Things since Thailand have been fairly relaxed. A lot of people who I have met here are soon leaving, so we are just preparing for their departures and crossing more things off the Bucket List. My next big adventure will be in December where I plan to go to China and see the Great Wall.

Last weekend we crossed the "Konglish" party off the list. Many shirts, signs, etc make no sense and have multiple spelling mistakes. Some of the shirts the kids wear to school are ridiculous both in meaning and non meaning. We had everyone over for a potluck event and we all wore a "Konglish" shirt. It was nice to have everyone over for drinks and potluck before we made our way to Waegook.

This weekend I crossed off the babies 1st birthday event. Hyun who takes care of all the odds and ends for us in Gumi invited us to his daughters 1st birthday. I have to say it was a bit over the top, but the first birthday in Korea is a big deal. Long ago many babies died before their first birthday due to malnutrition, so now they have a very elaborate party to show friends and family their healthy baby. For GaIn's party they rented a wedding hall, had buffet style dinner, and free alcohol, for 100+ guest. The family was dressed in matching outfits. There was a hired photographer with photo booths set up. There was a movie made for GaIn and her life up till now along with games, and prizes. They also are very superstitions here so one of the games they play is showing the baby a tray of items. On the tray is money, a ball, a pencil, string, stethoscope, and a few other items. Each item is a symbol for something (i.e.: string= long life, stethoscope= doctor). Which ever item the baby chooses will be his or her future aspiration. GaIn choose the ball and the pencil which means she will be athletic and academic. I have to say, I felt like I was watching an episode of my Sweet 16, except it was for a 1 year old. GaIn will not remember it, but there was lots of pictures for her to look at when shes older. It was nice as a foreigner to see another part of their culture...even if it made me say "Ohhhh Korea"