Philippines

Now you're looking at a certified scuba diver. Sexy right?!
I made a discovery dive to see if I would be comfortable breathing underwater. As it turns out not only was I comfortable, I was amazed. There is a whole other world under the sea. I saw so many Nemos. Finding Nemo did not lie...at all. It was so wonderful to witness.

After the two discovery dives, I decided to get certified. That meant that I had to hit the books. I had to study, watch videos, and take some tests. It was the last thing I expected to do on vacation-to study, but it was worth it. 3 days of training and 5 tests later I got certified.

Bus ride

Don't you miss the days when you could sit on peoples' laps and it was ok. Well, I still have those days. I take a bus with all the teachers and students to have lunch at an elementary school. All students and teachers were present and when this happens, there's not enough room for each person to get their own seat.

I've seen students double up. I decided that I would do this with my co-teacher. I made her sit down and then I sat on top of her. It was wonderful! I wasn't sure if I'd be too heavy so I shifted some of the weight to my feet and thighs. It hurt too much, so after 3 minutes I let loose. She didn't seem to mind. Actually, I think she embraced it too. She wrapped her hands around my waist and let her hands rest in my lap.

So beautiful... try (but at your own risk...)

Rock Climbing: Yeongo Waterfall

Karaoke Live

So, I sang in front of 5,000+ people in Sacheon. It was for the marathon runners. There was a total 10,000 people running. Half of them started the race before we went on.

Let's just say the experience was interesting. I'll say that I'm glad to know fear on all levels and say that I have lived after :)

After two words my mouth went completely dry, my hands were shaking, and I forgot some words. Billie Jean wasn't the best...but by the fourth song, La Bamba, I felt a little better.

The following are some pics of the band and our fans...check it out. Really rock and roll ^^

Band Practice

So, I'm in a band.

No AC in the lunchroom

The question is do I stay and finish my food or not? The obvious answer is of course; if you're hungry why not stay and eat?

The food is already salty, it doesn't need anything added on my end. But as I sit and shovel spoonful after spoonful of rice in my mouth, I can't stop sweating. The beads are forming around the rims of my glasses, my hairline, and on my upper lip.

30 degrees Celsius = 86 degrees Farenheit

It's just too damn hot...

Now I understand why everyone in Asia has fans.

Shanghai..no hotel...no problem

Waiting to get a one day visa for Shanghai...

-"Alright, it was nice speaking with you. I have to go find a hotel now. I didn't book one before coming to Shanghai."

-"What? Wait, maybe I can help."

-"Ok. I'll wait."

The next thing I know two Korean girls, about 13 years old, are jumping around me.

-"Do you mind staying with them?"

-"Uh, no that's fine."

One hour later...(after a bus ride with a 15 person Korean tour group)

I'm unpacking a few things in the hotel and trying to make small talk with two 13-year old Korean girls who don't know how to react to a random stranger is sleeping in the same room with them. I get it, to them this was strange. To me, this was the perfect way to jump back into my Korean-ness.

Welcome back to Korea Sam!