tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58865264190647270092024-03-13T09:30:33.548-07:00Living in the FutureBTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-89454804477219741172010-10-01T07:30:00.000-07:002010-10-01T07:30:45.032-07:00Beijing, Shanghai and TokyoI haven't had a chance to write captions for the photos from my trip to Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo, let alone a blog post. So for the time being, the pictures will have to speak "a thousand words."<br /><br />Today marked my five month anniversary in Seoul...30 days until I'm "back from the future." <br /><br /><br /><a style="CLEAR: right; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; MARGIN-LEFT: 1em" href="http://goo.gl/photos/Wwos" imageanchor="1"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TKXmcWZO6FE/AAAAAAAAMmU/dMkpZMEDHtY/s160-c/BeijingShanghaiAndTokyo02.jpg" border="0" /></a>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-27124162300720683672010-09-01T03:40:00.000-07:002010-09-01T05:28:52.320-07:00Heart and SeoulToday marks my four month anniversary in Seoul. Can you believe it took me this long to use the saying "Heart and Seoul?"<br /><br />Well, I've actually figured out some legitimate connections that make using a twist on this idiom quite applicable to this post.<br /><br />Four months ago I arrived in Seoul to work on-site for Samsung (a client of Edelman, my employer). <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Group">Samsung</a> was founded in 1938...the same year Hoagy Carmichael and Frank Loesser wrote the song <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a5/Heart_And_Soul.MID">"Heart and Soul."</a><br /><br />Coincidence?<br /><br />Well, duh, of course it is.<br /><br />The real topic of this post is my visit to <a href="http://www.nseoultower.net/english/?MenuIDX=92">Namsan Tower</a>. Similar to Seattle's Space Needle, the Tower is one of Seoul's most distinguished landmarks and can be seen from nearly everywhere in the city - even from my office window (look <em>really</em> closely in the center of the picture to the left of the crane).<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511907831177129938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TH46-BgBr9I/AAAAAAAAK48/mhuy8oamNxQ/s320/IMG00051-20100507-1337.jpg" border="0" />Or, a bit more clearly, from the War Memorial.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511907822963211618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TH469i5rPWI/AAAAAAAAK40/WqqlqQVddOI/s320/IMG00514-20100627-1708.jpg" border="0" />We visited at night and made it more of an "adult visit" by having cocktails in the bar while enjoying the view. Unfortunately, I don't own a camera that is good enough to capture the night time views, but trust me they were spectacular.<br /><br />There was much activity going on - from photographers honing their craft to hip-hop dance routines to outdoor art installations.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511894888495435522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 110px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TH4vMqQPzwI/AAAAAAAAK4s/LKEUrj32P1M/s320/IMG00133-20100724-2228.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TH4vMBqVx1I/AAAAAAAAK4k/RKYYqh-GE0c/s1600/IMG00136-20100724-2232.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511894877599024978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TH4vMBqVx1I/AAAAAAAAK4k/RKYYqh-GE0c/s320/IMG00136-20100724-2232.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511894094360764946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 224px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TH4ueb3yYhI/AAAAAAAAK30/9_L9cxnXxEs/s320/IMG00123-20100724-2029.jpg" border="0" /> <div><div></div><div>But what I found most interesting was that the Tower has become more than a symbol <em>in</em> the heart of Seoul, it's also become a symbol of the hearts<em> of </em>Seoul. </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>From what I understand, somewhere around late 2006 couples began placing <a href="http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2009/12/181_34302.html">"locks of love"</a> on the fencing around the Tower. There are now literally thousands of locks on the fences.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511894119359402978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 224px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TH4uf4_7U-I/AAAAAAAAK4U/YmLcerpFIEE/s320/IMG00128-20100724-2219.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>The couple places a lock on the fence - usually with some sort of inscription on it - and then throws the key away. </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>I couldn't resist taking a photo of this young couple who had placed a lock on the fence and were taking pictures of themselves. </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>They look about 14. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>I'm sure they're <em>very</em> serious.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511894110204247986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 317px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TH4ufW5Kv7I/AAAAAAAAK4M/EOjYOTukzp4/s320/IMG00129-20100724-2219.jpg" border="0" /><br />And, I couldn't help but wonder how soon one of them is back with a bolt cutter...</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>So, four months in the future - literally - and all is good in Seoul. </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>But make no mistake, <em>my </em>heart is still grounded <a href="http://www.lsjunction.com/midi/deep_tex.mid">deep in the heart of Texas</a>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-29967241130770626582010-08-16T06:37:00.000-07:002010-08-16T07:51:10.773-07:00Living in the Past, Present and FutureOne of the places that I've wanted to visit since coming to Korea is the DMZ. I know, probably not the smartest place to go with the heightened tensions between North and South Korea right now. <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div> </div><div>And it was definitely not the most wise decision to go on July 25, the day that South Korea and the U.S. began joint military exercises to send a "strong and clear message" to North Korea.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/usa/US-South-Korea-Set-Joint-Military-Exercise-99020814.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/usa/US-South-Korea-Set-Joint-Military-Exercise-99020814.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter</a></div><div><br /></div><div>But I did. </div><div> </div><div>Seriously, I had visions of tripping over the border (no doubt very dramatically) and being the next equivalent of Lisa Ling's sister needing Bill Clinton to skip Chelsea's wedding and get my my klutzy dumb ass out of a hard labor camp. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank god that did not come to be.</div><div><br /></div><div>The photos of the trip pretty much speak for themselves. It's a bit surreal to realize that what you are seeing is actual history in the making - history that's been being written for 60 years. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>There were many restrictions on what could and could not be photographed. Notice when you can take pictures into North Korea how far the photo line is from an actual view. </div><div> </div><div>I guess if you're Magic Johnson or happen to travel with stilts or a pogo stick you'd have some great pics. Not so much for the rest of us average height folk.</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506008261402913826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGlFV3dJbCI/AAAAAAAAKww/bz7gJwMO2uQ/s320/IMG00072-20100724-0735.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506010118963355410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGlHB_aEXxI/AAAAAAAAKyQ/ONwYREXgLFo/s320/IMG00086-20100724-0914.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506009198814894498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGlGMbllGaI/AAAAAAAAKxY/aEJqeRj6hSc/s320/IMG00079-20100724-0906.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506010122603726866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGlHCM-ACBI/AAAAAAAAKyY/Q65XZxtVJG4/s320/IMG00087-20100724-0918.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506010821327269186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGlHq36rLUI/AAAAAAAAKyw/gK_nPy6s9vA/s320/IMG00090-20100724-0919.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506010833428416402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGlHrk_0B5I/AAAAAAAAKzI/76FQa2h9su4/s320/IMG00099-20100724-1041.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506008286689966034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 126px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGlFXVqDN9I/AAAAAAAAKxQ/bMrH9vFLdfc/s320/IMG00078-20100724-0906.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506008284779327954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGlFXOihMdI/AAAAAAAAKxI/ICKXfUAed9Q/s320/IMG00077-20100724-0905.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506010826823179362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 278px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGlHrMZAHGI/AAAAAAAAKy4/TY87RfFziH4/s320/IMG00095-20100724-0921.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506009203470635682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 203px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGlGMs7mEqI/AAAAAAAAKxg/hY9vxp3GZPk/s320/IMG00080-20100724-0907.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506009214172310578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGlGNUzErDI/AAAAAAAAKxw/hS5hAHu7Uzc/s320/IMG00081-20100724-0907.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506008271097284514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGlFWbkdx6I/AAAAAAAAKw4/eO_tCX47rRo/s320/IMG00075-20100724-0904.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506010109099686002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGlHBaqYuHI/AAAAAAAAKyI/1_UoQXyK2Fg/s320/IMG00088-20100724-0918.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506010123432848578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 194px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGlHCQDrbMI/AAAAAAAAKyg/nXvakScQFL4/s320/IMG00089-20100724-0919.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506009217897110402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGlGNirIm4I/AAAAAAAAKx4/Y3fs81L6_IE/s320/IMG00083-20100724-0911.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506010102722641554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGlHBC5-vpI/AAAAAAAAKyA/bCLCxrQpTZI/s320/IMG00085-20100724-0911.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506012163024159522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGlI4-IJAyI/AAAAAAAAKzQ/5cPPB10ChoQ/s320/IMG00102-20100724-1057.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506012168805552946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 125px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGlI5TqiEzI/AAAAAAAAKzY/dJvOs3v_gaY/s320/IMG00100-20100724-1057.