Sunday. We decided to walk the outer perimeter of the military base. Chris thought it was a great idea, but he didn't want to go. I didn't realize we were making assumptions. So Michele and I headed out Gate 10 and turned right. We soon discovered that the blue stripes on the sidewalk indicated that we were walking in the bike lane.
After a while, we got thirsty and we spied a 7-Eleven across the street. There was a pedestrian bridge so we crossed over and went in. Almost everything was in Korean. We chose a large bottle that looked like tea. I figured it was sweet tea because it had a small picture of corn on the side. Well, it turned out to be unsweetened tea with an after taste of popcorn! Michele actively disliked it. I was hot and thirsty enough to drink a fair amount. We decided to save the rest for Chris. We walked on.
After awhile, the cement and barbed wire wall disappeared and a cute fence took its place. We started to wonder if we were lost. We came upon a sidewalk vendor selling drinks and made safer selectons. I forgot that these people do not deal in small change. So we paid $1 each for .70 drinks. I realized later that he was trying to tell us we could have another can for the .60 in change he owed us.
When we walked past the National Museam of Korea, we got worried. Still following the side walk, we took the next right and the concrete wall reappeared. When we got to Gate 17, the sidewalk ended and some sort of construction began. We had been walking for 90 minutes by then and decided to call it a day. We still didn't know where we were, so we walked around and found a post bus stop. I sat while Michele read the schedule. Each stop has the same schedule posted. So it is confusing to figure out which time applies to you at this stop. She read that the schedules don't apply to weekends and holidays. So we walked on. Then the bus arrived, but it was too hot to run for it. We called Chris but he didn't know where we were either. When we passed the post hospital, we knew we were on the other side of the post. It was a long hot walk back, but we made it.
Afterwards, Michele and Chris went to see a movie and I read a book. At 8pm we went to the pool and sat in the hot tub and sauna. I haven't figured out why the dressing rooms have mirrored walls. Talk about no privacy! It is one big open room with cabinet-type lockers and mirrors.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Pictures of hotel and school
In the first picture you can see the backyard of the hotel. In the second picture you can see Michele's school just above the center line. The foreground is the hotel's playground. What you can't see just to the right of the backyard, is the hotel's glass enclosed swimming pool. I finally went there today. It is part of the health club. I swam in the pool, sat in the large glassed in jacuzzi, sat in the really hot hottub in the locker room, took a few minutes in the steam room (too humid to breath) and laid down in the sauna. It was wonderful! They even had a machine to spin the water out of your bathing suit. I came back to the room very calm and relaxed.
Up stairs from the lockerrooms, they have rooms full of exercise equipment. Each one has its own TV. I will try those later.
Earlier today Chris and I walked to the library while Michele stayed in the room and added to her current story. Her muse was in full force today. Chris and I walked the better part of half a mile to the library to check out books and videos. My back was a little sore after walking back, so we took a movie and lunch break in the room, then walked to the gift and thrift shops. I bought a green kimono-like embroidered robe for $12. I didn't get anything at the thrift shop except an invitation to help. They are always looking for volunteers.
Subway
Friday we rode the subway to Dongdaemun. The station at which we entered the system had a glass theme. In fact there were backlit glass blocks in a quilt block pattern. Each station had a different theme. One was brick and another stone. The subway system here is huge, modern and clean. There is a modicum of English so with a little instruction you can find your way around. Although Koreans drive on the right, they walk on the left, which is important to know when the station is crowded.
Fabric Pictures!
Saturday night, 8pm. I haven't posted in a while due to the daily cost of internet. We log on every other day. Tuesday we move into our apartment and then we should be online every day. Yes! Friday we went fabric shopping in Dongdaemun.
Whatever you want to buy, there is a street or section in Seoul for that. What I saw was four buildings, five or more stories high. Each level is like a craft fair, with booths lining the aisles. I would estimate 100 per floor. They sold fabric, lace, zippers, ribbon, beads, jewelry making stuff, felt, quilted purses, embroidered blankets, stuffing, foam cushions, floor coverings, etc. I guess it was textiles. The lady I was with wanted to find a particular booth and I took a picture. The seller was very accomodating. Because they want to sell in bulk, a fat quarter is about the same price as a yard. I bought a whole pile of 1 yard cuts for 2.50 to 3 a yard. I am not sure of the thread count. I stopped at one place to buy a yard of ribbon. I handed her the spool and held up one finger. She held up a sign 2000 won which is about 2.00. I dug in my wallet for the 2000 won and handed it to her. She put the whole spool in a baggie. It was a lot of ribbon, too.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Friday morning - FABRIC
Yesterday at the expo I signed up for the quilting group and the shopping/touring group. They had groups for exercise related activities, school volunteers, religious interests, military interests, bunco, tennis, home-based businesses, girl scouts, and boy scouts. There was free finger food and most tables had a bowl of candy as well. Groups were handing out bookmarks, pens, etc. One gave me 4 pkgs of microwave popcorn!
