Alright, over the homesickness...but! I got sick again!! This kiwi chick is not used to real cold weather.. Kept waking up in agony the last couple of night.. Couldnt bare to speak at all.. But pushed myself to go to class yesterdzy and the night class i teach at daelim..bthankfully, i got a much needed rest today after going to the doctor and her shrieking at ow sore my throat looked..haha.
I tried to run away/ get out of getting the ass jab this time... Didnt work :( ...
And i fought so hard to not get sick! Went to seoul avnd got loaded up on vitamins, sarted an extra healthy food regime, joined the gym, drank ridiculous amouns of green tea!
Only problem is i made a new friend who likes to stay out late... And then i have to walk home in the cold. He is the son of the new assistant at work. Theyve kinda adopted me :) we get on really well and she has made my work so much nicer to be in!
2011년 12월 6일 화요일
2011년 11월 11일 금요일
Being crook in Korea....
Sucks. Dont feel like its acceptable to take the day off at work...the kids dont really compensate in their attitudes... No one is around to give you a hug and put you to bed or leave a little get well package or flowers or lemsip.. I went to the doctor this morning who told my boss i have a cold especially in the throat? But it feels much worse... Ive had colds before but get other symptoms so not easy trying to convince them you might need antibiotics... Got a shot in the arse without know what was going on and some bags of pills.. But unsure what they are either! A little worrying considering im allergic to some cold medicines... Can anyone let me know what they might be? Especially if they are pseudoephidrine?
2011년 9월 22일 목요일
Its been three months now and luckily, not signs of homesickness although there were a couple of times that i wish i were home just to snuggle up on a familiar couch :) but life here is easy. Sometimes too easy.. I have started going to the local library in the mornings to teach myself korean. So far, I've been called 'cute' for my efforts in speaking the language.
Probably one of the most intesting thins i find about korea is the obsession on being perfect looking, they are neve satisfied with themselves, and will not hold back on telling others whther they are pretty or not.
They call their natural eyes " traditional eyes". And have a number of. Mrthods of trying to achieve "sag ah pul" which is the eyelid, which makes he eyes appear larger. Nicholas and i were approached in the park oneday by two korean girls. They basically demanded that wqe tell them which one was prettier. Clearly the one on he left was a lot prettier than the one on the right. The one on the right had dyed her her ginger, probably in attempt to be blonde, like me ;) which honestly did noting for her complexion. She also had no style. The girl on the left was by all cultural standards, beautiful. She had long healthy black hair, a beautiful face and generally well presented. So ... We were in a pretty awkward position. Nicholas prides himself on the tatic of giving them both compliments and luckily we made it out without making one of them cry. Which most likely would have been the ginger one.
My friend eva has had extensive plastic surgery on her face and body. Her father even told her that he prefers her face now more than before. It is a strange thought that your own father would prefer a face that isnt really yours or his infact. Yet, it is just aswell as it is the face she has chosen now. There is a song about being ugly by 2ne1. Its kinda like the opposite to christina aguileras you are beautiful. One lyric bothers me the most which is, dont tell me that im pretty, i know im ugly. But apparently, this is what korean girls feel like most of the time so they have decided to release a song about it." I think im ugly and no body want to love me, just like er i wana be pretty, dont lie to my face cos i know im ugly..." How damn depressing. These girls are suffering from a fear of being ugly becuase they are scared tehy wont get a rich boyfriend which will in turn determine their worth in society. A korean guy i know also told a girl he was starting to see that if she wanted to go out with him then she needed to go on a diet and lose some weight. Totally acceptable.
But as i am writing all of this, i distance myself from it as i dont want to get emotionally caught up trying to change something i cant. I saw an anorexic girl being flung out of a bar the other day onto the street, completely passed out. I did get angry then, it made me really sad knowing that it was a result of the extreme pressures to be thin here but this problem is everywhere in western society so it is not anger i felt against korean society, just the general lack of help girls recieve for these insecurities in many places in the world. Beauty is everything to a man, money is everything to a woman. Is this much different from our culture in ways? From a young age, adults always compliment a girl on the way she looks to make her happy, and ask boys what they have done today, giving them praise for what they have done to make them feel good. Girls be pretty, boys be successful.. Maybe just in a more extreme version to what i am used to? But i love it. I love how it is so different here and there is so much to learn about this culture. It strikes me all the time how lovely they are to me and generous and sharing and thoughtful. I like how koreans dont complain, they just get on with it. It is like they know life is difficult, so we arent going to stand around thinking about how the world is against us, we'll just grab some soju and be on our way.
I went to jeju island in the weekend just gone with my korean friend eva, which was amazingly beautiful! So cheap too considering.. Taxis are a godsend in korea. We traveleed from one end of the island to the other for only 30$ and stayed in a beautiful place overlooking the sea for $50. There is scuba diving available on the island for $80 a session, the cater for first timers and more experinced divers also. The water was the most beautiful emperature. I would highly reccommend visiting in september. The rainy season is over, the holidays are over, no one is on the beaches, and the temperature is just perfect! Best trip away so far. We mainly looked around the jungmun beach resort area on the south side.
Jeju is known for being the honeymooners spot. There arent really many clubbing places and few bars, but in jeju si you can find a few more on the main road. There are many more attractions i haent done on the island so i hope i can make it in october! Jeju is famous for its beauty in the autumn months.
The weekend before thatk i went to an island over the chuseok period with my foreigner friends from nz and sa mainly.. Very chilled out beach, had a good break away with good wine and was the first time in a while i had caught up with pauline too! :)
Daelim gave me 200 000 won to go shopping with for chuseok becuase the are so happy with my teaching! The have offered to get me a job in their company once i learn korean. The ceo seems to really like me, saying im like his daughter he doesnt have. Very sweet.
Oay? Im sick of writing now! Lots of love til next time x x x
Probably one of the most intesting thins i find about korea is the obsession on being perfect looking, they are neve satisfied with themselves, and will not hold back on telling others whther they are pretty or not.
They call their natural eyes " traditional eyes". And have a number of. Mrthods of trying to achieve "sag ah pul" which is the eyelid, which makes he eyes appear larger. Nicholas and i were approached in the park oneday by two korean girls. They basically demanded that wqe tell them which one was prettier. Clearly the one on he left was a lot prettier than the one on the right. The one on the right had dyed her her ginger, probably in attempt to be blonde, like me ;) which honestly did noting for her complexion. She also had no style. The girl on the left was by all cultural standards, beautiful. She had long healthy black hair, a beautiful face and generally well presented. So ... We were in a pretty awkward position. Nicholas prides himself on the tatic of giving them both compliments and luckily we made it out without making one of them cry. Which most likely would have been the ginger one.
My friend eva has had extensive plastic surgery on her face and body. Her father even told her that he prefers her face now more than before. It is a strange thought that your own father would prefer a face that isnt really yours or his infact. Yet, it is just aswell as it is the face she has chosen now. There is a song about being ugly by 2ne1. Its kinda like the opposite to christina aguileras you are beautiful. One lyric bothers me the most which is, dont tell me that im pretty, i know im ugly. But apparently, this is what korean girls feel like most of the time so they have decided to release a song about it." I think im ugly and no body want to love me, just like er i wana be pretty, dont lie to my face cos i know im ugly..." How damn depressing. These girls are suffering from a fear of being ugly becuase they are scared tehy wont get a rich boyfriend which will in turn determine their worth in society. A korean guy i know also told a girl he was starting to see that if she wanted to go out with him then she needed to go on a diet and lose some weight. Totally acceptable.
