After a 7 hour flight from Seoul, we arrived in Tashkent, Uzbekistan around 9:00 pm to make our way through immigration and customs. We read (were warned?) that once you get off the plane it could take 2 or 3 hours to get completely out of the terminal. The procedure is to deplane, board a bus, then drive to the terminal. When the doors to the bus open, people rush to the immigration windows which did indeed occur. Fun stuff!
After you make your way through immigration, you have to find a luggage cart. This was Jeanette's first opportunity to use her Russian. Well, her Russian and a little struggle with someone else who wanted one of the few carts available. Then we loaded our bags and headed through customs which was easy. In all, it took us just over an hour to get out, which we were later informed, was the low time for new teachers :)
We were picked up by Bekzod and Geoffroy who shuttled us to our hotel room and got us settled--phone sim-cards, internet access, maps and some money (Uzbek Som). We were not their last pick-up that evening so they headed back to the airport; they had someone to pick up at 3:00 am.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Off to Tashkent
Today is the day we've been waiting for, our flight to Tashkent. We're currently sitting at the Incheon airport in Seoul enjoying some snacks and a glass of wine.
It's a short 7 1/2 hour flight to Tashkent, so we will get in around 9:00 pm local time. We've heard that it can take up to 2 or 3 hours to get through immigration and customs, so we have set our expectations accordingly.
Our plan is to get checked in to the hotel our new school as set up for us, get a good night's rest, then start exploring Tashkent. We've already located (google maps) some fitness centers and the internet has helped us locate a few Italian and French cafes where we will be able to get our espresso fix. All new teachers get together next Tuesday to begin the non-school related basics--that is, finding an apartment, setting up bank/phone accounts and arranging household help.
Will post again soon to let everyone know how things are going.
It's a short 7 1/2 hour flight to Tashkent, so we will get in around 9:00 pm local time. We've heard that it can take up to 2 or 3 hours to get through immigration and customs, so we have set our expectations accordingly.
Our plan is to get checked in to the hotel our new school as set up for us, get a good night's rest, then start exploring Tashkent. We've already located (google maps) some fitness centers and the internet has helped us locate a few Italian and French cafes where we will be able to get our espresso fix. All new teachers get together next Tuesday to begin the non-school related basics--that is, finding an apartment, setting up bank/phone accounts and arranging household help.
Will post again soon to let everyone know how things are going.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Rain
It must be time to leave Seoul because it is raining like crazy. Our last couple of days in Vancouver were rainy, then it was cool enough in Gig Harbor for us to have a fire in the Ped's wood stove. Until yesterday, Seoul had been quite pleasant. We have been so very lucky to visit during the rainy season and not really see hardly any rain until yesterday.
Fortunately it is not impacting us like it is people further south in the country. We have only a block walk to the metro and have managed to time that when no rain is falling or at most just a drizzle. Yesterday we spent our time wandering indoor shopping arcades and one big fancy department store. We have visited most of the big sites in Seoul that we wanted to this trip, so don't mind winding down.
It is now Thursday morning and our big plans for the day include heading off to our local Starbucks :) Yes, they already know our drinks! Then we'll pack a little, read a little, and find somewhere nice for lunch and dinner. Paul will fit in a trip to the fitness room in the hotel while Jeanette will practice a bit more Russian - it's about time for her to put it to use.
Fortunately it is not impacting us like it is people further south in the country. We have only a block walk to the metro and have managed to time that when no rain is falling or at most just a drizzle. Yesterday we spent our time wandering indoor shopping arcades and one big fancy department store. We have visited most of the big sites in Seoul that we wanted to this trip, so don't mind winding down.
It is now Thursday morning and our big plans for the day include heading off to our local Starbucks :) Yes, they already know our drinks! Then we'll pack a little, read a little, and find somewhere nice for lunch and dinner. Paul will fit in a trip to the fitness room in the hotel while Jeanette will practice a bit more Russian - it's about time for her to put it to use.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Uijeongbu
Today we took about an hour long metro ride to Uijeongbu where Paul's dad was stationed during the Korean War. We're sure it is quite different now; it's essentially part of Seoul with high-rises and an overload of coffee shops and fast food restaurants.
