can't wait!!

Hey, hey. I really can't wait for the holidays, man. I know the Form 5 seniors in my schools now are appreciating their high school days now since, yeah they're having SPM in like one week & then, Bye Bye High School. Thinking about it, it's really going to my turn soon. Becks keep reminding me on that. One year is not a very long time, you know. As i always say, time flies so fast without we realising it. Of course i'm gonna miss the Form 5s but really, i just want to get everything in school done especially all the reports that i have to hand in before the school term ends. I'm really sick of it. For better reasons, i think i rather sweat myself out for sports than staying in school doing all this things. Friends asking me, " What?! You miss sports?! Are you not tired with all the training that you have to go through like almost everyday?" Sorry guys, i'm not a sport freak or something. At least it's something that i can live with . I can just release all the stress or tension in it. Yeah, weird, right? But that's what i feel. Well, when 2009 arrives, i do know what i should do since i'm Form 5, SPM & my final year as a high schooler. I guess, since i'm not willing to sacrifice my sports for SPM sake, i just have to make sure i make good use of the time i had. Studies & sports. I just have to sacrifice my time to go & hang out with friends. Sad life, yes i know that. But i rather say it's just gonna be 'less interesting'. Whatever la. I might have my own plans now but as the idiom say, 'Human plans but God decides'. Owh yes, we should always be prepared with the unexpected things that can happen. I might hope that things go as i plan but it can always go the other way round. Now, it's one week before the school term ends & yet, there are so many things to do. I'm really trying to get it done as soon as possible. How i wish i only stay in class, catching up stories with my girlfriends.. There are times that i daydream about my sport buddies where we gather, compete but at the same time, have fun. I'm really glad that most of us still keep in touch. Owh ya, not forgetting, best mates in school. It makes me wonder how it's gonna be being a senior next year without the Form 5 seniors now. Suddenly i felt old.. Ba bah, Ann have to make sure everything's done so that she don't tense.

Friends.

Speaking of friends, lots of things come to mind. You're thinking about past, present & future. You're thinking about memories that you had before & definitely, not all are sweet. Well, that's life, isn't it? Even i can stopped myself from wondering about this things when i had my daydream. It's hard not to. Tick, tick, tick. Time passed really fast without we realising it even after one blink. I believe everyone had their bad & good experiences with their friends. Backstabbed. Cheating, envyness.. This things happened. It happened to me & so do everyone else. Nowadays, it's very hard to find someone that we called TRUE FRIEND. Lot of people still looking for that 'treasure' even until the darkest night & i say that most people had found it. TRUE FRIEND hah? What's a true friend? Some said that they are the one who helped you all the time. Some said it's the people who you hang around with the most & etc. As for me, a true friend is no doubt who always helped you around, not only there when you are in jovial mood, laughter but also when you are in despair or in tears. They are not the one who only cheered & supported when you are in battle field but they so-called- 'True Friends' are the ones who choose to fight with you. This are true friends. Well, i've been through a tough year & i'm sure some people feel the same too & i'm counting those who really stick with me until the end especially when i'm at bottom, the lowest scum. Let me tell you, i can count them & show you how many with my fingers. I'm not saying i'm a really good friend & i'm not saying i'm bad either. Honestly, i tried to be one & i've really done a lot to make sure i am one. I'm thinking what is the purpose of you being a bad friend to the others if you can be a good one. Everyone made mistakes & you learned from mistakes because NO ONE IS PERFECT. God create human being with their own uniqueness & capabilities so that we learn to appreciate each other even with different colour of skins & also beliefs. I believe in karma too, which mean each good thing that we do will be repay one day & vice versa. Sadly, my kindness to most people have also been repayed differently.I didn't expect them to repay it but i didn't expect that either. I use to care & ask myself, " What had i done wrong?" . But now, i'm immune to it. That's LIFE. I believe it's because of ENVYNESS or you are just bad person. FYI, i had my ups & downs. Believe me when i say, i worked hard to climb up & grab gold. But yet, i fall a lot of times before i even manage to touch the fruit of success. There are times when i fall, i gave up. Even now, i can say i almost give up. But yet, there are true friends who have faith on me & help me to climb up. Thank you to those people. Lately, there are 'friends' who tried to 'helped' me. Those people are like the ones in the movie 'Mean Girls'.
Yeah, thank you for being nice for me & talking bad about me behind my back. There's nothing i can do to repay your 'kindness'. I let God to help me to pay for it. But nevermind. I learn to forget & move on with life. That's the best thing to do & i'm sure my parents would agree with me. Just few minutes ago, i watched HARRY POTTER & THE ORDER OF PHOENIX at HBO. Watching it makes me think that Harry Potter is lucky to have friends like Ron & Hermione. In one of the scenes, Hermione said, "We're in this together." This words are so meaningful to Harry & they are one of the reasons why Harry can defeat Lord Voldemort at the end. The word that Hermione said is something very rare for us to hear nowadays.

