Hello month of love and birthdays! Well my birthday anyway. I don't mind birthdays...how could I complain when generally, every year seems better than the one previous? Hopefully the trend continues.
Thought I would share 2 of my favourite quotes that are continually rolling around in the back of my mind:
Always do what you are afraid to do.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
I have spent my days stringing and unstringing my instrument while the song I came to sing remains unsung.
~Rabindranath Tagore
The first I heard years ago and didn't realize it was a quote of Emerson's. The version I heard was something like, "When faced with a decision, I always asked myself, 'What would I do if I was not afraid?'" I've found it extremely useful in many different situations...it quickly lets me know if I'm being held back only by fear.
The second was given to me a few weeks ago by a friend in NB. Thanks to her! I love thinking about it and what it might mean. Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
More sights and scenes
Well, I think I've said enough about the neon in this place, so I thought it time to post a picture or two of something nice in this area. It's an absolutely gorgeous day here today...bright, sunny, and chilly (much like early spring in Canada). Good for walking and feeling happy.
Firstly, here is a teeny tiny park right around the corner from my apt building. This is sort of the back view...that is my building you see in the background.
Here is the angle I get when I enter the park. It's going to be lovely in the spring when I can go there and read. Notice the monolithic apartment buildings. They are everywhere. No one lives in houses (in the city anyways)...there is simply not enough space.
And here we have some nice little benches. I know you must be wondering at my ability to offer insightful commentary here. I can feel it.
A labyrinth in the sand for the kids. Interesting idea I thought. Oh, it snowed a touch here last night. Most of it is melted, but in shady areas, it remains.
A street near me.
I thought I should say that not all churches look like the one I posted earlier. I've seen really cool brick ones, and I thought this one with the double steeple was kind of neat.
And here is a typical school. The schools here are huge, much like the apartment buildings surrounding them. They usually have a large courtyard in the front where there are soccer nets and playground equipment. There is no public transportation for schoolchildren here...they simply walk to the school that is near their building. There are often, however, little buses that pick children up for the after-school academies. Children here seem to be schooled out the ying-yang, but the ones I've talked to seem to like it. When asked their favourite subject, they usually reply with, "Math," or "Science," not "Recess," like the kids at home. They attend public school during the day, like Canadian kids, but then they attend private schools, or academies, in the afternoon/evening. At these academies they study more math, science, music, and often, English. When they arrive home, they eat dinner, maybe watch a TV show, and then do homework. Oh, and they also go to school for a half day on Saturday. Sometimes they have other lessons on Saturdays, and often have tons of homework. On Sundays, many of them play soccer. I asked one little boy if he was tired, since he seemed so busy. He shrugged and said no, that he was used to it.
Well people, I hope your day is as glorious as mine is shaping up to be! Until next time...try to avoid getting frost bite. teehee.
Firstly, here is a teeny tiny park right around the corner from my apt building. This is sort of the back view...that is my building you see in the background.
Here is the angle I get when I enter the park. It's going to be lovely in the spring when I can go there and read. Notice the monolithic apartment buildings. They are everywhere. No one lives in houses (in the city anyways)...there is simply not enough space. 
And here we have some nice little benches. I know you must be wondering at my ability to offer insightful commentary here. I can feel it.
A labyrinth in the sand for the kids. Interesting idea I thought. Oh, it snowed a touch here last night. Most of it is melted, but in shady areas, it remains.
A street near me.
I thought I should say that not all churches look like the one I posted earlier. I've seen really cool brick ones, and I thought this one with the double steeple was kind of neat.
And here is a typical school. The schools here are huge, much like the apartment buildings surrounding them. They usually have a large courtyard in the front where there are soccer nets and playground equipment. There is no public transportation for schoolchildren here...they simply walk to the school that is near their building. There are often, however, little buses that pick children up for the after-school academies. Children here seem to be schooled out the ying-yang, but the ones I've talked to seem to like it. When asked their favourite subject, they usually reply with, "Math," or "Science," not "Recess," like the kids at home. They attend public school during the day, like Canadian kids, but then they attend private schools, or academies, in the afternoon/evening. At these academies they study more math, science, music, and often, English. When they arrive home, they eat dinner, maybe watch a TV show, and then do homework. Oh, and they also go to school for a half day on Saturday. Sometimes they have other lessons on Saturdays, and often have tons of homework. On Sundays, many of them play soccer. I asked one little boy if he was tired, since he seemed so busy. He shrugged and said no, that he was used to it.
Well people, I hope your day is as glorious as mine is shaping up to be! Until next time...try to avoid getting frost bite. teehee.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Today I got stuck.
