Joel: I can't believe Simon managed to write his guest blog without mentioning his newly discovered skills both at norebang AND baseball. He walked around in something of daze on Sunday clearly unable to contemplate how he had lived to age of 27 without this self-knowledge. Or maybe it was the alcohol. I've never seen anyone given a 100 by the computerised norebang scorer before, nor have I witnessed the spectacular event of someone hitting two 10/10s in a batting range. Perhaps he's too modest to big-up his achievements. Anyway mate, no-one can take these wonderous feats away from you. And I'll always stand as your witness.

We had a fantastic week with Si and Rachel. We both had to work but I was given Friday off for the anniversary of my schools opening so it was nice to be able to spend it exploring some of Seoul's sights with the two of them. They struck gold in getting to see perhaps the best game I've seen at the World Cup Stadium so far last Wednesday. I've been aware of this Park Choo-Young character for a while but last season he was given little chance and often sat on the bench despite being hailed as the wonderkid of Korean football. Now though it looks like the new coach rates him and last week he played an absolute blinder. I'll put a link to match highlights up for anyone who's interested. Click on CUP and then on the TV by the 4-1 scoreline. And put your money on a move to a big European side for this boy next summer.

After the norebang on Saturday we somehow dragged ourselves up and out to “Seoulland” the theme park. I was feeling a little dicky and made a quite stupid move in letting Rakhi persuade me to board the pirate ship. I lost my voice shouting and had turned a shade of green by the end of the ride. It took me about an hour to recover enough to be excited about the prospect of the corkscrew and the double-looper. But excited we were! By half seven the crowds had dispersed and we were able to get on the double-looper twice in ten minutes. Quality.

I definitely damaged myself a bit at the weekend though. I had a bit of a sore throat and now I'm now trying to shake of a cold before Neal and Lyndsey arrive tomorrow. It's been thunder and lightening all day today - the worst weather we've witnessed here - so I really hope it calms down and their flight isn't delayed. I've got the morning off so I'll be up bright and early to get to the airport to meet them. We're hoping to head to Everland with them sometime, the only one of the three themeparks Rakhi and I haven't made it to and perhaps the biggest. There's also go-kart racing and a water park there so should be a good day out. Also, they're well up for a trip to the DMZ - the zone between the two Koreas where there are still troops standing off. If we can find the time, it could be a really interesting day trip. Strange, but interesting. Anyway, it's going to be top to have them here.

School's going ok. There are so many changes going on now and the plans for the changes seem to be changing everyday - I'm starting to feel a little glad we're leaving. Tomorrow afternoon I'm off on a trip with Seon-Yeong to chose a textbook for the new special class course. The students now have to pay for the classes so it has to be more of an organised thing than last year. Which is a bit of a shame. Both that they have to pay and that I'm no longer able to come up with lesson plans of my own that I think would be useful to teach. But then I'll only be teaching here for four more weeks so it's not a decision for me to make.

Right then, best get some sleep. I've got a half five start tomorrow.

Oh, and cousin Phil. Please let me know if the Spam reached you in one one piece.

Rakhi: I’m really glad that Si and Rach enjoyed their trip to Korea. It was lovely to see them both and although I burnt the candle at both ends, it was well worth it. I’m on the road to recovery now though and by the time Neal and Lyndsey arrive tomorrow my batteries will be recharged and I’ll be back to full power ready for the weekend!

Even though it was a fairly fleeting visit, we managed to do loads of things with Si and Rach. I too loved cycling along the Han River, the sky was clear blue and the sun shone brightly so it was the perfect day and way to see Seoul. We rode along the banks up to Seonyudo Park, back to Yeouido and refreshed ourselves at ‘Walking the Cloud’ bar on the 59th floor of The 63 Builidng. It was great to return up there, it definitely is one of the best bars in Seoul.

Last Friday night, we went to a funk night at Cargo which was brilliant even though it wasn’t very busy. Unfortunately, because of the super late night (or rather, early morning) we missed the traditional dance performance at Gyeongbokgung Palace on Saturday. All was not lost though, Sanchon in Insadong never fails to impress with its great traditional Korean drumming and dance performances and tasty food. Later, I think Sam aka ‘Norebang Queen’ (she’s a norebang veteran) felt slightly put out that the computer rated Si 100% for his performance of ‘YMCA!” This supreme achievement had been preceded by an excellent score at the batting range in Insadong prompting Si to confess it was the best day of his life. Nothing could keep him down!