But as i am writing all of this, i distance myself from it as i dont want to get emotionally caught up trying to change something i cant. I saw an anorexic girl being flung out of a bar the other day onto the street, completely passed out. I did get angry then, it made me really sad knowing that it was a result of the extreme pressures to be thin here but this problem is everywhere in western society so it is not anger i felt against korean society, just the general lack of help girls recieve for these insecurities in many places in the world. Beauty is everything to a man, money is everything to a woman. Is this much different from our culture in ways? From a young age, adults always compliment a girl on the way she looks to make her happy, and ask boys what they have done today, giving them praise for what they have done to make them feel good. Girls be pretty, boys be successful.. Maybe just in a more extreme version to what i am used to? But i love it. I love how it is so different here and there is so much to learn about this culture. It strikes me all the time how lovely they are to me and generous and sharing and thoughtful. I like how koreans dont complain, they just get on with it. It is like they know life is difficult, so we arent going to stand around thinking about how the world is against us, we'll just grab some soju and be on our way.
I went to jeju island in the weekend just gone with my korean friend eva, which was amazingly beautiful! So cheap too considering.. Taxis are a godsend in korea. We traveleed from one end of the island to the other for only 30$ and stayed in a beautiful place overlooking the sea for $50. There is scuba diving available on the island for $80 a session, the cater for first timers and more experinced divers also. The water was the most beautiful emperature. I would highly reccommend visiting in september. The rainy season is over, the holidays are over, no one is on the beaches, and the temperature is just perfect! Best trip away so far. We mainly looked around the jungmun beach resort area on the south side.
Jeju is known for being the honeymooners spot. There arent really many clubbing places and few bars, but in jeju si you can find a few more on the main road. There are many more attractions i haent done on the island so i hope i can make it in october! Jeju is famous for its beauty in the autumn months.
The weekend before thatk i went to an island over the chuseok period with my foreigner friends from nz and sa mainly.. Very chilled out beach, had a good break away with good wine and was the first time in a while i had caught up with pauline too! :)
Daelim gave me 200 000 won to go shopping with for chuseok becuase the are so happy with my teaching! The have offered to get me a job in their company once i learn korean. The ceo seems to really like me, saying im like his daughter he doesnt have. Very sweet.
Oay? Im sick of writing now! Lots of love til next time x x x
2011년 8월 11일 목요일
Korean questions..
My students...
Teacher, why is your hair blonde slash long?
Teacher, do you have a boyfriend?
Teacher, what colour are your hot pants?
Teacher are you richie?
Why are you come to Korea?
Are those your real eyelashes?
We play a game? We change our names? We have free time?
Adult students from Daelim company..
Do you like Korean men? Do you want a Korean boyfriend? Why are Korean men better than men from your country? what are men from new Zealand like?
Korean men are tall, do you like tall men?
Would I look good with blonde hair?
How old are you? Who is in your family? Do you like sushi? Do you like beer? Amongst other foods they then bring me haha
My boss
What are you doing tonight? Wha t are you doing tomorrow? What are you doing this weekend? Why are doing that? Who are you going with? How often do you see them? Why did you only see them once since two weeks ago? How did you meet them?
Teacher, why is your hair blonde slash long?
Teacher, do you have a boyfriend?
Teacher, what colour are your hot pants?
Teacher are you richie?
Why are you come to Korea?
Are those your real eyelashes?
We play a game? We change our names? We have free time?
Adult students from Daelim company..
Do you like Korean men? Do you want a Korean boyfriend? Why are Korean men better than men from your country? what are men from new Zealand like?
Korean men are tall, do you like tall men?
Would I look good with blonde hair?
How old are you? Who is in your family? Do you like sushi? Do you like beer? Amongst other foods they then bring me haha
My boss
What are you doing tonight? Wha t are you doing tomorrow? What are you doing this weekend? Why are doing that? Who are you going with? How often do you see them? Why did you only see them once since two weeks ago? How did you meet them?
2011년 8월 4일 목요일
My sweet new Job!
So I started teaching an older student at my Hagwon who works for a company as the second in charge and wants to learn better English so when he is the CEO, he can makes more business deals internationally. Teaching him has been a breeze becuase his english level is so high. the only bad thing is that I found it hard to teach him and my other students at the same time becuase he demands so much time and attention. I also felt the need to make our lessons go over time into my own time to make him happy. However, I think my intuition served me well this time because, since he liked me, he wanted me to be the english tutor for his Company.
The company name is Daelim. One of the top 3 construction companies in Korea, hence of of the largest in Korea. They have their own Universities and numerous sections of their company spread across Korea. I'm working at the construction company in Pocheon who are construting a new Nuclear power plant starting in three years time.
My first lesson was a bit of a worry. I was severly alcohol posioned thanks to my bosses efforts on teaching me how to drink soju. havent touched it since. I had been sick all day and had to teach them at 8 at night till 10. My boss pressed the idea of teaching them the meaning of vice versa. Honestly. It took the entire lesson. They were like why are we learning this? And I was like I'm never doing what my boss tells me to do ever AGAIN!!!!!
But i managed to get myself through it and the next time round when my boss wanted me to teach them an acronym for success I said i would, but i didn't. What a rebel! Instead we went out for a luxurious meal in place of our lesson. I wish i had my camera! It was the most amazing meal I've had in Korea!!! We started out with raw meat finely sliced. Then the whole lot came out- raw crab in a hot sauce, Makaelli- the best version of rice wine I've had yet also, Bulgolgi- beef BBQ, with salads, mushrooms, many types of kimchi, dumplings, spring rolls... I wish i wasnt on a deadline that day to get back.
There is a sauce here that you dip your Bulgogi into, its a fermented bean paste with coriander and garlic in it with red peppers. I havent tasted any condiment that comes close to being so good! But it is served at most restaurants whilst eating andy of the BBQs..
I call the CEO of the company Captain! I've been told that I can ask for a meal anytime becuase they allocate 10 000 to 20 000 american dollars on food each month. All i have to say is, qulte "Captain give me some food!" and he'll take me out for some food. In return I give him my loyalty. haha sweet deal? He also wants me to stay for ATLEAST 3 years in Korea and be friends with his son. yuss Might be a cheap travel buddy on the horizon? Which I took as a sign that he wants to build a workig relationship with me so maybe likes me?But the cutest thing that happened that day was when they gave me the last piece of meat after telling me that no one eats the last piece but I got it cos I'm "very special"..
Nawwwwww...... too much.
I've loved hearing about the customs from them in our lecture about the difference bwtween Korea and Western Countries.
Many Koreans believe in staying with one company throughout their working life as the workplace is treated like a family unit. This is changing though as westernisation is creeping in. Which is sad becuase i really love being part of this close knit workplace. They socialise with their workmates at all levels very often- drinking 3 times a week together and going out for lots of meals. They all gave me their cards when i first met them. I bowed to all of them then recieved their cards with both hands making sure i took time to read every one before thanking them. When i sat down opposite them all, I line them up so that they were in place of each person facing me. I was doing all of this off memory from some lecture back at university last year. I only hope these were the rules for KOREA!!! haha
It was awesome though. It really inspires me to learn more Korean and Korean customs.
Next lesson we are going to a Sushi Restaurant. A really expensive one! And we're having our lesson there so that should be fun! YEAHHH!!!!! Kihi Kihi x x
The company name is Daelim. One of the top 3 construction companies in Korea, hence of of the largest in Korea. They have their own Universities and numerous sections of their company spread across Korea. I'm working at the construction company in Pocheon who are construting a new Nuclear power plant starting in three years time.
My first lesson was a bit of a worry. I was severly alcohol posioned thanks to my bosses efforts on teaching me how to drink soju. havent touched it since. I had been sick all day and had to teach them at 8 at night till 10. My boss pressed the idea of teaching them the meaning of vice versa. Honestly. It took the entire lesson. They were like why are we learning this? And I was like I'm never doing what my boss tells me to do ever AGAIN!!!!!
But i managed to get myself through it and the next time round when my boss wanted me to teach them an acronym for success I said i would, but i didn't. What a rebel! Instead we went out for a luxurious meal in place of our lesson. I wish i had my camera! It was the most amazing meal I've had in Korea!!! We started out with raw meat finely sliced. Then the whole lot came out- raw crab in a hot sauce, Makaelli- the best version of rice wine I've had yet also, Bulgolgi- beef BBQ, with salads, mushrooms, many types of kimchi, dumplings, spring rolls... I wish i wasnt on a deadline that day to get back.
