Hello fall!

I suppose its that time already. Blog update! Time seems to travel at warp speed here, I lose track of the days/weeks easily. In any event, here's a short run-down of new things:

-Went to the Pusan International Film Festival (http://www.piff.org/) this weekend with three friends. It was amazing :P Pusan is in the far southeastern corner of Korea, by Japan (check out this: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/wofact2003/maps/ks-map.gif). I got to swim in the East China Sea and saw 6 films at the film festival. I doubt they will get wide releases, but if you have a chance to see either, I *highly* recommend Captain Abu Raed and Johnny Mad Dog . . .

-I'm growing my hair out. I presently resemble a Beatle . . . or Dorothy Hammill.

-I made what will hopefully be *final* decisions about this winter's travels- Trip 1: December 25th-January 4th . . . JAPAN! Likely Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, spending New Year's Eve in Tokyo. Trip 2: January 24th-February 2st . . . VIETNAM and LAOS! Likely flying into Hanoi, travelling overland to Vientiane, and flying out of Laos. That being said, I still don't have any tickets booked, so who knows . . .

-I joined a gym and beat a teenage boy in a weightlifting competition. Yay muscles!

-I had my first of three open classes last week. An open class is where the principal, board members, and other teachers come watch your class. Its kind of a big deal here . . . and according to my coteacher, I passed with flying colors. They love me!! I have another next week and another two weeks later. Easy, but wayyy too much paperwork (especially for people who can't read English!). Anywho . . .

-I've started writing for a travel blog/e-zone. Nothin' fancy, just travel articles and advice. Check it out at http://www.travmonkey.com/. My first article was published last week, and I should have another coming soon . . .

Well, that's certainly not all the new happenings, but it's all I have time for now . . .

Wait, before I forget. See new pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/83719566@N00/collections/

. . . and if I wasn't so technically-incompetent, you'd be able to see videos as well. Someday.

Till next time . . .

Much love,
Dana