Right now, it’s nearly 3 in the afternoon but you could be forgiven for thinking it’s 9pm. It’s gone really dark outside, rain is lashing down and it’s thundering and lightning. I hope it helps to clear the air and the weather improves by the time Neal and Lyndsey arrive. Next weekend there’s supposed to be a Cherry Blossom Festival near the Han River. I know cherry blossom trees are synonymous with Japan and can be seen on all sorts of Japanese arts and crafty things but they’re supposed to be beautiful (though not as numerous) here too. There are various regions across the country where they can be seen in all they’re splendour and luckily one is here. Neal and Lyndsey have said they’d like to go to the festival and I would too, I only hope the weather’s good by then.

Simon: Wow man, what a place Seoul is!! I knew it was huge too but the view from the bar at the top of the 63 building actually took my breath away. It looks more like sim city or something and after a while the number of buildings and particularly apartment blocks starts to hurt your head a bit. It's such a really interesting mix of a super modern city and an unique culture, tradition, cuisine and architecture that I'm sure there's nowhere quite like it and I'm absolutely made up that we visited. We did loads during our stay in Korea including cycling along the Han, a Warhol exhibition and rode a few roller-coasters, but my personal top three have to be seeing Park Joo-young's hat-trick in FC Seoul's 4-1 victory against local rivals Suwon, from a goal behind in the world cup stadium. Are you watching Stuart Pearce? Watching the traditional Korean performances and having an amazing meal at Sanchon in Insadong. The knife dance and the Shamanist drumming were superb and I tasted about five things that are without compare!

My personal favourite though has to be the late night Noraebang! Once Queen's “don't stop me now” was up on the screen there was no stopping us!! Full quality and proper good fun!! All this would have made for an ace holiday under any circumstances but J+R's efforts to make us welcome and that we could catch up with them both really topped it all off. Gamsa hamnida!!!!!!

Rachel: Well Si's mentioned most of the highlights but I have to say my favourites were probably hiring bikes and riding along the Han river in the sunshine (they say you never forget how to ride a bike and thank goodness it's true !!!!!!), visiting the Gyeongbokgung palace it's really beautiful, eating the unique food at Sanchon in Insadong whist watching the traditional dancing and shamanist drumming (especially as I got drummed at !!!), and last but by no means least The Noraebang! I have to say the highlight of the evening for me has to be Joel and I's rendition of The Weather Girls - 'It's Raining Men'. Hilarious. We've had such a fab holiday, Seoul is such a fascinating and colossal city, with it's own unique and quirky customs and traditions it really is unlike anywhere I've ever been. Joel and Rakhi were the perfect hosts and made us so welcome it was ace to spend time with them and take part in their adventure.

Rakhi: Winter was back in full force last week. The rise in temperature and Joel’s cries of ‘spring is here’ a week earlier, were counter attacked with storms and snow. It was freezing. It seems to have calmed down now and Joel has restarted his wild exclamations, I hope he’s right this time.

A couple of weeks ago, we went out with our now former co-teachers. It was their treat which was a really nice gesture. When we mentioned to them that Neil and Lyndsey were coming over and they really wanted to go to the theme park Everland, Yeonhae kindly offered to drive us. We’ll see what happens though.

My new co-teacher is called Kim Hanee aka ‘Ellen’ and so far, so good. She has some great teaching ideas, is easygoing, friendly and likes to have a laugh with the kids even at her own expense. The latter point is ace and is in line with my own clownish teaching style! Other than figuring out roles in the classroom with my new co-teacher, school is pretty quiet at the moment. In December, my school appealed to The Office of Education for ‘model school’ status and it was successful. Therefore, Bucheon Yangji Elementary School is in the process of becoming a role model for other schools in ‘After-School Classes.’ The classes are designed to encourage students who are gifted and to help under achievers. Whilst the classes are being organised and the students abilities tested, I won’t be teaching any of my after-school lessons. This means that teaching finishes for me at 12:20 everyday at the moment. Apparently, everything will be finalised later this month and my new timetable will be revealed. They better hurry up though, there’s only just over 6 weeks of my English expertise left!