There was a message on our room phone that our reservation is being extended, so we don't have to find another motel for the weekend. This is very good news. It also means that we have to have our key cards re-keyed for the extended stay. Well, I got mine rekeyed, but then Michele's didn't work. So she got hers re-keyed, then mine didn't work. I got mine re-re-keyed, then Chris's didn't work. Finally Chris took all three cards downstairs. They canceled them and made three new ones and now they all work.
Although I still haven't any pictures on the computer to share with you, I did dream about having one. In my dream my father-in-law and I completely re-vamped my old Oldsmobile with used chair parts and painted it wild colors. I was planning to post the picture until I woke up and realized it never happened.
Today I will ride the subway for the first time. I hear that they seldom talk on the train and that Koreans,as a rule, don't use checks, so they carry credit cards and sacks of cash. I have to see this for myself. I have heard it is a safe city, and it must be if lots of people carry sacks of cash on the subway.
I have also heard that 20% of Koreans have the family name Kim. They use the family name first, followed by their individual name. So Kim This and Kim That could be brothers. If you want to get lots of attention, yell 'Mr. Kim' in Korea. They also put the direct object at the beginning of the sentence, although I don't know if that is a hard and fast rule. But "Ot gam bo yeo ju dah" is 'fabric show me'. Well, it make sense - fabric is the most important word in the sentence.
Late last night we called the states to get a copy of my eye prescription. They wouldn't e-mail it, only fax it. I guess I don't understand why, when e-mail is free and faxing overseas is not. But Chris has a fax machine in his office so I hope he has it by now. I want to be able to see all this cool new stuff I am being introduced to!
There was a message on our room phone that our reservation is being extended, so we don't have to find another motel for the weekend. This is very good news. It also means that we have to have our key cards re-keyed for the extended stay. Well, I got mine rekeyed, but then Michele's didn't work. So she got hers re-keyed, then mine didn't work. I got mine re-re-keyed, then Chris's didn't work. Finally Chris took all three cards downstairs. They canceled them and made three new ones and now they all work.
Although I still haven't any pictures on the computer to share with you, I did dream about having one. In my dream my father-in-law and I completely re-vamped my old Oldsmobile with used chair parts and painted it wild colors. I was planning to post the picture until I woke up and realized it never happened.
Today I will ride the subway for the first time. I hear that they seldom talk on the train and that Koreans,as a rule, don't use checks, so they carry credit cards and sacks of cash. I have to see this for myself. I have heard it is a safe city, and it must be if lots of people carry sacks of cash on the subway.
I have also heard that 20% of Koreans have the family name Kim. They use the family name first, followed by their individual name. So Kim This and Kim That could be brothers. If you want to get lots of attention, yell 'Mr. Kim' in Korea. They also put the direct object at the beginning of the sentence, although I don't know if that is a hard and fast rule. But "Ot gam bo yeo ju dah" is 'fabric show me'. Well, it make sense - fabric is the most important word in the sentence.
Late last night we called the states to get a copy of my eye prescription. They wouldn't e-mail it, only fax it. I guess I don't understand why, when e-mail is free and faxing overseas is not. But Chris has a fax machine in his office so I hope he has it by now. I want to be able to see all this cool new stuff I am being introduced to!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Thursday, 9:30 AM
I am awaiting the opening of the club expo downstairs. It starts at 10am. I hear what sounds like a marching band but can't see them as I gaze over at the high school. It is hard to tell what I hear because the AC is so loud. My back is a little better, I can sit up and took a shower by myself. My arm is all better except for some scaliness. I have done more Sudoku puzzles in the last 48 hours than ever before. Oh, and I read a book I brought from the states. This must all seem a little dry without pictures, but I can't find the cord to transfer them with.