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-75480772154889982492010-08-11T09:46:00.000-07:002010-08-16T06:37:37.234-07:00Life Happens - Even in the Future...But Sometimes You've got to Reflect<div>It's been quite a while since I've had the opportunity to sit down and write. Reality is that if I tried to capture everything I'm experiencing, well, I'd miss out on actually having experiences. </div><div></div><br /><div>August 1 marked my three month anniversary here in Seoul. In many ways I can't believe how fast the time has passed. I am also accutely aware that my life in Dallas remains "on hold" and while I wouldn't change one moment of this experience (okay, well maybe a few...) there are defintiely times when I'm looking forward to the comforts and familiarity of home. </div><div></div><br /><div>The experiences I've had, the people I've befriended and others I've, let's just say "encountered," have been amazing. Or at least provided a good story. Which in my book equates with amazing, because good or bad, experiencing things is what life is all about.<br /><br />I won't lie - there are days, particularly when I'm experiencing something completely out of any realm of context for me or am extremely tired that my patience is thinner than a sheet of tissue paper. Luckily, those are fleeting moments that pass very quickly - or are eased with a good Skype session, a glass of Soju and a good laugh at whatever insanity I just experienced. </div><div><br />Life is "happening" here for me, and I'm happy to say I can look back on my time here and recognize how much I've experienced, learned, grown and best of all, laughed, as I've lived in the future. Because even in the future, you've got to take time to appreciate the past.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506001233859488866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TGk-8z0OrGI/AAAAAAAAKwo/Jvfse5ebtwA/s320/IMG00064-20100718-1909.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-5617175372341507862010-07-06T06:53:00.000-07:002010-07-06T07:59:44.215-07:00Chez LiberaceFor the first time since I arrived in Seoul on May 2 I had the inevitable "What am I doing here?" moment. It was fleeting, but definitely was brought on with good reason. <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>To keep a long story short(-ish), last Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. I found out that I had to move out of my (second) apartment within the next 24 hours. Evidently, the tax laws related to serviced apartments changed and reclassified them with hotels. As best I could understand, serviced residences had previously been allowed to operate similar to US timeshares and with the tax change the owner of my apartment pulled it out of the pool.<br /></div><div>I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves, but here's the synopsis of Tuesday through Thursday.</div><div></div><ul><li>Tuesday - Notified I had to move at 5:30 p.m. </li><li>Wednesday 2 p.m. told I could move into another unit in my current building</li><li>Wednesday 2-4 p.m. pack and move two months worth of "settled" living</li><li>Wednesday 4 p.m. vomit after beginning to move in and inspecting the "new"apartment closely</li><li>Thursday night I relocate into "Chez Liberace" where I'm perfectly pampered and just fine with the gaudiness that I now call home. </li></ul><div>So we'll start with the first option. And trust me, these picture do no justice to just how filthy this very "ultilitarian" apartment was. In fact, the pictures help it out...<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490796853031879410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TDM6pXbMQvI/AAAAAAAAKtk/oZdCPOnQAkQ/s320/IMG00537-20100702-0028.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490796862713354162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TDM6p7fb17I/AAAAAAAAKts/xgv8fMhlJow/s320/IMG00538-20100702-0029.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490798254646464658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TDM7682JkJI/AAAAAAAAKus/dx3dLpFOm_E/s320/IMG00539-20100702-0029.jpg" border="0" />Well, the pictures help it out because you can't see how stained and dirty the furniture is. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>But you can tell that the bedroom looks like the room Nicolas Cage rented in "Leaving Las Vegas." </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>In case you didn't see the movie - he went there to die. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>This room would probably make you want to speed that along.</div><div> </div><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490796871345503394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TDM6qbpf_KI/AAAAAAAAKt0/wlLmpLP3zPo/s320/IMG00540-20100702-0030.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div> And if the bedroom didn't then the bathroom would. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490796881679210866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TDM6rCJP2XI/AAAAAAAAKt8/WO9yvMt0gRg/s320/IMG00543-20100702-0030.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>When I found this in a cabinet that's when I <em>really</em> lost it...</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490797610385424082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TDM7VcyWPtI/AAAAAAAAKuE/QZM81BJ95aI/s320/IMG00527-20100630-2208.jpg" border="0" /> <div> </div><div>I mean, what was this from, who put it in the cabinet and how long had it been there? </div><div> </div><div>At least it coordinated with the shower curtain.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Sooooo, here's where I now call home now. </div><div> </div><div>Chez Liberace. I have no doubt he'd have felt quite comfortable.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490798275721968386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TDM78LW8OwI/AAAAAAAAKu8/Nd-hCpPHD_k/s320/IMG00565-20100702-1911.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490798244137183634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TDM76VsiqZI/AAAAAAAAKuk/l_qPYYw4aHg/s320/IMG00556-20100702-1907.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490797618094667778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TDM7V5gX-AI/AAAAAAAAKuM/WpB_DZzX9WY/s320/IMG00549-20100702-1902.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490797644249440322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TDM7Xa8KIEI/AAAAAAAAKuc/ln65PeQ0H5g/s320/IMG00555-20100702-1905.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490797625909096322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TDM7WWner4I/AAAAAAAAKuU/fuH4v1DMR8g/s320/IMG00551-20100702-1903.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490798905926656754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TDM8g3DcovI/AAAAAAAAKvU/FLBpQQ_bdaI/s320/IMG00564-20100702-1910.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490798915524236210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TDM8hazsE7I/AAAAAAAAKvc/sJTz_YLf0z4/s320/IMG00563-20100702-1910.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>It even has an electric bidet toilet...</div><div> </div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490798933661237250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TDM8ieX4wAI/AAAAAAAAKvk/vZvEUK31QZ8/s320/IMG00571-20100702-1928.jpg" border="0" /><br />It's sort of like I went from being on "Good Times" to "The Jeffersons."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM95AwDgask&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM95AwDgask&feature=related</a></div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9y4iXAso4I">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9y4iXAso4I</a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-65979189263735939362010-06-27T05:53:00.000-07:002010-06-27T17:08:56.128-07:00Panty Hose, Perms and Parasols<div>I'm not going to lie, this post has been developing in my mind since the moment I landed in South Korea. </div><div></div><br /><div>I'm an observant person. I notice the details. Always have.<br /></div><div></div><br /><div>There's a story that my mother tells about me telling my grandmother that her shoes and purse didn't match. I think I was in kindergarten or first grade. So you can imagine how my blunt acknowledgement of, well, "mistakes" has evolved over the years.</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>The title of this post sums up the three main "fashion" staples I've noticed for Korean women. (Please note, this is about Korean women. I'll get to the shiny suits, "Dancing with the Stars" platform shoes and rhinestone ties in a separate post.)<br /></div><div></div><br /><div>So, let's start with the panty hose.</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>I'll admit, I live in Dallas, Texas where more often than not it's warm - or most of the year, down right hot - and women don't have a practical purpose to wear stockings or tights. And notice I'm using the terms "stockings or tights." </div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Korean women where panty hose. </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Thick, nylon, have-to-be-hot-as-hell, panty hose. And, they wear them in many shapes and sizes. </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Full leg.</div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Foot bootie. </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Knee high.</div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>The commonality? They're the color of the ugly "skin color" crayon that was in the Crayola box when I was growing up and they have a toe seam.<br /></div><div></div><br /><div>You know, circa mid-70s through the 80s. "Nothing beats a great pair of Leggs!"?</div><br /><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7We7hLFuDQ">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7We7hLFuDQ</a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487440092500741810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 93px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 127px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCdNsL--TrI/AAAAAAAAKsY/EaMZRb3den8/s320/Leggs.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Did I mention I notice "mistakes?" Or that I have a camera?</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Lets take a look at some of the women I've come across here in Seoul. </div><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487438095251372178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCdL37pneJI/AAAAAAAAKrI/ugh4lTIFMCw/s320/IMG00385-20100610-1443.jpg" border="0" />It's typical to see sidewalk stands that sell panty hose. All shapes - I assume sizes - and colors. I guess they just pull them off the cart and send you on your way. </div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>No fancy "eggs" like L'eggs used back in the day. Hell, you don't even have to be awake to sell them.</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>As I said, panty hose are appropriate for any shoe or outfit here in South Korea. Just take a gander at this group I spied on the subway. </div><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487438616662566338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 236px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCdMWSDu5cI/AAAAAAAAKsA/UmKszPBrTtI/s320/IMG00454-20100620-2124.