Friday, November 30, 2007
Snapshots of Seoul Adventure #9
I stole some of these pictures from a friend. Ok, I stole all of these pictures. My camera is on the fritz right now, but my friend graciously allowed me to put them on my blog. Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Seoul-the city that never sleeps- including its wagukin visitors
Seoul adventure #9 transpired over Thanksgiving weekend, and this one has topped them all thus far. I eagerly traipsed up to Seoul for a random night of who-knows- what with my good friends Meredith, DJ, and the infamous Hagwon Don. We were going to stay with a friend of Hagwon Don, but ended up staying at a local jimjilbong. I am not sure how EXACTLY to describe these places, but its a 24 hotel/bathhouse/sauna/random escapist paradise for Koreans. I enjoy going to use the sauna, but I have never slept in one before. I was not too keen on the idea, but peer pressure got the the better of me. Most "jims" don't allow its patrons to leave their belongings and come back, but our lucky stars were aligned. The four of us headed to a local jazz bar that was VERY COOL. I haven't attended many jazz clubs, but this was quaint, intimate, smoky, and just downright hip. We hung out till around 2 am, then went on a search for hotteuk. (A pancake filled with brown sugar and nuts-very delicious!) I got the brilliant idea to head to the night market and fulfill my "purse envy" of Meredith's trendy flowered bag. The purse store was closed, but pictures of brilliant Christmas lights were taken and hotteuk was found. Game over, we win the search for nutty pankcakes.
Much to my surprise (and slight dismay),the night was NOT over. It was time to find a place to sleep at the "jim". The establishment provides a pair of pajamas and towels to use for sleep or sauna. Meredith and I got ready to find a place to sleep, but it was PACKED. People were sleeping ON THE FLOOR with tiny cushions to support their heads. Except there weren't any cushions left. I charged back into the locker room, got some jackets and my ipod, and wriggled my way onto the floor. I managed to swipe two cushions from some unsuspecting Koreans. I was doing ok, but then DJ found us and summoned us over into the computer room. Sweet! The four of us snuggled into a darkened room with two other Korean men for a night of "sleep". The precious hour of REM lasted 52 minutes. Believe me, I counted! I managed to find a spot between someone's hairy foot and oddly muscular calf, but suprisingly drifted off to sleep right away.
The rest of the day was spent shopping for books, journals, and having tea with birds uttering Korean hellos in the background. Every corner I turn there is always something new to see. The city of 10 million never ceases to amaze. I anticipate and drool over any chance I can go into the city. I even look forward to "sleeping" at a jimjilbong again. Preferably one with beds, but I guess another set of hairy feet aren't that bad. :)
Much to my surprise (and slight dismay),the night was NOT over. It was time to find a place to sleep at the "jim". The establishment provides a pair of pajamas and towels to use for sleep or sauna. Meredith and I got ready to find a place to sleep, but it was PACKED. People were sleeping ON THE FLOOR with tiny cushions to support their heads. Except there weren't any cushions left. I charged back into the locker room, got some jackets and my ipod, and wriggled my way onto the floor. I managed to swipe two cushions from some unsuspecting Koreans. I was doing ok, but then DJ found us and summoned us over into the computer room. Sweet! The four of us snuggled into a darkened room with two other Korean men for a night of "sleep". The precious hour of REM lasted 52 minutes. Believe me, I counted! I managed to find a spot between someone's hairy foot and oddly muscular calf, but suprisingly drifted off to sleep right away.
The rest of the day was spent shopping for books, journals, and having tea with birds uttering Korean hellos in the background. Every corner I turn there is always something new to see. The city of 10 million never ceases to amaze. I anticipate and drool over any chance I can go into the city. I even look forward to "sleeping" at a jimjilbong again. Preferably one with beds, but I guess another set of hairy feet aren't that bad. :)
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving...minus the Peanuts gang...
