I consider myself a pretty simple girl (yes, yes, don't we all...) but it really doesn't take much to make me happy. Things like great coffee, rainy days, or being the last person in line at a closing check-out counter are among my favourites. It's not much, but I know how valuable it can be to recognize and appreciate the little things in life.
One of my favourite things to do here in Korea is 'spread the gospel' to my kids at school... help them start (or add to) their own little list of things to love. Today I had the greatest moment with one of my kids, Karen (she's seven) as I described one of my favourite desserts from when I was little.
Karen and I got to chatting about breakfast foods. I couldn't believe she had never heard of Eggo waffles - sacrilege! I knew what I had to do. I quietly called her over to my desk while the rest of the class worked busily, and asked if she wanted my Mum's top secret Eggo waffle ice-cream sandwich recipe... i.e. two toasted Eggo waffles with a scoop of chocolate ice cream sandwiched between them.
I drew her a detailed picture recipe, explained each step in careful English, and instructed her to return home tonight with a serious request that her Mum purchase Eggo waffles (or the closest Korean substitute) as soon as possible. Her eyes grew so wide I thought they would pop out of her head. She nodded excitedly, tucked my note firmly in her pocket and whispered, "Thank you! And it's OK... I won't tell!"
Hahaha...aw. Sometimes this job makes me forget I'm not a kid person.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Tis' the Season
With Christmas around the bend, Busan is busy preparing in typical 'go big or go home' Korean fashion. I'm so relieved. One of my major concerns when first moving to Korea was that, by leaving Canada for a year, I would somehow 'miss' Christmas. I'm happy to report that this place is very into the holiday season.
Christmas music, decorations and lights are out in full force around the city, reminding me that I'm overdue for a trip down to the Haeundae boardwalk this weekend to check out the nighttime view. I'd bet my paycheck it's decked out to the max.
School's been a barrel full of crazy the past few weeks, as the kids prepare for their annual Christmas show next Wednesday night at the Busan Design Centre, a massive performance stage in the heart of Centum City. The BDC hosts various professional ballet and orchestra concerts throughout the year; naturally, Sally felt it was an appropriate venue for a bunch of runny-nosed kindergarteners' Christmas show. Lol...sorry...I know I've been knocking Sally so often lately, it's just that there's so much material to work with, I almost can't help myself. I'll try to cut down.
Anyway. Christmas show preparations are most hilarious because the Korean staff has the kids performing wildly inapporpriate songs and scenes from plays like Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and Romeo and Juliet. Precisely how any of those dramatic selections relate to Christmas, I do not know.
I, on the other hand, am counting down the days to Christmas vacation! I'll be kickin around Busan for Christmas and New Years, so I'm in the midst of compiling a list of recommended restaurants and places in the city that I have yet to see (i.e. the Busan Aquarium, Beamosa Temple, the seafood & soju tent down by the water, which supposedly serves the world's greatest fresh scallops). I am sooo looking forward to nine solid kid-free days. The sound of silence shall be the greatest Christmas gift of all :)
Christmas music, decorations and lights are out in full force around the city, reminding me that I'm overdue for a trip down to the Haeundae boardwalk this weekend to check out the nighttime view. I'd bet my paycheck it's decked out to the max.
School's been a barrel full of crazy the past few weeks, as the kids prepare for their annual Christmas show next Wednesday night at the Busan Design Centre, a massive performance stage in the heart of Centum City. The BDC hosts various professional ballet and orchestra concerts throughout the year; naturally, Sally felt it was an appropriate venue for a bunch of runny-nosed kindergarteners' Christmas show. Lol...sorry...I know I've been knocking Sally so often lately, it's just that there's so much material to work with, I almost can't help myself. I'll try to cut down.
Anyway. Christmas show preparations are most hilarious because the Korean staff has the kids performing wildly inapporpriate songs and scenes from plays like Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and Romeo and Juliet. Precisely how any of those dramatic selections relate to Christmas, I do not know.
I, on the other hand, am counting down the days to Christmas vacation! I'll be kickin around Busan for Christmas and New Years, so I'm in the midst of compiling a list of recommended restaurants and places in the city that I have yet to see (i.e. the Busan Aquarium, Beamosa Temple, the seafood & soju tent down by the water, which supposedly serves the world's greatest fresh scallops). I am sooo looking forward to nine solid kid-free days. The sound of silence shall be the greatest Christmas gift of all :)
Saturday, December 4, 2010
I'll Have What She's Having
Tuesday was one of my friends' last days at school. With her contract complete, she's on her way home to Michigan this morning. Naturally, she's been partying every night this week and taking every opportunity to remind everyone that - she doesn't have to work tomorrow! I'm jealous, but happy that she'll make it home for Christmas this year. After teaching in Korea for the past 2 years, and planning to returning in January, she's overdue for some family time.
With one teacher gone, so another one arrives to take her place. Which means, I'm no longer the newbie at my school! So on Wednesday night the Korean and Foreign staff at my school enjoyed a going away/welcome dinner on Sally...and it was nothing less than amazing.
We went to a awesome doenjang restaurant about 5 minutes from my apartment in Haeundae. The place was illuminated by mini waterfalls flowing around an outdoor patio, I made a mental note to return during warmer weather. Doenjang is essentially fermented soybean paste - a staple dish here in Korea. It doesn't sound (or smell!) appetizing, but it makes for one amazing meal. It can be eaten raw as a condiment, or cooked in a variety of ways.
This restaurant specialized in doenjang jigae, a type of bean paste stew cooked with a variety of vegetables and tofu. We spooned ours onto multigrain rice, and mixed with condiments and other veg dishes like seasoned eggplant and fiddlehead. It's one of my favorite things about Korean dining, every meal includes at least 5 or 6 side dishes...so much colour and variety, always a rainbow on your table. And absolutely everything is eaten 'family style'.
Before the doenjang jigae, we feasted on several massive platters of roasted pork tenderloin with vegetables. You place the meat and veg in sesame bud leaves, season them with garlic, hot paste, or sweet sauce, and wrap them into bite sized pieces to pop in your mouth. Pork is the most widely eaten meat here (beef is super expensive) and I'm not usually a fan - I would rather eat seafood or chicken - but this stuff was really, really good.
When the mounds of food first arrived to the table I thought, there is no way we will get through even half of it. I found out a half hour later it was only the first course. Typical Korean, just when you think your dinner is over and you can't physically eat another bite, more food arrives. No wonder meals here last several hours.
All in all, it was a successful night, and really great to spend time with the Korean staff outside of work. It's amazing how well you can manage to communicate with someone who speaks a completely different language. Perhaps my favorite part was grilling Sally about her college days. She spent 1 year studying on exchange in New York City (hands down, my favorite place in the world) so naturally, I had to ask about it. She said it had been a dream of hers ever since seeing the movie When Harry Met Sally. "Actually," she shared, "that is where I chose my English name - I wanted to be Sally".
I nodded in enthousiastic approval, "Excellent choice."
With one teacher gone, so another one arrives to take her place. Which means, I'm no longer the newbie at my school! So on Wednesday night the Korean and Foreign staff at my school enjoyed a going away/welcome dinner on Sally...and it was nothing less than amazing.
We went to a awesome doenjang restaurant about 5 minutes from my apartment in Haeundae. The place was illuminated by mini waterfalls flowing around an outdoor patio, I made a mental note to return during warmer weather. Doenjang is essentially fermented soybean paste - a staple dish here in Korea. It doesn't sound (or smell!) appetizing, but it makes for one amazing meal. It can be eaten raw as a condiment, or cooked in a variety of ways.
This restaurant specialized in doenjang jigae, a type of bean paste stew cooked with a variety of vegetables and tofu. We spooned ours onto multigrain rice, and mixed with condiments and other veg dishes like seasoned eggplant and fiddlehead. It's one of my favorite things about Korean dining, every meal includes at least 5 or 6 side dishes...so much colour and variety, always a rainbow on your table. And absolutely everything is eaten 'family style'.
Before the doenjang jigae, we feasted on several massive platters of roasted pork tenderloin with vegetables. You place the meat and veg in sesame bud leaves, season them with garlic, hot paste, or sweet sauce, and wrap them into bite sized pieces to pop in your mouth. Pork is the most widely eaten meat here (beef is super expensive) and I'm not usually a fan - I would rather eat seafood or chicken - but this stuff was really, really good.
When the mounds of food first arrived to the table I thought, there is no way we will get through even half of it. I found out a half hour later it was only the first course. Typical Korean, just when you think your dinner is over and you can't physically eat another bite, more food arrives. No wonder meals here last several hours.
All in all, it was a successful night, and really great to spend time with the Korean staff outside of work. It's amazing how well you can manage to communicate with someone who speaks a completely different language. Perhaps my favorite part was grilling Sally about her college days. She spent 1 year studying on exchange in New York City (hands down, my favorite place in the world) so naturally, I had to ask about it. She said it had been a dream of hers ever since seeing the movie When Harry Met Sally. "Actually," she shared, "that is where I chose my English name - I wanted to be Sally".
I nodded in enthousiastic approval, "Excellent choice."
Monday, November 29, 2010
Vintage Baseball
Ever wonder what happened to all those Montreal Expos fans, abandoned after the franchise suffered the sad fate of relocation so many years ago? Turns out, a few of 'em are kickin around Korea.
My weekly Sunday explorations are intriguing to say the least. Wandering up and down the worn out -but lively! - alleys of Busan, I find the most obscure things: brittle and painfully detailed works of art, sitting inconspicuous on back cornerstore shelves. Tiny herds of little old women, brewing strange soups and roasting chestnuts on outdoor firepits. Litters of newborn wild kittens, peeping hopefully up at me as I pass by - I'm sorry! I'm not your mama!
Of course, all this may be precisely what one would expect to see while wandering the back streets of South Korea, but the thing is, Korea is so much more unpredictable than that. Because just when you think you've effectively removed yourself from the touristy world of your Spongey-adjacent Haeundae beach apartment, finally immersed in the true, untainted world of rich Korean culture, you run into this:
... and you can't help but wonder why right here, displayed precariously on a thin wire hanger in the far left corner of an all-Korean linen and sock shop, seemed like a good place to sell a Montreal Expos sweater.
Dear Korea; you are a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
#9. If There Is War
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Wednesdays are rough. I teach 10 straight classes, and endure a tedious end-of-day teacher's meeting. Sometimes I don't make it home until 9pm. Today was...same same. I bring this up only because today's weekly meeting is worth mentioning. Consider it 'Crazy-Sally Rant, Part II'.
As you know, last night North Korea opened fire on the civilian-populated island of Yeongpyeong, just off the Northwest coast of South Korea. From what I understand, the attack was in unnecessary retaliation to a denied request for South Korea to cease military testing in the area. Regardless, North Korea's reaction is alarming. Last night I received an email from the Canadian embassy in Seoul, advising all Canadian citizens to prepare to flee the country should an emergency situation occur.
Anyway, during today's weekly meeting, I immediately noticed point #9 on the agenda: If There is War. Obviously, Sally wanted to discuss the possibility of such a crisis; a little surreal, but definitely something worth mentioning. In truth, I was more surprised by the fact that Sally would even broach the subject. I assumed she would deal with Korean warfare the way she deals with all life's problems: remain in a state of intense denial and avoidance until the last minute, when you are forced to take some course of action. Why would full-blown war be any different?
Sally's response to the whole situation (and this one's a kicker) went something like this, "I know you heard about North Korea attacking South Korea yesterday, and I am sure your are nervous about this. But...I think that North Korea will not waste the good weapons on Busan. They will attack Japan first, and then Seoul. So you will have many time to fly home".
Oh Sally. That kind of tact just can't be taught.
As you know, last night North Korea opened fire on the civilian-populated island of Yeongpyeong, just off the Northwest coast of South Korea. From what I understand, the attack was in unnecessary retaliation to a denied request for South Korea to cease military testing in the area. Regardless, North Korea's reaction is alarming. Last night I received an email from the Canadian embassy in Seoul, advising all Canadian citizens to prepare to flee the country should an emergency situation occur.
Anyway, during today's weekly meeting, I immediately noticed point #9 on the agenda: If There is War. Obviously, Sally wanted to discuss the possibility of such a crisis; a little surreal, but definitely something worth mentioning. In truth, I was more surprised by the fact that Sally would even broach the subject. I assumed she would deal with Korean warfare the way she deals with all life's problems: remain in a state of intense denial and avoidance until the last minute, when you are forced to take some course of action. Why would full-blown war be any different?
Sally's response to the whole situation (and this one's a kicker) went something like this, "I know you heard about North Korea attacking South Korea yesterday, and I am sure your are nervous about this. But...I think that North Korea will not waste the good weapons on Busan. They will attack Japan first, and then Seoul. So you will have many time to fly home".
Oh Sally. That kind of tact just can't be taught.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Kindergarten Espionage
Today I experienced Sally at her finest. That woman is so crazy.
A few weeks ago Sally asked the teachers to attend a New Parents Day at school, one Saturday during November. Today was that day. New Parents Day allows potential new students and their families to attend a presentation at the school, encouraging them to enrol for next year. Naturally, it's a big deal for Sally, she wants to boost her numbers and continue making money, I get it. Probably not necessary that she hyperbolizes the event by saying things like, "it's more important than my wedding day''.