There is a sauce here that you dip your Bulgogi into, its a fermented bean paste with coriander and garlic in it with red peppers. I havent tasted any condiment that comes close to being so good! But it is served at most restaurants whilst eating andy of the BBQs..
I call the CEO of the company Captain! I've been told that I can ask for a meal anytime becuase they allocate 10 000 to 20 000 american dollars on food each month. All i have to say is, qulte "Captain give me some food!" and he'll take me out for some food. In return I give him my loyalty. haha sweet deal? He also wants me to stay for ATLEAST 3 years in Korea and be friends with his son. yuss Might be a cheap travel buddy on the horizon? Which I took as a sign that he wants to build a workig relationship with me so maybe likes me?But the cutest thing that happened that day was when they gave me the last piece of meat after telling me that no one eats the last piece but I got it cos I'm "very special"..
Nawwwwww...... too much.
I've loved hearing about the customs from them in our lecture about the difference bwtween Korea and Western Countries.
Many Koreans believe in staying with one company throughout their working life as the workplace is treated like a family unit. This is changing though as westernisation is creeping in. Which is sad becuase i really love being part of this close knit workplace. They socialise with their workmates at all levels very often- drinking 3 times a week together and going out for lots of meals. They all gave me their cards when i first met them. I bowed to all of them then recieved their cards with both hands making sure i took time to read every one before thanking them. When i sat down opposite them all, I line them up so that they were in place of each person facing me. I was doing all of this off memory from some lecture back at university last year. I only hope these were the rules for KOREA!!! haha
It was awesome though. It really inspires me to learn more Korean and Korean customs.
Next lesson we are going to a Sushi Restaurant. A really expensive one! And we're having our lesson there so that should be fun! YEAHHH!!!!! Kihi Kihi x x
A little more soul
Original plans were to make my way south to a new city but with the rain and need for recovery after Jisan, I settled for a three day visit in Seoul..
We stayed in a love motel in Itaewon for 40 bux which is pretty cheap for Seoul.. Very basic but I welcomed the prospect of sleeping in a bed with air condition and a shower once again! I was so tired after Jisan and actually still am while I'm writing this post, I made the most of being able to buy a few coffees from Starbucks also, the coffee chain I would still hate if they weren't so good and providing my greatest weakness which is a creamy soy latte with a tad crystalised brown sugar on top... So itaewon remains the place for the weakened foreigner who wants a piece of western love.
I used my afternoon venturing out to find cosmetics that actually suit my skin. I was on the subway to somewhere where all the upmarket western brands are until I met an American family who suggested the coex mall was the place for shopping.. Talk to all foreigners. They know stuff! This is the most amazing mall I have ever been to! Hitting myself for making plans later that night, I could only spend an hr and a half. You could spend a week here its friken massive! This is when I realized why Asian girls are so bored in new Zealand. Shopping here makes you so happy! Commercialism grips onto you like an intense lover. You know it's bad for you but you love every moment. Ohhh I want every colour nail polish with every possible accessory! But I escaped almost unscathed having only bought the one thing that I really needed. Except for the nail polishes. Sporting the smurfette blue and daisy look today. so hot.
Tuesday, I visited Yi sun shins statue, the man responsible for inventing the turtle boats. Between himself and the picturesque mountains lay another monument of the man who created the hangeul alphabet. King Sejong sits all gold like and proud in his raised chair. Can't wait to see it in the winter I can imagine it's stunning!
If you carryon walking along the beautifully clean street, you will come across a stream which has been created to leave an impression on any visitor. People dip their feet into the cool water which has been artistically designed for lovers and families to enjoy. Including matching couples. As I said earlier, there a. Couples that want to match themselves to each other.. These guys went just a little more extreme than usually matching their shoes, bags, pants, he was totally wearing girls pants, shirts with mickey mouse on them, hats, and matching belts. I will add a link for your stalking pleasure.
Next stop was where you can find anyone a gird from Korea like art work or other touristy things. This is where I went back to my favorite cafe with my mates. It's just so cute! And after talking about how cute it was for the previous ten minutes, they all agreed it was the cutesy cafe also that they had come across.
This is why it's cute! You go up some cute little steps into a cute little wooden door then make yourself up some cute little steps and into a cute little cubbyhole type seating area you can only just fit into, that's teamed with a sweet guitar for cam to play his tunes.. Scoping through the cute handmade menu, we decided on chai lattes and coffee with cheese cake. Tis is when we decided that this place is the type of place that you see advertised in a magazine saying" look how cute this place is! " which is why it isn't just cute, it's adorable. It has the best coffee in korea I swear! Cams coffee had coffee art on the top!
Cam, Stephanie, Pauline, jermaine and I made our way up the N Seoul tower next where people lock hearts symbolizing their love for each other onto the railing. And Christ, there are a lot of heart locks. We were just chilling in the rain waiting to enter to tower for an ho ur and a half when all of a sudden a Korean girl is crying and making a bit of a scene actually.. The guy ws like whaaat, whaaaa? He had just proposed, the cliche Location for proposals it turns out...Is the n Seoul tower. And she wasn't giving him an answer just crying for god only knows how long leaving the poor guy wondering if he should have spent so much on the ring instead of some other new gadget all his friends are getting.. But she eventually calmed down, and I think it s a ....yeeees? oh happy days!
Up the Seoul tower, our saffa friend jermaine was peaking about there not being a sign for south Africa.which led him to two conclusions. Either south Africa died doesn't exist since I last left and I have no home to go to, or sty Korea doesnt give a damn about my country or me, all they want is my English speaking abilities. Not a happy chappy.
Luckily Korea loves new Zealand however so we feature up the top of the panoramic view of Seoul city on the glass window. We will forgive you for spelling us newzeland too because the view was insane. Can imagine how much bigger Seoul will get in the next ten years as you see the massive buildings expanding across the city.
here, you can take the cable car down the side of the mountain. Skip past the black cabs that want to rip you off with a 40 buk taxi ride home and look at you like you're cheap for not accepting.
Spent the night in the jimjilbang once more. Perfect way to end some five hectic days.. Love and peace homies! X x x
We stayed in a love motel in Itaewon for 40 bux which is pretty cheap for Seoul.. Very basic but I welcomed the prospect of sleeping in a bed with air condition and a shower once again! I was so tired after Jisan and actually still am while I'm writing this post, I made the most of being able to buy a few coffees from Starbucks also, the coffee chain I would still hate if they weren't so good and providing my greatest weakness which is a creamy soy latte with a tad crystalised brown sugar on top... So itaewon remains the place for the weakened foreigner who wants a piece of western love.
I used my afternoon venturing out to find cosmetics that actually suit my skin. I was on the subway to somewhere where all the upmarket western brands are until I met an American family who suggested the coex mall was the place for shopping.. Talk to all foreigners. They know stuff! This is the most amazing mall I have ever been to! Hitting myself for making plans later that night, I could only spend an hr and a half. You could spend a week here its friken massive! This is when I realized why Asian girls are so bored in new Zealand. Shopping here makes you so happy! Commercialism grips onto you like an intense lover. You know it's bad for you but you love every moment. Ohhh I want every colour nail polish with every possible accessory! But I escaped almost unscathed having only bought the one thing that I really needed. Except for the nail polishes. Sporting the smurfette blue and daisy look today. so hot.
Tuesday, I visited Yi sun shins statue, the man responsible for inventing the turtle boats. Between himself and the picturesque mountains lay another monument of the man who created the hangeul alphabet. King Sejong sits all gold like and proud in his raised chair. Can't wait to see it in the winter I can imagine it's stunning!
