A Merry Eastern Christmas

We weren't quite sure how Christmassy the festive season would feel this year given our current home, however, we have managed to have a wonderful time and will definitely remember this Christmas as a unique one.

We began instigating a little Christmas cheer with some card-making and games with the kids at work, which culminated in the annual Christmas Market Day (kinda like a fete) on Friday. We ran the "Christmas Fun House", which was a games extravaganza with pin the nose on Rudolph, bowling, guess the number of candies in the jar and a lucky dip. We had about 70 kids come through the room in an hour and a half, which was thoroughly exhausting, but heaps of fun.

On Saturday we met up with some of our co-workers for a pre-chrissy pizza lunch. Trent was once again outnumbered by the girls- a fact I'm sure he has no complaints about. We are sad to be saying goodbye to our two English co-teachers (Annette and Christine "1") who have been a huge help to us and great friends for the past 8 months. Jeena and Christine "2" are their replacements. Jeena spent the last year studying at Sydney Uni and we have already exchanged some Aussie stories, which always make us feel closer to home.

(From left) Min-Ju, Christine 2, Jeena, Christine 1, Me, Trent & Annette

We spent Christmas Eve strolling down the banks of Jungnang Cheon, which is a small tributary flowing into the Han River. We made it about 8km before the 5pm chill set in and we headed home for some dinner and warmth.

A fisherman hoping for a bite on Jungnang Cheon, reflections of skyscrapers at his feet

For Christmas day lunch we booked ourselves into the Top Cloud restaurant, which is on the 33rd floor of one of Seoul's prominent buildings- Jongro Tower. We were fortunate to be given a fantastic table at the window with an unobstructed 180 degree view of Seoul's palaces, mountains and sprawling metropolis. It was a great alternative way to spend Chrissy lunch and after 4 courses and a few wines we were extremely content.

Christmas cheers from Trent...

... and I!

And a view of our view through my wine glass

After lunch we went for a stroll around the Gyeongbok palace area. We stumbled across a beautiful Buddhist temple that we had not yet seen and ended up checking out the Blue House- home to Korean President Roh Moo Hyun.

Prayer lanterns at Jogyesa Temple

The Eastern Gate of Gyeongbokgung in afternoon winter light

The presidential Blue House - I wonder what the big wig has for Chrissy lunch?