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SEOLLAL IN SEOUL

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My one year anniversary since moving to Busan, South Korea is less than a week away. HOLY SMOKES! Fellow English teachers have started to pack their bags and will be traveling South East Asia or going back to their home countries doing, whatever adults do to progress their lives nowadays. I will be living and teaching in SoKo for one more year and looking forward to new adventures, collecting more passport stamps, and meeting friends the universe will put into my life next.

Even though there will be a handful of changes happening in the next few days, some things will be staying the same. I’ll be living in the same apartment, teaching at the same school, and continually getting lost while navigating the city streets but making the best of it by finding a pretty place to sit down and take a picture.img_3717

On January 28th, my cousin Melissa and I traveled to Seoul for Seollal, otherwise known as Lunar New Year. The best part of the weekend was our visit to Gyeongbokgung where we took an audio tour around the palace, which I highly recommend doing and it’s only ₩3,000. I went to the palace back in October during Chuseok but this time around there were traditional song and dance performances and cultural activities for kids too.

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If you ever shop in South Korea, especially Seoul, you’ll love the handful of freebies you’ll get with every beauty purchase. I only bought a Lip Treatment from The Face Shop and they threw in samples of essences, lotions, and a sheet mask. #bless

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On a whim I dyed my hair ash purple for a week. It’s back to brunette now, but I do highly recommend the EZN Pudding Hair Color in Ash Purple if you want to give it a go. I got it at Olive Young for around ₩14,000. My hair was already bleach blonde so that helped with the final results of the dye job.

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I took the below photo when I was taking a morning stroll in the Bu. I loved the colours of the white high-rises and blue sky together. Most Koreans live in an apartment because the entire country, which is approximately the size of Indiana, HAS to build itself up since 50 million people live on 30% of the land, 70% of it being taken up by mountain.

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Watch Melissa and I explore Seoul in my vlog below, including taking pictures with K-pop stars and going to a dog cafe in Hongdae. Typical. Where’s your favourite spot to hang out in Seoul? Let me know in the comments below, or tweet me @Jessica_Moy!

THAILAND (CHIANG MAI) PART 2 FT. GRAND CANYON

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Hello friends! Happy weekend!

You have clicked on this blog post because you want to know more about the adventures Chiang Mai has to offer. Have you read part 1 yet? Don’t miss out on elephants and lady boys. Catch up by clicking HERE!

With the Elephant Nature Park officially behind me (but forever in my heart), the next morning Melissa and I put on our runners to prepare for our hike through Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. The main attraction here is Doi Suthep Temple, which we didn’t explore because our focus was finding a glorious waterfall. We took a red car (taxi you can flag down and bargain a set price) and was dropped off in front of the hiking trail to Mon Tha Than Waterfall. We walked (re: danced) 3km to find the falls. You can imagine the excitement when we arrived and realized we had the hot spot allllllll to ourselves. Shoes were taken off and we jumped right in the shallow, cool water immediately.

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After our private waterfall sesh, we made our way back to the Old City to chow down on (in Melissa’s opinion) the BEST food we ate in Chaing Mai. Beside our Airbnb was a restaurant called Green Tiger House, located at the north wall. I ordered tomato fried rice and Melissa had massaman curry. It was a light snack before we made our way to the south wall to enjoy cheap eats at the night market.

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The next morning we ventured off to the Grand Canyon Chiang Mai. We were told by our Uber driver that there were a couple Grand Canyon attractions you could explore. We went to the one that wasn’t the water park. They’re beside each other so if you accidentally go to one, the other is a five minute walk away.

Upon arrival there was a ฿50 entrance fee, which is essentially $1 and were given a life jacket that you had to wear if you wanted to swim in the canyon. This specific destination is a popular cliff diving spot if you’re feeling like a dare devil. Or, you could play it safe and swim out to wooden pods to lay down and soak up the sun. We did the latter because nothing about jumping into deep open water seemed like a good idea to Melissa and I, who are not strong swimmers.

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The next morning I went for a solo walk around the Old City and stumbled upon Wat Ratchamontian, otherwise known as the dragon temple. The detail and colours were breathtaking. You could honestly spend an entire day walking around the Old City and basking in the glory that are the ancient temples.

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While on my walk, I caught these smiling kiddies before their bike ride around the city. Thai children are SEWWW CYUUTTTTEEE!

img_3623Thailand is notorious for cheap eats. You can dine like a king for less than $5. A giant bowl of pork and noodles at a night market can be less than $1 and smoothies less than 50¢. Melissa and I browsed through every market we could including an outdoor one during the day and bought fresh watermelon and corn, which we got for $2, total.