Here's ' The Plastic' or the MEAN GIRLS. Each of them are very selfish & only think about their glory. They may be a clique but definitely NOT true friends.

This are TRUE FRIENDS. They have always there for each other either to share happiness or to face challenges. Despite all the downs & differences in their friendship, they manage to put it aside & stick together. Thumbs up for Dumbledore's favourite students.

Another Friends that we should looked up for. They are normal, average people who face life like everyone do but they are special because of their compassionate & loving heart where by they shared their laughter,tears & no doubt ' the battle of life' together. :)

Some choose animals as their best mate like this kid & cat in the pic. This is sweet. This is another type of unique friendship that is undefined. * I love this one*

So, if you trust & believe they are true friends, appreciate & be like them. Friends are the people that you can be yourself. Once you lost them, trust me, you'll cry. But if you are the ones who don't believe anyone & still looking for a true friend, pray to God & i hope you sees them. Some of them identify success as a sin* as i experience that one*, but never believe on that crappy stuff. Sometimes things happened without we expect it & that time, look around if there are anyone who are with you. I'm still in a confusion too, try to identify those people in my life. So far, the best one is no doubt God & my family. So, peace to all of you. :) Remember,
TRUE FRIENDS ARE HARD TO FIND BUT THEY ARE THE DIAMONDS OF YOUR LIFE.

Memories in Korea.

Ok, ok here's the update about my trip Korea that you all wanted to read.. It's been one week since i'm back from Korea & i'm really still not over it.. * Sigh* So, our flight to Korea was like at 0005 on the 1st Oct.. Yes early morning * very early actually* & we arrived at Seoul International Airport at 0605.. The first thing i realised when we tried to get inside the bus, its damn CCCCOOOOLLLLLDDDDDDD!!! Yes & yet i'm still able to take some pictures * what, it's the 1st day ok* We really have to upload all our luggages inside which was a lot & really, really big.. The guys complained since well they were the one who had to carry all the big stuff.. Pity them :) *Lucky for the girls, hehe* This was just a start, for a long, tiring trip..

I & Ralph looked at each other thinking about the same thing. " We're in Korea.." " Ralph finally said. "I know.. " i replied.. I think both of us just really quite astonished with the whole idea of arriving there at Korea. Well, non of us really thought of it. Looking at everyone's face, i guessed
most of us really didn't get enough sleep at the plane.. Fortunately, i'm able to get myself a hot cappucino from 'Dunkin Donuts..

Hmm, yeah right but i don't know that it took few hours to reach Yeongju City.. So, i dozzed off.. :)
Then, we made a detour to the restaurants on the way to Yeongju.. So, our first Korean meal for breakfast & owh boy, it's really spicy. And that was just the first day..
All of the girls didn't manage to finish the food.. I remember someone said, " Ini baru 1st day.. Entah mcm mana la makanan di sini.." It makes everyone wonder too.. But the boys didn't seem to have any problem thou.. I guess, it's just too early to say that. You'll see why.. So, we continued our journey & most of us were just really bored in the bus.

So, this was the ' Geng Duduk Belakang Bas'.. We were the crazy ones, until Jas scolded us. Sorry, we're just too bored. There was nothing to do..

We took a lot of crazy pictures quietly & here's one of it. Me, Colyn & Chel.. Try to imitate some dumb cartoon but tidak jadi.. Lol :D
As the day reached noon, we too finally reached Yeongju City & make a stop at the first school, the Yeong Kwang Middle School for boys. The teachers & students of the school welcomed us & we felt quite strange since mmm we don't understand anything that they said. Duh, what were we thinking? The reason was so obvious.. They're Koreans.. Luckily, Dr Yoon was always with us to help with the communication.. So, we had lunch & take a look at the food..
Seriously, it was quite good. I just don't have appetite because were just too tired from the journey to eat.. But, i have to admit, their canteen compared to my school's, they were much better.. Much, much better.. Then, we went for a sigh seeing around the school guided by some of the students. Woow, i really like their school environment.. It was just too good to be true. It happened to be all boys school :). But then, we were been informed that there are no co-ed school in Korea. It's always either all boys or all girls.. Its like my my own school, Convent..
Yeah, here's the view of the canteen.. Nice, right? Yeah, i know. We're having lunch now. The guys seem to be really hungry thou.. Anyway, we were shown around the school by the Korean students namely Jordan, Seung, John, David & the others. It was really damn nice & how i really envied it.. Gosh.. After like few hours sight seeing around the school, it's time for us to leave & we manage to take some group pics.
In the bus again & this the Korean dudes were there to help us around.. Jordan & Jin Ho. :)

