Has it really been three years since my last post?! Admittedly, yes.
I have been back home to Canada, then back to Northern Japan for
a couple years and now stationed here in tropical Hanoi, Vietnam for
the last few months with my #1 girl J.


My reasoning behind startin up the ol blog again is to share my
experiences here with family and friends on a more intimate level, so
that you may gain a little insight as to daily life here in this
wild country.


As Facebook is banned here in Vietnam, it is impossible to upload videos to Facebook, so I thought that I'd share them on youtube and link to the blog from there.


It has been tumultuous trying to cope with moving 6 times....do a CELTA ESL course, not get run over by the thousands of motorbikes that laugh at
traffic rules and the noise. At any given time during the day....you literally cannot
go without 5 !!!! seconds without hearing someone lay on the horn.
People with road rage back home need not apply here...lol

I will keep this first foray brief but will endeavor to keep y'all in the know with
what's going on here.


Am looking at how to spend summer vacation as I have three weeks off at the end of July.....any suggestions?!

Well, it's been quite a while since the last post. So here goes.

Had a nasty bump on the head and I am still currently in recovery mode. I am hoping that I may, God willing, be able to regain full sight and auditory ability. My scar is healing up quite nicely and I no longer look like a victim.

I am currently contemplating on whether to stay in Asia or go back home and try and procure satisfactory and enjoyable employment back in Canada. This has been quite a perpetual conundrum for me, pondering my fate and what I am meant to do on this earth of ours.

I have often felt that I have had a travel bug deeply rooted in my core but am starting to question what means most to me and where I would like to find myself in the next 5, 10, 30 years and so forth.

I am a bit of a dreamer and have not always been able to decipher what it is I would like to do and implement a solid, working plan to acheive my sought-after goal. Today is no different.

What I do know is that I have made some very positive changes in my life as of late and have been reaffirmed by close friends that they like this version of Trevor a deal better and I am happy for that.

Recently, my special girl and I frequented an "exquisite" hamburger chain based out of Seoul named Kraze Burger. I don't know how crazy it was but it tasted pretty damn good to me. Little pricy but you pay for what you get.
Food aside, I was very content just spending time with my Miss and enjoyed lazily floating around the local area, appreciating each other's company. She is a great friend, and an even better girl friend. I love her personality, understanding, wit, compassion and positive outlook on life. Cheers to you, hon. I will always hold a very warm place in my heart just for you!

Nothing else to report aside from the fact that my previously mentioned mate helped me realize that I may be entitled to a nice lump sum tax reimbursement from my previous engagement in Japan. That would be a nice treat indeed, pending confirmation.

So, thank you for reading and will try me best to update you more frequently.

PS. TL, I still love you.


Here's a vid of Jenny and I at Kraze Burger......

Fantasia Land...and on to Okinawa!

Hey guys and girls.....


About time to check in with the goings on here in Korea. I was able....until this week mind you...to enjoy an extremely temperate winter season as it has been very comfortable temperature wise. It rarely hits freezing here but as of late...the degrees have dropped and I have noticed frozen puddles.



Last month, our school decided it would be a welcomed break from routine to load the kids up on two tour buses and ship us all out to a theme park located about an hours drive from here in Busan. Although the weather was chilly, the kids had warm hearts as we set out for a full days action worth of rides.


Let it be known, that before going I had mentioned to a significant other that I was somewhat trepidacious of hitting the ol' roller coaster. I had been on one in Osaka a few years prior that left me literally and figuratively "gutless".


Butttt, I am proud to announce that after the students challenged me to board the beast...some as young as seven... I had no choice but to honor their request, lest I become an individual of questionable fortitude in their eyes. And that I did....going on 6 times!! It was awesome. I almost (not quite) forgot what it was like being and acting like a kid.


And there I was...wooing and screechin' as we did the three consecutive upside down loopedy loops...great fun.


The rest of the attractions were a tad more tame...albeit fun in their own right.


I scarfed down some hotdogs and chicken skewers for a mid afternoon snack thinking how happy I was to share in the children's joy from being away from the structured tutelage and mundane study routine that they are all too often laboured with...and just be one of them....as kids.


On a side note....it is about 10 days away before I make my triumphant return to the land of the rising sun. This will be the sixth trip there...this time to a more southernly, sub-tropical locale..Okinawa.



I am gearing up the Karate Kid 2 movie to remind me just how unique this part of the world is.


I was thinking that it might be a good opportunity to try and track down the karate senseis of the Uechi clan...that were instrumental in my Dad's earning of a black belt in Uechi Ryu Karate do.



