Seoul Searching: Adventures in Korea: Family and Fun

Hey folks! Sorry it has been quite a while since I've posted. I'll try to cover the most pertinent highlights:
Adventurous eating! Mariem and I have been working off a Seoul bucket list and noticed we hadn't yet paid a visit to the local fish market. We went for a late dinner and picked out a live squid for $2.50, and 15 shrimp for only $10. What a steel! We took the fish back to the restaurant, where they chopped up the squid and BBQ'd the shrimp. We were literally eating moving tentacles, folks! The taste was not bad, but having something move around on your chopstick/in your mouth and suction cups on the tentacle getting stuck to your teeth/gums is truly a unique experience. They say "chew thoroughly, or you might have tentacle stuck in your throat." I never thought I'd do this in a million years, but it remains a highlight of my stay here.
My parents came to visit and we went to an array of museums and palaces, including the beautiful "Geongbokgung" palace from the 14th century. It was lovely to have their company and eat lovely dinners with them! Shortly after, my sister (Alyssa) and her boyfriend (Grant) came to visit Seoul as well! We had fun walking around the shopping district of Myeongdong, dressing in traditional Korean "hanboks" with Mariem, and even trying out another escape room (we made it out with a minute to spare).
Protests have continued. After hanging out with my friend Nuri (she was an exchange student at Coe, originally from Seoul), we actually went to the site of the protests at the time it was happening. Incredible at how peaceful they are, considering there are a million people in attendance.
It's a busy season in school. We have a lot of group presentations and papers to prepare for finals. I can't believe I only have 2.5 weeks left here. Time has truly flown by! I am trying to appreciate every moment I have here and to enjoy the remaining weeks. What a blessing it is to be here with amazing people.