By the time we got down to Jonggak we were able to grab a quick drink at the bar and then work our way to the street. We went the wrong way thinking we could get on the street that was lined with police buses and through a massive amount of people pushing and shoving. Eventually we turned around and ran the other way and got on to the street. Somehow we either missed the count down or there wasn't one. However, we also shot off fireworks and joined in the yelling and screaming and the happy new yearing. It was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had and I can't truly explain the excitement. After Loren and I shot off our fireworks we settled near a police bus and opened up the soju. We said Happy New Year to anyone who wanted to listen and got a lot of awesome reactions. People were laughing because we were saying it, people were cheering us for our drinking of soju from the bottle and others had to do a double take. Later, we tried our luck at saying it in Korean and got buckled knees of laughter. We got our picture taken with a bunch of Koreans who talked to us about the NBA (Sister, I said my favorite team was the Grizzles!). Afterward we got some awesome street food and went to the bar for another drink before heading to Itaewon. I got home at 5:30 this morning, but it was the best New Year of my life
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Year's Eve in Seoul
Last night Loren, Megan and I decided to check out the New Year's Eve celebration in Jonggak. This area is pretty much downtown Seoul and the city had closed off the street and set up a big stage and were prepared to ring in the new year. Supposedly a bell is rung 33 times and many people come to listen to the bell, shoot off fireworks and engage in the festivities. Being somewhere other than my house in Wisconsin, I had to take the opportunity to do like the Koreans. 
By the time we got down to Jonggak we were able to grab a quick drink at the bar and then work our way to the street. We went the wrong way thinking we could get on the street that was lined with police buses and through a massive amount of people pushing and shoving. Eventually we turned around and ran the other way and got on to the street. Somehow we either missed the count down or there wasn't one. However, we also shot off fireworks and joined in the yelling and screaming and the happy new yearing. It was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had and I can't truly explain the excitement. After Loren and I shot off our fireworks we settled near a police bus and opened up the soju. We said Happy New Year to anyone who wanted to listen and got a lot of awesome reactions. People were laughing because we were saying it, people were cheering us for our drinking of soju from the bottle and others had to do a double take. Later, we tried our luck at saying it in Korean and got buckled knees of laughter. We got our picture taken with a bunch of Koreans who talked to us about the NBA (Sister, I said my favorite team was the Grizzles!). Afterward we got some awesome street food and went to the bar for another drink before heading to Itaewon. I got home at 5:30 this morning, but it was the best New Year of my life
By the time we got down to Jonggak we were able to grab a quick drink at the bar and then work our way to the street. We went the wrong way thinking we could get on the street that was lined with police buses and through a massive amount of people pushing and shoving. Eventually we turned around and ran the other way and got on to the street. Somehow we either missed the count down or there wasn't one. However, we also shot off fireworks and joined in the yelling and screaming and the happy new yearing. It was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had and I can't truly explain the excitement. After Loren and I shot off our fireworks we settled near a police bus and opened up the soju. We said Happy New Year to anyone who wanted to listen and got a lot of awesome reactions. People were laughing because we were saying it, people were cheering us for our drinking of soju from the bottle and others had to do a double take. Later, we tried our luck at saying it in Korean and got buckled knees of laughter. We got our picture taken with a bunch of Koreans who talked to us about the NBA (Sister, I said my favorite team was the Grizzles!). Afterward we got some awesome street food and went to the bar for another drink before heading to Itaewon. I got home at 5:30 this morning, but it was the best New Year of my life
Tokyo: The End
The last few days in Tokyo were busy, but not as busy as they could have been. A lot of things were closed that I wanted to do, the Imperial Palace Garden and an aerial view of Tokyo. However, this did allow me to walk around a few neighborhoods and take a day trip out of Tokyo. On the 29th I went to Tsujiki Fish Market with Nadja, a Swiss girl I met in the hostel. This is the largest fish market in Japan and they do billions of dollars of business everyday. It was pretty insane and very energetic. However, besides seeing a whole lot of fish, giant tuna, octopus, snapper, there isn't too much to report on. Later I had planned to go to the Tokyo Government Building for a free view of Tokyo, but they were closed until the New Year. Instead, I tried to go to Harajuku, but got on the wrong train at Shinjuku Station, which is the busiest train station in the world. So, I finally ended up walking around Shinjuku and taking in all the lights and craziness that is Tokyo.
