First trip to Apsan Mountain

Less than 10 minute drive from our apartment, we finally went hiking at Apsan Mountain yesterday. This post is going to be photograph intensive since there was so much to see. We only hiked a mile into the trails since it was mostly up hill and pretty steep. We will be making numerous trips back to try and see what else Apsan has to offer. One of the first places we encountered on our climb up, was this temple.

You can't see him, but Jensen is in the pack.

Dragon located on the ceiling as you enter the temple.

Jensen checking out the Dragons.

Further on the trail was this monument. Wish I knew what it said, but I'm sure he was someone important. I can't wait to see this same trail once autumn arrives and the leaves changes colors.

Another temple and this time it was much larger and had more Buddhist statues. What I suspect adjacent to this temple is a residential quarters for the caretakers. I noticed a lady was sweeping up the altar when we first arrived. Christian mentioned that it could be the Korean version of a park 

ranger. 

Residential quarters

Next was the cable car station. We didn't take a ride this time, but will definitely do that once the leaves turn. 

Last stop was a memorial garden for the fallen during the Korean War. They had a list of the countries that participated and how many soldiers died. A great view of the mountain from this site.

Labor Day Weekend - Sunday Bodypainting Festival

To finish off our Labor Day Weekend, we went to the Bodypainting Festival at Duryu Park. The park is about a 20 minute drive from our place and we were fortunate enough to find a parking spot. We didn't realize that it was the other side of the park where Koron Concert Hall was located. We got a little bit of exercise since we had to walk through the park. The track was pretty hilly and again Jensen was getting a lot of attention. There was a nice view of the city from the top of the mountain.

Finally, we found the concert hall where they had booths set up for all the artists and models that were being painted. There were also food and vendor booths set up. Some booths were set up as art activities for the children. After walking around and watching the artists work, there wasn't much to do while waiting for the awards ceremony and fireworks later that night. 

Most of the models were ladies, but I was able to find these 2 gentlemen.

There were backdrops set up to have your photo taken with the models. We were able to get one with this lady painted all while. A friend posted on FB that she looked like the Pillsbury lady.  I guess she does look like a female version of the dough boy. Jensen was little scared of her, but luckily he didn't cry until after Christian was able get this shot.

Anything to do with art, I always enjoy. This was especially amazing since I have never been to such an event. I was a bit surprised that there were no US artists. I saw a booth for Russia, China and even Ukraine. Of course there were numerous from Korea, but no one from the US. Hopefully, the International Daegu Bodypainting Festival will live up to its name next year.

Life Lessons

When we first arrived here on May 20th, relief was the first emotion I felt once we were dropped off by my sponsor and my supervisor. It has been 3 months and 8 days since that day and I'm still trying to have a positive outlook on our decision to move here.

I've thoroughly enjoyed learning about a new culture and how Koreans live. I truly appreciate the diversity the US has afforded me and my family. Being in an Asian country again, even if it isn't my home has been a wonderful change in our lives. One thing that was a complete surprise for me is that I didn't think I would feel slightly uncomfortable being surrounded by mainly Asians. I figured that since my first 11 years of my life was in the Philippines and I was hoping Korea would be somewhat similar, but I couldn't have been so wrong.

I feel like a fish out of water gasping for air to breathe.  I know I will adapt and really start to realize that living here is for the best. I'm hoping for a better future for Jensen. The quality of education is so much better here.  The emphasis on music and art is alive and well.  They value it as much as academics and do not try to cut it out of the system. Although, I don't agree with the pressure that the kids go through at such a young age to achieve. I would like Jensen to find a happy balance in doing well and being successful on his own terms.  I don't care for him to be a doctor or lawyer, unless it's what he wants for his life. I will support him in what makes him happy. I hope we can teach him to be self sufficient while doing what he loves.

I even started a pros and cons list just to make sure I wasn't letting my feelings dictate my state of mind. I guess that's the part of me that strives to be logical and not let my emotions rule me. The biggest con on my list is my job, more specifically a colleague of mine. Everything about my position I love. I am now a SCCM administrator and I'm so excited that I am able to manage this product and we also use Vsphere.  Two of the main IT tools I have heard Christian talk about the past 5 years. He makes it sound so much fun that I've always wanted to work on these systems. Now that I am, it'll be a whole new adventure in my career. Now if I can only tolerate someone long enough to stay and learn, that's another story. I've already started looking for another job. I know I can't apply for a GS 12, but I can do a lateral move to another GS 11 position. For some reason those positions are rare. All I've seen are GS 12's and higher. I have even asked the Commander if I can just be transferred to another dept. Yes, I am that desperate to leave. I loathe going in to work.

This particular person has belittled me and made me feel as if I am a child being scolded by her father. I don't feel like I belong. The person that left and I happened to be filling his position has a count down on the wipe board on when he is coming back. Today will be 387 days left until he is able to return to Korea. Yes, I know how many days. It's as if I am just keeping his seat warm for him. Talk about being made to feel as an outsider.

One thing I've learned from this experience is that I will have so many questions for the next job I get picked to be interviewed. I will ask how the current morale among the employees and the management relationships. I never thought about asking these questions since I never accepted a job where the morale was so low that within 3 weeks of arrival our section manager who is over the entire IT, only 2nd to the Commander, held a meeting and announced how unhappy he was and that he was going to be leaving in a year and that we as employees are responsible for our own well-being. He basically said stay if you can stand the heat, but for those who can't you need to make preparations on leaving. How am I suppose to feel as a newcomer and I hear this from upper management?

If I had to do it all over again and know what I know now, I still would take the job. I love living in another country, but the cons lists is getting longer than the pros. I know I'm venting a little bit, but it makes me feel better and those that care enough to read this will and know that I'm doing ok despite the issue I am having at work. I hope I haven't bore you to death. Stay tuned, I might be reporting that I have a new job or have been transferred to another department.

Sixth Floor Amenities of My Apartment

I've really enjoyed the sixth floor of our apartment building. Not only does it have 2 different playgrounds, but it also has cafe table and chairs to sit and drink your coffee in the morning or just hang out and chat with friends.   

There is also an outdoor exercise equipment area. I saw similar equipment located around the perimeter of Suseong Lake. There is an indoor gym on the same floor, but if you prefer to walk around the outdoor track that is also available on this floor. It reminds me of a park complete with a modern sculpture, water feature, and open space for the children to skateboard or ride their bike around.

The spa and indoor pool is another amenity that is offered to the tenants for a monthly fee. A coin operated washer and dryers will be convenient for me to wash my large king size comforters.

I have enjoyed living in our new apartment and it’ll be nice once we receive our shipment of household goods this Thursday. I can hardly wait to set up the apartment with our belongings and hopefully it will feel more like a home. I truly miss sleeping in my own bed.

I didn't realize how much I would miss living in the suburbs. Thankfully, the mountains are nearby and I can just look outside the window and realize how easy it would be to get away from the “concrete jungle”. I am definitely not comfortable living in the city. I love the convenience and easy access to just about everything, but I do miss my house back in Savannah.

Feeling very homesick lately and I find myself wishing I had never left, but I know that as soon as I am able to enjoy Deagu and see more of our new home that it will all be worth it.