If you carryon walking along the beautifully clean street, you will come across a stream which has been created to leave an impression on any visitor. People dip their feet into the cool water which has been artistically designed for lovers and families to enjoy. Including matching couples. As I said earlier, there a. Couples that want to match themselves to each other.. These guys went just a little more extreme than usually matching their shoes, bags, pants, he was totally wearing girls pants, shirts with mickey mouse on them, hats, and matching belts. I will add a link for your stalking pleasure.
Next stop was where you can find anyone a gird from Korea like art work or other touristy things. This is where I went back to my favorite cafe with my mates. It's just so cute! And after talking about how cute it was for the previous ten minutes, they all agreed it was the cutesy cafe also that they had come across.
This is why it's cute! You go up some cute little steps into a cute little wooden door then make yourself up some cute little steps and into a cute little cubbyhole type seating area you can only just fit into, that's teamed with a sweet guitar for cam to play his tunes.. Scoping through the cute handmade menu, we decided on chai lattes and coffee with cheese cake. Tis is when we decided that this place is the type of place that you see advertised in a magazine saying" look how cute this place is! " which is why it isn't just cute, it's adorable. It has the best coffee in korea I swear! Cams coffee had coffee art on the top!
Cam, Stephanie, Pauline, jermaine and I made our way up the N Seoul tower next where people lock hearts symbolizing their love for each other onto the railing. And Christ, there are a lot of heart locks. We were just chilling in the rain waiting to enter to tower for an ho ur and a half when all of a sudden a Korean girl is crying and making a bit of a scene actually.. The guy ws like whaaat, whaaaa? He had just proposed, the cliche Location for proposals it turns out...Is the n Seoul tower. And she wasn't giving him an answer just crying for god only knows how long leaving the poor guy wondering if he should have spent so much on the ring instead of some other new gadget all his friends are getting.. But she eventually calmed down, and I think it s a ....yeeees? oh happy days!
Up the Seoul tower, our saffa friend jermaine was peaking about there not being a sign for south Africa.which led him to two conclusions. Either south Africa died doesn't exist since I last left and I have no home to go to, or sty Korea doesnt give a damn about my country or me, all they want is my English speaking abilities. Not a happy chappy.
Luckily Korea loves new Zealand however so we feature up the top of the panoramic view of Seoul city on the glass window. We will forgive you for spelling us newzeland too because the view was insane. Can imagine how much bigger Seoul will get in the next ten years as you see the massive buildings expanding across the city.
here, you can take the cable car down the side of the mountain. Skip past the black cabs that want to rip you off with a 40 buk taxi ride home and look at you like you're cheap for not accepting.
Spent the night in the jimjilbang once more. Perfect way to end some five hectic days.. Love and peace homies! X x x
2011년 8월 3일 수요일
Jisan Rocks!
So with a weary head, I made my way after work to...only the biggest rock festival in Korea! The Jisan Rick festival is situated in the natural environment of Jisan valley, party central by summer, ski resort come winter!
It's a three day festival starting on Friday finishing on Monday morning if you choose to spend the extra night snuggling with your new found hubby or perhaps incoherent enough not to realize the party is over...what is a rock festival without someone smashing their foot into a rock in attempt to show how well they can jump a puddle? And puddles there were galore as mos t of the happy drunks smiled their way through torrential rainfall, soaked skin and running mascara.
If you have blonde hair, or are really tall, you might get yourself a couple of free hot meals though to warm you up? I managed to get myself a couple.
Huge festival though, so huge that Pauline couldn't find her way back to our tent till the Sunday night.. X
Jenna and Sera did an amazing job at setting up our crew of bout 20-30 into tents for the weekend! Cheers guys! I have a new artist to add to my playlist... Pros Ella Ann, amazing live... I was hanging off her every note she has a stunning voice. Probably my personal fav of Saturday!
The thing with Korea we decided, is that they are a sucker for advertising so they will attend the bands that are the most advertised. Which made watching incubus an easy one to raid the front line as the locals hadn't heard of them and they weren't on at the main time! Dead band suede came next and all of a sudden the main stage is packed listening to what I found to be rather cruddy music. skipped that one for a chilled out dance to a beatles take off band.
Whilst dancing in the jägermeister tent that night, I had an interesting suprise as a Korean lad started grinding me from behind. Cracking up laughing I kept my eyes forward laughing away with cam and Pauline as they looked onwards from yonder. Eventually the entertainment finished with him sAying "I have to go now and find my friend." sweet cya..? I love the Korean girls here! They make you feel like a superstar screaming "you're so hot!" and the like while your dancing!
So overall a fantastic weekend meeting heaps of new great people and chilling out with the familiar with great music and other festivities. Coming home with a crap load off free stuff makes the whole experience pretty sweet also!
It's a three day festival starting on Friday finishing on Monday morning if you choose to spend the extra night snuggling with your new found hubby or perhaps incoherent enough not to realize the party is over...what is a rock festival without someone smashing their foot into a rock in attempt to show how well they can jump a puddle? And puddles there were galore as mos t of the happy drunks smiled their way through torrential rainfall, soaked skin and running mascara.
If you have blonde hair, or are really tall, you might get yourself a couple of free hot meals though to warm you up? I managed to get myself a couple.
Huge festival though, so huge that Pauline couldn't find her way back to our tent till the Sunday night.. X
Jenna and Sera did an amazing job at setting up our crew of bout 20-30 into tents for the weekend! Cheers guys! I have a new artist to add to my playlist... Pros Ella Ann, amazing live... I was hanging off her every note she has a stunning voice. Probably my personal fav of Saturday!
The thing with Korea we decided, is that they are a sucker for advertising so they will attend the bands that are the most advertised. Which made watching incubus an easy one to raid the front line as the locals hadn't heard of them and they weren't on at the main time! Dead band suede came next and all of a sudden the main stage is packed listening to what I found to be rather cruddy music. skipped that one for a chilled out dance to a beatles take off band.
Whilst dancing in the jägermeister tent that night, I had an interesting suprise as a Korean lad started grinding me from behind. Cracking up laughing I kept my eyes forward laughing away with cam and Pauline as they looked onwards from yonder. Eventually the entertainment finished with him sAying "I have to go now and find my friend." sweet cya..? I love the Korean girls here! They make you feel like a superstar screaming "you're so hot!" and the like while your dancing!
So overall a fantastic weekend meeting heaps of new great people and chilling out with the familiar with great music and other festivities. Coming home with a crap load off free stuff makes the whole experience pretty sweet also!
2011년 7월 27일 수요일
Oh the joys of not understanding everything in a foreign country! Like buying coffee, opening it up to find its not JUST coffee!! Its chocolate flavoured coffee. Well thats what I'm going with anyway.. Or go to a waffle restaurant and order 3 hot chocolates. What will come out? Will they actually bring hot chocolates? No! They bring an iced chai latte ( which was bloody good) a cold chocolate and a caramel mochaccino also chilled! SUPRISE!!! To our glory, they bought us complimentary icecream when they only bought us 1 waffle rather than 3. Delightful!
I've been using someone elses internet for the past minth in my aprtment becuase for some reason it just wont work. But they great thing about Korea is that there is basically internet everywhere! Skyped my bro at the bus station the other day and watched my father on face time dancing with an Austin Powers lookalike. Can't beat being serenaded by my beautiful friend the other day though.
Korea is obsessed with plastic surgery. There are numerous advertisments everywhere on the trains etc showing "improvements" on eyelids, jawlines that have been chiselled from the bone, sliced calf muscles. Saw the first asian with Boobs the other day. Obviously fake. OMG.
They were huge.
They love coloured eye contacts, butt pads and constantly redoing their makeup on the train. Even the guys. Guys are fond of hand holding also- especially when they're happily drunk. My korean friends are awesome! They look after you well on a night out! Walked us home safely.
