A little bit of culture

So, I went out on Friday night with some friends. Met up with Matthew, Andrea, Mike, Sunna, Dan, Kyujin, Jason, and JJ for dinner in Seoul. We went to a traditional-style place and ordered Korean pancakes. We had the ones with seafood, meat n veggies. Also ordered a few bowls of bean paste soup (it has a malt-o-meal texture but is very good!) As with most Korean food, it came with a lot of side dishes! There was kimchi, pean sprouts, various sauces, meat (duck and pork), radish, some fishcakes, and a salad (with some sort of melon dressing). Here's a picture!



Basically, we ate so much food. That's typical here. I thought I was losing weight, but discovered the other morning I'm still at the same weight I was before I left; perhaps just a few pounds lighter. I also stopped dance class for a month thanks to my foot, so hopefully I can get rid of some of it again.

After dinner, we went to another place nearby for some drinks and snacks (which we didn't really eat, we we're still full!)

Went out later to some club in Hongdae (one of the University areas). This place has a lot of foreigners. Just a bit more than I liked, but the place was also very packed. We had a good time dancing for awhile then left for some more food. It was past midnight by this time, so we were hungry. Ordered some dokkboki, a fishcake soup, and fried veggies and seafood (like tempura?) I guess we had gotten some of the food for free because they were out of a dish we had wanted. I love that most places in Korea will give you some sort of "service," a free drink or dish. It's mostly because you attend there often, from what I gather. The chicken restaurant in my apartment will always give me a pepsi for free with my order. I don't really like Pepsi, but will drink it because they gave it to me! I've been to a few other places that will give you something extra when you order, but I can't think of what specifically.

Sunna and I were going to head to her house to sleep, but we got confused on who was going where when we took the taxis so we ended up joining Matthew and Jason at the Sauna. This is different from back home. At the ones I have been to here, you pay, get your towel and clothes and go change (remove your shoes, of course). We took the elevator to the women's floor and got changed and washed our faces. You can buy any sort of shower things you need because there's an area next to the lockers where you can shower and sit in hot-tubs. The fun part is you get to wander around naked in that room. XP I'm being sarcastic, of course! We didn't shower, but the last time I went my friend and I did. Luckily it was just her and I so we weren't uncomfortable.
Sunna and I then headed down to meet up with Matthew and Jason. There's a common room where you can sit in some heated rooms and chill on mats. Since it was around 3am by this time, everyone was sprawled out all over the place, asleep. We tried to find places to sleep and eventually some spots opened up and we laid down for a bit. I got too hot because the floors are heated so Sunna and I went back to the women's shower house. We found a corner room in there that had more places to sleep so we got comfortable and went to bed. It's not the best place to sleep but I've gotten used to a hard bed so I was ok. It wasn't as warm as I would have liked but I just put the towel over me and crashed. We only planned to sleep until we could catch the train home, but ended up sleeping til 10am. Got up and changed back into our clothes and headed out. Matthew and Jason had left, so Sunna and I went home. I made it home then crashed again. I slept on and off for awhile and just did some laundry.

That's some of the culture that I realize is different, so I thought I'd take the time to share! It's really quite interesting, but I enjoy these little aspects of the culture. With how large and driven this country is, people are so nice and are always wanting to get to know you. People will ask questions such as: "how old are you?" "what's your blood type?" "when's your birthday?" "do you have a boy/girlfriend?" It's never meant as an insult; they just feel those are important questions to ask in order to know who someone is and to become closer with them.

Anyway, I'd probably keep writing, but I've gotta head out to meet Sarah for an early dinner and the Eric Clapton concert! :) It's my last concert for awhile, so hopefully I can get more culture posts up for you. ^_^

Take care~~!!♥

This has been long overdue.

I'm updating!! Now let's all take a moment to relish this...because we know it doesn't happen often these days. HAHA :P

Anyway, I had a list somewhere that reminded me everything I needed to post about, but I might have misplaced it by now. woops. I'll just do my best!^^

Let's get the Kpop stuff out of the way since I know a lot of you don't care...and if you do, I either already told you or went with you to the show! ;) If I didn't tell you, feel free to bug me for more details later.


