Work, Work, Work.

The Cohen half of the Baker/Cohen labs arrived yesterday. It is good to see a familiar face. We have agreed upon the lab renovations, equipment is arriving, and positions are being filled. Since it looks like it's time to get down to business, I thought I would post a few pictures of where I work, the KIST campus.

The reflecting pond last week when the cherry blossoms arrived

Across from the cafeteria is a large reflecting pond surrounded by trees. Behind the trees in the picture is a large field where families will picnic and children will play soccer.

Soccer field with truncated midfield

This soccer field is impressive. I think the width is regulation while the midfield has been reduced. I have seen a couple of 9-on-9 games with a referee keeping the scientists under control. In the distance you can see the building my lab is in. Just left of this picture are bleacher seats set into the side of a hill.

Lighted clay tennis courts

Next to the soccer field are three clay tennis courts. These are extremely popular. It is rare to not see anyone on them. The building to the left is the gym. The gym has a tennis coach that you can hire for lessons. Sadly, I don't think he speaks English.

The gym which has exercise machines on the second floor.

I was going to take a quick picture of the inside of the gym, but I did not have inside shoes to wear. I am still getting used to the idea of outdoor shoes. The people I work with tell me this is a very nice facility. Guess I need to buy some inside shoes.

The driving range

Koreans are golf fanatics. Next to the gym opposite the tennis courts is the driving range. Golf clubs and balls are provided.

When you visit you had better lace 'em up. This is my house!

At the top of the hill across from the gym is a full length, international basketball court. It has a matted surface allowing precision cuts on my dribble-drive penetration. I will have to get my dad here to show the Koreans how post up basketball is really played. Next to the basketball court are some people paying foot volleyball. I've only seen it played once. It has a very low net, and you cannot use you hands unless you are serving. The serve is a drop kick. The ball can bounce once and that's it. Headers appear to be legal.

The view from my balcony

Finally, there was a request to see a picture from my balcony. Directly below my balcony is a parking lot. I will show that photo at a later date. Across the street is a play ground for the kids that live at KIST. That is a nicer picture.

That is most (if not all) of the highlights of where I work. I hope this will encourage you to come to Korea. Seoul is a beautiful place to visit. It seems like a good place to live as well.