A few more photos can be viewed at the link below.
https://picasaweb.google.com/coffren19/UijeongboAndBuddhistTemple?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Yesterday we visited the largest Buddhist Temple in Seoul and an ice skating rink inside the Lotte World Mall. I didn't realize that the temple would be having services - there were a lot of people there, so we didn't go inside, just took a few snaps from the exterior.
After that, we cooled down in the huge Lotte mall complex. It includes a theme park, indoor skating rink, and department store. Jeanette made Paul take a photo of the rink - in one photo you may be able to see a "hot air" balloon in the upper-right hand corner above the skating rink. People pay to ride in them :)
Yikes! We have only a few more days until we head off to Tashkent.
A few more photos can be viewed at the link below.
https://picasaweb.google.com/coffren19/UijeongboAndBuddhistTemple?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Yesterday we visited the largest Buddhist Temple in Seoul and an ice skating rink inside the Lotte World Mall. I didn't realize that the temple would be having services - there were a lot of people there, so we didn't go inside, just took a few snaps from the exterior.
After that, we cooled down in the huge Lotte mall complex. It includes a theme park, indoor skating rink, and department store. Jeanette made Paul take a photo of the rink - in one photo you may be able to see a "hot air" balloon in the upper-right hand corner above the skating rink. People pay to ride in them :)
Yikes! We have only a few more days until we head off to Tashkent.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Italian Food in Korea
Another great day today of walking, walking, walking. But on to more important things, like food. We had some Italian food tonight at Mad for Garlic--yes, there was lots of garlic on everything. But the most important thing about tonight's menu was the "diversity". We had a gorgonzola pizza (no sauce, just stinky cheese and garlic on a nice thin crust). It was served with a dipping sauce which consisted of honey with bits of crispy fried garlic AND a side of sweet pickles. Yummy!
We've noticed that every single meal is served with either kimchi (fermented, spicy cabbage or radish) or pickles. It's a nice little treat :)
We've noticed that every single meal is served with either kimchi (fermented, spicy cabbage or radish) or pickles. It's a nice little treat :)
Saturday, July 23, 2011
DMZ and Downtown
Paul has been walking my legs off! We went to the DMZ yesterday and that was one of the weirdest tours we've ever been on. As soon as we left Seoul the barb-wire fence along the river was noticeable. Soon we crossed a bridge and the bus had to run a slalom course - I tried to get a picture, but the ROK military guards waved me off. A little later we noticed the land-mine warning signs on the side of the road. Have to say that's a first!
We did a tour through the USO and they did a great job. We visited a tunnel site where the North Korean's had attempted to sneak into the south, then we visited a mountain lookout into the north and a train station that is the connected by rail to the north, but not operating. The visit to the UN site that crosses the "military demarcation line", the boarder between north and south, was the highlight for me. It was so weird to see the soldiers on both sides of the border and then go into the building that straddles the line and cross over.
We got a few pictures but were hindered a little by no-photo zones and probably more so by the weather. This was the first overcast/foggy day since we've arrived.
Today we hiked up a hill in the city limits that houses shamanist shrines (is that the same or different than buddhist???). In any case, we saw some really neat rocks and a few people doing what looked like a yogi salute praying in front of an outdoor temple. What really struck me was the pile of meat laying on a rock along the trail - an offering of some sort, but looks like the flies were getting the best of the deal.
