Discover Scuba {Travel Tuesdays} {Travel Series}

This week I wanted to share with you one of the greatest experiences I have ever had: Scuba Diving! 

While my cousins were in town we decided to try Discover Scuba. Discover Scuba is for those trying to figure out if they want to pay the money to get certified to scuba. It's good for those that aren't sure if they can actually dive. 

Becoming scuba certified is on my 50 by 50 list, but I get really nervous in open water, and I wasn't sure I would be able to do it. Discover Scuba is the perfect entry into diving. 

Discover Scuba with Rainbow Scuba Hawaii 

Time: About 4 hours 

Cost: $100 

Location: Piers across from Ward Center in Honolulu 

There are a few dive companies that offer discover scuba, so I want to talk to you about how we chose Ken at Rainbow Scuba. My friends and I started talking about going diving and immediately we were on Yelp and Trip Advisor to see what company was going to be best for us. We had it narrowed down to Rainbow Scuba and one other company. We were kinda on the fence about the two. They both offered two different dives on your tour, both had really good reviews, and both were pretty close in price (Rainbow was cheaper by $25). So I called both companies just to get a feel of them, and right off the bat I knew I was going with Ken at Rainbow. 

He was super helpful on the phone and made me feel really comfortable, so we picked him. Plus, he takes pictures while you are under water and they are given to you for free! 

{Jessie, Me, Jane, Tyler, and Jake} 

When we got to the piers we had to put on our wet suits, which was literally the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, and get set up with flippers. 

Then you get on the boat and while they are driving to the first site Ken takes you through the basics. {Clearing your mask, breathing through your respirator, popping your ears, etc.} 

*I get really sea sick so I took Bonine the night before and an hour before our dive. This was recommended by Rainbow Scuba, and it worked really well. I did not get sick at all. 

{Jessie, Jane, Jake, Tyler, Me, and Ken- with Diamond Head in the background} 

What's weird is that you are on the boat with other tour companies, so you can see how the other tour guides teach and treat their customers. {I'm happy we went with Ken.} 

After your short intro to scuba, Ken gets all your stuff on and then you're in the water. Discover Scuba is really basic when it comes to what you have to know. We didn't learn how to check our gauges because the instructor does that for you. The dives are only about 40 feet deep, so you see everything, but you are still safe. While we were under water, Ken was constantly counting us and checking our gauges. I know this would freak some people out, but I felt like I got enough information to do well. Plus, I stuck pretty close to Ken. 

{That's me floating up. The whole first dive I had a hard time staying on the ground. This was our first group shot and Tyler was trying to pull me down and still look good for the camera.} 

There were three things I was worried about: 

1. Being able to clear my mask under water- which was really easy

2. Being able to pop my ears- everyone else seemed to be able to dive down and pop their ears, but I had to stop diving to pop them and then I could keep going. I was always able to pop them, but I felt like I was always having to do it. The first time we went down I started to panic because they weren't popping and it was really hurting, but Ken stayed with me until I was good to go. 

3. Seeing a shark- Everyone in my group wanted to see one and I was so scared, but we saw one and it really wasn't that big of a deal. 

{White tipped reef shark- about 6-7 feet} 

{Our first dive was to a spot called Turtle Island. There were tons of turtles just swimming around. And they were huge!} 

{This whole reef was filled with fish} 

This was seriously the best experience ever. I am glad they have programs like this because we got to experience a real dive without having too much stress for our first dive. I will definitely be getting certified in the future. Most Discover Scuba programs are set up to put money towards your certification so you usually get a discount if you go through the same company. 

Being underwater is unreal. It is so beautiful down there. The pictures are not even close to how pretty it was. We were able to see so many cool things- I am glad I got the courage and went. 

It was such a blast, and I'm so thankful I was able to go with such great friends and family; I only wish Matt was able to go. 

{Me, Jessie, Tyler, Jane, and Jake- I love that he is sitting on the floor. It looks like he is pouting.} 

What do you think? Would you ever scuba dive?

If you dived before, what's been your favorite dive? 

Korean Folk Village

As I talked about a couple days ago, Matt and I took a trip to the Korean Folk Village. The whole purpose of this village is to educate visitors to the traditional customs and practices of the Korean culture and their history. The village is very hands on and has various stations set up where you can take part in certain traditional practices. The village is quite large and there are tons of things to see and participate in. 

This trip to the village Matt and I just wandered around and explored as best we could in the 90 degree weather. 

 {Jangseung (Korean Totem Pole) - these function as guardians to the town. They were placed at the entrance of the town for health and prosperity for the area and people. They also functioned as signposts.}

{Shrine of Prosperity} 

{Entrance to the Land Owners home} 

{Entrance to the government offices} 

{Wishing Rock- people write wishes on a piece of paper and tie them around the rock.} 

They also had a Buddhist Temple for you to see. It was up a hill away from the village a bit, and it was so quite and peaceful. For awhile, Matt and I had the place to ourselves. 

