I tend to forget (and take for granted) the revolution of communication caused by technology.  Since arriving in Korea, part of our 'job' here, as well as my ability to take this trip, has been to observe how Koreans use technology.  Our first day comprised of a social and cultural tour of several typical retail venues to see how technology is utilized in all aspect of life.  I can't begin to express how pervasive the use of mobile technology is in all aspect of every strata of Korean life.  From the youngest users (phones shaped like kitty-cats with only 4 buttons to 'speed-dial' pre-set numbers) to elderly patrons chatting away while on the subway, I don't think there is anyone not connected to the cell network in one way or another. 

In fact, I am sitting here using the LAN connection (which is quite speedy) to communicate to fellow grad students and collaborate virtually with my new class that starts while I am half way around the globe.  I am lucky to have a grad program that is almost entirely virtual, enabling me to combine work and pleasure, something that technology would not allow just a few years ago. 

Not only does our hotel have a LAN, but provides a fairly new laptop with each room, for those of use that didn't want to bring a laptop.  Since both Reeves and I needed ours along, this was not of much use, but it was nice to know it is there if needed. 

In observing the Korean people, it seems everyone is communication with someone all the time - either by voice or text messaging.  MSN Internet terminals are even in McDonald's here!

We really are 'one small world' after all!

Less than 48 hours till we leave for Korea and only a week since we knew we were going!  Reeves has business in Seoul and I am lucky enough to accompany him to this new destination.  I love to travel and jump at every chance, but I have to say this is the first trip for which I have been anxious.  I am not concerned for any security reasons, heck we were on a plane less than 3 months after 9/11 to NYC, but what concerns me is the language barrier.  I am not good on picking up non-romance language dialects and since Seoul is not exactly a Western tourism destination, I am not counting on many people outside of the major hotels/retail chains on speaking English.  I will also be on my own for the first week as Reeves has a taxing work schedule.  I will need to rely on my own skills and hopefully a good phrase book to navigate a new city and culture.  It should be an interesting adventure! 

After two weeks of barely seeing my ‘hunny-moose’ (yes, this is an inside joke) we were able to spend a wonderful weekend together! 

Over the past two weeks I was doing school for what seemed like 24/7 and Reeves went to Colorado for a mini family reunion (including a very busy work schedule) so our together time consisted mostly of a kiss good morning and a kiss good night. 

On Saturday we slept in, what Joy! -then a lovely lunch at Santana Row and a bit of window shopping, followed by a fabulous guilty pleasure of an afternoon nap on the couch. (our couch is long with a chaise on one end so it is big enough to fit both of us comfortably, which is wonderful!) We then met our friends Mike and Bunny for dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Vin Santo, in Downtown Willow Glen.  The four of us completed the evening by seeing the Bourne Supremacy. (it was a fun an action-packed flick and who can complain about watching Matt Damon for 2 hours!!)   

Today we were able to sleep in again and decided to take a drive in the convertible since the weather was beautiful.  We took the vette out and dove up Skyline Boulevard to Alice’s restaurant for great burgers and a fun parade of pretty motorcycles. (I am sure these manly-men would love to know their metal manhoods are referred to as pretty :) We took the road down to the PCH and up to the quaint Half Moon Bay downtown where we walked around a bit having fun looking at antiques and curiosities.   After an evening of dueling computers (Reeves doing work and I organized my homework for the next 4 months) in front of the TV we are about to happily snuggle into our cozy bed. 

Happy times!!