With that, we'll see you again....armed with some beautiful beach pictures and a story or two to tell.



Here is the theme park that I enjoyed....



Kids queueing at the entrance.

Fantasia...on a cold winter morning.

Some 80's style Andre the Giant and Macho Man poster.

Kiddie roller coaster.


Korean scrambler.

This ride was awesome.

Hope you all enjoyed the ride!!

Happy Holidays!!!

A month to the day from the last one....and you get your final blog of the year.

Christmas in Korea....hmm...it certainly conjures up a whole heap of emotion being isolated in this, at times, lonely corner of the world. Christmas '07 has come to pass and I dare say that this year's offering seemed to slightly take the edge off the gauntlet of solitary sentiment that has been felt in years gone by. Why is this?

Well, for starters, I have an amazing support group of loving family back in Eastern Canada whom have gone over and beyond in bringing a smile and a tear at times (TL) to this aptly friend-coined, cherubic face of mine. Good way to put it, Glenn aka Mustafa al-Sharif...lol

I truly and whole-heartedly appreciate the warm holiday wishes sent my way from my big Sis, Father, and the rest of my extended family. You don't know, or maybe you do, just how precious your presents/presence means to me, especially during this emotional time of year being so very far and away from loved ones.

A heartfelt cheers to you all and thank you for helping me in your own ways, be home for Christmas.

Secondly, I had the sincere pleasure to spend my first Christmas with an extremely, easily to love partner who has not gone unnoticed with her shear generosity and warm caring over this holiday. You are a wonderful person and please know that your willing effort and and kindness has made an indelible mark on me. I am really at a loss to tell you how much that has meant to me. XO.

As well, Christmas wouldn't in fact be the same without being amidst great company and traditional Canadian Xmas fare, so I was more than thankful to have spent the day itself with amicable comrades as we proceeded to lay into the US Seamans club's Christmas dinner offering. And to be sure, I was able to lay claim to many a choice cuts what with Cajun turkey, Honey glazed ham and roast of beef to be sampled, along with typical trimming of mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravvvy and some nice pumpkin pie.

So as we rapidly make way for 2008, let me once again give thanks and praise to all who surround me, you all make life just a little, heck, a lot better for me everyday.
I for one am joyfully proud to call you my loving girlfriend, sister, father, mother, niece, nephew, grandmother, uncle, aunt, cousin and dear friends. Here's to a great 200eight!!

ohh...almost forgot to actually show you some of the festive meals we were able to enjoy this season...rated PG...ha

Love you's


Jenny and I at TGIFridays...thankfully no plates were harmed during this filming...:0)




Christmas Dinner....where's Waldo?




After Christmas Dinner...note the portly individual going up for fifths...not Claire btw!! haha

New Friends and old....

Its been a tad since I have let you in on the latest happenings in SK.
So, here goes.

I have recently joined the 24 hour Haeundae hot spring and gym complex.
Although it is a little more expensive than facilities one would find in Canada, it is certainly worth the $1oo monthly membership fee.
I have been attending for the last few weeks on a one day on, one day off basis and am feeling more spry, lively and energetic than my usual self.
The gym is state of the art and has ellipticals, bikes and treadmills with High definition TV built right into the machines themselves. Along with range of freeweights and various pulley based weight training apparatae, they pump out Korean dance music to keep the vibe upbeat and energetic.

The spa has numerous natural hot spring tubs with varying temperatures from tepid to scalding. Didn't know Koreans could get so red...wait a minute...yes I did...I've seen plenty of ol fellas fairly imbibed with the local poison of choice...soju..$1 a bottle, sporting a crimson visage.

One would think that being a whitey, I may receive more stares than comfortable, but happily my fellow bathers seem quite content to simply scrub themselves down with the occassional glance below the belt as everyone is of course attending "al fresco". And yes, tis true what they
say ;-)

It is certainly a unique and pleasurable experience, releasing ones inhibitions. In another light, I wonder if such an idea would fly back home or are westerners to proud and prudish.

Okay nuff spa talk...want to wish my old friends Adam and Sharon...more affectionately known collectively as Shadddaammm! a bon voyage as they travel to back to the rock via a quick, luxurious stay in Thailand. You are good people and will miss you. I certainly hope to see you both back in the far east before too long goes by.

And as I bid them adieu, I have managed to meet a really nice girl from said same rock, who also is employed here as an EFL teacher. We have spent some recent, memorable moments together and seem to enjoy each others company. I am truly a lucky guy to meet someone who is game to the task of enduring my off-the-wall theatrics. Cheers to you my dear!