Nicholas and I went out for a drink which always means socialising with the locals too. One came over to pour Nicholas a beer and to my joy I got the entire 3 litres poured onto me. Absolutely soaked, I rished to clean my Ipad and bag. Then the fuss began. Everyone came to help. I couldnt string together the amount of sorrys I heard there were too many. Five minutes later we were joking and laughing calling the guy who tipped the beer on me an Idiot in Korean. The girls in the group went and got me a massive bag of food and drinks as a present too!
On Nicholas's Birthday, the generousity of Korea continued. People he hadn't even met that came along gave him gifts and cakes. All I had to do was go to the toilet and some young Korean outside had bought a mass of beers for our table! Along with a gorgeous fruit platter amongst other things. Everyone gushes over my Hair and I love it. I'm world famous in Pocheon as people point and nod when they see me. Cars slow down at the lights and I'm just waiting for a crash to happen right in front of me. My town is not very big and foreigners are very scarce. One child came up to me and hugged me and wanted me to pick him up. He did this several times until his friend told him to stop.
A medicinal food I have used in my cooking is the Bellflower root. Its beautiful in soups with garlic and ginger and wards away coughs. Coffee is terrible over here. All freeze dried and added sugar. Milk isnt like home either. There are no ovens so I wont have any real baking for a while.
There are foreign food shops but most of it is pretty expensive so eat Korean! Usually dont even feel like home food anyway! Felt like sugar for the first time yesterday and I've been here over a month.
Foreigners seem to either put on a lot of weight or lose a lot. If you eat korean food you will probably lose it, if you have the seond rate western food you will put on weight I guarantee.
Okay gotta head to work now! Kiss kiss. Love Alice. xx
I've been using someone elses internet for the past minth in my aprtment becuase for some reason it just wont work. But they great thing about Korea is that there is basically internet everywhere! Skyped my bro at the bus station the other day and watched my father on face time dancing with an Austin Powers lookalike. Can't beat being serenaded by my beautiful friend the other day though.
Korea is obsessed with plastic surgery. There are numerous advertisments everywhere on the trains etc showing "improvements" on eyelids, jawlines that have been chiselled from the bone, sliced calf muscles. Saw the first asian with Boobs the other day. Obviously fake. OMG.
They were huge.
They love coloured eye contacts, butt pads and constantly redoing their makeup on the train. Even the guys. Guys are fond of hand holding also- especially when they're happily drunk. My korean friends are awesome! They look after you well on a night out! Walked us home safely.
Nicholas and I went out for a drink which always means socialising with the locals too. One came over to pour Nicholas a beer and to my joy I got the entire 3 litres poured onto me. Absolutely soaked, I rished to clean my Ipad and bag. Then the fuss began. Everyone came to help. I couldnt string together the amount of sorrys I heard there were too many. Five minutes later we were joking and laughing calling the guy who tipped the beer on me an Idiot in Korean. The girls in the group went and got me a massive bag of food and drinks as a present too!
On Nicholas's Birthday, the generousity of Korea continued. People he hadn't even met that came along gave him gifts and cakes. All I had to do was go to the toilet and some young Korean outside had bought a mass of beers for our table! Along with a gorgeous fruit platter amongst other things. Everyone gushes over my Hair and I love it. I'm world famous in Pocheon as people point and nod when they see me. Cars slow down at the lights and I'm just waiting for a crash to happen right in front of me. My town is not very big and foreigners are very scarce. One child came up to me and hugged me and wanted me to pick him up. He did this several times until his friend told him to stop.
A medicinal food I have used in my cooking is the Bellflower root. Its beautiful in soups with garlic and ginger and wards away coughs. Coffee is terrible over here. All freeze dried and added sugar. Milk isnt like home either. There are no ovens so I wont have any real baking for a while.
There are foreign food shops but most of it is pretty expensive so eat Korean! Usually dont even feel like home food anyway! Felt like sugar for the first time yesterday and I've been here over a month.
Foreigners seem to either put on a lot of weight or lose a lot. If you eat korean food you will probably lose it, if you have the seond rate western food you will put on weight I guarantee.
Okay gotta head to work now! Kiss kiss. Love Alice. xx
Affair with Korea
With limited internet acessibilty, I begin to write this blog from my apartment overlooking the Pocheon mountains. I seem to have been inspired to snuggle up inside as the terrential rain accompanied by excessive thunder and lightning pursues to rage from the skies. It is monsoon season. Perfectly welcome since the one day it wasnt raining, it was ridiculously humid and I couldn't find an ice coffee house soon enough to prevent me sweating like a mofo.
Shall we start from the beginning then?
I arrived in Korea June, 21st, 2011. After a delayed flight, due to the volcanic ash roaming in australasian skies, I arrived in Incheon airport-only to find out my baggage had been lost. This was great for my budget as I had to dash to Emart to find some clothes to teach in for the next day. Problem is that asians are tiny. Didnt find much really. Had terrible blisters on my feet due to new impressive shoes also, so walking up to meet my new Principal wasn't so much of a walk but a strained hobble. Great first impressions. We went out for dinner straight away, and the next morning. The next night too. Korean food is amazing. Had my first Pork Galbi. I started teaching the very next day with the original teacher- also Kiwi- Dylan. He introduced me to two other teachers in Pocheon- Nicholas, also a kiwi working in a Hagwon and Jen, a bloody annoying American working in a public school. Just kidding shes awesome.
Then was solo from then on.
Interesting questions pursued. Such as- Teacher! an we change our name? Why is your hair yellow? Do you have a boyfriend? I teach at a Hagwon where the students range from 6 to 24 and recently i have a 50+ student also.
For teachers out there- your teaching life will be considerably easier if you focus on speaking slowly and simply. Make your rules clear if you want them also. Stare down the naughty ones and you'll find they are the ones you love teaching in the end as more often than not, the are the intelligent ones.
So after being in Korea for two days, I decided to take the Bus down to Chungju to visit my bro Pauline. She had a sweet apartment and met her expat community followed by a trip to a club. Korean girls are treated like dolls here I fear sometimes. The ushers in the club bring beers and fruit platters and other snacks to your table and girls on request. Any girl you guys want, just tell the usher and he will bring her to yo even if he has to literally drag her. She'll take one sip of your beer then stand up and leave. Amazing club however, strobes, DJs, I love how they have the food platters etc also.
Next day we headed to Busan. It was terrential rain. We couldnt find a hotel. I tried my luck at passing as a child on the subway and failed only to be ushered to a quiet room by a very angry Korean man. Playing dumb didnt work in my favour and I am now the proud bearer of 34500 won Fine. Totally worth the heart beat leap and sick stomach feeling. I think Pauline really appreciated the excitement too being her Birthday and all. However somehow, it seemt like fate since just as we left the subway, we stood behind a foreigner and in a desperate bid for shelter, I asked where the nearest motel might be. He turned out to be staying in the same room as Paulines good mates from NZ that we were meant to be meeting up with later on in the night! Love motels are about $40. This one was decked out with personal robes, a spa bath and austin powers style bed and internet. Pretty sweet!
Unfortunately, due to time difficulties, I didnt manage to see any sights that weekend. But had a great night out meeting many expats from around South Korea.
I've goten into the habit of going away for each weekend.
The following weekend Pauline, Lando, Vanya and I attended a 70s,80s,90s party where the entire crew of 50 people or so were almost all kiwi. My mate Damo got me into a private club party that night also in Itaewon. We stayed in another Love motel. 5 of us. 3 in the bed, 2 on the floor. Would have asked for another room but they didnt mention to us that the rooms were only on a 12 hr lease... so beware of love motels for that reason.. had to pay double. I went solo and visited the Palace Changdeokgung off Line 3, Exit 3, "Anguk". It truly is spectacular in its appearance and the Secret Garden tour is a must see so if you see one Palace in Seoul make it this one. Then you dont need to see another becuase they are all the same once you have seen one. Take a good camera that can really capture the colours of the houses.
I might add that these colurs are not traditional. They have been painted as it brings happiness and peace to many people. Traditionally, I am told, they were grey in colour.
