Another thing I really wanted to do while being in Korea was visit the DMZ - the Korean Demilitarized Zone. We went to the joint security area, and were able to cross the demarcation lines which technically means we entered North Korea. It was an incredible experience. Kind of surreal as well as we had to sign waivers stating that participating could result in death - which makes sense as it is still the most heavily militarized border in the world and there is still immense tension between the two countries. As well, you could see armed North Korean soldiers therefore they could see us and technically could at any instant do harm if they wanted to.
The JSA - halfway across these blue buildings is North Korea
Propaganda Village & Panmunjom (the world's 4th tallest flagpole) in North Korea
Bridge of No Return - prisoners were brought to this bridge and given the choice to choose and side. They could not change their minds once they crossed in South Korea.
Dorasan - the subway that connects the North and South. It has been restored but is not in use.
A statue to represent unification of the North and South. This was at the tunnels (we were not allowed to take pictures inside). The tunnels were created by the North Korean army as a way to infiltrate into the South. You are only able to walk until third barricade although is goes all the way to the demarcation line and possible beyond.
Of course I did a lot of diving in May as well since the weather warmed up! I also completed my rescue diver course!
Mel and I during her advanced course
We went on our hike field trip and celebrated Children's Day at school:
Haim
Daniel
Eunice
Lily and Eunice
Reid and I also went bike riding along the Han River on a night sunny day. I did not do that enough! Later in the month we said goodbye to Reid, it was a fun night but sad to say goodbye to another really good friend.
Bag drinks!
Mel, Reid and I
SY, Mel and I on the Subway the next morning going home. We spent the night having drinks and playing darts then went to and ate galbi (Korean BBQ), chatting until the sun came up.
Highlights of June:
The reality of leaving Korea really began to hit me in June. This is when I began selling my winter things and when I sold my suitcases. While I was excited to be heading into a new adventure, it was really sad to have to leave Korea. A place that I not only made my home, but a place where I grew in so many ways.
June was an interesting month because spread of MERS made everyone panic, so much so that all of the schools were closed. My school closed for a week and a half. When school went back in session everyone who walked through the doors had to use hand sanitizer and their temperature was taken. I was happy to have the time off but it meant that many people had to make up the missed classes on Saturdays and one or both of the summer/winter vacations were shortened. Luckily for me, my contract was ending before any of that would affect me. During the week I decided to go to the salon to have my hair dyed back to match my roots. The end result being dark brown - not the same colour as my roots. It was a bit of a shock but as in all things, I got used to it.
This month I also went to a language exchange meetup and to a baseball game!
Noelia, Ashley, MJ, myself and Mel at the baseball game
With SY and Song Won at the language exchange
Highlights of July:
Ashley, Mel, MJ and I made a trip to Busan which was so nice! I love Busan and was so happy to go down there one last time before leaving Korea. It was sunny for half the time and the other half it rained but we still made the most of the time! We went to the beach, saw a movie and went to the best jimjilbang.
When you ask a stranger to take a photo!!
Chunk of frozen mango on a stick! The best!
We also celebrated Eunice and Daniel's birthdays!
Haim sleeping while the others play
I am pretty sure I spent most of the month crying, knowing that I was leaving. I have learned over and over again that I cry - at everything. I knew that about teaching though, you get so invested in the kids it's hard to say goodbye. I cried everyday the last week before leaving, the last day I was a mess. Thank goodness I wasn't going on the airplane by myself though! Thankfully Mel, Sara and I were headed to Vietnam together. It was so sad though to say goodbye to everyone at work, to leave my apartment, my home. I do not have words to explain how I feel about that country, so much of my heart is there, even still. Also, thank goodness for Mel otherwise I'm not sure I would have ever packed or been able to go through everything in my apartment! Even writing this post is challenging because it brings up so many emotions!!
Goodbye dinner with Laura, Ben, SY, Myan, Myan's friend
Grace, Sally, Diana and Michael on my last day with them, taught them since day 1
The weekend before I left, I went up to Paju one last time to the dive shop to collect my gear and say goodbye to Russ. The night before I left, I had my last bingsu with Mel and MJ, then MJ came over and helped me repack one last time. In the morning Shawn helped me carry everything and went to the airport with me to meet up with Mel and Sara. Oh, goodbyes are the worst!
Next stop, Vietnam! <3
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