Last night Chris and Michele went to see "Iron Man" at the on-post theatre, free. I got a movie from Netflix so I watched that. Chris thinks I canceled Netflix albeit too late for this last movie to get shipped, but though it took it 10 days to arrive, I changed the shipping address and will wait to see how long it takes the next one. They have DVDs at the library, but who can rival Netflix for selection?
The bakery downstairs has a lot of flaky pastry stuff, but they are a little dry. The sticky bran muffin though, is outstanding. They also do a good job making Chinese food. The chicken was so tender and moist you'd have thought it was dark meat (which is the only kind I like) and the spicy meatballs were really good, too. I'm glad they came with mashed potatoes to cut the spicy flavor. It seems like the bakery is the only place we eat now. It is cheaper than the sit-down restaurants in the hotel. If only they had the parfaits for breakfast...
Last night Chris and Michele went to see "Iron Man" at the on-post theatre, free. I got a movie from Netflix so I watched that. Chris thinks I canceled Netflix albeit too late for this last movie to get shipped, but though it took it 10 days to arrive, I changed the shipping address and will wait to see how long it takes the next one. They have DVDs at the library, but who can rival Netflix for selection?
The bakery downstairs has a lot of flaky pastry stuff, but they are a little dry. The sticky bran muffin though, is outstanding. They also do a good job making Chinese food. The chicken was so tender and moist you'd have thought it was dark meat (which is the only kind I like) and the spicy meatballs were really good, too. I'm glad they came with mashed potatoes to cut the spicy flavor. It seems like the bakery is the only place we eat now. It is cheaper than the sit-down restaurants in the hotel. If only they had the parfaits for breakfast...
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
What's the opposite of progress?
Some would say 'congress'. I would say staying in bed for a day and a half unable to do more than rollover, and then only very very carefully.
Monday morning I was feeling a little better, so I went to the second of the two-day Welcome to Korea class. I missed Friday afternoon due to the pain, but Chris says they didn't do much because somebody left an unmarked package by the front door and they evacuated everybody. Turned out to be a box of paper towels. The Monday class was the most interesting because we learned some Korean customs and language (and history...). We were dismissed for lunch then came back for a bus tour of the base. That was very interesting and am glad I did even though Chris thinks it set me back. What set me back was trying to get to the ACS building and back during a 10 minute break. But that was worth it too, because now I have a date with a new friend to go fabric shopping on Friday. I hear there are 4 buildings with 5 stories each of fabric, trims, etc. And the fabric runs about $3 a yard. I may never come back! I will get to use my favorite Korean phrase - Ot gam bo yeo ju dah (show me the fabric).
Monday was also Michele's first day of school. She has 4 classes each day, every other day for a total of 8 classes. She came back to the room for lunch. Well, just long enough to grab leftovers from the fridge and whirl back out saying something like "I have people to eat with." We shouted "we love you" after her but she was gone. Yesterday she had PE and kicked something hard and hurt her foot. It was better this morning, but now her abs hurt from the sit-ups and her arms ache from the push-ups.
There is only one cafeteria for three schools (elementary, middle and high). The highschool kids can eat where ever they want in 50 minutes. They can get food here at Dragon Hill Lodge, at Burger King or the fried chicken place. There is also a Snack Shack somewhere on school property. The big problem is that the school is on one side of the main thoroughfare and the eating places are on the other. Traffic is required to stop for pedestrians at all crosswalks, so you can imagine the backup at lunch time. Also, all kids on post are required to walk to school. No problem for Michele because our hotel is right across the street. There are buses that go to surrounding apartment areas to pick up kids who don't live on post, ie. civilian dependents.
We will get an apartment close to the commissary gate, because we don't have a vehicle. Speaking of which, although I haven't been inside, from the outside I'd say the commissary is bigger than Wal-Mart!
Thursday there will be a big gathering here at the hotel of all the interest groups one can join.
It only happens once a year so I am saving my energy to be sure I can attend.
Monday morning I was feeling a little better, so I went to the second of the two-day Welcome to Korea class. I missed Friday afternoon due to the pain, but Chris says they didn't do much because somebody left an unmarked package by the front door and they evacuated everybody. Turned out to be a box of paper towels. The Monday class was the most interesting because we learned some Korean customs and language (and history...). We were dismissed for lunch then came back for a bus tour of the base. That was very interesting and am glad I did even though Chris thinks it set me back. What set me back was trying to get to the ACS building and back during a 10 minute break. But that was worth it too, because now I have a date with a new friend to go fabric shopping on Friday. I hear there are 4 buildings with 5 stories each of fabric, trims, etc. And the fabric runs about $3 a yard. I may never come back! I will get to use my favorite Korean phrase - Ot gam bo yeo ju dah (show me the fabric).
