Back to the blog! :-)

Where in the world have I been? Well, for starters I began neglecting my blog when my activity level began increasing (and maybe my socializing!) :-) We have truly met friends here in Seoul that I have a feeling will be life-long friends....and I can't wait to visit them in their home countries! The typhoon is upon is now....so I thought I would take this opportunity before potentially another power outage to just check-in with my blog and say hello.

During the Summer we had the adventure of a lifetime....went to Tibet and Nepal....amazing experiences...and plenty of Yak meat (tasty!)

My goal is to resume my blog on a daily basis....I want to keep even a small record of the awesome experiences and opportunities we are having during our time in Asia...we truly love it!

Flower Design 5/11/09

A modified upright style with a 'twist'...we added Bamboo for a nice effect. The two bamboo pieces in the front were shaped like pencil holders with smaller arrangements placed inside. Our instructor wanted the smaller containers to have no more than 2 varieties.....'keep it simple' she said. I really enjoyed working with the new material...thankfully she had a varied vision for of each of us...which really made it interesting. Using almost identical ingredients we ended up with really different designs...it was fun. This was long lasting also...

Since my last posting from the Orange Ball things have been really going well! The kindergarten kids are doing great and continue to amaze/entertain me. Presented two restaurant reviews at the AWC meeting. I chose our favorite rib place (Barbecue Corner Bistro) and one of our top burger places (All American Diner). I'm happy to report that I walked away a winner from the raffle...2 complimentary dinners from a cool Chinese restaurant...can't wait to try it out! (I'll review it in the blog..haha).

Met one of the top (or 'famous' as the Koreans say) Pop Stars on May 14th. Met some nice gals for dinner at one of the newest/hippest (you know I need to be hip) restaurants in Itaewon (Bliss). One of the gals knew him and gave him a little wave as he wheeled up in his convertible Lexus. Next thing you know...we are presented with four tasty desserts and a little wave from his broken arm. (I wondered if he fractured his arm doing some type of complicated dance move....but actually he fell on the sidewall in front of Hamilton Hotel!)

We were hoping to go to a Korean baseball game over the weekend but the weather wasn't cooperating. This is the best time to go (Spring) before the sweltering days of Summer...maybe next weekend! Chris went to a game last season and loved it. He reported lots of cheerleaders/dancing/chants/large clappers for everyone!

Had a very productive run to Costco on Monday with Kristin. She is really getting comfortable driving on the challenging streets of Seoul. (Her husband is in India...so she has 'wheels' this week!) We arranged for her to pick me up at 'our corner' ....a large intersection between our apartments. Just like clock-work she arrived and we hopped across the Hannam Bridge to Costco. We made it in such good time that the store was not open....but we were able to jockey our carts into line and be some of the first in! I have never seen Costco so empty...normally you have difficulty finding a parking place! The ground beef machine was broken, so no hamburger but no problem. After unpacking our food into the coolers in the car...we headed to the huge flower market across the street. We found some great herbs for the porch...except for the Dill. Also found 2 perfect little trees for the porch...and a good price...10,000kwon each (a little under 10 US). I used the fresh Parsley (and Fresh Dill from the market) in my homemade Ranch dressing...delicious! We usually make a Balsamic/Olive Oil dressing but I've been craving the Ranch lately (maybe because I have never seen it here). The only incident...as we were pulling away from the last market, the car somehow contacted a large/yellow/heating radiator...it's like it jumped out in front of us!! :-) Thankfully, minimal damage and some yellow paint on the rear tire. Kristin is an excellent driver and I was happy for the lift!

Well, I'd better close this entry. We're having pulled-pork sandwiches tonight...and it's smelling really good...guess I should get 'pullin'....:-)

Dutch Orange Ball

We attended our first (and hopefully not last) Dutch Orange Ball ...and really had a 'ball'...:-) I posted some of my pictures on FB but didn't want to forget my blog readers! We really enjoyed everyone at our table...friends and new friends alike! We were very happy to have a big winner (Bruce Haines) sitting at our table. His Samchuly bicycle-designed by Andre Kim is awesome! The menu consisted of : Smoked river trout parfait and salmon roe with mustard leave salad and spring blossom, Carrot cappuccino with coriander, Passion fruit granite with vodka (served in ice with a glowing light!), Grilled beef tenderloin with pumpkin tart and sauteed spinach, Grapefruit and orange tart with macadamia ice cream (delicious!). The band was called 'Dreamcast' and very popular in the Netherlands. They were top-notch! I believe the Dutch Ball celebrates the Dutch Queen's birthday and has become a well-known tradition in Seoul over the years. The theme of the ball this year was bicycles....and they were everywhere! (Along with Orange Colors and flowers everywhere-no, we were not at a Tennessee game!) I didn't realize that bicycle riding was SO popular for the Dutch....but it is! They even hired an acrobat bicycle group from Korea to perform-amazing. We enjoyed having dancing interludes between the food courses....that was fun. And the best part....all of the proceeds benefit needy charities throughout Seoul/Korea. It was so nice for Chris to have a break from the daily stresses and just enjoy a relaxing night out with special friends...lovely evening!

