When Lisa Came to Town

I must post about my sister trekking across the world to spend the Christmas season with her little sis. Lisa came early December after spending the past semester in France (St. Pierre et Michelon, off the coast of Canada), speaking only french and eating lots of crepes and baguettes. So, she headed over here to Korea in order to speak some Korean and eat lots of kimchi and red bean fish pastries. We spent some good time hiking up to the temples (but my camera didn't work, so I'll get my sister to send some pics), and touring around the countryside.

We did quite a bit during her visit and I truly think that she got a unique taste of Korea that many don't get the chance to do. Living in the countryside of Gurye affords that 'luxury'. Lots of mountains and such. We went around on the scooter- yup thats right, the three of us! I wish I had a picture of that... Then I taught Lisa the basics and she just took off (too fast if you ask me), yelling out "I'm going to the store see you sooooooooonnnn". I fretted and looked out the window waiting for her until she got back. Thanks for the neurotic paranoia tendencies mom!

Anyway, we went to Gwangju and my sister was introduced to all the beauty of the 'love motel' , which is a lovely Korean thing. Cheap hotel with luxuries of free 'toiletries' (yes, including condoms), and a whirlpool bath and multi-head, multi-directional shower (basically the best thing on earth). Often with large screens built into the wall for your digital viewing pleasure. Full channels and free movie rental (including the porn, not that i know really...). For 30 bucks its a great deal. We need these places in Canada! I personally could travel better! Anyway, went to a Christmas party where Lisa met some of our friends and got a bit chrismassytipsy(well, she got a LOT chrismassytipsy). We also met up with our second? third? cousin who was playing in the band and hails from the Newfoundland Bay. He lives nearby me. Maybe we'll meet again soon. Nice loud Newfoundlander! yes b'ye

Christmas was really great- since this is my third consecutive Christmas away from home, it was really fantastic to have Lisa here. She was also here for our first snow fall, which you can see above. There were actually better pics, but I had to include Madonna in here somewhere...

I even fashioned up a 'tree' with branches and boughs from the flower store. strung some lights and decs and put all of the presents from each other and sent from home underneath and whoo hoo!! I recieved some really lovely presents this year, including a GUITAR from beautiful bryce (below with a present of his own)! (its was in a washing machine box next to the tree).

Sang carols and really loved everything. I even invited some friends (Korean and Philipina) over for a big Canadian Christmas feast- chicken and turkey made in the rice steamer, stuffing made in a pan, and my sister trucked all sorts of goodies (like cranberry sauce!! ) over from Canada to complete the meal. yummy.

Lisa and I took off on a backpacking trip to Gyeongju, the old capital to the Shilla Kingdom in Korea. Its so beautiful there. We met a great girl, Kiki from Japan, and _____, from ______. Here's a picture of us out on the town(notice the sinful sundaes):

Following are pictures of Lisa and my trip around Gyeongju. We walked around a lot and learned a little too much about history.

a view from Bulguksa- a very famous Korean temple

(tee hee)

Lisa is so tall in this country!

Spent hours in a museum (below), most of the time trying to get our translation tour headphones to work. I was museumed out- as I get when I walk around a museum with my sister, or with Bryce, who both feel the need to read EVERY little sign and absorb everything until they become a part of the display. So after I threw a minor fit, Lisa left with me so we could get me some food.

Lisa left after seeing the DMZ and touring around Seoul on her own. She's a right traveler that girl! (say with a light Newfoundlander accent)...We loved having her here!