Musicals:

1. Went to Thrill Me a few more times (I think only once more!). More cuteness from him, even a hug! I was pleased~~^^

2. Spamalot!!!! LOL It might have been in Korean, but I understood it! Thank goodness for being so into the movie. :P The best part? SPAM IS BIG HERE. So, those jokes were extra funny. Yehsung was adorable fail and has a gorgeous voice. We didn't stalk afterward because it was late and we didn't want to deal with the fans.

3. Since I'm thinking about musicals, I'll talk about Three Musketeers next. Kyuhyun (the youngest in Super Junior) played D'Artagnon. This was more of a rock musical, which isn't Kyu's strong point; nevertheless, he did a decent job. He was pretty cute with his uncertainty and awkwardness. It was his first musical. But, all in all I enjoyed it! The rest of the cast was pretty awesome, too!

4. GOONG! YUNHO! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! YAY! hahaha Goong is a popular drama, that finally was turned into a musical. Yunho from DBSK (MY ALL TIME FAVE GROUP EVER) was the main lead. He was fantastic! He has come a long way since their debut. He was never the main vocals in DBSK, mostly because he has the lower range and wasn't all that strong before. This was definitely worth it. It was a cute show, pretty funny, even though I didn't understand much, and the songs were great. No pics because I forget most places allow cameras at musicals, during curtain call. I think I found some pics online, so I'll share one of those maybe. :)

5. On Air! This is the most recent musical I've been to. It stars Kevin from UKISS. He's Korean, but born and raised mostly in San Fransisco. SO HE SPEAKS FLUENT ENG (cue NON akward moments!^^) We've been a few times now and had the opportunity to speak with him, too! My friend put in her name during an audience talk moment. He found out our names and where we're from! *squeeeee* (sorry had to get that out haha!) Also got a handshake~~~ ^_^
Here's the shout out he gave us from the first time we came: http://twitpic.com/3soset/full
Also took some fancams! The sound is weird because my camera doesn't filter well. Turn the volume down! http://youtu.be/DLP6whcx8dg and part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM0ln6_R3N8
He's pretty tall, taller than I expected? He's just so small and *pretty* that I expected him to be smaller than me. He's taller than me, but not by too much. ^^ I hope he does more musicals in the future because it definitely has helped his singing improve! Now for Soohyun "powervocal" to star in a musical!! :D That would be great~~~


Now to the concerts!! (BIG POST IS GONNA BE BIG) :P

1. FT ISLAND ~~This was so fun!! They're more ballad/rock? They play their own instruments and aren't as mainstream (well didn't used to be). Here's a sample! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5F9kL0DMGo
Anyway, they rock. The end. ^^ I have some awesome pics, I just need to resize and post. Posting pictures...ya, that's somewhere on my To Do List. We also got to be filmed as the audience for Secret Garden (Korean drama)! Can't find the two white girls though. *sadface* But, it was an awesome drama anyway~~

2. Lee Seung Gi ~~Went with my friend Sarah who became a fan all on her own (AKA I didn't introduce her to his music!) I knew of him, but never got into his stuff. Regardless, it's kpop so I agreed to go! I'm glad I did. That boy can put on a show. He's very well rounded and a really great singer. He can do ballads, rock, and few things in between. His concert was definitely interesting. He did a few trot songs I knew, some ballads from his drama (My Girlfriend is a Gumiho) and rock covers. It was a good time. No pics from that concert, mostly because that venue is pretty picky about cameras.

3. YG Family (Includes: Big Bang, Se7en, Psy, 2NE1, Gummy) ~~SE7ENNNN!!!!!!♥ He's my favorite solo artist. He was basically the only reason I chose to go. I know, crazy right?! Big Bang is super popular, and I choose Se7en over them. :P I like them but I like him more. haha
Got a fancam of Se7en and maybe a few pics. But, again the venue is picky about cameras. I was having too much fun partying it up with my friends anyway. Moral to this story? Gummy is an awesome singer and can make 2NE1 songs sound way better; Se7en is still my favorite; 2NE1 is fun; Big Bang is even more fun (TOP is awkward turtle LOL, Daesung is such an awesome performer, and the others are cool too. :P); Psy is crazy! LOL I'll stop there. Again, if you want details, we can chat later.