I know I've said it before, but if you're in Suwon go to the Korean Folk Village. I know Matt and I plan on going back. There is so much we didn't see and a whole amusement park to explore. 

Tell me cool or not cool? 

Korean Folk Village: Farmer's Music and Dance

Today Matt and I adventured out of our Air Con apartment and went to the Korean Folk Village since it is so close to where we live. 

Korean Folk Village 

Time: Plan on at least 3-4 hours, but you can easily spend a day here (especially if you get the amusement park combo pass) 

Cost: Adult 15,000 Won for Folk Village; Combo Pass 24,000 Won 

Location: Off Suwon-Yongin Highway. You can get there by bus or taxi. 

The first thing we did was see the Farmer's Music and Dance performance. There are two performances during the day for you to catch (10:30 and 2:00). 

I would highly recommend going to the performance- that alone was worth the 15,000 Won. (At least in my opinion.) It was so great I really don't have that many words to describe it other than awesome. 

I'll let the pictures tell the story: 

According to the Korean Folk Village, the Farmer's Music and Dance performance was a way for the farmers to pay homage to the abundance of crops. This was to symbolize the movements and practices of farming. 

Every few minutes the rhythm would change and the performers would start doing something different.  Everything was done so perfectly, and the whole crowd was into the performance. 

I think this was my favorite part. There was a circle of men that would do spin jumps all round the outside of the circle. It was pretty amazing what they could do. 

Here is a video of it:

Aren't these the coolest guys ever? 

Expat to Expat Q&A: August

So I guess the rumors are true. We moved from small town Laie on the North Shore of Oahu, and we moved to the hustle and bustle of Suwon, South Korea. We are now expats... at least for the next 12 months or so.

 I really want to connect with other expats, so I am linking up with Belinda from Found Love Now What and Bailie from The Hemborg Wife for their monthly link up Expat to Expat. 

*Now, I have only been in South Korea for a week, so I am in no ways an expert. My answers to the following questions are purely on what I have seen so far in my little part of the country. 

August Questions: 

1. What is your favorite food store in your city and why? 

Funny story, the first time I went to our local grocery store for the first time I started crying. I have never felt so overwhelmed with doing a simple task like buying groceries. Luckily, my husband was kinda waiting for a breakdown like this and we bought our few items and left the store. 

From what I have seen there are small connivence stores on almost every corner that have most of your basics (i.e. milk, eggs, cereal, meat, etc.) They also have these Lotte super stores. This particular Lotte store has different stories full of stuff you would need. The bottom floor is dedicated to groceries. I don't think I have a favorite yet, but we have lots of choices!  

2. For your answer to number 1 is it ok to buy the store brand items or do you pay extra for a name brand?

I have not shopped enough to know the difference between name brand vs. store brand. I can't even read most labels! :) But when I figure that out I'll let you know. I know in past experiences we usually do what's the cheapest option. 

3. What do you think is the best way to get about your city? i.e. bus, bike, car, etc

Here we have tons of options and it really just depends on where we are going. If we want to go to the downtown area we can take the subway. There is a subway station really close to where we live now. I like going on the subway because there were signs in English, it is really clean, they have AC, and it is easy to use. If we want to go a little bit further (like to work) we take the bus. There are transportation cards that you can get and put money on them, and they work for the bus and subway. If you don't have that card you can buy a one way ticket for 1,600 won (close to a $1.50) and you can redeem them at the end of your ride and get 500 won (close to .50 cents) back. There are tons of things within walking distance to us, but right now I am hating walking around because it is so hot, although it's the cheapest option. Usually when we go out for dinner we just walk to a restaurant close to us. 

4. Which store do you turn to for basics like toilet paper or cleaning supplies?

We can go to the Lotte store to get these things, or to HomePlus. You can get whatever you want from these places. 

5. Where do you think is the best place in your city to get a cup of coffee (or beverage you prefer) and catch up with friends? 

One thing I have noticed in the week I've been here is that there are tons of coffee shops- like on every corner. You have places like Holly's Coffee or Starbucks. Matt really likes Holly's Coffee, but we usually stick to any place that has good lemonade. 

Questions from Emma at Adventures of a London Kiwi: 

1. What was your “eureka, I’m practically a native” moment?

Haha- that has not happened yet! I'm not really sure if that will ever happen. But hopefully I can at least feel comfortable enough to get through day to day living. 

2. Does your real accent get in the way? 

Yes- but I'm pretty sure the main thing that gets in my way is the fact I don't speak Korean. Both Matt and I are trying to learn a little Korean so we can survive as best we can here. 

