Flooding in Duluth

For whoever reads my blog, I just want to bring attention to the recent floods in Duluth, Minnesota. I went to school at the University of Minnesota - Duluth and spent five glorious years in an equally glorious city, and it hurts my heart to see the beautiful city on the lake completely destroyed.

7th Ave East, just blocks away from one of my old houses

An intersection right next to campus

Downtown Duluth

Miller Hill Mall, I worked just down the main street

Only in Minnesota

Zoo Escapee

Luckily, no one died and no one has been seriously injured. However, the damage is devastating. Water can't be used to drinking or cooking for quite some time, people have been evacuated, homes have been destroyed, and 14 highways have been closed.

The only deaths that have occurred are from the Duluth Zoo. A seal and polar bear escaped, but have been rescued, almost all the farm animals have died, and the turkey vulture and raven exhibit still hasn't been checked out because of the flood water.

I love you Duluth, I hope you dry up soon!

Thanks to Minnesota Public Radio, 95 KQDS Radio, and Facebook users for letting me steal your pictures.

Goodbyes, Episode 2

I said it before, and I'm saying it again. I hate goodbyes.

Recently, we've had three fellow expats leave Inje in the past month due to finished contracts, and the very first Korean friend I made has left to go study in Hungary for five years. Depression slowly seeping in.

Hah, jokes. But seriously, it's the sad circle of life for teachers in a foreign country. On the bright side, at least you get to meet really cool new people who are the replacements! And, as you meet fellow teachers from all over the world, not only can you count them as friends, but also as couches to sleep on during future travels.

In a slightly related note, my 6 month mark is today...

Goodbyes

I hate saying goodbyes. No matter who it may be directed to, even if its just a short good bye, I do not like them.

I've been here for exactly three months now and in those three months all three teachers I have started with have left. I'm starting to realize that teaching here is an odd cycle of Hellos and Goodbyes. As contracts end, people either move back home or move to another city to teach. You have to say goodbye to those who become your close friends and family here, and those who may never see again. At the same time you also say hello to new people who you will become close with... until your time comes. Weird.

This is my sentimental thought of the day.

On a happier note, it's Friday! Last day before break! I'm going to Seoul tomorrow for New Year's Eve! The next morning I am flying into Bangkok to begin my Thailand/Laos vacation for 2 weeks! WAHOO!