Fall Leaves: 김해 Gimhae, South Korea
I miss fall already. I was trying to explain fall in America to one of our 동생’s but he couldn’t understand. I guess it’s one of those things you have to experience. Fall in Busan is wonderful too, but it’s not the same as fall in America.
Waterfall Restaurant: Villa Escudero, Philippines
One day, my mom took us to Villa Escudero, a coconut plantation. There was lots to see and do but one of the main attractions is the Waterfall Restaurant. While you are eating, water from the waterfall rushes past your feet and into a river. I felt one with nature, even though the waterfall was man made, the water came from a real river that is near the plantation. It was very exciting to eat and have water at your feet. I saw many people dip their hands in the water to wash their hands. I admit, a bit gross, but it was still very cool.
Skipping Rocks: 김해 Gimhae, South Korea
We visited 김해 once before this and we didn’t have enough time to walk down and see the river. When we went again, I begged Markus to go and he said if we had time. Thank goodness 동생 was late picking us up. We were able to spend at least 20 minutes there exploring. I’m so thankful I have a hubby who always makes my dreams come true.
Underground River: Puerta Princessa, Palawan, Philippines
I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. I can finally say, I saw one of the seven wonders of nature. It was absolutely beautiful, humbling and overwhelming. I will admit, this part of the Philippines I loved. I still haven’t processed my feelings about the Philippines. All I know is that when I went to Palawan, I was happy.
Video: James and Ari
A tribute video to our dearest and wonderful British friends, James and Ari. We really miss you. Busan is not the same without you. Come back!
Windy Day at Fort Santiago: Manila, Philippines
This part of Manila I really liked. I love old buildings and learning the history of places.
At a hanok village with our favorite 동생, 대환니: 김해 Gimhae, South Korea
대환니 was our personal tour guide through 김해 showing us the town he grew up in. It was a very special day and we felt so grateful that he wanted to share that experience with us.
Warrior Markus on Metal Horse near King Suro’s Tomb: 김해 Gimhae, South Korea
What did I say? Awesome ancient warrior. I would follow him into battle any day.
Conquering the Metal Horse at King Suro’s Tomb: 김해 Gimhae, South Korea
So, we were walking along the path and we saw these awesome metal statues. We come across this lonely horse without a warrior. 대환니 said it would be awesome if I climbed it. I didn’t want to because I imagined myself falling over and cracking my skull. It doesn’t look like it in the photo, but this thing was massive, like six feet high. Markus had to come over and push me up, from my bum. That wasn’t embarrassing in front of 대환니, or anything. I was quite frantic as I was up there and didn’t know what to do, as you can see by this photo.
After, I was finished Markus hopped on as well and he really owned it. That horse was HIS horse. He was like an ancient warrior. We told 대환니 to jump on, but he refused. He said, “You’re foreigner. I know people here.” As we walked down the rest of the way, there was a sign in Korean that said, “Don’t Climb Statues” and a baby horse with a stand that you could climb on for pictures. We couldn’t stop laughing and we were glad there were no people around. I’m happy that I conquered the big horse and not the lame baby horse.
Metal Soldiers near King Suro’s Tomb: Gimhae, South Korea
We were just walking down the street and saw these awesome metal soldiers. I didn’t have time to read what battle they represented, but I wont lie and say I didn’t have time to climb one of those bad boys. Because I did. Markus too, but that’s a story for another time…
River near King Suro’s Tomb: 김해 Gimhae, South Korea
Beautiful little river in김해. I love 김해, it’s so peacful and not a lot of people. It’s like the suburbs.
Famous in Korea
So my wife’s beautiful face was just broadcast all across Busan, South Korea on a news spot! It was incredible! I’m so surprised at how much footage of her they used, considering she is Asian American. I figured they would definitely pick a more western looking teacher, but there she is…in all her teaching glory…doing an “embarrassing swimming-action.” I love this woman so much!
자갈치시장 Jalgachi Market: Busan, South Korea
Every time we go there, I want to chowdown on delicious seafood.
Torches in 남포동 Nampodong: Busan, South Korea
When we were at a bus stop in 남포동, there was a lot of commotion all of a sudden. I looked to the left and saw a crowd of people running with torches. At first, I thought that they were an irate mob, going to kill a monster. But as they got closer, I realized it was some sort of marathon. I have no idea why they were running and why they needed to have torches, but I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything like it before in my life.
