Now it’s about time for an update on the status of our lives. The last real post we wrote when our house in Sydney was packed, and it is not because nothing happened since then.
After our furniture had been packed, we went over to our lovely neighbors, Alison and Chris, where we were invited to dinner. It was the perfect way to leave Lane Cove. This place will definitely have a place in our hearts always.
We moved into the hotel in Darling Harbour, where we lived for the last six days in Sydney. Simon and Emil were busy saying goodbye to their friends and girlfriends. William, Marcus and us oldies had some time to just walk around and enjoy the city in the fantastic weather we were blessed with.
From Sydney we went home to Denmark. We were allowed to stay in Rikke’s parents’ garage, where they had erected their tent wagon. It was a brilliant way to live together and still have privacy. We enjoyed to be able to be with family and friends, and were treated incredibly well.
After 10 days in Denmark Kent left to South Korea, while the rest of the family was in Denmark. Normally we would have wanted to do these things together, but this time we decided that there were other things that more important. In addition July was the rainy season so it was not the most exciting season to arrive. It worked beyond all expectations, Rikke and the kids had more time to be with family and friends from Denmark, and Kent had time to familiarize himself with the new job.
Three weeks later Rikke and children arrived. The first weekend we lived near the shipyard on Geoje. We did go for a walk around the neighborhood Saturday, and a long drive around the island on Sunday.
Monday included a visit to the immigration office, bank and defensive driving course before in the afternoon we moved to Busan. Busan is the second largest city in South Korea, with approx. 3.5 million inhabitants. The journey from Geoje was spectacular. A large combined bridge and tunnel links Geoje to Busan over numerous small uninhabited islets.
We moved into the Westin Chosun Hotel shortly before the Korean peak season started. It was a great place at the side of Haeundae Beach. On the first full day in Busan, we went on an arranged tour to get to know the area. Among other things we visited, a car dealer, a school, a church, two shopping centers, a sports center and the subway. The trip itself was good, but it was a weird experience as we were picked up in two limos. In one way or another, it’s just not us, but we tried to just relax in it.
The next day, Wednesday, it was time to look at the apartments. We had been told in advance that it was not easy to find an apartment where the children could have their own room, and that there was no apartments in the area with balcony. It was already decided which area we could live in, as there would be a shuttle bus to Kent’s work. Great was our surprise when the first apartment we looked at was a penthouse apartment with a large balcony and 5 bedrooms. We looked at two other apartments, but the first was absolutely superb, so we signed up immediately.
We still had a bit more than two weeks at the hotel. We explored a good selection of restaurants in the area and Rikke and the children enjoyed the beach. The only drawback was that because it was peak season an extra one million (700,000) Koreans migrated temporarily to the area. It made it hard sometimes to get around, not only by car but also on the sidewalk.
Already on the first Sunday in Busan we tried to go to church. It was a different but good experience, and Simon and Emil quickly found a bunch of friends there. Although it is an English-language international church, most attendants are still Koreans. It gives a good feeling of being part of the local church.
One Saturday we drove north to Po-hang. It was a wonderful trip, and especially the beaches along the east coast was impressive. However, we had a hard time getting used to the heavy traffic, which really tested our patience when we were trying to get through even smaller towns. Perhaps we have just been too well accustomed from Australia.
Friday, August 10, we moved into our apartment. We ended up just walking here from the hotel, it took approx. 5 minutes. The movers were, in Korean style, efficient and punctual and extremely courteous.

It was a new experience for us to try to live in an apartment, but actually it is a very good feeling. As always, it takes some time for a place feel like home, but relatively quickly things got their place here, and daily we enjoy the stunning location with views of the ocean, city, beach and rocky islands. On a clear day we can actually see Japan.
All the children started at the International School BIFS in the middle of August. It seems to be a good and serious school, and the children have already found a bunch of mates there too. Especially Simon and Emil is now difficult to keep at home, which in essence is positive.
4th September was Marcus’ birthday. It was a nice day, and we have published a photo album from the day.
Today, both Kent and the kids were home, as the tropical typhoon “Sanba” hit South Korea. It was the third typhoon while we have lived here in Busan, and the hitherto strongest. We were asked to put tape on the windows to keep the doors in the apartment closed and stay away from the large windows. Once again we were not hit too hard, and the wind has now died down, so we expect that the school is open again tomorrow.
Next weekend, we are at church camp from Friday to Saturday, and Simon going to Seoul with his Cross Country running team. We all looking very much forward to it and hope that it will be a good experience for us