It's the last day of 2010 - seems like a good time for a blog update...
September saw us beginning the second semester of school, as well as taking a short trip to Beijing during the Korean Fall Harvest Festival, called Chuseok, which is basically the equivalent of Thanksgiving in the U.S.
October saw the culmination of a summer of training with the Gyeongju Marathon. It was a good race for both of us, and a beautiful course. The race wound it's way along the river and through Gyeongju city, often referred to as an "outdoor museum" in reference to the many historical sites scattered throughout the area. All in all a great day!
Getting pumped for the race
I enjoyed the Gyeongju marathon so much that I decided to sign up for another marathon a few weeks later. Kate ran the Half Course and placed 4th, earning her some podium time, a big trophy, and a wad of cash. I had a pretty good race on the full course - improving my best time by two minutes.
A few weeks later Kate ran a 10km race in Miryang hosted by the group of folks hell bent on constructing a massive airport in the district. Regardless of how one feels about that venture, the race was and enjoyable one. I didn't run because of a slightly injured knee, but instead got to take pictures of Kate and a bunch of my students who came with a colleague of mine to run. The day included a free lunch of soup, tofu, and kimchi, as well as free Makkeoli (Rice Wine - kind of like beer), dance competitions and more. Kate came in at 1st place for the women, for which she won a box of apples. We also won a bag of rice in a raffle, and Kate, along with two other foreigners teachers in town, "earned" another box of apples for "volunteering" to participate in the Dance - Off.
Kate cruising in front
A coworker of mine, and two of my students
Debatably the best part of Fall was the abrupt end of humidity and heat, allowing us to get back out climbing under clear blue skies and surrounded by the orange and yellow hues of the season. We got out a fair bit and had some great days on the rock.
We spent Christmas with friends down in Busan and enjoyed a Turkey feast with all the trimmings. Below are a few more highlights from the school semester.
Sports Day starts off with a traditional "activity"
Winter Festival at Muan Middle School - Students
participating in the English Play
The English Play cast - along with my two coteachers -
Miyeong below left and Yong-Hee upper right.
Well, I think that about sums it up! A Happy and Healthy New Year to everyone from
Kate and I here in Miryang!
