So I'm already 19 in Korean and still 18 in Britian. It's crazy, I'm so old. I got up and packed for the temple an had the quicket breakfast known to man before grabbing my cards and present and going. The tube annoyed me because I couldn't get a seat althought I had about 5 bags with me, so annoying. I got into a small arguement with a Korean girl too cause she nicked the seat I wanted, it sucked. However my mood was lifted when I got into uni and had cards and presents to open. I got some stickeres, face mask, nail varnish and the cutest earrings off the girls and new charms for my braclet off my parents along with some spending money! I'm really happy about it. We had our last ever lecture and graduation of Indian Buddhism so I have a nice folder with a diploma certificate, it's all good.
We said our thanks to Professor Bronkhurst and gave him a card, he signed our fans for us as a momento and hopefully we'll be seeing hin in Bath for a special lecture. We all popped over to the international office and dropped off our stuff before going to food. I just had soup as I'm not up to eating much at the moment. We had a chat with Mahinda and currently we're in the computer rooms waiting to leave.
My birthday is quite uneventful, I can't say what it's like because I'm bored and we celebrated yesterday. Overall I'm just waiting to go home now.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: 19, age, bath house, bath spa university, birthday, buddhism, cards, girl, mahinda, metro, seoul, soup, tired

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,
Today I got up really early and had a shower and such before heading over to Hongik university where we all met up at Dunkin Donuts and had some coffee. We then realised that the Free market wasn't open for another 4 hours. We wandered round the shops and laughed at the names of the stores (such as Boobi Boobi and Condomania) before having more coffee and wandering in and out. Helena saw an amazing t-shirt that said 'Don't kill yourself, I will pray for you' with a cross through suicide. Made us laugh anyway.
We then went over to the free market. It's basically a market for the students who can't afford to own shops so have stalls to sell their artwork and fashion. It's really pretty and one girl wrote my name in korean for me. We then looked at some earrings and I managed to get some lovely presents for people although I paid full price for everything (there's something morally wrong with bartering with a student). There were bands there and one group that amused us for looking quite indie only to not really be. Helena iffed and awwed about a painting for a while but gave up eventually and didn't get it. We went to go get some rice but I was just so hungry and ended up going to a really nice Indian resturant. There was a bollywood film on and I think we all were amused by it, watching it over and over. I ordered rice to the guys amusement and a Naan as I still feel abit dodgey with my stomach. Lucy and Helena had a curry and Caroline had some noodles, however it was full of peppers and chili so it was so funny to hear her complain about how hot it was.
Lucy then left us as we went to Isadong for the rest of the day. We found a big protest about the treatment of people in North Korea and talked to an Amercian protester about it while filimg, then we pasted an animal protest about dogs being in the cages in pet shops (don't worry dad, I didn't touch any dogs). We wandered around the art shops and got cornered by a boy who had the biggest book ever on Britian and started quoting facts about what everyone in the UK likes, sterotypically. It was quite funny actually and he mentioned Wales which was damn awesome. We were getting quite tired and decieded to have some tea at a traditional tea house. It was really funky and although it cost about 6000won we got to try new things. I had citron tea which was lemon pulp and hot water. It felt so nice to have a sit down and a break. Caroline had some crazy watermelon punch and Helena had some tea that tasted like Christmas.
We wandered some more before going home. I managed to not get crazy people and when I got home was greeted by a large amount of watermelon. I ofund out that brother has to be up at 6 tomorrow to go to the enterance exam for a posh highschool, he's been studying all night now.
Logging off for now,
Angharad

Labels: art, crazy people, free market, seoul, students, teacher, teapot, traditional, uk, wales, watermelon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Logging off for now,
Angharad

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

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

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