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Rhinestoned, wedge flip-flops (yes, you read that correctly) and panty hose. </div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Her friend in the be-jeweled white ankle pumps and pastel green toenail polish gives her a run for her money, but it's her "sporty," sensible friend with the khakis and red Vans that really seems out of place. </div><div><br />When I saw this next woman I thought, "How do you think she went about purchasing these gems?"<br /></div><div></div><br /><div><em>"Can I help you?" </em></div><div><em></em></div><div></div><br /><div><em>"Why yes, as a matter of fact you can. I have this great pair of baby blue coolots and some white ankle high nylons. I was thinking that something with a bit of a heel and sort of a combination of a shoe and a sandal would be perfect. Oh, and if there's an open hole in the back, even better!"</em> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCdMV0VEmXI/AAAAAAAAKr4/g6A70NdA3K4/s1600/IMG00453-20100620-2121.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487438608682228082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCdMV0VEmXI/AAAAAAAAKr4/g6A70NdA3K4/s320/IMG00453-20100620-2121.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I wish this next one came with a sound effect. Remember in Sixteen Candles when the wedding coordinator walks down the isle and her thighs are rubbing together?</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcKqtzj8LAg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcKqtzj8LAg</a></div><div></div><br /><div>Where do you think she was coming from or going to in a knit skirt and red, velcro sneakers?<br /></div><div>And panty hose. </div><div></div><br /><div>With a MAJOR run. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCdMUsJNS7I/AAAAAAAAKrg/Ge5nTJMPeug/s1600/IMG00426-20100615-1914.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487438589305113522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 291px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCdMUsJNS7I/AAAAAAAAKrg/Ge5nTJMPeug/s320/IMG00426-20100615-1914.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Enough about panty hose. Let's move on to Korean's apparant fascination with perms. </div><div></div><br /><div>Yes, perms.</div><div></div><br /><div>They are rampant. </div><div></div><div> </div><div>And, having bone straight hair and an inherited addiction to hair products, I kind of get it. I've been told that even children in kindergarten and first grade get them. </div><div></div><br /><div>I'm pretty sure most children don't care for even getting their hair cut. Can you imagine how pleasant the idea of being hooked up to this with a bunch of stinky solution soaked on your head would be? </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487608777469132594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCfnG8dc_zI/AAAAAAAAKtI/2NSycsmXehM/s320/IMG00412-20100613-1628.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Me either. </div><div> </div></div><div>And then, at least for young men, the result can be something like this....<br /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487440072727751410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 291px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCdNrCUuavI/AAAAAAAAKsQ/mIYrnBYEscc/s320/IMG00457-20100621-1816.jpg" border="0" /> </div><br /><div>Which I guess isn't all that bad considering it would confirm that yes, you are in fact an illegitimate son of Gene Simmons. </div><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487460199693326290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 202px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCdf-lHQl9I/AAAAAAAAKss/cWY_zG318w0/s320/gene-simmons-picture.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />As summer began, and the heat set in, I noticed there was yet another major commonality among South Korean women - their desire to stay as fare skinned as possible. And the best way to do that while also staying a bit cooler on the city streets? A parasol.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Yes, an umbrella. One that's not waterproof, but that protects that perm from getting too dried out and, in all likelihood, may be made out of the leftover "product" that was used to produce their panty hose.</div><div></div><br /><div>And, like panty hose, these can be purchased just about anywhere.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCdL4kxabwI/AAAAAAAAKrQ/Cw9bUC1P8EU/s1600/IMG00391-20100611-2116.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487438106289925890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCdL4kxabwI/AAAAAAAAKrQ/Cw9bUC1P8EU/s320/IMG00391-20100611-2116.jpg" border="0" /></a>If you'll notice in the next section of pictures that it's not hard to score a trifecta of South Korean fashion - panty hose, a perm AND a parasol!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487436711490424370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCdKnYvTDjI/AAAAAAAAKqA/CLOWzjZR4IM/s320/IMG00380-20100610-1317.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487437614049480930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 237px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCdLb7CJUOI/AAAAAAAAKq4/9YWQFkMH_bo/s320/IMG00382-20100610-1411.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487437607216755346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCdLbhlGMpI/AAAAAAAAKqw/2VleGOswiFE/s320/IMG00381-20100610-1411.jpg" border="0" />And, if you're really lucky, maybe you can find someone who will set down the parasol and start a pick-up game of hoops. </div><div></div><br /><div>Personally, I'm thinking I should have connected her with the "sporty" Vans wearing girl on the subway.<br /></div><div><div><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCdLcGjf7RI/AAAAAAAAKrA/gRhUhIb5Kvc/s1600/IMG00383-20100610-1412.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487437617142164754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCdLcGjf7RI/AAAAAAAAKrA/gRhUhIb5Kvc/s320/IMG00383-20100610-1412.jpg" border="0" /></a>But what do I know? </div><div></div><br /><div>I think I'm just going to stick with a tradional Korean look.<br /></div><div><div><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCdKmvRV-HI/AAAAAAAAKpw/POaR16KPBpY/s1600/IMG00245-20100529-0254.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487436700358932594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCdKmvRV-HI/AAAAAAAAKpw/POaR16KPBpY/s320/IMG00245-20100529-0254.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-78346268642323541872010-06-27T04:47:00.000-07:002010-06-27T04:50:47.358-07:00The War Memorial of Korea<div>Visit my Facebook page to see pictures from my visit to The War Memorial of Korea.</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://www.warmemo.or.kr/eng/intro/message/message.jsp">https://www.warmemo.or.kr/eng/intro/message/message.jsp</a></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487419522155032738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TCc6-1eYMKI/AAAAAAAAKpA/fpFnqwA28uk/s320/IMG00515-20100627-1708.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-13070264519004156532010-06-17T08:37:00.000-07:002010-06-17T09:36:18.554-07:00I think this about "covers" it...<div>The other day my air conditioner froze up and while the repairman was fixing it I had some time to kill, so I decided to go to Daiso and kill some time. </div><div> </div><div>Now, Daiso is dangerous. I say this because it's a cross between Target, The Dollar Store and Lillian Vernon. It's packed to the gills with crap you never in your wildest dreams could have thought there was a need for, or even worse realized you <em>had </em>to have. And the best part - most everything in the store is somewhere between 1,000 and 5,000 Korean Won (that's about .80 cents to $4.15). </div><div> </div><div>I think at one time or another we've all walked out of Target thinking, "What the f#*%, what is all this crap?" You went in needing some dental floss and a bottle of PineSol and walked out with a 36 pack of tube socks, every new skin/hair/oral hygiene product on the market and a few DVDs of movies you vaguely remember watching in college -but hell, since their $2.99 there's no reason not to own them., right?</div><div> </div><div>So a foreign store with most everything under $5 - heaven. I mean on my way there I'm already thinking, "I wonder if they'll have Christmas decorations?" Because who doesn't love a holiday potty?<br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TBpFK-EAhlI/AAAAAAAAKoo/D-gF1pgBVJo/s1600/santa_claus_cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483771551037818450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 274px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TBpFK-EAhlI/AAAAAAAAKoo/D-gF1pgBVJo/s320/santa_claus_cover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />When I actually get into Daiso I'm blown away. I'm seriously convinced my grandmother is going to come around the corner raving about the selection and prices. I think over the year's she's secretly come to Korean and purchased gifts for our entire family.</div><div> </div><div>As I'm taking these pictures, I'm thinking to myself "What on EARTH do these people's homes look like?" </div><div> </div><div>Then I remember that a certain class of Americans cover their living room furniture in plastic.</div><div> </div><div>This would be nirvana for them.</div><div> </div><div>My first sighting is this...."what is it you might ask." Well, this my friend would be contact wall paper in a variety of bold colored "wood" that you can apply to your walls instead of investing in actual wood paneling.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483769775092268114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 228px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TBpDjmJl_FI/AAAAAAAAKoI/0c3zAVX1ezE/s320/IMG00415-20100614-1903.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><div>And just in case you're not really wanting to go for the whole subtle, natural looking yellow, brown, pink "wood tone" walls you can always opt for "tile."</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483768283422659842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TBpCMxP2FQI/AAAAAAAAKnA/SC7z_hmNBfg/s320/IMG00414-20100614-1902.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>There were many products that would take the average home from "drab to fab" in no time. Oh, Daiso has got it <strong><em>c-o-v-e-r-e-d</em></strong>. Literally.</div><div> </div><div>To think, I've been living all these years without table leg covers... </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TBpDk0Gt8OI/AAAAAAAAKog/6KzgqGiwkWs/s1600/IMG00417-20100614-1915.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483769796018172130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TBpDk0Gt8OI/AAAAAAAAKog/6KzgqGiwkWs/s320/IMG00417-20100614-1915.jpg" border="0" /></a> Or door knob covers. (1,000 Won - why WOULDN'T you buy these!!!)</div><div><br /><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TBpDj9leY9I/AAAAAAAAKoQ/bCUmgdlzrHk/s1600/IMG00416-20100614-1915.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483769781383226322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TBpDj9leY9I/AAAAAAAAKoQ/bCUmgdlzrHk/s320/IMG00416-20100614-1915.