An Eventful Bus ride.....

The photo with this posting is a very famous tree near one of the temples. Notice the branches on the left are "trimmed" quite a bit. The story behind this tree...many moons ago...one of the Kings rode his carriage in this area and it would hit the branches...so he had his assistants do a real number on this tree. The plaque near the tree told this story and although the tree lived...it has always maintained this shape. If you have lived in Seoul more than 3 days...you discover there are many "famous" places....and people. This is one of those places.....:-)

I wish I had a photo from my very first subway excursion (on my own) to meet Hannah and Jennifer for dinner. Hannah said she would try to take a picture of the busiest subway times for me to post. There were two train transitions but I allowed plenty of time and it went really well. I kept that map clinched in my hand...so no one doubted my 'green-horn' status on the ride. The subway goes above ground to cross the Hangam River...so really is was a nice ride. It was really busy once I got off at the final stop. I waited for the gals at exit 7 (above ground) and we had a really fun dinner. Hannah had brought my "Cuckoo" Rice Cooker Manual that she had translated...so now I can expand the usage. They wanted to know how my Korean lessons were going...and they liked the fact that I can write my name and say a few things...:-) I practiced with them some basics like "More water please"....It's always funny meeting people for dinner. We really like to go to Korean restaurants and the Koreans really enjoy the Western Style and Italian places. "Italian Wine Bistros" are a real hit over here....they love the pasta..but prefer it to be cooked a bit more than we usually do. I think they like the consistency of the clear noodles...which are alot softer. During the dinner we also talked about some other routes I should attempt on the subway...and they showed me where they lived on the map. Very long rides to work on the subway (but not as long as Chris' commute by car daily).

The real highlight of the evening came as we were walking back to the subway...the gals thought I should consider taking the bus home vs. subway...they didn't want me making the walk from the subway station to the apt. alone...they even offered to ride the bus with me then catch the subway from there...but that would have be SO out of their way. I told them...no problem...help me find the proper Bus number ...and as long as no transfers are required I will give it a try. Then we spotted a very tall/blond fellow listening to his ipod. The place was packed with Korean students leaving a language building...it was packed. The bus entry was actually in the middle of about 5 lanes of traffic on each side...and the bus lanes are painted bright red...for buses only. If you are the unlucky driver of a car in a bus lane....well....you must have a death wish...they do not stop for anything! The nice fellow spotted Hannah and Jennifer coaching me...and asked where I was headed...luckily we needed the same bus number and he offered to make sure I made it....Hannah and Jennifer looked very relieved! When the bus came they stood in the crowd waving...I think they were concerned....it was about 9:45pm. I hopped on the bus and it turns out the fellow was from Manitoba and had lived here for 2 years with his wife teaching English. I said "wow...another Canuck!" and he corrected my pronuciation...haha...I told him about living near Windsor and having some Canadian buddies.... all was well until the bus took off at TOP speed and raced across the bridge...I have no idea how fast we were going but I was holding on for dear life...I really didn't want to make a spectacle out of myself...especially in front of the Canadian...but when the bus seemed to leap across the bridge and take a very hard right turn...I thought I was in trouble...and also wished I hadn't worn my wedge sandals! :-) Finally made it to my stop (aka screeching halt) and said goodbye. At least I was familiar with the area and began walking home. Chris had called my cell while I was on the whirling dervish.. and unable to answer....so I called him back. He had just finished a conference call 10:00...and requested a Mondu from the local Chinese- Fusion place. They were closing but whipped up a quick one for us...and only 1.50...so good price. :-) Honestly, my neck was pretty sore this morning...but much better now. I need to keep exercising if I plan on hitching a ride on that bus route again!

Here is a little "Turkish" update. I mentioned these jovial fellows in a previous post. I stopped by the market for some lettuce/veggies and thought a Kabob might give me some strength...they greeted me as I tripped in the doorway "You move too fast...you must be hungry"....:-) They then got into a little heated exchange (I think the owners are brothers and 2 various other fellows...) and the phrase of the day (this was the only part of the exchange in English)...."Calm yourself man!" Always entertaining....I wish I would do the accent for you guys.....