A few months working for Sally, and nothing really shocks you anymore. So this morning I was only mildly surprised when the first thing she said was, "Teachers! When you see Clara, Angelina and Crystal today," (3 of the Korean staff at my school) "you must pretend not to know them. They will arrive disguised as Moms and they will say good things about the school to the other parents". Oh...my...gosh, Sally. You are planting your staff as spies around a kindergarten school during new parents day. You've reached a new level of weird.
For the remainder of the morning Sally carried on her strange, anal retentive behaviour. Yet again, I spent a lot of time today stifling laughter.
Well, New Parents Day is (thankfully) over. I'm now at home staring at some beautiful weather outside so I'm going to go enjoy it. Tonight, it's Busan's annual Battle of the Bands kick-off week, so I'm going to go have some fun. It's the weekend - you should too!
A few weeks ago Sally asked the teachers to attend a New Parents Day at school, one Saturday during November. Today was that day. New Parents Day allows potential new students and their families to attend a presentation at the school, encouraging them to enrol for next year. Naturally, it's a big deal for Sally, she wants to boost her numbers and continue making money, I get it. Probably not necessary that she hyperbolizes the event by saying things like, "it's more important than my wedding day''.
A few months working for Sally, and nothing really shocks you anymore. So this morning I was only mildly surprised when the first thing she said was, "Teachers! When you see Clara, Angelina and Crystal today," (3 of the Korean staff at my school) "you must pretend not to know them. They will arrive disguised as Moms and they will say good things about the school to the other parents". Oh...my...gosh, Sally. You are planting your staff as spies around a kindergarten school during new parents day. You've reached a new level of weird.
For the remainder of the morning Sally carried on her strange, anal retentive behaviour. Yet again, I spent a lot of time today stifling laughter.
Well, New Parents Day is (thankfully) over. I'm now at home staring at some beautiful weather outside so I'm going to go enjoy it. Tonight, it's Busan's annual Battle of the Bands kick-off week, so I'm going to go have some fun. It's the weekend - you should too!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Props
The highlight of my day was teaching my main bud Louis to give me props. Hearing that 5 year old Korean voice exclaim "props!" while his tiny fist punches mine, is utterly entertaining - I couldn't stop laughing. It's hard to get the full comedic effect without actually seeing it, but imagine a miniature, Korean version of James Dean (but slightly cooler, and definitely more obsessed with Power Rangers) giving you props. Yeah, pretty funny.
Today was a good day, despite a terrible lunch experience - the first of my random menu ordering episodes to go totally wrong. I had a major craving for...soup...but this time it didn't work out so well. Instead of delicious spicy beef, I received a big, honkin bowl of milky-coloured broth smelling of boiled pork, in the worst way possible. I actually gagged a little when it arrived to the table.
I gave the dish a stir to view the contents, and it was the usual: cooked pork, onions, a bit of rice, tiny blobs of oil, OK, not that bad. I'm starving so I might as well just - but that's when I saw it. The long, tubular, just-off-skin-colour piece of something poking through the surface of the oily broth. And suddenly, there were more. An onslaught of misshapen meaty-looking bits floated to the top of my bowl, unidentitified animal parts staring up at me in a desperate attempt to seem edible. In reality, every one of them screamed 'organ tissue!'. Ughhh. I gagged again and pushed the bowl away.
So, instead I feasted on the few sides of kimchi scattered around my table, and grabbed a diet coke on my way back to school to tide me over till dinner. I kinda lost my appetite by that point anyway; forget diet plans and weight loss pills, Jenny Craig has nothin on that dish.
Today was a good day, despite a terrible lunch experience - the first of my random menu ordering episodes to go totally wrong. I had a major craving for...soup...but this time it didn't work out so well. Instead of delicious spicy beef, I received a big, honkin bowl of milky-coloured broth smelling of boiled pork, in the worst way possible. I actually gagged a little when it arrived to the table.
I gave the dish a stir to view the contents, and it was the usual: cooked pork, onions, a bit of rice, tiny blobs of oil, OK, not that bad. I'm starving so I might as well just - but that's when I saw it. The long, tubular, just-off-skin-colour piece of something poking through the surface of the oily broth. And suddenly, there were more. An onslaught of misshapen meaty-looking bits floated to the top of my bowl, unidentitified animal parts staring up at me in a desperate attempt to seem edible. In reality, every one of them screamed 'organ tissue!'. Ughhh. I gagged again and pushed the bowl away.
So, instead I feasted on the few sides of kimchi scattered around my table, and grabbed a diet coke on my way back to school to tide me over till dinner. I kinda lost my appetite by that point anyway; forget diet plans and weight loss pills, Jenny Craig has nothin on that dish.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Easy Like Sunday Morning
Sundays are a day of decompression. Meant for rest and relaxation, waking up late and wandering around the city, and (now that the weather is getting colder)...eating soup.
A recent 'point and order' restaurant experience has developed into one of my favourite meals. The place by my house with the spicy beef soup is a new staple hang-out spot of mine...the outdoor patio is just off the busy mainstreet, and it's a great place to go for cheap & easy home cookin. Plus, the waitress kind of knows me now, so she holds the rice on my order and brings extra kimchi instead. Perfect.
(From the bottom left) 2 kinds of Kimchi, chili pepper paste, green chillies and garlic (for soup seasoning), and my delicious spicy beef soup, served boiling hot on a cold fall day...mmm.
A recent 'point and order' restaurant experience has developed into one of my favourite meals. The place by my house with the spicy beef soup is a new staple hang-out spot of mine...the outdoor patio is just off the busy mainstreet, and it's a great place to go for cheap & easy home cookin. Plus, the waitress kind of knows me now, so she holds the rice on my order and brings extra kimchi instead. Perfect.
(From the bottom left) 2 kinds of Kimchi, chili pepper paste, green chillies and garlic (for soup seasoning), and my delicious spicy beef soup, served boiling hot on a cold fall day...mmm.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
You Can Run, But...
It's 2010 census season in Busan, and man do these Koreans want their info.
The pressure to complete your census survey in Korea versus Canada is incomparible. In Canada, census workers will knock on your door a few times, leave a flyer or two, run a little ad campaign. But as far as I know, they'll never physically stalk you.
Several coworkers have so far incurred the wrath of Korean census personnel: cornered in an empty elevator, called incessantly one early Saturday morning, tracked down at work...literally. Apparently a few of them were able to gather enough information about one of the foreign girls at my school, to discover her place of employment. Next thing she knew, our boss was shoving census forms in her face, telling her to get it done. And yeah, I laughed (at her, not with her).
In light of all that, I wasn't surprised when my video doorbell rang at 11:30 the other night, and a couple of miscellaneous census women, pen and paper ready, were suddenly peering in from the apartment wall screen. Awake or not, NO WAY was I answering the door that late - I can't condone that kind of round-the-clock harassment. If you're going to act crazy and obsessive, at least keep it to daytime hours.
Regardless, I intend to be a good little Korean resident and fill out the damn thing online. If they want my info that badly, they can have it. Except my cell number - that I shall guard with my life.
The pressure to complete your census survey in Korea versus Canada is incomparible. In Canada, census workers will knock on your door a few times, leave a flyer or two, run a little ad campaign. But as far as I know, they'll never physically stalk you.
Several coworkers have so far incurred the wrath of Korean census personnel: cornered in an empty elevator, called incessantly one early Saturday morning, tracked down at work...literally. Apparently a few of them were able to gather enough information about one of the foreign girls at my school, to discover her place of employment. Next thing she knew, our boss was shoving census forms in her face, telling her to get it done. And yeah, I laughed (at her, not with her).
In light of all that, I wasn't surprised when my video doorbell rang at 11:30 the other night, and a couple of miscellaneous census women, pen and paper ready, were suddenly peering in from the apartment wall screen. Awake or not, NO WAY was I answering the door that late - I can't condone that kind of round-the-clock harassment. If you're going to act crazy and obsessive, at least keep it to daytime hours.
Regardless, I intend to be a good little Korean resident and fill out the damn thing online. If they want my info that badly, they can have it. Except my cell number - that I shall guard with my life.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Hello Kimchi
I'm laughing right now because a new Mexican restaurant just opened in Haeundae and they named it "Hello Kimchi". Apparently they specialize in burritos? Go figure.
It's Saturday morning, the sun is shining, and I just got paid: the outlook is good. I'm currently eating half an avocado with garlic kimchi (strange but delicious combo) and watching a random Keanu Reeves movie on tv - it's my only English option.
This afternoon I plan to wander around a few new areas of Haeundae. Whenever I travel or move somewhere new, one of my favourite things to do is run outside. An outdoor jog a few times a week teaches you so much about the city. I make a point of varying my route each time, to learn new areas and make a few mental notes about the places I want to further explore on the weekends.
Last week I came across a really cool row of art shops in Jaesong-dong, about 20 minutes Northwest of my apartment. They're owned by a crew of little old Korean men who are always toiling away indoors, intently focused on their work, oblivious to the hustle and bustle of the busy streets outside. I peered inside a few of the windows the other night after closing, the paintings and pottery look so cool that I just have to go back to see them up close. Plus, I can now say "How much is this?" in Korean, in case something catches my eye.
Alright, my Keanu movie just ended, that's my cue to get a move on. I will let you know how my art trip goes.
Smile, it's the weekend!!!
It's Saturday morning, the sun is shining, and I just got paid: the outlook is good. I'm currently eating half an avocado with garlic kimchi (strange but delicious combo) and watching a random Keanu Reeves movie on tv - it's my only English option.
This afternoon I plan to wander around a few new areas of Haeundae. Whenever I travel or move somewhere new, one of my favourite things to do is run outside. An outdoor jog a few times a week teaches you so much about the city. I make a point of varying my route each time, to learn new areas and make a few mental notes about the places I want to further explore on the weekends.
Last week I came across a really cool row of art shops in Jaesong-dong, about 20 minutes Northwest of my apartment. They're owned by a crew of little old Korean men who are always toiling away indoors, intently focused on their work, oblivious to the hustle and bustle of the busy streets outside. I peered inside a few of the windows the other night after closing, the paintings and pottery look so cool that I just have to go back to see them up close. Plus, I can now say "How much is this?" in Korean, in case something catches my eye.
Alright, my Keanu movie just ended, that's my cue to get a move on. I will let you know how my art trip goes.
Smile, it's the weekend!!!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Saranghaeyo
I've recently taken to expanding my Korean linguistic skills via YouTube video lessons. In a few short weeks I've tripled my vocabulary and improved my pronunciation tenfold. It's great for getting around the city, but kinda awkard when people assume you're fluent and suddenly launch into full-fledged Korean conversation.
At the end of each lesson I make a point of quietly standing beside one of my kids at school the next day, and repeating whatever phrase I learned the night before. If they whip their head around and gasp "Hoh! Teacher! Korean!" then the lesson was a success. If they don't react, it means I'm saying something wrong.
Last weekend I finished a 10 minute lesson on the various ways to express "I love you" in Korean. Turns out that YouTube lesson was more useful than I thought.
Amidst a (rare) quiet moment with my 6th period Atlanta class, 5 year-old Catherine stopped writing and peered up at me from her desk to say "Teacher, saranghaeyo". The light went on in my head: all this time Catherine was telling me that she loves me. For weeks I've been wondering what the heck that kid's always saying. Anyway, my heart melted a little and I realized that I must be the easiest adult in the world to manipulate, because for the rest of the class we played Hangman. And then I gave them all stickers.
Overall, today was a good day. It was Tom teacher's birthday, so we had some delicious cake to celebrate, plus, he just found out that he scored in the 93rd percentile on his LSAT's. For some reason the rest of the foreign teachers reacted like proud parents when we heard the news, despite the fact that we're all the same age. I just can't fathom having the brain power to study the way that he did for the past couple of months, while working this job.
Anyway, I'm off to the gym in a bit, but I have news for you Canada: tomorrow is FRIDAY! In the comically sarcastic words of my friend Niki, "I'm not mad about it".
At the end of each lesson I make a point of quietly standing beside one of my kids at school the next day, and repeating whatever phrase I learned the night before. If they whip their head around and gasp "Hoh! Teacher! Korean!" then the lesson was a success. If they don't react, it means I'm saying something wrong.
Last weekend I finished a 10 minute lesson on the various ways to express "I love you" in Korean. Turns out that YouTube lesson was more useful than I thought.
Amidst a (rare) quiet moment with my 6th period Atlanta class, 5 year-old Catherine stopped writing and peered up at me from her desk to say "Teacher, saranghaeyo". The light went on in my head: all this time Catherine was telling me that she loves me. For weeks I've been wondering what the heck that kid's always saying. Anyway, my heart melted a little and I realized that I must be the easiest adult in the world to manipulate, because for the rest of the class we played Hangman. And then I gave them all stickers.
Overall, today was a good day. It was Tom teacher's birthday, so we had some delicious cake to celebrate, plus, he just found out that he scored in the 93rd percentile on his LSAT's. For some reason the rest of the foreign teachers reacted like proud parents when we heard the news, despite the fact that we're all the same age. I just can't fathom having the brain power to study the way that he did for the past couple of months, while working this job.
