Spent a lazy Saturday exploring the bustling metropolis of Busan, with Jen and AJ, Dan and Lindz (whom I will henceforth refer to as "The Marrieds") and Kate, one of the teachers I work with. It was a rather overcast day so we mostly just passed the time window-shopping, people-watching, and browsing through some art galleries. Highlights of my day include:
1. The wonderful man who nearly drove into us on his bicycle, grinned at us and yelled something in Korean... then proceeded to make faces and peace signs at us until AJ walked over to talk to him, at which point he hugged AJ's arm like he was clutching a teddy bear and didn't look like he would ever let go. AJ, kindhearted bloke that he is, simply hugged the man back.
2. These young lads who were jammin' it out on a park bench. I recognized the Once soundtrack from a distance... they were singing in English! Couldn't resist joining them...
3. Our $3-apiece Galbi meal at this restaurant Kate found; it was very inexpensive and it tasted great! Galbi is a popular Korean meal, usually pork or beef ribs marinated in garlic, soy sauce, and ginger and cooked on a grill in front of you. Actually, they usually bring you the meat raw, and you cook it yourself. You wrap the meat in a leaf, adding some veggies, kimchi, and various sauces, and then munch on it. Rabbit-style. All the little side dishes are shared amongst the diners, and everyone dips their chopsticks into the communal bowls.
4. And last but not least, this cozy grandpa sweater I bought from a second-hand market stall... I love it because it has little grey kiwi birds knitted into it! Anyone who knows my fondness for New Zealand, will understand my delight in finding this treasure of a sweater, just at the turning of the seasons...
...although some of my comrades seem to think they look like malnourished elephants. Perhaps you can settle the argument. Cast your vote here in the comments section, if you so desire! Kiwi, elephant, or... other?
I am currently in awe of the technological wonders of today! On my Christmas morning in South Korea, I was given a window through time zones, across oceans, and right into a friend's living room in Canada, where many of my loved ones had gathered to celebrate Christmas Eve together. I watched them cramming their little heads into the view of the webcam, all shouting and jostling at once, sending their hellos and best wishes and beautiful smiles across cyberspace. I was then passed from lap to lap, was given a whirling virtual tour of the house and all the party g uests present, also a not-so-lovely look up some unfortunate person's nose, and a birdseye view of Christmas cooking on a plate. There were threats of putting me in the fridge, so I would know how it felt to be a carton of orange juice! But in all of the madness and mayhem, I had the privilege of engaging in dialogue with people I know and love dearly. I was able to coo at a baby and see him smile back. I caught snippets of lively conversation on all sides. I could distinguish the voice of my littlest brother bantering, in his singular way, with the adults in the room. I watched the faces of people I love, interacting in front of me, like a beautiful movin g canvas of personalities, life and light. I was able to celebrate with them the joys of gatherings such of these. And all from this little window on my desktop. How rich is the gift of togetherness! I know it's not the same as "being there", but I am so very thankful for this ingenious invention called Skype.. 
