Sleeping Buddha | Angkor Wat, Cambodia

After we were finished at Bayan Temple, our tuk-tuk driver MJ, told us to meet him at the Elephant Terrace. He explained how to get there and I thought I understood. He told us to walk down a street and follow it. It would've worked out if Markus and I exited where he told us, but we didn't. When we left Bayan Temple, we were both confused. We chose the one with the most people and headed, hopefully, in the right direction.

Everyone was walking toward another temple and we assumed it was where we needed to be. We saw a set of stairs that led to the top. I was already a bit tired after Bayan Temple, so I told Markus I didn't want to go. He was really keen, so he went to climb the top while I waited at the bottom. While he was gone, I tried figure out where MJ would be waiting.

As I looked for MJ, I started to realize that this wasn't the Elephant Terrace at all. I looked for someone to ask and finally came across a Khmer guide. I asked him if he spoke English, but he didn't, he spoke French. An elderly gentleman heard us speaking and said that he could help me. He was French and he translated from French to English.

We walked to the front so that he could wait for his family too. He told me that the temple wasn't the Elephant Terrace and it was the Sleeping Buddha. He told me a few other things, but I really can't remember all the facts. Later,  I found out that he was from Paris. He said that he's traveled the world, but there is no place like Paris. Finally, his family found him and we said goodbye. As he walked away, I remember smiling and feeling very thankful. Even though it was just for a short time, it was still an unforgettable experience. I will never forget the kind Frenchman that told me about his beautiful city and the history of the Sleeping Buddha.

Perks of Teaching in South Korea: Adorable Students

One of the perks of teaching in South Korea is definitely the kids. Markus and I often talk about the extreme cuteness of Korean kids. They are by far the cutest kids in the world. I don't know if I'm bias but I think Asian kids are freaking adorable and nothing can top Korean kids. Most days, I just run around the library gushing over them. Markus and I usually argue about who has the cuter students, but I always think that my kids are the best. Not only are they smaller and talkative, but they also speak English really well. So yea, I win.

My favorite <3

Look at that face, so cute.

My favorite student is in the pre-school class and he's really tiny. I think he's younger than all the other students. When I saw him, I was really worried. We had another young student and he would run around the class, yell at everyone and sit under the desk. He was basically a nightmare. I was worried that this new boy was going to be just like him. 

When I started reading the book, I started pointing to pictures and the only kid that knew the answers was that little boy. He was the only one answering any of my questions. Later, there was an activity that needed scissors. He shouted in Korean, "Teacher, I don't have scissors!" I told him to come to the front and grab some. When he went to get the scissors, he yelled out to his classmates, "Who needs scissors?" It was in that moment that I fell in love with that little boy. Every time I see him, his face lights up with a big smile and I can't help but feel happy. It's definitely students like him that make me love what I do.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia | 3 of 3

Once you get inside the main temple and pass all the tourists, it's really beautiful and peaceful. We ventured deep into the center and there were barely any people. It was a bit surprising, but it was a much needed break. I was amazed at how much they allowed tourists to see. There weren't many barricades and it was easy to climb on ledges and walk into any room. I really felt like I was a real explorer discovering a lost and hidden temple. Even though, I wasn't exactly impressed with the main temple, Angkor Wat, I enjoyed my time there. It definitely is a must see and something that can't be skipped if you visit Siem Reap.

Cooking with Kasim

My chingus

Back in February, Markus and I spent a lot of time with our friends Kasim and Jeff. Unfortunately, Kasim left Busan so that he could continue his education. We tried to see him as much as possible before he left. Most of the time, we would eat at restaurants, but Kasim wanted to cook for us. I am never one to turn down home-cooked meals, so we planned a pot luck dinner.

Lamb curry

Homemade roti

Kasim is an amazing chef. He cooks Indian style food so everything was absolutely delicious. He learned from his mom and made everything from scratch. He even taught us how to make roti. Although, if you asked me to make it again right now, I wouldn't be able to do it.