Next we met up to go to Dongdaemun. The main shopping centre is massive. All clothing is in asian sizes though so if you are petite you will have a field day but otherwise it may disappoint. Dongdaemun has many market to visit also. I will visit soon and take pictures however as I didnt have time this time round.
Itaewon is overpriced. A little scummy. For waygooks that can't adjust really. But it is good for the English book store- "what the book" where you can buy novels. Tried a beautiful fur jacket on only to find it was 12000000 won. An asian man pointed us in the wrong direction for a club also. When talking to my Korean friend shes said it was becuase he hates foreigners.
Its sad but some really don't like our presence. Not all though. Most Koreans have been incredibly kind to me here!
The next weekend, A massive group of us travelled to Daegu for a Beach Party about 2 hours from Daegu. It was raing pretty much the entire time but that didnt stop us from having a great night. Everyone was a foreigner, an English teacher and copmpletely trollied.
I managed to score a few free Mojitos for being the only one who willingly swam in the ocean. Had a couple of swimming ompetitions with staunch looking guys from America/Canada. Then it was off to the Family mart to get some cheaper beer. But this solitary trip took about an hour longer than expected as we were summonded to a Korean Wedding. They were in love with Paulines beauty. Standing her up the front asking her to sing but I quickly took that shining moment from her as I took to the stage to sing "Dancing Queen" by ABBA. Exerted and wasted, we left confused and dazed, eventually making ourselves back to the Beach Party..
July 16th was the Boreyong Mud festival. DEFINITELY GO TO THIS. It is a Korean Highlight not to be missed. Its at Daecheon Beach, where millions of foreigners and Koreans gather to soak up the sun, be poured in the Beauty mud, get messy on the slides and rides and mud pools and dungeons then wash it all off in the sea with Good Live Music loud and clear pumping up the atmosphere. We managed to stayin a minibuk with a group of us friends. Boreyong is well known for their Seafood so be sure to try it while you are there!
TEMPLE
This weekend just gone, I visited Seoul once more. Jogye-Sa is a busy Buddhist temple reknown fr its 3 giant buddhist statues. People come offering healthy food and water to Buddah. The Temple is deorated beautifully with scenes of Buddahs life. Outside is a statue of a "Hama" a mythological dog looking creature to keep bad spirits away. It was in Anguk that I found the cutest little cafe with my friend James. It was the first cafe with real carrot cake and chocolate cake and baked cheese cake! Also Mulled wine and a gorgeous Chai latte. I was in heaven. I adore Korean cuisine but nothing beats areal homemade dessert. The rest of the "Western" food in Korea in abhonourable. Its just not food.
So if you follow the markets from the giant Paintbrush off Anguk exit 5, you'll come to a cute little side path leading to this cafe. Otherwise hit me up when you're here!
Myeongdong
I love Myeongdong! This is where shops such as H&M, Zara, American Apparel and Forever 21 are. So you an get some clothes that actually fit normally and are styly and cheap. There is so much to see here but it's extremely busy so try and visit in the morning if you an at about 10.
Gangnam
It's just so NICE! beautiful shops litter the main street. This is where the wealthy live and everyone speaks english. There is a mall in the subway station that would keep you occupid for hours.
If you need to get your hair dyed go to Juno Hair in Gangnam. Its on the main road, see http://www.junohair.com/. They specialise in treating european hair. They treated me like a queen constantly loading me with with whatever i wanted and massages plus, I am happy to say I am still blonde, not Ginger. Ask for Kwan-woo and say Alice the blonde sent you. He is absolutely lovely. AND super styly.
ALICE IS BLONDE aka Lost- Adventures galore!
That night i met up with pauline, must say I was the slightest bit tipsy, and being late at night I led Pauline and I on a long ride on the subway to the middle of nowhere thinking it was ujeongbu. It most certainly wasnt. We were completely stranded at 1.30 in the morning not knowing where the eff we were and with no more subways running, or buses and no taxis would take us to Pocheon. There were no shops no motels or anyhting around. No traffic. We rang up the Help line but beucase we weren't in Seoul they didnt help us either. This is when I prayed ridiculously hard for a random taxi. Then one came. We got in thinking we could be too far away until Pauline checked it on her phone and it looked pretty damn far. I freaked out a little and we rang our Korean friend who talked to the Taxi Driver. He secured a deal of 100,000 won so I wouldnt have to pay more and we had a rather dangerous- due ot taxi drivers lack of sleep- ride back to Il Dong. Il Dong by the way is not my home town but atleast it was near- only 20 more minutes away in the direction we had just been. I dont know how many times I said Pocheon. POCHEON!!!!! but at 3.30 ish we made it home, picked up some trusty Kimbob and scoffed it down doused in soysauce back to home sweet home. I feel so lucky we were safe that night. It was a close call... The taxi driver tried to get more money out of me but I sternly declined.
RAFTING
On Sunday, my boss had organised to take my friends, Pauline, Nicholas and Jen rafting in the beautiful Gangwon-Do area specially known for its dramatic landscapes due to volcanic activity. It was a special day due to being in the height of Summer so we all enjoyed a customary chicken Soup afterward. Traditionally it would have been a dog soup. As Dogs do not sweat, Koreans believe that by eating Dog, they will not sweat either. However, as westernisation has made its mark in Korea, the younger generation see dogs as pets and have substituted dog meat with chicken instead. Ofcourse, a Korean meal with the Boss is not complete with a substantial amount of Soju.
We carried on drinking in Pocheon accompanied by the best Seafood Pancake I have had yet and Dumplings. ooohhhhhh Dumplings I love you. Hence why I couldnt move afterwards due to being completely fattened by excess amounts of amazing Korean cuisine and Makaelli. Makaelli is a traditional Poor mans rice wine. Much easier to drink than it's cousin Soju. Its milkier in appearance and almost has a ginger taste to it like homemade gingerbeer I made when I was 12...
FIRST CULTURE SHOCK
But I have to say that Rafting almost didnt happen due to a misunderstanding with my boss 3 nights before. My boss loves to Drink, loves to socialise with us foreigners and loves to play Poker it turns out also. The situation was like this. I didnt bring my phone to work that day. It was Nicholas's Birthday and he had originally planned to invite my Boss to play poker with others and myself. Nicholas decided he would rather meet for Dinner and just have a casual night out instead. My boss asked what was happening and when I told him that we would probably be just going for dinner and no Poker, he still wanted to come to dinner anyway. I had planned to meet Nicholas at his place at 8 and my boss followed. But when Nicholas didnt answer his door my boss wanted to go to see if he was at the restaurant. I wanted to stay but I did as he wanted. Nicholas wasnt at the restaurant either and I started to get a bit anxious as I didnt want him leaving his aprtment thinking i wasnt coming so I asked if we could go bak as that was the original plan. My boss, unbeknown to me did not like this situation or suggestion but we returned to Nicholas' anyway and he was hthere. Tension brewed in the air but I ignored it. We made out way to the Restuarant where the rest of Nicholas's Korean friends were and things were still tense. My Boss left without saying a word to me but said to Nicholas that he didnt like his friends.
The next day, My boss came into Work Drunk having drunk all morning at the Tennis club. He said "alice, I have something to tell you, I was very disappointed in your attitude lastnight so I am cancelling rafting this weekend, its cancelled, do you understand" in which i replied yes and went back to my room in shock. About an hour later I cried when the receptionist came in to ask if I was okay and she was really nice but I didnt know what to think of the situation. I rang everyone though and told them it was off and felt pretty crap about myself for the rest of the day.
The next day my boss came in and said he had something to tell me again so I followed him carefully into my room. He apologised profusely, I apologised too and he said he still wanted to go rafting and leave it all in the past. So I rang everyone up again and tried to forgive and forget. Which luckily i have done now but it has made me realise that I need to be extremely careful in everything i say and do while around him now. Which is why I prefer not to Socialise with him outside of work becuase as he has said- we are not friends, he is my superior and I feel somewhat that he is buying me in a way when he pays for all the dinners he has paid for me and my friends. Also, I feel like I am lesser beucase I am a woman so I need to still learn my place in their eyes which is hard onsidering I've been high on the scale of independence my whole life.