In the hind end that is. By a large needle.
After a few nights of feeling as though my throat was a fire pit being jabbed and stabbed by millions of tiny wrought iron pokers, I thought it time to visit a clinic. I must say, the medical system here seems very efficient. I didn't need an appointment, and I waited a maximum of 5 minutes at the Ear, Nose, & Throat clinic directly across the street. I got examined (diagnosis: serious throat infection), jabbed, and had picked up my little pile of antibiotics before I could say boo. Total cost, about $30. Here's to modern medicine, ladies and gentlemen. The Koreans have it down.
After a few nights of feeling as though my throat was a fire pit being jabbed and stabbed by millions of tiny wrought iron pokers, I thought it time to visit a clinic. I must say, the medical system here seems very efficient. I didn't need an appointment, and I waited a maximum of 5 minutes at the Ear, Nose, & Throat clinic directly across the street. I got examined (diagnosis: serious throat infection), jabbed, and had picked up my little pile of antibiotics before I could say boo. Total cost, about $30. Here's to modern medicine, ladies and gentlemen. The Koreans have it down.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
A Wee Update
Well folks, my apologies in advance...this is a bit of a sorry excuse for a weekly update...but you can all blame technology. I ventured out today to take a few pictures for you, and lo, my camera batteries died. Meh. This means all 4 are dead now, and so I must go plug them in at a friend's place who has an adapter (electrical system is different here). So...although I know the suspense will be difficult to bear, I'm sorry to say your weekly peek into my Korean adventure will have to wait a few more days.
In any case, if you were wondering, things are going very well. The ski trip planned for this weekend fell through due to a reservation mishap...but maybe that's a good thing because I am ill...feels like someone poured hot coals into my throat and ears. So I've done a lot of sitting around on my behind today and yesterday. I bought this really nice ginseng ginger tea that comes in little tubes, much like the coffee, except it is in liquid form (much like honey). Add hot water, and voila, cup 'o comfort coming your way.
Take care...all you chilly Canadians (and whoever else happens to be reading)! My thoughts are with you. Love ya.
In any case, if you were wondering, things are going very well. The ski trip planned for this weekend fell through due to a reservation mishap...but maybe that's a good thing because I am ill...feels like someone poured hot coals into my throat and ears. So I've done a lot of sitting around on my behind today and yesterday. I bought this really nice ginseng ginger tea that comes in little tubes, much like the coffee, except it is in liquid form (much like honey). Add hot water, and voila, cup 'o comfort coming your way.
Take care...all you chilly Canadians (and whoever else happens to be reading)! My thoughts are with you. Love ya.
Friday, January 26, 2007
At the risk of sounding philosophical...
This blog is not really intended for my musings about life and whatnot...but I thought I would share something I have learned in my young life...and maybe it will help you.
This is it, cliched as it may be: there are no magic answers. There is only slogging through the swamp of life. No book, inspirational saying, or friend can haul me out of whatever I'm dealing with at the moment. Such things can be helpful and valuable; truly, at times I have leaned heavily on my friends. But in the end, no one can do the shit work of life except me.
I must make an effort, do what needs to be done, and above all, remember to ask myself if what I'm doing is balanced.
In life, there's a lot of plodding, a lot of greyness, a lot of heaviness. Sometimes just carrying on takes a lot of effort. But I've also learned that there is hope...because, though it might take a long, long time, it's only through struggling that I will grow and learn, and become a healthier, happier person. It's kind of a raw deal really, but I've found that's the way it works.
Geez, now I sound like an inspirational saying. Time to get off soapbox. But not before I once again say thank you to all my friends and family. I love you so much, you will never know, and you've been immeasurably helpful to me.
Edited to add: Life is awesome. It's going really super well, and I'm happy. Just realized this post made it sound like everything is not ok...which is not the case! lol Just something I've learned over the last long while... Love to you, good vibes from Asia coming your way... :) XO
This is it, cliched as it may be: there are no magic answers. There is only slogging through the swamp of life. No book, inspirational saying, or friend can haul me out of whatever I'm dealing with at the moment. Such things can be helpful and valuable; truly, at times I have leaned heavily on my friends. But in the end, no one can do the shit work of life except me.
I must make an effort, do what needs to be done, and above all, remember to ask myself if what I'm doing is balanced.
In life, there's a lot of plodding, a lot of greyness, a lot of heaviness. Sometimes just carrying on takes a lot of effort. But I've also learned that there is hope...because, though it might take a long, long time, it's only through struggling that I will grow and learn, and become a healthier, happier person. It's kind of a raw deal really, but I've found that's the way it works.