Anyway, I'm off to the gym in a bit, but I have news for you Canada: tomorrow is FRIDAY! In the comically sarcastic words of my friend Niki, "I'm not mad about it".
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Edible Adventures
It's no secret: I love Korean food. Bring me a meal that's colourful, spicy, and includes a few free sides of kimchi, and I'm a happy gal. So you can imagine the illiterate frustration I experience when forced to bypass the rows of intriguing restaurants overflowing with Korean patrons each day, in favour of a safer option known for its English small-print at the bottom of the menu.
It's one of the downfalls to living in a country where you don't speak the language: simple, everyday tasks (like ordering from a restaurant menu) become an ordeal. It's amazing the things you take for granted in life. I long for the independence to sit down in one of the popular 'local' restaurants and peruse the delicious options until something catches my eye.
This weekend my frustration got the better of me; I decided I'd had enough. No more will I base mealtime decisions around my literary capabilities: I want to try something new darnit! So on Sunday afternoon while walking home from a Dilbert-free gym session, I committed to a new little philosophy called: point, and hope for the best!
It's pretty straightforward really. If I want to eat at a restaurant that offers no English menu or English speaking-staff, I simply accept the fact that I won't know what I'm ordering. I just walk in, point to a random item on the menu, and wait.
I've done it twice already this week, and so far it's working out quite well. On Sunday I enjoyed a delicious bowl of bubbling hot spicy beef soup (or...I hope it was beef) with various sides of kimchi, garlic, and hot chillies for seasoning. Yesterday I popped into a restaurant beside my school for some sort of vegetable stew with an egg on top, accompanied by six sides of kimchi, seaweed strips, and various other seasoned vegetables.
I'm aware that this approach may not always work in my favour. But as of right now, I'm two for two.
It's one of the downfalls to living in a country where you don't speak the language: simple, everyday tasks (like ordering from a restaurant menu) become an ordeal. It's amazing the things you take for granted in life. I long for the independence to sit down in one of the popular 'local' restaurants and peruse the delicious options until something catches my eye.
This weekend my frustration got the better of me; I decided I'd had enough. No more will I base mealtime decisions around my literary capabilities: I want to try something new darnit! So on Sunday afternoon while walking home from a Dilbert-free gym session, I committed to a new little philosophy called: point, and hope for the best!
It's pretty straightforward really. If I want to eat at a restaurant that offers no English menu or English speaking-staff, I simply accept the fact that I won't know what I'm ordering. I just walk in, point to a random item on the menu, and wait.
I've done it twice already this week, and so far it's working out quite well. On Sunday I enjoyed a delicious bowl of bubbling hot spicy beef soup (or...I hope it was beef) with various sides of kimchi, garlic, and hot chillies for seasoning. Yesterday I popped into a restaurant beside my school for some sort of vegetable stew with an egg on top, accompanied by six sides of kimchi, seaweed strips, and various other seasoned vegetables.
I'm aware that this approach may not always work in my favour. But as of right now, I'm two for two.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
There Were Tears
In Korea, every foreign teacher encounters moments where they stop to marvel at the things that go on here. You'll be going about your business on a regular day until you witness the kind of incicent that makes your inner voice scream "I just don't get it! How is this ok?! This definitely wouldn't fly back home". Today, I had one of those moments.
My moment took place late this morning, while walking down the hall at school to witness one of the Korean teachers holding the 'haunted house' room door shut while a kid screamed blue-murder from inside, and clawed at the door. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Every Korean adult within earshot was experiencing so much joy at the sound of his piercing screams, I started to wonder if there was something wrong with me.
Turns out, there's nothing wrong with me. I'm just as evil as the rest of them, because within half an hour I was laughing too. I'm sure that Halloween Day at school incurred me some bad karma to work off. I spent most of the day either laughing hysterically at these poor kids' misfortune, or consoling them. Luckily I remembered to take lots of pictures.
I'll start with a few photos from the beginning of the day - before the reign of terror. This is my Atlanta class, 5-6 years old (in case you're wondering, I'm the mummy. Two rolls of toilet paper and some tape equals the cheapest Halloween costume ever).
I've said it before: these children are so cute, they put Cabbage Patch Kids to shame. My favourites (I can't help it. I totally have favourites) are Shannon on the far left, and Louis on the far right. Shannon has the best sense of style in the school, one of the first things I do each morning is find Shannon and check out her latest oufit. I immediately ask her where she bought it, and if she thinks it comes in my size. Most of the time she says 'no'.
Louis on the other hand can be a devil child, but I'm completely spoiled because he warmed up to me quickly. He's a little angel whenever I'm teaching, last week I even caught him get mad at the other kids for not listening to me.
Tom teacher and his Dallas class. Tom forgot his camera today so I promised to take a pic. I teach Dallas once a day, they're a blast.
New York! These are my babies, I teach New York 3 times a day. They're a bit older (around 8 years old) and I love it. We have awesome chats, and I can always rely on them to give me the inside scoop about Busan. In return I teach them about good music, and recently, the concept of a pay phone. They were shocked to learn that cell phones are a relatively new invention, and people used to have to insert money into a phone stand in order to make an outside call. In the words of Garth Brooks, I'm much too young to feel that damn old.
This is the Jio who grabbed my bum and told me "it's good". She dressed up as a donkey today so I kept talking to her in Shrek-voice. She really didn't get it.
The main stage. Each of the kids had to take turns showing off their costume with a walk down the Halloween catwalk. This event was disguised as a fun activity for the kids, but the rest of us knew better. In reality it was just an easy way for Sally to get individual pictures of each of the kids to post around the school. Sally's always got an angle.
Francisco...waiting so patiently for his turn in the spotlight.
Hahaha. He has no idea what's going on, or why he's being forced to do this.
Each of the teachers was responsible for a different activity room, so Tom and I handled the pumpkin carving/haunted house waiting room. At first I really wasn't thrilled about being stuck with the pumpkin carving station, but I quickly realized I had the best spot in the house. Pumpkin carving was quickly overshadowed by haunted house concerns.
Henry, trying to talk me out of his turn inside the haunted house. I told him to take it up with Sally.
Many tried to seek refuge in my company while awaiting their turn. I'm pretty sure that Jack, on the left, was convinced that the width of my calf was enough to hide from the other teachers.
And so, the tears began. Tom and I had a great system worked out: he consoled the terrified children, while I laughed hysterically and documented the entire thing.
Clara teacher, doing her part to restore the sanity.
Aiden, recounting the horrors of his experience to Tom...
...right before bursting into tears. At this point Henry hadn't gone yet, he's clearly starting to question why he came to school today.
In the end, everyone made it out in one piece. I give Halloween Day a big two thumbs up; hysterical laughter is a great ab workout.
My moment took place late this morning, while walking down the hall at school to witness one of the Korean teachers holding the 'haunted house' room door shut while a kid screamed blue-murder from inside, and clawed at the door. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Every Korean adult within earshot was experiencing so much joy at the sound of his piercing screams, I started to wonder if there was something wrong with me.
Turns out, there's nothing wrong with me. I'm just as evil as the rest of them, because within half an hour I was laughing too. I'm sure that Halloween Day at school incurred me some bad karma to work off. I spent most of the day either laughing hysterically at these poor kids' misfortune, or consoling them. Luckily I remembered to take lots of pictures.
I'll start with a few photos from the beginning of the day - before the reign of terror. This is my Atlanta class, 5-6 years old (in case you're wondering, I'm the mummy. Two rolls of toilet paper and some tape equals the cheapest Halloween costume ever).
I've said it before: these children are so cute, they put Cabbage Patch Kids to shame. My favourites (I can't help it. I totally have favourites) are Shannon on the far left, and Louis on the far right. Shannon has the best sense of style in the school, one of the first things I do each morning is find Shannon and check out her latest oufit. I immediately ask her where she bought it, and if she thinks it comes in my size. Most of the time she says 'no'.
Louis on the other hand can be a devil child, but I'm completely spoiled because he warmed up to me quickly. He's a little angel whenever I'm teaching, last week I even caught him get mad at the other kids for not listening to me.
Tom teacher and his Dallas class. Tom forgot his camera today so I promised to take a pic. I teach Dallas once a day, they're a blast.
New York! These are my babies, I teach New York 3 times a day. They're a bit older (around 8 years old) and I love it. We have awesome chats, and I can always rely on them to give me the inside scoop about Busan. In return I teach them about good music, and recently, the concept of a pay phone. They were shocked to learn that cell phones are a relatively new invention, and people used to have to insert money into a phone stand in order to make an outside call. In the words of Garth Brooks, I'm much too young to feel that damn old.
This is the Jio who grabbed my bum and told me "it's good". She dressed up as a donkey today so I kept talking to her in Shrek-voice. She really didn't get it.
The main stage. Each of the kids had to take turns showing off their costume with a walk down the Halloween catwalk. This event was disguised as a fun activity for the kids, but the rest of us knew better. In reality it was just an easy way for Sally to get individual pictures of each of the kids to post around the school. Sally's always got an angle.
Francisco...waiting so patiently for his turn in the spotlight.
Hahaha. He has no idea what's going on, or why he's being forced to do this.
Each of the teachers was responsible for a different activity room, so Tom and I handled the pumpkin carving/haunted house waiting room. At first I really wasn't thrilled about being stuck with the pumpkin carving station, but I quickly realized I had the best spot in the house. Pumpkin carving was quickly overshadowed by haunted house concerns.
Henry, trying to talk me out of his turn inside the haunted house. I told him to take it up with Sally.
Many tried to seek refuge in my company while awaiting their turn. I'm pretty sure that Jack, on the left, was convinced that the width of my calf was enough to hide from the other teachers.
And so, the tears began. Tom and I had a great system worked out: he consoled the terrified children, while I laughed hysterically and documented the entire thing.
Clara teacher, doing her part to restore the sanity.
Aiden, recounting the horrors of his experience to Tom...
...right before bursting into tears. At this point Henry hadn't gone yet, he's clearly starting to question why he came to school today.
In the end, everyone made it out in one piece. I give Halloween Day a big two thumbs up; hysterical laughter is a great ab workout.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Stay Tuned
It's Niki's birthday tonight and I just got home, so I'm rushing to get ready while trying to finish up my Halloween Day recap for you guys back home. Just in case I can't get it done, here's a little teaser. The photo below of my darling Rachel on the right (one of my favourite students) pretty much sums up my day:
Oh yeah. There were tears.
Oh yeah. There were tears.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Another Month Gone
October's final week has blessed me with another terrible cold, so I've been mentally crashing right after work each day, hence the lack of posting. The weather is turning colder, and it's taking a toll. Last week Brianna spent a few days in the hospital with the flu - it's all these Korean viruses that our Canadian bodies aren't used to battling. Hopefully my immune system will get with the program soon.
That said, Korean winter has its benefits, most importantly the much-anticipated end of mosquito season. I couldn't be happier. You haven't experienced mosquitoes until you've experienced Korean mosquitoes. They're a different breed.
Korean mosquitoes are faster, smarter, and more vindictive than their international relatives. At first I took it personally, wondering why Satan's insects kept picking on me. I quickly realized that wasn't the case, and I wasn't being singled out. Korean mosquitoes are equal-opportunity attackers: anything with a pulse is fair game.
Aside from the season change, this week has pretty much been business-as-usual. Tomorrow is the school's big Halloween party. I spent over an hour this afternoon helping transform one of the classrooms into a haunted house, apparently Sally does this every year. She forces the children to enter one at a time, while she blasts horror music and hides in the pitch black centre of the room, only to jump out and scare each individual child to the point of emotional scarring. I've been told that many leave in tears.
Sally is very excited for tomorrow. She refers to Halloween as 'her revenge'.
I'll take pictures.
That said, Korean winter has its benefits, most importantly the much-anticipated end of mosquito season. I couldn't be happier. You haven't experienced mosquitoes until you've experienced Korean mosquitoes. They're a different breed.
Korean mosquitoes are faster, smarter, and more vindictive than their international relatives. At first I took it personally, wondering why Satan's insects kept picking on me. I quickly realized that wasn't the case, and I wasn't being singled out. Korean mosquitoes are equal-opportunity attackers: anything with a pulse is fair game.
Aside from the season change, this week has pretty much been business-as-usual. Tomorrow is the school's big Halloween party. I spent over an hour this afternoon helping transform one of the classrooms into a haunted house, apparently Sally does this every year. She forces the children to enter one at a time, while she blasts horror music and hides in the pitch black centre of the room, only to jump out and scare each individual child to the point of emotional scarring. I've been told that many leave in tears.
Sally is very excited for tomorrow. She refers to Halloween as 'her revenge'.
I'll take pictures.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Food Pictures!
A short while ago I received a request to post more food pictures on my blog. I totally understand - food pics are the best!
Last week I wrote about one of my favourite Korean dishes: bibimbap. Well, my friend Niki and I have recently developed a Friday night tradition of hitting up the casino right after work and using our winnings to pay for a delicious dinner afterward. Last Friday we were craving some bibimbap...hardcore. Luckily, Niki brought her camera!