Let me leave you with a couple of videos, one, Shadams farewell shindig and the other a rare treat...homemade fish and chips (with gravy!!) at a new little British spot that recently opened in Busan.

Take care and buh bye!!


Mmmm...Fish and Chips..

Happy times chez Shadam.

Hello there,

Thought it would be a good idea to update those who follow along, on my status in year #2 here in Korea.

Sorry if I am not as dedicated to the blog as some of my readers, you know who you are, with not providing fresh content on a timely basis. However with my busy schedule, M-F 2:30 to 7:30, I sometimes find it hard to find the time.......haha.

I like my new school...as aforementioned, the hours are quite a bit more reasonable than last year...although the commute is a little longer...about 45 mins from home to work on the subway.

I am the only foreign teacher which seems to make things easier. The owner of the school is a nice young fella and he teaches as well. His sister and fiancee are also under his employment...so a true family effort.

On a side note....it looks finally like the oppressive summer heat has receded and as I type, this is the first night in memorable history when I don't have the air-conditioning turned on.

Today is payday...woohoo...and I usually like to splurge a little on payday...so I am eating well.

Korean food is good...if you like spicy but I like to delve into int'l cuisine at any given opportunity as you will see below.

Tonight was Japanese, I have honed my phone ordering skills in Korean...a MUST have if you want to enjoy a better quality of life.

I've often stated that you are coming into your own if you are able to successfully have food delivered to your door in the country's native language that you order in.

Doesnt help the waistline but definitely strokes the ego.

I am super happy to have my buddies Mike and Shawna Lee back here for another year stint in Korea as well as my friends I taught with last year from Ontario, Glen and Claire, a very easygoing and good to hang around couple.

The latter and I enjoyed a nice day at the beach now that the hundreds of thousands of Koreans have decided that beach season is done. In fact it has just begun for me as I dont enjoy sharing a beach where you cant lay out a towel and not be within reaching distance of someone.

And.....it gets better...after a month relaxing in Thailand and coming back and working for a month to get a quick 5 day vacay...I have ANOTHER vacation coming up next week...Korean Thanksgiving..Chuseok...where the locals get together and remember the family members who have passed onto the next world...and ask them for guidance and pray for their well-being...kinda nice really.

So...will undoubtedly have some pics to post from the welcomed upcoming sejour.....

until then, be well.

Glen and Claire enjoying the rough waves of Haeundae beach on a temperate Saturday afternoon.

Fun in the sun.

One of my favorite things about Korea...a delicious order of sushi, with sides of salad, soup and pickled radish, onions and chili peppers, presented in quaint lacquerware, served to your door in a fancy red bag...all for the low low price of 10 bucks! And no need for cleanup...simply leave your dishes in the bag outside next to your door and they will come and pick it up...how great is that?!

See ya!!

After another extended hiatus....I'm back!

Spent an amazing month in Phuket getting to know the locals and having some traditional Thai massages...all above board mind you.

I have recently signed on for one more year teaching English here in Korea...and after having taught for a month at the new school...already feel like its a closer fit for me.

Let me show you some of the pictures I snapped in Thailand....unfortunately I left my charger in Korea so I wasnt able to take as many pictures as I would have liked.

Nonetheless, I am all ramped up again and ready to do another year here... accomodations being much superior to what was offered last year. I might like to finish out the year with taking in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. I want to wish my sister and her husband of 11 years, Ken, a belated anniversary congratulatory offering. After recently viewing my sister's most recent blog...I still maintain that she was one of the most beautiful brides I'd have ever seen.

Still lookin good sis....

So now that I'm back online...I am excited to show you some of the future exploits that will be occurring in the next calendar year...it sould make for a very interesting year....

Sorry for the delay and please keep tuned....as year number 2 unfolds itself her in the land of the morning calm....

Below, you will see some of the shots I was able to take in Southern Thailand...I feel everyone should visit there once if possible...stunning landscapes and hospitable locals...if you dont mind the occassional offer for a massage, a suit, or a taxi...

Enjoy!!

Stunning aeriel view of Kata beach.

Panorama of the island.

Timer shot as I'm ready to hop back on the motorbike to continue down the coast.

Elephant Crossing!!!

Reggae bar posse! Sabotage yeah!!!

Thai reggae DJ.....Much respect...

Charlie from Australia and his wife from Russia.

Little Gleib, Charlie's boy ....and such a friendly and outgoing child.

Will see you all again before too long.....Peace and love...

Tref