Back in the good 'ole ROK

2011 has seen a slow start to the 'ole blog. Not for lack of activities to write about but simply we have been busy little bees. And, well, after the last blog post about the removal of Brendan's dread locks - where do you go from there? Well, I will do my best to capture some of the events of the last couple of weeks/months to bring everyone up to date.

After 2 great weeks in the Philippines of sun and sand we were itching to get back to Sydney to catch up with everyone and get some hardcore shopping done. We only had 2 weeks in Sydney but we crammed in as much as possible - sorry to those we didn't manage to see :(

It was a special couple of weeks for both of us! For my family it was the first time that all three kids + partners + grandchild were together. Given the global distribution of my family, it is certainly rare to have us physically all in the one hemisphere, let alone the one room. Brendan and I got to meet and cuddle our little nephew, Mathew, who had taken his first airplane ride to Australia with my older brother Patrick and his wife Emma. Aunty Kate 'may' have become a tad too clucky for Uncle Brendan's liking during this period - but as soon as the crying and dirty nappies began, I was more than happy to hand him back to Mum and Dad. No thanks! I may be a little bias, but he is certainly a very cute little boy!




Brendan's family also had a reunion, with everyone coming together for his Dad's 61st birthday (a belated 60th + 1 party). It was a lovely night and we enjoyed catching up with everyone and had the chance to see Damien and Renee's new house.

It was great catching up so many of our friends - congratualting Mark & Mandy on their engagement, being treated to an incredible Greek feast at Aaron & Emma's new place and having a day in the pool at San Remo with Brad, Aaron and Emma that proved water pistols, pools and champagne really do mix well.

But alas, time flies when you are having fun, and before we knew it it was time to say our goodbyes (AGAIN!) and trudge back to the airport for our flights back to Korea. Before we left, I had a beautiful day in the Hunter Valley with mum and dad - it has strangely (but very nicely) become part of our pre-exit ritual from Australia. I couldn't think of a nicer way to end a trip to Oz! The degustation lunch we had at Bimbadgen Estate was amazing - highly recommended to anyone heading up (or down) that way. Before jumping on our plane we rounded off the trip with a bbq dinner at my Aunty Sarah's beautiful new place. Thanks everyone for making the 2 weeks in Australia a very special time for Brendan and I. Lots of great memories!

So, where are we now? Back in Uljin, South Korea and back to work as English Teachers. Monday was actually the 12 month anniversary of teaching in Korea for us. It has gone quickly in parts, not so much at other times - but overall it has been a very positive experience. We are gearing up for another exciting school semester of "how are you?", "what's your name?" and "heads, shoulders, knees and toes." Should be a good laugh :)

P.S I only mention this because we have had a few people ask and it is always hard to judge from Korea how the international media sensationalizes things. As far as we can tell from the news, internet and our own research, South Korea is currently not in any danger from the damaged nuclear power plants in Japan. It has been a worrying and sad time watching the devastation that has taken place in Japan. We are keeping as informed as possible and will certainly act if we feel that we are in any danger.

That's all from me for the time being. Take it easy and love from us in Korea.

Kate