It's been 17 days!

I can't even begin to process the fact that I've been in South Korea for 17 days. It just doesn't seem possible.

Last night, the last day in August, was an amazing night, I had an orientation from at 2-5(ish) at the YMCA. Yes, they have YMCA's here. It's quite strange. Anyways, after that the exchangers all wanted to hang out and grab something to eat so we walked around the district and found some restaurants. None of us could really agree on what we wanted, but my friend Casey and I both really wanted to eat at a Korean restaurant right by where we were, so we split off from everyone else and went to eat there. We ordered dumplings, and if I d say so myself, they were absolutely delicious. Casey and I also did a pretty good job of finishing off all of the little dipping sauces and sides that came with it, and all in all, for the equivalent of 4 US dollars, I think we ate pretty well.

After we left, we discovered the rest of the group had gotten onto the subway and were now at this huge subway transfer station. We started to make our way there, but on the way we took a shortcut through a really cool little street market with live fish and lots of fresh fruit and grains all on display. I realized in the middle of this giant, bustling city how quiet it was in this little street market, and it was strange not to hear any car or mechanical noises seeping from the surrounding areas. We walked through the market, and it spit us out almost directly on top of a subway station. Casey and I boarded what would have to be the most cramped subway car I have experienced to date, and headed to the transfer station, where we could not find anyone. We decided to go above ground, and after a few shopping detours ( I got a new purse! ) we finally made our way up. we stopped and ate street food, and even met someone who had been an exchange student in Canada! He was really nice, and he knew right where our friends were eating (a fast food restaurant with basically American food, soooo adventurous) when we explained what they had said, and was nice enough to lead us there, while telling us about his experience in Canada and his trips to the Eastern part of the US.

In the end, we were reunited with the others and after a long, really fun day, made it home safely.

I think it was a pretty amazing way to say goodbye to August and welcome September in! I can't wait for more adventures like last night, and I know there won't be a lack of them this year. Oh, and some of those adventures will be in China! Yes, I get to go to China this year as an extra trip! I'm really excited and I don't know when exactly, or where exactly, I just know I get to go! Which is the best news of all!

I hope everything worldwide and stateside is as fantastic as it is here!