Our favourite bibimbap place boasts the BEST kimchi in town. I dream about this kimchi. It's the perfect blend of spice and freshness, and makes you wonder why this entire meal costs only $4.
So...on our left (in the metal containers) we have the world's yummiest kimchi. Two different kinds are shown here. The top is called kkakdugi, made from bite-sized cubes of winter radish which are slightly sweeter and more firm that other radishes. The bottom left is called baechu kimchi, made from salted leaves of uncut cabbage. It is spicier than many other types of kimchi, probably why I love it so much. Like Frank's Red Hot, I could eat that stuff with anything.
The centre dish is pickled gourd. They are crunchy and slightly sweet, and provide great contrast to the spiciness of the kimchi. The bottom middle is the cool kimchi soup, it is SO delicious and refreshing!
Voila! The spicy chicken bibimbap. I can't look at this picture for too long, it will activate my craving and I'll end up trekking across Haeundae at some point tonight to get some. My friend Eddie back home (the expert on Korean cuisine) actually gave me some interesting info about bibimbap the other day.
I wrote previously about stirring your bowl once it arrives, so that the rice doesn't burn to the bottom. Apparently it is common practice to allow the rice to sit at the bottom of the dish and 'toast' before eating it...the toasted rice is called noo lung jee. Many poorer families toast their rice, as it provides a slightly different flavour and adds variety to everyday meals. In fact, the last time Stacy and I ate bibimbap, we actually had a conversation about how it's a delicious idea to allow the rice to cook and crisp a bit before stirring.
Ok, I hope all this food talk didn't make you too hungry. More mouthwatering pics are on their way :) Enjoy your Saturday, Canada!
Last week I wrote about one of my favourite Korean dishes: bibimbap. Well, my friend Niki and I have recently developed a Friday night tradition of hitting up the casino right after work and using our winnings to pay for a delicious dinner afterward. Last Friday we were craving some bibimbap...hardcore. Luckily, Niki brought her camera!
Our favourite bibimbap place boasts the BEST kimchi in town. I dream about this kimchi. It's the perfect blend of spice and freshness, and makes you wonder why this entire meal costs only $4.
So...on our left (in the metal containers) we have the world's yummiest kimchi. Two different kinds are shown here. The top is called kkakdugi, made from bite-sized cubes of winter radish which are slightly sweeter and more firm that other radishes. The bottom left is called baechu kimchi, made from salted leaves of uncut cabbage. It is spicier than many other types of kimchi, probably why I love it so much. Like Frank's Red Hot, I could eat that stuff with anything.
The centre dish is pickled gourd. They are crunchy and slightly sweet, and provide great contrast to the spiciness of the kimchi. The bottom middle is the cool kimchi soup, it is SO delicious and refreshing!
Voila! The spicy chicken bibimbap. I can't look at this picture for too long, it will activate my craving and I'll end up trekking across Haeundae at some point tonight to get some. My friend Eddie back home (the expert on Korean cuisine) actually gave me some interesting info about bibimbap the other day.
I wrote previously about stirring your bowl once it arrives, so that the rice doesn't burn to the bottom. Apparently it is common practice to allow the rice to sit at the bottom of the dish and 'toast' before eating it...the toasted rice is called noo lung jee. Many poorer families toast their rice, as it provides a slightly different flavour and adds variety to everyday meals. In fact, the last time Stacy and I ate bibimbap, we actually had a conversation about how it's a delicious idea to allow the rice to cook and crisp a bit before stirring.
Ok, I hope all this food talk didn't make you too hungry. More mouthwatering pics are on their way :) Enjoy your Saturday, Canada!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Theme Class
The Centum School operates on a rotational basis, meaning the teachers rotate classes every 35 minutes, to give each student group the experience of working with multiple teachers each day. This results in uneven schedules, we each teach certain subjects (e.g. math, science, art, etc.) more than others. One of the classes I teach twice each day is Theme.
Every month, Sally selects a new theme for the school. Last month was sports, next month is multiculturalism, and this month is 'autumn'. Theme class is a chance for the teachers to get creative and have fun with class-planning. Providing Sally manages to suppress her inner control freak, Theme Class can be a great time to experiment with the kids, and discover new and innovative ways to create an enjoyable learning environment.
So far this month I've been focusing many lessons on fall traditions, weather, harvest time and Thanksgiving history. With Halloween quickly approaching, I was totally excited to spend the last week and a half of October teaching my kids about one of my favourite holidays, and sharing many of the amazing lessons and crafts that I remember doing as a kid.
Unfortunately, Sally had other plans. Yesterday she called a meeting in the common room to inform the teachers that she took the liberty of uploading a few Theme Class worksheets to the computer. She described the worksheets as simple examples of fall artwork that the kids should write about and describe using their new autumn vocabulary. The general consensus among the teachers was, "Mmm...ok. I'll scrap a lesson plan or two and have the kids complete Sally's dumb worksheet. After all, she is the boss".
I was on board with this line of thinking, until I had a chance to hop on the computer with the intention of printing off the worksheets before theme class that day. Turns out, Sally's 'fall artworks' were not the fun and colourful images I had pictured. Instead, they were various Monet paintings that she had arranged into several 'compare and contrast' charts, with enough writing space to fit a short novel.
Yes, ok. Please let me ask this seven year-old child to compare and contrast various Monet paintings in a language that is not their own.
I promptly booked the Media Room for that afternoon, and took my kids there to talk about ghost stories and watch Youtube clips from Disney's Sleepy Hollow. Monet can wait.
Every month, Sally selects a new theme for the school. Last month was sports, next month is multiculturalism, and this month is 'autumn'. Theme class is a chance for the teachers to get creative and have fun with class-planning. Providing Sally manages to suppress her inner control freak, Theme Class can be a great time to experiment with the kids, and discover new and innovative ways to create an enjoyable learning environment.
So far this month I've been focusing many lessons on fall traditions, weather, harvest time and Thanksgiving history. With Halloween quickly approaching, I was totally excited to spend the last week and a half of October teaching my kids about one of my favourite holidays, and sharing many of the amazing lessons and crafts that I remember doing as a kid.
Unfortunately, Sally had other plans. Yesterday she called a meeting in the common room to inform the teachers that she took the liberty of uploading a few Theme Class worksheets to the computer. She described the worksheets as simple examples of fall artwork that the kids should write about and describe using their new autumn vocabulary. The general consensus among the teachers was, "Mmm...ok. I'll scrap a lesson plan or two and have the kids complete Sally's dumb worksheet. After all, she is the boss".
I was on board with this line of thinking, until I had a chance to hop on the computer with the intention of printing off the worksheets before theme class that day. Turns out, Sally's 'fall artworks' were not the fun and colourful images I had pictured. Instead, they were various Monet paintings that she had arranged into several 'compare and contrast' charts, with enough writing space to fit a short novel.
Yes, ok. Please let me ask this seven year-old child to compare and contrast various Monet paintings in a language that is not their own.
I promptly booked the Media Room for that afternoon, and took my kids there to talk about ghost stories and watch Youtube clips from Disney's Sleepy Hollow. Monet can wait.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Life Imitating Art
Cameron Crowe's Almost Famous is one of my favourite movies of all time. For those who haven't seen it, it follows the adventures of a high school boy in the 1970's who ends up touring the U.S. with one of his favourite bands while writing for Rolling Stone magazine.
By far the best scene in the movie is one where, after a dramatic night of hard-partying, a few tourbus members finally track down the band's frontman, and convince him to get back on the bus while still in one piece. He finally concedes, and joins his furious bandmates for a brutally uncomfortable and tension-filled ride ahead. The bus is dead silent until finally, a few of them break into an awesome sing-along rendition of Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" (click the link below for reference).
Why am I telling you this, you ask? Quite simply because for the past 10 years it's been one of my life's ambitions to recreate this scene. On the bus to Daejeon this weekend, we did it.
My life is complete.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qn3tel9FWU
By far the best scene in the movie is one where, after a dramatic night of hard-partying, a few tourbus members finally track down the band's frontman, and convince him to get back on the bus while still in one piece. He finally concedes, and joins his furious bandmates for a brutally uncomfortable and tension-filled ride ahead. The bus is dead silent until finally, a few of them break into an awesome sing-along rendition of Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" (click the link below for reference).
Why am I telling you this, you ask? Quite simply because for the past 10 years it's been one of my life's ambitions to recreate this scene. On the bus to Daejeon this weekend, we did it.
My life is complete.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qn3tel9FWU
Monday, October 18, 2010
On Special Request (some quick Daejeon pics)
Originally I wasn't sure if these were worth posting, but I've received special request from a very important person to post a few concert pictures from this weekend (yes, we here at Good Morning, Busan do accept reasonable requests received in a polite and timely fashion. It also helps if you're my Mum).
So, here you go!
This was the main stage where the majority of the headlining bands performed. On stage now is: Ska Sucks! A Korean band that, ironically, play Ska music. They didn't really suck though, so I think it's just a clever name ;)
There was this goreous bridge across the water that was all lit up at night. I just thought this was a pretty picture.
The floating lanterns! It was difficult for me to capture the coolness of it from so far below, but you get the jist.
More floating lanterns. They actually moved quite quickly across and up into the sky, hence the blurring.
Another main stage performance. Not sure of this band's name, but they were one of the foreigner/Korean hybrid bands. Tres cool.
Many of the bands were filmed during their performances...easy promotional material.
This Korean band was awesome and so entertaining to watch - I couldn't look away. Plus, I want that guy's hat. I would wear it everywhere.
Well that's it for now. I'll do my best to keep up with the picture taking for future events. There is a massive fireworks festival near Namcheon coming up this weekend, so I'm hoping to get some cool shots out of that - fingers crossed!
So, here you go!
This was the main stage where the majority of the headlining bands performed. On stage now is: Ska Sucks! A Korean band that, ironically, play Ska music. They didn't really suck though, so I think it's just a clever name ;)
There was this goreous bridge across the water that was all lit up at night. I just thought this was a pretty picture.
The floating lanterns! It was difficult for me to capture the coolness of it from so far below, but you get the jist.
More floating lanterns. They actually moved quite quickly across and up into the sky, hence the blurring.
Another main stage performance. Not sure of this band's name, but they were one of the foreigner/Korean hybrid bands. Tres cool.
Many of the bands were filmed during their performances...easy promotional material.
This Korean band was awesome and so entertaining to watch - I couldn't look away. Plus, I want that guy's hat. I would wear it everywhere.
Well that's it for now. I'll do my best to keep up with the picture taking for future events. There is a massive fireworks festival near Namcheon coming up this weekend, so I'm hoping to get some cool shots out of that - fingers crossed!
Fast Times at the Daejeon Rock Fest
I spent this weekend in the city of Daejeon, located in the centre of South Korea. It's about a 4-5 hour drive from Busan (6 hours if 90% of the people you're travelling with have a bladder the size of a small grape).
The first annual Daejeon Rock Festival took place there this weekend. It was an outdoor concert event with 2 different stages located on a beautiful pier in Daejeon. The concert went about 12 hours straight, and featured a slew of amazing local and international bands. There were over 300 international food and beer/wine vendors serving, and as you can imagine, a healthy-sized crowd ensued.
A local promotions team of foreigners living in Busan (mostly English teachers) rented a bus to take a group down on Saturday and stay overnight, so I decided to go along for the ride. I met a tonne of hilarious and interesting people who have been living in Busan for several years, mostly twenty-something year old North Americans.
The concert itself was awesome. It was a perfect night to be outdoors, and the event organizers did a great job on the venue. They managed to fill the sky with these really cool floating lanterns - the place looked like it was covered in giant fireflies.
It was great to see so many bands featuring both foreigners and Koreans playing together. Good music is good music, no matter where you're born. The concert went till the wee hours, but it was about 1am when I decided to pack it in and make my way back to the hotel. Just can't go as long as I used to in my old age...
I'm still exhausted today, but it was worth the the drive, and a great opportunity to visit a new area of Korea outside of Busan. I got home last night and realized that I haven't had a chance to post in a few days so I wanted to squeeze a quick one tonight before bed. I'll get back to a better schedule tomorrow...talk to you soon!!
p.s. One last thing, I would like to share with everyone that I am up $60 in my last 2 visits to the casino with Niki. Don't worry, I'm maintaining strong willpower and have yet to dip into my own funds. Gambling with free money is SO much more fun than gambling with hard-earned cash.
The first annual Daejeon Rock Festival took place there this weekend. It was an outdoor concert event with 2 different stages located on a beautiful pier in Daejeon. The concert went about 12 hours straight, and featured a slew of amazing local and international bands. There were over 300 international food and beer/wine vendors serving, and as you can imagine, a healthy-sized crowd ensued.
A local promotions team of foreigners living in Busan (mostly English teachers) rented a bus to take a group down on Saturday and stay overnight, so I decided to go along for the ride. I met a tonne of hilarious and interesting people who have been living in Busan for several years, mostly twenty-something year old North Americans.
The concert itself was awesome. It was a perfect night to be outdoors, and the event organizers did a great job on the venue. They managed to fill the sky with these really cool floating lanterns - the place looked like it was covered in giant fireflies.
