Birthday Celebrations Korean Style

The Hogan's came to Korea for a couple days to visit Kelly before they escaped the frigid country to spend the rest of the holiday season on the tropical island of Boracay in the Philippines.  I was able to get my birthday off of work so I spent the day showing them around Seoul.  It was great to have some friends in town from Colorado.  It made it seem a little more like home.  Here are some highlights from December 23.









Sean made me a birthday flower with a hidden birthday card inside.

Then I was showered with gifts from my mom and the Hogans - natural peanut butter, magazines, spices, gingerbread mix, Kashi cereal, and granola just to name a few.  Thank you thank you!!














The hotel gave me a birthday chocolate muffin, candle and all.











The Marriott hotel was beautifully decorated with lights, Christmas trees, and giant gingerbread houses.  It satisfied my Christmas spirit, but leaving the festive atmosphere, the giant marble bathroom, and the spacious room for my little apartment was depressing to say the least.  But atleast I got a little mini vacation for a couple days!







On the subway ride back from dinner with Kelly's Korean co-teachers, I was a little nervous that this is what my birthday celebration would look like.

       

But after the bartender brought us 4 free tequila shots taken without salt and chased with a lemon instead of a lime, our spirits and energy had improved and only shenanigans could follow...

...including a unique version of "White Christmas" sung by the one and only Kelly Hogan, which was hilariously interrupted by a brief Irish jig she felt inspired to do.

Needless to say, my birthday was one I'll never forget.  Thank you to the Hogan's for spending the day with me.  Also a big thank you to my friends and family who sent me cards and birthday packages.  I was deeply touched by your thoughtfulness and generosity.  It meant so much to me to know that I haven't been forgotten about!