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I knew it was time to go when I looked in my basket and this was my latest addition. </div><div> </div><div>Because everyone needs a wooden thermometor. </div><div> </div><div>In celsius. That they can't read.</div><div> </div><div>Hey, just makin' sure all the bases are covered. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483773091213280834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 108px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TBpGknqdBkI/AAAAAAAAKo4/F_dGsNk7siM/s320/IMG00422-20100615-0033.jpg" border="0" /><br />I'll definitely be going back to Daiso. And I'm hoping that next trip possibly they'll have knock-offs of this beauty.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483771559869139170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TBpFLe9jyOI/AAAAAAAAKow/42LzBevAmvs/s320/Louis_Vuitton_toilet_seat_cover.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div>In the meantime, enjoy Kathy Griffin's experience in "covering."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5s6Cx8g4EE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5s6Cx8g4EE</a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-29045960453293145492010-06-04T03:47:00.001-07:002010-06-04T04:38:54.366-07:00I'm going to bet my walk home was more interesting than yours...On Thursday night I went to dinner with my fellow Dallasites, Tyler and Josiah, to a restaurant in Tyler's neighborhood, Yangpyeong.<br /><br />Go ahead, try to pronounce that and actually get it right.<br /><br />On my way to dinner it took about 5 minutes of feeling like I was saying the exact same thing back at the cabbie as he's saying to me before we're on our way. On the ride he kept opening and closing the windows every so often. I suspect he didn't like my cologne.<br /><br />That's okay, I wasn't offended. I thought I was going to vomit from his stench of garlic. So the occassional breeze was fine with me.<br /><br />Besides, had I tossed my cookies in his cab he <em>really</em> would have had a smell to drive around with.<br /><br />On our walk home from the restaurant we came across this random game machine on a side street.<br /><br />Upon closer inspection we realize that "Pop's Market Plus" is sooo much more than what you'd find at say a carnival or Chuck E Cheese in the U.S.<br /><br />Take a close look.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478868794238881410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAjaI9uUzoI/AAAAAAAAKlI/u-y7FlS3AtY/s320/IMG00298-20100603-2324.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478868783727523586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAjaIWkONwI/AAAAAAAAKlA/BJvYDu1zyTs/s320/IMG00297-20100603-2324.jpg" border="0" /><br />I know, you can't make out what's in there, so let me help out.<br /><br />Over here on the right we've got a giant purple lighter, cookies and that ever-so-delectable can 'o bugs. Evidently they don't just sell bugs fresh on the street (see previous posts) but you can get canned ones, too.<br /><br />While playing a game.<br /><br />When do you think they expire? And, do you think they rotate the prizes to ensure they haven't passed the expiration date?<br /><br />No, really. Do you?<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAjch8HbEAI/AAAAAAAAKlg/w4VyjQ1uUoo/s1600/IMG00297-20100603-23243.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478871422327263234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 228px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAjch8HbEAI/AAAAAAAAKlg/w4VyjQ1uUoo/s320/IMG00297-20100603-23243.jpg" border="0" /></a>Gazing over to the left we have a boxed thong. And a can of red pepper tuna.<br /><br />I'll let you think of the next line of commentary.<br /><br />But keep it to yourself - only a high schooler will think its as funny as you do.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAjchpV1ymI/AAAAAAAAKlY/u9Pc8vTiJ6o/s1600/IMG00297-20100603-23242.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478871417287461474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 152px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAjchpV1ymI/AAAAAAAAKlY/u9Pc8vTiJ6o/s320/IMG00297-20100603-23242.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>A few blocks later we came upon this fella. Poor guy...little did he know before he passed out on this little red plastic stool that he'd end up on the Internet. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Had he known I'm <em>positive</em> he would have made the extra effort to get <em>both</em> socks and shoes off.</div><div> </div><div></div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAjaJOnPlSI/AAAAAAAAKlQ/ySxvqCCXefE/s1600/IMG00299-20100603-2330.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478868798772581666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAjaJOnPlSI/AAAAAAAAKlQ/ySxvqCCXefE/s320/IMG00299-20100603-2330.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I can't help but wonder <em>who</em> set these stools out on the street corner? </div><div> </div><div></div><div>And if this guy ever fell off. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>I swear, you can not make this stuff up. </div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-90019442460252480012010-05-31T04:09:00.000-07:002010-05-31T08:09:30.734-07:00Hiking, High Notes and a few things "Between"A few weeks ago my client hosted an annual department outing on a Saturday morning and invited me to come along. The activity for the day - hiking.<br /><br />With an 8 a.m. bus departure time. On Saturday.<br /><br /><div>Let's not focus so much on the Saturday or even the 8 a.m. Let's focus on the fact that the activity was <em>hiking</em>. I'm not going to lie or sugar coat this - I don't like physical activity. I don't like the outdoors. I especially don't like physical activity <em>in </em>the outdoors. </div><div></div><div>But, seeing as it was a client event and they were gracious enough to include me (and without the work-related incentive I'd probably never see a hiking trail while in Korea - or anywhere for that matter), I decided to go. </div><div></div><div>Now, clearly I don't have any experience with the current "refreshments" for outdoor activities unless its a poolside cocktail, but when we were handed a plastic bag with a cucumber and a bottle of water in it I thought, "Hmmm, okay." </div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477394395331762290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOdLpx3GHI/AAAAAAAAKg4/KdlF7_g2ypA/s320/Hike+-+cucumber+and+water.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>I guess the last sports related "snack" I recall was eating packets of Kool-Aid during summer swim meets when I was like eight. (And for the record, since most of you reading this are American and I can use sarcasm, that was a nutritional and clearly healthy way to get an edge on the competition...) </div><div></div><div></div><div>So, we arrive at the base of the "mountain" - I put this in quotes for those who actually climb mountains because this is probably more akin to skiing in a Kansas corn field, but to me, it was plenty intimidating. Regardless, I've got a cucumber, a bottle of water and a plastic bag. <div></div></div><div>I find comfort knowing that I can suffocate myself with the bag if this is as bad as I anticipate it being. But I'm trusting the Koreans that I'm ready to go.</div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOjWgCKMWI/AAAAAAAAKic/sAYVXigDf_I/s1600/IMG00099-20100515-0908.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477401178764095842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOjWgCKMWI/AAAAAAAAKic/sAYVXigDf_I/s320/IMG00099-20100515-0908.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477401189611201650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOjXIcT5HI/AAAAAAAAKik/8G9xpswj-D0/s320/IMG00101-20100515-0937.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>About 20 minutes in, we came upon a rest area where there is this pile of stones. On a serious note, I asked for my fellow hikers to explain the significance of this pile. They explained that this is called a "mountain of hope." The stone mound behind me is the result of hikers placing a stone into the pile and making a wish. I placed a stone in the pile shortly before this picture, and while I'd like to say my wish was "<em>Please </em>just let me make it <em>up</em> the mountain..." I must admit it was a tad bit more serious - and a very timely occurrence. (Love you, Mabel!!!) </div><div><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477401171229007042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOjWD9p3MI/AAAAAAAAKiU/_BO7AXINt_I/s320/Mountain+of+Hope.jpg" border="0" /> Regardless of the special meaning of the photo op, please note that at this point - 20 minutes in -I've lost my top two layers already and, well, I'm sure you're not surprised, but I'm a bit winded. <div></div><div></div><br /><div>I'm thinking this looks like a great place to park it, eat a cucumber, explain to other lazy vistors how great a big pile of rocks is and wait for everyone to report back on how the view was.<br /></div><br /><div>No such luck.<br /></div><br /><div>From this point we started climbing steps. </div><br /><div>This was my next break - yes, 1,200 steps up and I'm told we're not quite half way there yet. </div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477415768699072498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOwnvxub_I/AAAAAAAAKi4/DHjwFgK-ub0/s320/IMG00106-20100515-1021.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>I'm really thinking about the plastic bag in my pocket at this point...but forge on. </div><div></div><br /><div>And, alas, I make it to the top. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477401197836190882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOjXnFTRKI/AAAAAAAAKis/egZl7WaX4JU/s320/IMG00113-20100515-1039.jpg" border="0" /> <div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477416977576749314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOxuHMn6QI/AAAAAAAAKjE/_eJX8p1v_m8/s320/IMG00117-20100515-1058.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div></div><div>The view is a bit hazy, but that is Seoul off in the distance. The stone I'm proudly posing with probably says something like "Don't fall heading back down, Jelly Legs." <div></div><br /><div>These are some of my Korean colleagues who truly made it a great day - especially once we got back to the bottom of the mountain...</div><div></div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOdK0X35HI/AAAAAAAAKgo/ZOKd3iV0yBg/s1600/Hike+-+colleagues.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477394380995683442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOdK0X35HI/AAAAAAAAKgo/ZOKd3iV0yBg/s320/Hike+-+colleagues.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Where lunch was a bit more my speed...</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>This is Korean rice wine. A great reward after a three hour hike. </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477398309280186706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOgveX4gVI/AAAAAAAAKiM/t1zeb_fsJ7k/s320/Hike+-+rice+wine.jpg" border="0" />Most traditional Korean food is cooked at the table - this was a chicken dish with fresh vegtables. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hiking and healthy food - no wonder Koreans are so thin.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOdKa-gPBI/AAAAAAAAKgg/u-EL7b9oZ4s/s1600/Hike+-+chicken+dish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477394374178389010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOdKa-gPBI/AAAAAAAAKgg/u-EL7b9oZ4s/s320/Hike+-+chicken+dish.jpg" border="0" /></a>We had quite the meal and celebration this afternoon after the hike. This will definitely be one of my first/best memories of my time in Korea. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>But let's be serious, if I'm going to get excited about an invitation it's not going to be to go hiking.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Now a restaurant opening. <em>That</em> is more my speed. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Through friends of friends - What? you think I'm sitting at home on the weekends and not meeting anyone? - I met the owner of a new restaurant, Between. </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>The opening party was on par with any Dallas opening I've been to. Between is beautiful and is undoubtedly going to be a success. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477395333477303778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 185px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOeCQpMBeI/AAAAAAAAKho/btPibj8KQqQ/s320/invite.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div></div><div>I had to take a few photos during the day to show the multi-level exterior. </div><div></div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOcfRh_fdI/AAAAAAAAKgQ/YyA82EyvZkA/s1600/IMG00285-20100530-1351.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477393632908508626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOcfRh_fdI/AAAAAAAAKgQ/YyA82EyvZkA/s320/IMG00285-20100530-1351.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOcfC_yBgI/AAAAAAAAKgI/iyin3ewXNoY/s1600/IMG00284-20100530-1351.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477393629006923266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOcfC_yBgI/AAAAAAAAKgI/iyin3ewXNoY/s320/IMG00284-20100530-1351.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>The night of the opening party it was pouring rain. Which with a bit of knowledge of the logistics of openings suspect this threw quite the wrench in the flow of events, but you'd never have known it.</div><div></div><div></div><div>Mimes welcomed guests...</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477393152178609586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 159px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOcDSrDXbI/AAAAAAAAKfg/WHmup82pbOg/s320/IMG00192-20100522-2102.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div></div><div>And green "warriors" posed throughout the party...</div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477393135487720162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOcCUfomuI/AAAAAAAAKfI/YUXjAwjX-is/s320/IMG00187-20100522-2100.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div></div><div></div><div>And then there was this. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Yes, I think its a pig leg. But we move on...</div><div></div><br /><div>(I think I've seen people eating bigger turkey legs at the Texas State Fair and Texas Motor Speedway - and yes, I have actually been to both - so don't act like it looks so disgusting. But really, I think it's gross.)</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477393603854990226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 197px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOcdlTF-5I/AAAAAAAAKfw/yB_FRD_n86g/s320/IMG00195-20100522-2134.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div></div><div>Cocktails, flowers, Hermes china, a pig hoof...this <em>definitely</em> beat hiking. However, my "Jelly Legs" still had a bit of trouble getting me up to the outdoor patio on the third floor... </div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477393160308115858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOcDw9RyZI/AAAAAAAAKfo/T_PbAYN4HZQ/s320/IMG00193-20100522-2125.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477426573272684082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 273px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAO6cp80FjI/AAAAAAAAKjQ/rsDwiDhA6Xo/s320/IMG00201-20100522-2246.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477393140306248146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOcCmcdgdI/AAAAAAAAKfQ/U5iTMbtUD8g/s320/IMG00188-20100522-2101.jpg" border="0" /> <div><div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477393613088829234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOceHsnLzI/AAAAAAAAKf4/GTO8fLP_MJk/s320/IMG00197-20100522-2242.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>So what did I learn the from hiking and the opening of Between? </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Well, there's always a first time to reach the top of the stairs. And when we saw this place, we were definitely made a b-line to the third floor for my first Korean karaoke experience. (Note the obligatory Korean picture pose.)</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477391913238906914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOa7LQzyCI/AAAAAAAAKdw/iI9ue9GgdBM/s320/IMG00256-20100530-0043.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>This was not your average karaoke bar - as if you couldn't tell from the outside. </div><div></div><div>If you look closely you can see that these are private rooms. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>In the lobby they have private microphone storage.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Private. Microphone. Storage. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Just think about that statement for a minute. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477391917755824802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 203px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOa7cFueqI/AAAAAAAAKd4/NQ-YH4wH3rY/s320/IMG00258-20100530-0045.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>For those of us not fancy enough to have a microphone in the vault they were more than happy to ensure that our loaner was sanitary. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I guess you could call this a microphone condom.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477391938034007666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOa8noa_nI/AAAAAAAAKeQ/JKcuYsMbANQ/s320/IMG00265-20100530-0051.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div>Or a nose warmer.</div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477392404643451058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAObXx4yELI/AAAAAAAAKeY/ac4DiPxkWuU/s320/IMG00266-20100530-0051.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div>The floor en route to our private karaoke room was quite interesting. Sort of like being in a giant game of Candy Land...</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477392422122829026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAObYzAMNOI/AAAAAAAAKew/TvgWTo-PL9I/s320/IMG00271-20100530-0121.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div>And it was a bit confusing where they expected you to walk with signs like this...</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477392412413641042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAObYO1VwVI/AAAAAAAAKeg/EnOAmGMl36o/s320/IMG00269-20100530-0119.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div></div><div></div><div>In case you haven't caught on, my friend likes to imitate common Korean photo poses...hilarity at every turn. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Pun intended.</div><div></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477391923503896546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 204px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOa7xgLF-I/AAAAAAAAKeA/CfRqVAN5iAk/s320/IMG00259-20100530-0047.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>Our room was stocked with everything you'd need to make a complete idiot of yourself in private. And, of course, had a room attendant to help that process along.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I understood the tamborine and the maracas, but wasn't quite sure about the hammer.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477391929112734210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAOa8GZbKgI/AAAAAAAAKeI/MvVi4lj3FVw/s320/IMG00261-20100530-0049.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>"The Supremes" wasted no time getting the microphones going. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477392420829014146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAObYuLuKII/AAAAAAAAKeo/SkB4SU5QmPY/s320/IMG00270-20100530-0119.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div></div><div>It took me a bit longer, but eventually, a random Korean version of "Lovefool" by The Cardigans sucked me in. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Actually, who knows who The Cardigans are? </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>No one.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The point is that I'd had enough cocktails, climbed a "mountain," been to a restaurant opening and wasn't going to miss out on singing karaoke in Korea. Especially when I was certain that Gene Wilder was going to walk in at any minute and tell me that I'd won the Golden Ticket and was going on a tour of the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory as a result of making it through the first month in Seoul.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAObZOmVjZI/AAAAAAAAKe4/UBQaSjBQ5Gk/s1600/IMG00274-20100530-0143.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477392429530582418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAObZOmVjZI/AAAAAAAAKe4/UBQaSjBQ5Gk/s320/IMG00274-20100530-0143.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477392561009153538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 290px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/TAObg4ZRVgI/AAAAAAAAKfA/EcaX4eYlWcc/s320/IMG00277-20100530-0144.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div></div><div>In the end, these were all "high notes" of my first month in Korea. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>First month. Five to go.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Wow. </div><div></div><div></div><div>Luckily, I'm the one with the camera...</div><div></div><div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwm_q6OyriUloug24eDkX3aqIu2VjBOd5SYlAQ80syRBCUOme_Cc1SDf9wl7qdWRkdVefd8aRYkcEiPwf1FbQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-14107251107645626792010-05-27T09:07:00.000-07:002010-05-27T10:43:39.600-07:00Speed BloggingI've got a lot to cover - no lengthy prose for this post (well, sort of...). It's late here - early in the US - and I've got to get to bed...so here we go...<br /><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div>This is how the executives arrive at work in their chauffeur driver cars (disclaimer - Samsung is a client). I'm obsessed with the Hyundai Equus (the second car) which is the top luxury car here. The one in front of it is a Mercedes S class, which is not common to see here. They're giving iPads as the instruction manual with the 2011 models of the Equus. Not sure when it will make its way to the US, but trust me, it will.