So, we moved on to Artist Village * Didn't manage to take any pic of the place since we're just too tired* which was the place we going to stay for the night. During that night, some of us were to perform & that includes me. I was thinking ," Damn, i never do this before." Luckily, it turned out to be quite good. I was really proud of myself since it's my ever 1st time & i did it. Yeeeaahh!!
2nd day- All the boys get sick. Pity them. Well, who asked them to play football with Dr Yoon the other night? Hoorays for the girls. * I'm mean! * Spencer got to go to the clinic & Ralph vommited in the bus. All the guys really didn't look well that morning. But we have to go on anyway. We were to wear our school uniform as we ere going the Yeongju Department of Education. It was morely about how they felt really glad & honoured that we came there to see how their education works. Honestly, i didn't really concentrate since they like have to translate the Korean speech to English. Pitied the English teacher. Then, we went to Yeongju English Centre where they told us that a lot of Korean kids come there after school to learn English.
A telephone booth. Not a real one, just a sculpture of it. Nice..
But what's really wow for the day was we were brought to Pentasion, a water theme park. Damn, the place is so cool. The boys suddenly began to get better. Lol :) We were to choose either sauna or swim & most of us choose to go for sauna since non of us was in the mood for swimming. We went to change attire & we looked like jail hostages with the clothes they gave us. But it's really comfy. After lunch, * which we were eyed since we ate fast food but who cares* finally we went to sauna. We with the little kids who's going for swimming. Hehe
Owh gosh, i think it was really a traumatic experience for most of us. Naked woman everywhere. Even the teachers were stunned. Boys experienced the same thing at their place & boy, what a day. Then we went to the gym, rest ourselves & ice cocoa. We felt refreshed after the whole thing since we felt really tired the day before. It was really good to boost our energy up.
While waiting for our bus. Really miss that place & anxious for the next thing which we were to assigned to our host family.
So, here's Colyn & my host dad for the night, Mr Kim Chun Dong. A science teacher at Yeong Kwang Middle School. A loving dad. He walked us to his home, holding our hands to ensure our safety. When we arrived, our host mum welcomed us. She only can speak little English but still we can feel how sincere they are to us. We got to know both of their daughter too a.k.a our sisters.
So, there was Ju Hye, me , Colyn & Ju Sun. They were older than us & taught us a lot about how they live their life their life. One thing for sure, Koreans studied really hard as they stayed at school until night to study after their lessons. It's totally different than what we experience everyday life in M'sia. Although it's only for one night, it was truly a memorable night. We went out, chat & shared ice cream. They make us feel like we're part of their family.
3rd day- Appa Kim sent us to Yeong Kwang to gather back with our group. Ju Hye & Ju Sun came with us too. Before that, we had delicious Korean meal for breakfast that Amma prepared & we took some pics too. We were really sad to separate with the family but we promised to keep in touch. Then we moved on to An Dong Mask Festival. We were to walk in groups & we were guided by Seung & Jin Ho.
We watched the Changjeon Nori performance & also do our research on the task that we were given. My group was doing research on Korean costumes. There's one that we found which is called han bok. It is really a famous attire in Korea. But, as it was a mask festival, of couse we saw a lot of mask there.
Even Ralph bought one. Yeah, it's Ralph & me in the pic..
That was the highlight of the day. When we get back to our place to stay for the night at Yeongju Youth Centre, we had to make presentation on our task. Boy, it's not easy. They seem to expect a lot from each of us. Fortunately, we went through it with good. Then, after Mdm An & Mdm Gertrude went back to the hotel, we * the RCs* prayed the rosary to feel secure there at Korea.. It really make us felt better despite the hardships that we through for the past few days.
4rd day- We went to Seungsusowon. The place displays houses at the old times, how they identified the low class people & high class people and basically the history of almost everything of how Korea was discovered.
Posing with some of the guys. There's Issac, me , Nic & Charles. All very funny guys.. Lol :)
Here we are in one of the houses. Our fav thing to do, posing for photos.. :D. Very, very sasat..
Then, we discovered this.
Very sasat Korean dudes.. Haha, no la.. It is, of couse no doubt Ralph & Jude.. See the difference. short & tall. Best to describe them.. Gosh, they gonna kill me for this. There's Chel too, next to Jude.
It was really pretty interesting to know about their history. They preserved it well, man. Salute to the Koreans. Anyway, next, it's time for the In Sam Ginseng Festival where everything was about ginseng. We don't even have appetite for lunch.
Now you know why. It was voted the most 'Can't Be Eat' food. Seriously, it's really hard to indulge it when everything inside it was ginseng & vegetables.It was rare to see clean bowl at that time.. No one was able to force themselves to eat.

