Do you have what it takes to join the Drumming Club?

Imagine a small room lined with mats, traditional Korean drums (such as 장구 janggu-->hourglass drum and 북 buk-->barrel drum), shoes smashed into a corner and the smell of ja jang myun 짜장면 (Korean-style Chinese noodle dish). This is the "hang out" room for one of Yonsei's drumming clubs.

--Side note: I have never seen so many umbrellas. To simplify the situation, attempting to work your way through a crowd is a challenge. People use umbrellas when it's raining (even drizzling), snowing and to protect from the sun, but sunglasses are not popular even on the sunniest days.--

On a rainy day this was the perfect place to escape the dreary day and this group definitely puts everyone in a good mood. Saturday was initiation day in which the club welcomed new members and invited former members to a watch a performance and participate in various activities. Being the only "foreigners" in the group, my friends and I had no idea what the day entailed, but this adds to the element of surprise and excitement right...?

First, the new members gathered together to plan some form of entertainment for the rest of the club. Bouncing back ideas was quite amusing because it was difficult to translate "creative" ideas. Let's just say that my cell phone dictionary and I became quite close. After formulating a plan we were escorted to a more spacious room in a neighboring building. After our performances, the group formed a large circle. All of a sudden select members entered the center of the circle with to introduce themselves, recite some kind of chant, drink a "special" mixed drink and sing a short solo. My shoulder muscles tightened when I realized each new member (including the foreigners) were expected to partake in this as well.

One by one, we entered the center of the circle to bring an empty 괭괴리 gwengwari to a sunbae (mentor or someone with more experience) of our choice, who was someone we wished to become closer to. Following the group's tradition, we had to choose carefully because some sunbae would be kinder than others in what they chose to add to the gwengwari (besides alcohol). Each member from a particular group (newbies, seniors, etc) was responsible for finishing the contents of the gwengwari . Bottoms up... We cringed as additional ingredients were being mixed into the gwengwari including morsels of food and coffee. It was a special treat to watch the chosen members wash their hands (or feet) and swirl the liquid in their mouth and graciously return it to its rightful place in the gwengwari . I have never endured anything that remotely resembled this experience, but what a rush. All I can say is "Well-done group!"

Just survive serenading the group with your "wonderful" vocals and you are home free. What an adrenaline rush but once its over "phew." Oh man. Only in Korea... or more so only in this group. I absolutely love everyone in this club. This experience definitely skyrockets to the top.





Mission accomplished. Now off to watch the group perform!
(and join the festivities!)

...followed by (you guessed it) 삼겹설 sam gip sal

Randoms Thoughts

I apologize for my delay in creating a proper post. Updates are on their way!

Random Thoughts:
*Commercialized Holiday: March 14: White Day- guys buy flowers, candy, etc for their girlfriends (Valentine's Day there is a reverse of roles)
*Entertaining Konglish(콩글리시): topless car= convertible
eye shopping= window shopping
secret number= password
*Why is notebook paper longer than the folders?

*Food/snack/drink highlights: -Tuna Gimbap (잠지 김밥)
-Kimchi Chigae (김치찌개)
-Bibimbop (비빔밥)
-Samgyupsal(삼겹살)
-Ddeokbokki (떡볶이)
-Green tea latte (녹차)
-Milk (유우) is much better in Korea--- including the flavored milk (banana, soy... yeah...)





-I'm also a fan of ice cream even when it's chilly outside: melon bars, walnut, etc (corn ice cream is tasty) ------------->


**Cell phones have the best pre-made "expressions" for text messaging. Much better than the typical :)
(even though you all know that I am a big fan of this classic smiley)



*My Shopping Recommendations: Myeongdong, Dongdaemun Market, near Ewha University,


Insadong-->

-making 떡












*Constant playing of music while roaming the Yonsei campus, Shinchon streets


Yonsei University--------------------------->

*Note to self: -keep my hands firmly by my side when someone aggressively shoves a piece of paper or some other tangible item at me...
-pushing in a subway or adamantly claiming your place in line at Grand Mart is NOT rude (아주머 do not feel bad about pushing you aside haha)

*Fun activities: -Jump performance (Comedy Martial Arts)

<--- hilarious show!





-Mountain Climbing (Do Bong Mt.) ------------->

Happy Easter everyone!

Good Morning Korea

Stumbling off my bed onto the heated wooden floorboards. My vision is blurred without the help of my contact lenses or plastic frame glasses. Waking up in Seoul, I feel a similar sensation as my predictable daily Minnesota world is thousands of kilometers away. I close my eyes only to discover that a scooter or car has decided to take a spin on the sidewalk past a group of stylish girls strolling through the streets in their high heels, leggings and colorful sweaters. Food venders fill every street corner with rice cakes, kimbop, fruit and various items covered in chili paste. I keep my hands by the side as I decline to take advertisements from individuals practically shoving pieces of paper into my face and turn my head to one of the food venders.