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It was certainly a wild week in Chiang Mai. From drag shows, elephant treks, mountain hikes, waterfall showers, canyon dipping, smoothie sippin’, and everything in-between. I want to send a special shout out to Melissa, who pet every dog on the street with me and not afraid to put on a dance performance in public. We had so much fun exploring a new city together and there was no one I’d rather share this experience with than my favourite cousin. #MIDDLECHILDRENPREVAIL

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Check out the second half of my Chiang Mai, Thailand vlogs! We eat our way through the Saturday Night Market and light candles on the street with hundreds of others in remembrance of the beloved king of Thailand. It was magical.

JANUARY FAVOURITES 2017

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My hair is officially purple.

It was a spontaneous decision that happened last week when my cousin Melissa asked, “can I dye your hair a funky colour?” No convincing was needed. #yolo

See my hair and all its glory in my latest video on Get Up & Go Girl where I round up my beauty (skincare, skincare, skincare), fashion, travel, music, and movie favs from the month of January.

THAILAND (CHIANG MAI) PART 1 FT. ELEPHANT NATURE PARK

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Winter break is over and in the words of my students, “VACATION WAS TOO SHORT!” Even though it’s back to the grind I’m excited to relive my Thai adventures with you all. I already miss the beautiful weather (legit, so perfect), elephant cuddles, lady boys, and delicious street food galore. Sigh. Alright, let’s begin.

On January 15, 2017 I made my way to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where I had an overnight layover before I made my way to Chiang Mai, Thailand. I went to Malaysia last summer for a few hours (a result of another layover) and totally forgot that NO ONE TAKES CREDIT CARD – restaurants, taxi drivers, convenience stores. Nobody. When I got to my Airbnb (KLIA 6ixth Sense) the host was kind enough to pick me up from the airport and even traded American dollars for Malaysian ringgit so I could eat dinner. Bless him.

When I was dropped off I felt a little uncomfortable walking around the area where I stayed (men kept staring and it was getting dark) so I didn’t explore too much. I ate dinner at a nearby restaurant, took a long hot shower to get the airplane stench off of me, and pampered myself with a sheet mask. When you take the girl out of Korea her essences, ampoules, and creams go with her.

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Travel skincare essentials:

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When I arrived in Chiang Mai the next morning, I met up with my cousin Melissa whom I haven’t seen in a year! When we reunited at Chiang Mai International Airport there were tears, hugs, and a giant bag of Ruffles All Dressed Chips in her hand (all the way from Canada, JUST FOR ME!).

After grabbing a quick brunch we made our way to Wat Suan Dok, one of the 300 Buddhist temples in the city. It was built by King Keu Na of Lanna in the 14th century and lays just west of the Old City walls. The eye-catching white stones in front of the temple were beautiful and I later learned that within them are the cremated remains of the rulers of Chiang Mai.

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Walking for hours on day one certainly worked up an appetite. I looked forward to my first proper meal in Chiang Mai since Thai food has always been one of my favourite cuisines. A dish I highly recommend is Kao Soi, a scrumptious curry noodle. I first ordered it at a restaurant called See You Soon, a wonderful place to relax, eat, and sip on a strawberry kiwi smoothie. You must go here if you’re within the Old City walls, especially if you’re vegetarian since they’ll cater to any dietary restrictions.

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If you’re wondering why I chose Chaing Mai as my vacation spot of choice this winter, it’s because of these giant, majestic creatures.

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I stayed overnight at the Elephant Nature Park and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. The park is a sanctuary that rescues elephants from the world of entertainment and loggers. FYI: NEVER RIDE AN ELEPHANT! Elephants are meant to be respected and observed, not to entertain us. Most of the elephants rescued were previously abused, chained, and starved from those who kept them as circus or riding animals. It is a sad reality and it was hard to face the truth, but it’s good knowing these elephants are safe and happy in their new home. Despite their adversities the elephants at the park are gentle, kind, and get along with the other animals who live there too such as the 400 rescue dogs (INCLUDING PUPPIES!) and cats.

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I paid $164 USD for the experience, which included a night in a quaint wooden cabin on the property, breakfast, two lunches, and a dinner (buffet style vegan meals), a tour of the park, a chance to make a meal for an elephant, feed them, wash them in the river, and hike alongside them with a small group.

