Prepartion for the upcoming Poongmul Performance-- muscles, bruises and things of that nature

How I miss blogging. Actually I really do missing writing in general. It's very therapeutic (a good way to relieve stress) and/or relax. Lately, my days have been primarily consumed by poongmul (drumming) practice because we are preparing for a performance. This week is AKARAKA, which is Yonsei's spring festival. I have been told that many famous Korean bands/singers (such as Wonder Girls) come to Yonsei for this special occasion. Being that I have yet to attend a concert in Seoul, I am extremely excited! One of my favorite bands is coming to Incheon for a Rock Festival at the end of July, which I will be missing, so AKARAKA helps make up for this loss (at least acts as a Target-brand bandaid which will at least stick for a good few hours).

Anyways, our performance is quickly approaching. This Wednesday, we will wear our white, yellow and red hats (flowers made out of tissue paper, etc), white clothing and attempt to remember the routine. This has been a tiring but fun experience that I will never forget. My arm and leg muscle mass is quickly growing. However, nothing (including "sexy legs" as my puk leader calls them) comes for free. I have obtained some nice "battle wounds" as I like to call them (aka bruises) on my legs and stomach, but I wouldn't trade them for anything (except perhaps a KTX ticket to the southern coast or Jeju Island and an unlimited supply of pot bingsu--red bean ice cream/ice dessert). Learning how to play the puk from scratch, memorizing an entire routine in 2 weeks and attempting to gracefully spin, walk (don't laugh...it's not ordinary walking!) and sit/crouch down the Korean way has been a challenge, but definitely worth it. There is something to extremely satifying about working towards something that once seemed impossible. I am definitely not even close to being at the same level as my fellow group members, but I know my friends and I have improved in some sense, which is all that really matters right?

As I said before, there is something to be said about struggling through a situation and reaching success in some form. Lia is playing the janggu (장구). Pang is playing the sogo (소고). And I am playing the puk (북). Not to sound cheesy, but I am proud of both of them. Good work girls! I just hope we will be ready by Wednesday (considering that we just learned our instrument solo sections yesterday ha!) and function with the large hats on our heads.

However, I have to admit that there is something extremely satisfying about working towards

Past members of the poongmul group often come to observe our practice and bring snacks. And yesterday they ordered pizza (sweet potato pizza is my favorite). They are rewarding us for our hard work and dedication in preparation for the performance. This is a common practice in Korean. Actually, I often am unsure how to handle a situation in which someone who is older or more experienced (in drumming, etc) offers to treat me to something. However, I have become more accustomed to this cultural gesture.

After each practice the group sits in a circle and reflect on the happenings of practice. During this ordeal, my friend and I attempt to use Korean, which the rest of the group finds endearing (or amusing). We tend to use the same words everyday (with a slight variation), but puttig forth the effort is good. The group listens intently when the three international students speak. Oh my. This is one thing that makes this Yonsei club (데) unique. I have rarely felt such a strong sense of unity and acceptance in groups I have been involved in the states. It is difficult to explain. I wish you could be here to see and experience the group atmosphere.

Well, I shall notify you about how the performance goes. Keep your fingers crossed that we will be able to stay focuses, alert and energetic for the entire 1.5 hour performance! Take care everyone. ^^