A friend of ours encouraged us to check out teaching overseas and since we were both teachers, it was the perfect fit. After going to a job fair at ISS, we landed our first overseas post in Bogor, Indonesia. Wow. Was that an eye opener.
We had a view of a dormant volcano from our upstairs window.
Borobordur- a step pyramid temple. When we went it, was practically empty.
The hiking through the mountain villages was as if we had stepped back in time one hundred years ago. One time we were walking through rice patties during an earth quake. That was interesting.
One of my favorite past times was shopping. (Of course!) I bought my first strands of pearls on a beach on Gilli Trawangan (a remote island between Komodo Island and Bali).
Indonesia. Wild, full of adventure and never a dull moment. In fact, I never really knew what each day would bring when Iwalked out my door. And the mangos.. ... sigh.
But after two years there, we were ready for another adventure. Back to the job fair we went where we were offered numerous posts, but in the end, we chose Korea.
The plan was to stay in Korea for 2-3 years and then jet off to somewhere else. But it's been 7 years, 2 cats and 2 kids later and we're still here. The school we're at is amazing (Seoul Foreign School) and the opportunities and friends we've made are true treasures.
Living overseas sparked my interest in writing again. Between traveling and meeting the most interesting people, I've found new things to write about from my adventures. Next time, I'll post some pictures of Korea.
So, here I am. Korea. Sandwiched between China and Japan, it's an incredible country with a rich history and culture all its own. It's a great place to hang out. And believe me, definitely not boring.
7 comments:
Beautiful pictures and you're way more daring than me. I bought the house I grew up in from my parents. So, I didn't travel too far.
;-)
What gorgeous photos! We lived in Yokohama, Japan for two years and traveled to Bali and Ubud--so lovely. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
AMAZING photographs! I bet they're breathtaking full sized! Thanks for explaining why you live in Korea. I was looking at your picture and thinking, "Well, she certainly doesn't LOOK Korean!" So now it makes sense. My SIL is a teacher and worked in both Norway and Saudi Arabia for awhile. What a wonderful opportunity for you, your husband and your children.
Thanks guys! It has been fun. But at the same time there are sooooo many things I miss. Especially family. I guess you can't have your chocolate cake and eat it too all the time.
That is so cool that you went to Bali Natalie. Great place. Great shopping too.
Beautiful photos! It sounds so magical.
I'm insanely jealous of your amazing and wonderful adventures! Thank goodness I get to experience them vicariously through you and your family. One day I look forward to hearing all about, and seeing more pictures of, your spectacular journeys. :-)
My husband and I are teachers too, currently working abroad. I've been to Korea four times and I loved it -- I envy you the kimchee, though perhaps not for breakfast. And we've always wanted to live in Indonesia. Lovely photos.
- Mary (from VK)
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