Mountains, Beaches and Soju Cocktail

Hey fam,

I know its been a minute since I've updated my blog, but its been pouring buckets of rain the last two weeks here in SOKO off and on, and that has made a bruh extremely lazy at a time when I should be overly productive, yet I'm not complaining because I enjoy the drip, drops of raindrops and understand its usefulness - every thing has a purpose!

So what's been going on with me:

A week ago, I took a school trip with my teachers to Seoraksan National Park. Seoraksan lies about 5 hours East of Seoul. It's in the beautiful region of Gangwon-do province; Gangwon-do literatlly translates into "Heavenly Blessed land" and it is just that. Mountains formed of sandstone granite, sprawling maple and pine forest and when you think you've seen it all there emerald green beaches that kiss a rocky, pebbled beach. Add this beauty with the company of 50 + Korean teachers who love eating, singing and sipping soju as much as I do and I had one the greatest company trips every!

Pictures of Seoraksan

I've also taken to attempting to be more healthy fam! Ya'll now for whatever reason the last year or so, I blew up, ya boi went for thick to just damn LARGE, and so here in Korea I'm attempting to get back on the right path, being here has cleared my mind, relieved me of stress and I have started on a journey of purpose and growth and your mind cannot function with yo body, so its time to meld the two. So I bought a bike and I ride it to and fro school almost everyday, and I use it for my sole source of transportation in Bucheon, I can't help but eat healthy here in Korea so I've lost 15 pounds! Alas if I could leave the beer and cocktails alone ya boy is gonna be on track!

Lastly, I'm off to Thailand in 9 days, so get ready for that blog and tons of pictures.

I love you all.

Peace & Blessings,

Derek

A SOKO Fourth; Happy Indepedence Day, America!

Fam,

Yesterday was the Fourth of July. And I'm sure the bbqs back home was smoking, the crabs were spread out over the table, and fireworks were lighting up the sky! Well, less the fireworks (well major ones) my fourth of July was freeking awesome!

Only two months in and I co-hosted a July 4th rooftop bbq. There were hotdogs, hamburgers, charred chicken wings smothered in bbq sauce and side dishes galor. I had to give the crowd a little something extra so I introduce my homemade chocolate fudge brownies and soju cocktail -- its a creeper. (It's the bartender in me, that's what I do!)

The music was reminiscent of home, from Marvin Gay's let's get it on, to Biggie, biggie, biggie can't you see... We even cupid shuffled!

Yesterday I was transported back to the States for a few hours. The American luv was in the air, festivity was rampant and everyone's energy was high.

So much so that we didn't end the night there, we headed as a large group to the local foreigners' bar Rhythm and Booze were we danced into the wee morning hour to Hip hop and Ol' school rnb.

You would have thought we'd be finished there but no, we kept the party going and moved over the one of the largest norabang rooms I've ever been in (Korea, just keeping on giving surprises), and you know I sung my heart out!

Like most things here in Korea, yesterday was a memorable experience I know I won't forget.

So Happy B-day America! I'm proud of you and the direction you've finally decided to take.

Eh, it took 233 years but who's counting?

Peace & Blessings

Derek