Beginning of the DMZ tour

I went to the Demilitarized Zone yesterday on a tour. It was amazing how we went through fenced areas with barb wire and places with mines everywhere. It's funny that they say it's demilitarized, when it seems like that's the place where so much of the military is securing. Most of the guards are now South Korean ROK soldiers, but the American military is still working with them. We had a presentation by an American soldier at the JSA Ballinger Building. We learned some about the history of the conflict and how they were securing the area. I wish I was better at remembering the details, because I already forget a lot of what he said...

Fireworks!

It looked like the building was on fire!

50th Anniversary

This past weekend we had a big celebration of the school's 50th year. We had away volleyball games but got back for the dinner and fireworks. They shot fireworks off the top of one of the dorm buildings right on campus. It was awesome and right over our heads!

Expo Park

Expo Park and Sculptures

On Saturday, I watched a cross country meet for the first time. Our school was running here in Daejon by the river. I got to hand out popsicle sticks for the numbers- who was 1st, 2nd...... One race we had 63 kids running! Anna and Stephanie walked with me to the Expo area across the street and we saw some amazing buildings and rode the rollercoaster. It was a great ride and view from the top. I definitely want to go back.

Gwangwa Bridge at Night

Here's a short video of the bridge at night.

Gwangali Beach

On Sunday we met up with other teachers from TCIS and had a picnic on the beach. There was a big Art Biennial with huge sculptures on the beach. Those are real roses...we could smell them!