The park follows the routine of the elephants. The gentle giants are never forced to do anything they don’t want to do that day. It was such a beautiful experience and I hope to go back.

Of course I vlogged my entire adventure. I didn’t even get into detail about Melissa and I attending THE LADY BOY CABARET. It. Was. Everything. You’ll see why we loved it in the vlog below.

RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR IN BUSAN

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HAPPY 2017 MY BEATIFUL READERS!

A new year brings new resolutions.. except, I don’t start resolutions that commence exactly on January 1 because instant change is the WORST! Some people can start fresh in the new year and cut off junk food or go to the gym without missing a day. If this is you I say both congratulations, and you suck.

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While adapting quickly to new projects or resolutions can be exciting, it stresses me the eff out.

Recently, a change I’ve been struggling with is the ability to wake up earlier. I’m the person to hit the snooze button at least three times, which leads me to wake up five minutes before I have to be at work, and roll to my desk like a hot morning mess.

This needed to change.

One morning I felt ambitious and woke up at 6AM thinking I can do the 900 things I want to accomplish before 8AM such as yoga, writing, reading, and making a well-balanced breakfast. HA HA. I ended up failing and hating myself (story of my life, TBH).

Instead, I approached it differently.

I eased into it and started with simply waking up earlier. Didn’t mean I had to get out of bed, I just laid there with my eyes open, maybe had a little stretch. After a few days, I actually got up with my alarm to have enough time to brush my hair (you can always tell the type of morning I had from the state of my mane) and throw together a good breakfast. I’m slow and sluggish, but awake nonetheless.

Speaking of breakfast, I had this deliciousness at Caffe Primo in Gwangalli last week. Gimmie all da hash browns and avocados plz.

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After a month of rolling myself out of bed earlier and earlier, it’s getting easier to leave my house with my tummy full, hair not looking like a bird’s nest, and bed made before 8AM (ehhhh bed made sometimes, I’m not a perfect human).

The point is, change takes time for you to be comfortable with it.

If you have a new years resolution such as losing weight, becoming vegan, or spending less time on your phone, don’t be too hard on yourself. Start small.

The other change I am going through is taking better care of my skin. I’ve been drinking lots of water and recently been using the Real Fresh Cleansing Stick with Green Tea from Neogen, which I bought for ₩18,000 at Olive Young. Neogen teamed up with Korean beauty expert and co-founder of SoKo Glam, Charlotte Cho and I am in LOOOVE with their cleanser.

Benefits of green tea:

  • Reduces inflammation (goodbye redness!).
  • Fights signs of aging.
  • Gets rid of acne-causing bacteria.

This is great for anyone who travels since this oil cleanser is a stick, not a liquid!

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As I try to figure out how to change in the new year, I want to rewind a bit and appreciate the past year.

In 2016…

Damn. A lot happens in a year, huh?

I’m looking forward to another year in South Korea, even though there may be a lot MORE changes happening soon (NOOOOOOOO-AHHHHH!) such as, I might be moving (WAH!). I’ll get into that next month.

Life is unpredictable and change happens whether we like it or not.

The crazy little thing about change is that while it’s scary, it’s necessary for growth. Change can be hurdled at us at 100 mph and you can either let it smack you in the face and knock you down, or you can catch it and embrace where it pulls you.

It’s not about the change itself but what you do with it that makes us stronger.

Enough cliches and cheesy talk.

Want to know what I did to ring in 2017? I mean, it’s the reason why you clicked on this post in the first place before I went on my tangent. Heh heh. Check out my latest vlog below!

I WON TWO AWARDS!

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Exciting news! The results came in for the EPIK video contests I entered last month. I won the Gold Prize for MY EPIK LIFE and Silver Prize for my CO-TEACHING IN SOUTH KOREA. As I said on Instagram, creating videos is a hobby and I quickly turned it into a passion project with these contests. Producing and editing these videos was a blast and I’m humbled to be recognized (let alone awarded!) for something I do just for fun.

The day after we found out the results, Nancy and I brought in rice cake desserts for the staff because in Korea, it’s tradition to share some of the wealth. Everyone was supportive and congratulated us to the best of their English abilities. I’m seriously so lucky to be a part of such an awesome community, especially one that consists of a majority of intelligent, strong and talented girls/women.

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WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO?

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Hello friends, how are ya today?

