Well 2009 is coming to a close very soon. I have mixed emotions on starting a new year. On one hand I am very excited. I am in a new exciting place and I love my job. I have always dreamed of traveling and teaching and at the moment I am doing both. This time last year I never would have guessed I would be teaching English in South Korea. So here is hoping 2010 continues as well as 2009 ended.
On the flip side, I miss my family and friends. However, with the greatness that is the internet and Skype I can keep up with everyone. I missed the birth of my niece which was a little hard to swallow, but I have been kept up to speed on everything. I can't wait to get back to the good ol' USofA to meet her. She is so amazingly cute, and that is just not me being the proud uncle that I am.
I am also sort of glad 2009 is coming to a close because it has been a hard year. So I am really looking forward to 2010 and getting the chance to start a new year fresh in a new place.
I hope everyone had a great New Year. I will be spending New Years Day on a little day trip up to Seoul. It will be my first time there, and I am really looking forward to it even if it is for just a few hours. I'll be sure to take some pictures and fill you in on my journey up north.
Happy New Year!
E
I want to leave you with one of my favorite toasts, even if it's a little long. I find these are powerful words that I have to keep going back to at times. I don't know who came up with it, but I heard it first in Jack Ingram song....
Here's to living everyday just like its your last.
Here's to loving just like your heart's never been broken.
Here's to always dancing just like nobody's watching.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas in Korea
I have spent Christmas away from my immediate family before, but those years I always had my ex's family to spend it with. So this was a new experience for me. I am thousands of miles away from home and spent my first Christmas with no family around. I wasn't sure how it would go, but surprisingly it went by quickly. I think what helped was not being bombarded by Christmas for weeks in advance. Many Koreans celebrate Christmas but not to the point that we do back home. You don't see Christmas lights, Santas, Reindeer, or hear Christmas music everywhere you go. It is more of a surprise when you do see something relating to Christmas. So Christmas came and went before I knew it.
Koreans spend Christmas a little different that we do. They tend to spend the time with their significant other rather than family. Many of my students planned to go to a PC Bang and play video games all day long. There was not much mentioned of traveling to see family, or having a huge special family meal. They spend Christmas with their significant other, and New Year's with their family, just the opposite of what we do back home.
The foreign teachers at work and I tried to keep in good holiday cheer. I think it was harder for others than it was for me. Most are away from home for the first time ever this time of year. I tried to keep in the holiday spirit by making some Christmas candy. With my limited resources here, no oven and not much in the utensil department, I went with chocolate covered pecans. Pecans themselves are not big here. I had been searching hoping to find the ingrediants to make pecan pie and finally found some at COSTCO. They turned out quite good, and I think everyone at work enjoyed them. It wasn't quite like having divinity or date balls, but it did the trick.
We had decided to do a secret Santa gift exchange to keep in the holiday spirit as well. It turned out to be a good night after work on Christmas Eve. I recieved a great gift that will have me laughing for a long time. First of all, I got a Christmas toilet seat. This is absolute genius and has to be the best secret santa gift I have ever gotten. To add to that, I got some chopstick trainers (see pics below). It is well known here that my chopstick skills are lacking and I can't wait to sport my purple dinosaur chopstick trainers out one day next week for lunch. All in all it was a great night.
Christmas came and went pretty quickly. I got up and talked to my parents in the morning, went to the gym for a short time because I knew I was going to pig out later in the day, then went to join my fellow workers for a nice meal downtown. We had a nice Western style Christmas dinner of turkey, dressing, and mashed potatoes. The only hang up I had was the menu called for pumpkin pie, which I had been craving since Thanksgiving. Pies in general are difficult to find around here, except for walnut which isn't too shabby. Instead of pumpkin they served apple. I am sure it was good but I was really looking forward to pumpkin. All in all I had a great time at lunch and enjoyed the atmosphere. I have to admit I missed my mom's cornbread dressing and all the other goodies that are made every year. It was a good experience being in a foreign country for Christmas however. I really enjoy being here and look forward to more adventures.
Koreans spend Christmas a little different that we do. They tend to spend the time with their significant other rather than family. Many of my students planned to go to a PC Bang and play video games all day long. There was not much mentioned of traveling to see family, or having a huge special family meal. They spend Christmas with their significant other, and New Year's with their family, just the opposite of what we do back home.
The foreign teachers at work and I tried to keep in good holiday cheer. I think it was harder for others than it was for me. Most are away from home for the first time ever this time of year. I tried to keep in the holiday spirit by making some Christmas candy. With my limited resources here, no oven and not much in the utensil department, I went with chocolate covered pecans. Pecans themselves are not big here. I had been searching hoping to find the ingrediants to make pecan pie and finally found some at COSTCO. They turned out quite good, and I think everyone at work enjoyed them. It wasn't quite like having divinity or date balls, but it did the trick.
We had decided to do a secret Santa gift exchange to keep in the holiday spirit as well. It turned out to be a good night after work on Christmas Eve. I recieved a great gift that will have me laughing for a long time. First of all, I got a Christmas toilet seat. This is absolute genius and has to be the best secret santa gift I have ever gotten. To add to that, I got some chopstick trainers (see pics below). It is well known here that my chopstick skills are lacking and I can't wait to sport my purple dinosaur chopstick trainers out one day next week for lunch. All in all it was a great night.
