Last Day - July 25, 2010

My last day in Korea...

It has been an amazing stay here in Korea, I will never forget the memories I made here. I will really miss this fantastic country and I can't wait to come here again sometime. Although I am sad to go, it will be nice to be back on home soil an

d to see all of my friends and family.Since it was our last day, we stayed in

, watching shows and spending our last hours with Sunghee's parents before we had to say goodbye. The plane ride was 12 and a half hours, and was quite a good flight, with very little turbulence. I did not sleep at all, and somehow managed to stay glued to my seat the entire ride. Needless to say, I was a little so

ar after

the flight, but somehow not tired. I didn't take any photos this time, but I have a few from the flight going to Korea. I also have some photos that did not load properly onto my laptop from the first few days I was there, so I will show those also.

Waiting, waiting, waiting to board the plane. ^

A view of the sun while flying over Russia. ^

Koreans may be shorts, but their pop is tall. ^

Who knew Tony could speak Korean? ^

Some beautiful Korean cakes. ^

My time in Korea was unforgettable, and if you ever get the chance to go there, seize it!

Last Full Day - July 24, 2010

Today was our last full day in Korea. Wow, I cannot believe we have already spent an entire month here. It was not a long enough visit and I can’t wait to return, hopefully in the near future. Since we didn’t really do anything particularly noteworthy today (watched Smallville and packed up) I will tell you a few things I will miss about Korea and a few things I will be glad to come home to. (In no particular order)
What I will miss:

1) The Toilet Paper: Korea makes the prettiest toilet paper. It is often decorated with little flowers or other designs.

2) No Housework: Okay, so this just may be the thing I will miss the most. Although I have always volunteered and attempted to help, I was never allowed to clean up around the house, other than in my room. At first, I was a little frustrated that I could not contribute in anyway, but I got used to it quickly enough. Now I dread the long list of chores I will have when I get home. :S
3) The Free Stuff: During my stay in Korea, I was given free stuff left, right and centre. This one lady gave me a pretty fancy fan, just because there was catfish on it, which my name translates to in Korean. I also got a few t-shirts, a baseball encased and signed by Incheon’s best player and Olympic gold medalist, not to mention all the freebees that are taped to whatever you buy at the supermarket.

4) The Food: So this one will have to apply for both lists. I will miss it because Korean food is so delicious. My favourite dishes include jeon, bibimbop, spicy rice cakes, calbi, sam gup sal, or pretty much any kind of meat that is hot and spicy! I will really miss eating this delicious food, and I may have to make my way to a few Korean restaurants when I get home, though I know none of them will be a match to what I have been eating for the last month.

5) The Kitties: So at the house we were staying in, there was a family of wild kitties. They are all so cute- some were tabbies (brown and gingers) there was an oreo cat, and the mother was a calico. Even the full grown mother was tiny and her kittens were like Beanie Babies. One night the ginger cat was playing ‘velcro kitty’ and kept climbing up the screen door.
What I will be glad to come home to:

1) The Food: So like I said, this applies to both lists. Although I will miss Korean food dearly, it will be nice to come home to the food I’ve been deprived of this month. Pizza, pasta, roasts, and berries are at the top of my list.

2) My Guitar: I never realized how much I loved to play guitar until I couldn’t for a month. My calluses have been wiped from my fingers and my nails have grown too long. It’s time to take out the nail clippers and learn a few new songs!

3) The Air: The moment I stepped into the Korean breeze, I noticed a difference in the air. Between extreme humidity and a high concentration of pollution, Korean air can be hard to get used to, especially when you’re running.

4) Courtesy: Korean people air extremely kind, generous and helpful. When it comes to being courteous in public though, they may need some work. For example, when boarding the subway or an elevator, rather than allow everyone off and then proceed on, everyone just pushes you and worms their way to their destination. One time while I was standing on the subway, with about a metres’ width of room on with side of me, a guy so blatantly pushed me aside to get through. Another interesting encounter with the courteously challenged was when Sunghee and I were outside the subway, waiting for my cousin. I man walked by us, and deliberately poned Sunghee in the head with his umbrella. He looked back and just kept walking. We stood there confused for about 10 minutes as we could not figure out any reason for this.