Monday was also Michele's first day of school. She has 4 classes each day, every other day for a total of 8 classes. She came back to the room for lunch. Well, just long enough to grab leftovers from the fridge and whirl back out saying something like "I have people to eat with." We shouted "we love you" after her but she was gone. Yesterday she had PE and kicked something hard and hurt her foot. It was better this morning, but now her abs hurt from the sit-ups and her arms ache from the push-ups.
There is only one cafeteria for three schools (elementary, middle and high). The highschool kids can eat where ever they want in 50 minutes. They can get food here at Dragon Hill Lodge, at Burger King or the fried chicken place. There is also a Snack Shack somewhere on school property. The big problem is that the school is on one side of the main thoroughfare and the eating places are on the other. Traffic is required to stop for pedestrians at all crosswalks, so you can imagine the backup at lunch time. Also, all kids on post are required to walk to school. No problem for Michele because our hotel is right across the street. There are buses that go to surrounding apartment areas to pick up kids who don't live on post, ie. civilian dependents.
We will get an apartment close to the commissary gate, because we don't have a vehicle. Speaking of which, although I haven't been inside, from the outside I'd say the commissary is bigger than Wal-Mart!
Thursday there will be a big gathering here at the hotel of all the interest groups one can join.
It only happens once a year so I am saving my energy to be sure I can attend.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Progress
This morning I was able to ride the elevator down to the bakery with Chris. It was about 7:30 and they were out of parfaits and Swiss oatmeal. I am not sure what that is, but wanted to try it. I can only assume that lots of peopole got up early and went to breakfast instead of sleeping in like they are supposed to do (because I said so). So I had the mixed fruit cup, a hardboiled egg and a sticky bran muffin. Chris got a ham and egg croissant, and an apple fritter. We got Michele something similar. They have some special doughnuts there, for the younger crowd.
Some are sprinkled with Fruit Loops, some with Rice Krispies, and some with Captain Crunch.
We haven't tried those, but the Fruit Loops are very colorful. They also have a maple doughnut with bacon on the top. Gwenda, this post is for you. Sorry I don't have a picture yet.
Some are sprinkled with Fruit Loops, some with Rice Krispies, and some with Captain Crunch.
We haven't tried those, but the Fruit Loops are very colorful. They also have a maple doughnut with bacon on the top. Gwenda, this post is for you. Sorry I don't have a picture yet.
A few steps BACKwards
As I sit here typing, Chris and Michele are watching "Get Smart" at the local theatre. They checked out the Px and the thrift shop. All are things I wanted to do BUT, NO, I have to stay in the room because I can barely walk because of back pain. It is just not fair and if any of you reading this are in charge of the universe I beg of you to reverse it. At least I am not bitter...
I was hoping to find a jacket at the thrift shop. Because it is plenty warm here, everywhere you go is AC'd to the max. I suppose it is because all the soldiers are wearing hot camoflage outfits.
We have been going with a realestate agent to see apartments. We went Wednesday, saw 4 apts and chose the first. But by then it had been promised to another. So Thursday we saw another apt in same bldg, same layout. It is still being lived in. We can move in when they move out. Lots of competition for these apts. New apt bldg will be finished in October, but we can't wait. Hotel is full and will kick us out next weekend.
This laptop does strange things, but at least it doesn't shift into Korean like the ones in the library. Blogger comes up in Korean now, and it always takes me awhile to get to post.
I must rest again, and whip through a few more Sudoku puzzles.
I was hoping to find a jacket at the thrift shop. Because it is plenty warm here, everywhere you go is AC'd to the max. I suppose it is because all the soldiers are wearing hot camoflage outfits.
We have been going with a realestate agent to see apartments. We went Wednesday, saw 4 apts and chose the first. But by then it had been promised to another. So Thursday we saw another apt in same bldg, same layout. It is still being lived in. We can move in when they move out. Lots of competition for these apts. New apt bldg will be finished in October, but we can't wait. Hotel is full and will kick us out next weekend.
This laptop does strange things, but at least it doesn't shift into Korean like the ones in the library. Blogger comes up in Korean now, and it always takes me awhile to get to post.