Christmas came and went pretty quickly. I got up and talked to my parents in the morning, went to the gym for a short time because I knew I was going to pig out later in the day, then went to join my fellow workers for a nice meal downtown. We had a nice Western style Christmas dinner of turkey, dressing, and mashed potatoes. The only hang up I had was the menu called for pumpkin pie, which I had been craving since Thanksgiving. Pies in general are difficult to find around here, except for walnut which isn't too shabby. Instead of pumpkin they served apple. I am sure it was good but I was really looking forward to pumpkin. All in all I had a great time at lunch and enjoyed the atmosphere. I have to admit I missed my mom's cornbread dressing and all the other goodies that are made every year. It was a good experience being in a foreign country for Christmas however. I really enjoy being here and look forward to more adventures.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Christmas is Coming Soon
Christmas is less than 3 days away, and it really doesn't seem like it. There are very little decorations here in Korea aside from the random Santa in a small shop or a few decorations at large department stores. I can picture all the lights and decorations around town back home. I saw pictues of BLORA on Facebook recently too. That brings back a lot of good memories. For those who don't know, BLORA is a drive through Christmas light display back home in Texas. It makes for a good night driving slowly through the park, looking at lights with family and friends, while listening to Christmas music on the radio.
On the flip side, it is cold here and I am not used to haveing a cold Christmas. We got a little snow on Sunday, but it melted when it hit the ground. There is nothing like a white Christmas, but you have to play the hand you are dealt. In my case that is enjoying a cold snowless Christmas. I feel for those dealing with the blizzard that hit the northeast in the US. Below are a few pictures I got from my aunt and uncles back yard just outside of DC. I miss the snow, but they got more than you can deal with at one time.
Even though I won't be able to be with my family on Christmas, I am looking forward to it. I am looking forward to the dinner that the foreign teachers are going to. The menu is a western style meal and it sounds fantastic. Add in the good company I will have as well, and it should make for a good day. I guess I'll have to get my Christmas light fix through all the photos I see on Facebook.
On the flip side, it is cold here and I am not used to haveing a cold Christmas. We got a little snow on Sunday, but it melted when it hit the ground. There is nothing like a white Christmas, but you have to play the hand you are dealt. In my case that is enjoying a cold snowless Christmas. I feel for those dealing with the blizzard that hit the northeast in the US. Below are a few pictures I got from my aunt and uncles back yard just outside of DC. I miss the snow, but they got more than you can deal with at one time.
Even though I won't be able to be with my family on Christmas, I am looking forward to it. I am looking forward to the dinner that the foreign teachers are going to. The menu is a western style meal and it sounds fantastic. Add in the good company I will have as well, and it should make for a good day. I guess I'll have to get my Christmas light fix through all the photos I see on Facebook.
Till next time
E
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Cowboys or Cowgirls??
I can't seem to figure this team out. For the past 10 years or so, Dallas has laid egg after egg in December. This horrible streak they are on then continues into the playoffs where they haven't won a game in 13 years I think. So far they have lost 2 winable games in December and are in danger of missing the playoffs yet again because of a December swoon.
Then today happens, and they beat the best team in the NFC. An undefeated Saints team (who thought you would ever say that in December?) who have just destroyed opponent after opponent. I think everyone had written them off a few weeks ago in this game, but they showed they have a little heart. I didn't see the game, so I don't know how things played out. But winning in the Superdome over a team that 8 out of 10 times will probably beat you by double digits is something to get excited about. Or is it? Are they doing to let us down the last 2 weeks of the season vs. Philly and Washington? It is hard to say. From the looks of the box score the defense played great today. I still think this defense is good enough to get to the Super Bowl if the offense will allow them. Granted I am basing all of my thoughts off the box score, but it looked like we got back to playing football. Barber and Jones combined had over 100 yards rushing and it seems we have gotten away from the running game of late. Sure Romo threw for over 300 yards, but you still have to run to win. Maybe someone who saw game can chime in and tell me if I am off base.
I really hope this starts a winning streak and we get hot going into the playoffs. Then again I hope it doesn't save Phillips' job. We need new blood at head coach. I think the only way Wade is going to be back next year is if they get really hot and win a Super Bowl.
In other news, we got some snow in Daegu today. It wasn't much and it melted when it hit the ground, but it was snow. I don't think it snows much in the 'gu as I have heard it called. It has been very cold of late however. The past week we have seen highs in the 20's with no real change in site. I am excited about tonight. We are all going to celebrate one of the teacher's birthdays at an Indian restaurant. I had curry for the first time this week. It was really good but from what I hear it is nothing like I can get tonight.
Till next time. Stay warm.
E
P.S. I am trying something new out with this post. I am simply emailing a post. I hope it is as easy as it sounds.
Then today happens, and they beat the best team in the NFC. An undefeated Saints team (who thought you would ever say that in December?) who have just destroyed opponent after opponent. I think everyone had written them off a few weeks ago in this game, but they showed they have a little heart. I didn't see the game, so I don't know how things played out. But winning in the Superdome over a team that 8 out of 10 times will probably beat you by double digits is something to get excited about. Or is it? Are they doing to let us down the last 2 weeks of the season vs. Philly and Washington? It is hard to say. From the looks of the box score the defense played great today. I still think this defense is good enough to get to the Super Bowl if the offense will allow them. Granted I am basing all of my thoughts off the box score, but it looked like we got back to playing football. Barber and Jones combined had over 100 yards rushing and it seems we have gotten away from the running game of late. Sure Romo threw for over 300 yards, but you still have to run to win. Maybe someone who saw game can chime in and tell me if I am off base.
