Soju Family

When Zach and I arrived in Busan, we went through orientation with seven other people.  With nine people total, we were able to have a great bonding experience and become close friends.  During orientation, we would come together at night and have drinks.  Soju, the alcoholic beverage that Korea is known for, was always the common denominator for these get-togethers.  A bottle or two (or three or more) was always passed around.  From that moment on, we began to refer to our group as Soju 2012/2013.  We even created a private Facebook page for us to share thoughts, complaints, joys, sorrows, etc. that we don't want to bother everyone else with.  Sorry, only the elite nine can be a member of our Facebook group.

Members of Soju 2012/2013 (minus me)

We started the summer really strong and did almost everything together.  The only friends we had were each other.  Once school started, we started meeting people outside of our group.  Though we still have plans to do something together every weekend, not all of us are together at every event.  Because of that, we came up with the idea to have a weekly Soju Family dinner.  Since we all live in different areas of Busan, we take turns "hosting" Soju Family dinner.  It's a really great way to get together.  I mean, we all have to eat, right?!

It's really great to be able to have eight other people experiencing the same things you are and to be able to identify with them.  Sure, there are hundreds of other foreigners in this city, but these eight other people are now a part of my family.  Five of them are going to spend Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) together bike riding through Japan.  We have already made tentative plans to spend American Thanksgiving together (6 from the U.S., 2 from Canada, 1 from England).  And of course, we plan to get together for everyone's birthday.  We have a birthday every month except for February, March, and July.

This weekend, the first Soju Family member celebrated her 25th birthday.  It was great to be able to come together as a family and invite new friends to help celebrate Morgan's birthday.

Everyone (minus Stephen) 

The whole Soju Family (plus some friends)

I am so thankful to be able to spend a year with such a great group of people!  My time in Korea would be great without them.  But with them, my time is awesome!!

BTW: 7 days until my sister arrives!!!!!!!