Summer Break Time!!!

Hey all! So it is nearing the end of July, and for those of you viewing in either North America or Europe, that probably means that your summer breaks are coming to a closure. Westernized summer breaks usually run from June-August and is seen as a time for kids to be kids, teenagers to cause trouble, and parents to work shorter hours and enjoy the more casual side of life. However, for schools in most Asian countries (and for private schools in western countries) summer break is not seen as a 2 month long holiday filled with swimming, lots of play time, relaxation, and family vacations. Education is extremely important in Asian nations and man countries, including my very own South Korea, have a 1-2 week break for summer rather than a lengthy time off from school. While this seems very short, keep in mind that there are many shorter breaks throughout the year for schools and children VS. in the western world there is one looonnnngggg break in the summer and a short break in the winter. (I go into more detail about this in the video.

So, even though I only have 10 days for a summer holiday I still plan on going on a lil getaway. Last summer I visited for Beijing in the summer and Taiwan in the winter7 . This year, a friend and I put our heads together and planned a very relaxing vacation to the beaches of Palawan in the Philippines!! The Philippines is supposedly absolutely gorgeous, and we chose one of the main islands for long white beaches with loads of activities but with the lowest amount of tourist. That means not only will we get to relax on the beach for 7 days, but we will also be in one of the quietest places with the most desirable natural and modern attractions. Sea kayaking, Snorkeling, island hopping, shopping, and tanning- here we come!!!

I'll fill ya all in about in my next entry...until then,
Peace and Love!

_Patrick

I see trees of green....

Yo everybody! Just last weekend I embarked on a personal endeavor of mine. I medically tackled a problem that I have been battling since about the time I was 5 years old- My ridiculously shit poor eye sight.

I have had glasses and/or contacts since I was 5 or 6 years old and also have 2 bad astigmatisms. I have always considered Lasek/Lasik...but the cost was so much in the states, and even a lot of money to spend all at once here in Korea. However, learning how inexpensive corrective eye surgery was here in Korea, I  booked my appointment for a free eye exam and qualified for Lasik. The eye exam was very thurough and well conducted. The clinic was very clean, up to date, and filled with a knowledgeable staff. To my amazement.I was able to book an appointment that SAME AFTERNOON to have surgery. I consulted with the surgeon and he fully explained the process of Lasik. Within 15 mintues the surgery was complete and I was free to go after 45 minute waiting period/check up. I opened my eyes just moments after surgery, and for the first time in my life could see clearly! It was an 'aww and shock moment' 

The following day, I returned to the clinic for my required check up and also have 2 more follow up exams free of charge in the future. Over the past week my vision was improved even more. I have NEVER seen this clear, brightly, and more 'perfectly' in my life. As cliche as it sounds...I am 'seeing a new world'. 
I've always felt that if I were to loose any of my senses...I would be most devestated by the loss of sight.....the world is just too beautiful of a place to miss it's true shapes and colors. Now, and forever, I will be able to see even more of what the world has to offer in al aspect of life <3


Much peace and love, always.

-P

Here is a video that explains the process of Lasik. Keep in mind I was awae during this...but I really didn't feel a thing! Amazing right?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoH0VHrOM9A

Questions, Anyone?

Hey all! So for those of you that know me well personally or have been following my blog, you will also know that I have lived overseas in Korea now for nearly 17 months. When first moving to Korea way back in February 2012, It was totally an epic adventure of my life- heck it was the most exciting thing I had ever dreamt of doing. I took every opportune moment to try new foods, go new places, meet new people, and really submerged myself into the korean culture.

Of course, as time has developed and I become more at home here, more acclimated to my surroundings, realizing that aside from food and behaviors Korean culture isn't TOO much different than mine at home- I began to call Seoul my new home (for the time being) Also, it has become part of my life so much that I have even planted my own 'roots' and feel as if I am going through lifes motions and truly feel comfortable.

So this is the beginning of a new phase for my blog. Because I am no longer in the 'adventure' mode and more so in the 'living' mode, I don't feel the need to blog about Korea as much anymore as it is now just my daily life.
So I am asking you- my family, friends, and viewers to submit your questions to me via e-mail or FB message. Your questions can relate to Korean culture, food, weather, climate, society, or anything else you may be curious about pertaining to Korea. OR you may feel free to ask random questions about myself, my past/future travels, world issues, or about my role as an English teacher in a foreign country.

Your questions may inspire me to go do something new in Korea or get back in touch with some long last thoughts I once had. So go ahead, ask away....the questions are yours and I'm sure they are endless!!
e-mail: pecann88@gmail.com
FB Messages: http://www.facebook.com/patrick.conn.9

As always, Peace and Love!