</div><div></div><br /><div>The security guys in uniforms (which change daily and have a light blue and pink color scheme) wear white gloves to open the doors. If you've seen "The Devil Wears Prada" the executives entering and making their way to the elevators is very much like the opening scene of that movie. And I'm not over exaggerating...they have their doors opened by guys with white gloves on, okay?!</div><div></div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-04-02-ipadhyundai02_ST_N.htm">http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-04-02-ipadhyundai02_ST_N.htm</a></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475990877696565074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 144px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_6gsLJiH1I/AAAAAAAAKb0/pJEyDSYNg_s/s320/Samsung+Entrance+1.jpg" border="0" />Among the 40+ companies Samsung owns, they also make cars through a relationship with Renault. But, I haven't seen these pull up in the front drive...<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475997578822869890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 217px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_6myOyi44I/AAAAAAAAKcs/CLbTBiykc5k/s320/Samsung+car.jpg" border="0" />I met new friends of friends this past weekend - and we became FAST friends. Colorado, North Carolina, wicked sarcastic senses of humor. The Hello Kitty mask and poses for pictures sealed the deal. Need. I. Say. More.<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_6grrs_M5I/AAAAAAAAKbs/FSnyHTkNJ98/s1600/Katherine-Janice.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475990869255336850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_6grrs_M5I/AAAAAAAAKbs/FSnyHTkNJ98/s320/Katherine-Janice.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475997567194180498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_6mxjeDK5I/AAAAAAAAKck/bPxM6LrjCBs/s320/Janice+and+Katherine.jpg" border="0" />I ate this at lunch after my hike a few weeks ago (still owe a lengthy post on that experience). I can't remember the Korean name, but this is acorn jello. Yes, acorn. Like the nut with the shell that falls from trees. Martha-Stewart-esque people probably have a bowl full of them on a table in the fall. </div><div></div><div> </div><div>Acorn. Jello. </div><div></div><br /><div>Well, it's just gross.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_6gquWG0-I/AAAAAAAAKbk/3tnBOcuzbSw/s1600/Hike+-+acorn+jelly.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475990852784804834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_6gquWG0-I/AAAAAAAAKbk/3tnBOcuzbSw/s320/Hike+-+acorn+jelly.jpg" border="0" /></a>Apgujeong - it's a Dong (neighborhood) and this is one of the stores there - the lights change constantly. Pretty amazing. Tenth most expensive shopping street in the world. This building is The Galleria, but I don't think they have a Cinnabon, Claire's or Spencers...just sayin'</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apgujeong-dong">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apgujeong-dong</a></div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475997565005200098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_6mxbUJ-uI/AAAAAAAAKcc/JdgfIo-qkfY/s320/IMG00168-20100521-2145.jpg" border="0" />I got my first haircut by someone other than Felini for the first time since 1995. Jun-hyun - or Marc as it said on his station - was shy and didn't like to speak English. He did a great job. I left feeling like a Korean pop star.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_6aDu1TToI/AAAAAAAAKbc/eEqV70DR2r4/s1600/new+hair.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475983585830981250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_6aDu1TToI/AAAAAAAAKbc/eEqV70DR2r4/s320/new+hair.jpg" border="0" /></a> McDonald's delivers here. Imagine if they did that in the US? As if we're not a fat enough nation!<br /></div><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_6aCkqfUqI/AAAAAAAAKbU/iqMybkIrElM/s1600/McDonald%27s+delivery.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475983565921407650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_6aCkqfUqI/AAAAAAAAKbU/iqMybkIrElM/s320/McDonald%27s+delivery.jpg" border="0" /></a> I took a picture with a drag queen. I don't think this needs any more commentary.</div><div></div><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_6aB1D2DCI/AAAAAAAAKbE/l3KhBNT-7LQ/s1600/drag+queen.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475983553142852642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_6aB1D2DCI/AAAAAAAAKbE/l3KhBNT-7LQ/s320/drag+queen.jpg" border="0" /></a> Today I went for coffee after work at Dr. Fish. They serve much more than coffee. I had a cafe Americano with a 20 minute date with some skin eating fish.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Only in Korea. </div><div></div><br /><div>Only. </div><div> </div><div>In.<br /></div><div>Korea.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwKYC39V9_Kr7DSt6EVypLGfQnuIfKcUpFohiWGeV7PMg05povyv7lo355WzxHWkGDAqFxrbFtnX4dYJ2kjLA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-25804950129604521102010-05-23T01:02:00.000-07:002010-05-23T01:57:16.725-07:00Buddha's BirthdayFriday, May 21, was a national holiday in Korea to celebrate Buddha's birthday. I spent the afternoon in Insadong where there was a street festival. It was quite interesting to see and there were plenty of activites, most for children.<br /><br />There were stations set up all along the street where children could partake in all sorts of arts and crafts projects. Korean children who have begun learning English love to speak to foreigners to practice their English. Most young children - probably around kindergarten/first grade - usually can't say more than "hello" but its so cute to see how proud and excited they are to say it. It usually makes them giggle when you say hello back to them. And it reminds you - well, me - that a five year old knows more of my language than I do of his.<br /><br />I was also approached by three high school students who had been assigned to approach English speaking vistors and interview them. I suspect this was not an easy assignment and certainly one that took some confidence. All three of these boys had excellent English and they recorded the interview so I'm guessing that they may have also had to transcribe it. They were more than happy to pose for a picture for me in return.<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474374390782631730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_jigQIYHzI/AAAAAAAAKYw/t_-_c-hkHtU/s320/IMG00157-20100521-1827.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Children painting cloth bags...</p><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474373471682764882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_jhqwN5IFI/AAAAAAAAKYA/CQcFhe1xies/s320/IMG00148-20100521-1754.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>An adult then ironed on a protective coating.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474373481370147298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_jhrUTi2eI/AAAAAAAAKYI/cVHN-EkTh5g/s320/IMG00149-20100521-1755.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>This was model building with sticks and glue.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474373488846175250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_jhrwJ9_BI/AAAAAAAAKYQ/bzHZ4fUuFmw/s320/IMG00150-20100521-1755.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>These wooden plagues were then coated with lacquer.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474373502403420450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_jhsiqRISI/AAAAAAAAKYg/sKEWT3GRjUM/s320/IMG00152-20100521-1756.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474373496954006242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_jhsOXBquI/AAAAAAAAKYY/5H9_srKFaEA/s320/IMG00151-20100521-1756.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>And the artists were not just children. This man was hand painting fans.</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_ji_uCFHYI/AAAAAAAAKZY/kHXIb376giI/s1600/IMG00165-20100521-1847.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474374931385228674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_ji_uCFHYI/AAAAAAAAKZY/kHXIb376giI/s320/IMG00165-20100521-1847.jpg" border="0" /></a>This stand was selling nuts and other candies.</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_jihg0ySnI/AAAAAAAAKZI/PZhKKSipvzM/s1600/IMG00164-20100521-1838.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474374412443732594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_jihg0ySnI/AAAAAAAAKZI/PZhKKSipvzM/s320/IMG00164-20100521-1838.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474377108716465490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_jk-dOTLVI/AAAAAAAAKZg/_eaUj25iRno/s320/IMG00162-20100521-1837.jpg" border="0" />And this guy, well, he just baffled me. </div><div> </div><div>He had a mirror, some candles, a microphone, a vase - with a soccer ball propped on top of it which he displayed on his speaker - a side table covered in a lovely green horse-patterned cloth, a tea pot on a burner and, if you look closely at the table, you'll be able to see the clown horn. I'd love to know what exactly he transported all of this in...and know what on earth people were paying him to tell them. I have to assume he's some sort of psychic.</div><div> </div><div>Or an escaped mental patient.</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474378674642490754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_jmZmwKFYI/AAAAAAAAKZo/eyeKusLgUec/s320/IMG00155-20100521-1801.jpg" border="0" />And then there was this guy. Sitting across the street from the above mental patient, loudly sharing his <em>AMAZING</em> talent with the entire festival. </div><div> </div><div>Riveting. </div><div> </div><div>I'm sure you'll agree.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzy7W8PbNcMx3Y-u7-vYTG6Ndyv1-L3dJJpyWspAJdewhsU5_NmvrzY4ThK030-ym7OvOIc7FxViLfw4A9XvA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-20802670350798998152010-05-22T02:47:00.000-07:002010-05-22T03:07:14.993-07:00Foot. In. Mouth.Yeah, well this afternoon was interesting. I was out with some new friends - one of whom is Korean, the other from Chicago. The Korean was the nicest, politest, gentle woman - she reminded me of Charlotte from Sex and The City. The Chicagoan had me in stitches the entire afternoon with her dry, sarcastic wit - which by the way, Koreans do not understand. They interpret sarcasm literally. Needless to say, I've said "I'm kidding!" even more than I need to in the US...which is often.<br /><br /><br />So we're walking down the street and happen upon this...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474033100848875330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 224px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_esGkDTx0I/AAAAAAAAKX4/dbg6Osz3HDQ/s320/Korean+president.