The Queen's Birthday Ball (archive)

Greetings!
This story is from May 31st, 2008. We arrived in Seoul April 1st and we weren't expecting a formal 'event' so soon....thankfully Dyan was able to mail two gowns from Michigan in time for the Ball. (She considered chocolate also...but was afraid it might melt on the dresses....thanks Dyan!)

This appears to be a 'must attend' event in Seoul...and I can see why. It truly was spectacular. They always maintain an air of mystery...by keeping the theme a secret until the night of the event. This year it was Phantom: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.They had beautiful displays denoting each of his musicals..from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to Jesus Christ Superstar...and a live performance from "Phantom". Buckingham Palace sent their regards in a letter read by the British Ambassador to Seoul. The President of BASS (British Association of Seoul) is super nice and did a great job with this event . The following week I formally met her at a local nail salon...and she was so friendly and gracious. She was speaking to another gal about the Ball and of course I had to interject how much we enjoyed it....:-) I also told her that I loved my raffle prize 500,000Won gift Certificate for the Jimmy Choo flagship boutique here in Seoul! (I have not located the store ..yet...but will post a picture of the shoes once we find them! She has since introduced me to some really super people here in Seoul. She (along with the majority of Ex-pats) have gone home for the Summer...but will return in the Fall for lots of activities!

Back to the Ball....all of the tables were decorated with about 2 dozen long stemmed red roses, a Phantom Mask and of course candle light. All of the waitstaff wore the masks also...I felt kinda sorry for the one trying to wear his glasses with the mask ..they looked uncomfortable to wear but the effect was a really nice touch. The photo attached to this posting is from the table and the other picture is us standing in front of the table...:-) The room was quite dark...since primarily candle-light. I wish I had flipped the camera around and taken a photo of the nice fellow taking OUR picture...he came up and asked if we would like to have our picture...he was wearing a full Kilt...I would say there were at least 8 men dressed this way...and a very friendly group they were!

The band was the returning band from last year...and a real hit...from London "The Lightyears"...we really enjoyed their music. www.thelightyears.com Everyone was dancing...we even danced a few! Of course there is one in every bunch...one gal started twirling and spun herself completely across the dance floor (like in slow motion) and onto my foot. I didn't really notice it at the time...but the next day I had a green/black large circle (about the diameter of her spike) on the top of my foot! Minor injury...but well worth it!

Menu: Ballontine of Corn Fed Chicken, Seafood Tortellini, Lime Sorbet with Gin, Grilled Lamb Cutlets on mini ratatouille Veggies, olive-thyme flavoured lamb jus, white chocolate mousse with raspberry coulis...wide variety of cheeses (a real treat in Korea and difficult to locate at times...and quite expensive). The sponsor list was extensive...I'm just glad Jimmy Choo was a sponsor (and I'm really thankful Chris got up there to claim my prize...it was a madhouse!) The ladies table gifts were from Chanel (great set of items) and all of the men received a bottle of Johnnie Walker.

We sat at a table with other GM couples...the nice people to our left were from Indiana...and the other rascals at the table were from Michigan (I'm pretty sure). No one said "I'm a citizen of the world"...but that's another story.....:-) Thanks for reading!

Typhoon has arrived in Korea!

Well, the typhoon has made land and we are getting some serious wind and rain. The storm is quite beautiful coming across Namsan Mtn. and the rain is intermittent and varies in intensity. This morning...we had 'sheets' of rain falling...we were unable to see past the deck. We read the news about the helicopter crash here in Seoul...and can see why they made an emergency landing in this weather...Rev. Sun Myung Moon "Moonies" must have really been saying some prayers...:-) I read that they performed an x-ray and found no injury...here in Korea...regardless of the injury (almost) they perform an x-ray and you receive an IV. We still see people walking up and the down the streets, in restaurants, arcades...all with IV's and their hospital issued attire. I will try to get a picture of this...