My last day in Tokyo I went to Kamakura for the day. Kamakura is about an hour from Tokyo by train, but it is full of temples and shrines. However, it is most famous for its giant Buddha statue. I explored a few of the shrines and temples and REALLY wanted to go to the Buddha statue, but I had all sorts of difficulty getting there. It was getting late and I didn't go. However, I am planning on going back to Japan before I leave Korea because I want to see more than just Tokyo and I can try to fit it in then. Anyway, Kamakura is also on the coast and so I spent about two hours walking along the beach and sitting in the sand. It was a really nice day, about 60 degrees and the sun was shining. It was very relaxing and a great way to end my trip to Tokyo.
Here are two links to photos on Facebook. I'm too lazy to upload them to Picasa.
Tokyo: Part Ichi
Tokyo: Park Ni
My last day in Tokyo I went to Kamakura for the day. Kamakura is about an hour from Tokyo by train, but it is full of temples and shrines. However, it is most famous for its giant Buddha statue. I explored a few of the shrines and temples and REALLY wanted to go to the Buddha statue, but I had all sorts of difficulty getting there. It was getting late and I didn't go. However, I am planning on going back to Japan before I leave Korea because I want to see more than just Tokyo and I can try to fit it in then. Anyway, Kamakura is also on the coast and so I spent about two hours walking along the beach and sitting in the sand. It was a really nice day, about 60 degrees and the sun was shining. It was very relaxing and a great way to end my trip to Tokyo.
Here are two links to photos on Facebook. I'm too lazy to upload them to Picasa.
Tokyo: Part Ichi
Tokyo: Park Ni
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Tokyo: Day with Cottey Girls
Today I had to switch hostels, but still stayed in the same general area as before. However, I am now closer to a subway line that is more direct. Anyway, after waking up and getting ready I headed to Khaosan Tokyo Original Guesthouse. This place has a lot of charm and is quite nice. I`m now in a room with 7 other girls so it feels a bit Cottey-esque. Everyone seems super nice and it is so much fun to meet people from all over the world. I`m staying with a girl from Switzerland, Spain and Austrialia (that I know of, haven`t met the others.)
Anyway, today was spent is Shibuya with my Cottey friends, Sayo and Sayo. They both moved back to Japan after going to school in the states and it was super nice to see them. We had lunch together at an okonomiyaki restaurant. You get a bowl of stuff, cabbage, meat, egg and all sorts of other stuff and then you cook it on a griddle on the table. It was so good! We had a kimchi and pork one and a seafood one that included squid and shrimp. We had two others, but I can`t remember what that were. After lunch we went to the karaoke room and belted out some tunes. This karakoe room was quite similar to a noraebang in Korea, but they had WAY more songs to choose from. After that we went to a photo booth and got pictures taken and we decorated them all crazy and we each got some to take home. Then we got a soda at McDonald`s and chatted. It was time to part ways after that, but I had SO much fun with the girls. It made us all miss Cottey people a lot. However, they are both planning on visiting me in Seoul as neither of them have ever been to Korea and it is really quite cheap for them to come visit.
Later on in the evening I explored the Asakusa area once more and found a cute/cheap tempura restaurant where I had eggplant, pumpkin, string bean, lotus and mushroom tempura with rice. It was quite delicious. I`m finding it easy to spend money in Tokyo, but I am pretty sure I won`t end up blowing my budget. In fact, I`m sure I`ll have some money left over for New Year`s Eve in Seoul.
Anyway, today was spent is Shibuya with my Cottey friends, Sayo and Sayo. They both moved back to Japan after going to school in the states and it was super nice to see them. We had lunch together at an okonomiyaki restaurant. You get a bowl of stuff, cabbage, meat, egg and all sorts of other stuff and then you cook it on a griddle on the table. It was so good! We had a kimchi and pork one and a seafood one that included squid and shrimp. We had two others, but I can`t remember what that were. After lunch we went to the karaoke room and belted out some tunes. This karakoe room was quite similar to a noraebang in Korea, but they had WAY more songs to choose from. After that we went to a photo booth and got pictures taken and we decorated them all crazy and we each got some to take home. Then we got a soda at McDonald`s and chatted. It was time to part ways after that, but I had SO much fun with the girls. It made us all miss Cottey people a lot. However, they are both planning on visiting me in Seoul as neither of them have ever been to Korea and it is really quite cheap for them to come visit.