Then, as usual, we move in groups & do research for our task. We went around & bought some stuff. Especially Shasha & me. What? We saw really cute tees & it's really hard to resist it. The girls blame us for not telling them but they wasn't even there for us to tell. All we can do was just to giggle around them. It was the same place for us to do performance for the night.
That night, the place was so crowded with local people to watch the performance. Actually, it is because it will be shown live in television. How excited we was & once again, i was feeling quite nervous since i didn't do this kind of thing back in M'sia. Hopefully never again. Cultural dance is just not my thing. We also manage to meet back our Korean friends since the whole day today they was having their exam. David told me it wasn't easy but at least they're over it. Thank God for that. Then, we waited long enough & alas, our turn to perform. Guess what> Since we're only wearing our costume, i was freezing all the way. It was damn coooold. Even Charles doesn't feeling better too.. I think my friends realised & they was really trying to help me to feel better so that i can go on. Fortunately, i'm able to go on with the performances. Only God knows what i felt during that moment. As soon as i get off the stage, Alvin grabbed me with his coat. He realised that i looked pale & things started off to be better as i wore his coat. Thanks Alvin & i really owe you on that one. We went back feeling exhausted but yet, me, Colyn & Chel was feeling hungry so we ate Maggi that we brought. Around 1 am, zzzzzzz... :)
5th day- We had breakfast at one of the small Korean restaurant nearby the centre. Before that, i played basketball with the guys just for fun. I realised it's been quite a long time since i involve in games & i really missed it. After breakfast, we went to visit Mr Song's house that looked like a resort. Mr Song is one the biggest donor in ISCEP. Beautiful scenery surrounded his home sweet home. It's really had been my dream house ever since. A great place to relax as it is's a peaceful place to stay.
Outside his house. Took group picture as we really like it there.. Wish to come again there one day.. Sigh..
Here's me & Jordan. He's really cute & athletic but he was just not into girls. That's what he told us. Just not yet. Funny when he & his friends said " couple". It's because everytime they saw a girl & a boy together in our group, they will declare them couple & it was really funny how they say it. You really wanna hear it again. Haha * laughing until you really wanna roll on the ground*
Nice pic, right? I just really like the stones. It was a waterfall actually. Yet, we really like this pic.
Everyone were acting cute.. Then, we went to Puseok Temple, one of the best historical place in Korea. It's a very sacred place & we have to walk up, way way up to the hills as the temple was at the highest peak. But. it worth the walk because it's really a place with beautiful architecture. If only you hear the history, it's something about sad love story where by at the end, the lady changed in the form of dragon. A bit crappy thou but aww, it was really touching. Few hours at Puseok Temple, then our next activity was apple picking. Yes, we got to pick 3 apple for each for ourselves. The apples there were really big & really tasty and believe it or not, that's our lunch.
But apparently, that wasn't enough for most of us. So, when we get back, we learn how to make some Korean foods that is rice cakes, chon & kim bab. Boy, how tasty it was. Then we got the chance to see some ouf friends demonstrating a Korean wedding & watching it makes us wonder twice before marrying any Koreans * especially the girls* as the regulations is so tight.
Heehee.. Then, we had to prepare ourselves for the night for our last dinner there at Yeongju organised by the Yeong Kwang staff. It was organised at one the most best, expensive restaurant ever & what's better, it's actually a night for us to spend with our host family. Most of us actually since not all the host family are able to show up. Luckily, mine showed up. Yes, & how glad Colyn & i are to see Appa Kim, Ju Hye & Ju Sun again & for the last time. We talked & we found out that he turned 51 that day, just a day before my own dad b'day at M'sia. Colyn & i really wanna give him something so we brought Ju Sun to buy a small cake at the bakery nearby. We asked Ju Hye not to tell him. When we got the cake & brought back to our table, i guessed everyone was surprised especially Appa Kim. It was one of my best night there at Korea & it really reminds me of my dad back in M'sia & quietly, i shed into tears. We had to do group presentation also that night & we ate a lot of fruits that were given from Yeong Kwang. Well, it's our last day meeting all of them & no doubt we are going to miss the Korean dudes .
Yeah, that's Dr Yoon. He told us about Korean culture & commented on our presentation. Funny yet very smart guy.. Always with the camera..
6th day- My dad's b'day & yet i didn't get to wish him as yeah, i forgot to roam my mobile phone & there was no internet connection. All i can do was just to pray for him, hopefully he had a nice 47th b'day.. That day was our last day at Yeongju as we moved on to Cheongshim, which took few hours before we can get there. On our way, we went to explore Gosu Cave. One place that i think i would always remember, 'cause i fell down in that cave. It was ju so slippery & i wasn't being extra careful . I was grateful that Ralph & Colyn was there to help me out.