Getting a Camera
While in Seoul I went to Yongsan to get a Canon S95, only the most amazing camera ever. Takes beautiful Pictures. The sellers try to get as much money out of you as possible. I wasnt in the mood for too much haggling but I wouldnt put up with those who did the age old tricks such as
1. trying to sell you an entirely different Camera which htey earn a better commission on
2. Sell you the camera for cheaper then sit you down and try and sell you a ridiculously priced SD card
I ended up going bak to the first seller as I trusted him more. Perhaps if I was more stubborn and haggled more I could have gotten it for cheaper but I managed to get a bit of a discount without much effort so I'm happy. plus i got some free screen and practically free SD card.
Now after buying your camera in Yongsan, there is a fabulous Jimjilbang called Dragon hill Jimjilbang or Spa. Easy to find just walk out of the subway station and turn to you right and walk a couple minutes and you'll see it loud and clear. Best Jimjilbang in Seoul according to my sources. For 12000 won you can scrub down in the saunas, sim in the pool or different variations of spas, then shower, put your jamis on, lax out in a massage chair or opt for a medicinal massage with a cold beer in hand. Then you mayb lodge free for the night in a room with other sleeping Koreans. Cheapest option for accomodation and I felt amazing afterwards. It makes your skin so soft and healthy. So lose your inhibitions and strip off in a Jimjilbang for the night! Your skin will love you for it ;)
I'm so fortunate to have Nicholas, a fellow foodie in Pocheon with me. We have started out restaurant roulette where we enter any random restaurant and pick something that another Korean is eating.
I may make a seperate Blog.
I've lost 7 kg since being in Korea already due to the food being so healthy and not having an appetite due to the humidity.
I've also started teaching Business men two nights a week- They want to take me out to a sushi restaurant for one of the lectures so that will be AWESOME!!! Free food yeah yaaaahhh. Cant wait for sushi!
Peace and Love readers x x x Time to fall asleep listening to the rain.
Shall we start from the beginning then?
I arrived in Korea June, 21st, 2011. After a delayed flight, due to the volcanic ash roaming in australasian skies, I arrived in Incheon airport-only to find out my baggage had been lost. This was great for my budget as I had to dash to Emart to find some clothes to teach in for the next day. Problem is that asians are tiny. Didnt find much really. Had terrible blisters on my feet due to new impressive shoes also, so walking up to meet my new Principal wasn't so much of a walk but a strained hobble. Great first impressions. We went out for dinner straight away, and the next morning. The next night too. Korean food is amazing. Had my first Pork Galbi. I started teaching the very next day with the original teacher- also Kiwi- Dylan. He introduced me to two other teachers in Pocheon- Nicholas, also a kiwi working in a Hagwon and Jen, a bloody annoying American working in a public school. Just kidding shes awesome.
Then was solo from then on.
Interesting questions pursued. Such as- Teacher! an we change our name? Why is your hair yellow? Do you have a boyfriend? I teach at a Hagwon where the students range from 6 to 24 and recently i have a 50+ student also.
For teachers out there- your teaching life will be considerably easier if you focus on speaking slowly and simply. Make your rules clear if you want them also. Stare down the naughty ones and you'll find they are the ones you love teaching in the end as more often than not, the are the intelligent ones.
So after being in Korea for two days, I decided to take the Bus down to Chungju to visit my bro Pauline. She had a sweet apartment and met her expat community followed by a trip to a club. Korean girls are treated like dolls here I fear sometimes. The ushers in the club bring beers and fruit platters and other snacks to your table and girls on request. Any girl you guys want, just tell the usher and he will bring her to yo even if he has to literally drag her. She'll take one sip of your beer then stand up and leave. Amazing club however, strobes, DJs, I love how they have the food platters etc also.
Next day we headed to Busan. It was terrential rain. We couldnt find a hotel. I tried my luck at passing as a child on the subway and failed only to be ushered to a quiet room by a very angry Korean man. Playing dumb didnt work in my favour and I am now the proud bearer of 34500 won Fine. Totally worth the heart beat leap and sick stomach feeling. I think Pauline really appreciated the excitement too being her Birthday and all. However somehow, it seemt like fate since just as we left the subway, we stood behind a foreigner and in a desperate bid for shelter, I asked where the nearest motel might be. He turned out to be staying in the same room as Paulines good mates from NZ that we were meant to be meeting up with later on in the night! Love motels are about $40. This one was decked out with personal robes, a spa bath and austin powers style bed and internet. Pretty sweet!
Unfortunately, due to time difficulties, I didnt manage to see any sights that weekend. But had a great night out meeting many expats from around South Korea.
I've goten into the habit of going away for each weekend.
The following weekend Pauline, Lando, Vanya and I attended a 70s,80s,90s party where the entire crew of 50 people or so were almost all kiwi. My mate Damo got me into a private club party that night also in Itaewon. We stayed in another Love motel. 5 of us. 3 in the bed, 2 on the floor. Would have asked for another room but they didnt mention to us that the rooms were only on a 12 hr lease... so beware of love motels for that reason.. had to pay double. I went solo and visited the Palace Changdeokgung off Line 3, Exit 3, "Anguk". It truly is spectacular in its appearance and the Secret Garden tour is a must see so if you see one Palace in Seoul make it this one. Then you dont need to see another becuase they are all the same once you have seen one. Take a good camera that can really capture the colours of the houses.
I might add that these colurs are not traditional. They have been painted as it brings happiness and peace to many people. Traditionally, I am told, they were grey in colour.
Next we met up to go to Dongdaemun. The main shopping centre is massive. All clothing is in asian sizes though so if you are petite you will have a field day but otherwise it may disappoint. Dongdaemun has many market to visit also. I will visit soon and take pictures however as I didnt have time this time round.
Itaewon is overpriced. A little scummy. For waygooks that can't adjust really. But it is good for the English book store- "what the book" where you can buy novels. Tried a beautiful fur jacket on only to find it was 12000000 won. An asian man pointed us in the wrong direction for a club also. When talking to my Korean friend shes said it was becuase he hates foreigners.
Its sad but some really don't like our presence. Not all though. Most Koreans have been incredibly kind to me here!
The next weekend, A massive group of us travelled to Daegu for a Beach Party about 2 hours from Daegu. It was raing pretty much the entire time but that didnt stop us from having a great night. Everyone was a foreigner, an English teacher and copmpletely trollied.
I managed to score a few free Mojitos for being the only one who willingly swam in the ocean. Had a couple of swimming ompetitions with staunch looking guys from America/Canada. Then it was off to the Family mart to get some cheaper beer. But this solitary trip took about an hour longer than expected as we were summonded to a Korean Wedding. They were in love with Paulines beauty. Standing her up the front asking her to sing but I quickly took that shining moment from her as I took to the stage to sing "Dancing Queen" by ABBA. Exerted and wasted, we left confused and dazed, eventually making ourselves back to the Beach Party..
July 16th was the Boreyong Mud festival. DEFINITELY GO TO THIS. It is a Korean Highlight not to be missed. Its at Daecheon Beach, where millions of foreigners and Koreans gather to soak up the sun, be poured in the Beauty mud, get messy on the slides and rides and mud pools and dungeons then wash it all off in the sea with Good Live Music loud and clear pumping up the atmosphere. We managed to stayin a minibuk with a group of us friends. Boreyong is well known for their Seafood so be sure to try it while you are there!