Geez, now I sound like an inspirational saying. Time to get off soapbox. But not before I once again say thank you to all my friends and family. I love you so much, you will never know, and you've been immeasurably helpful to me.
Edited to add: Life is awesome. It's going really super well, and I'm happy. Just realized this post made it sound like everything is not ok...which is not the case! lol Just something I've learned over the last long while... Love to you, good vibes from Asia coming your way... :) XO
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
"I sometimes eat snakes."
~quipped by an 11 year old child in response to a lesson on "Always, Usually, Sometimes, Never."
Monday, January 22, 2007
Yoga...
...otherwise known as volunteering to be stretched and bent in ways previously unimagined. Anyone remember the scene from the movie, "The Princess Bride," wherein Wesley is strapped to a stretching torture device that pulls him nearly to the point of breaking...each time taking away a year of his life? That was me, tonight.
There's a gym next door and upon receiving an offer to accompany my friend to Yoga class, I happily accepted, visions of serene music and gentle stretching dancing in my mind. Insert rude awakening here. My 3 apples-high, cute-as-a-button, sweet little Yoga instructor was more like a drill sergeant in class...commanding us all to convolute, extend, and twist our limbs to look like pretzels. When yours truly would attempt such contortions, much sagging, rocking, buckling, and of course giggling, would ensue. Said instructor would come over and "help" by pushing and pulling...much like trying to make an uncooked spaghetti noodle act like a cooked one. Pain and suffering...off to bed! ;)
There's a gym next door and upon receiving an offer to accompany my friend to Yoga class, I happily accepted, visions of serene music and gentle stretching dancing in my mind. Insert rude awakening here. My 3 apples-high, cute-as-a-button, sweet little Yoga instructor was more like a drill sergeant in class...commanding us all to convolute, extend, and twist our limbs to look like pretzels. When yours truly would attempt such contortions, much sagging, rocking, buckling, and of course giggling, would ensue. Said instructor would come over and "help" by pushing and pulling...much like trying to make an uncooked spaghetti noodle act like a cooked one. Pain and suffering...off to bed! ;)
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Willy Ronis
After seeing the palace grounds, we visited Gallery Lumiere (after much confused walking in circles) to see the Willy Ronis exhibit. He's a famous French photographer, and you should look on the internet for his work if you've never seen it. It is stunning and awe-inspiring to say the least. You can read about him here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willy_Ronis
I bought a poster of the following photograph. So yay, I now have a decoration for my little apartment. :)
Afterwards, on the way through an underground pathway, we saw the homeless. Well, we couldn't actually see them, because they had made these little cardboard rooms for themselves. When we had passed this site earlier, the cardboard wasn't there...only bedding. It was interesting to me, because back in Canada they would freeze doing such a thing, and if not, they would be kicked out by the cops. I don't know if there are shelters here or not.
Then it was off to the clubs for the night. Fun, fun!!
I bought a poster of the following photograph. So yay, I now have a decoration for my little apartment. :)Afterwards, on the way through an underground pathway, we saw the homeless. Well, we couldn't actually see them, because they had made these little cardboard rooms for themselves. When we had passed this site earlier, the cardboard wasn't there...only bedding. It was interesting to me, because back in Canada they would freeze doing such a thing, and if not, they would be kicked out by the cops. I don't know if there are shelters here or not.
Then it was off to the clubs for the night. Fun, fun!!
Deoksu Gung Palace
Went into Seoul on Saturday and had an amazing day. One of the highlights was visiting the grounds of Deoksu Gung Palace. It's located right in the middle of this busy, modern, high-rise filled city. Here is the gate off the sidewalk:
Freeze Dried Coffee
Yeah...I know. I never thought I'd drink something that sounds as appetizing as freeze dried coffee, but actually it's quite tasty. It comes in these little tubes with sweetners and whiteners already added. I don't have a kettle, so I boil water on my gas stove in that pot, and I drink it from that cute little cup. I don't even know if you can buy actual coffee here or not...
Bee Bim Bop
There are lots of Korean restaurants everywhere, and the food is fantastic! Eating out here is way cheaper than home. I get a big, delicious, healthy meal for only about $5. This charming little restaurant is right in my building, and I've had Bee Bim Bop three times already. It's this rice dish that comes with lots of veggies and spices with a fried egg on top. You stir it all in and eat it with a spoon or with chop sticks. It also comes with all kinds of mini side dishes which change depending on the day. Everyone shares, too, which is nice. Chopstick skills slowly improving...
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Galbi
On Sunday night, we went to this little restaurant (the one with the green sign on the bottom) for what's called "Galbi" (have no idea if I'm spelling that correctly).