I must rest again, and whip through a few more Sudoku puzzles.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Thursday at the Library
Just a quick note. We just missed the monsoon season. It rained a lot the first two days but has been nicely sunny ever since. Tuesday we walked off post to go to dinner. We found an Indian restaurant that was actually under the sidewalk. It was like walking down a tunnel in to another world. The food was really good, too. We passed Dunkin Donuts, Baskin Robbins, 7 Eleven, Subway.
The hotel charges $6 a day to access the internet. Today I discovered the library, where you can get an hour for free. Also discovered the hospital, where I got my next round of immunizations.
The thrift store is STILL closed as it the gift shop. Only open for a few hours on Wednesday and Saturday. But still a good walk. Everybody walks a lot here. Buses run every half hour, but most things you can walk faster than that.
My arm is better now that I have an ID card and can buy first aid stuff at the Px. It is no longer weeping and I can finally sleep. We have been waking in the middle of the night, but hope to have our sleep cycles adjusted soon.
The hotel we are staying in has a Japanese garden in the back. Michele and I had lunch from the bakery (mmmm..) and ate it outside in the garden. Tiny birds came and hopped around us eating our crumbs. They were sooo cute. It is a great hotel. It has a pool and hot tub and workout center, washer and dryer, all kinds of shopping (cell phones, bakery, ice cream, restaurants, etc). One restaurant we go to every morning for breakfast. The waitress takes our order with out writing anything down. The next day she asked me ifI wanted OJ again! I usually get the yogurt/fruit/granola parfait. Yum!
I meant to take pictures of the base to post so you could see it, but apparently that is a reportable offense. So bear with me until I have pictures from off post.
My hour is almost up. Thanks for the e-mails. Keep them coming!
The hotel charges $6 a day to access the internet. Today I discovered the library, where you can get an hour for free. Also discovered the hospital, where I got my next round of immunizations.
The thrift store is STILL closed as it the gift shop. Only open for a few hours on Wednesday and Saturday. But still a good walk. Everybody walks a lot here. Buses run every half hour, but most things you can walk faster than that.
My arm is better now that I have an ID card and can buy first aid stuff at the Px. It is no longer weeping and I can finally sleep. We have been waking in the middle of the night, but hope to have our sleep cycles adjusted soon.
The hotel we are staying in has a Japanese garden in the back. Michele and I had lunch from the bakery (mmmm..) and ate it outside in the garden. Tiny birds came and hopped around us eating our crumbs. They were sooo cute. It is a great hotel. It has a pool and hot tub and workout center, washer and dryer, all kinds of shopping (cell phones, bakery, ice cream, restaurants, etc). One restaurant we go to every morning for breakfast. The waitress takes our order with out writing anything down. The next day she asked me ifI wanted OJ again! I usually get the yogurt/fruit/granola parfait. Yum!
I meant to take pictures of the base to post so you could see it, but apparently that is a reportable offense. So bear with me until I have pictures from off post.
My hour is almost up. Thanks for the e-mails. Keep them coming!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Contact
If you emailed me last week, I didn't get it. I waited until Friday evening to check my mail and by then our account was gone. So, please send it again to Damourcf@yahoo.com. All my e-mail addresses are on the computer we packed for shipment. So if you don't hear from me for awhile, that is why. You can send me an e-mail at the above address and then I will have your address on this computer.
We got cell phones last night. Of course the manuals are in Korean! Our phone number is 011-82-10-2305-6014 or 011-82-10-2308-6014. Remember we are 13 hours ahead of EST.
We got cell phones last night. Of course the manuals are in Korean! Our phone number is 011-82-10-2305-6014 or 011-82-10-2308-6014. Remember we are 13 hours ahead of EST.
From America to Korea
Sorry I haven't posted in over a week. When we got back from the beach, my sister and brother were at our house. They stayed until Sunday morning. Kurt took a bunch of stuff with him and Faye helped me sort through cleaners and medicine cabinets. A lot of stuff was outdated and thrown away. We saved some stuff to make a first aid kit. Boy, was I glad I did! I wanted to post the picture I took of my arm after falling off my bike Tuesday night. It would have made you sick. I exhausted my supply of gauze. My neighbor gave me some, and my in-laws gave me some, but now I am all out and can't buy more because you need an ID card to shop here and can't get one until you take the two-day class scheduled for Friday and Monday.
Sorry, I didn't mean to rant. It is four in the morning and we are all awake. On with the story.