I can feel my leg muscles tighten as I learn to speed walk through the crowded streets, my stomach beg to enter Red Mango and the various restaurants and my ears strain to understand the KPop music playing from cell phone and clothing stores. My definition of personal space has transformed or rather become nonexistent, as it is rare to have more than a few inches of breathing space between myself and the person in front of me. But despite all the people, I feel extremely safe among the crowds as long as I watch my step as my foot enters the pavement. Crosswalks do not guarantee your safety. I confidently stick my sneakers into the road and move with the mass of people.

Girls and guys alike are definitely up on the latest fashion. My clothing and lack of makeup most likely marks me as someone who has not lived in Seoul for an extended period of time, but my face permits me to blend in to an extent. Being a Korean-American (Kyopo), people will often speak to me in Korean, but the minute I open my mouth my nationality becomes apparent. Even when I use my short phrases and small vocabulary I am sure that my pronunciation could use a great deal of improvement. The need to study hard in my language class has increased (at least in my eyes). Luckily I am learning to navigate my way around the Yonsei campus in a speedy fashion, so library here I come! Or at least that's where I intend to go until I am distracted a number of other attractions. And I keep telling myself this is only the beginning, but time is escaping me.

Am I really in Korea?

I am in Korea. No really. I am LIVING in Korea for a semester. This minor detail did not really start to register in my brain until… today. People who have studied abroad in the past have told me that this realization process slowly sinks in as time elapses. So according to this theory, I am right on track. Some friends from my program and I were skirting through the streets of Sinchon bouncing-off-the-wall-and-heated-floors thrilled (somehow excited does not quite cut it) to take in the bittersweet smell, taste, unraveling hints of freedom. Apparently this is what a weeklong orientation session does to a college student (or maybe it’s just me). Although I was a completely captivated as the “master” of ceramics created pot, bowl, pitcher… (you name it) at one of three folk villages we visited. We attempted to follow his skillful example as we sculpted our own piece of pottery. And we were able to take advantage of the heated floors as we ate dinner on a low table with seat cushions. Being the Korean-food-loving nut that I am, I have no complaints about the food. J During the weekend in Kyeong Joo, we also watched a traditional mask dance, Korean seesaw and drum performances.

When I was growing up, my family and I made our own Korean seesaw with wooden boards from Menards and by “borrowing” sandbags from the street corners. I am assuming that the construction workers didn’t lose too much sleep over the mysterious disappearance of their sacks of sand. I wish I could concoct a more high-tech version of the seesaw, similar to the one at the folk village, so when I return to the states… here is yet another thing to add to my to-do list.

The most interesting place we visited was the DMZ (demilitarized zone between North and South Korea). With our hardhats and leg muscles, our group walked through one of the four tunnels that was discovered between the seventies and nineties by South Korea, which offered proof that North Korea may have been planning an attack on the south yet again.

By last night I was exhausted and eager to be released from released from orientation. Jumping into my bed in Casa Ville (hotel/apartment) never sounded more appealing. My roommate, Kelly and I crashed hard into the beds, which are literally an inch away from one another.

Today was my first day of classes, but before walking to the Yonsei campus, I went to Eastern Social Welfare Society (ESWS) to find an open volunteer time at the adoption agency. I had visited the agency on my previous trip to Seoul, so once I located the building the interior looked familiar. I was given a blood test (I am determined to “overcome” almost every fear I have while in Korea… that includes needles…) and selected a time on the weekend to volunteer. I will be helping take care of infants and toddlers, which I am excited about this opportunity.

After leaving ESWS, I wandered back to Yonsei. The campus is quite a bit larger than St. Thomas or at least it seems this way since I am not familiar with the university yet. I can’t wait to explore of the campus (and Seoul… and Korea in general) these next coming months. My language class will begin tomorrow. Well, I shall leave you with a swift goodbye since I should probably attempt to get some rest since I have find my class tomorrow morning. Goodbye for now!

Arrival in Seoul!

My flight arrived at the Incheon Airport on Thursday evening. I have been staying with the host family from my previous trip and trying to adjust to the various everyday differences from my life back in the states. The wife does not speak much English, so we have been attempting to make use of broken Korean and English words and phrases to communicate, which is probably good for the both of us. We both need practice. At the Co-Ex mall, we were writing words on a napkin in an attempt to make sense of the day's plans and learn a little more about one another. It's definitely a switch to go from primarily hearing English (or other various langauges while traveling) to mostly Korean. Korean dramas. Korean radio stations. Korean food. Korean conversation. 한국어, 한국어, 한국어 (Korean, Korean, Korean)... And attempting to converse with the sales clerk about a purchasing a cell phone is... difficult (even with someone to help translate).