Outside the shop, there's a man making hot coals. Inside, we all sat down at a long table with 2 round metal basins in the centre. The man came and put the coals in the basin, and put a grill over top. We were then brought a plate of raw beef and pork, which we grilled. We were also brought tons of little side dishes. Once the meat was grilled, we put it onto 2 lettuce leaves and a paper-thin slice of radish, and garnished it with the side dishes (bean paste, rice, etc). Then we rolled it all up and ate it. Sort of an interesting flavour. Oh yes, and I am slowly learning to use chopsticks. Most of the time they still get away from me and point in all different directions...it can be pretty funny!
Then it was off to Baskin Robbins for dessert....ice cream fondue! haha!
Dong Dae Mun
On Sunday, me and a couple of girls went to Seoul to meet up with a friend. This area was a welcome relief to my psyche...it was kind of a university area, so there were lots of neat shops, brick walkways, and trees. It looked much like any western university town, and didn't have as much neon. There were also tons of western restaurants, for example, the Starbucks where we met with said friend, and we ate at a Subway.
Then we went to this crazy/neato market/shopping area called Dong Dae Mun. The sidewalks were crammed with vendors selling everything from clothing to little fried doughnuts (yum!). Inside this big shopping complex called "Doota," it was the same. The passageways are very narrow because of all the vendors' stalls spilling out into the hall.
Then we went to this crazy/neato market/shopping area called Dong Dae Mun. The sidewalks were crammed with vendors selling everything from clothing to little fried doughnuts (yum!). Inside this big shopping complex called "Doota," it was the same. The passageways are very narrow because of all the vendors' stalls spilling out into the hall.
Oh yes, also inside Doota, a store just for us Western girls...where clothing is sure to fit (haha!):
Below is actually a market on the way out of the subway. You can see how narrow the hallways are. Often times people will have set up their little station in the more central area of the underground and will be calling out to passersby on a little microphone.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Mailing Address
Hello folks...
Well it is nearly mid-week here. Must say I kind of like being in the future. I'm going to bed on Tuesday night, and it's only Tuesday morning at home. teehee! Anyhoo...as many of you know I am crazy busy this week with preparations, and so don't really have time to post to the blog. I will likely be posting once a week, probably on the weekends. Anyway, my mailing address is now available, should you feel any inclination to send a little scrap of paper my way. ;) If you'd like it, please email me.
Love to you and good vibes from Asia! :P
Well it is nearly mid-week here. Must say I kind of like being in the future. I'm going to bed on Tuesday night, and it's only Tuesday morning at home. teehee! Anyhoo...as many of you know I am crazy busy this week with preparations, and so don't really have time to post to the blog. I will likely be posting once a week, probably on the weekends. Anyway, my mailing address is now available, should you feel any inclination to send a little scrap of paper my way. ;) If you'd like it, please email me.
Love to you and good vibes from Asia! :P
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Sunday morning sights
Good morning!
I woke up this morning and took a walk, as has been my custom for the last 3 mornings. Each day I venture a little farther from my apartment building, but this doesn't mean I don't still take that little slip of paper with me that contains my address in Korean. :) It's CHILLY here folks. Korea is not warm. It's a crisp -6 degrees this morning. I know that's nothing compared to the -20 that's headed for NB, but still...mitten and hat weather for sure.
My numb fingers did manage to snap a few photos on my walk. Take a look-see if you like.
First we have a church. Hardly recognizable as such, because it blends in so well with the rest of its tacky surroundings. Luckily it has a steeple. And if you look closely on the top floor you will see stained glass windows and a charming (read: campy) picture of Jesus. You can't see it, but on top of the steeple, there is a cross. At night this cross is outlined in red neon. Every church has one. There are churches on every corner (hmmm much like home), so this creates a surreal, eerie effect...red crosses floating in the sky amongst all the other neon flashing signs. To me, it looks more satanic than christ-like. Whatever floats your boat I guess.
I woke up this morning and took a walk, as has been my custom for the last 3 mornings. Each day I venture a little farther from my apartment building, but this doesn't mean I don't still take that little slip of paper with me that contains my address in Korean. :) It's CHILLY here folks. Korea is not warm. It's a crisp -6 degrees this morning. I know that's nothing compared to the -20 that's headed for NB, but still...mitten and hat weather for sure.
My numb fingers did manage to snap a few photos on my walk. Take a look-see if you like.