I chuckled at my last post...listing all of the things we were going to do on Friday...sometimes I forget that everything takes a little more time here in Korea...traffic etc. We did make it to the USO and met with our nice travel agent. We also scouted around the place and found you are able to buy US magazines...at US prices (amazing)...I may have noted previously that a People Magazine would run about 18.00-20.00 here in Korea.

There is also a large screen TV with several additional channels in English. We found that FOX, ABC, NBC etc often provide some TV shows and News Broadcasts at little or no cost to the Army...so that's a good thing. We did watch part of "Hannity & Colmes" while checking out the area. The USO relies solely on donations and volunteers...so it looks like they are doing a great service for the Men and Women in uniform. It was small and simple but a good resource area for both civilians and service members alike.

We did make it to Costco...always an adventure. :-) I just would not attempt this on my own...plus I don't drive or have a car...so that would be a challenge. This is really a two person job...and one of the two needs to be strong and agile...:-) We did find a new computer chair and stocked up on many basics. It's always a challenge exiting Costco. You must line-up with your cart/receipt and they will assign an elevator to you so you can get to your parking level...pray you can remember which level...:-) Well, one of the ladies in the cart behind us REALLY wanted to join us on the elevator...so you 'gently' tapped us with her cart and knocked my sandal off...I squealed but was NOT injured (for once) ....she apologized in Korean and I told her "no problem" in Korean...at least that's what I think I said...

Well, we just looked out the window again...and it is a complete downpour. I have never experienced continual rain/weather like this before...it's pretty interesting! We met Rogelio for lunch (during a brief break in the weather) at "Marakech Night" ....the Chef/Owner is the former Chef of the Moroccan Ambassador to Seoul....very tasty. He stayed in Seoul when there was an Ambassador transition...and now has two restaurants.

The flower picture included in this posting is from a flower design competition...this was a prize winner with several ribbons noted. This photo was from the Buddha's Birthday festivities. It was an amazing display. I hope to take one of the following classes in the Fall through SIWA...Asian, Japanese or Korean Flower Design...who knows...maybe we will be able to put together our own little "Asian Floral Garden" in Michigan!

Happy Thursday!

Well, it's a sunny day here in Seoul with a bit less humidity! Here is a photo with the female monk...I think this is one of the only Buddhist groups in S. Korea with females living on the actual temple grounds...don't quote me on that...but I believe that is what we were told.

Tonight is our Korean lesson. Chris has a conference call tonight so I will have an individual lesson. I really liked the fact that our new teacher didn't assign 14 pages of written homework...:-)

Today I mailed our absentee ballots back to Michigan...hope they arrive in time for the election. We have had good results with the Korean mail system so far...plus they are very nice and helpful. They always seem particularly impressed if I have the correct postage affixed! :-) They will also box your items for mailing...all with a smile and a bow...

Well, off to study...it is a holiday here today...but we are unsure which one it is...I don't think it is a National Holiday since the post-office was open. Chris is working today and will be off tomorrow for a trip to the USO, Costco....and maybe a quick drive to see some sights. If it's a nice day...maybe the pool and a book.


Evening update: Just completed the Korean lesson...went very well. I learned to write my full name in Korean, Chris' name, and the teacher's name. I really had a challenge with both last names...we sweated it out a bit...but finally got it. She asked me (In Korean) "what is that" and pointed to my mobilization wedge and yoga mat on the floor...she was so curious about the wedge...I demonstrated ...then asked her if she wanted to try it...she loved it! Now I need to find her one....:-) There is a spectacular moon tonight...I need to go outside to get a better view. Chris is still on a conference call...but will hopefully be home soon. Goodnight everyone!