4. CN BLUE ~~Yay more live bands!! I mean those that play instruments. ^^ Not fantastic seats, but still pretty cool. They are wonderful live. Poor Yonghwa killed his voice cuz he got so into it. He cracked only a few times and managed to cover it up with being so into everything. :) He's awesome. Oh and Jungshin (bass player) is adorable! He's so not a typical bass player...he hops around the stage! It's cute. I bought one of the big packages and my Christmas card was SIGNED!♥ *squeeeee*
BTW, who wants to send me poster sticky-stuff? I ran out and it's not sold here, as far as I know. :(

5. JYJ ~~The three members of DBSK that left SM Entertainment (or are trying to?). Fun concert, I'll share some pics on facebook, later. Most of the songs were in English because they can't use any DBSK/SM Ent songs. Junsu was gorgeous and his voice was perfection. I love him. Jae's voice came close to it, but I enjoyed hearing him sing anyway. Yuchun, I care less about. Sorry Chun fans. I feel like it's his fault for this split.

6. SHINee!! ~~YAY. Awesome boys are awesome. I had so much fun, even with the issue with having my camera. Minho is soooo fun to watch. He runs around like a little kid, trying to make all the fans excited. Onew is still a unique leader, what with him almost falling off stage (he was spinning too fast hahaha) and choosing to sing an opera song!! That boy amazes me. Here's a fancam because I can't not share it. Even his voice cracks were covered well! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FFZ7a2GC7w
Key is still fierce and crazy. He covered some song called "My first Kiss" and wore a bright pink leather jacket with jewel studded sunglasses. All in all, a fun concert! We even got to see members of Beast, SNSD and DBSK in the audience!! Yunho and Changmin♥!!!!! :)

7. 2AM Concert ~Fun! They're a ballad group, but totally know how to put on a fun concert. Started off with the ballads, eased into some jazz-style cover songs, had one guest (SAN-E yay!), solos, and fun remixes of their songs. Changmin is the oldest and one of my favorites. Mostly because he has gorgeous voice and some nice muscles. ;) All I noticed were his legs. Jinwoon brought me over to his fandom, though! He did like 3 double takes with the group of foreigners I came to the show with. And each time, he waved and grinned like the baby that he is. :P He's the youngest of the group. He also countered that cuteness by COVERING MUSE. ON THE GUITAR. He sang, too, which was lovely! I have now become a Jinwoon fan (Changmin who? LOL) Good times. ^^

Nothing else to share. My culture experience has only been concerts and musicals. Ian and I didn't go to the aquarium or city tour when he was here. But that's ok, it was a fantastic time anyway!

I wanted to post a little bit of things I've experienced that I know are different culturally, but it's hard to remember to pay attention to those things. I guess I adjust well to the culture here; I don't notice those things that most others would find strange or different. I will definitely try to take note when I can.

AND I'M DONE. FOR NOW. :P Long post was long...but now I don't have to worry about it now! Another post SHOULD come after this weekend. I have KRY (Super Junior sub group) Concert, On Air Musical (again), and a New Year Brunch. Hope to be semi-on time with those posts!! Sorry this was long, but I'm sure those that read it will enjoy~~~Love you!♥

The story!

Ok, so I haven't updated in foreverrrrrr...but here's a more recent update that I know everyone wants to hear!

I AM ENGAGED!!!♥ *^_^*

So the story...Ian came in to Korea on Monday. I was convinced he was going to propose mostly because I had guessed and after he spoke with my parents, my mom let the cat out of the bag (good job mom hahah). She had assumed I knew for a fact because I was talking about things he'd been saying and doing. But, I had just recently convinced myself it wasn't going to happen. I didn't want to get my hopes up.

Anyway, he comes and brings presents from his family. Which I love by the way! ;) Since he found out my mom told me, he decided to come up with another gift to get me thinking it wasn't gonna happen. The present is cute, now that I'm over the idea it was the only gift he had planned! He got an old soccer picture from my family and made it into a puzzle. This, he explained, was why he went to Glenwood to see my parents. It was quite funny, because I believed him and so I was super disappointed with the present.

