Trying new things...

"I learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but triumph over it.  The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."

- Nelson Mandela

     About two weeks ago my mom came to Korea to visit! This was her first solo trip and her first time traveling to a truly different place! I'm so proud of her for stepping out of her comfort zone!  Her trip got off to a rocky start with her flight delayed for 3 hours.  Thankfully my work is accommodating and were able to cover for me so I could still pick her up form the airport.

The best part of visitors? Getting presents from home! My grandma had asked me what she could send along and I requested these sour cherry candies that she always gave the grand-kids for Valentine's Day.  I have done so well with my self control and have only eaten half of one bag so far!

The first night we thought we would try to go for a nice dinner as it was only sprinkling.  That sprinkle turned into a flash flood! The picture on the right shows the river coming over its banks, where its usually just a slow creek!  Also just in case you were wondering taking a selfie without poking out someones eye when you have two umbrellas is impossible.  

On Saturday, we visited a tea house, souvenir shops, a temple, ate street food, and went to a really fun cooking/percussion show called "Nanta."

Sunday, we attended a baseball game.

Mom was also able to watch one of my taekwondo classes.  The coach is taking a test in July to become certified to be an international referee so we are helping her to practice her English.  

The little one is the Coach's son and one of our students.

While we have our baby classes the adult black belt students practice and they are amazing! Because mom was there, they decided we all needed  photo!

I had Tuesday off of work because of Buddha's Birthday so mom and I took a day trip to the Garden of Morning Calm and Nami Island.

 We had a hard time finding non-spicy food that was still Korean but this day we had some delicious barbecued chicken!

For the next weekend, we went to my favorite place in all of Korea, Seoraksan National Park.  This was my fourth trip there and every time I go it gets better and better.  We stay in the cutest bed and breakfast.

And all four times I have been there, I have taken this photo.  This might be the most stunning view I have ever seen.

We took a cable car up to the top of the mountain and just enjoyed the views for the morning.

Mom learned very quickly how to do the cutesy heart poses that Koreans love.

 Our bed and breakfast included a hot tub and an adorable smiling puppy!

 Our final stop was the port city of Sokcho where we visited the fish market and mom was able to dip her feet in the East Sea.