It was great to see so many bands featuring both foreigners and Koreans playing together. Good music is good music, no matter where you're born. The concert went till the wee hours, but it was about 1am when I decided to pack it in and make my way back to the hotel. Just can't go as long as I used to in my old age...
I'm still exhausted today, but it was worth the the drive, and a great opportunity to visit a new area of Korea outside of Busan. I got home last night and realized that I haven't had a chance to post in a few days so I wanted to squeeze a quick one tonight before bed. I'll get back to a better schedule tomorrow...talk to you soon!!
p.s. One last thing, I would like to share with everyone that I am up $60 in my last 2 visits to the casino with Niki. Don't worry, I'm maintaining strong willpower and have yet to dip into my own funds. Gambling with free money is SO much more fun than gambling with hard-earned cash.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
As I Suspected
The Bang Bang Club was fantastic. I was slightly romanced by the fact that I was watching it beside the ocean on a warm summer evening, against a back drop of city lights and silence, but the scenery didn't outshine the movie.
About 2,000 people attended, and since the venue seats 4,000, Stacy and I had our choice of great seats when we arrived just a few minutes before the film began. We were seated 10 rows behind the film's director, Steven Silver, who addressed the audience before the screening. He spoke candidly about how the film was a personally significant project, as he lived in South Africa for a portion of the Apartheid, and witnessed many of the horrors depicted in the film. Though the movie was a graphic at times (as it had to be) I definitely recommend seeing it.
PIFF was a nice break from my usual Wednesday routine; Wednesday is my toughest day of the week (I teach 10 classes straight, have weekly class plans due, and attend a teacher's meeting at night) so I usually go straight home to crash afterward. Luckily tonight's meeting was brief, giving Stacy and I time to grab some quick bibimbap en route to the theatre.
Bibimbap differs from gimbap (a.k.a. the Korean sushi-like roll I previously mentioned) as it's served in a burning hot stone bowl, with loads of veggies and meat layered atop a bed of cooked rice hiding at the bottom. It's accompanied by a side of kimchi, cool kimchi soup, pickled pumpkin, and cold barley tea, for a grand total of $4 - now that's a value meal!
The trick with bibimbap is to quickly stir your dish upon arrival to prevent the rice from burning to the bottom. Periodic stirring throughout your meal, to keep the food evenly heated, is a good idea too. Despite several warnings, tonight I ordered the spiciest dish on the menu - the BBQ chicken. My friends here must be wimps because I didn't find it overwhelming it all. It was delish! Definitely one of my new edible favourites.
Anyway, it's now past 1am here so I must sleep. Catchya on the flip side...
About 2,000 people attended, and since the venue seats 4,000, Stacy and I had our choice of great seats when we arrived just a few minutes before the film began. We were seated 10 rows behind the film's director, Steven Silver, who addressed the audience before the screening. He spoke candidly about how the film was a personally significant project, as he lived in South Africa for a portion of the Apartheid, and witnessed many of the horrors depicted in the film. Though the movie was a graphic at times (as it had to be) I definitely recommend seeing it.
PIFF was a nice break from my usual Wednesday routine; Wednesday is my toughest day of the week (I teach 10 classes straight, have weekly class plans due, and attend a teacher's meeting at night) so I usually go straight home to crash afterward. Luckily tonight's meeting was brief, giving Stacy and I time to grab some quick bibimbap en route to the theatre.
Bibimbap differs from gimbap (a.k.a. the Korean sushi-like roll I previously mentioned) as it's served in a burning hot stone bowl, with loads of veggies and meat layered atop a bed of cooked rice hiding at the bottom. It's accompanied by a side of kimchi, cool kimchi soup, pickled pumpkin, and cold barley tea, for a grand total of $4 - now that's a value meal!
The trick with bibimbap is to quickly stir your dish upon arrival to prevent the rice from burning to the bottom. Periodic stirring throughout your meal, to keep the food evenly heated, is a good idea too. Despite several warnings, tonight I ordered the spiciest dish on the menu - the BBQ chicken. My friends here must be wimps because I didn't find it overwhelming it all. It was delish! Definitely one of my new edible favourites.
Anyway, it's now past 1am here so I must sleep. Catchya on the flip side...
Monday, October 11, 2010
PIFF
The 15th annual Pusan International Film Festival began last week, so for the past few days Haeundae has been pretty bumpin. Every hotel along the oceanfront is booked solid right now, and miscellaneous tour buses and limos have filled the city.
It's been really cool for me to watch press coverage of the events so far, and funny to see the Koreans go crazy for a plethora of Asian celebrities who I have no idea about. It also gives great perspective on our regular dose of American celebrity-obsessed culture.
Many screening venues have been set up across Busan, but the majority of showings will take place right in Haeundae. There is also one outdoor screening park, where up to 4,000 people can gather to watch a handful of films being screened on a massive outdoor projector. That's where I'll be Wednesday night, when my friend Stacy and I see a Canadian/South African film titled The Big Bang Club.
The Big Bang Club is "a realistic human dramatization of the activities of four photojournalists who documented the horrors of Apartheid". The main plot of the film is woven together by various love stories, actually based on the writing of two Pulitzer Prize winning authors (I'm paraphrasing here).
Aside from the fact that the film looks amazing, it's a fantastic choice for the outdoor stage. I'm very happy that a film with this content was selected to screen at the largest of the PIFF's venues. Working at the Centum School sometimes makes me worry about the general impression of African people in Korea. There have been a few cases where the subject of geography (African geography in particular) has come up in class, and all my kids can tell me is that 'people there are poor'. They also seem completely oblivious to the fact that caucasian people live in parts of Africa as well. Normally I would brush this off as pure 'kid speak', but after chatting with a few Korean teachers about the issue, I no longer believe that's the case.
But, more on this later.
Right now I am very excited for my Wednesday night plans! I'm also secretly happy to be catching a Canadian flick - it'll be a little taste of home. On that note, I am off to the gym. Happy Thanksgiving Canada! I miss you!
It's been really cool for me to watch press coverage of the events so far, and funny to see the Koreans go crazy for a plethora of Asian celebrities who I have no idea about. It also gives great perspective on our regular dose of American celebrity-obsessed culture.
Many screening venues have been set up across Busan, but the majority of showings will take place right in Haeundae. There is also one outdoor screening park, where up to 4,000 people can gather to watch a handful of films being screened on a massive outdoor projector. That's where I'll be Wednesday night, when my friend Stacy and I see a Canadian/South African film titled The Big Bang Club.
The Big Bang Club is "a realistic human dramatization of the activities of four photojournalists who documented the horrors of Apartheid". The main plot of the film is woven together by various love stories, actually based on the writing of two Pulitzer Prize winning authors (I'm paraphrasing here).
Aside from the fact that the film looks amazing, it's a fantastic choice for the outdoor stage. I'm very happy that a film with this content was selected to screen at the largest of the PIFF's venues. Working at the Centum School sometimes makes me worry about the general impression of African people in Korea. There have been a few cases where the subject of geography (African geography in particular) has come up in class, and all my kids can tell me is that 'people there are poor'. They also seem completely oblivious to the fact that caucasian people live in parts of Africa as well. Normally I would brush this off as pure 'kid speak', but after chatting with a few Korean teachers about the issue, I no longer believe that's the case.
But, more on this later.
Right now I am very excited for my Wednesday night plans! I'm also secretly happy to be catching a Canadian flick - it'll be a little taste of home. On that note, I am off to the gym. Happy Thanksgiving Canada! I miss you!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
'Same Same, But Different'
I first heard this expression last fall, after stumbling upon a German film by the same title being screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. I became mildly obsessed with the movie for a few months (about a young German boy who travels through Cambodia after completing school) and strangely, it played a huge part in my decision to quite my job and travel.
'Same same, but different' is a way to describe any two things that share certain similarities, but are not identical. As far as I know, the term was born in Southeast Asia (namely Thailand) but I've recently discovered it's more widespread use. My kids say it to eachother often, and it baffles me every time. They could be arguing over the most inane thing, getting all worked up and starting to yell, but the minute one of them whips out 'same same, but different!' a wave of calm comprehension rolls across the other child's eyes, and the argument inevitably stops. The only thing more effective in ending an argument in Korea seems to be a quick game of Rock, Paper, Scissors.
Before today I had never personally used the term, mainly because I don't fully understand it's significance. But after a lengthy in-class discussion this morning (where I desperately tried to explain why, if Canadian and American Thanksgiving are essentially the same holiday, they take place at different times) I decided to give 'same same' a test run. And so, after answering far too many questions I finally just responded, ''Because. Same same, but different''. And just like that! Problem solved. All I heard was a resounding ''Ohhhhh!'' fill the classroom, as if to say ''Silly teacher! Why didn't you just say so!''
Who knew teaching could be that easy.
'Same same, but different' is a way to describe any two things that share certain similarities, but are not identical. As far as I know, the term was born in Southeast Asia (namely Thailand) but I've recently discovered it's more widespread use. My kids say it to eachother often, and it baffles me every time. They could be arguing over the most inane thing, getting all worked up and starting to yell, but the minute one of them whips out 'same same, but different!' a wave of calm comprehension rolls across the other child's eyes, and the argument inevitably stops. The only thing more effective in ending an argument in Korea seems to be a quick game of Rock, Paper, Scissors.
Before today I had never personally used the term, mainly because I don't fully understand it's significance. But after a lengthy in-class discussion this morning (where I desperately tried to explain why, if Canadian and American Thanksgiving are essentially the same holiday, they take place at different times) I decided to give 'same same' a test run. And so, after answering far too many questions I finally just responded, ''Because. Same same, but different''. And just like that! Problem solved. All I heard was a resounding ''Ohhhhh!'' fill the classroom, as if to say ''Silly teacher! Why didn't you just say so!''
Who knew teaching could be that easy.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
It's Official:
Lotte's out.
Our boys bombed last night's game, losing 11-4 to the Doosan Bears in Game 5 of the five game series. Did I jynx their chances when I asked them to make it through the series purely for my personal viewing pleasure? Selfish, perhaps? Maybe I haven't lived here long enough to make those kinds of requests. But then again, I put up with years of disappointment from the Jays so I can't really be blamed for wanting more from my new hometown team.
Oh well. Until spring, fair Giants...you are still #1 in our hearts.
Our boys bombed last night's game, losing 11-4 to the Doosan Bears in Game 5 of the five game series. Did I jynx their chances when I asked them to make it through the series purely for my personal viewing pleasure? Selfish, perhaps? Maybe I haven't lived here long enough to make those kinds of requests. But then again, I put up with years of disappointment from the Jays so I can't really be blamed for wanting more from my new hometown team.
Oh well. Until spring, fair Giants...you are still #1 in our hearts.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Trouble With Leggings
My school dress code is very relaxed, and for anyone who knows me, that's a great thing. I'm very much a jeans and t-shirt girl, so having to show up to work each day in business attire is right up there on my list of Things I Don't Want To Do.
At my school you can get away with pretty much anything, providing you don't look like you just strolled in from the beach (that's a direct quote from my boss by the way). Most days I'll wear a casual dress or jeans and a nice shirt, but today I made the grave error of wearing leggings to school. Don't get me wrong, my outfit was totally up to dress code standards (most of the Korean teachers opt for leggings and a long shirt a few times a week) though I was quite unprepared for the groping.
Let me explain: plastic surgery is a very big thing in Korea. But unlike North American culture where breast implants and nose jobs are the most popular procedures, women here are more likely to request eye-reshaping and buttock augmention (aka. bum implants). Korean women have relatively flat bums, and as human nature dictates, we desire that which we do not have. Unfortunately, wearing leggings to school made it all too apparent to my little Korean girls (the boys couldn't have cared less) that I actually have a bum.
It started in my first class of the morning when little Jio, an itty bitty 40-something pound 7 year old, crept up behind me, placed one hand firmly on each of my bum cheeks, and lifted and squeezed as hard as she could. I was so mortified, I almost screamed before I spun around and tried to explain to her that you cannot do that to your teacher. She didn't seem to care much because her only response was "it's good".
The rest of the day pretty much followed suit. Always the girls, absolutely fascinated to the point where I had to impliment a 'no-touching' policy, and spent the majority of the day self-consciously tugging at my shirt and trying to figure out a way to write on the white board without fully turning around. I've learned my lesson though, my loosest-fitting dress is all lined up and ready to wear tomorrow, if I'm lucky they'll forget all about my bum by morning.
If not, I'll be investing in one of those old-fashioned hoop dresses that don't allow a speck of material to cling to your lower body.
At my school you can get away with pretty much anything, providing you don't look like you just strolled in from the beach (that's a direct quote from my boss by the way). Most days I'll wear a casual dress or jeans and a nice shirt, but today I made the grave error of wearing leggings to school. Don't get me wrong, my outfit was totally up to dress code standards (most of the Korean teachers opt for leggings and a long shirt a few times a week) though I was quite unprepared for the groping.