We sold our truck Sunday morning and a friend came over after church to help me pack up my quilting fabric collection. She took it to her house for safe storage. We had supper with a member of the quilt guild and spent the evening packing.
On Monday the packer came at 1 pm so we had extra time to pack. This shipment is due to arrive in 45 days. I thought I had everything, but you never know until afterwards. We had packed our suitcases the night before, but were still throwing in last minute items. Two ladies from the quilt guild came over and brought lunch. That was really nice. She also gave us a Korean phrase book and a dictionary. I have put together a phrase in Korean - bo yeo ju da na ot gam. I think it means "Show me the fabric." Monday night my parents arrived.
On Tuesday the packers arrived at 11:30. Again we had extra time to pack. This shipment is due to arrive in 90 days. My parents helped by cleaning. I couldn't believe how much cleaning there was to do. We got a hotel room for the night because the beds got packed. My bike got packed too, so I rode it one last time. Why did I have to wipe out swerving to avoid a car? I didn't think I needed to be injured, but actually it has kept my mind off of the bigger picture.
I wonder if this is how the pilgrims felt leaving for a new country?
On Wednesday my in-laws arrived and my parents left. My dad bought my car and our old bike. The more the packers took, the more cleaning we discovered. We ended up with a porchful of stuff we didn't want and they wouldn't pack. Lots of liquids, cleaners, paint, cosmetics, matches, etc. Todays shipment goes in storage. My in-laws took us out to eat at Bonefish. I am not a drinker, but I wanted to try a martini. They had a RaspberryMartini with a vodka base. I mention it because I am told vodka is tasteless. Must be true because that raspberry martini tasted like a raspberry slushy. So good! And I don't drink. Even though my arm was stinging like thousand wasps, I didn't care!
On Thursday, the loaders came and loaded all the boxes the packers had packed the day before. Those Wednesday packers were all female and they were speedy! The loaders were male and not as fast. But it all got loaded on to two eightteen wheelers. If you think that is a lot, we locked more stuff in the small shed and had to leave stuff unlocked in the oversized garage because we didn't want to go over our weight limit. More cleaning.
On Friday we came over early from the motel to clean up and vacuum. A man with a truck picked up all the stuff we had to get rid of. A lady from church stopped by to say goodbye and we gave her the leftover food, like oil, vinegar, etc. Even though there was plenty of trash this week, it was nice to know that all the useable stuff went to someone somewhere. If they throw it away, I won't know so that will be all right. We left about 3:30 for Raleigh. We checked in at the hotel by the airport and went out to eat. They didn't have any raspberry martinis:(
We repacked our suitcases to fit in a few more items then left the rest for my in-laws who will put it in Chris' car and drive it to their house on Saturday. Chris spent the evening on the phone with TimeWarner trying to get my e-mail back. They cut off our account when we turned in the cable box. So, if you e-mailed me last week, I didn't get it. Send it again to Damourcf@yahoo.com.
Saturday we got up at 5 to catch the shuttle to the airport. We had to come three hours early to catch a 9 am flight to Atlanta. We were going to have chocolate and dried cranberries for breakfast since they would pass security, but for some reason we forgot to eat. I bought a Sudoku book and that passed the time. Our flight to Atlanta was uneventful. We were to have an hour layover in Atlanta before the flight to Inchon, Korea. I was looking forward to eating then, but the boarding started while we were still in the bathroom. So, began our 15 hour flight.
I was certain that 15 hours on a plane would be unendurable, especially for my back. But I had tapped for that earlier and it was not much of a problem. Each seatback had a touchscreen in it. We watched movies, listened to music, and checked on flight information in progress. We flew west from Atlanta, then over part of eastern Russia before landing. We must have followed the sun because it never got dark. We arrived at 2:30 0n Sunday afternoon Korean time and our bodies thought it was 1:30 am Atlanta time. Till we got through customs, and such, we arrived at the military gate at 6. It was all concrete and barbed wire underneath an over pass. We had trouble getting through the guard gate because we didn't have military ID's, Michele and I. Needless to say, we were all very tired at 7 pm in our hotel room so we just went to bed.