The past three weeks I have been teaching at an English camp held at my school. Local sixth graders come from nearby public schools to learn about how Westerners spend seasons and holidays. Imagine trying to explain the journey of the Pilgrims to a bunch of kids that can barely say the correct colors. I am definitely getting a crash course in ESL. The interesting thing is the similiarities between Eastern and Western cultures. One of my students spent six months in the States and knew about the horrendous violence that occurred between the settlers and Native Americans. I asked what happened in Korean history to see if I could draw any ties together. The kids immediately divulged about Korea's history of violence and oppression. I had no idea how much Korea has been tormented by China and Japan over the last few centuries. It makes our history seems so YOUNG at times.
The last half hour of camp was spent watching "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving". It officially marked the kick-off for my Thanksgiving holiday. The rest of the "true" Thanksgiving day in Korea was spent chaperoning a Sadie Hawkins dance. Yes, I dressed up and danced my heart out. I celebrated with a sushi feast afterward.
In spite of seaweed and rice, I did get to enjoy some authentic Thanksgiving food. TCIS has a sister school up in Suwon (a suburb of Seoul) that volunteered to host a joint Thanksgiving celebration on Saturday for the two schools. I spent the morning frantically shopping for gifts for my family, then hopping a train and two taxis to arrive at the school. I played an hour of intense basketball with my headmaster, pastor, and several other teachers, showered quickly, then headed off to eat a HUGE meal with my extended family. I couldn't help but walk into the crowded cafeteria with a sense of vagueness. The scene wasn't quite right. The magohony buffet at my parents' house wasn't there; filled with turkey, mashed potatoes, and the random dish of cottage cheese in the Japanese bowl my mother secretly likes to sneak into every meal. My grandfather wasn't there to banter with me and constantly telling me I need to "beef up". Wrigley wasn't there giving the irrestible look of manipulative pity that forces me to give him endless amounts of turkey.
Instead, I saw my second cousin feeding her three children and allowing everyone to hold them so she could sneak a bite of turkey. I overhead conversations about my other cousin Phil coming to visit for three months and coach basketball. I talked with my pastor about a new bible he picked up for me. I heard my friends talk about homesickness and feeling out of sorts. I chatted with my friend Meredith about the going out for jazz and dancing that evening. As Charlie Brown would say, good grief!
I still have to catch myself sometimes at the radical difference life has taken since August.
On another note, happy belated Thanksgiving! To my mom and sister- Happy Chusokae! (minus the obscenity Mals!) I am grateful to have you all in my life, despite the six thousand mile distance.
The last half hour of camp was spent watching "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving". It officially marked the kick-off for my Thanksgiving holiday. The rest of the "true" Thanksgiving day in Korea was spent chaperoning a Sadie Hawkins dance. Yes, I dressed up and danced my heart out. I celebrated with a sushi feast afterward.
In spite of seaweed and rice, I did get to enjoy some authentic Thanksgiving food. TCIS has a sister school up in Suwon (a suburb of Seoul) that volunteered to host a joint Thanksgiving celebration on Saturday for the two schools. I spent the morning frantically shopping for gifts for my family, then hopping a train and two taxis to arrive at the school. I played an hour of intense basketball with my headmaster, pastor, and several other teachers, showered quickly, then headed off to eat a HUGE meal with my extended family. I couldn't help but walk into the crowded cafeteria with a sense of vagueness. The scene wasn't quite right. The magohony buffet at my parents' house wasn't there; filled with turkey, mashed potatoes, and the random dish of cottage cheese in the Japanese bowl my mother secretly likes to sneak into every meal. My grandfather wasn't there to banter with me and constantly telling me I need to "beef up". Wrigley wasn't there giving the irrestible look of manipulative pity that forces me to give him endless amounts of turkey.
Instead, I saw my second cousin feeding her three children and allowing everyone to hold them so she could sneak a bite of turkey. I overhead conversations about my other cousin Phil coming to visit for three months and coach basketball. I talked with my pastor about a new bible he picked up for me. I heard my friends talk about homesickness and feeling out of sorts. I chatted with my friend Meredith about the going out for jazz and dancing that evening. As Charlie Brown would say, good grief!
I still have to catch myself sometimes at the radical difference life has taken since August.
On another note, happy belated Thanksgiving! To my mom and sister- Happy Chusokae! (minus the obscenity Mals!) I am grateful to have you all in my life, despite the six thousand mile distance.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Oh the places you'll go!