I really hope this starts a winning streak and we get hot going into the playoffs. Then again I hope it doesn't save Phillips' job. We need new blood at head coach. I think the only way Wade is going to be back next year is if they get really hot and win a Super Bowl.
In other news, we got some snow in Daegu today. It wasn't much and it melted when it hit the ground, but it was snow. I don't think it snows much in the 'gu as I have heard it called. It has been very cold of late however. The past week we have seen highs in the 20's with no real change in site. I am excited about tonight. We are all going to celebrate one of the teacher's birthdays at an Indian restaurant. I had curry for the first time this week. It was really good but from what I hear it is nothing like I can get tonight.
Till next time. Stay warm.
E
P.S. I am trying something new out with this post. I am simply emailing a post. I hope it is as easy as it sounds.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
My Students Make Me Laugh
So the other day in class my lower level kids were drawing Christmas pictures and coloring them when I noticed a new name on one of them. I walked up to her and asked if I had misspelled her name the whole time, knowing I hadn't. She started laughing and grabbed her eraser. Her name is Jenny but she had spelled it Jeeny on her paper. We both got a laugh out of it. I don't think they use their English name all that often so I won't give her too much slack. I just thought it was pretty funny.
E
E
A Nice Surprise
I got a surprise in the mail today. My parents sent me a package, or a parcel as the Brits at work call it. I really wasn't expecting anything, and honestly it doesn't matter what is in it. Sometimes it's just nice to know that someone is thinking of you even though you might be half way around the world. Plus lately I keep seeing everyone else at work get things, so when I arrived and saw the big box on my desk I was excited. I did notice on the customs form they filled out that the small box was candy. That got me very excited because I know my mom would have sent me my favorite Christmas candy, the pepermint Christmas nougats. They are only available this time of year, and they are the best.
After lunch I was greeted with an even better surprise. There was a card on my desk when I returned. My first Christmas card in Korea. It was a nice card, with a very nice note from my parents in it, but the part that made my day was the picture of my new niece in it. She was born my first day of work in Korea so I have not got the chance to see her. That is one of the drawbacks of coming. At the very least I won't see her until she is 1 year old. I know that doesn't seem like a long time, but it is to me. I have some amazing nieces and nephews, and since I don't have kids it is important to me to have a good relationship with them. I see too many people overlook the importance of family like I did when I was younger. Now I seehow fortunate I am to have a very supportive and caring family. Not to mention my close friends, who I usually refer to as my Texas family.
I have come to realize over the past few years how important family and friends are. Without them, I don't know how I would have gotten through my divorce. Without all their support I wouldn't have been able to make this move work. Christmas will be the hardest time of year to be away from home. Thankfully with the advent of some great technology, namely Skype, I will be able to speak to my family on Christmas. Add to that the fact I have some other foreign teachers to keep me company, it should be a good day. It won't be the same as being with my family, but it should be good none-the-less.
So wherever you spend the holiday season this year, don't forget those who mean most to you wherever they are. But enjoy the company of those you will be with and try to remember the true spirit of the holiday. It is more than ribbons and bows.
Merry Christmas.
E
Pictures of my new niece Abigail Elizabeth.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Donghwasa Temple
I love living in a big city. I love how I can catch a cab or bus within a block or so of my apartment and be anywhere in the city in a matter of minutes. It is a nice change from having to get in my car and drive to get anywhere back home. It does have its downsides though, mainly exhaust. The air here isn't exactly the cleanest so me and a few co-workers decided to get out of the city on Saturday for some clean crisp fresh mountain air.
Within a short distance (45+ mins by bus) is Mt. Palgongsan Natural Park. It's a nice big area with several tourists sites. The section we chose had both a very old temple and a cable car going up the mountain with great views. We started with the cable car, and it did not disappoint. The cable car took us about 900m above sea level and gave us a great view of the surrounding area. The weather was perfect too. It was just chilly enough to actually be enjoyable plus the sun was out. We took in the views of the surrounding town and hills and simply enjoyed breathing in some fresh mountain air. I do miss the mountains. I think I was spoiled the few years I spent in Denver. There is just nothing like breathing in cool mountain air. It refreshes the soul.
So after the cable car ride, we headed off to find Donghwasa Temple. The temple was built in 493 AD, and it was truely an amazing site to see. It is more than just one large temple where they worship, but more of a series of buildings. It was very peaceful there. Built back in the hills among the woods, the scenery was beautiful and peaceful. The architecture and colors used were simply amazing. Between the incense burning, to seeing people praying to Buddha, to watching a monk meditate I don't think I have ever been anywhere where I felt so at peace and enjoyed the quiet.
The temple was not the only attraction there however. Just a short walk away was teh Tongil-daebul Buddha Statue, which at 33m high and 16.5 m round is the largest in the world (according to our brochure). In the body of the statue are 2 pieces of Buddha's bones presented by the Myanmar government. It was completed in 1992 and was really a site to see. Surrounding the Buddha statue were various carvings, statues and pagodas.