Oh, and I'm trying to get used to announcing that I am 23 years old (Korean age) instead of 21 (in the states).

Last night we went over to a relative's (brother's) home to watch a professional soccer game (Korea vs. Japan). My eyes were glued to the screen and I'm usually not a huge sports fan. Soccer is very popular in Korea. I would love to watch a live game while I am here. The World Cup takes place in 2008, but tickets are VERY hard to come by.

Tomorrow I will move to my dormitory or apartment. Orientation begins on Tuesday! Until then, take care!


My CIEE group!

Taipei

Let me start off by saying that my chosen route of travel has been all across the board. Each country I have visited definitely has its own feel (generically speaking). Transportation has gone from double-decker buses to pink taxi meters to tuk tuks to MRT. Everything is very colorful in Taipei including clothing, commercials and signs. This seems to be a similar trend in some Asian cultures (remember this from last time I visited Korea). I stayed with my friend, Grant in his apartment located near his university and Tamkang (Tamsui) University is flooded with students! Classes began on the 20th (day before I left), so the fairly quiet campus resumed its active, lively feel as students began to reemerge from their one-month break.

I sat in for a couple of Grant's classes, which was quite the experience. Actually the first course sylabi was similar to one of journalism courses at St. Thomas, except the the class size was doubled or tripled with a different classroom environment. The professor had car trouble so he made his appearance late to Grant's second class. So, the students made use of the time by either mingling with one another or attempting to make a joint decision concerning a party held for "the chosen" professors. Although I did not completely understand the discussion (given that I am not too familiar with Mandarian), this is what I could comprehend with the help of Grant's roommate, Scott. There was not order to this "voting"/decision-making process, but that's what held my attention I suppose. Oh chaos can be good sometimes. :) But we ducked out early so I could explore the campus. He accomplished his task (designated by Grant) to show me the university, although I was not allowed to enter the 5-star library haha.

Following suit with the large class sizes, in general Taipei is quite a crowded city, especially compared to St. Paul, MN where everything is spread out and the population density is nothing compared to this. I suppose this is preparing me for Seoul, Korea, which will be my next and final destination. There were some Korean tourists in Taipei, but a majority were from Japan. It has been interesting to see who are the main visitors in each country. For instance, my motorbike drivers told me that Cambodia is a popular vacation spot for Koreans.

While the Cambodian "pancake" and amok were among my favorite dishes in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, it is difficult to choose just a few favorite items in Taipei. I cannot even count how many things I tried in my 4 day visit. However, the pearl milk tea (bubble tea) definitely beat Tea Garden back in Minnesota. Grant and his friends told me that bubble tea was invented in Taiwan, so I guess it seems logical that the taste exceeds anywhere else. Burgers (not typical ones you find in the US) and milk tea became part of our morning ritual (not complaints here). Basically, I never went hungry in Taipei. I don't think this was allowed. :) The only things that weren't on my top list were... shark, squid and pig stomach (in the soup)... But the other choices were plentiful so no worries. Walk through a night market and you'll be surrounded by smells (food) and venders selling an array of random items.

Some highlights:
Grant introduced me to numerous parts of Taipei life, filling each day with many sights and activities. Let's just say that I was never bored. The first day, we explored Taipei City Hall with his friend Alan, which allowed me to catch a glimpse of the modern, trendy lifestyle. And what lies in Taipei City Hall you may ask? Taipei 101, which is the tallest building in the world. We took the elevator, which holds another record (fastest elevator), reaching the 89th floor in 27 seconds. (Hong Kong is home to the longest escalator in Soho). Madde, Megan, Al and Joan, I thought of you as I gazed out from the top. ;)

Jioufen was a quite different experience, a more traditional look at Taiwan. Grant, Marcus (his friend) and I took the train (TRA) and then a bus attempting keep our step as the bus tossed its passengers back and forth. It rained the entire time we were in Jiofen, but rain does not bother me. My "fabulous" shoes (aka my falling apart gray Vans) were put to the test and passed! A warm bowl of green bean soup cures anything. :)

Somehow we even managed to visit the National Palace Museum and Longshan Temple, which received high recommendations in my Taipei books (and I understand why).

Well, now I am in Seoul, which is another story in itself, but you shall hear about this in the mere future!