Dan Cheong Example

This photo was taken during another temple viewing and is a great example of Dan Cheong. The designs and colors have changed over the years but most typical colors are: azure, red, yellow, white and black. This was the ceiling of a small post we climbed that housed a large wooden fish, bell and a drum. We just thought the design and colors were really nice and delicate. This temple is located in the mountains near Seoul...not the same location where the large Buddha is located from the other pictures. We did have lunch (hot noodles with Kimchi sprinkled in the broth) with the monks. Actually, the monks ate behind a curtain but in the same room....and I was thankful for my prior chopsticks experience...those noodles can be slippery! "Slurping" is completely acceptable over here...in fact...while eating noodles you bend your head forward over the bowl (good thing I had that surgery) lift the noodles to your mouth and slurp and you guide the noodles with the chopsticks. I will take a picture of Chris and let him demonstrate next time...

Today I ran a few errands and stopped by our favorite Turkish Kabob place....they are quite proud to be Turkish and always wear a shirt with a Turkish flag. Two choices...lamb or chicken...and we always ask for spicy! I had lamb today...super. I told him how much we enjoyed the Kabob's last time we stopped and he said "The Kabob's are always good here!!" I think there is some heated competition between a few of these Kabob places...but the Turkish is our favorite....and most friendly.

I saw a Nanny (pretty sure about that) with some type of foreigner child/very pale...probably about 3 ....he had a 'play' drill in his hand and was going around 'shooting' people on the sidewalk with his drill. I was waiting to cross the street and he walked up and went "pow" 'pow" with his drill (I guess at his age a pistol and drill seem similar)...his Nanny came and said "Nasty little boy" "Nasty little boy"...she took the drill and they continued on....he ran with his arms dangling like a little monkey....she didn't seem a bit concerned that he could run out into traffic....:-)

Today it is hot but you can breathe....and there is a nice breeze. Yesterday you could see the humidity hanging in the air. The Turkish fellow said yesterday was his day off (they are closed Mondays) and said "I did not stick my head out in the horrid heat"....:-) Hope your Summer is a Happy versus Horrid one....Enjoy!!!!

Monks in Training?

I'm not sure if these little rascals are "Monks in Training" but they sure were cute...and very fast walkers...it was tough getting a photo. This is another picture from the "Buddha's Birthday" in May 08. These little guys sat in the front row during the various ceremonial activities. There was a wonderful orchestra primarily consisting of traditional Korean instruments...it was beautiful.

We had a very rainy Saturday but still managed to go to a local artist fair near one of the Universities....always interesting items and various types of live music. This weekend there were two flute players playing everything from Beatles hits to Beauty and the Beast...all with a Korean twist! :-) We found a Mexican place that many of the people from the UK enjoy....while waiting for your food they bring you a magazine to read...in English! I caught up on the latest Vogue and Chris read a GQ....we felt very hip....:-)

Sunday it was sunny and steamy. We went back to Insadong and met his Mexican buddy "Rogelio".....for lunch at "Mad for Garlic"....wow...and they were serious about the garlic...very tasty pastas and pizza. He told us some great stories from Mexico and how he does Skype with his parents ....and how they love it. He said his Dad raised a little shot of Tequila today while they were chatting....I told him I really wished I had studied my Spanish during my Georgetown days. He said not to worry...it would ALL come back to me and he would be happy to start speaking to me in Spanish....(I am laughing while thinking of his kind offer...) He is going to prepare a traditional Mexican breakfast for us next week.....we can't wait!!! I told Chris he was the tallest Mexican I had ever seen....well over 6 feet tall and quite handsome! I'll let you know how the breakfast goes!