Let me explain: plastic surgery is a very big thing in Korea. But unlike North American culture where breast implants and nose jobs are the most popular procedures, women here are more likely to request eye-reshaping and buttock augmention (aka. bum implants). Korean women have relatively flat bums, and as human nature dictates, we desire that which we do not have. Unfortunately, wearing leggings to school made it all too apparent to my little Korean girls (the boys couldn't have cared less) that I actually have a bum.
It started in my first class of the morning when little Jio, an itty bitty 40-something pound 7 year old, crept up behind me, placed one hand firmly on each of my bum cheeks, and lifted and squeezed as hard as she could. I was so mortified, I almost screamed before I spun around and tried to explain to her that you cannot do that to your teacher. She didn't seem to care much because her only response was "it's good".
The rest of the day pretty much followed suit. Always the girls, absolutely fascinated to the point where I had to impliment a 'no-touching' policy, and spent the majority of the day self-consciously tugging at my shirt and trying to figure out a way to write on the white board without fully turning around. I've learned my lesson though, my loosest-fitting dress is all lined up and ready to wear tomorrow, if I'm lucky they'll forget all about my bum by morning.
If not, I'll be investing in one of those old-fashioned hoop dresses that don't allow a speck of material to cling to your lower body.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Go Lotte!
The Giants are in the playoffs this year, and Busan is going a little crazy right now. I'm praying that they make it through to the next series, because we're on Game 4 of the current series against the Doosan Bears and the past few games have been totally sold out.
I've been following the games on TV, which isn't difficult because virtually every TV in Busan has been tuned to the sports channel for the past couple of weeks. You can imagine how jealous I was to discover that our American buddies Duane and OJ stumbled on a couple of free tickets to Saturday's game...and in true Texas fashion, their crazy antics earned them a spot on the 6 o'clock news that night.
Let it be said that I do not condone their behaviour, however funny it may be. Before judgment, you must first understand the essence of Duane and OJ. We're dealing with two 230 pound Texas-boys who work on a military base for a living; as you'd expect, they like to party, they like to drink, and they can do both of those things as well or better than the next guy. So when they showed up at a Lotte Giants playoff game with 15 bottles of soju stuffed into the pockets of their cargo shorts, it wasn't long before they garnered a bit of Korean attention.
Duane and OJ attend most games with nothing short of a mountain of booze to ensure that, not only do they get drunk, but their entire section of fans is along for the ride. To this particular game, they came prepared with shot glasses, a Korean flag draped around their backs (which they stole from a nearby flagpole) and an early-afternoon buzz. Upon arrival, their first order of business was to make their way up to the front of their section and yell "WHO WANTS SOJU!". To a true Korean there are no sweeter words, so it wasn't long before they made some fast friends, including the local news camera crew.
While that was taking place I was watching the game on TV at the gym, which was probably just as funny. Every Korean man in the building was busy cheering, yelling, and periodically whipping his white workout towel at the nearest TV screen. At one point I had to tell the personal trainer who was helping me (ahem, NOT Dilbert) to just stop already, and watch the darn TV screen like I knew he wanted. If anyone one can sympathize with that kind of baseball obsession, it's this girl.
I'll be sure to keep everyone apprised of the Giants' playoff status. Please say a lil prayer for all us Busanians (don't really know if that's what we're called, I just made that up) because I would really like to see at least one game before spring - that kind of patience is just asking too much!
I've been following the games on TV, which isn't difficult because virtually every TV in Busan has been tuned to the sports channel for the past couple of weeks. You can imagine how jealous I was to discover that our American buddies Duane and OJ stumbled on a couple of free tickets to Saturday's game...and in true Texas fashion, their crazy antics earned them a spot on the 6 o'clock news that night.
Let it be said that I do not condone their behaviour, however funny it may be. Before judgment, you must first understand the essence of Duane and OJ. We're dealing with two 230 pound Texas-boys who work on a military base for a living; as you'd expect, they like to party, they like to drink, and they can do both of those things as well or better than the next guy. So when they showed up at a Lotte Giants playoff game with 15 bottles of soju stuffed into the pockets of their cargo shorts, it wasn't long before they garnered a bit of Korean attention.
Duane and OJ attend most games with nothing short of a mountain of booze to ensure that, not only do they get drunk, but their entire section of fans is along for the ride. To this particular game, they came prepared with shot glasses, a Korean flag draped around their backs (which they stole from a nearby flagpole) and an early-afternoon buzz. Upon arrival, their first order of business was to make their way up to the front of their section and yell "WHO WANTS SOJU!". To a true Korean there are no sweeter words, so it wasn't long before they made some fast friends, including the local news camera crew.
While that was taking place I was watching the game on TV at the gym, which was probably just as funny. Every Korean man in the building was busy cheering, yelling, and periodically whipping his white workout towel at the nearest TV screen. At one point I had to tell the personal trainer who was helping me (ahem, NOT Dilbert) to just stop already, and watch the darn TV screen like I knew he wanted. If anyone one can sympathize with that kind of baseball obsession, it's this girl.
I'll be sure to keep everyone apprised of the Giants' playoff status. Please say a lil prayer for all us Busanians (don't really know if that's what we're called, I just made that up) because I would really like to see at least one game before spring - that kind of patience is just asking too much!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Totally Excellent Discoveries
I just got home from my maiden voyage to the casino with Nikki. Naturally, I lost the $40 of FREE MONEY the casino gave me to start with (I've never had much luck gambling) but Nikki picked up a cool $80 on roulette in the 30 minutes we were there. She's now convinced I'm her lucky charm, and on the way home tonight she picked up the dinner tab to thank me.
Over dinner (she showed me where to find the absolute BEST, most delicious gogi gui in Haeundae) we got to gushing about how much we love life in Korea. Now I'm feeling a bit obligated to share some of the totally excellent discoveries I've made lately...so please enjoy this mish-mash of 'Did You Know?'s coming your way.
1. McDonald's delivers for 20 cents.
I've been wondering about the crazy motorbike drivers whipping around the city in McDonald's attire for quite some time. Apparently in Korea you don't have to leave the comfort of your home to soothe that Big Mac craving. 10 points for Team Obesity!
2. Korean purple grapes taste exactly like Welch's grape juice.
As far as fruit goes, grapes have never been at the top of my list, but our Sport's Day picnic this week gave me the opportunity to sample my first Korean purple grape. And let me tell you, they're unreal. So delicious that I immediately bought a bunch and I've been popping those things like candy ever since.
3. The elevators have an 'undo' button.
This may or may not seem like a novelty to some of you, but in Korea if you happen to hit the wrong elevator floor button by accident, you can UNDO your selection. Call me small-town, but I've never seen elevators function in this way. It just makes so much sense.
4. In restaurants, they give you a cloth to wash your hands before eating.
Yes, I love it. Every restaurant, every time, you receive a hot cloth to wash your hands before putting anything in your mouth. Hand sanitizer + hot cloth = no gross lemon/alcohol smell on your hands while you're eating.
5. Need something? Call "Yogi-yo!"
As someone who's held many waitressing jobs, I love this concept. In Korea if you need something in a restaurant (i.e. to place your order, get a napkin, get a refill, pay your bill, etc.) it is your responsibility to call your server over - they do not come to you. As a server there is nothing more frustrating than walking over to a table to take their order, only to stand there for several minutes watching them 'hmm' and 'haw' over what to get. Waiters are busy and stressed-out people, waiting around for an order is such a waste of time! That's why I love Korean restaurants, you see your server, call "Yogi-yo!", and they'll whip right over to help you. It's not considered rude, just efficient.
I'll pause there, because I could go on forever, but those are just a few of favourites from this week. I'm going to veg out with American Idol for the next hour, and then bed time! Have a great Friday Canada! Keep cool my babies.
Over dinner (she showed me where to find the absolute BEST, most delicious gogi gui in Haeundae) we got to gushing about how much we love life in Korea. Now I'm feeling a bit obligated to share some of the totally excellent discoveries I've made lately...so please enjoy this mish-mash of 'Did You Know?'s coming your way.
1. McDonald's delivers for 20 cents.
I've been wondering about the crazy motorbike drivers whipping around the city in McDonald's attire for quite some time. Apparently in Korea you don't have to leave the comfort of your home to soothe that Big Mac craving. 10 points for Team Obesity!
2. Korean purple grapes taste exactly like Welch's grape juice.
As far as fruit goes, grapes have never been at the top of my list, but our Sport's Day picnic this week gave me the opportunity to sample my first Korean purple grape. And let me tell you, they're unreal. So delicious that I immediately bought a bunch and I've been popping those things like candy ever since.
3. The elevators have an 'undo' button.
This may or may not seem like a novelty to some of you, but in Korea if you happen to hit the wrong elevator floor button by accident, you can UNDO your selection. Call me small-town, but I've never seen elevators function in this way. It just makes so much sense.
4. In restaurants, they give you a cloth to wash your hands before eating.
Yes, I love it. Every restaurant, every time, you receive a hot cloth to wash your hands before putting anything in your mouth. Hand sanitizer + hot cloth = no gross lemon/alcohol smell on your hands while you're eating.
5. Need something? Call "Yogi-yo!"
As someone who's held many waitressing jobs, I love this concept. In Korea if you need something in a restaurant (i.e. to place your order, get a napkin, get a refill, pay your bill, etc.) it is your responsibility to call your server over - they do not come to you. As a server there is nothing more frustrating than walking over to a table to take their order, only to stand there for several minutes watching them 'hmm' and 'haw' over what to get. Waiters are busy and stressed-out people, waiting around for an order is such a waste of time! That's why I love Korean restaurants, you see your server, call "Yogi-yo!", and they'll whip right over to help you. It's not considered rude, just efficient.
I'll pause there, because I could go on forever, but those are just a few of favourites from this week. I'm going to veg out with American Idol for the next hour, and then bed time! Have a great Friday Canada! Keep cool my babies.
K-Pop Friday! (vol.2)
It's Friday morning and the weekend is near! To kick it all off, here's a second helping of K-Pop Fridays.
This week's selection? A special treat from a group called SS501 (pronounced 'double-S five oh one'). I chose this video because of the mesmerizing dance moves. It's like a car wreck: I don't particularly enjoy watching, yet I just can't bring myself to look away...
Love Ya, by SS501
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-cNJH3W1ps&feature=related
This week's selection? A special treat from a group called SS501 (pronounced 'double-S five oh one'). I chose this video because of the mesmerizing dance moves. It's like a car wreck: I don't particularly enjoy watching, yet I just can't bring myself to look away...
Love Ya, by SS501
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-cNJH3W1ps&feature=related
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
In Case You Were Wondering
The #115 Busan city bus doesn't loop around.
I just wanted to let you know, because even though you are able to take the #115 to work each morning, doesn't mean that this same bus will eventually loop back around and drop you off on the opposite side of the street to where is picks you up each day.
I wouldn't want you to rush out of work after an incredibly long day, too impatient to wait for your regular #36 bus home, and get on the #115 city bus, assuming that it will eventually go back in the direction it came from. No, do not assume any of that...because you would be wrong. And that bus will not take you home.
It will however, take you in the complete opposite direction to where you want to go. And no matter how long you sit there staring out the window, convincing yourself that at some point very soon you will pass a familiar building or landmark or district name to provide some small glimmer of hope that you are not completely lost, the #115 is not going to throw you a bone because it really doesn't care. The #115 never wanted you to get on in the first place. Come to think of it, the #115 never really liked you, anyway.
So, the best you can do is smile and nod when the crazy Korean driver kicks you off at the last stop, stranding you between several gigantic mountains, in the middle of nowhere, with no bars left on your cell phone. At this point you should just start walking - just pick a direction and hope for the best. Don't bother reading any road signs because these ones aren't meant for English eyes.
And no - there are no cabs around either, so don't ask.
If you're lucky, you will walk for an hour or so until you find a nice woman at a convenience store to call you a taxi. Your driver won't understand a word you're speaking, of course, so just say "Spongey" and he'll know where to take you.
I just wanted to let you know, because even though you are able to take the #115 to work each morning, doesn't mean that this same bus will eventually loop back around and drop you off on the opposite side of the street to where is picks you up each day.
I wouldn't want you to rush out of work after an incredibly long day, too impatient to wait for your regular #36 bus home, and get on the #115 city bus, assuming that it will eventually go back in the direction it came from. No, do not assume any of that...because you would be wrong. And that bus will not take you home.
It will however, take you in the complete opposite direction to where you want to go. And no matter how long you sit there staring out the window, convincing yourself that at some point very soon you will pass a familiar building or landmark or district name to provide some small glimmer of hope that you are not completely lost, the #115 is not going to throw you a bone because it really doesn't care. The #115 never wanted you to get on in the first place. Come to think of it, the #115 never really liked you, anyway.
So, the best you can do is smile and nod when the crazy Korean driver kicks you off at the last stop, stranding you between several gigantic mountains, in the middle of nowhere, with no bars left on your cell phone. At this point you should just start walking - just pick a direction and hope for the best. Don't bother reading any road signs because these ones aren't meant for English eyes.
And no - there are no cabs around either, so don't ask.
