I'm back...

Alright friends. Some of you may be wondering why I have not posted in a while. I know.... you are all missing out on your weekly AKA posts. The reality is that a lot of neat things have happened in the last three weeks,  but the truth is that my beloved camera has seen better days. While I used to enjoy taking pictures, ol' silverfox has made it extremely difficult- there is a ten second delay from when the button is pressed and when the actual picture is taken, not only causing frustration and shaking for those holding poses, but also resulting in numerous contorted face shots, none of which should ever be allowed to be posted on the Internet. So, while I wait for a new camera, I need only to take photos when deemed absolutely necessary. This weekend was one of those, and like a champ, my camera pulled through.

This weekend I went camping with my closest friends in Korea. Monday was memorial day in Korea, so it was a perfect opportunity for camping. We went to an island on the western coast: Deokjeokdo. Me, Kelly, Sangdo, Lily, Haeho and Min, travelled together, and met Joe, Will, Jess, Noah, Sharon and Charlotte on the island. Its not quite like western camping. There are no designated stalls, you sent up your tent wherever you want. Where did we get a tent from? Good question. All of our equipment was rented online. Yup. They sent us huge boxes of sleeping bags, stoves, lanterns, and tents. We use the equipment and then send it back when we are finished. Its perfect for people who don't want to buy camping gear, or are limited in the amount of luggage space they have. Since the boys were carrying the tent, I offered to carry our sleeping bags. My pacsac was RIDICULOUS!

Yes, this was the bag I had to carry.

So heavy.

Heading to Deojeokdo

I had to take the subway by myself to meet the group, with a bag that I am convinced weighed at least 147 pounds, constantly knocking small Korean people out of the way with my huge protruding napsac.

The island was beautiful- so refreshing to see the ocean and green! There were small villages throughout the island, but it was not a concrete jungle like we are used to in Seoul. We stayed on Seo Po Ri Beach, halfway across the island. We set up camp in the wooded area near the beach, and conveniently the bathroom.

Our campsite

Me and Will, chillin in his hammock

 We went and played on the beach, and actually went into the water. It wasn't the warmest water but comparably to Witty's in the summer.

The port at Deokjeokdo

Fish anyone? And they wonder why Korea is smelly.

My favorite memory from the camping trip would have to have been Sunday night. A few of us decided to go for a night walk on the beach. There were fluorescent algae in the sand, so when ever you stepped it looked like sparkles were surrounding your feet. We walked over to a bonfire, that was mostly foreigners. After offering us a beer, we joined the group in a beautiful acoustic version of "Don't look back in anger" that I think even Oasis would be proud of. After everyone was introducing themselves and most of the group was Canadian. Most were from the East coast, but there is something so comforting about meeting fellow Canadians in foreign country. Even though you know nothing about that person, the fact that you share the same heritage somehow bonds you. We completed our introductions-- to the Americans dismay-- with the signing of our national anthem. Yup. right there, on Deojeokdo island, a group of Canadians went proud and true!

The great thing about not having an official "camp site" (aside from not having pesky park rangers, and no campist fees) is that there is also no checkout time! Our ferry home didn't leave until 4pm so we took our sweet time in the morning! The early bird I am, was up at 7:30, so while everyone slept off their hangovers, I went for a walk on the beach and through the town. We had a leisurely brunch, and played on the beach some more.

The ferry ride home was quite the experience. I travelled back a different way then I came, and with a much lighter bag. The boys took the gear, and the water, vodka and jello shots were all finished, so the weight was much less. How are Korean ferries different then say, B.C. Ferries? Well seats are hard to come by. There are a few benches if your lucky enough to get them. Most Koreans carry a mat they can unfold and sit on anywhere possible. Separate exit for foot passengers? Nope. Weave your way in and out of offloading cars, while carrying camping gear trying to to get hit, or sideswipe a car.

Camping in Korea was a success!  But boy...was it good to shower.