I did meet a Michigander from Berkley today while at the local bakery (Paris Croissant)...she noticed my "Trader Joe's" bag ....I'm trying to get in the habit of carrying a bag with me...extra charge for bags over here....plus it's SO stylish! (Thanks to Mary Alice for the bag!) :-)

Well, just completed my Korean lesson for the evening. I have a new teacher...Kim, Hyeon Jeong...she was so nice and helpful. If she is unsure of the word in English...she draws a picture or acts it out...it's actually a bit like charades...and fun! She really boosted my confidence tonight....and loved it when I gave her a few pieces of Red Ginseng candy at the end of the lesson! Unfortunately, Chris is still at work tonight and wasn't able to attend the lesson...maybe there is a chance I can catch up with him.....he is doing very well with his grasp of the language. I did sign my name in Korean tonight...so that was a big step for me...:-) I really wanted to learn this because when we attend galleries they like for you to sign their book....they usually have a traditional ink type drawing instrument...more appropriate for Korean lettering versus English...I'd better write it on a card and put it in my purse before I forget....:-)

Little Tidbits....

I have some catching up to do regarding pictures and stories...I hope to figure out the 'slide show' feature of the site...more photos coming soon. The picture I am posting today is from May 08 during our great trip to Songnisan National Park. Notice the colorful lanterns which are only present during the week long celebration of Buddha's Birthday. They are lighted in the evening and look spectacular. We have some cool night photos also. Beopjusa Temple is located in the middle of this beautiful park. The other picture posted with the 33 Metre high Buddha, is located in this same temple area. This group also has some female monks...we have a picture of me with a little female monk that I will post soon. There were several hiking trails for varied levels of hiking ability. One thing you need to know about Korea...you MUST have the proper and preferably highest tech hiking gear know to man...plus a walking stick. Chris always wants to buy a few of these sticks so we will 'fit-in' better...that makes me chuckle. :-) Before I came to SK I pictured in my mind just fitting in and 'blending' with the locals....can you hear me laughing loudly?! We completely respect their culture and want to learn as much as possible...but as our teacher "T" from Rochester, Michigan said..."Nicole...you will never be mistaken for a Korean"...he was SO correct. It was a little unnerving at first...all of the stares/glares but I have to realize that foreigners do stand out and that's just the way it is. Staring is not considered rude in their culture. So I guess I won't try my "Take a picture it lasts longer" comeback from high school! haha (Plus they might just take a picture...haha) I think many of them are just very curious. The older Koreans oftentimes bow or nod their head with respect, the teenagers either dismiss you (but still stare without looking so obvious) or would like to try out some of their English on you, and then you see the little kids looking at Chris like he is such a giant! Whatever the word for "WOW" is in Korean...I imagine that is what is going through their mind. They open their little mouths in amazement when they see you shopping or walking down the street. Many of their parents will tell the baby to wave or say hello in Korean...it's very cute. Plus the Korean children are SO well behaved. I am serious...rarely do you even hear a whimper from them. They look so content in their little baby carrier...usually on their parents back or if it is an older Nanny or Grandmother they somehow wrap a blanket around the baby and their waist...they sure look happy! Now that we have learned "a little" Korean I can hear school age kids say "American" in Korean...sounds like "Me Kuk" "Me Kuk" ..I only know that because when our driver Mr. Kim was with us (we were fortunate to have his services for 2 months) I would ask him what people were saying or whispering....now I want to keep learning so I can hopefully pick up a bit of what they are saying myself. We are getting much better communicating with taxi drivers and basic polite greetings...things like that.

One thing I will say. If you are struggling ordering food or on the subway most of the time a nice Korean will ask you if you need assistance. I was in a Pharmacy one day trying to get a prescription that the Dentist recommended for Chris...I had gone to 5 Pharmacies with no luck...the last fellow must have had some pity and pulled out 3 large books. We went through them together to see if any of the formulas were close to what was recommended. He even called his Daughter on his cell-phone for some translating regarding what the medication was for. Then amazingly a very handsome Korean fellow walked into the Pharmacy and spoke in perfect English...asked me what I needed...discussed it with the Pharmacist...he had some input regarding what he thought might be beneficial... and the best part... graduate of the University of Louisville...a Korean Cardinal right in our midst! :-)

George Winston Sighting!