First we have a church. Hardly recognizable as such, because it blends in so well with the rest of its tacky surroundings. Luckily it has a steeple. And if you look closely on the top floor you will see stained glass windows and a charming (read: campy) picture of Jesus. You can't see it, but on top of the steeple, there is a cross. At night this cross is outlined in red neon. Every church has one. There are churches on every corner (hmmm much like home), so this creates a surreal, eerie effect...red crosses floating in the sky amongst all the other neon flashing signs. To me, it looks more satanic than christ-like. Whatever floats your boat I guess.
And here we have a Baskin Robbins. Every now and again there are western shops. I've seen McDonald's and Dunkin Donuts as well.
Not too far from where I live, there is a park. And in this park, there are exercise machines! Yes, outdoor exercise machines. You can see a lady taking advantage of one in this photo. There were also 2 giant red balloons floating high in the sky. Not sure why, but it was interesting.
In this same park, there is a soccer field. I passed 2 early-morning soccer practices today.
And, for our charming finale, a "Sexy Bar." There are tons of these around, and this one is in the bottom of my building. There's one down the street called, "Victoria Secret Sexy Bar." There are also tons of "Love Motels" around, with flashing neon hearts, etc on the buildings. Apparently you can rent them by the hour, or if you're feeling particularly rich, by the night.
Today I'm going with some newly-made friends to an electronics market in Seoul. I'll hopefully be able to post some pictures of it later. Have a wonderful Sunday everyone! :)
Saturday, January 13, 2007
YAY!
Yay! The blog appears to be working now. I'm on an ancient computer, so sometimes I think it decides to work, and other times, it's like, "Nope, not today."
Alrighty, so no more mass emails hopefully.
It's Saturday morning here, and the sun is coming up. I can see the sky again today, which is very nice. On my first day, all I could see was haze. It's very polluted here.
Yesterday I followed a teacher around and watched her teach children. It was interesting. The moms/grandmoms are really sweet and give us all snacks like Mandarin Oranges, tea, chestnuts, sweet potatoes, etc. At one place I had a noodley dish called "duck" something in a spicy sauce. Amazing. We all sit around a tiny table about a foot off the ground. My back and rear end do NOT enjoy this. lol.
I have NO idea how I am ever going to be able to drive in this country. It's VERY aggressive. VERY scary. The side streets are tiny and windy, and intersect every few metres with about 5 more tiny, windy streets. Each street is crammed with as many buildings as possible in all different shapes and sizes. Plus a lot of people get drunk at night, each night, and drive afterwards. Yay hooray.
Again, thank you to all who have been emailing. I sooooo appreciate it. I'm going to re-add some of the photos I emailed to everyone, just so I have them all in one place.
So take care, and Happy Weekend everyone!!! (Can you believe I was actually too tired to go out last night??! I passed out on the ride home and dove into bed as soon as I arrived home. It was, oh, about 9pm).
Alrighty, so no more mass emails hopefully.
It's Saturday morning here, and the sun is coming up. I can see the sky again today, which is very nice. On my first day, all I could see was haze. It's very polluted here.
Yesterday I followed a teacher around and watched her teach children. It was interesting. The moms/grandmoms are really sweet and give us all snacks like Mandarin Oranges, tea, chestnuts, sweet potatoes, etc. At one place I had a noodley dish called "duck" something in a spicy sauce. Amazing. We all sit around a tiny table about a foot off the ground. My back and rear end do NOT enjoy this. lol.
I have NO idea how I am ever going to be able to drive in this country. It's VERY aggressive. VERY scary. The side streets are tiny and windy, and intersect every few metres with about 5 more tiny, windy streets. Each street is crammed with as many buildings as possible in all different shapes and sizes. Plus a lot of people get drunk at night, each night, and drive afterwards. Yay hooray.
Again, thank you to all who have been emailing. I sooooo appreciate it. I'm going to re-add some of the photos I emailed to everyone, just so I have them all in one place.
So take care, and Happy Weekend everyone!!! (Can you believe I was actually too tired to go out last night??! I passed out on the ride home and dove into bed as soon as I arrived home. It was, oh, about 9pm).
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Farewell...
17
Originally uploaded by Wilde Irish.
This was the view an hour ago from beneath my umbrella. Seems fitting that a big Canadian snowstorm arrives for my last day in my beloved country. :)
To all my friends and family: there is not a day that goes by that I don't count myself extremely fortunate to have you in my life. You are what make life so worthwhile. Thank you, I love you!
I'll post here again as soon as I'm able once in Korea.
And now for your viewing pleasure....some random photos. :D
SJ:
Some Family:
Some Friends:
My lovely room...
In the lovely house (shared with about a dozen others...)
Some of said dozen....
The awesome neighbours of said dozen...
The amazing people I worked with at the market:
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