Later on in the evening I explored the Asakusa area once more and found a cute/cheap tempura restaurant where I had eggplant, pumpkin, string bean, lotus and mushroom tempura with rice. It was quite delicious. I`m finding it easy to spend money in Tokyo, but I am pretty sure I won`t end up blowing my budget. In fact, I`m sure I`ll have some money left over for New Year`s Eve in Seoul.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Tokyo: Arrival
I`m in Tokyo right now and so far it has been quite nice. I caught a flight from Seoul at 10:20 on Friday morning and got to Tokyo about 12:30. The flight was pretty turbulent for the last 20 minutes or so and coupled with a tad too much wine on Christmas/late night/early morning, I thought I was going to be sick. Luckliy, I was fine.
After finding my way through customs and money exchange I was on a train bound for Asakusabashi station. Last night and tonight I am staying at the Khaosan Tokyo Ninja hostel and it is REALLY nice. I highly recommend it for anyone traveling to Tokyo. I`m actually staying in a room with three guys, kind of random/crazy, but perfectly fine. Anyway, yesterday I went to Sensoji Temple and walked around the grounds and the market in front of the temple. At the temple, I did what the Japanese were doing and tossed some coins in and made a wish/prayer. It seemed fitting not only because I was in Tokyo, but because the new year is quickly approaching and it is always a time for reflection and hope. After the temple I got some delicious udon, which warmed me right up. I don`t think I`ve ever actually felt the power of a warm bowl of noodles until yesterday. Since it was an early morning, I called it an early night and hung around in the hostel`s living room with random people and watched Japanese pop stars belt it out in front of a live audience.
Today I got up a little later than anticiapted, but I still managed to fit everything schedule into my day. I started at Kappabashi and the kitchenware market where plastic food is king and knives are commonplace. I bought a lovely pair of chopsticks and wandered aroubd looking at all sorts of kitchen gadgets, restaurant wares and pottery. Later, I decided to go to a clothing/shoe market and woubd up buying a new pair of shoes because my new Converse were killing my feet. I got a bice pair of Adidas tennis shoes and felt much better. Afterward, I headed to Ginza to check out the Sony Building where all the new products are on display. I never realized Sony had so many electronics! The digital cameras caught my eye as I am looking to buy a new one, but I held off. Ginza is insane. Lots of people, huge ritzy stores. Gucci, Chanel, Tiffany, Coach, Harry Winston, Apple and so many more. I checked out Coach and the Nissan showroom. I went to a 9-story stationery store and spent a good chunk of time there and bought a few things, but nothing too spectacular. Eventually I settled on an early dinner at a place Lonely Planet recommended called Zest Cantina. It is a Tex-Mex restaurant with Japanese cowboys, but the chicken in my quesadilla was undercooked. They had really good pico de gallo though. Tomorrow I`m meeting up with my friends Sayo and Sayo. We went to Cottey together and I haven`t seen them in about 5 years. It is completely insane how fast time goes by.
It`s weird being in Japan. I got here in less than two hours from a place I have lived for almost 6 months. It is completely mind blowing to me that I can be in another country in such a short amount of time. The other crazy thing is that all around me I see Asian, but they aren`t the ones I`ve been living with, they speak a different language, they have a different alphabet. I actually think I know more Japanese than Korean, but I have wanted to speak Korean in every situation. It`s one of life`s amazing experiences.
After finding my way through customs and money exchange I was on a train bound for Asakusabashi station. Last night and tonight I am staying at the Khaosan Tokyo Ninja hostel and it is REALLY nice. I highly recommend it for anyone traveling to Tokyo. I`m actually staying in a room with three guys, kind of random/crazy, but perfectly fine. Anyway, yesterday I went to Sensoji Temple and walked around the grounds and the market in front of the temple. At the temple, I did what the Japanese were doing and tossed some coins in and made a wish/prayer. It seemed fitting not only because I was in Tokyo, but because the new year is quickly approaching and it is always a time for reflection and hope. After the temple I got some delicious udon, which warmed me right up. I don`t think I`ve ever actually felt the power of a warm bowl of noodles until yesterday. Since it was an early morning, I called it an early night and hung around in the hostel`s living room with random people and watched Japanese pop stars belt it out in front of a live audience.
