Boracay, Philippines

Nina and I went to the Philippines. Manila is only a 3-4 hour by plane from Seoul, however because it's a tiny island after Manila we had to take another plane, a scooter ride, a ferry and another scooter to eventually get to Boracay. This is the first vacation I've taken in a long, long time where I stayed put for the whole week. Usually I'm all over the place trying to see and do as much as possible so this time it was nice to just relax. I took tons of pics, and here are just a few. The pictures don't do justice to the bluest water I've ever seen.

We went sailing during sunset. Gorgeous! We did some island hopping and snorkeling as well. We also went to a lot of happy hours and ate a lot of fresh fish!

One thing I really liked about Boracay is how laid back everything was. When I'm walking around in Thailand and especially Vietnam, people are always hassling me to buy things or to eat in their restaurants. They can be so pushy and in your face. On Boracay, they would ask you if you wanted a massage, or something to eat, and when you said no, they just smiled and said, "Ok, maybe next time!" It was nice. Not that it really took a lot of convincing for us to get a massage or to eat our second lunch of the day.

Pyeong Chang and Gyeongpo Beach

Above is Mr. Caswell enjoying the beach.

Last weekend we headed into the mountains to stay in a pension. It was Canadian summer for me: nature, BBQ and lots of relaxation. On Sunday when the weather was so nice, we decided to take a little drive to check out a beach. It was great, though unfortunately I wasn't prepared. I got a little burnt!

Krista, Claire and Myself:
Scott, Bruno, Jinny and Claire:


Fastest way to cool your drinks:


Now to the future! I'm looking forward to more trips! On Saturday I'm leaving for the Philippines for a week. Woo! Tickets for Bali, later in the summer have also been booked. :)

Pies and Goodbyes

You people in Canada just don't realize how hard it is to get quality desserts in other places in the world. After YEARS I have now managed to find a place with suitable pie and another with good cheesecake.

My friend Jacks has left Korea. Boo. We had many fun times together and she will be missed. I meet so many people here and when I travel and though they're all mostly great in some way or another, few really stick with you. She is one of those few, and because of that I know I'll see her again.

She's the blonde helping me make the Mike Sandwich:

Hye Ri Art Village

I'm way behind on blogging about the little trips I've been taking so here's my attempt to catch up! The trees have been lovely this spring even though the weather has been unseasonably cool. Anyways, I went to Hye Art Village (헤리아르트마을) with some girlfriends last month. It was about an hour bus ride from Seoul. Basically it is my heaven. Tons of art shops, galleries, museums and coffee shops to peruse.

Wendy and Hitler:

Me and Dr. Manhattan:
Me and Durst:


Trees and building:


Jacks and I at the Toy Museum:


Loved it! Will return when the weather improves.