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />Of course, I am giddy just thinking about what this picture will look like and how much fun it's going to be to comment on. Chicagoan - while taking the picture - says, "You know it's only a matter of time before someone draws a pile of poo under him." We. Are. On. The. Floor. laughing.<br /><br /><br />And at about the point when I can't see because I'm crying laughing so hard, sweet demure Korean says to us, as delicately as she can, "Actually, that's our former president who committed suicide a year ago today."<br /><br />Sweet.<br /><br /><br />Pictures, poo talk and juevenile laughter...about a dead former president who is being publicly honored.<br /><br /><br />Smooth move Ex-Lax as they'd say in the US.<br /><br /><br />Smooth.<br /><br /><br />Move.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/05/23/roh.dead/">http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/05/23/roh.dead/</a>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-91210954700221221392010-05-19T15:52:00.000-07:002010-05-19T16:01:16.243-07:00Job opportunities for Texas debutantes...I know the frequency of my postings has slowed dramatically - at least I know people are reading this based on all of the requests for more. I feel so popular...even from the future. ;) <div><div></div><br /><div>Tomorrow is a national holiday celebrating Buddha's birthday. I'm going to keep this post short because I haven't gotten him a gift yet - well, really, I need to get into the office. But I promise to post more over the long weekend. Trust me, there is plenty of content. It's the time that's been an issue. Any requests of topics? (Keep it clean people, this is a "family friendly" blog.)</div><div></div><div> </div><div>For today I'll share this little tidbit. One of my favorite sightings in the subway since I've been here (well, second actually - you'll have to wait for the story of the school girl's hair getting caught in the door). </div><div> </div><div>This woman clearly mastered the balance beam at a young age. Makes me think that if the job market sucks in the US all you debutantes are perfectly suited to be couriers here. Imagine how impressed they'd be if you bowed when delivering the package? </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473119327290952130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_RtB8SAicI/AAAAAAAAKXg/QViTg6PN6J4/s320/Boxhead+2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473119334745349490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S_RtCYDRnXI/AAAAAAAAKXo/thXEgYXnH_Y/s320/Boxhead+1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div>And, yes - the first picture is blurry because once I spied this gem I hurriedly snapped a picture and followed her as she left the station...snapping photos as if SHE was the popular one. :)<br /><br /><div></div></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-31061569413865303352010-05-10T07:37:00.000-07:002010-05-10T07:59:03.482-07:00Snare drums and bows.Koreans like beer. I mean they <em>REALLY</em> like beer. So much so that there is no shortage of beer branded restaurants. The first one I came across happened to be my American favorite - Miller - but of course there are several others from around the world. I haven't eaten in one and probably won't - Korean "bar food" just sounds odd.<br /><br />But more interesting - and entertaining - are their street promotion teams. There is no way that this couldn't catch your attention. The beer's slogan is also "Max - The Beer with Head."<br /><br /><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxDxkTgzyFI02pESo0ikZxK-lF5V5MxmTvcBQxnHXIPSShUkUqPO5lUEMjQRnB_ZylsI1A4z2CJJXfHnWoQ7g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469652309642724146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-gby9EmQzI/AAAAAAAAKW8/LU61UNUhEds/s320/MillerTime1.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-gbzdJt4SI/AAAAAAAAKXE/mH5eca-Bpwg/s1600/MillerTime2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469652318254129442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-gbzdJt4SI/AAAAAAAAKXE/mH5eca-Bpwg/s320/MillerTime2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-gbZ7mGeYI/AAAAAAAAKWs/DoD1wBROTcY/s1600/Sapporo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469651879749646722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-gbZ7mGeYI/AAAAAAAAKWs/DoD1wBROTcY/s320/Sapporo.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-71617586623744520412010-05-09T04:53:00.000-07:002010-05-09T05:06:15.446-07:00Okay...After a long night out in Itaewon last night I was craving something, well, greasy and American. I'm determined not to eat at an American chain for as long as I can but I had to break down and have a burger. So I went to one of the Korean burger chains called Kraze Burger - think more Chili's less McDonald's.<br /><br />After I ordered my burger the waiter brought <em>this</em> to the table...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469238335803465762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-ajSgWDoCI/AAAAAAAAKVU/hDXoila4lww/s320/chips+and+nuts.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div>I really don't even know what to say about it. Random. Just completely random.<br /><br />No, I did not eat the chips-peanuts-and-almonds-served-on-a-cocktail-napkin...but I will say that my burger was pretty damn good and hit the spot.<br /><br />I also learned that there is an On the Border here. I don't particularly care for OTB at home, but I will for sure be going at some point if for nothing else but to see Koreans serving fajitas and margs. That is guaranteed to be an interesting post. I wonder if they'll gather around your table and sing to you on your birthday?BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-64337295252495324252010-05-09T04:12:00.000-07:002010-05-09T04:52:39.306-07:00DongdaenumI spent the afternoon exploring Dongdaemun. As soon as I stepped out of the subway I was smack in front of the Dongdaemun Gate. This is one of the four major gates of Seoul's old city walls. It was originally built in 1398 and then rebuilt in 1869.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-adi7VI0PI/AAAAAAAAKVM/dTEC0WSYxI8/s1600/Dongdaemun+temple+4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469232020855509234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-adi7VI0PI/AAAAAAAAKVM/dTEC0WSYxI8/s320/Dongdaemun+temple+4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Upclose you can see the intracate painting underneath the eaves.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-adQpGNLtI/AAAAAAAAKVA/L6esNFfrnic/s1600/Dongdaemun+temple+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469231706723397330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-adQpGNLtI/AAAAAAAAKVA/L6esNFfrnic/s320/Dongdaemun+temple+2.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div>This is the back side of the gate.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469230138610789474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-ab1XbBrGI/AAAAAAAAKUw/96_PktvAgLM/s320/Dongdaemun+temple+1.jpg" border="0" /> <div>Of course this area happens to also be the largest shopping district in Seoul. I spent several hours here and only got through one department store called Doota. It was really interesting to see the Korean designers and also what they stock from other areas around the world. Prices of Korean products are reasonable - things imported from the US, not so much. Their department stores are set up with stores within stores, so brands have their own "store" and then there are stores that stock a variety of labels. They carry everything from Hermes, Cartier and Gucci all the way down to Sketchers and something that's their version of Abercrombie & Fitch. I will definitely be going back to explore the rest of this area. Interesting read on this dong...<br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://english.seoul.go.kr/cav/att/dong.php">http://english.seoul.go.kr/cav/att/dong.php</a></div></div></div></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-1310298109748409672010-05-08T21:23:00.000-07:002010-05-08T21:57:22.599-07:00Parents Day and pony tail holdersThis weekend Koreans celebrated Parents Day. Unlike the US, they don't separate Mother's and Father's Day. There were flower stands set up all over the city selling baskets of flowers for the occassion. Quite the colorful display. <div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469126421316924162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-Y9gOZMcwI/AAAAAAAAKUI/vF46beBELDQ/s320/parents+day2.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-Y9zfzRAEI/AAAAAAAAKUY/JD1c_ImCNH4/s1600/parents+day3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469126752407191618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-Y9zfzRAEI/AAAAAAAAKUY/JD1c_ImCNH4/s320/parents+day3.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-Y9n9bgViI/AAAAAAAAKUQ/J1QSP6pWqCU/s1600/parents+day1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469126554202166818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-Y9n9bgViI/AAAAAAAAKUQ/J1QSP6pWqCU/s320/parents+day1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />And in addition to the colorful flowers there seems to be a high demand for pony tail holders, too. At least they make interesting eye candy. <div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-Y9XCGTrDI/AAAAAAAAKUA/XbOR8wq37QU/s1600/hair+bands.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469126263397657650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-Y9XCGTrDI/AAAAAAAAKUA/XbOR8wq37QU/s320/hair+bands.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>I'm really hoping that Koreans bring this look back. </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469129358348123170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-ZALLr__CI/AAAAAAAAKUo/3qWTfOHWues/s320/ponytail.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-62011578638667887872010-05-08T03:03:00.000-07:002010-05-08T21:58:46.206-07:00Gangnam - my new hoodI spent the afternoon exploring my new neighborhood and absolutely love it. There was so much going on and so much to look at I just wondered around for a few hours - probably with a really stupid look of amazement on my face like I've never been to a city before.<br /><br />One of the things that I found absolutely fascinating where these Media Stages that lined the sidewalks of the main street. Basically there is a designated place to stand in front of an interactive screen that then posts the content on a video pole. The screen allowed you to look up maps that showed local attractions - restaurants, coffee shops, stores, etc. There was a cartoon channel that I saw many kids watching and interacting with - all with positive safety and educational messages (I know this because you could select from a variety of languages including English). The most popular feature by far among all ages was the video camera that projected images of the people standing on the "stage." It was a bit difficult to get a video of a video but I think you'll get the idea from the pictures. When not in use the poles scroll news, ads and other interesting visuals.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468839150178321906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-U4O2AgxfI/AAAAAAAAKTw/GcqFMI-p1Y0/s320/Street+Station+1.