So there is my list. I could add so many things for either side, but I cut it down to the basics. I had an amazing experience in Korea and I hope to have a similar one here in the near future. I wish I could stay longer and see more of this fantastic country, but it will have to wait until I return!

Even More Seoul

Canadian Embassy...

Today we once again returned to Seoul, to meet up with my cousin Codey again and a few of his friends. When we met in the Seoul City Hall area, we went to a Brazilian restaurant which is supposed to be delicious, but was closing just as we arrived. Instead, we went to ‘Urban Garden’, which served Italian food. After eating a tasty meal, we took pictures for quite a while then headed for a canal that runs through the city.

This photo is courtesy of Seongjoon.^

We were sitting at the beginning of the linear canal for quite a while, taking pictures and chilling. There were two people that walked by us all dressed up, one as the Statue of Liberty, but completely painted white, and the other I could not make out. We also spotted two people wearing costumes who were playing Korean-style rock paper scissors with Codey's friend.

After the canal, we decided to head home, which was in the same direction Codey was headed. We hopped on the subway which was packed full of people. Sunghee was just begging me to sing something, so I agreed to sing 'Think of Me' from Phantom of the Opera. I sang about 3 octaves above normal, laughing between each phrase. It was quite embarrassing, but so hilarious it left me in tears. I think Codey was glad he was off on the next stop...

DMZ - July 22, 2010

Today we woke up early for a two hour drive to the De-Militarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. When we arrived, we had to cross a bridge which requires special request beforehand to cross. Then we were escorted by two jeeps to the Joint Security Area (JSA) where we were given a short presentation on the operation enforced by the United Nations. After the presentation, we went the border of the DMZ where we entered a building that crossed the border. Technically, we stood in North Korea… it was very interesting.The building behind us is part of North Korea.So in this picture, we are actually in North Korean territory.

We took some pictures with South Korean guards who were at the border, then some in front of the Freedom House. We got back on the bus that was driving us around and had a tour of the beautiful DMZ. There are a few villages still in the DMZ on both sides, which were located there before the Korean wars. Inhabitants are exempt from taxes and military service, but are required to follow very strict rules.This is the bridge of no return. On the other side, is North Korea. During the war, if anyone crossed the bridge, they would never be allowed to return.

Due to very little human interference in the DMZ, it blossoms with natural wildlife and plants, giving it a beautiful and natural landscape. We stood on a platform which overlooked the North Korean DMZ, where we could see one of their main cities, as well as a propaganda village. The propaganda village was built to showcase North Korea’s prosper, and no one actually lives there. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to capture the beautiful view in a photo.

We also got a chance to go into one of the four tunnels created by the North Koreans in attempt to invade Seoul. We rode down on a rollercoaster-like train, then walked through the tunnel which is only about 5’7”. In most places, I had to crouch while I walked since there were supports that made the tunnel even smaller. There was only three other people getting the same tour as us. Apparently, they were famous in Turkey as they were somehow involved in the government.

After the DMZ, we met with Sunghee’s cousin (Sungbum) and his girlfriend, where we once again went to a sticker booth. (This was my fourth time since I’ve been here.) We enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Outback Steakhouse, where Sungbum’s girlfriend is a chef.

Full and satisfied, we went to Jim-Jill-Bang, which is another public bath place. Basically, you change into clothes that make you look like a jailbird, then you go out and lay on mats infront of televisions. There are also saunas which are much more exquisite than your average saunas. There were four of them- coal, salt, soil, and one that was VERY hot! We tried them all out, each of them being very enjoyable. They also had a snack bar which served a traditional Korean rice drink which is cold, sweet and very delicious. Normally, people sleep at a jim-jill-bang, but we decided to go home to spend the night.