It's cold in Korea. Finally. I cannot believe I am admitting this, but I hunger for the seasons to change. The slow ebb of fall crept into Korea quietly, then exploded into a wonderful palette of crimson reds, appleish yellows, and fiery burnt oranges. I could not WAIT for a free weekend to get out of my sleepy little city and into the arms of nature. (Yes, Mom, I did see some "tree maidens" on the way. I am finally starting to look at the window when I ride in a car/bus!)
Two weekends ago I hosted a French toast breakfast for a few of my new island friends that came into town to visit. Keep in mind I didn't actually COOK anything, but provided the food, eating space, and scintillating conversation. I dread the day when I will actually have to add cooking food to my repertoire as a hostess.
After breakfast, I headed with twelve other teachers to Songnisan National Park. It boasts of a giant golden Buddha, a hermitage where female monks used to dwell, and amazing fall colors. I was salivating at the chance to see nature at her finest.
Upon our arrival, a half hour walk into the forest led us to the golden Buddha, including every resident within an hour of the park. It was PACKED! Someone muttered once to me I should avoid any Korean national parks on a Saturday. Numerous Koreans were decked out in the latest hiking outfit and boots. I felt shabby in my purple fleece jacket! I am beginning to see why I should wait to travel to a park on a random Tuesday. My friends and I were desperate for some quiet. We traveled up to a hermitage where female monks used to live. We finally found a quiet path, soaked in the silence by walking quietly up the hill, then began throwing leaves at one another. So much for the solitude. :) Upon our arrival at the hermitage, I heard some female monks chanting. It was a peculiar sound coming from a human being. The guttural echoes of their prayers sounded vastly different from my own. I couldn't help but listen in utter curiosity.
On the way back we stopped to see the golden Buddha. I don't understand the draw to Buddhism. He just looks like a big, fat guy to me. Doesn't the Eightfold Path teach about balance and temperance? Buddha sure didn't worry about his waistline.
I continue on my own search with Christianity. I am learning about discipline, prayer, and seeing God/Jesus/Holy Spirit as something more than a myth. It's a slow progression, but I am enjoying taking an intellectual approach to my faith. Some aspects finally make sense for the first time; others still baffle me. I guess it really is a life-long journey. I think it is cool that Jesus was a carpenter! :)
Two weekends ago I hosted a French toast breakfast for a few of my new island friends that came into town to visit. Keep in mind I didn't actually COOK anything, but provided the food, eating space, and scintillating conversation. I dread the day when I will actually have to add cooking food to my repertoire as a hostess.
After breakfast, I headed with twelve other teachers to Songnisan National Park. It boasts of a giant golden Buddha, a hermitage where female monks used to dwell, and amazing fall colors. I was salivating at the chance to see nature at her finest.
Upon our arrival, a half hour walk into the forest led us to the golden Buddha, including every resident within an hour of the park. It was PACKED! Someone muttered once to me I should avoid any Korean national parks on a Saturday. Numerous Koreans were decked out in the latest hiking outfit and boots. I felt shabby in my purple fleece jacket! I am beginning to see why I should wait to travel to a park on a random Tuesday. My friends and I were desperate for some quiet. We traveled up to a hermitage where female monks used to live. We finally found a quiet path, soaked in the silence by walking quietly up the hill, then began throwing leaves at one another. So much for the solitude. :) Upon our arrival at the hermitage, I heard some female monks chanting. It was a peculiar sound coming from a human being. The guttural echoes of their prayers sounded vastly different from my own. I couldn't help but listen in utter curiosity.
On the way back we stopped to see the golden Buddha. I don't understand the draw to Buddhism. He just looks like a big, fat guy to me. Doesn't the Eightfold Path teach about balance and temperance? Buddha sure didn't worry about his waistline.
I continue on my own search with Christianity. I am learning about discipline, prayer, and seeing God/Jesus/Holy Spirit as something more than a myth. It's a slow progression, but I am enjoying taking an intellectual approach to my faith. Some aspects finally make sense for the first time; others still baffle me. I guess it really is a life-long journey. I think it is cool that Jesus was a carpenter! :)
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