We planned on going to the aquarium with my friend and her parents on Wednesday but things were rushed and we were all running pretty late...so we didn't make it (Ian told me later he planned to propose there,in front of the turtles!!♥) Ian and I were waiting around waiting for my friend Sunna to show up because we were meeting her for dinner, so we decided to get sticker pictures done.
It was a confusing process seeing as I didn't know the photoshop in the mall had Japanese booth (I mean seriously?!?! I can speak Korean, not Japanese!! >.<) But, anyway, Ian was apparently impatient and worried I would find the ring so he decided to do it there. As I was trying to figure out the next picture, I turn around and he's got the ring out! It's so pretty~~~and all I can do is smile and tear up. :-P Of course the picture machine was not on our side and took forever to take the photo! So the look on my face was still a pleased one, but his was more silly.
He put it on and *GASP* it did NOT fit! Either I lost weight, or I had my size wrong. No worries! I'll get it re-sized here, most likely. I have some girlfriends here who can help to translate and get cost estimates. For now, I wear it on my index finger.

That's pretty much it! We met Sunna for dinner and talked about plans (seeing as I might stay another year...still up in the air, though).

Here's the picture, seeing as some of you cannot access my facebook~~~

Friday, December 25th, 2010

Merry Christmas Eve~!! :D

I just finished the school year! Kids are on break and I might be teaching new students when they return. I start winter camp this coming week, and Ian comes to visit the week after!♥

I'll have time Sunday to post updates on the past few months. Sorry it's taken me so long!! I will post everything~!! Be prepared hahaha ^_^

*xoxoxoxoxo*

UPDATE

Just wanted to send a message to everyone that might be worried about me. I'm here, I'm okay, and I'm busy! School is still going on. No one seems to be in an uproar over N Korea at the moment and everyone is continuing life as normal.
To quote my friend Matthew (who's lived here longer than me): "To all my friends who are not in Korea: Don't freak about about this! This may be the worst so far, but North Korea does stupid stuff like this all the time, just to get attention. Nobody involved actually wants war. People in Seoul are annoyed about it, but nobody is really worried. Life pretty much goes on as normal here."

But, to be safe (and appease everyone worried about me) I registered with the US Dept of State (travel.state.gov).

Just keep Korea (both N and S) in your prayers. Love you all and talk to you soon~~

This is a Musical Post

Oct 17th was the Thrill Me performance/Jihoon Fan Event. I went with Mai and Kat. Before we all met up to get our tickets, Mai and I got together to shop for Jihoon and Jonghyuk (OJ). We wanted to get them gifts because we knew we would be able to see them after the show. I bought them both candy, tea, and scarves. ^^ It's just in time, too...it started getting cold the next week.
When we got our tickets, there was a drawing for the event for a picture taken with them. I thought it was just Jihoon, so when I won I gave it to Mai. She told me no take backs. haha~~
I had just gotten a cold at that time, so I really can't remember much about the show. It was still very good, of course. :) I remember Jonghyuk falling pretty hard during the scene where they argue. He's supposed to fall, but this seemed like it hurt. I almost laughed though because the fans were whispering a lot right after, they were so concerned. But, he seemed fine.
After the show, we went to figure where we were supposed to be for the fan event. Mai went off to get her group picture taken and Kat and I stood in line. I really wanted to be outside when OJ came out. When Mai got back I went outside to wait, and Kat came with. Mai stayed downstairs to wait for Jihoon's fan event to start. She would text us when it started. It was crowed around the stairs but when OJ came out I was closer to the door, so I ended up in front when he walked outside. He saw me and told me "Long time no see!" in English. Then he reached over and grabbed food from another fan who had a bag of snacks. It was so adorable. I would have given him the whole thing. :P Since we were crowded by the door, he walked out and around to the back of the building where there was more room. There were a lot of fans this time so it ended up being pretty crowded around him. Sometime while Kat and I were waiting, Mai texted us and said the event started, but I hadn't gotten to give OJ his gift so we told her we'd head down as soon as we could. Talked with some Korean fans that spoke English who loved that we were fans~~OJ was signing stuff and talking to everyone...he even teased this girl with the pen; she was holding the lid for him and when he went to put the pen back he kept "missing" and writing on her hand. It was funny. Finally got to talk to him and he signed my ticket with "good to see u" ^_^ LOL he also misspelled my name and went back to fix it; wrote it in cursive. He really is so nice even with the language barrier. I gave him his gift and took a pic with him and Kat. That's posted on my facebook, but it's too cute not to share~!