It really opened my eyes to another culture, and I am very glad to have been there. It has also increased my desire to learn more about the Korean history and culture. I find it fascinating to see how others live, think, and pray. After the busy holiday season, a few of us from school might venture out for a temple stay. It sounds like a very interesting way to learn more about the Buddhist culture. You spend the night in a temple and have the chance to learn from them first hand about their religion, meditation, and other aspects of their culture.
Getting out of the city was a nice way to recharge with some fresh mountain air and learn a little something along the way. I can only hope to have more weekends like this in the future. Enjoy some of the photos below. There are many more on my flickr page.
The big Buddha statue
Longhorn Buddha?
There is a monk meditating in there. There were lots of people praying and meditating but I did not feel it was appropriate to capture that up close on film.
The communal drinking fountain.
What fun! A safety theme park.
View from up on top of the mountain.
Me up at the top of the mountain.
Within a short distance (45+ mins by bus) is Mt. Palgongsan Natural Park. It's a nice big area with several tourists sites. The section we chose had both a very old temple and a cable car going up the mountain with great views. We started with the cable car, and it did not disappoint. The cable car took us about 900m above sea level and gave us a great view of the surrounding area. The weather was perfect too. It was just chilly enough to actually be enjoyable plus the sun was out. We took in the views of the surrounding town and hills and simply enjoyed breathing in some fresh mountain air. I do miss the mountains. I think I was spoiled the few years I spent in Denver. There is just nothing like breathing in cool mountain air. It refreshes the soul.
So after the cable car ride, we headed off to find Donghwasa Temple. The temple was built in 493 AD, and it was truely an amazing site to see. It is more than just one large temple where they worship, but more of a series of buildings. It was very peaceful there. Built back in the hills among the woods, the scenery was beautiful and peaceful. The architecture and colors used were simply amazing. Between the incense burning, to seeing people praying to Buddha, to watching a monk meditate I don't think I have ever been anywhere where I felt so at peace and enjoyed the quiet.
The temple was not the only attraction there however. Just a short walk away was teh Tongil-daebul Buddha Statue, which at 33m high and 16.5 m round is the largest in the world (according to our brochure). In the body of the statue are 2 pieces of Buddha's bones presented by the Myanmar government. It was completed in 1992 and was really a site to see. Surrounding the Buddha statue were various carvings, statues and pagodas.
It really opened my eyes to another culture, and I am very glad to have been there. It has also increased my desire to learn more about the Korean history and culture. I find it fascinating to see how others live, think, and pray. After the busy holiday season, a few of us from school might venture out for a temple stay. It sounds like a very interesting way to learn more about the Buddhist culture. You spend the night in a temple and have the chance to learn from them first hand about their religion, meditation, and other aspects of their culture.
Getting out of the city was a nice way to recharge with some fresh mountain air and learn a little something along the way. I can only hope to have more weekends like this in the future. Enjoy some of the photos below. There are many more on my flickr page.
The big Buddha statue
Longhorn Buddha?
There is a monk meditating in there. There were lots of people praying and meditating but I did not feel it was appropriate to capture that up close on film.
The communal drinking fountain.
What fun! A safety theme park.
View from up on top of the mountain.
Me up at the top of the mountain.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Seomun Market
Last Sunday I ventured down to Seomun Market here in Daegu. Seomun has over 4,000 shops and is the largest Korean market in Daegu and one of the 3 largest in Korea. The market has items ranging from traditional clothing, to shoes, socks, and newer clothes, to various types of vegetables and meats, to live and dead animals such as chickens and rabbits. It reminded me of the First Monday Trade Days in Canton, TX, except it had a lot more crap. Most, if not all, of what is there is useless crap, although I am betting some of the food there is fantastic. I walked around for a few hours on the cold Sunday morning. The market is both indoor and out, and is just a huge maze of shops.
I have to say I was a little disappointed in that I didn't find much to purchase, but I was not disappointed in what I got to see. You don't see a cage of live chickens with dead chickens on top ot it often back home. I was curious how receptive they would be to taking pictures, so I quickly and slyly took a few of some interesting things (see below). I am glad I got to experience the market, but I am not sure I have a good reason to go back unless for some reason I need a live or dead rabbit in the future.
I have to say I was a little disappointed in that I didn't find much to purchase, but I was not disappointed in what I got to see. You don't see a cage of live chickens with dead chickens on top ot it often back home. I was curious how receptive they would be to taking pictures, so I quickly and slyly took a few of some interesting things (see below). I am glad I got to experience the market, but I am not sure I have a good reason to go back unless for some reason I need a live or dead rabbit in the future.
Monday, December 7, 2009
40 by 40
So I have been thinking about this for some time, and I have seen other similar things on other blogs/sites I read. I feel like I not really wasted my 20's but more so maybe that I didn't get all I could have out of it. Maybe that is part of the reason I am in South Korea now. I want to travel, see, and experience new things and cultures. I find living in South Korea fascinating. Add to that the conversations I have had so far with my fellow co-workers from the England, Canada, Scotland, and South Africa and I have a stronger urge to see and do more in my 30's. I wouldn't say I have a lot of regrets because I have lived a good life, I have great friends, and I couldn't ask for more when it comes to my family, but I feel there is more. So here is my take on my 40 by 40. Forty things I want to do before I turn 40 (just typing this makes me feel old), which is not that far off unfortunately.
