미국의 추수 감사절 (American Thanksgiving)

One week ago was the American Holiday of Thanksgiving. I have spent the past 23 years of my life getting together with close friends and family to take part in festivities, a Thanksgiving meal, and of course to enjoy each other's company and be thankful for the time we have spent together. This year however was my first Thanksgiving living as an expat overseas. Not only was I not partaking in my usual family get-together but I am also living in a country which does not recognize this day due Korea having their own day known as Chuseok (the korean Thanksgiving day).

I took part in getting together with other foreign friends, recognizing the American holiday in my classroom and speaking to my students about it, skyping with my family, and making my own heart warming Thanksgiving meal. I actually really enjoyed my first Thanksgiving living overseas and utilized this time to reflect on my own life and what truly matters to me. I cam to find that it is my family and friends, those who I have come to love so dearly, that really mean the most to me. Life should not be measured in how much money we make or how many Pokemon cards we can collect....but who is by our side as we make that money and collect those cards!! heehee!

Without my family, friends, and loving pets; my life would incomplete. So this year I am giving thanks to all those near and dear to me heart.

xoxox
-Patrick

Namsan Tower and my first Korean Halloween!!

A few weeks ago I took advantage of one of the last nice weather weekends here in South Korea to hike up Mt. Namsan and go to the top of Namsan Tower. It had been something I wanted to accomplish all summer but never found the time. But alas I did it and it was an amazing view from the top of all of Seoul and the surrounding area!

The following weekend was HALLOWEEN, my most favorite holiday!!! Not only did I get to celebrate in school with all my students but also hit up the nightlife of Seoul with my friends for a Halloween I will surely never forget!