It’s exam time at school so students are studying and taking tests while I sit at my desk for the majority of the day, trying to think of Winter Camp activities. The theme for camp is: What Do You Want To Do? It will focus on exploring careers and highlighting their various interests. While planning camp I created a simple personality test for students to give them an idea of what career could best suit them. I decided to take the test myself and this was my result: INFJ.

Take a similar “Personality Test” by clicking HERE!

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What is an INFJ? According to the test, I’m an advocate (I know right, like.. WHAT?!). A person who sets goals and capable of making a lasting positive impact. Other INFJ’s include Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, and Nelson Mandela.

When I first saw the result, I felt entirely confused because I am no Mother Teresa. However, the more I read into it the more the personality trait made sense.

Strengths: Creative, insightful, determined, passionate.
Weaknesses: Sensitive, perfectionist, can burn out easily.

I dislike that sensitivity is a weakness but I am vulnerable to criticism so I get it but still.. BEING SENSITIVE CAN BE A GOOD THING! Right? Maybe not. I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve bawled on my way home from work from my last job but you haven’t lived until you sniffle for an hour on a packed train filled with people who don’t know whether they should console or leave you alone. Ah, good times.

Anyway, I think about what I want to do as a career ALL THE DAMN TIME but I found a bit of clarity from the personality test. INFJ’s pursue careers where they can express themselves such as writing, design, and art. ALL THINGS THAT I LOVE! In my career I do want to be able to be insightful, to learn and grow, and somehow make a difference.

I have another year as a middle school teacher in South Korea, and then it will be time to delve into a long-term career back in Canada (or, elsewhere). What exactly will that career be? I’m open to options. As long as I can write, be creative, help others, travel, and work alongside supportive co-workers who enjoy sharing a good desk snack.

I would still LOVE to be an editor since that’s been the dream for YEARS or work for social enterprises such as Me to We or The Malala Fund as a writer, social media coordinator, producer, or work alongside a girl advocates program. All great options.

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These are my thoughts for the day. I should get back to shoving handfuls of unsalted almonds in my mouth as I plan Winter Camp and other future endeavours. Maybe I’ll take a Buzzfeed quiz because, I’ve always wanted to know what kind of pizza slice I am.

Take the “What Kind Of Pizza Slice Are You” test by clicking HERE!

If you were wondering I got The Gigundo Slice – “you have a huge appetite for adventure and are known to your friends as being the most ambitious. What crazy thing will you get into next, slice? Only you and your crust know for sure.”

Perfect.

EPIK TEACHER: WHAT TO WEAR TO WORK

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I get asked a lot about EPIK teacher dress code, and the first thing I can tell you is that it’s pretty casual. Business casual, I should say. If you’re planning on teaching in South Korea I have chosen 5 key pieces for both men and women to help inspire your next #OOTD for the classroom.

Let’s get started!

WOMEN

1. Back to basic

A basic tee is a must since bare shoulders and cleavage are a no-no. Tuck the tee into dress pants, skirts, or if you have a teacher dinner after school, simply throw on a statement necklace for added dazzle. Crewneck Tee, $25, Gap.

2. Bundle for warmth

Most Korean schools have heating for chilly winter days but some, do not. Sometimes it’s colder in the classroom than it is outside (!!). Keep a blanket scarf over your chair at all times because you’ll never know when you’ll need it. Textured Scarf, ₩49,000, Mango.

3. Culottes are the coolest

During warm summer months, skirts and shorts must be an appropriate length (around your knee). If you’re moving around the classroom all day, I find culottes are the comfortable option. They’re breezy, you don’t have to worry about showing too much, and TBH it feels like you’re wearing sweatpants. Pinstripe Trousers, ₩59,000, Zara.

4. No bare shoulders, no problem

If you have a cute tank top or sleeveless dress you want to wear in the spring, a neutral shaded cardigan layered overtop is your stylish solution. Cardigan, ₩22,000, H&M.

5. Sleek slip-ons

You must wear indoor shoes at all Korean schools, preferably a pair with no backing (exposed heel). Go for a basic shade of black or grey since it will go with any outfit and triple check that they’re comfortable since you’ll be wearing them every single day. Vellashoes, ₩22,000, Gmarket.

MEN 

1. Fancy and functional 

From my understanding, men are not allowed to wear shorts to school. For the summer months, you’ll want add breathable trousers to your wardrobe. Dry Stretch Pants, ₩49,900, Uniqlo.