1. See the Great Wall of China
2. See a World Baseball Classic game
3. See a World Series game
4. See 10 new MLB stadiums (can you tell I like baseball?)
5. Visit at least 5 of the 7 continents (3 to go)
6. Get a master's degree in History
7. Play a baseball game in a foreign country
8. Learn a foreign language (German perhaps)
9. Raise $10,000 for a charity
10. Volunteer at an orphanage
11. Ride the Trans-Siberian Rail
12. See the Pyramids
13. Visit the Grand Canyon
14. Go to Oktoberfest
15. Visit at least 10 new countries
16.. Eat a Kobe steak in Japan
17. See a baseball game in 5 foreign countries
18. Go to the Olympics
19. Go to the European Baseball Championships
20. See a football game at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium
21. Go to the Superbowl (at least join the festivities around the game)
22. Run a 5k Race
23. Volunteer at a soup kitchen
24. Get a small tattoo (ankle perhaps)
25. See a sunset in Key West
26. Throw out the 1st pitch at a baseball game
27. See a major college football bowl game
28. Go to the College World Series
29. Coach a baseball team in a foreign country for a game
30. Spend a week on a beach somewhere with no internet/TV/phone
31. Ride a motorcycle across the countryside of a foreign country
32. Visit Normandy
33. Visit a concentration camp
34. See the Northern Lights
35. Go to MLB spring training
36. Study Spanish in Central or South America
37. Take guitar lessons and be able to play at least 1 song
38. Visit Niagara Falls
39. Ice Skate at Rockefeller Center at Christmas time
40. See a basketball game in Madison Square Garden
So there it is. My 40 things I want to do before I turn 40. The clock is ticking so I better get cracking. If you have something similar, let me know. I would be interested in see what is on your to-do list.
In other news I have been tagged by Candice for the Tripbase Blog 3 best kept travel secrets. I will be posting my 3 secrets soon and will in turn tag a few other blogs. So look for that very soon.
Till next time,
E
1. See the Great Wall of China
2. See a World Baseball Classic game
3. See a World Series game
4. See 10 new MLB stadiums (can you tell I like baseball?)
5. Visit at least 5 of the 7 continents (3 to go)
6. Get a master's degree in History
7. Play a baseball game in a foreign country
8. Learn a foreign language (German perhaps)
9. Raise $10,000 for a charity
10. Volunteer at an orphanage
11. Ride the Trans-Siberian Rail
12. See the Pyramids
13. Visit the Grand Canyon
14. Go to Oktoberfest
15. Visit at least 10 new countries
16.. Eat a Kobe steak in Japan
17. See a baseball game in 5 foreign countries
18. Go to the Olympics
19. Go to the European Baseball Championships
20. See a football game at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium
21. Go to the Superbowl (at least join the festivities around the game)
22. Run a 5k Race
23. Volunteer at a soup kitchen
24. Get a small tattoo (ankle perhaps)
25. See a sunset in Key West
26. Throw out the 1st pitch at a baseball game
27. See a major college football bowl game
28. Go to the College World Series
29. Coach a baseball team in a foreign country for a game
30. Spend a week on a beach somewhere with no internet/TV/phone
31. Ride a motorcycle across the countryside of a foreign country
32. Visit Normandy
33. Visit a concentration camp
34. See the Northern Lights
35. Go to MLB spring training
36. Study Spanish in Central or South America
37. Take guitar lessons and be able to play at least 1 song
38. Visit Niagara Falls
39. Ice Skate at Rockefeller Center at Christmas time
40. See a basketball game in Madison Square Garden
So there it is. My 40 things I want to do before I turn 40. The clock is ticking so I better get cracking. If you have something similar, let me know. I would be interested in see what is on your to-do list.
In other news I have been tagged by Candice for the Tripbase Blog 3 best kept travel secrets. I will be posting my 3 secrets soon and will in turn tag a few other blogs. So look for that very soon.
Till next time,
E
Saturday, December 5, 2009
A Korean Wedding
So last night I had the opportunity to attend a Korean wedding. After talking to someone from work about what Korean weddings were like, I was very excited to be going. I mean what are the chances I have the chance to attend a Korean wedding again? So yesterday morning I set out downtown to do a little tie shopping. I don't know if I left my ties on accident or if they mysteriously disappeared during a bag inspection on my trip out here. I had gone to the department store nearest my apartment on Friday only to find the ties there ran around $80 US. I wasn't about to fork out that much money for a tie, so I headed downtown to search. I quickly found one to my liking for just a bit over $30 US, which was much easier to swallow. Now with tie in hand I was ready to go.