Today I got up a little later than anticiapted, but I still managed to fit everything schedule into my day. I started at Kappabashi and the kitchenware market where plastic food is king and knives are commonplace. I bought a lovely pair of chopsticks and wandered aroubd looking at all sorts of kitchen gadgets, restaurant wares and pottery. Later, I decided to go to a clothing/shoe market and woubd up buying a new pair of shoes because my new Converse were killing my feet. I got a bice pair of Adidas tennis shoes and felt much better. Afterward, I headed to Ginza to check out the Sony Building where all the new products are on display. I never realized Sony had so many electronics! The digital cameras caught my eye as I am looking to buy a new one, but I held off. Ginza is insane. Lots of people, huge ritzy stores. Gucci, Chanel, Tiffany, Coach, Harry Winston, Apple and so many more. I checked out Coach and the Nissan showroom. I went to a 9-story stationery store and spent a good chunk of time there and bought a few things, but nothing too spectacular. Eventually I settled on an early dinner at a place Lonely Planet recommended called Zest Cantina. It is a Tex-Mex restaurant with Japanese cowboys, but the chicken in my quesadilla was undercooked. They had really good pico de gallo though. Tomorrow I`m meeting up with my friends Sayo and Sayo. We went to Cottey together and I haven`t seen them in about 5 years. It is completely insane how fast time goes by.
It`s weird being in Japan. I got here in less than two hours from a place I have lived for almost 6 months. It is completely mind blowing to me that I can be in another country in such a short amount of time. The other crazy thing is that all around me I see Asian, but they aren`t the ones I`ve been living with, they speak a different language, they have a different alphabet. I actually think I know more Japanese than Korean, but I have wanted to speak Korean in every situation. It`s one of life`s amazing experiences.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas in Seoul
즐거운 크리스마스!
Merry Christmas!
The lead up to Christmas here in Seoul is completely foreign to me. Which, I suppose it should be. Many people are unaware of the large Christian population here in Korea and that Christmas is celebrated here. It is not like home however. The commercialism is not as present, which is good. It keeps it more in touch with the roots of Christmas. Children, of course, are hopeful that Santa will bring them gifts, but they are less concerned with the latest toy. Many of my students wish for a new pencil case or notebook. This is not due to lack of funds, but lack of materialism as seen in the American market. The part of Seoul I live in is pretty affluent and many women carry designer handbags and wear expensive clothes, but for some reason my students are less concerned with the latest, greatest thing. They want games for their Nintendos (which many American children would desire as well), but they also are content with something they need like new socks or a pair of mittens. This is appealing to me. However, I miss the commercialism. I miss the huge displays in the stores, the special candy and a Santa around every corner. Korea has bell ringers and Christmas trees in the subway stations and many of the larger shopping areas, but they don't have overpriced, limited edition knick knacks.
While it only slightly resembles the Christmases I'm so used to, it is indeed Christmas. I awoke this morning with the same excitement I have had for the last 23 Christmases. I awoke to an alarm at 7:30 (because I had forgotten to turn it off) and tried to fall back asleep until at least 9:00. However, just knowing that I had presents to open and a family to call made me hop right out of bed. Last night I braved the crowds (and there were crowds, the most crowded I've ever seen the subway, COEX and Korea) and bought myself a few Christmas gifts. I was sad that I wouldn't have anything to open (because I'm materialistic and although I know Christmas is about the birth of Christ, I wanted presents). I came home and wrapped gifts, cleaned my apartment and got Starbucks. It was a crazy, non-traditional (to me at least) way to spend Christmas eve, but it did lend way to much anticipation for the morning.
I got up this morning, turned on the Christmas lights, called my family (who had to call me back because they were eating) and made myself breakfast. When my family called me back I promptly opened Christmas presents. I got a journal, a new case for my iPod, a couple of shirts and a pair of Converse shoes. Exactly what I wanted. Santa is so smart, but according to Norad, he thought Pyongyang, North Korea was really near Andong, South Korea. Come on Santa, that is a pretty crucial mistake. This afternoon I am headed to Caitriona and Sharon's for a Christmas party. I am making mini apple pies with mandu wrappers and apples, cinnamon and sugar. I will pan fry them. It'll be a good time with wine, food and friends. I can't think of anyway I'd rather spend my Christmas away from home.