On Monday I got up at 4am to redress my arm. That was my last gauze pad, but I couldn't stand it anymore. That woke up Chris and Michele. So we went to breakfast early. I remember after breakfast, thinking "I don't have a house to clean, or at least not one to feel guilty about not cleaning". Chris went to work, and Michele and I rested until 8:30 then went to the school to sign her up. They sent us to the ACS building to get forms. While filling them out, I heard a lady mention quilting. If I had had rabbit ears they would have been standing straight up! I made myself part of that conversation and learned that a group of ladies meets every Monday morning there to make quilts for wounded soldiers and newborns. I met a new friend who gave me her phone number and I think we are going to have a ball. Unfortunately I couldn't stay because I had to finish the check in process.
We went back to the school and signed her up for classes. The guidance counselor was very impressed with Michele. They don't have an IB program, but she was so willing to take AP classes and Korean class. Then we stopped by the nurse's station to provide proof of vaccinations. The nurse was friendly, too. She had a new assistant who looked at my arm, said it wasn't infected and told me to keep it covered.
We went back to ACS to get a map of the area, then headed back to the room to wait for Chris. He showed up at 5, so we didn't get lunch, and fell asleep. EVerything here works by key card. You need it to work the elevator and to have lights on in your room. There is a little box bythe door with a slot in it. You leave the card in there until you exit the room, then take it with you and all the lights go out.
We went to supper in the hotel, lots of restaurants here and they put the bill on your room tab. It was good! Then we went to the cell phone store, also in the hotel, and got cell phones for Chris and Michele. I didn't have my social security card, so no cell phone for me. We went to bed about 9 and woke up early, around 3. I tried to stay in bed, but couldn't stand it anymore, so Chris said go ahead and turn on the lights. So here I am typing all of this for your information. It is now six and we are going to breakfast.
Sorry, I didn't mean to rant. It is four in the morning and we are all awake. On with the story.
We sold our truck Sunday morning and a friend came over after church to help me pack up my quilting fabric collection. She took it to her house for safe storage. We had supper with a member of the quilt guild and spent the evening packing.
On Monday the packer came at 1 pm so we had extra time to pack. This shipment is due to arrive in 45 days. I thought I had everything, but you never know until afterwards. We had packed our suitcases the night before, but were still throwing in last minute items. Two ladies from the quilt guild came over and brought lunch. That was really nice. She also gave us a Korean phrase book and a dictionary. I have put together a phrase in Korean - bo yeo ju da na ot gam. I think it means "Show me the fabric." Monday night my parents arrived.
On Tuesday the packers arrived at 11:30. Again we had extra time to pack. This shipment is due to arrive in 90 days. My parents helped by cleaning. I couldn't believe how much cleaning there was to do. We got a hotel room for the night because the beds got packed. My bike got packed too, so I rode it one last time. Why did I have to wipe out swerving to avoid a car? I didn't think I needed to be injured, but actually it has kept my mind off of the bigger picture.
I wonder if this is how the pilgrims felt leaving for a new country?
On Wednesday my in-laws arrived and my parents left. My dad bought my car and our old bike. The more the packers took, the more cleaning we discovered. We ended up with a porchful of stuff we didn't want and they wouldn't pack. Lots of liquids, cleaners, paint, cosmetics, matches, etc. Todays shipment goes in storage. My in-laws took us out to eat at Bonefish. I am not a drinker, but I wanted to try a martini. They had a RaspberryMartini with a vodka base. I mention it because I am told vodka is tasteless. Must be true because that raspberry martini tasted like a raspberry slushy. So good! And I don't drink. Even though my arm was stinging like thousand wasps, I didn't care!
On Thursday, the loaders came and loaded all the boxes the packers had packed the day before. Those Wednesday packers were all female and they were speedy! The loaders were male and not as fast. But it all got loaded on to two eightteen wheelers. If you think that is a lot, we locked more stuff in the small shed and had to leave stuff unlocked in the oversized garage because we didn't want to go over our weight limit. More cleaning.
On Friday we came over early from the motel to clean up and vacuum. A man with a truck picked up all the stuff we had to get rid of. A lady from church stopped by to say goodbye and we gave her the leftover food, like oil, vinegar, etc. Even though there was plenty of trash this week, it was nice to know that all the useable stuff went to someone somewhere. If they throw it away, I won't know so that will be all right. We left about 3:30 for Raleigh. We checked in at the hotel by the airport and went out to eat. They didn't have any raspberry martinis:(
We repacked our suitcases to fit in a few more items then left the rest for my in-laws who will put it in Chris' car and drive it to their house on Saturday. Chris spent the evening on the phone with TimeWarner trying to get my e-mail back. They cut off our account when we turned in the cable box. So, if you e-mailed me last week, I didn't get it. Send it again to Damourcf@yahoo.com.