So, it's a big cave & there were stairs build in it. What a beautiful cave it was, the view inside was just mind blowing. Well, that's nature, right? God's work are just wonderful.
It took quite a while before we finally were out from the cave. There were souvenirs sold around the place so all of us bought a lot of stuff there since we can bargain. Heehee..
There's also horse that you can rent there. I actually would like to try but, yeah i don't think we are allowed. Safety comes first. Mmm yeah never really think of that. I just really wanna ride the horse. It's the fingers of the girls. We declared we are FAMILY!! Well, we just love each other. Haha!!
So, we moved on & it took forever to reach Cheongshim. Most of us just dozzed off during the journey including this one.
Sorry Ralph & Chel. You guys were the nearest to me. So, i took your pic, i was just too bored. I slept but not for long.
As we reached Cheongshim, it was really a dream place to live. Cheongshim Youth Centre, a really well designed place was just wow.. There's gym, classes, cafe & way better than what we had in Yeongju. Ooops sorry.. But really, it was just too wonderful & we participate in the Cheong A Camp. The instructors welcomed us cheerfully & we even imitate Sako's signature which is " Anyong ha se yo, anyong ha se yo, anyong ha se yo!!". She keep saying hello in Koreans to wake us up with her wide smile. There are also Ricki, Martin, Lucy & Pooh & they can speak English. Sorry, we just really that for easier communication. Yeah & basically that whole night is ice breaking session & we were to be in our own group. I was in group & i was made leader. We had dinner which was the best food ever & the last program for the night was Korean costume lessons. That's why that night i was aimed by Dr Yoon to collect information since it's my group task. " Ann, here." Dr Yoon keep saying & looking for me. Sigh, i had to take a lot of pic that night. We also get the chance to wear hanbok & each of us get a picture of ourselves wearing it. It wasn't boring at all as the instructor approached us really well. Then, alas a good night sleep after plenary. You should see the toilet. High tech, man. We slept soundly. zzzzz
7th day- One week in Korea & we really had a blast. That day, we had breakfast which also very tasty & the 1st class for the day was a tea ceremony class. Yes, a tea ceremony class. It was really good to learn how to practice that in everyday life. All the ethics is considered important & it's not easy.So, here's the tea set. Each of it have to be handle with care & politely. One word of handling it, complicated.
We're having our tea. Host & guess. Chel as the host. Sasha & me are the guests. We even get yummy rice cakes. I love to eat that.
Then, we had lunch & the next class was Pungmul nori, a Korean folk music class. Owh yeah, one the best class ever. There are four instrument t be choose. It's ching, gwengari, buk & owh gosh, i forgot one. But i learn how to play buk.
That's buk. That's Jasmine who loves to pose for photos. Philo looks blur..
So yeah, we learned how to play the instrument that we chose & woow, we loves it. Then, we were brought to Cheongshim International School & we were welcomed by the Middle School Students. I only remember Gina Lee, Michael & Kristine. Gina & the other guy showed us around school & this the best school i ever see. Duh, it's an international school, shouldn't be surprised, right.
See how big is it? That is just the field. This was where the boys play soccer. Our boys combining with the students play against each other.
Gina told us that this is only school in Korea that
1) co ed, girls & boys mix
2) middle school students mix with the high school students
3) use English for their subs except Korean Languange & Korean History