TEMPLE
This weekend just gone, I visited Seoul once more. Jogye-Sa is a busy Buddhist temple reknown fr its 3 giant buddhist statues. People come offering healthy food and water to Buddah. The Temple is deorated beautifully with scenes of Buddahs life. Outside is a statue of a "Hama" a mythological dog looking creature to keep bad spirits away. It was in Anguk that I found the cutest little cafe with my friend James. It was the first cafe with real carrot cake and chocolate cake and baked cheese cake! Also Mulled wine and a gorgeous Chai latte. I was in heaven. I adore Korean cuisine but nothing beats areal homemade dessert. The rest of the "Western" food in Korea in abhonourable. Its just not food.
So if you follow the markets from the giant Paintbrush off Anguk exit 5, you'll come to a cute little side path leading to this cafe. Otherwise hit me up when you're here!
Myeongdong
I love Myeongdong! This is where shops such as H&M, Zara, American Apparel and Forever 21 are. So you an get some clothes that actually fit normally and are styly and cheap. There is so much to see here but it's extremely busy so try and visit in the morning if you an at about 10.
Gangnam
It's just so NICE! beautiful shops litter the main street. This is where the wealthy live and everyone speaks english. There is a mall in the subway station that would keep you occupid for hours.
If you need to get your hair dyed go to Juno Hair in Gangnam. Its on the main road, see http://www.junohair.com/. They specialise in treating european hair. They treated me like a queen constantly loading me with with whatever i wanted and massages plus, I am happy to say I am still blonde, not Ginger. Ask for Kwan-woo and say Alice the blonde sent you. He is absolutely lovely. AND super styly.
ALICE IS BLONDE aka Lost- Adventures galore!
That night i met up with pauline, must say I was the slightest bit tipsy, and being late at night I led Pauline and I on a long ride on the subway to the middle of nowhere thinking it was ujeongbu. It most certainly wasnt. We were completely stranded at 1.30 in the morning not knowing where the eff we were and with no more subways running, or buses and no taxis would take us to Pocheon. There were no shops no motels or anyhting around. No traffic. We rang up the Help line but beucase we weren't in Seoul they didnt help us either. This is when I prayed ridiculously hard for a random taxi. Then one came. We got in thinking we could be too far away until Pauline checked it on her phone and it looked pretty damn far. I freaked out a little and we rang our Korean friend who talked to the Taxi Driver. He secured a deal of 100,000 won so I wouldnt have to pay more and we had a rather dangerous- due ot taxi drivers lack of sleep- ride back to Il Dong. Il Dong by the way is not my home town but atleast it was near- only 20 more minutes away in the direction we had just been. I dont know how many times I said Pocheon. POCHEON!!!!! but at 3.30 ish we made it home, picked up some trusty Kimbob and scoffed it down doused in soysauce back to home sweet home. I feel so lucky we were safe that night. It was a close call... The taxi driver tried to get more money out of me but I sternly declined.
RAFTING
On Sunday, my boss had organised to take my friends, Pauline, Nicholas and Jen rafting in the beautiful Gangwon-Do area specially known for its dramatic landscapes due to volcanic activity. It was a special day due to being in the height of Summer so we all enjoyed a customary chicken Soup afterward. Traditionally it would have been a dog soup. As Dogs do not sweat, Koreans believe that by eating Dog, they will not sweat either. However, as westernisation has made its mark in Korea, the younger generation see dogs as pets and have substituted dog meat with chicken instead. Ofcourse, a Korean meal with the Boss is not complete with a substantial amount of Soju.
We carried on drinking in Pocheon accompanied by the best Seafood Pancake I have had yet and Dumplings. ooohhhhhh Dumplings I love you. Hence why I couldnt move afterwards due to being completely fattened by excess amounts of amazing Korean cuisine and Makaelli. Makaelli is a traditional Poor mans rice wine. Much easier to drink than it's cousin Soju. Its milkier in appearance and almost has a ginger taste to it like homemade gingerbeer I made when I was 12...
FIRST CULTURE SHOCK
But I have to say that Rafting almost didnt happen due to a misunderstanding with my boss 3 nights before. My boss loves to Drink, loves to socialise with us foreigners and loves to play Poker it turns out also. The situation was like this. I didnt bring my phone to work that day. It was Nicholas's Birthday and he had originally planned to invite my Boss to play poker with others and myself. Nicholas decided he would rather meet for Dinner and just have a casual night out instead. My boss asked what was happening and when I told him that we would probably be just going for dinner and no Poker, he still wanted to come to dinner anyway. I had planned to meet Nicholas at his place at 8 and my boss followed. But when Nicholas didnt answer his door my boss wanted to go to see if he was at the restaurant. I wanted to stay but I did as he wanted. Nicholas wasnt at the restaurant either and I started to get a bit anxious as I didnt want him leaving his aprtment thinking i wasnt coming so I asked if we could go bak as that was the original plan. My boss, unbeknown to me did not like this situation or suggestion but we returned to Nicholas' anyway and he was hthere. Tension brewed in the air but I ignored it. We made out way to the Restuarant where the rest of Nicholas's Korean friends were and things were still tense. My Boss left without saying a word to me but said to Nicholas that he didnt like his friends.
The next day, My boss came into Work Drunk having drunk all morning at the Tennis club. He said "alice, I have something to tell you, I was very disappointed in your attitude lastnight so I am cancelling rafting this weekend, its cancelled, do you understand" in which i replied yes and went back to my room in shock. About an hour later I cried when the receptionist came in to ask if I was okay and she was really nice but I didnt know what to think of the situation. I rang everyone though and told them it was off and felt pretty crap about myself for the rest of the day.
The next day my boss came in and said he had something to tell me again so I followed him carefully into my room. He apologised profusely, I apologised too and he said he still wanted to go rafting and leave it all in the past. So I rang everyone up again and tried to forgive and forget. Which luckily i have done now but it has made me realise that I need to be extremely careful in everything i say and do while around him now. Which is why I prefer not to Socialise with him outside of work becuase as he has said- we are not friends, he is my superior and I feel somewhat that he is buying me in a way when he pays for all the dinners he has paid for me and my friends. Also, I feel like I am lesser beucase I am a woman so I need to still learn my place in their eyes which is hard onsidering I've been high on the scale of independence my whole life.
Getting a Camera
While in Seoul I went to Yongsan to get a Canon S95, only the most amazing camera ever. Takes beautiful Pictures. The sellers try to get as much money out of you as possible. I wasnt in the mood for too much haggling but I wouldnt put up with those who did the age old tricks such as
1. trying to sell you an entirely different Camera which htey earn a better commission on
2. Sell you the camera for cheaper then sit you down and try and sell you a ridiculously priced SD card
I ended up going bak to the first seller as I trusted him more. Perhaps if I was more stubborn and haggled more I could have gotten it for cheaper but I managed to get a bit of a discount without much effort so I'm happy. plus i got some free screen and practically free SD card.
Now after buying your camera in Yongsan, there is a fabulous Jimjilbang called Dragon hill Jimjilbang or Spa. Easy to find just walk out of the subway station and turn to you right and walk a couple minutes and you'll see it loud and clear. Best Jimjilbang in Seoul according to my sources. For 12000 won you can scrub down in the saunas, sim in the pool or different variations of spas, then shower, put your jamis on, lax out in a massage chair or opt for a medicinal massage with a cold beer in hand. Then you mayb lodge free for the night in a room with other sleeping Koreans. Cheapest option for accomodation and I felt amazing afterwards. It makes your skin so soft and healthy. So lose your inhibitions and strip off in a Jimjilbang for the night! Your skin will love you for it ;)
I'm so fortunate to have Nicholas, a fellow foodie in Pocheon with me. We have started out restaurant roulette where we enter any random restaurant and pick something that another Korean is eating.
I may make a seperate Blog.
I've lost 7 kg since being in Korea already due to the food being so healthy and not having an appetite due to the humidity.
I've also started teaching Business men two nights a week- They want to take me out to a sushi restaurant for one of the lectures so that will be AWESOME!!! Free food yeah yaaaahhh. Cant wait for sushi!
Peace and Love readers x x x Time to fall asleep listening to the rain.
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