I'm off to Tokyo tomorrow morning and I'll be back home (which I proudly call Seoul) on New Year's Eve, which I'll be spending with friends. I'm hoping for fireworks and champagne and all the things I've never had on New Year's Eve, my movie version.
Merry Christmas!
The lead up to Christmas here in Seoul is completely foreign to me. Which, I suppose it should be. Many people are unaware of the large Christian population here in Korea and that Christmas is celebrated here. It is not like home however. The commercialism is not as present, which is good. It keeps it more in touch with the roots of Christmas. Children, of course, are hopeful that Santa will bring them gifts, but they are less concerned with the latest toy. Many of my students wish for a new pencil case or notebook. This is not due to lack of funds, but lack of materialism as seen in the American market. The part of Seoul I live in is pretty affluent and many women carry designer handbags and wear expensive clothes, but for some reason my students are less concerned with the latest, greatest thing. They want games for their Nintendos (which many American children would desire as well), but they also are content with something they need like new socks or a pair of mittens. This is appealing to me. However, I miss the commercialism. I miss the huge displays in the stores, the special candy and a Santa around every corner. Korea has bell ringers and Christmas trees in the subway stations and many of the larger shopping areas, but they don't have overpriced, limited edition knick knacks.
While it only slightly resembles the Christmases I'm so used to, it is indeed Christmas. I awoke this morning with the same excitement I have had for the last 23 Christmases. I awoke to an alarm at 7:30 (because I had forgotten to turn it off) and tried to fall back asleep until at least 9:00. However, just knowing that I had presents to open and a family to call made me hop right out of bed. Last night I braved the crowds (and there were crowds, the most crowded I've ever seen the subway, COEX and Korea) and bought myself a few Christmas gifts. I was sad that I wouldn't have anything to open (because I'm materialistic and although I know Christmas is about the birth of Christ, I wanted presents). I came home and wrapped gifts, cleaned my apartment and got Starbucks. It was a crazy, non-traditional (to me at least) way to spend Christmas eve, but it did lend way to much anticipation for the morning.
I got up this morning, turned on the Christmas lights, called my family (who had to call me back because they were eating) and made myself breakfast. When my family called me back I promptly opened Christmas presents. I got a journal, a new case for my iPod, a couple of shirts and a pair of Converse shoes. Exactly what I wanted. Santa is so smart, but according to Norad, he thought Pyongyang, North Korea was really near Andong, South Korea. Come on Santa, that is a pretty crucial mistake. This afternoon I am headed to Caitriona and Sharon's for a Christmas party. I am making mini apple pies with mandu wrappers and apples, cinnamon and sugar. I will pan fry them. It'll be a good time with wine, food and friends. I can't think of anyway I'd rather spend my Christmas away from home.
I'm off to Tokyo tomorrow morning and I'll be back home (which I proudly call Seoul) on New Year's Eve, which I'll be spending with friends. I'm hoping for fireworks and champagne and all the things I've never had on New Year's Eve, my movie version.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Weekend Update
I find myself on yet another Monday morning after a great, yet short weekend, not wanting to go to work. I like my job and once I'm there it's generally ok, but the weekends just seem so short. Whether I stay in or do things. This weekend, like most, was busy. On Saturday I met up with Megan in hopes of going to a French market, but we got lost, walked around a lot and then finally bit the bullet and took a cab to where we thought the market was. We never found the market, but instead we found a charming French district right in the middle of Gangnam. Megan found her prized Quaker Oats at a foreign goods mart and after wandering the streets we found a coffee shop called I Hate Coffee & Wine. I had a very nice cafe mocha. By the time we finished, we had to catch the subway to Korean class. I hadn't been in 4 weeks, skipped twice while my brother was here and then neglected to go two other times. I wasn't too far behind though and on Saturday we learned colors and articles of clothing. Next week we are having a party in class and then we will all go noraebang-ing. It should be fun. After class was dinner in Itaewon with Sarah, a girl we met in class. We went to Loco Loca a little Mexican/Italian wine bistro behind Itaewon station. I have been there many times before and they have good food and a great atmosphere. Saturday was also a day to support the arts. Megan, Loren, Ashley, Mike and I decided to check out The Eight: Reindeer Monologues. It wasn't as entertaining as I had hoped and quite honestly I was thankful for the wi-fi connection so I could browse the internet on my iPod.