Cool, right? I'm just too impressed.
So, that's Gina & me. She's just 15 years old. Yet, she's really fluent in English compared to any Korean students i know before & of course, the rest of the Cheongshim students.
Here's the freshman. Yup, all of them are 13. One word i can describe them, funny. :)
We spent our whole afternoon there & had dinner there too. Even their cafeteria was awesome & they sure don't have to worry about food. One of my new Korean friend even spent me an ice cream.Here's Kristine. We still can keep in touch now. She's among the first one who sent me email when i get back to M'sia.
Then , the rest of the evening, we went to Cheongshim Theology University listening to Prof. David's talk. It's pretty interesting thou but we were just too tired to even concentrate. Some of the girls even fall sick, vomitted few times & they were brought back to the centre earlier. I guessed the weather was just getting too cold.
8th day- One of the best day ever. We went to Namisun, the island where Winter Sonata was shooted. Owh yes, we went there & had a blast. First, we had to go to the jetty by bus for 40 minutes & then, we went to the island by boat. It only took 5 minutes. While waiting for the boat. That was Teacher Suzie, me, Spencer & Jude.
When we get there, we were to walk in group & our guide was Sako. We walked around & took a lot of pictures. It was a breath taking view there at Namisun.
Best Group. Its us, the Group B. Declared ourselves Best & Beautiful. Haha Sako's with us too..