Now before I tell you about the wedding I attended, let me explain why I was so excited to be going. First of all, its a Korean wedding. Need I say more? Yes, okay I will. Earlier this week I was speaking to 2 of my co-workers who attended a wedding last year and to my surprise it sounded like a lot of fun. First of all, it sounded like a very nice ceremony. The bride and groom entered walking on an elevated walkway made of glass with flowers underneath. Now that sounds like an entrance! But what really caught my attention was what they said next. As the groom walked down the isle the theme from Star Wars played. Yes, you read that right, Star Wars. You know the greatest movie ever made, at least to my generation. I was so surprised I almost did not hear them talking about the strobe lights, smoke machines, and bubble machines that were also present. Now if that doesn't sound like a shindig worth attending, I don't know what does.
Okay so back to the wedding I went to. The reason I was invited, and I say "invited" loosely, was the bride was not only one of the school owner's daughters, but she worked in the middle school department of our branch previously and knew some of the teachers. In the end it was more of a requirement to go than an invitation. It started out as an invitation that myself and a few others jumped at. Then by about 10 to 10pm on Friday night (we get off at 10), it had gone from a its not required but we would like you to go, to a you must go scenario. I didn't mind as I was already planning on going.
So Saturday night we all met at work to take a taxi down to the Hotel Inter-Burgo, which is the only 5 Star hotel in Daegu. We arrived a little late and the ceremony was already going, which seemed to be okay. It was held in a large room in the hotel. I am guessing there were about 50-75 tables, maybe more, spread out in the large room filled with people. It was the largest wedding I had been to. Outside were even more people milling around during the ceremony, which seems to be normal here. We watched from the doorway and couldn't see much of the stage it was on, but never fear there were 4 large screens (see pic below) showing the proceedings on stage around the room.
It was a very elegant ceremony, but I am not sure if it was religious or not. The bride wore a Western style wedding dress, and the groom a tux. They were on an elevated stage that had a long isle running up to it lined with nice flower arrangements. It truly was a beautiful ceremony, even if I didn't understand a word they said. There was no Star Wars theme or anything like it. This wedding was a showcase, and they wanted everything to be top of the line which it was. Toward the end of the ceremony they did have smoke machines that started on stage and was actually quite nice. Then as the happy couple was walking down the isle as husband and wife, the bubble machines started in the ceiling.
There area lot of differences from what we are used to back home. There was no party afterwards. Everyone went to eat at the hotel buffet, which was amazing, but they also paid for it. Traditionally the guest pays for his/her own meal. They had tables set up where they collected money and gave the guest a meal voucher as they paid. The school paid for our meal, but I was told it is typically about 30,000 won or just under $30. Some other differences were that the bride and groom had already taken pictures together. Apparently long before the ceremony they go off somewhere and take their wedding photos, so there was a nice large portrait of the bride and groom as you entered the room. This means unlike back home the groom sees the bride in her dress before the ceremony. I think that almost robs the groom. That moment of seeing your future wife for the first time in her wedding dress as she is walking toward you might have been the best moment for me in my wedding. Again there was no reception afterwards. Everyone just ate and left, but all in all it was a very nice experience.
The buffet was amazing. They had everything there. It had sushi, sushi rolls, mandu (dumplings), salmon, crab legs, oysters, eel, octopus, all sorts of Korean and Chinese dishes, and so much more. It was an amazing spread. I filled up on all sorts of goodies and tried eel for the first time. They had snail as well but they must have run out before I could try it because when we went back looking for it, it was gone.
So all in all it was a great night. A very nice ceremony followed by good food and good company. You can't ask for much more.
A blurry pic of the walkway lined with flowers and candles.
The chandelier in the hotel.
The hotel Christmas tree.
An ice sculpture for the wedding.
You can see the bubbles coming down here.
More bubbles.
Now before I tell you about the wedding I attended, let me explain why I was so excited to be going. First of all, its a Korean wedding. Need I say more? Yes, okay I will. Earlier this week I was speaking to 2 of my co-workers who attended a wedding last year and to my surprise it sounded like a lot of fun. First of all, it sounded like a very nice ceremony. The bride and groom entered walking on an elevated walkway made of glass with flowers underneath. Now that sounds like an entrance! But what really caught my attention was what they said next. As the groom walked down the isle the theme from Star Wars played. Yes, you read that right, Star Wars. You know the greatest movie ever made, at least to my generation. I was so surprised I almost did not hear them talking about the strobe lights, smoke machines, and bubble machines that were also present. Now if that doesn't sound like a shindig worth attending, I don't know what does.
Okay so back to the wedding I went to. The reason I was invited, and I say "invited" loosely, was the bride was not only one of the school owner's daughters, but she worked in the middle school department of our branch previously and knew some of the teachers. In the end it was more of a requirement to go than an invitation. It started out as an invitation that myself and a few others jumped at. Then by about 10 to 10pm on Friday night (we get off at 10), it had gone from a its not required but we would like you to go, to a you must go scenario. I didn't mind as I was already planning on going.
So Saturday night we all met at work to take a taxi down to the Hotel Inter-Burgo, which is the only 5 Star hotel in Daegu. We arrived a little late and the ceremony was already going, which seemed to be okay. It was held in a large room in the hotel. I am guessing there were about 50-75 tables, maybe more, spread out in the large room filled with people. It was the largest wedding I had been to. Outside were even more people milling around during the ceremony, which seems to be normal here. We watched from the doorway and couldn't see much of the stage it was on, but never fear there were 4 large screens (see pic below) showing the proceedings on stage around the room.
