Rape Flowers

Japanese Black Pine

Dan Nabben took us for a ride to my favorite tree on Jeju, a 400 year old Japanese Black Pine in Susan-ri (수산리)

Jeju Life

It's awesome to be back in Jeju!

I've been back for a couple weeks now and things have been a bit hectic and busy. It's been really great to see all my friends. Scott and Lara had a nice barbecue and Troy brought a nice bottle of whiskey. Mark and Shannon put me up in their place for a few days while I searched for a new home. They even let me borrow their phone (crucial!) for the last two weeks. My co-worker Christine has been running me around everywhere, finding a house, getting immigration papers sorted out, and furnishing the house. The department secretary, Yuri, has been making phone calls and helping to find these essentials also. When you first move to a foreign country, even one you've been to already, you really feel vulnerable. It really makes you appreciate the value of your friends and helping out.

Road Trip!

I'm trying to get to Jeju as fast as possible. My contract started 3 days ago, so I ought to get there soon, right? Well, I had to send my passport to Chicago to get the visa, so instead of trusting FedEx to deliver quickly, I drove up myself to drop it off. They told me that they couldn't make an exception for my exceptional circumstances and my visa has to go through the normal 2-3 day processing time, so I had to drive BACK to pick it up! I am the proud new owner of an E-2 visa and ready to leave on Friday!

The Windy City


He's in the Band! Jeju Buskers!



Dad wanted some polish sausages



My Destination....
Yes, the Korean Embassy shares a building with Oprah

Limbo

Have you found anything yet Troy?

I'm in limbo.

Actually, I've been in limbo for over a month. I'm supposed to be in Jeju by now, but getting my visa has been delayed thanks to the wonderful world of government bureaucracy. In a way it is a blessing in disguise. Although I missed the storm of the year in Utah (30 inches in 24 hours), I'm able to hang out at home with my family, relax, practice guitar, and get my Korean back into shape. Occasionally I get to see old local friends, although many have moved on. Today I get to see an old friend from middle school, met the old fashioned way (not on facebook). My mom ran into his dad at the grocery store. Hah! Can't wait to see ya Kevin!