As we descended the hill, Paul informed me that we weren't done walking yet. Fortunately, the rest of the day was spent meandering along a stream in downtown - lots of people flock here to walk or stick their feet in the water to cool down. Yes, I did so too :)
A few pics from the two days are on picasa...
https://picasaweb.google.com/coffren19/SeoulPart2?authuser=0&feat=directlink
We did a tour through the USO and they did a great job. We visited a tunnel site where the North Korean's had attempted to sneak into the south, then we visited a mountain lookout into the north and a train station that is the connected by rail to the north, but not operating. The visit to the UN site that crosses the "military demarcation line", the boarder between north and south, was the highlight for me. It was so weird to see the soldiers on both sides of the border and then go into the building that straddles the line and cross over.
We got a few pictures but were hindered a little by no-photo zones and probably more so by the weather. This was the first overcast/foggy day since we've arrived.
Today we hiked up a hill in the city limits that houses shamanist shrines (is that the same or different than buddhist???). In any case, we saw some really neat rocks and a few people doing what looked like a yogi salute praying in front of an outdoor temple. What really struck me was the pile of meat laying on a rock along the trail - an offering of some sort, but looks like the flies were getting the best of the deal.
As we descended the hill, Paul informed me that we weren't done walking yet. Fortunately, the rest of the day was spent meandering along a stream in downtown - lots of people flock here to walk or stick their feet in the water to cool down. Yes, I did so too :)
A few pics from the two days are on picasa...
https://picasaweb.google.com/coffren19/SeoulPart2?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
How much is that cantaloupe in the window?
Today we took a break from walking our legs off. Instead we went to a major tourist site in Seoul, the COEX mall, an enormous underground mall that has 4 hotels, movie theater, museums and every kind of store you can imagine.
The highlight for us was the Hyundai department store which is more like a department store and grocery store combined. It reminded us of department stores in Hong Kong and other Chinese cities. Beautiful displays, a store clerk for every 3 customers and even a food court where you could choose sushi, pizza, fish paste on a stick or even Asian-Spanish fusion paella. You could follow up your main course with some gelato, cakes or cupcakes hand crafted in front of your. Of course, you could always select a healthier desert, like a cantaloupe, although you might need to hit the ATM before purchasing, as it costs $30 (see photo below). We saved our 30,000 won and bought iced coffees instead.
Tonight we're off to find some good Italian food and a glass of red wine. We'll find out what Asian-Italian fusion is--pasta topped with kimchi?
The highlight for us was the Hyundai department store which is more like a department store and grocery store combined. It reminded us of department stores in Hong Kong and other Chinese cities. Beautiful displays, a store clerk for every 3 customers and even a food court where you could choose sushi, pizza, fish paste on a stick or even Asian-Spanish fusion paella. You could follow up your main course with some gelato, cakes or cupcakes hand crafted in front of your. Of course, you could always select a healthier desert, like a cantaloupe, although you might need to hit the ATM before purchasing, as it costs $30 (see photo below). We saved our 30,000 won and bought iced coffees instead.
Tonight we're off to find some good Italian food and a glass of red wine. We'll find out what Asian-Italian fusion is--pasta topped with kimchi?
This is what a $30 cantaloupe looks like.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Language
When we were recently in the Pedersen household we watched Della (under 2 years old) get what she wanted by pointing and making sounds. Now that we're in Korea, I have become Della. Today we were walking through a food market and spotted some items that looked good. I pointed and grunted and the lovely woman behind the counter said gimbap. I nodded and soon the two of us were eating the delightful little rolls: seaweed rolled around rice, yellow radish, and carrot with some sesame seeds sprinkled on the outside. She served them with a little dish of sauce and the woman next to me nodded when we mimicked sticking the roll in the sauce before eating. Whew! It was like super-hot horseradish, but lovely with the simple roll. Point, grunt, and eat. So much fun!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Day 3 in Seoul
Let's see if I'm successful posting today - day 3 in Seoul. I tried yesterday, but didn't realize that Google is really helpful and detects the country the computer is being used from and uses that to set the language. Unfortunately, I don't understand a single character (letter?) of Korean, so gave up... Thanks to other happy bloggers out there I found a way to see the menu in English and so far it's looking promising.