See, there's the Winter Sonata photo. You can see that around the Island. There 's even a place called Winter Sonata's First Kiss. Maybe we can watch that in the movie.
Then, we had lunch. Actually, we wanted to eat at the fast food restaurant we saw but we're been eyed from far by Mdm Gertrude, so we just ate the normal Korean food. But it was delicious. It's really something that we can eat. While eating, we saw lot of teen & even couples cycling around. We were interested so we asked Ricki if we too can cycle around. So, we rent bicycles for 3000 won each. Some took the couple's bicycle but i decided to take the normal bicycle since i just want to cycle freely. That was fun. Ricki, Jude & i was on the lead. We cycled around the island & in just 30 minutes. Then, we stopped for an ice cream.
Stopped for an ice cream. Felt like didn't eat ice cream in ages. The same thing with cycling. Felt really good to cycle. Maybe i'm too fast too.
Anyway, we put back the bike at its place as it times to head home. We bought souvenirs at the island too.. Not exactly souvenirs for me since i bought chocolates. Well, i felt like eating it since i saw Hersheys. :) Then we went back to Cheongshim Youth Centre for another Pungmul nori class.
This time we learned an advanced lesson, where we all combine together all the sounds to perform. Pretty awesome, isn't it? Me with the buk. But we didn't actually a long time for the lesson as we had to practice for our performance for the night at Cheongshim International Hospital. The instructors was really entertain by our practice. That's why we get free titbits.
Anyway, then we hurried up to prepare ourselves & fast forward, we were at the Cheongshim International Hospital. I felt really touched looking at all the patients. Most of them looked really sick & old. It was good that we were able to perform for them to entertain them & of course, to thank Cheongshim for being one of the biggest KDCA's biggest sponsor.
Before us, Cheongshim International School Students made their performance & wow, they're amazed us with their talent.
Next, was my friends who performed the Magunatip Dance. It's really something new for the audience. Then, it's us making Angklung performance then lastly, was the finale. Everyone wanna take picture with us after that. I know, we're just amazing. Lol, kidding.
Then, we head back to the centre for the last activity for the night where by we had games & dance all night. It was really good just to loose ourselves, had fun & feel free. But i wasn't totally free that night after the activity. Mdm Gertrude reminded me about th presentation i have to do on Sabah & M'sia the next day. So, that night, i have to worked on my presentation with the help of some of the teachers. Boy, am i tired & finally dozzed off at 2 am after finish my report.
9th day- Time to leave Cheongshim & head to our last destination at Korea which was of couse, the capital city, SEOUL. We had a closing seremony there & we totally missed the place. It was one of the best place that we have ever been. The instructors were just really great.
Awesome people. In the picture, it was me, Ricki & Lucy. We like them so much.
So, we leaved Cheongshim hoping that we will go there again one day. It took few hours for us to get to Seoul & finally, after long hours, we finally stopped at In Chang High School * an all boys school* Hee hee :). The boys helped us with our luggages & put it in a room. Then, we're the students were brought to the gym & were taught how to play volleyball. Apparently, their vooleyball team is consist of players that are trained to be profesional & to play for Korea for international games. They' had training at morning, then go for like 3 classes & resume training at the afternoon. They are not like normal students & they were isolated from them. Uuh, i'm not sure if it's something positive thou. But it's pretty amazing that they're going to be profesional. After that, it was lunch time. Delicious meal. Their teacher insist on how healthy the food that they have. But know something? I wasn't really in the mood. I was nervous about the next program, which is my presentation Sabah & M'sia. Hoping that everything's was under control, i asked Ralph to help me. He was ok it with it & he brough Jude too. But one thing was on my mind? " Where's the interactive cd from that Sabah Tourism Board? Owh right, in the laptop of Ms Bern's. Right. But where's the laptop?" I found out that Jude was holding the laptop bag & he forgot it at the gym. I told him not to be panic but yet, quietly i was worried myself. One of the students guide us back to the gym & luckily, it was there. Did i mention the student was has all the students, i told myself, " How hard it could be?" But guess what, the cd wasn't working. Gosh, then i decided to ask my group to sing the 'Sayang Kinabalu' song together? After that, i have to like teach them which mean i sang in front of them in a slow version mode. I was grateful i didn't sing terribly & it's ok. Alas, the cd's working & i try to get it over with. I was delighted that i nailed it despite some mistakes that i manage to cover. Yeaaahhh, one thumbs up from Dr Yoon. Then, we made our last performance. Yes, the very last one at Korea. Heehe then i get a bunch of georgeous flowers from the leader of the school.
Pretty, right? But yeah i ended giving it to my host mum anyway. It's not like i'm into flowers also. But it felt good to receive flowers sometimes.
Then, we watch the whole performance performed by the students. There was taekwando, cheerleading guys,magic show & my fav Pungmul Nori. That was fun. After the whole thing was over, it's time to get our host sister/brother.
So, here's mine. Her name's Grace & she's 2 years older than me. I missed her. Sigh..
We were to have ice breaking to know each other better & she taught me some Korean words. I manage to introduce her to everyone by saying " Ne partner irum un Grace im nida." Cool huh.. Ice breaking session over, we went to festival & mall with our partner. She bought me a gift which is a cute pencil case that you can see me using it in school now & i also bought a unique rubic cube for my brother. Then we had dinner at Min Kyu's restaurant & alas, separate from the teachers. Our new Korean friends decided to brought us to the karaoke lounge for fun. Like i can sing, right? Koo insist me too & i sang one song. Everyone had a blast & we get to know each other better. Then, after few hours at the lounge, we headed home. Reaching at Grace's home, the family treat me well. The sister, Seong Hwa maybe stunned with me being there. I manage to send email & even online with Sis Cassie, my cousin. I asked her help to inform my family that i'm fine. The lil bro which what we called nam dong seng in Korean keep sending us titbits toeat to the room. Right at 12 am, we slept with Grace, Seong Hwa & me in one room.
10th day- The next day, i woke up seeing Seong Hwa 's not with us. She have already gone to the elemaentary school with the bro. We had breakfast wth the parents & then the dad sent us to Kyungbok 's Palace, a historical place where we suppose to gather with the rest. Everyone's seem ok & that's really good to see. We watch the demonstration on how the royals at old times enter the palace. It's really worth to see as it's something that you can't watch in M'sia.
That's the one with the clothes of the old times. Way,way cool.
Then we get a ticket & sight seeing around the palace.
That's the palace i'm talking about. It's massive & everyone was impressed with the archictecture structure. That was Betty & me. Betty was Jas's host sister. She's really cute.
Next, we went to the museum & we got a lot of information about Korean history. I'm not sure with everyone but i'm always amazed with history. Maybe i should be a historian one day. :)
Ok, i'm sure everyone's wonder who is this guy. He's michin or what we called crazy. Haha kidding, This is Steven who is a very nice & funny guy that i started to be close with. Well, he teased me around & i just couldn't stand it. He's actually one of the photographer for the school.
One plus thing, he's totally cute. I can't believe i said it. See the spectacles he wore. IT doesn't even have lenses & even i was fooled by it. What a joke..
Anyway, back to the story. We went to a road that looks like Chow Kit Road in M'sia that full of little shops that sell souvenirs. We had lunch & after that, we were given few hours time to go around the market & buy stuff.
Dr Yoon brief us on the few hours that were given to us for sight seeing.
So, we went for sight seeing & guess what? Steven bought me an ice cream. Haha.. I never expected that but yeaah, free ice cream. I gave him a little Sabah keychain for his friendship. :)
I bought some stuff but really, i was not in the mood of buying but more to look around.
Few hours passed, we gathered back & took some group picture. We separate after that so that we can spend time to go around Seoul with our host sister/brother. So, we went as a group that was consist of Jas, Ged, me, Betty, Grace & Yuk Kheong. We travelled by the subway to go to one place to take sticker pictures & went to a game shop . We played Snap & Jenga. We even make a rule that we are not allowed to speak any Korean or Malay languange. Only English communication. Something new for me to spend a night. Then after a long day, Grace & me decided to head home & we said " Bye & see you tomorrow" to the rest. I was worried to see Jas since she's feeling sick but i only can hope for her to get better as we separate. So, we went home by bus & when we arrived, we had a dinner as a family. I was touched because Grace's mum made kimbab for dinner as she remembered i said that kimbab was my favourite Korean fruit. We had a fantastic dinner & i asked Grace to have her reat & i was on my finishing my report. 2 hours later, her mum went into the room & gave me a bag & a wallet that she sew for my mum & myself. Once again, i was touched by her kindness. I gave her some souvenir from Sabah too. Grace woke up & then we had a chat with the rest of the family. I joke around with namdong seng as he was cutely short. He told me that one day he will be 'ke da' which means tall. I'm thinking, one day.. Seong Hwa made me a manicure & gave me a necklace. I too gave her & her brother Sabah keychains. 12 pm. we zzzzz.
11th day & the last day- Yes, the last day & i was aware with it. It's finally it & it's the day for me to leave the family. Before i left the home, we took some picture. Her mum gave me some titbits to bring & alas, i bid farewell. I hold myself from having tears. Sobs.
Yuk Kheong's dad fetch us & we were dropped at In Chang. We took our luggages there & upload in inside the bus. We then went to the Peace Bridge which is between South Korea & North Korea. There was a history beneath it & it's really terrible & even until now. They still differentiate both places & the only thing we can to do is to pray for peace. That was me in front of the Peace Bell.

