Sheetal Makhan

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Busan (2) Motel...better than a hotel!

We stayed at a motel, which in my opinion is much better than some hotels I've stayed in. It was clean, convenient etc... and very reasonably priced. We even had a computer with internet access. *^^*

Busan (1) Lunch in an alley

I spent the long w'end in Busan, which is a 5 hour bus ride from Seoul. Arrived on Saturday and walked around for a while... we found this alleyway where ajuma's (Korean ladies) try to lure you to their stall to eat. My friend and I decided to have lunch there... Korean street food is GOOD *^^* I had tokk-pokki (rice cake in hot sauce) and gim-bap (rice rolled in seaweed).

Paris Baguette cheesecake

This is a Pumpkin Cheesecake from my favourite bakery, Paris Baguette. Their cakes are like works of art...

Children's Day ~ May 5

Yesterday, Monday May 5 was Children's Day in Korea (public holiday). It is likened to Christmas, because children receive gifts from their parents. According to an internet source,

"It was founded by the Korean children's writer Pang Chong-hwan in 1923 as a way to instill in the children a sense of independence and national pride. Children's Day highlights the dignity of children and their need for love, care, and respect. It is also a day to honor adults that have contributed to improving the lives of children."

Some Koreans work till very late (11pm and over), so since Children's Day is a public holiday, parents can truly dedicate this day to their children...

Sinchen Elementary Sports Day (May 1 '08)

Last Thursday (May 1) was Sports Day at my school. The kids ran races, performed dance items etc... There were many parents there, and during lunch everyone camped out where ever and ate delicious food. Some of my students introduced their parents to me and I was given so much food... tok-pokki (rice cake in hot sauce), fruit, cherry tomatoes, bread, ice coffee, juice etc...!

One of my 3rd graders

My Kindergarten babies

6th graders

Juniors

5th graders

6th graders

6th graders ~ the boy on right always gives me cookies or candy before class!

Lunch time!

Macau ~ Gambling Mecca

I also went to Macau, which is the oldest and last European colony in China. It's about an hour ferry ride from Hong Kong and its economy is based on tourism (mainly gambling).

There is still a strong Portuguese influence which can be seen in the architecture.