Our flight from Seattle to Seoul was wonderful. It lasted a few minutes over 11 hours and we actually got a little sleep on the flight. Highlights of the trip were the crabs claws in my salad and a filet of sole for dinner - not to mention the bottle of Pinot Noir that we shared. So glad that we flew cushy-class this time.
We arrived at the hotel about 9:00 on the night of the 16th (we left Seattle at 3:00 p.m. on the 15th) and unpacked a bit and hit the beds. Fortunately we were both tired enough to sleep until about 5:00a.m. the next morning. Usually on these trans-pacific flights we end up waking at around 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning thinking it's time to get up and go.
We have taken only a few pictures so far. The above is a view from our hotel room - this isn't even downtown Seoul, just a little part of it! To see the others, try out this link:
https://picasaweb.google.com/coffren19/SeoulPart1?authuser=0&feat=directlink
I'll stop here, just because I want to make sure this actually works. More later.
Our flight from Seattle to Seoul was wonderful. It lasted a few minutes over 11 hours and we actually got a little sleep on the flight. Highlights of the trip were the crabs claws in my salad and a filet of sole for dinner - not to mention the bottle of Pinot Noir that we shared. So glad that we flew cushy-class this time.
We arrived at the hotel about 9:00 on the night of the 16th (we left Seattle at 3:00 p.m. on the 15th) and unpacked a bit and hit the beds. Fortunately we were both tired enough to sleep until about 5:00a.m. the next morning. Usually on these trans-pacific flights we end up waking at around 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning thinking it's time to get up and go.
We have taken only a few pictures so far. The above is a view from our hotel room - this isn't even downtown Seoul, just a little part of it! To see the others, try out this link:
https://picasaweb.google.com/coffren19/SeoulPart1?authuser=0&feat=directlink
I'll stop here, just because I want to make sure this actually works. More later.
Friday, July 15, 2011
6, 220 and 12
After spending 2 days in Gig Harbor, WA visiting Jeanette's sister Liz and her family, our adventure is truly underway. We woke up this morning and loaded our 6 bags, weighing over 220 pounds, into the car and headed off to the Seattle airport for our 12 hour flight to Seoul. What will be served for the in-flight dinner--salmon and garlic mashed potatoes or bulgogi and kim-chi? I'm hoping for a nice mix, perhaps salmon with cabbage kim-chi.
We have never been to Korea, so we are looking forward to our short visit. We plan on doing some walking tours of the many neighborhoods, visiting the DMZ and hiking in the local mountains. We will also be able to visit one of Jeanette's nieces, Stacy, who lives in Seoul, was recently married and is pregnant with her first child.
Until next time.
We have never been to Korea, so we are looking forward to our short visit. We plan on doing some walking tours of the many neighborhoods, visiting the DMZ and hiking in the local mountains. We will also be able to visit one of Jeanette's nieces, Stacy, who lives in Seoul, was recently married and is pregnant with her first child.
Until next time.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Moving Day
The last 2 weeks have been a whirlwind. Since school ended we've travelled to Maryland to see Paul's family and to Spokane, WA to see Jeanette's dad and sister Barb. In Maryland we went to a Baltimore Orioles game, ate out at some fantastic restaurants and took advantage of the sunny days. Barb tried out some delicious Asian recipes on us, and we spent some time visiting the Spokane Botanical Gardens.
Since returning we've been busy making final preparations for our move to Tashkent. Stacking, sorting, throwing, piling and resorting. Today the movers come, so the piles are as good as they will get. After today we will have our air mattress, some towels and the four bags we will take with us on the plane.
Since returning we've been busy making final preparations for our move to Tashkent. Stacking, sorting, throwing, piling and resorting. Today the movers come, so the piles are as good as they will get. After today we will have our air mattress, some towels and the four bags we will take with us on the plane.
Jeanette with some of our worldly possessions.
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