One thing that hasn’t changed at Bucheon Yangji, is the fact that my principal is an idiot. Joel and I asked both of our school’s if it would be possible to leave a couple of hours early on our last day, April 30th, so we can get to the airport in good time. Joel’s principal told him that it was completely fine. Mine on the other hand has said no. Even though I have no classes on that day after 2pm, I have to stay in school until 4:40pm with absolutely nothing to do. Thanks for all your hard work Rakhi.

On Sunday, Joel and I had a bit of a spring clean. We’ve still, or should I say, ‘I’ve’ still got so many things I need to get rid off before we move- namely clothes and shoes- it’s a good thing there’s a second hand clothes shop around the corner! On Saturday, we went to Olympic Park for the 2007 B-Boy (breakdancing) World Championships. There were 8 teams competing for the glory, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, America, Canada, France and China. It’s amazing what these guys can do with their bodies, like supporting all their weight on one hand and spinning, amongst other gravity defying things. It was good fun but it was also comedic when the teams exaggeratingly pretended to spar with each other. One thing that did stand out though was how sportsmanly Koreans are. Whilst it goes without saying that the audience was backing Korea to win, everybody still wholeheartedly cheered on the other breakdancing teams, even when they were competing directly against Korea. I’ve seen the same considerate display at the football where some fans cheer any goal regardless of team or scorer. Oh, if anyone cares, America won.

So, now it’s only 4 days until Si and Rach arrive. It’s going to be lovely to see them both and will give us the opportunity to do and see plenty of things before we leave Korea, I just hope the weather improves…

Joel: My new co-teacher's name is Kim Seon Yeong. She's a little older than me and she's married to a Frenchman who's a sometime actor and magician. Her English is fantastic, which is a relief after Rakhi's scare, and although she's still finding her feet, she's pretty cool and easy to talk to. It's clear she's under a bit of pressure to pull off the principal's English reveolution so I've assured I'm here to help her out in any way I can. I've actually learned a little more about the principal's plan from her this week. Apparently, he's going to hire in teachers from a private language school to run lots of after-school classes for kids whose parents can pay for them. I'm not sure where I fit into this. Seon Yeong feels it's setting up a divide between those that can afford it and those who can't (who I'll be teaching) and thinks an element of competition might develop. I'm not completely sure what she means but hope I'll just be allowed to continue my own special classes without too much interfence. Bo-Hyun told me Seon Yeong had phoned her and asked for any advice or tips and she'd said not to worry about me or teaching the kids - the only thing she needs to worry about is the principal. I think she's got it about right. He's always been generous with me but I'm well aware of how the Korean teachers regularly recieve his wrath.

All the teachers have shifted roles now so the place has a real unfamiliar feel to it. Bo-Hyun's new room is right on the other side of the school and all the old grade five teachers from my coridoor who I got to know have also disappeared. Last week I had lunch with the new grade five teachers who are all new to the school and it felt a little odd. It's almost like I've started work in a new school. I'm perhaps the only constant in a huge game of musical chairs.

The first week working with Seon Yeong has been fine. We've had to have a bit of a sort out and redecorate the room - I made a cracking A-Z wall chart and a world flags display - and the place is now a lot brighter and fun. I've also created an "Puzzle Corner" where each week we'll set a puzzle and the first student to come to us with the right answer will get a prize. I have to come up with some puzzles tonight and I'm thinking of going with the old "Going for Gold" What am I? format. How about this: What am I? I wear red. I'm from England. I've just knocked Barcelona out of the European Champions League. Cool. First one sorted then.

I've just been speaking to Rakhi's dad and it seems he's had such a great time in India this winter that, before he's even left, he's planning a return for the coming autumn. He said to me that if we wanted to visit then, he'd arrange a trip to make sure we could meet up and spend some time there together. Great news. I'm so keen to visit India when we finish up in Thailand and it would be superb if Rakhi's parents are there at the same time. It's still just an idea but I really hope we can sort it out.

This time next week Simon and Rachel will be here. I've got a feeling their heads are going to pop as they try to negotiate their way around the city, just like ours did when we arrived last May. I'm really looking forward to having them to stay. I might have been a bit premature on the "It's Spring!!! thing though. It's been snowing again this week so I'll have to call them tonight and tell them they might need their coats after all.