I also wanted to make authentic Filipino food, so I made chicken adobo. I didn't want Kasim to be the only one making something good. Kasim made roti and lamb curry and Jeff brought yummy donuts. In the end, we stuffed our faces with everything in sight and it was worth it. Honestly, I still have dreams about that lamb curry. It was that good. I miss Kasim's cooking almost as much as I miss him. Although, maybe I miss his cooking a little bit more.

I love these silly boys.

Hogwarts Exterior | Harry Potter Studio Tour 6 of 6

The last part of the Harry Potter Studio Tour was this massive model of Hogwarts. It took up an entire room and was quite beautiful. I think it's the perfect ending to the tour. We spent a lot of time in this last room. I knew it was the end and I wasn't ready to leave yet. I just wanted a little more time in the fictional world. There is something about the world of Harry Potter that sticks with you. It's not just the amazing characters or unforgettable story. It's also the feelings that it invokes and it truly is a magical world.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia | 2 of 3

While at Angkor Wat, I was wandering around taking photos of random things. Markus was busy filming, so I walked away from him for a bit. There was a small walkway that led out to a balcony. For some reason, I was drawn to this balcony and decided to see where it led. When I finally made it outside, I saw another temple across the way, it was in that moment I saw a monk standing in the temple. It was such a beautiful image and I quickly captured it with my camera. The entire structure was empty and gray, except for this bright pop of orange.

I snapped away and then another monk appeared. They probably felt someone watching them and turned and saw me. They moved to the windows and stared directly at me. It was kind of jarring and I quickly went to find Markus. I showed him the photos and then led him over to see. When we walked back, the monks must have been some kind of supernatural beings, because they were suddenly on the balcony I was standing on. I was gone for only two minutes, but they just magically appeared. We walked away quickly and nervously. It was crazy experience and one that I will never forget.

Eats with Jeff #5: Grilled Clams

Grilled Clams

In this installment of Eats with Jeff, we ate something I've been dying to try since we came to Korea, grilled clams. Whenever we visit Haeundae Beach or Gwangalli Beach, I see these little nondescript restaurants that are always packed with people. People usually sit outside when the weather is nice, but I think it's also to show off their delicious meals. They crowd around little plastic tables equipped with grills jam packed full of clams. I'm not sure why Markus and I haven't had it before now, but I'm glad that we waited. 

Clam Banchan

Clam banchan

Jeff took us to a restaurant in Jagalchi that his friend's recommended. Right outside the main market, there is a street full of seafood restaurants. The year that his friends lived in Busan, they tried every single one of those places and recommended this one as the best.

The banchan, side dishes, were so delicious. They were, of course, clams and they were prepared in different ways. One was pickled and the other was raw with spices. They were so tasty that we fought over the last ones and poor Markus missed out on his fair share.

Creepy Abalone

Oh Abalone...

The actual grilled clams were so good and really fresh. The restaurant had aquariums outside and we watched the ahjumma fish out the clams and shuck them before they came to our table. As they are grilled, the butter cooks the clams and only enhances the flavor. We wanted to get abalone as well, but it was much more expensive than the clams. Thankfully, they included two abalones with our grilled clams. One abalone was a bit creepy and squirmed the whole time it cooked. I felt bad, but not bad enough not to eat it.

Grilled Fish

You would think that all those grilled clams would be filling, but it wasn't. We had just enough room for some grilled fish. When you walk around Jagalchi Market, there are lots of restaurants that have grill stations outside too. They sell fish to those passing by. The first time I went to Jagalchi, I wanted to try it, but never had the chance. I guess this Eats with Jeff was making all my seafood dreams come true.

Souffle

Apple Tart

Chocolate Fondant

After we engorged ourselves on grilled clams and fish, we walked around Nampodong and went shopping for a bit. We said it was because the boys needed clothes, but I know the real reason. We were burning calories and killing time so we could eat dessert. Previously, I found this really cute French cafe with my friend and told the boys about it. The desserts are all made to order and freaking amazing. It didn't take much convincing and we headed to the cafe. I don't know what we were thinking, but I think on this Saturday afternoon we might have gone a bit overboard. Usually, we order one or two desserts and share them, but this time we ordered three! Needless to say, every dessert was amazing. They were all so good and even though we only needed to order two, I'm glad we ordered three. It was the perfect ending, to a great Eats with Jeff.