Ashley McDaniel

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So a lot of you have asked me to do a blog while I'm in Korea. Even though I'm html and blog challenged, I thought I still might try. Throughout my time in Korea (south of course) i will update each day on here, showing you where I went, what I did and ate. I'm sure some of you probably are already assuming that my diet will consist of fast food and sweets. However, I'm not going to limit my experience to such foods I could easily find back in the states. Thank you all for the support and I hope that you all will stay tuned in! :)

Monday, September 13, 2010

My Mountain^^

Tonight around 6:50 my mother and I left the house to go walk a famous Seoul mountain. This mountain is called Namsan and its known for its 777ft tower. My mothers friends here in Korea go walking with a large group of people. On some days they go hiking large mountains and on other days they go walking or jogging. I had thought that it would be fun and not hard because the people walking were around the ages of late 30's-50's. However, i instantly found out that my accusation was entirely WRONG. I underestimated the intensity and drive in the bones of an older Korean person. One woman was probably no younger than 50 and was wearing jeans and wasn't sweating at all. I, on the other hand, was drenched in sweat and ready to pass out. I don't even know how many miles i walked up and down that mountain. Whew~ Even though it was stressful and hard, i found that  it was rewarding due to my inability to give up. I am soo proud of myself to accomplish such a great task, and i will never forget the people i met that took the journey with me. I am really getting to see a different side to Koreans. At first glance, one might assume that all men and woman here in Korea are cold and stiff. This side of their culture is due to their business strength and self focus. In other words, i believe and have witnessed, that Koreans are extremely disciplined and focused on what they need to accomplish. This quality puts them at a social disadvantage in the states; however, in Korea its the opposite. During my walk/jog/run at namsan tower, i met a lot of cold faced people who turned out to be the kindest and most caring people. Its easy to make a judgment about someone, but its more intelligent to actually converse with someone to understand who they really are. I have definitely learned that i must not be intimidated or shy, I just have to get out and spend time with people. People in Korea are interested in me and appreciate the fact that im taking time to learn THEIR language. I don't think individuals in America take time to honor those who have come from far away to learn English. From now on, i have no reason to put anyone down for their accent or lack of pronunciation. Its an honor and i am proud of those people who make their way to America just to learn the language. Also, i am continually patting myself on the back for getting through this tough time in a foreign country. I am happy that the people of Korea are supporting me and know that i am well on my way to fully learn their beautiful language. I love Korea, i am so grateful that God has put me here, and i know that he will always make a way. . . no matter what
i love you all. . .
bye for now

Sunday, September 12, 2010

im still alive. . .

I know its been a while, but i have just been a little busy trying to complete everything. Last week i had to get many things for school and for my visa. It was and is very important that i stayed focused on getting things straight for my visa. My visa is crucial to my stay here in Korea, but all is well know that i have all of my papers straight. Thank you to everyone who is praying for me, please continue to do so. . . .and i know that i couldnt have gotten this far with out God and all of your support. Welp, aside from all this business stuff, i still have been getting out and having fun with new friends. The other day i went out with 6 new friends from all over the world. There were, including me, 4 girls and 3 guys. One girl was from France, the other from the UK and the last girl is  Philippine. As for the guys, well they are all native to Korea, just an all around good combination. However, even though it was our first meeting. . .and i have never met these people in my life, i still managed to cause a scene and break the ice. Let me explain, so earlier on that day i met the girl from France who took me to her house where we could get ready. Along with her i met the other girl from the UK, she is very fashionable and offered me her HIGH heels (so cute). Anyway. . .i decided to wear them, but i realized that it was a bad decision because immediately after we walked outside, it started to poor down rain. Not only was i slipping because it was wet, but the shoes were leather. . soo when it rained on them, they began to stretch. (good job ashley) haha. . soo i didnt stop walking, and we finally got to our meeting place with the guys and the last girl. It was soo nice to meet these people, but soon the night turned worse. . when i actually began to fall and slip terribly in the rain. :(((( on the flip side, one of the guys was so kind to give me a ride, and carried me all the way to the restaurant and everywhere else basically. i thought i was going to be soo embarrassed, but really.. .i was the character that broke the ice for everyone, and now i Know that i can get through anything. . no matter how hard or embarrassing it might seem. im grateful to have had that experience, even though it was painful. Maybe you can understand me, but i believe you have to go through something like that to understand. Oh and the best part to it, was that one of the guys ended up buying me SHOES :) wow. . .  im not sure if people, especially young people in America would go to that lengths of helping out a stranger. .  but maybe im wrong. I am just so thankful to my new friends, and their support.
Welp. im left with 6 amazing buds, and 2 gruesome brusies...all is well ha
until next time,
bye