Snow Day!

Today we got a nice surprise - a snow day in Busan! School was canceled this Valentine's Day so we enjoyed a three-day weekend. It's snowed a few times this winter but nothing ever sticks because the temperature is usually pretty mild. Anyway, Bob and I stayed in and watched a movie and then went out for a romantic Quiznos dinner. : )

Our Korean friend Mr. Kang warned us that when it snows even a little bit in Busan, the traffic comes to a standstill and most schools shut down. He wasn't kidding! It only snowed 2 or 3 inches, but there are no snow plows in the city because they rarely ever have snow. There are no snow shovels either - we saw most people clearing their sidewalks with brooms or two-by-fours. This is so different from Nebraska, where it takes 6 or 8 inches for us to really take notice!

***Bob and Lindsey***

Haeundae Beach and Aquarium

Today is Lunar New Year in Korea, so we have a 5-day weekend to celebrate. Happy New Year!

We decided to forgo the ski trip and instead are just staying in Busan relaxing. Yesterday we really enjoyed our day off. We had great weather (about 50 degrees out!) so we went to Haeundae Beach for a bit of sunshine and some lunch. Then we went to the Busan Aquarium.

The aquarium is very similar to the one at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. They also have the glass tunnel you can walk through and see fish swimming all around you. There are some HUGE sharks and sting rays, as well as giant crabs and one very active octopus. It was a great day. Photos

***Bob and Lindsey***

1st Birthday Party

Last weekend was very busy but a lot of fun! On Saturday we attended a 1st birthday party for our Korean co-worker's son, Abe (his English name of course). It was a very fancy affair - Lynn, the mother wore a fancy wedding dress and her 6-year-old daughter Chloe had a miniature version. The father wore a full tuxedo and even the baby had on a tux! Then we sat down to a delicious buffet and watched the main event.

They have a special tradition in Korea for a baby's first birthday. On a table six props are set out that are meant to represent the baby's possible future: a microphone, computer mouse, pencil. golf club, stethoscope and money. Then the baby sits down in front of all the objects and the one he or she chooses is his or her future profession. (The parents traditionally hope the baby will choose the money!)

Abe went right for the stethoscope and even put it on his ears! Looks like he will be a doctor when he grows up. Birthday Photos

Sunday was the annual Corem English Concert for our kindergarten students. Each class presents a sort of mini-musical for all of their parents to watch. The kids did a great job singing and dancing and their costumes were pretty unbelievable - lots of sequins, glitter and bright colors. The English teachers got in on the action too. I played the part of a grandmother in one performance. Bob had a much busier day. He was Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music and Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid.

Next month it's on to Kinder Graduation. Most of our little babies will be graduating and in March we'll have a new batch of kindergarten students!

***Bob and Lindsey***