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-U4XaFBCnI/AAAAAAAAKT4/Xg8roTNwlnY/s1600/Street+Station+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468839297299843698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-U4XaFBCnI/AAAAAAAAKT4/Xg8roTNwlnY/s320/Street+Station+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div></div></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-91936753256972374042010-05-08T01:09:00.000-07:002010-05-08T01:16:09.337-07:00Maybe it makes clothes multiply?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-UcTx0NfTI/AAAAAAAAKTo/sNyB4CLzrIE/s1600/tide.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468808448626752818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-UcTx0NfTI/AAAAAAAAKTo/sNyB4CLzrIE/s320/tide.jpg" border="0" /></a> I'm sure you're wondering why I'm posting a picture of a bottle of Tide. Well, the reason is I'm hoping this bottle has magical powers - like that it can multiply my clothes in the washer. This bottle was my first "ouch, lesson learned" here in Seoul. I paid - gulp - $34 for it. Next time I won't go for the brands I recognize and I might actually look at the prices.<br /><div></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-29662904179543383872010-05-07T05:14:00.000-07:002010-05-10T03:55:34.837-07:00You may have thought I was joking...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-QFEttNq-I/AAAAAAAAKTQ/kpI9TxEC77U/s1600/subway.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468501426081475554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-QFEttNq-I/AAAAAAAAKTQ/kpI9TxEC77U/s320/subway.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>This was taken this morning around 7:40 a.m. exiting Gangnam Station. </div><div></div><br /><div>I am happy to report that today was my last crazy commute. Tomorrow I will be moving to Gangnam (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangnam-gu">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangnam-gu</a>) and will be two blocks from the office - in fact you can see my new building out the window where my office is on the 34th floor (M Chereville).</div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468501810710776690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-QFbGj_C3I/AAAAAAAAKTY/1cGw1Dn3Wcc/s320/new+home.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div></div><div>This is the broader view...the North Korean border is just past the mountains in the distance.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468502017077929730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-QFnHVv5wI/AAAAAAAAKTg/mXsbhN6E0OI/s320/view+north.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-22757406496495921122010-05-06T06:06:00.000-07:002010-05-06T07:45:20.843-07:00Eggs, my daily commute and Digital CityLast night I ventured to Mokdong to explore my friend Tyler's neighborhood. A completely different feel from Insadong and much more of a family neighborhood. We started out visiting E-mart (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-mart">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-mart</a>) which they claim is a Korean version of Walmart. Personally, I think it's more of an upscale Target. We then went to a local Korean barbeque restaurant for dinner. I'm still not able to order anything nor can I pronounce anything even remotely close to how it should be, so luckily Tyler has got the food ordering down...<br /><div><div><div></div><br /><div>After we were about half way through our meal we noticed that the table next to us had ordered something that, from afar, looked interesting. We decided to order it - by pointing at their table. We were a bit surprised to find what we had ordered was a pot of scrambled eggs. I mean, that makes perfect sense as a side dish with Korean barbeque, right?</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468158778006228194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-LNb-J-zOI/AAAAAAAAKSg/LbIO8Fu37HY/s320/eggs.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>Today I experienced my first morning commute on the subway. One hour door to desk - including a 15 minute walk in the rain.<br /><br /><p>Not. </p><p>Fun.</p><p>I'll try to snap some photos in the coming days, however - and I'm not exaggerating - it may be difficult to raise my arms up to actually take a picture. Forget thinking that it's a leisurely subway ride where you can read or relax. Think more like what it must feel like to be one of the people crammed in here...</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468167818579112226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-LVqM6hcSI/AAAAAAAAKTI/w8V24Ox7V5g/s320/crowded_phone_booth.jpg" border="0" /> <p>Envision an ant farm. You now have a visual of the Seoul subway system at 7 a.m. I can only imagine what it's going to be like come June when it's actually hot here (remember, it IS hot here - they just don't think so...).</p><p>My afternoon was spent in Suwon at Samsung's Digital City, which is about 40 minutes south of Seoul. I'm not really sure I can actually describe this "city" (the picture below gives you an idea). For starters, there are 20,000+ people working on the campus. The security was insane, mainly because all of their research and development facilities are located here. I'll be commuting there two days a week. Remember my recap of the morning commute above? Add this 40 minute jaunt on top of it...now picture the look of excitement on my face about it. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468164486536930850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-LSoQFwpiI/AAAAAAAAKS4/bV7tXE8mwQ8/s320/20090930182128336.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-91971985271316072382010-05-04T22:03:00.000-07:002010-05-04T22:04:30.259-07:00Information on SeoulThought that this site would be helpful for some of you...I had quite a few "interesting" questions about where Seoul is before I left.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ks.html">https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ks.html</a>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-38041152305732021632010-05-04T04:20:00.000-07:002010-05-04T04:26:18.008-07:00Lesson learned<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467373832545309954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-ADiIchFQI/AAAAAAAAKR0/ddEuz3V5eiE/s320/first+cocktails.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467374082314888626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-ADwq6OZbI/AAAAAAAAKSM/8CbW3AXOKbk/s320/Samsung.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467373903996081234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-ADmSntVFI/AAAAAAAAKR8/17J8XjnHu50/s320/Insadong1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467373760454326162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-ADd74r95I/AAAAAAAAKRs/QFXVygnpUhA/s320/Chicken+and+Beer.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467373634866995202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-ADWoCVYAI/AAAAAAAAKRk/Y_I3SOux45g/s320/bug+food.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467374014575031826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-ADsujyNhI/AAAAAAAAKSE/YIi7c2aNLc4/s320/octopus.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-AD1eY2xBI/AAAAAAAAKSU/Qqj3pvCGGWI/s1600/squid+and+corn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467374164853048338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_B-_ZZQC3Kjw/S-AD1eY2xBI/AAAAAAAAKSU/Qqj3pvCGGWI/s320/squid+and+corn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Posts need to be shorter and it's not so easy to put pictures in the middle of text. Insert pictures to go along with the last post - they should be obvious.BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5886526419064727009.post-42139154984290005792010-05-04T03:19:00.000-07:002010-05-04T04:30:21.911-07:00Sensory OverloadI've been here in Seoul for just over 48 hours now. Aside from (minimal) jetlag, I'm pretty much exhausted from senory overload.<br /><br />My neighborhood is extremely interesting - I can't wait to be able to communicate more than just pointing and explore some of the restaurants and art galleries. Here's a better description of the neighborhood. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insadong">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insadong</a><br /><br />The first night I had my first Korean meal in my neighborhood, Insadong, with my friend Tyler who is also here from Dallas and teaching English. He's been here for three weeks so it was nice to have someone provide a bit of guidance. I'm not going to lie, the language barrier can be extremely frustrating at times.<br /><div><div><div><div><div></div><div> </div><div>I was immediately intrigued with the strange array of "finger foods" they provide at bars. Nothing says hospitality like a bowl of nuts, some potato sticks, "squid jerky" and seaweed sheets, right? Oh, and, yes, that is Soju. I guess if you drank several bottles of it it'd be dangerous but it didn't taste like the jet fuel it had been described to me as.</div><div><br />Monday I had my first day in the office at my client, Samsung. My commute is going to be challenging - the office is across town and it takes 40-50 minutes to get there whether by subway or cab. Twice a week I will be going out to Suwon to another Samsung office, which is an additional 40 minutes away. Needless to say, HR is re-evaluating my housing location and looking for something closer to the office. </div><br /><div></div>The sights and smells here are quite interesting and - I won't sugar coat it - disgusting at times. The city is extremely clean - it's not uncommon to see workers not only hosing the sidewalks down but also scrubbing them. Their take on US restaurants is comical, too - "Chicken & Beer" has been my favorite sighting so far. There is no shortage of US-based chains - McDonalds, Burger King, Dunkin' Donuts, Outback Steakhouse, Starbucks, Dominos and the list goes on. I think I'll be just fine should I crave something from home. </div><div> </div><div>The street vendors offer a variety of "delecacies." I think I'll need a few cocktails before expanding my culinary horizons on any of these...</div><div></div><div></div><div>This was described to me as "I don't know the English word, but it turns into a butterfly." Enough said.</div><br /><div>Corn on the cob. Roasted chestnuts. Dixie-cups-o-squid. Maybe I'll launch a new weight loss fad when I return to the US.</div><div><br /></div>Octopus-jerky...on the street. Hungry yet?</div><div> </div>One last comment for this post - and I'll try not to bitch about it in every following post - it's HOT here. It's not that the temperature is so bad - yet. It was 75 degrees today. It's that Koreans don't seem to like air conditioning. Or moving air for that matter. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>I'm hot natured. I'm always hot. So, being told that turning the air conditioning up to level 2 in a cab "makes it freezing. no." is not exactly the response I was looking for. As I had sweat running down my forehead, the cab driver had a parka on. I think I've heard that a "dewy" complextion is in. I wonder if "dewy armpits" are, too.<br /><br /><div></div></div></div>BTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13808169735520416170noreply@blogger.com5