Farewell Cambodia

Hammocks in a restaurant outside of the city->
It has just hit me that my time in Cambodia has come to an end. I am off to Taipei tomorrow (mid-afternoon). I feel as if I am being tossed back and forth between entirely different cultures, underdeveloped versus consumer-driven, and yes... weather conditions (but no complaints considering the weather I left behind in Minnesota). I spend a couple days visiting the typical tourist attractions, which are worth seeing, but it has been nice to also just see Phnom Penh by various modes of transportation including motorbike (most "freeing" ride ever), tuk tuk and yes on foot. I won't bore you with all the details about each place I ventured into, because yes I understand that firsthand accounts and photographs are more visually pleasing and attention-grabbing. Wat Phnom (place from which Phnom Penh derives its name) and the Royal Palace are two places one should visit while in the city.

Tho, my tuk tuk driver also drove me to Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek Genocide Museums. Tuol Sleng once was a high school, but under the Khmer regime was turned into Security Prison 21 (S-21). Choeung Ek is one of the killing fields, in which mass graves were discovered. I did not really take photos while visiting these places because doing so just didn't seem right. They are places one should visit, but in my opinion, not record on film. If you do not know about what took place in 1975-1979 under the Khmer Rouge, please do a little research, because this is something that I did not have much prior knowledge about before reading up on Cambodia.

I spent a good amount of time staring at the modes of decor in and surrounding the structures of the palace. Oh yes, and I was chased by a guard for wandering a little outside of the restricted parameters... If you need to know more, find the Australian guy I met on the stairs. While in Wat Phnom, I snapped a photo of the last elephant to survive the rule of Khmer Rouge (not the last elephant in Cambodia though).

By the time I visited the National Museum, I was rather "museum-ed out" (if this makes any sense), so I don't know if my attention span allowed me to give the museum a proper amount of mindful though. I did my best though.

Actually, my favorite part about Cambodia has been visiting with the various people (being overseas travelers and locals). Actually, on Valentine's Day (was reminded by the numerous couples riding around on motorbikes carrying flowers-- it's celebrated in Phnom Penh... western influence perhaps?), I had a long conversation with the lady taking admission tickets for Wat Phnom. She spoke with me about relationships, in particle relationships between Cambodian women and Caucasian men. It was interesting to hear her thoughts about this phenomenon. She herself had been proposed to twice; one time being only 2 weeks after they had met. The man had promised her a nice home and wealth, but being a strong women, she only wished to marry for love and had not known this fellow for a long enough period of time. This being said, she said that many women here do accept such proposals. And today, I spent time with a boy from Phnom Penh who provided me with another insight. He told me how he has not had many girlfriends because Cambodian (and other women) are not attracted to guys of his dark skin color and money situation. It appears that women have an easier time than me at breaking away from a certain lifestyle, but the details I do not know. Some people are just attracted to a certain look (race, eye color, etc), while others may be attracted to the stereotypical connotations that go along with a certain group of people. It was interesting to hear the various opinions of people I met along my way. I have been contemplating the whole notion of what men and women are truly looking for in a partner and what conditions affect their decisions.

I cannot tell you how many people asked me if I am married (not whether I have a boyfriend, but whether I am married). Another popular game has been guessing where I am from. It seems that everyday my country of origin changes. One day, people were speaking random Korean phrases to me (assuming I am Korean) and the next asking whereabouts in Japan I live. And the woman and housekeeper of the family I am currently staying with said believe I look Chinese. All this guessing makes me chuckle, but at the same time question my paperwork. Am I really a full-blood Korean? Personal identity. Maybe this is something best left to explore along the way tweaking the information here and there (no set in stone information/descriptions). But one thing is for certain, I am westernized whether I like it or not. The minute I open my mouth it is obvious that I am from the US. I did try pulling off as being from Canada once, but the person I was trying to fool turned out to be from Canada herself. So she obviously didn't buy into my act, but we did discuss Thunder Bay for a while...

People seem to enjoy practicing English. I walked with three young Buddhist monks today, who were eager to take a photo with me and attempt to use their English. I have been trying to pick up some Cambodian language (Khmer) as well, but I'm just hoping I'll be able to retain it once I start learning more Korean. Languages are fascinating. It truly is crucial to become proficient in as many as possible in order to hear people's stories and to show sincere interest in someone's culture in general. Goodness. I better get started! (but perhaps focus on Korean first...) Next stop Taipei, Taiwan! Pretty sure, I will never forget the busy streets full of motorbikes, tuk tuks and other vehicles which disregarded the street lines (driving into traffic---literally) and the stopsigns (which I did not see in Siem Reap) in which people did not always interpret as "stop"signs. Like I said, the adrenaline rush is exhilarating. And the family I stayed with will definitely be missed. I feel lucky to have gotten to know such amazing people.


to the right--> Cambodian "pancake"