If you're lucky, you will walk for an hour or so until you find a nice woman at a convenience store to call you a taxi. Your driver won't understand a word you're speaking, of course, so just say "Spongey" and he'll know where to take you.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Relays and Picnics and Gimbap, Oh My
Today was Sports Day at school, which meant a field trip to a nearby park where the Centum kids competed against another school in various relay and racing games. It was hilarious, but I learned very quickly exactly what the other foreign teachers mean when they refer to school field trips as a cluster$*#%!
To start, you must understand that Korean and North American elementary schools do not provide the same experience. Children are treated very differently here, it's not uncommon to watch a Korean teacher yank a kid by their arm, or stand a foot away from their face and yell at them. It's just way things are done; the kids don't cry or take it personally, they just listen.
So today, watching Sally (the school Director and woman who hired me) run around screaming and shoving kids all day long was no shocker - it was the context that got me. She must have really wanted our kids to win Sports Day, because Sally's form of encouragement to "run faster!" and "win! win! win!" sounded eerily similar to Sally getting mad. At one point I thought she was going to give herself a heart attack.
Along with Sally, pretty much everything about today was entertaining, but my favourite was the relay race. The kids had to strap a giant plastic baby to their backs (and by 'baby' I mean an oversized, creepy-looking toddler doll whose eyes wouldn't close) pick up a basket of fruit, carry it to one end of the park, and proceed to eat a cracker off a hanging string without using their hands. Money can't buy that kind of entertainment.
Lunch was a giant picnic. Usually lunch is prepared and served at the school, but today the kids brought their own. For the teachers, lunch time is often the highlight of field trip days because the kids love to share with us. The result is a giant taste test of amazing home-cooked Korean foods, the most popular being gimbap.
Gimbap is the 'sandwich' of the Korean kids' lunchbox. Similar to sushi, it's made with a bit of rice, vegetables, and fish or other meat rolled up into a long piece of seaweed and sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces. Gimbap isn't typically served with soya sauce or wasabi (like Japanese sushi) and many Koreans eat it on-the-go, with the long cylinder shape wrapped in tinfoil so it's nice and portable. It's delicious, cheap and very healthy. Today was fantastic because almost every one of my kids brought home-made gimbap, and they all wanted me to sample. My only rule was that "If you really want me to try your gimbap, I have to be able to take it with my own chopsticks". Otherwise they'll try to hand a piece to you with their fingers...not happening.
That said, gift-giving is a very big deal in Korea, so the fact that the kids want so badly to share with you is a huge compliment. I felt horrible saying no them, so after my 10th piece of gimbap I eventually started taking pieces and pretending to eat them because I just couldn't fit any more in...
It's for this reason that I must now get to bed, so that I can wake up early and make my way to the gym before work tomorrow - gotta compensate for my day of feasting. I hope everyone has a good Tuesday, talk to you soon!
To start, you must understand that Korean and North American elementary schools do not provide the same experience. Children are treated very differently here, it's not uncommon to watch a Korean teacher yank a kid by their arm, or stand a foot away from their face and yell at them. It's just way things are done; the kids don't cry or take it personally, they just listen.
So today, watching Sally (the school Director and woman who hired me) run around screaming and shoving kids all day long was no shocker - it was the context that got me. She must have really wanted our kids to win Sports Day, because Sally's form of encouragement to "run faster!" and "win! win! win!" sounded eerily similar to Sally getting mad. At one point I thought she was going to give herself a heart attack.
Along with Sally, pretty much everything about today was entertaining, but my favourite was the relay race. The kids had to strap a giant plastic baby to their backs (and by 'baby' I mean an oversized, creepy-looking toddler doll whose eyes wouldn't close) pick up a basket of fruit, carry it to one end of the park, and proceed to eat a cracker off a hanging string without using their hands. Money can't buy that kind of entertainment.
Lunch was a giant picnic. Usually lunch is prepared and served at the school, but today the kids brought their own. For the teachers, lunch time is often the highlight of field trip days because the kids love to share with us. The result is a giant taste test of amazing home-cooked Korean foods, the most popular being gimbap.
Gimbap is the 'sandwich' of the Korean kids' lunchbox. Similar to sushi, it's made with a bit of rice, vegetables, and fish or other meat rolled up into a long piece of seaweed and sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces. Gimbap isn't typically served with soya sauce or wasabi (like Japanese sushi) and many Koreans eat it on-the-go, with the long cylinder shape wrapped in tinfoil so it's nice and portable. It's delicious, cheap and very healthy. Today was fantastic because almost every one of my kids brought home-made gimbap, and they all wanted me to sample. My only rule was that "If you really want me to try your gimbap, I have to be able to take it with my own chopsticks". Otherwise they'll try to hand a piece to you with their fingers...not happening.
That said, gift-giving is a very big deal in Korea, so the fact that the kids want so badly to share with you is a huge compliment. I felt horrible saying no them, so after my 10th piece of gimbap I eventually started taking pieces and pretending to eat them because I just couldn't fit any more in...
It's for this reason that I must now get to bed, so that I can wake up early and make my way to the gym before work tomorrow - gotta compensate for my day of feasting. I hope everyone has a good Tuesday, talk to you soon!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Back in Business
Chuseok's over, and today it was back to my regular schedule. I woke up this morning with just enough vocals to make it through the day...so (knock on wood) I think I'm in the clear. There were 4 solid days of no talking for me last week - as I previously mentioned, kareoke night really did a number on me.
The only difficult adjustment when moving to Korea isn't cultural or emotional - but it's definitely physical. In the first month or so after arriving, everyone gets sick. Completely new food, new water, new lifestyle, increased air pollution and long work days are a recipe for disaster. But top that off with a job where you're constantly surrounded by little germ-infested incubators kissing and hugging and tugging at you all day long? It's immune-system suicide. Those kids are Carriers, every last one of them.
I've been feeling slightly ill since I got here, and last week it finally caught up with me. The good news is that Chuseok gave me plenty of time to sleep it off and recoup, so I feel better - and more resiliant - for it.
I'm also very excited to no longer have to listen to my new Korean friend (who I refer to as "O") continue to mention at precise 10 minute intervals: "I don't mean to make fun of your voice but, you sound like a kidnapped little kid,"or "I don't mean to make fun of your voice but, you sound like Marge Simpson," or "I don't meant to make fun of your voice but, my other friend always used to talk that way, and he had to get an operation so maybe you will need one, too"...I really don't think O meant to make fun of my voice, but he just couldn't help it.
On another note, now that I can talk again I'm free to advertise the fact that I've recently added Skpe to my computer. So if anyone's in need of a video chat in the next little while, just let me know!
The only difficult adjustment when moving to Korea isn't cultural or emotional - but it's definitely physical. In the first month or so after arriving, everyone gets sick. Completely new food, new water, new lifestyle, increased air pollution and long work days are a recipe for disaster. But top that off with a job where you're constantly surrounded by little germ-infested incubators kissing and hugging and tugging at you all day long? It's immune-system suicide. Those kids are Carriers, every last one of them.
I've been feeling slightly ill since I got here, and last week it finally caught up with me. The good news is that Chuseok gave me plenty of time to sleep it off and recoup, so I feel better - and more resiliant - for it.
I'm also very excited to no longer have to listen to my new Korean friend (who I refer to as "O") continue to mention at precise 10 minute intervals: "I don't mean to make fun of your voice but, you sound like a kidnapped little kid,"or "I don't mean to make fun of your voice but, you sound like Marge Simpson," or "I don't meant to make fun of your voice but, my other friend always used to talk that way, and he had to get an operation so maybe you will need one, too"...I really don't think O meant to make fun of my voice, but he just couldn't help it.
On another note, now that I can talk again I'm free to advertise the fact that I've recently added Skpe to my computer. So if anyone's in need of a video chat in the next little while, just let me know!
Friday, September 24, 2010
K-Pop Fridays! (vol.1)
Tonight/this morning I'd like to introduce a brand new segment to my blog: K-Pop Fridays!
Over the past month I've developed a certain fascination with Korean pop culture. From the clothing to commercials - I can't get enough. But the part I love most? The music.
Lovingly referred to as 'K-pop', Korean popular music differs from North American in that it maintains a certain level of innocence that went out of style back in Canada and the States about a decade ago...around the same time that my generation entered high school and it was no longer incredibly entertaining to obssess over the Backstreet Boys and N' Sync. Hey, I was like 14 & defenseless against the manipulative marketing powers of those big-name record labels! It is NOT my fault that I used to have a crush on Nick Carter.
But I digress...
According to my powers of observation, their are 3 main elements required for a Korean radio song to qualify as K-Pop:
1) Gotta be catchy
One must be able to sing along, after hearing the song no more than 3 times prior.
2) Gotta be cute
The group members have to be well-dressed, and CUTE - Campbell's Soup kid styles.
3) Gotta be choreographed
In K-pop music videos, the name of the game is dancing baby! These kids have some of the most intricate dance sequences I've witnessed since the days of NKOTB.
So that's just a bit of K-pop background for you. And to start off our new weekly segment, without further ado, I'd like to introduce my current favourite (and likely the reason I lost my voice at kareoke the other night) K-pop song:
Madonna, by Secret...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_gyI9ryOQA
Over the past month I've developed a certain fascination with Korean pop culture. From the clothing to commercials - I can't get enough. But the part I love most? The music.
Lovingly referred to as 'K-pop', Korean popular music differs from North American in that it maintains a certain level of innocence that went out of style back in Canada and the States about a decade ago...around the same time that my generation entered high school and it was no longer incredibly entertaining to obssess over the Backstreet Boys and N' Sync. Hey, I was like 14 & defenseless against the manipulative marketing powers of those big-name record labels! It is NOT my fault that I used to have a crush on Nick Carter.
But I digress...
According to my powers of observation, their are 3 main elements required for a Korean radio song to qualify as K-Pop:
1) Gotta be catchy
One must be able to sing along, after hearing the song no more than 3 times prior.
2) Gotta be cute
The group members have to be well-dressed, and CUTE - Campbell's Soup kid styles.
3) Gotta be choreographed
In K-pop music videos, the name of the game is dancing baby! These kids have some of the most intricate dance sequences I've witnessed since the days of NKOTB.
So that's just a bit of K-pop background for you. And to start off our new weekly segment, without further ado, I'd like to introduce my current favourite (and likely the reason I lost my voice at kareoke the other night) K-pop song:
Madonna, by Secret...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_gyI9ryOQA
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Happy Chuseok!
Most of Busan is pretty much closed down this week for Korean Thanksgiving. Luckily, Brianna and I discovered through word-of-mouth that Kyungsung/PNU area was alive and kicking! So we made our way there with a few friends yesterday afternoon for some good food, great company, and questionable kareoke-singing...
OJ, me, Brianna and Duane, out for gogi gui! Before heading to kareoke last night, we feasted on some Korean barbeque. OJ and Duane are marines working at an American military base near Haeundae. They were very interesting guys to talk to, and I was quite impressed with their knowledge of Korean culture. PLUS they are friends with the American pitcher playing for the Lotte Giants - baseball playoffs here I come!
Korean barbeque is the most delicious food of life. Everyone sits around the open grill, and the waiters bring you huge slabs of meat and vegetables to cook up yourself. They give you an array of different sauces to try, and little lettuce leaves to wrap everything up into bite-sized pieces. Of course, no true Korean bbq meal is complete without Hite and soju, mixed together in a special little concoction referred to as So-Mek.
Last night we ordered the 'super bacon', essentially it's a mound of bacon-like pork. We stuffed lots of garlic inside and grilled it up. Pure artery-clogging goodness.
After demolishing the super bacon, the boys insisted on ordering pig skin. They made Brianna and I try it but it was so gross and leathery, we both had to spit it out.
Duane's first bite...
A while back, I asked why the Korean people always make peace signs when having their picture taken. Last night I learned that apparently they started doing it because many Korean people think their faces look fat in pictures, so the peace signs are supposed to detract from any chubbiness. OJ was all over it.
Brianna, presenting OJ on stage. The little performer - he was definitely in his element.
Singing Mariah Carey.
...and not gonna lie, a little Justin Bieber.
This is what happens when boys get ahold of your camera.
This Korean girl had the most amazing voice - but she didn't know any words to the songs! She kept looking over and asking me to help her, so I sang along in the background while she stared at me and tried to mimic the words I was saying.
OJ, me, Brianna and Duane, out for gogi gui! Before heading to kareoke last night, we feasted on some Korean barbeque. OJ and Duane are marines working at an American military base near Haeundae. They were very interesting guys to talk to, and I was quite impressed with their knowledge of Korean culture. PLUS they are friends with the American pitcher playing for the Lotte Giants - baseball playoffs here I come!
Korean barbeque is the most delicious food of life. Everyone sits around the open grill, and the waiters bring you huge slabs of meat and vegetables to cook up yourself. They give you an array of different sauces to try, and little lettuce leaves to wrap everything up into bite-sized pieces. Of course, no true Korean bbq meal is complete without Hite and soju, mixed together in a special little concoction referred to as So-Mek.
Last night we ordered the 'super bacon', essentially it's a mound of bacon-like pork. We stuffed lots of garlic inside and grilled it up. Pure artery-clogging goodness.
After demolishing the super bacon, the boys insisted on ordering pig skin. They made Brianna and I try it but it was so gross and leathery, we both had to spit it out.