It was a very elegant ceremony, but I am not sure if it was religious or not. The bride wore a Western style wedding dress, and the groom a tux. They were on an elevated stage that had a long isle running up to it lined with nice flower arrangements. It truly was a beautiful ceremony, even if I didn't understand a word they said. There was no Star Wars theme or anything like it. This wedding was a showcase, and they wanted everything to be top of the line which it was. Toward the end of the ceremony they did have smoke machines that started on stage and was actually quite nice. Then as the happy couple was walking down the isle as husband and wife, the bubble machines started in the ceiling.
There area lot of differences from what we are used to back home. There was no party afterwards. Everyone went to eat at the hotel buffet, which was amazing, but they also paid for it. Traditionally the guest pays for his/her own meal. They had tables set up where they collected money and gave the guest a meal voucher as they paid. The school paid for our meal, but I was told it is typically about 30,000 won or just under $30. Some other differences were that the bride and groom had already taken pictures together. Apparently long before the ceremony they go off somewhere and take their wedding photos, so there was a nice large portrait of the bride and groom as you entered the room. This means unlike back home the groom sees the bride in her dress before the ceremony. I think that almost robs the groom. That moment of seeing your future wife for the first time in her wedding dress as she is walking toward you might have been the best moment for me in my wedding. Again there was no reception afterwards. Everyone just ate and left, but all in all it was a very nice experience.
The buffet was amazing. They had everything there. It had sushi, sushi rolls, mandu (dumplings), salmon, crab legs, oysters, eel, octopus, all sorts of Korean and Chinese dishes, and so much more. It was an amazing spread. I filled up on all sorts of goodies and tried eel for the first time. They had snail as well but they must have run out before I could try it because when we went back looking for it, it was gone.
So all in all it was a great night. A very nice ceremony followed by good food and good company. You can't ask for much more.
A blurry pic of the walkway lined with flowers and candles.
The chandelier in the hotel.
The hotel Christmas tree.
An ice sculpture for the wedding.
You can see the bubbles coming down here.
More bubbles.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Tag You're It
So I was tagged by Candice to be part of the Tripbase Blog Tag. The basis is for each person tagged to give up 3 Travel Secrets and ask 5 others to do the same. Then all of the travel secrets get compiled into a nice list. So let's begin!
1. Take time to people watch. I have the luxury to live in a foreign country, so I get to see how people live on a daily basis. However, for my first few weeks here I did not notice many things because I did not take the time to just look around. I found if just take some time to look around you can learn a lot. So my tip is to take a few minutes, grab a coffee, tea, or your beverage of choice, and find a place to sit and relax to just people watch. I have found a corner Starbucks at a busy intersection where I can watch people not only walk down the street but I can also see them crossing the street. I think you can learn a lot by simply watching how people cross the street. Do they wait for the light to go? Do they run or walk slowly? Do they drag their children behind them? Do they bump into each other, or do they show some courtesy? This does not even take into account how they drive where you are. So take some time, chill out, relax, and learn a little. Too many people over look the simple things while traveling, and through simple things much can be learned.
2. If you find yourself in Korea on a cold day, go have a bowl of Gamjatang. This traditional spine soup is a great winter time meal. It is made with pork spine, vegetables, onions, peppers, and other tasty treats. Not only is it a good meal but it will warm you up on a cold day. Now spine soup may not sound that great, but believe me it is very good. Plus, most likely, you will get the chance to experience eating in a traditional Korean restaurant by sitting on the floor. Just don't forget to take your shoes off at the door. So kick off your shoes, sit back, relax, and enjoy a great traditional Korean meal.
3. Eat the bugs. When you find the chance, don't hesitate to eat the strange things offered in a new country. You normally won't be able to find items like scorpions, silkworm, ants, crickets, or whatever the local fare might be. They are not trying to make you sick. So step up and try something new. It will be something you remember forever, but don't just stick to the "bugs". There are many other items to eat that you don't easily find at home. Things like eel, octopus, squid, dog (okay I can see a few having issues with this and that is fine), and other items that might be popular overseas and not so much at home. You may never be able to get the "full" experience by traveling, but by trying new foods it will surely add to it.
So there is my list. Be sure to check out the Tripbase Blog where all the tips from the blog tag will eventually make it to.
Tagging these bloggers:
1. Erika of Is Kimchi For Me?
2. Kirsty of Nerdy Nomad
3. Emily of A Wanderlust World
4. Cali of Lady Livingston's Adventure Notes
5. Danielle of My Rose Colored View of This World
Cheers!
1. Take time to people watch. I have the luxury to live in a foreign country, so I get to see how people live on a daily basis. However, for my first few weeks here I did not notice many things because I did not take the time to just look around. I found if just take some time to look around you can learn a lot. So my tip is to take a few minutes, grab a coffee, tea, or your beverage of choice, and find a place to sit and relax to just people watch. I have found a corner Starbucks at a busy intersection where I can watch people not only walk down the street but I can also see them crossing the street. I think you can learn a lot by simply watching how people cross the street. Do they wait for the light to go? Do they run or walk slowly? Do they drag their children behind them? Do they bump into each other, or do they show some courtesy? This does not even take into account how they drive where you are. So take some time, chill out, relax, and learn a little. Too many people over look the simple things while traveling, and through simple things much can be learned.