Friday's Letters #2

Dear Matt, I am so happy to be with you again. I am excited to explore our new home together. 

Dear Korea, you are freaking hot right now. Like the minute I step outside I am sweating. I can't wait till you cool down- when will that be? How do people survive your summers? For real, I am melting here. Other than that you seem pretty cool. Dear Yeongtong, For not being a big city you sure seem like one. You have everything we would need and I can't wait to get to know you better. Thank you for having so many signs in English- I really appreciate that. 

Dear Health Hoop, I have no idea what you are, or how you make people healthy, but you make me laugh. 

 Dear Steamed Dumplings, You're not too bad. You are proof that I will survive eating in Korea. Actually, I haven't had too much stuff that is horrible. My first bite of Kimchee was a little unsettling, but I'm willing to try it again. So far this week we've had Korean BBQ, Vietnamese, and Italian - all of it was pretty good. 

 Dear Skype, Thank you so much for existing. You really are a life saver. I love seeing the faces of my loved ones- it makes the distance apart a little more bearable. Dear Family and Friends, if you are not on Skype you should be. How else will be stay in touch? You will also be happy to know that I have had only one breakdown this week, and really I think that was more to do with being jet lagged, hungry, and really really hot. I am sure the people in the grocery store were a bit put off at the strange American girl crying in the grocery store. But in my defense it is quite a shock to see 1. Foods that you really have no idea what they are 2. Foods in ways you are not used to seeing them (i.e.- Fish with heads still attached.) and 3. Everything written in Korean. While more popular items have English underneath. There are still a lot of foods with just Korean writing, and all instructions are in Korean. I'm sure things will get better, but that was just a bit of a shock and I couldn't help but crying. 

And lastly, Dear Strong VPN, thank you so much for allowing me to watch international t.v. Without you I would have no way of watching Netflix, Hulu, or any other U.S. broadcast. You really do make my days waiting in the apartment a lot more enjoyable. *This service is only $50 a year!

For all my readers- things are going pretty well. Matt and I explore every night and try to live it up the best we can. There are some adjustments to be made, but so far so good. 

Friday Flashback #61

My father-in-law sent me this picture today

{This is Malia and Matt when they were younger.} 

Does Matt remind you of anyone? 

{Jud age 8} 

So strange that my husband and brother looked so much alike! 

Too Cute! 

After All The Traveling - Here's Where I Am

I have been a traveling machine. From July 10th- August 10th I have traveled a total of 15,180 miles. In one month I did that!

This last month has been a lot of fun. I got to fly home to Georgia, drive to Missouri and back, fly to New York, stop off in California for a few weeks, and finally make my way to South Korea.

Last Friday, I made my way to the San Francisco airport to start my journey as an expat.

 {Note: My bags were under weight- thank goodness!}

The flight was a total of 12 hours and around 5,500 miles. It was the longest flight I have ever been on, and I must say it wasn't so bad. I flew Asiana Airlines (you know the one that crashed at the San Francisco airport about a month before I was to fly). Everyone was asking if I was nervous about flying the airline, but, as I had no other choice, I wasn't too nervous. I really just didn't want to be on a plane for 12 hours. {The flight to Honolulu to Atlanta is about 10 hours.} 

Here's what I loved about the flight: 

1. You had your own personal t.v. with plenty of movie choices. 

2. I had an empty seat next to me so I had a bit more room. 

3. The flight attendants were always coming around with drinks. 

4. They handed out hot towels. 

5. They feed us three times, and it wasn't too bad. 

6. After the meals, there were toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouth wash in the bathroom. 

7. We got slippers, a pillow, and a blanket. 

8. The headsets were free. 

*From what I heard Korean Air is pretty similar, but I was happy with Asiana. 

Finally, after 12 hours I arrived at the Seoul Icheon airport and was reunited with Matt after 8 weeks apart! It was so surreal seeing him in person after so long. And it was surreal being in a place where I was so completely foreign. 

After the flight, I was so exhausted all I wanted was a shower and a bed. And after an hour of travel I finally got my wish, and I saw our apartment for the first time. 

Here is our apartment for the time being. 

{Our kitchen and washer} 

{Our bathroom. So what we have to do for showers is hold the shower head you see in the picture and all the water just drains on the ground. The shower head used to have a hook to hang from, but it broke. This type of bathroom is a wet bath. As you see everything is in one place. It's not as bad as I thought it was going to be, but I hope our next bathroom will just be a bit bigger.} 

{Storage area by the kitchen and bathroom} 

{The sliding doors are for an area that dries clothes since we don't have a dryer.} 

{We only have a twin bed, so we have an air mattress as well.} 

{The view from our room. There's a screen which is why it looks funny.} 

As you can see our place is very small, but it's working out pretty well for now. We will be moving to another place in a couple of weeks, so for now I am still living out of my suitcases.