Duane's first bite...
A while back, I asked why the Korean people always make peace signs when having their picture taken. Last night I learned that apparently they started doing it because many Korean people think their faces look fat in pictures, so the peace signs are supposed to detract from any chubbiness. OJ was all over it.
Brianna, presenting OJ on stage. The little performer - he was definitely in his element.
Singing Mariah Carey.
...and not gonna lie, a little Justin Bieber.
This is what happens when boys get ahold of your camera.
This Korean girl had the most amazing voice - but she didn't know any words to the songs! She kept looking over and asking me to help her, so I sang along in the background while she stared at me and tried to mimic the words I was saying.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The Gym, Part 2
I am not a fragile person. If you bump into me while walking down the street, I'm not going to break in half. I lift weights and lug around a 20 pound purse 12 hours a day, so it's not like I'm some weakling who doesn't know their limits.
However, the Korean personal trainer I met at the gym last week was absolutely NOT having it. That guy took one look at me and decided I was some sort of liability, because for the next 90 minutes the man would not leave me alone.
When I stepped off the elevator from the changeroom to the 7th floor workout area, Dilbert was the first person I saw (please note that Dilbert is probably not this man's actual name, but it's the most irritating name I could think of, so it's sticking for now). He was sitting in the far corner talking with a patron before bouncing up to greet me.
Dilbert didn't speak much English, but he motioned to me and said something resembling the word 'weights' so I shook my head and pointed to the treadmill machine. Then I smiled and said 'thank-you' in Korean, meaning: 'alright bud, I can take it from here'.
However, the Korean personal trainer I met at the gym last week was absolutely NOT having it. That guy took one look at me and decided I was some sort of liability, because for the next 90 minutes the man would not leave me alone.
When I stepped off the elevator from the changeroom to the 7th floor workout area, Dilbert was the first person I saw (please note that Dilbert is probably not this man's actual name, but it's the most irritating name I could think of, so it's sticking for now). He was sitting in the far corner talking with a patron before bouncing up to greet me.
Dilbert didn't speak much English, but he motioned to me and said something resembling the word 'weights' so I shook my head and pointed to the treadmill machine. Then I smiled and said 'thank-you' in Korean, meaning: 'alright bud, I can take it from here'.
But apparently we weren't quite finished, because Dilbert followed me to the treadmill and insisted on demonstrating how to use it. He pointed to each of the buttons and did different hand motions that (I assume) were meant to help me understand what to do. About 5 minutes later I was able to start running. Dilbert reluctantly walked away with a truly concerned expression that looked like he was thinking, "Um, I don't know...should I leave? Will she be okay?".
Ah, alone and exercising at last...it felt great! Plus all the treadmills and cardio machines face a huge glass wall giving a wonderful view of the city at night. I couldn't have been happier. Until I noticed a distinct reflection in the glass, pacing back and forth behind me. Wait - is that Dilbert?! Stop watching me and go away already! What is up with this guy?!
I was only slightly distracted for the rest of my run. But when it was time for some weights, things went downhill. For the next 45 minutes Dilbert followed me around the weight room, making dramatic hand gestures and demonstrating when he felt I needed to change my form or improve my grip. That was pretty annoying.
But then there was the weight adjusting.
Every machine I visited, regardless of the weight I would select, Dilbert would literally crouch down (just as I was starting) and adjust the machine to some ridiculously low number that a 10 year old could lift. At first, I would wait for him to walk away for a minute before changing it back, so as not to offend him; but as my irritation grew, I started to do it right in front of him.
I'm not really sure what was up with Dilbert that day, but I haven't been back to the gym since my first visit. I'll be back tomorrow though, and I'm curious to know how he will handle my reappearance. I'm hoping he just loses steam so I can get back to my preferred method of exercise: the independent kind.
Either that, or Dilbert and I are going to have to have a little talk.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
The Gym, Part 1
I'm no stranger to the gym. I've worked out all my life and held several gym memberships in the past. So I can honestly say that my inaugural visit to the Korean gym last week was the first time I've ever felt like an outsider in a workout zone.
The gym I'm now using is only a 5 minute walk from my place, and it's both a spa and workout area rolled into one. It's quite nice, and comparable to an upscale North American gym, but there are a few major differences I noted shortly after arriving.
1. The Changerooms
When it comes to Korean locker rooms, the word de jour is nude. Nudity everwhere. And not the kind of nudity where a woman is wearing flip flops and a towel draped around her waist while she walks briskly from her locker to the shower area. No. I'm talking birthday-suit styles. Nada. Nothing. Not even a hair clip. And it's not just while walking around the changeroom getting ready. It's lounging around watching tv in the common area nudity. Gabbing with your girlfriends while grabbing a bite to eat at the snack bar nudity. Oh yes. Clothing is definitely optional.
2. Shoes
Shoes in Korea are a big deal. You never wear your outdoor shoes inside a house, school, changeroom, etc. I've actually learned to appreciate this custom since moving here, it just feels a lot cleaner. Visiting the gym was challenging though, because I have only one pair of indoor/outdoor runners, so I had to get creative and wash them in the changroom before entering the workout area. I prayed that no one would notice, or I'm sure I would've been yelled at - in Korean. And being yelled at in Korean is a lot scarier than being yelled at in English.
3. Gym Clothes
I'm not sure if this is just my gym, or Korean gyms in general, but they give everyone workout uniforms. Thankfully the provided clothes are optional (cuz they're pink and grey and ug-ly) but I have to admit it was cute and little bit funny to watch all these tiny Korean women trotting about in matching outfits.
4. The Machines
Hahahaha this was one of my fave parts. 90% of the workout machines are standard gym equipment: treadmills, stairclimbers, free weights, etc. But the other 10% are freaking hilarious. There was an entire wall of machinery that I'm pretty sure went out of style back in the 50's. Like those weird fat-juggling machines where you hook a strap around your lower back and the strap vibrates. Or this long bench where you lie down flat and it slowly tips back until you are all the way upside down. I don't know of any physical benefit to using this equipment, but the Koreans sure love it.
So aside from a few suprises, I give the overall gym experience a thumbs up. Honestly though, I was so excited to be able to work out properly for the first time since moving here, they probably could've shown me a room with a giant hamster-wheel and I would've been happy.
This isn't the end of my gym story, but I'll continue tomorrow. I met someone there the other day (a Korean personal trainer) but he really deserves his own post. And the award for Busan's Most Irritating Person.
To be continued...
The gym I'm now using is only a 5 minute walk from my place, and it's both a spa and workout area rolled into one. It's quite nice, and comparable to an upscale North American gym, but there are a few major differences I noted shortly after arriving.
1. The Changerooms
When it comes to Korean locker rooms, the word de jour is nude. Nudity everwhere. And not the kind of nudity where a woman is wearing flip flops and a towel draped around her waist while she walks briskly from her locker to the shower area. No. I'm talking birthday-suit styles. Nada. Nothing. Not even a hair clip. And it's not just while walking around the changeroom getting ready. It's lounging around watching tv in the common area nudity. Gabbing with your girlfriends while grabbing a bite to eat at the snack bar nudity. Oh yes. Clothing is definitely optional.
2. Shoes
Shoes in Korea are a big deal. You never wear your outdoor shoes inside a house, school, changeroom, etc. I've actually learned to appreciate this custom since moving here, it just feels a lot cleaner. Visiting the gym was challenging though, because I have only one pair of indoor/outdoor runners, so I had to get creative and wash them in the changroom before entering the workout area. I prayed that no one would notice, or I'm sure I would've been yelled at - in Korean. And being yelled at in Korean is a lot scarier than being yelled at in English.
3. Gym Clothes
I'm not sure if this is just my gym, or Korean gyms in general, but they give everyone workout uniforms. Thankfully the provided clothes are optional (cuz they're pink and grey and ug-ly) but I have to admit it was cute and little bit funny to watch all these tiny Korean women trotting about in matching outfits.
4. The Machines
Hahahaha this was one of my fave parts. 90% of the workout machines are standard gym equipment: treadmills, stairclimbers, free weights, etc. But the other 10% are freaking hilarious. There was an entire wall of machinery that I'm pretty sure went out of style back in the 50's. Like those weird fat-juggling machines where you hook a strap around your lower back and the strap vibrates. Or this long bench where you lie down flat and it slowly tips back until you are all the way upside down. I don't know of any physical benefit to using this equipment, but the Koreans sure love it.
So aside from a few suprises, I give the overall gym experience a thumbs up. Honestly though, I was so excited to be able to work out properly for the first time since moving here, they probably could've shown me a room with a giant hamster-wheel and I would've been happy.
This isn't the end of my gym story, but I'll continue tomorrow. I met someone there the other day (a Korean personal trainer) but he really deserves his own post. And the award for Busan's Most Irritating Person.
To be continued...
Saturday, September 18, 2010
A Little Lesson in the Art of Drinking Soju
I'd been warned. By my pre-Korea research, by other blogs, by my coworkers: whatever you do, beware of soju.
Soju is an alcholic drink native to Korea. Most commonly made from rice, it can also be brewed using potato, wheat, barley or other form of starch. The alcohol content is around 20% and it looks and tastes like a slightly sweeter version of vodka. Sounds harmless enough, but soju has certain characteristics that make it dangerous.
Living area/kitchen view. It's pretty much a bachelorette pad, so when you first walk in there is a hallway, kitchen on the right and bathroom on the left. Look closely and you can see the washing machine right beneath the far counter in the kitchen. I was SO happy to discover I had a washing machine in my apartment. Laundry mats are the bain of my existence.
Yay for Korean TV! Luckily I have a selection of 3 different English channels to choose from each day, usually consisting of 2 different movies and 1 American TV show that seems to rotate between American Idol, Project Runway and Law & Order SVU.
The bathroom. We lucked out and got Western-style showers. Most showers in Korea are not enclosed; they consist of a shower head and drain in the middle of the bathroom, so you have to shower on top of the toilet and sink. My friend Brianna has a Korean shower and it drives her nuts. She can't store anything in her bathroom because it will just get wet.
Niki's view. She is on the 11th floor so she's still able to see a bit of ocean from here.
Soju is an alcholic drink native to Korea. Most commonly made from rice, it can also be brewed using potato, wheat, barley or other form of starch. The alcohol content is around 20% and it looks and tastes like a slightly sweeter version of vodka. Sounds harmless enough, but soju has certain characteristics that make it dangerous.
First of all, it's unregulated. Anyone can make and sell soju. Meaning once you purchase a bottle, you have no way of knowing whether or not the alcohol content on the label is accurate, or how your particular drink was made. Over the years this has resulted in the complete deterioration of the tradional brewing process, to the point where most bottles of Soju are now comprised of pure chemicals.
Second, soju is CHEAP. A 300mL bottle costs around $1 (CDN) so a night of solid Soju-drinking will only run you $5 to $10. At that rate you can afford to get into a world of trouble!
Lastly, soju is social drink. It's the bar-shot of choice for most Koreans, and to refuse a drink of soju is considered rude. The Koreans will pressure you to indulge, so if you're really not up for drinking it's best to flee the scene asap.
Needless to say, proper soju consumption is a skill - because that stuff goes down like lemonade, and once you realize how much its hit you, it's already too late. You have to ease yourself into it and slowly build up a tolerance during your time in Korea. You don't, for example, go upstairs to your friend's apartment before heading out on a Friday night, and allow her (a 2 year soju-drinking veteran) to mix your first several drinks.
Thankfully I was blessed with an iron liver, so I survived last night without any war wounds. I still had a good time and the event in Kyunsung turned out to be really cool, featuring some fantastic local artists with tonnes of tables displaying different types of art for sale. Plus, the music was awesome. And there's nothing I love more than great live music.
Anyway, I am going to stop there because I just got back from an all-day beach-a-thon, so I'm starving and need some dinner. Below I've posted a few apartment pictures that I stole from Niki's facebook page (our places are identical and I'm too lazy to take my own pics right now) but I wanted to give everyone an idea of what my home here looks like...
Anyway, I am going to stop there because I just got back from an all-day beach-a-thon, so I'm starving and need some dinner. Below I've posted a few apartment pictures that I stole from Niki's facebook page (our places are identical and I'm too lazy to take my own pics right now) but I wanted to give everyone an idea of what my home here looks like...
Living area/kitchen view. It's pretty much a bachelorette pad, so when you first walk in there is a hallway, kitchen on the right and bathroom on the left. Look closely and you can see the washing machine right beneath the far counter in the kitchen. I was SO happy to discover I had a washing machine in my apartment. Laundry mats are the bain of my existence.
Yay for Korean TV! Luckily I have a selection of 3 different English channels to choose from each day, usually consisting of 2 different movies and 1 American TV show that seems to rotate between American Idol, Project Runway and Law & Order SVU.
The bathroom. We lucked out and got Western-style showers. Most showers in Korea are not enclosed; they consist of a shower head and drain in the middle of the bathroom, so you have to shower on top of the toilet and sink. My friend Brianna has a Korean shower and it drives her nuts. She can't store anything in her bathroom because it will just get wet.
Niki's view. She is on the 11th floor so she's still able to see a bit of ocean from here.
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