2. If you find yourself in Korea on a cold day, go have a bowl of Gamjatang. This traditional spine soup is a great winter time meal. It is made with pork spine, vegetables, onions, peppers, and other tasty treats. Not only is it a good meal but it will warm you up on a cold day. Now spine soup may not sound that great, but believe me it is very good. Plus, most likely, you will get the chance to experience eating in a traditional Korean restaurant by sitting on the floor. Just don't forget to take your shoes off at the door. So kick off your shoes, sit back, relax, and enjoy a great traditional Korean meal.
3. Eat the bugs. When you find the chance, don't hesitate to eat the strange things offered in a new country. You normally won't be able to find items like scorpions, silkworm, ants, crickets, or whatever the local fare might be. They are not trying to make you sick. So step up and try something new. It will be something you remember forever, but don't just stick to the "bugs". There are many other items to eat that you don't easily find at home. Things like eel, octopus, squid, dog (okay I can see a few having issues with this and that is fine), and other items that might be popular overseas and not so much at home. You may never be able to get the "full" experience by traveling, but by trying new foods it will surely add to it.
So there is my list. Be sure to check out the Tripbase Blog where all the tips from the blog tag will eventually make it to.
Tagging these bloggers:
1. Erika of Is Kimchi For Me?
2. Kirsty of Nerdy Nomad
3. Emily of A Wanderlust World
4. Cali of Lady Livingston's Adventure Notes
5. Danielle of My Rose Colored View of This World
Cheers!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
People Watching
I have been in South Korea for just over 4 weeks now and I still do not have internet in my apartment. It should be hooked up today, but I won't hold my breath. It really hasn't been that bad though. I actually enjoy getting out of the house to go to Starbucks. They have a 2 floor store and the bottom floor is small and usually not busy. The best part of where I am is that it sits on the corner of a busy intersection so I get to do a lot of people watching which is always entertaining. Two days ago I was sitting here reading my blogs and surfing the net when a young boy came in with his mother. To get upstairs to purchase something from Starbucks, everyone must walk up the stairs next to the tables I sit at. I turned around a short while after they both entered and notice the young boy on the bottom step just staring at me. I am getting used to the stares, but I still find it amusing. About an hour or so later as I was packing up I turned around to find the young boy back staring again. I think sometimes the stares come from amazement of the strange foreigners, but sometimes I get another feeling. The older crowd here will many times stare at you as you pass them on the street. And they follow you with their eyes, in what seems like anger but probably isn't, long after you have passed them. I think some want to speak to the foreigner but are afraid of saying something wrong or getting shot down by the foreigner. Saving face here in SK is a big deal. They do not want to get shown up and made to look like a fool so they look for ways to save face. That's just one more of the culture differences I have run into.
I am finally starting to get over my head cold so I hope to venture out this weekend to the downtown market. I hear there are some interesting things to see and purchase so I am really looking forward to that. I don't know when I'll get the chance as I might have to work a few hours on Saturday afternoon.
In other news one of my favorite online authors, who recently became an associate editor over at Matador, has a new blog. Candice from That's Tangly, who has a writing style of reckless abandon which makes for interesting reading, released her new blog of Candice Does the World to document the planning of her future RTW trip. So check it out and enjoy some good travel writing. I also gotta say thanks to Candice for the link to my blog on her new site. Also, if you are not familiar with it, check out Matador, one of the premier travel sites on the web.
Till next time,
E
P.S. I also wanted to add that I added to my list a few of my co-worker's blogs. So if you are interested in learning about life in SK for foreigners, these will give you a few other perspectives. Is Kimchi For Me? and Lady Livingston's Adventure Notes. Also check out Emily's blog A Wanderlust World (a fellow Texan) about teaching in SK
My view of the intersection from Starbucks.
The other side of the corner view from Starbucks. To the left are the stairs to go up to the main section of Starbucks. This is in the corner of the Dong-A Department Store building and those are coats and clothes they are selling just outside.
View of the Starbucks I frequent from across the street.
I am finally starting to get over my head cold so I hope to venture out this weekend to the downtown market. I hear there are some interesting things to see and purchase so I am really looking forward to that. I don't know when I'll get the chance as I might have to work a few hours on Saturday afternoon.
In other news one of my favorite online authors, who recently became an associate editor over at Matador, has a new blog. Candice from That's Tangly, who has a writing style of reckless abandon which makes for interesting reading, released her new blog of Candice Does the World to document the planning of her future RTW trip. So check it out and enjoy some good travel writing. I also gotta say thanks to Candice for the link to my blog on her new site. Also, if you are not familiar with it, check out Matador, one of the premier travel sites on the web.
Till next time,
E
P.S. I also wanted to add that I added to my list a few of my co-worker's blogs. So if you are interested in learning about life in SK for foreigners, these will give you a few other perspectives. Is Kimchi For Me? and Lady Livingston's Adventure Notes. Also check out Emily's blog A Wanderlust World (a fellow Texan) about teaching in SK
My view of the intersection from Starbucks.
The other side of the corner view from Starbucks. To the left are the stairs to go up to the main section of Starbucks. This is in the corner of the Dong-A Department Store building and those are coats and clothes they are selling just outside.
View of the Starbucks I frequent from across the street.
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