More Seoul – July 21, 2010

Today we returned to Seoul once again. We started at the Korean Military Academy, which is the university for soldiers. We had a brief tour of the area, watched a couple of slideshows, and saw the campus from the sky in the observation tower. We also visited the museum of Korean military history which is located at the school. The museum featured everything from Bronze Age bows to present day formal clothing of an officer.

This is the observation tower we went up in.

After KMA, we met up with Sunghee’s cousin who showed us around Dongdaemon, which is an area of Seoul that comes to life at night. We walked around a few malls, then ventured the streets for a while. While walking, we noticed a crowd of people watching a performance of sorts so we decided to take a look. A guy with a microphone would play a song, and if you guessed it right, you got to go up in front of the crowd and wait to find out happens next. Sunghee’s cousin guessed a song right, and Sunghee forced me to go up with her.

We stood in front of about 200 people, looking stupid as they all stared at the white girl, (me). When about 12 people were up, we played a game to eliminate some of the people. Basically, when the music stopped, you had to count up as a group, with no one speaking at the same time. If two people said the same number, you played rock paper scissors and the loser was out. Of course, it’s much harder when you’re doing it in a foreign language. Luckily, I can count to ten in Korean so I looked pretty impressive.

Sunghee got eliminated quickly, and I was stuck up there sticking out like a sore thumb, with no idea what was going on. Finally, I found out that we had to sing if we were to go back into the crowd and receive a special prize. Naturally, I did not know any of the songs, so I didn’t have to sing. Sunghee’s cousin came up from the crowd and sang, saving me from my extreme embarrassment. He gave me the prize, which was a set of plates, but it will never consulate for the embarrassment! After that adventure, we roamed the streets some more until we couldn’t walk any further.

Sunghee's cousin singing, with me looking foolish in the background.

Smallville

This morning, we got a chance to sleep in a bit. It wasn’t until I heard the distinct chopping of a helicopter very close that I got out of bed. After getting dressed, Sunghee and I headed out to the helipad that is right in front of her house, to find a small military helicopter parked on the big white ‘H’. We took a few pictures, and then went in for breakfast. All day we heard planes flying above, apparently due to training.

After watching a few episodes of Smallville, (my goodness, its getting too good for me) we went for lunch with a friend. When we got home, I watched some more Smallville, and then some more Smallville when Sunghee and her Mum went for a checkup with the doctor. If you have not watched Smallville, I highly recommend you watch the show from the beginning! (Unless you have a highly addictive personality like me and won’t remove yourself from the screen.) I couldn't resist :P

Ocean World

Today we woke up a 5:00am, to prepare for the three hour ride to Ocean World, an indoor and outdoor waterpark. The waterpark is not as large as Wonderland's, but it has a wider variety of activities to offer. In addition to waterslides, there is a wave pool that creates 2m waves (which was one of my favourite activies in the park), around 10 different hottubs, each with special treatments in them such as Rubus Coreans baths, which apparently give your hormones a good flow. There was even a wine bath. There was also a lazy river-type ride, only it had massive wa ves that pushed you rather than just a current. Saunas (or Sa-oo-nas as Koreans call it) were everywhere, and there was a steam room in the changeroom. There was also a spa section of the park, although we didnt venture to it because we figured you had to pay.
In Korea, there is a rule that you must be wearing either a hat or a bathing cap in pools and such. I forgot my hat, so I was forced to where a flowery doorag which looked absolutely ridiculous. Luckily, I didn't actually wear it in the pools and no one said anything except for the guy life-guarding the kiddy pool. Maybe he had other reasons for kicking me out... :P

After nearly 12 hours in the park, we decided to call it a day and head home. While in the car though, we decided the day wasn't over though, and headed out for kereoke. Sunghee and I sang a bunch of songs like "Rock and Roll All Night" "U Can't Touch This" and "Phantom of the Opera". We were a little saddened when we found out there was nothing from the Sound of Music. Finally, at 11:00 were headed home for real, arriving at 12:30. After an extremely long day, I layed down on the bed without changing and fell asleep as my head hit the pillow. We may dance better than MC Hammer himself...