Yesterday I decided I needed to make my apartment Christmas appropriate and decided to head to E-Mart to see what I could find. I found Christmas lights, ornaments and tinsel, plus a lot more, but settled on the lights and such. I also bought some veggies in hopes of making a chicken and rice soup. I went to a different E-Mart than the one near my house because mine used to be a Wal-Mart and for some reason or another doesn't offer the same kinds or varieties of items as the one about 20 minutes by bus from my home. Anyway, after I got home I decorate my apartment and I'm happy to say I feel more in the Christmas spirit than before. Christmas lights can do wonders to boosting morale. I chose to spend the rest of the afternoon curled up with a David Sedaris book and watching A Christmas Story. Later, I met up with Ashley and Loren and we went to Costco. I am so thankful that Loren has a membership and said I could tag along. I was able to buy chicken broth, turkey for sandwiches, black olives and sharp cheddar cheese. The cheese alone would be enough for me to get my own membership.
Only a 8 days of work left until Christmas vacation. Tuesday and Thursday are shorter teaching days now because the Kindergarteners are doing a musical for Christmas (not anything related to Christmas however) and they need extra practice. Its nice to have some down time. I can't wait to have 10 days off and then at the end of January I get a 4 day weekend because of the Lunar New Year. However, after that I won't have any relief until May where it is quite possible we will get another 4 day weekend. I'm excited to go to Japan (which I changed my plans for and am now only going to Tokyo from December 26-31) and I can't wait for Christmas. I'll be spending it with friends which will be really nice and an excellent alternative to family.
Yesterday I decided I needed to make my apartment Christmas appropriate and decided to head to E-Mart to see what I could find. I found Christmas lights, ornaments and tinsel, plus a lot more, but settled on the lights and such. I also bought some veggies in hopes of making a chicken and rice soup. I went to a different E-Mart than the one near my house because mine used to be a Wal-Mart and for some reason or another doesn't offer the same kinds or varieties of items as the one about 20 minutes by bus from my home. Anyway, after I got home I decorate my apartment and I'm happy to say I feel more in the Christmas spirit than before. Christmas lights can do wonders to boosting morale. I chose to spend the rest of the afternoon curled up with a David Sedaris book and watching A Christmas Story. Later, I met up with Ashley and Loren and we went to Costco. I am so thankful that Loren has a membership and said I could tag along. I was able to buy chicken broth, turkey for sandwiches, black olives and sharp cheddar cheese. The cheese alone would be enough for me to get my own membership.
Only a 8 days of work left until Christmas vacation. Tuesday and Thursday are shorter teaching days now because the Kindergarteners are doing a musical for Christmas (not anything related to Christmas however) and they need extra practice. Its nice to have some down time. I can't wait to have 10 days off and then at the end of January I get a 4 day weekend because of the Lunar New Year. However, after that I won't have any relief until May where it is quite possible we will get another 4 day weekend. I'm excited to go to Japan (which I changed my plans for and am now only going to Tokyo from December 26-31) and I can't wait for Christmas. I'll be spending it with friends which will be really nice and an excellent alternative to family.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Subway Thoughts
From November 28, 2008
Today is the first day it felt like fall. The leaves had already changed, but they hadn't dropped. Today as I walked to the subway, the fallen leaves whirling in the brisk wind solidified the season. As winter surely approaches, the leaves make way for snow dusted limbs. The air is crisp now and the familiar smell of decaying leaves brings comfort. Soon it will be time for the renewing capabilities of snow.
From December 7, 2008
3:30pm
The less than magical snow awakened my awareness that I am in a place unlike home. The tteokbokki stand's blue tarp stood out among the gentle snowfall. Pools of fluffy white gathered in the folds as steam rose from the myriad of foods on offer. Last night the stands lined the street and offered a semi warm have for the drunk and weary. Green bottles of soju, half full, illuminated by the soft yellow lights inside the tent. Plastic lined plates overflowing with the spicy, chewy comfort of tteokbokki. Various fried vegetables and dumplings. The savory smell of chicken and pork skewers and the repulsive, yet familiar smell of sundae.
