An American Thanksgiving in Korea

This was my first Thanksgiving away from home and away from my family, so I was a little concerned that I would be really sad and slip into a mild depression and then eat a lot of chocolate to make myself feel better. However, there was a lovely "American Thanksgiving" feast planned in a neighboring town, Wontong.

Digging in to the delicious food

There was a lot of fun, a lot of food, and a lot of togetherness that was shared. It was wonderful. The only think that was missing was the turkey.

Gathering around the feast

There was mashed potatoes, a vegetable stew, some chicken, pork, a South African desert, bread, and many other things that everybody brought.

Sam (the wonderful host), Ashley, Fathima, and Josh

The boys being "cute"

My first Thanksgiving abroad was a success; the turkey wasn't missed as much as I thought it would be, I was surrounded by good company, and I later slipped into an amazing food coma, but I did miss my momma's mashed potatoes. 

Below Zero Camping in Inje

Camping in November in Minnesota? Crazy. Camping in Inje in November? Crazy. And almost as cold.

Setting up the massive circus tent

Kevin organized this camping trip, with the help and equipment of his boss. His boss had a massive tent that could easily fit 10 people and sleeping bags and sleeping mats for all eight of us. He even provided chairs, tables, lanterns, a grill, firewood, all the basics needed for camping.

The ginormous tent almost all up

The boss has this huge tent that we all slept in. It was one of the biggest camping tents I have ever seen. When it was all set up tt looked like a circus tent, with a pole in the middle and everything. Ideally, I think this tent could have fit up to 13 people.

Trying to stay warm by the fire

Deep conversation whilst camping

It was your typical camping extravaganza, but better because I was in Korea. Ashley and Adrian prepared grilled cheese sandwiches and a stew. We sat around, drank some beer and played some games. It was a very relaxing camping trip. The only thing that was missing were s'mores. Two of my students, Helen and Rose, were even there for most of the night (their mom is one of Kevin's nurses).