Western Meal

Today we went to visit Sunghee’s brother Kibum, who is doing his two years of required military service. After a long drive, we met up with him in the visitors building to enjoy a plentiful lunch of sam gup sal (really yummy), spicy pork (really yummy), kimpop (really yummy), and fruit to finish it off (really yummy). In short, the lunch tasted pretty good. We talked (well I listened mostly, since I can’t speak Korean) for a while, took some pictures, then said goodbye.
When we arrived home, I started the pizza dough, watched some Smallville (of course), then finished making dinner which consisted of pizza and spaghetti. It was a big hit, and it was really nice to enjoy a Western meal. I kept making Sunghee take more helpings as it would make me looklike a better chef if there were no leftovers. :P Turns out, there were no leftover, so I guess I am a good chef. :)

Lazy Day – July 17, 2010

Just like yesterday, we didn’t do anything significant. It was still quite a good day though, I must admit. We once again lazed around the house, watching shows. For breakfast, I made pancakes which were a big hit, especially the banana ones. With bacon and eggs, we had the perfect Western meal that was a nice switch. Don’t get me wrong, I love Korean food- it’s so delicious- but it was nice to have something I’m used to.

After dinner, I started cooking tomato sauce for dinner tomorrow. I am going to make pizza and spaghetti, as I promised Sunghee. Normally, when I make sauce, I use already peeled, seeded and diced tomatoes from a can. Unfortunately, I did not have access to this, so I had to do the tomatoes from scratch. I suppose it’s only a bonus in the end, since it tastes fresher and is just overall tastier. When the sauce was done, we had a taste and it was delicious. I am definitely looking forward to tomorrow night’s spaghetti and homemade pizza. :D

Not Much To Say - July 16, 2010

So Today we didn’t do anything noteworthy. We mostly just lazed around the house, watching Smallville, then Full House when Megavideo ran out. Well, I suppose I should tell (rather, show you) about the fantastic job Sunghee’s Mum did painting our nails…

Other than the nails, (mine are the blue, Sunghee's are the pink) I have nothing to report. :)

More Seoul – July 15, 2010

Hehehe...

This morning we left Ewha Women’s University in Seoul, where we were staying, and met up with Sunghee’s cousin Bona. For breakfast, we ate sandwiches, and everyone thought I was crazy because I didn’t want any sauces on mine. We rode the subway to Myong Dong, a very busy area in Seoul. We walked around for a bit, I bought some socks with Totoro on them and we made our way to a ticket booth so we could watch Eclipse. The salesperson had to see my drivers’ license because apparently she didn’t believe that I was a student. At first I thought she didn’t think I was old enough to see the movie. :P While we waited for the movie to open up, we got Cold Stone ice-cream which is worth the expense. We got ‘Greeeen With Envy’ icecream which was green tea ice-cream with chocolate, nuts and Oreos, and it was absolutely delicious. After disappointment with the Twighlight and New Moon movies, I was quite surprised that Eclipse was pretty good. (This may have been because I don’t really remember what happened in the book at all.) We also went to another sticker booth (my third time since I've been here) because Sunghee thinks there's nothing more to life than sticker booths and cyworld :P (she's so Asian).

