Fin

Don't take this the wrong way. No posts between about July 16 until now, a week after we returned from Korea? I won't plead a busy life; I've had ample time to squeeze in a few entries. I won't plead computer problems -even though my keyboard died- I did have access to a computer. I won't plead lack of things to write about. In fact, quite the opposite. I will, however, get down on my knees in explanation, begging you to forgive me for not writing, pleading the only thing I can: It was too AWEsome! We did so much, not just in the last part, but all days, every week! It was a maelstrom of activity and experiencing and socializing and quite frankly, I didn't write because what I could be doing in comparison to writing was so much more interesting! There was never any lack of things to do:TaeKwonDo was a good one, as you can see from Alan and I sweating it out. And remember the little photobooths in the mall, where you can take photos of you and friends and print them out? Koreans love cutesy, this was our take on their photobooths-on-steroids: We did a cooking class, we visited sooo many temples and museums, we sang karaoke (even though in my house I'm not allowed to sing, I was applauded when I scored a 96% on Hey Ya; I was so happy), we went to the public baths, we went to the DMZ, we just did so many things! As I said in my previous post, it's almost as if University of Ulsan or Korean government in general wants us to bring back a favorable impression, and tell all. Well, they are the government, I'd better do as they say.

The AUM/Ulsan experience was incredible. I expected to go to Korea to learn about the culture, but I did not expect t ogo and fins so many new friends, and to have so much fun experiencing Korea with these friends. I have made lifetime amigos that I will not only cherish, but can possibly use in the future for networking opportunities. Where else do you get to meet peers from around the world that all have the same goal as you: to grow, and learn, and succeed? I have contacts now in Beijing, in Morocco, in the Hunan province, in Thailand, in Regina. Of course, with my roommate JaeEum, I'll always have a place to stay in Korea.

The farewell dinner was delicious, but bittersweet. I really only think about 10% of us were homesick enough to want to leave, the rest of us wanted to keep the Ulsan experience going. However, this was not to be. Everyone left in about a 3-day period, starting with my good friend Aimee Tang from Thailand. She came into my room at 7am, gave me a hug, and was gone: that started the 3-day trial of hugs and goodbyes, of tears and gifts. We AUMers were some of the last to go, so we only had the Canadians and Koreans to see us off to the airport. After long goodbyes, we turned in our keys, finally piled into the cars and began our journey home. I know Alan and I could have stayed there for at least another month, minimum. He's planning on learning some more Korean and going back there, perhaps to even work. I do plan on visiting again, and again- and if I ever want to work there, I hear Hyundai's hiring native English speakers; at least, that's what the company representative said. ;-) I will return. I think most everbody that was in the program will feel compelled to return at some point in their lives. . . Korea was just too amazing. I can truly say that this experience broadened my horizons and my mentality. An added plus :-) I brought back a little souvenir. My roommate/new bf Jamie is going to AU this year, so I will get to show her some of the hospitality that she and the Korean students showed to us. I'm looking forward to spending some time with her, to make a scrapbook of my hundreds of pictures. . . and eventually, heading back to Korea.