2. The staple shirt

Button-down collared shirts are a teacher must-have. Wear on its own or underneath sweaters for a preppy fake-it-till-you-make-it type look. Linen Blend Shirt, $35, H&M.

3. Athletic slip-ons

The shoes you wear inside the school don’t have to be fancy. Athletic slip-ons are perfectly acceptable. You can find cheap slip-ons anywhere in SoKo but if you have bigger feet, I’d purchase a pair before you come here since larger shoe sizes are hard to find. Duramo Slide, ₩25,000, adidas.

4. You’re not Justin Bieber, belt your pants

Enough said. Italian Leather Belt, ₩39,900, Uniqlo.

5. It’s like wearing a warm hug

Your classroom is likely to be chilly during the winer months so you’ll need a little somethin’ to keep you toasty while teaching. Cardigan, $49, H&M.

This post was created for EPIK e-Press.

SOJU CHALLENGE

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Soju is known for many things:

  • It’s the world’s best selling alcohol.
  • Pairs well with samgyupsal.
  • Tastes like watered-down vodka.
  • Has been around for thousands of years.
  • Recently launched flavours such as blueberry, grapefruit, and pomegranate.
  • Found EVERYWHERE in SoKo and priced around ₩2,000.
  • Responsible for keeping you up until sunrise.

My friend Melody and I got together and did the Soju Challenge! Let’s just say, secrets were revealed, my face turned red, and 1PM on a Saturday never felt so good. We also did the Spicy Noodle Challenge on Mel’s channel so be sure to check that out after you watch the hilariously obnoxious video below. 😉

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS GALORE

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It’s Sunday afternoon and I am sitting on my unmade bed, listening to Christmas carols. Currently blasting Holly Jolly Christmas by Michael Bublé wondering if neighbours have left a note outside to turn it down.

Just checked, NO NOTE! But there was a chicken menu magnetized to my door. *immediately throws in garbage* 

I cannot believe it is December! It’s going to be weird not seeing snow during the holiday season or having to worry about salt on my boots. I do plan on going skiing in SoKo sometime in February. I haven’t narrowed down which slopes I want to try, but will surely let you know when I do. In the meantime, I am counting down until my trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand. 42 more sleeps!

Last week I went to a delicious dessert cafe in Seomyeon called Molle. My friend Hayden and I ordered a chocolate berry cake and an earl grey apple latte. The decorations in the cafe were cozy and stylish – marble top tables, pillows on chairs, dainty decorations such as birdcages and bookends, etc. You should definitely check it out if you’re ever in the area. I especially appreciated their gold bauble Christmas trees.. wanted to steal one for myself, Grinch style.

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Molle got me into the festive spirit and I decided to purchase a Christmas tree for myself, as well as some LED lights for my apartment. The tree below I got at Daiso for ₩2,000 and sits on my nightstand. I can’t wait for Santa to put itty bitty presents underneath it on Christmas Day (diamonds, preferably).

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CO-TEACHING IN SOUTH KOREA

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Nancy teacher and I invite you to our English class! In the video below we discuss classroom management, how to get students to participate, lesson planning, the roles we both play, and fun activities (such as mask making!).

The lovely students featured are third years (grade 9) and the lesson is called, Amazing Ideas.

This post was created for EPIK e-Press.

WHY 30 IS NOT THE NEW 20

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Most 20-year-olds (myself included) commonly think to themselves, “I’ll start getting my life together when I turn 30.” Clinical PsychologistMeg Jay had something to say about that and her words slapped reality right across my face. Today I watched her TED talk and was captivated by the stories of her patients and spoke truthfully about why 30 is not the new 20. Here were three points she highlighted that all us 20-somethings need to hear:

1) Identity capital
Do something that adds value to who you are. Invest in yourself. Go ahead and volunteer, take that cross-country job, and start doing something that your 30-year-old self will thank you for later.

2) Utilize your weak ties
Weak ties = friends of friends of friends. Get to know people outside your inner circle because those people might have the opportunities you may be searching for. One conversation with someone outside your inner circle could get you that job, a great tour suggestion for your next vacation, or perhaps could set you up with your future hubby.

3)  Pick your family
Do not just make it work or kill time with people that are in your life right now. If you want them in your life, keep ’em. If you do not, leave ’em. It’s harsh advice but motivational speaker Jim Rohn even said, “we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with.” Spend time with quality people who inspire you, cheer for you, and are as ambitious and wonderful as you are.