If you read my blog from a few days ago, you’d know that Sunghee and I visited a Korean palace in Seoul with a good friend of hers. Apparently, he skipped school that day to hang out with us. In Korea, if you skip school, you must write a report about why and show pictures. (They expect that if you skip, it must be for educational purposes.) Her friend, who goes to a boy’s school showed a picture of the three of us and apparently all the boys at school were jealous that he skipped school to hang out with a couple of mega-babes. :P:P

Lotte World - July 14, 2010

Today we met up with a friend, Eunjin, who used to live in Canada, and spent the day at Lotte World, the largest indoor amusement park in the world. It also has an outdoor area called ‘Magic Island’. A scene from ‘Full House’, the Korean drama we’ve been watching was filmed here. Lotte World is miniscule compared to Wonderland, but it has a lot of themed rides such as an Egyptian adventure ride, Atlantis and The Adventures of Sinbad. I convinced Sunghee and Eunjin to go on “French Revolution” which had a loop-de-loop and a number of other fantastic twists, and it was a lot of fun. Unfortunately though, my earring in my newly pierced ear partially fell out, and I lost my favourite earring from my other hole. Somehow, the back of my hole closed over in just a few minutes, and I had to shove it back through. :S We noticed everyone, including the males, were walking around with silly headbands with bows and ears on them, so Sunghee and I decided to get some too.

We went on rides all day and explored the themes of Lotte World, and with very sore feet headed for the subway. We were very late for dinner, so we had to run quite a way. The running was perfectly rewarded, though, with a delicious meal of noodles, dumplings, tempura, and French fries (which didn’t really fit the meal, but were tasty nonetheless.).

After eating, we hopped back on the subway, on our way to watch “Cookin’ NANTA’. It is a show that fuses martial arts, dancing, percussion and humor to create an amazing performance. The performers run around chopping food, making messes, ‘cooking’, banging on things with knives, banging knives against knives, and other fantastic things. The show was unforgettable and if you ever get the chance to see it (it travels around the world) then you must!

Seoul - July 13, 2010

Today we headed out early for Seoul, Korea’s capital city. When we arrived, we met up with friends of Sunghee and her Mum. We went to an expansive palace called Chang Duck Goung. Sunghee’s friend explained all about the architecture and interesting information about the palace. After walking around in the unbearable heat and sun, we rested for a bit in a little café at the palace. I was relieved to have some chocolate ice-cream, since I have been somewhat deprived of chocolate since I’ve been in Korea.

Who knew hobbits lived in Korea?

Chinese style sun dial (rhymes)

Mythically, this pot would contain water, which would create a reflection of any fire monster woh came near the palace, scaring itself off. Functionally, it contained water to put out fires if they occured.

After the palace, we roamed the streets for a while, passing by cheap vendors and small boutiques. I bought a couple of things and we went for lunch. We ordered bibimbop which is basically a whole bunch of random things mixed with rice, and it is to die for.

When we were leaving the restaurant, we noticed a place where you could decorate objects such as rings, necklaces, mirrors and such with shell fragments. We decided to give it a shot so Sunghee and I decorated mirrors. I attempted to make a sun of sorts, but I’d like to say it’s more of an abstract piece…

We continued to roam the streets until we noticed two guys making a Korean traditional treat. Basically, he took a hard block of honey, and using cornstarch, transformed it into what looked like locks of thin hair. Then, the other guy cut it up and filled it with almond and peanut mixtures to complete the delicious treat.

On our way to a cool place to rest (ended up being Dunkin’ Donuts), another Korean palace was hosting a traditional ceremony. People were dressed up in Korean traditional clothing of subjects of the palace, did marches, played instruments, and posed for photographs. We rested for a long while in Dunkin’ Donuts, watching the ceremony through the window and savouring the air conditioning.

As we started to get hungry, we met up with Sunghee’s aunt at a very expensive restaurant. There we ate a six course meal, which I can’t say was the tastiest meal I’ve eaten since I’ve been here. The first course was fried seaweed, which was good, but I could not bring myself to swallow the cold, slimy, sea cucumber. After that came a bland soup with meat from the joints in a cow. Interesting… The main course was actually quite enjoyable though, simple soup and rice.