My Korean friends. We stay in touch until now. They're really nice guys.

The Jeung An girls. Each with their own attitude & style.. Missed them a lot..
Ralph, Betty, me & Jas. We're family. Miss this moment. Alah, Ralph, the fav among the Jeung An girls. lala

We then had lunch& head to theme park. We had fun there & without realising it, we're heading to the Seoul International Airport. Grace sat next to me inside the bus & i remember she said, " Ann, i'm gonna miss you a lot. Saya sayang kamu." I can feel the tears in my eyes & i told her the same thing. I'm glad that she followed to the airport. As we reached the airport, we get our own luggage & checked in. Finally, the moment that i hate the most, i cried. Yes, i cried because it's time to bid farewell to our Korean friends. Grace & Betty hugged me & whister to me. " Saya akan rindu kamu." " Yeah, me too." Betty can't hold herself too & alas she cried. I cried again & Jude was there to calm me down. Thanks Jude for that.
I met Dr Yoon & thank him for everything. He told me " Ann, you're done a good job here & i will see you again." Yeah i like to hear that. Thanks a lot, Dr Yoon. I'm sure gonna miss you. He cried too but i didn't get the chance to see that.
We then enter the departing hall & we had our last group plenary. The last one. We listen to the comments about us & basically, not everyone's got the thumbs up but honestly, i don't think anyone care. Then Mdm Gertrude met Issac, Andria ,Charles & me about Dr Yoon's comment. It was a good one & i might have the oppturnity again to go for next year. Fully sponsored. But, no way, IT'S SPM!! We just have to wait for next year to think about that. Stepping to the plane, i said quietly " Bye, Korea." I'm sure it's going to be memories that all of us will treasured for life. Fast forward, after 5 hours on the plane, we finally reached KKIA. Home sweet home! I saw my mum & hugged her. I really miss her, my dad & also my naughty brother. I was tired but i didn't forget to hug everyone & bid farewell. I thank all the teachers too. So, that's about it. Even until now, i'm still not over Korea. I miss my ISCEP friends a lot & no doubt, the Koreans too. But, i'll see my Iscep friends again on December for Alumni meeting. Yes, we're an Alumni now.
So, that's my story & now, i'm back in school trying to get everything done before the school term ends. Not really having a good week in school but i'm just trying to get over it. Ok, until the next post & hope everyone enjoyed this story of mine about my experience in Korea. I thank God that he protected us all the way & letting us have all the fun.
The ISCEP group of 2008.. Missing this always & will never forget it.
Ann sure learned a lot.