Last Tuesday with MK

This morning we had our speaking final and listening test. The speaking went the same way as midterms; we drew numbers to pick the order of when we would meet with the teacher and then we would also use our numbers to pair up with a classmate to 'perform' our speaking dialog in front of the class. I drew number 2, which was nice because I didn't have to sit and wait and think and worry about what to say with the teacher. She asked for directions (one of the subjects we covered) and what characteristics I like in a person. When it was time for the speaking dialog, I drew the only one that I didn't want to do- the post office dialog! But, I guess we did okay. The listening test was a little hard, not sure how I fared.

After class, I went to another free museum about another independence movement person. There was a park surrounding the museum as well, with other freedom fighters buried there too. I walked from the museum towards downtown Seoul and passed Seoul Station (Train Station). I remembered there was a new 'museum' opened in the old train station, so I stopped in. There were modern art exhibits in the train station; I was actually more interested in looking at the parts about the train station than the (to me) strange artwork. After that museum, I also stopped at Seoso Park, just a small park with some monuments. Then I walked to City Hall and saw the Christmas Tree lit up, but I'm sad to say this wasn't a real tree either, just a metal frame with lights all around it. They also have created a giant ice skating rink in front of City Hall. I don't know when it will open, but I'm hoping if it is soon, maybe I can go! It would be so much fun and a great memory I think. I noticed a traditional looking building across the plaza and went to go check it out. It was kind of blocked off, but I asked Min Kyung about it and she told me it is called "Wongudan Altar". We think maybe it was just closed for the evening perhaps. I will try and visit it again later! (It's rare to find a sight I haven't seen yet!)

I went to McDonald's to sit and write in my journal til it was time to meet MK. We went to a noodle restaurant we had seen last week. It was really delicious! Except after eating, I was sooo thirsty and MK said maybe the dish was a little bit too salty. She shared some exciting and special news with me--she booked a wedding hall for next June to marry her boyfriend, Chris! (He is a Canadian working as a program director at an English Institute) When we finished eating, we went to "Soop" (the Korean word for forest) and shared a waffle and tea. It was so funny because I really wanted to eat a waffle, the last few days I had been craving one, and especially tonight. MK asked me, "so, do you want to eat a waffle?" It was crazy! I was so sad to say bye to her, she is such a special friend. I'm glad she and I started a weekly dinner meeting in the last few weeks-I just wish we had started right away!

Tomb of Kim Koo

Inside the old Seoul Station, main entrance

Old Seoul Station (constructed under Japanese rule in the 20's)

Old City Hall (also constructed under Japanese rule, now a library) and City Hall, along with the 'fake' Christmas tree

Koreans are amazing at construction. I mean really. They built this GIANT wooden platform, with steps just to put an ice skating rink on it for what 2 months? Crazy. (Even built up a protector for the trees!)

Wongudan Entrance

Tasty dinner! There are noodles under the seaweed and lettuce and some broth too!

At the coffee shop, MK modeling "winter style"!

Korean style!

Our yummy waffle and mango green tea!

MK outside the cafe