10:09pm
Seoul never ceases to amaze me. As we walked from the subway to The Eight: Reindeer Monologues, which we couldn't see due to a reservation error, the snow started to fall. Unlike the lackluster flurried of the morning, this snow had the renewing capabilities I so desire in snow. Large flakes falling effortlessly from the sky. The walk back proved magical. Life renewed somehow and I forgot I was in Seoul. I was at home with pink snow pants and a half finished snowman. Mom waiting with Swiss Miss. Since we couldn't see the show we decided to head to Itaewon and go to The Bungalow. A tropical themed bar with sand floors and swings. The four of us shared a bottle of red wine and soaked in the smoky smell of the fireplace and the tinsel slung above the tiki bar. Again I was transported to another place. Home. In front of the fireplace, sipping on a glass of wine, waiting for a cat to jump on my lap.
For the first time in my life I got the movie moment I have always desired. Snow still falling and illuminated by the Christmas lights, a fire blazing and good company. These are the moments I have always wanted in life. The hours that last for days, the realizing that I can stay in Seoul for a long time. I find something new and inspiring every week. This week it was the Bulgarian restaurant we went to for dinner. The food was amazing. I had a simple chicken dish with a spicy tomato sauce on top and steamed vegetables (carrot, broccoli and potato). Loren had a wonderful stuffed pork loin. It had cheese, onion, some other stuff and pickles. The pickles added a great flavor. Houston had a pork and vegetable stew that was by far my favorite dish of the evening. I love living in a big city, the possibilities are truly endless.
Today is the first day it felt like fall. The leaves had already changed, but they hadn't dropped. Today as I walked to the subway, the fallen leaves whirling in the brisk wind solidified the season. As winter surely approaches, the leaves make way for snow dusted limbs. The air is crisp now and the familiar smell of decaying leaves brings comfort. Soon it will be time for the renewing capabilities of snow.
From December 7, 2008
3:30pm
The less than magical snow awakened my awareness that I am in a place unlike home. The tteokbokki stand's blue tarp stood out among the gentle snowfall. Pools of fluffy white gathered in the folds as steam rose from the myriad of foods on offer. Last night the stands lined the street and offered a semi warm have for the drunk and weary. Green bottles of soju, half full, illuminated by the soft yellow lights inside the tent. Plastic lined plates overflowing with the spicy, chewy comfort of tteokbokki. Various fried vegetables and dumplings. The savory smell of chicken and pork skewers and the repulsive, yet familiar smell of sundae.
10:09pm
Seoul never ceases to amaze me. As we walked from the subway to The Eight: Reindeer Monologues, which we couldn't see due to a reservation error, the snow started to fall. Unlike the lackluster flurried of the morning, this snow had the renewing capabilities I so desire in snow. Large flakes falling effortlessly from the sky. The walk back proved magical. Life renewed somehow and I forgot I was in Seoul. I was at home with pink snow pants and a half finished snowman. Mom waiting with Swiss Miss. Since we couldn't see the show we decided to head to Itaewon and go to The Bungalow. A tropical themed bar with sand floors and swings. The four of us shared a bottle of red wine and soaked in the smoky smell of the fireplace and the tinsel slung above the tiki bar. Again I was transported to another place. Home. In front of the fireplace, sipping on a glass of wine, waiting for a cat to jump on my lap.
For the first time in my life I got the movie moment I have always desired. Snow still falling and illuminated by the Christmas lights, a fire blazing and good company. These are the moments I have always wanted in life. The hours that last for days, the realizing that I can stay in Seoul for a long time. I find something new and inspiring every week. This week it was the Bulgarian restaurant we went to for dinner. The food was amazing. I had a simple chicken dish with a spicy tomato sauce on top and steamed vegetables (carrot, broccoli and potato). Loren had a wonderful stuffed pork loin. It had cheese, onion, some other stuff and pickles. The pickles added a great flavor. Houston had a pork and vegetable stew that was by far my favorite dish of the evening. I love living in a big city, the possibilities are truly endless.
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