Don't Drink the Water: Molly's Adventures Around the Globe: April 2013

In the wake of Monday's events in Boston, I've seen about a million and one articles pictures, and posts on nearly every media outlet and social networking site. Some are graphic, some are tragic, some are uplifting. Some focus on the negative, and some focus on the positive. Today, as I got home from work and settled in to mindlessly surf the internet before bed, I came across something that truly touched me. The pictures will speak far louder than any words I write could. Even if they only reach 5 people by my posting them, I want to spread the love as much as I can. Enjoy, and know that there is good in the world. Also, click the link after the pictures to read the story behind them. It's touching.

http://principlepictures.com/blog/2013/04/16/to-boston-from-kabul-with-love/

Also, my kids like to spread happiness and joy. So, here are a few pictures of some real, live princes and princesses (that's what I call them everyday, so just go along with it!)

These outfits are an everyday thing. See? Princesses!

Princess Ahrim

Prince Gyuyeong

Mom just informed me that it's 81 degrees at home today. Tomorrow will be 85. Today, people were posting on Facebook that it was snowing in downtown Seoul. NOT. OKAY. My body is used to flip-flops and jean shorts this time of year! MY FEET WANT FREEDOM. I'm supposed to be bragging to my friends that don't live in Delaware that I'm on the beach in April (or October/November). I am not enjoying wearing my winter jacket two weeks before my birthday. Not one bit!

Despite the lack of warm weather, I did make it to the beach over Easter weekend. I did not, however, celebrate Easter. There were no eggs, peeps, or jellybeans involved. Instead, I went to Busan to celebrate the Hindu festival of colors, Holi Hai. I had been itching to take a short weekend trip somewhere in Korea and a paint party on the beach sounded like a great idea. (58 degrees also sounded warm at the time). Holi Hai, like I said, is the festival of colors, during which participants,who are decked in white, throw paint powder (and sometimes actual paint) on each other. (for actual information on the Hindu festival, see wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holi)

After spending the night in a jimjilbang (public spa), we set off bright and early and arrived in Busan in the early afternoon. After a delicious lunch and FREE beer, we explored the town a bit. I got to see some cherry blossoms, but most importantly I got to walk on the beach and get my toes in the sand! We sat on the beach for a while, but it wasn't the same fully clothed--including my winter jacket as the day got cooler. We had a fun night out in the city which ended with some amateur fireworks on the beach, set off by yours truly and a few friends. I'm usually terrified of fire, but a few drinks gave me the courage to set of roman candles like a pro (sorry mom and dad!).

Sunday was the festival on the beach. We dressed in our (mostly) white clothes and set off. It was chilly, and I was not pleased, but I was excited for the festivities nonetheless. We got free beer and samosas which brightened my spirits. There was awesome Indian/electronic music playing and the atmosphere was buzzing with positive energy. They counted down, paint was thrown, beer and soju were consumed, fun was had, glorious pictures were taken. It lasted several hours, but my friend and I tapped out after about one. We washed up as best we could, sat on the beach with a sweet dog, and got some hot coffee (did I mention it was chilly?). The dog mentioned belonged to the owner of the group we went with called When In Korea. They were awesome, as was their dog. She was a little Papillon mix and was so friendly and well behaved. We were buddies.

All in all, it was an amazing weekend. We made some new friends, had some seriously good laughs, and made some great memories. It was a great way to "celebrate Easter", or more so ignore the fact that I couldn't be with my family at the Rudder's brunch buffet eating my weight in bacon and mac & cheese and consuming one too many mimosas.