Kat and OJ were trying to make a heart above us, but the person taking the picture didn't get it in the shot. :P Still so cute! He was very happy to talk to us again~~
Finally finished meeting with him and rushed down to the fan event (we missed all of it!) Jihoon was on his way out and was giving signatures to those who didn't have one. Kat and I ran up and she got her signature, I gave him my present. He did this little dance thing to show his excitement. It was funny. After he left, Mai wanted to see if OJ was still around, so we ran back out to check. He was! Kat gave Mai's present to him but she wanted to go over and tell him about her present, as well as get a pic. She gave him orange juice (OJ) hahaha. :D He actually got the joke...I think mostly cuz she held up the juice and said "OJ!" He laughed~~
So we finally wandered off and I went home since I live so far away. They both kept texting me all the way home tho...they were having fun teasing each other and telling me. :P


Taal was the following Saturday (10.23) We (Thea, Kat, Krista, and Mai) met up around 10am for BRUNCH! I got to eat pancakes, sausage, eggs, and orange juice!!!! It was sooooo good, I ate everything. :P I wrote down directions to get there so I can go again~~It was a little pricey but so worth it. :D
After eating, we wandered off to the area we needed to be for the show. Ended up at COEX mall and wandered around trying to find someplace for coffee before the show. Sat around talking about kpop (of course) and being crazy.They're such a fun group to hang out with! Always making jokes and such. Reminds me of how Jan, Jill and I act together. :)
The show was awesome! I didn't understand anything at all, but they did a 2PM song! That was cool~~we all spazzed (Thea is a big fan) about it of course. The show seemed to be a Romeo and Juliet story, but with traditional Korean stuff thrown in. It was interesting and sad, but still really awesome. It was more dance based, which I enjoyed. The lead guy was a great dancer too.
After the show, we wandered around looking for a place to eat dinner. Ended up in the food court at COEX and I had french fries covered in cheese, chili, and bacon. :P I was very unhealthy that day. Went home sometime after that because I was supposed to meet some other friends for a birthday. Since I was still sick and exhausted from the day I ended up not going out.

Alright, I have a lot to say for Spamalot and the days events, so I will stop this post here. Musical Post Part II coming soon...

COSCTO Adventure!

The weekend after Rock of Ages, some friends I made at Orientation (and saw again at dinner) decided we wanted to take a trip to COSTCO to gather some yummy foods (LIKE CHEESE!). :D We met up around 12 and head off to Seoul...cuz of course there wasn't one close to our area. Got off at the right stop but I managed to take us the wrong direction. Luckily we were stopping for lunch first and didn't travel far before I noticed.
We managed to keep our purchases to a minimum...mostly because we didn't want to carry so many things back on the subway train. It was fun because there were four of us and one cart. It wasn't as packed as I thought it would be on a Saturday, which was nice. I bought a large box of instant oatmeal, CHEESE, salami, trail mix, and rice snacks. I still have all of the food and we're going again in a few weeks. ^^ There was a large pumpkin pie that I wanted. Maybe next time I'll buy it. :P
On the way home that day we had to transfer...but we were all so busy talking and missed the stop! lol I kept watching the signs but I had misread it at some point. We only had to go a few more stops and were able to backtrack to the right transfer stop. Didn't take too long, but we were already so tired! I think I got home around 6pm? It was definitely a long day.

Next post coming soon...it will probably include the next 3 musicals I went to (Thrill Me, Taal, and Spamalot!) It will be long so be ready! ^^ see ya~~♥