Good Morning from the "Land of the Morning Calm"

About two weeks ago Chris and I were strolling through an area of Seoul known as Insadong. This is great area filled with Art Galleries, traditional Korean items for purchase, various street artists, musicians, antiques, and some great restaurants. Chris has such busy weeks at work, we often enjoy checking out the different galleries (we find new ones each and every time) and just relaxing. We have a few favorite tea places with not only great teas but green tea chocolate...awesome! It is bitter/dark chocolate dusted with green tea...very good. If you return to the same place more than once...they will often reward you with a little 'extra' piece of cookie/chocolate..something like that.

So, you are probably wondering about the picture.... as we were walking around on a warm day(very warm)...we looked to our right and I said "Chris, that looks like George Winston"....we looked closer and we thought it had to be him...so we walked over and Chris asked him if he was George Winston. He smiled a big smile ...said yes...and immediately started asking where we were from...things like that. He was so warm, genuine, kind, and humble. To be such a great talent you would think he might be too busy to chat...but he seemed to really enjoy visiting with us. Honestly, I think he was glad to see some English speakers who recognized him. :-) His tour manager Larry (he called him his 'tour photographer'..haha) snapped this photo of us standing in front of a local music store. It turns out George was filming a promotion for Seoul Tourism and had just flown in from Japan. We told him how much we enjoyed his last concert in Detroit at the DSO. He said he really enjoyed the facilities and acoustics at the DSO and smaller venues....he also mentioned a favorite place to play in Royal Oak...but we aren't sure the location. We told him we would look into getting tickets for his upcoming concert in Seoul (July1)....then I blurted out that I had 6 of his CD's...haha...what do you say to someone like that? Chris told him I was a huge fan and George seemed genuinely touched. Finally, we told him we would let him continue his visit to Insadong...but he said he was happy to chat as long as we would like. One interesting note. Larry the tour manager was the previous tour manager of "Slayer"....he said managing the tours for George was quite a bit calmer...I have no doubt! Larry is from Texas and George currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.

We did go to the concert July1, 2008 and I will post a separate story/photos from that day also...it was great and we met with George and Larry again after the concert (I'm just calling him George now...since we have become buddies...:-)

The maiden voyage of "A Wildcat In Seoul!" blog

Greetings Family and Friends!

I have been thinking and talking.... and thinking some more about starting this blog....so here we go! I was afraid I would forget some of the cool stories and experiences here in S. Korea if I didn't get the blog started soon! (I am almost 40 you know!!!) :-)

I have written a few journal entries ...on actual paper and will title/post those as I can. I will also work on uploading some pictures...as they say a picture is worth a million or thousand words! (Of course I have never been short on words!)

Today the weather is quite beautiful...and humid. On these clear days we can see Namsan Mountain and part of Seoul Tower from our living room window. I am really looking forward to sharing our stories, experiences, and opinions about life in Seoul. Please feel free to post on the site or on nlwildcat@yahoo.com We always enjoy hearing from our family and friends...in the US and Canada! Hi Sam! :-) We also use Skype and Yahoo for both IM and direct chatting. Our webcam is working great. We do not have a Skype phone number yet...but our Skype name is easy....nlwildcat or the email address nlwildcat@yahoo.com or nicki7410 for Yahoo IM. We have Korean cell phones...which is truly a must around here. Everyone has a cell and the place is wired...there is no location that you are unable to get reception on your phone...seriously. I haven't figured out how to program...but it speaks to me in Korean and plays lots of interesting songs! :-)

My rice cooker continues to work like a dream. It is Gold/Sparkles and quite a stunner. I love it. It also speaks to me in Korean, blows little whistles....like having a little buddy in the apartment..:-)

Well, I'd better stop typing and hit the gym. I will blog later about volunteer opportunities here in Seoul.

Have a GREAT day and I hope you enjoy reading the blog!!!

Nicole