Saturday we got up at 5 to catch the shuttle to the airport. We had to come three hours early to catch a 9 am flight to Atlanta. We were going to have chocolate and dried cranberries for breakfast since they would pass security, but for some reason we forgot to eat. I bought a Sudoku book and that passed the time. Our flight to Atlanta was uneventful. We were to have an hour layover in Atlanta before the flight to Inchon, Korea. I was looking forward to eating then, but the boarding started while we were still in the bathroom. So, began our 15 hour flight.
I was certain that 15 hours on a plane would be unendurable, especially for my back. But I had tapped for that earlier and it was not much of a problem. Each seatback had a touchscreen in it. We watched movies, listened to music, and checked on flight information in progress. We flew west from Atlanta, then over part of eastern Russia before landing. We must have followed the sun because it never got dark. We arrived at 2:30 0n Sunday afternoon Korean time and our bodies thought it was 1:30 am Atlanta time. Till we got through customs, and such, we arrived at the military gate at 6. It was all concrete and barbed wire underneath an over pass. We had trouble getting through the guard gate because we didn't have military ID's, Michele and I. Needless to say, we were all very tired at 7 pm in our hotel room so we just went to bed.
On Monday I got up at 4am to redress my arm. That was my last gauze pad, but I couldn't stand it anymore. That woke up Chris and Michele. So we went to breakfast early. I remember after breakfast, thinking "I don't have a house to clean, or at least not one to feel guilty about not cleaning". Chris went to work, and Michele and I rested until 8:30 then went to the school to sign her up. They sent us to the ACS building to get forms. While filling them out, I heard a lady mention quilting. If I had had rabbit ears they would have been standing straight up! I made myself part of that conversation and learned that a group of ladies meets every Monday morning there to make quilts for wounded soldiers and newborns. I met a new friend who gave me her phone number and I think we are going to have a ball. Unfortunately I couldn't stay because I had to finish the check in process.
We went back to the school and signed her up for classes. The guidance counselor was very impressed with Michele. They don't have an IB program, but she was so willing to take AP classes and Korean class. Then we stopped by the nurse's station to provide proof of vaccinations. The nurse was friendly, too. She had a new assistant who looked at my arm, said it wasn't infected and told me to keep it covered.
We went back to ACS to get a map of the area, then headed back to the room to wait for Chris. He showed up at 5, so we didn't get lunch, and fell asleep. EVerything here works by key card. You need it to work the elevator and to have lights on in your room. There is a little box bythe door with a slot in it. You leave the card in there until you exit the room, then take it with you and all the lights go out.
We went to supper in the hotel, lots of restaurants here and they put the bill on your room tab. It was good! Then we went to the cell phone store, also in the hotel, and got cell phones for Chris and Michele. I didn't have my social security card, so no cell phone for me. We went to bed about 9 and woke up early, around 3. I tried to stay in bed, but couldn't stand it anymore, so Chris said go ahead and turn on the lights. So here I am typing all of this for your information. It is now six and we are going to breakfast.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
More Beach!
It's been fun! One night we herded crabs. Well, actually we cornered a sand crab until he wore out then my husband picked him up and explained all the parts. We saw a large jelly fish washed up on the shore with it's tentacles missing. We've seen fish and rays swimming in the water. One lady walked by with a big horseshoe crab! The sea has been so mild that I haven't gotten out my kites yet. But as you can see from the previous post, our house has a crow's nest. I want to try flying the kites from there.
The only down side is that each night I try not to think about all the packing that needs doing so I can get to sleep. Also, William sent along 3 of the largest suitcases I have ever seen. We'll have to decide between takng all of those suitcases home, or taking our daughter. I say she'd fit in one of the suitcases, but she voted 'no'.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Beach!
We are leaving for the beach. I dobn't know if I'll get to post while there. Hopefully we can relax and not think too much about moving. We are bringing one of each bill so we can change address while there.
Usually my family teases me about how long it takes me to pack. So they waited. And I was the first one packed! Ha! It still took an hour or more, but I packed things they didn't. (Moms always do).
At WalMart this morning they had electronics recycling. Woo-hoo! How perfect is that? Got rid of all that outdated computer stuff! There was a lot, and yet the empty space I was looking forward to didn't look so empty. Hmm....
Anway, we (they) are ready to leave so I'd better go.
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