Good Samaritan in Itaewon!

We always hear about the 'bad' news...but today I experienced a genuine 'good news' story! :-) After a fun-filled day with the 'Monkeys' I hopped off the subway in Itaewon to grab a few things at the market for my 'spicy spaghetti' tonight! As I left the little bread store next to the market it began raining a bit harder. Fortunately, Chris had emailed this morning to remind me to pack an umbrella...so I was prepared. As I'm walking at a faster pace...I didn't notice that my imitation Burberry shopping bag is about to break. The sidewalk was pretty empty except for one very tall fellow in a hoodie...smoking a cigarette. As I began to pass him on the sidewalk, my bag completely broke with all of my items (including my swimming supplies) flying in all directions. I yelped 'O, No!" ...he turned around...starting helping me pickup the items..then we realized I had no 'backup' bag. Luckily, (and I'm completely serious about this) the owner of a Moroccan restaurant that we have met a few times must have spotted the calamity on the sidewalk...he yells from his 3rd floor window..."I have a bag for you!!" I was so happy...the Italian fellow that was assisting me ran at top speed (seriously) up the stairs...retrieved the bags and held them open while I deposited all of the market items, bathing suit, moisturizer...everything. I felt a bit silly when he picked up my cover-up...so I said "I was teaching swimming lessons"...and he smiled and said "That's a very good thing to do"...:-) I gave a little wave and a 'thumbs up' to my buddy in the window and continued on my way. So really I had two Good Samaritans today.....:-)

Cherry Blossom Festival 4/11/09

Flower Class & Lunch 4/13/09

Monday was an extra fun flower class. Our classmate Christina invited us to her home for the class and lunch. You may remember her spectacular home from a blog last year. She is such a super hostess and simply a really kind/generous person. (Not to mention elegant!)

This class focused on 3 variations of the upright style. Our teacher said "the upright style can be boring but you can choose it if you want"....:-) I felt more comfortable with the Upright Style and began my work...then 'we' transformed it to a modified Upright...and I liked it better. She always has a vision for our arrangements so you hate to disappoint....:-) Since Spring is in full swing here in Korea she said we would focus on a nice Spring arrangement. I was pleased with the finished product. She also demonstrated a Centerpiece arrangement consisting of all white flowers but different types...it was stunning. She also had the University student demonstate a modified Upright using a red flower that is native to Korea and long lasting....I need to get the name of that one. It will be interesting going to the flower markets with our instructor. Our class was larger today because one of the gals from another one of her classes is moving back to Houston, Texas...and wanted an extra class before she leaves. She actually started crying during the session and said she enjoyed living in Korea. I told her she will be able to make some really beautiful arrangments for a dinner party or something when she gets back to Texas...I don't think it really comforted her. (I tried!) She also said she always wanted children but had to settle for a Chihuahua.....this our first and I guess last encounter. Christine's little fox terrier (Sammie) was happy to see us...except appeared a bit leary of one of the students...hmmmmm.

Now to lunch. Wow! Christine arranged delivery of the BEST sushi I have had in Korea (from Shinsagae). The salmon melted in your mouth...it was awesome. She also had an Abalone salad with a homemade dressing- I need to get the recipe! She also had Bulgogi/Rice, Tempura Shrimp and Veggies, Korean Clear Noodles with sauce and probably something else I am forgetting! Dessert consisted of fresh strawberries with a hot brownie...and green tea. We all ate with Chopsticks on her fine china and I must say it was such a nice day. She lives on the 49th floor overlooking Cherry Blossom trees and a huge mountain. Like last time, she was so kind to send her driver to fetch us for the class. Super lady and hostess! (I'm taking notes!!!) :-)

I'm posting my blogs in opposite order....next I will write about our wonderful Easter at the Salvation Army Church and Michael and Kristin's house after for a delicious lunch! I will also post some great pictures from the Cherry Blossom festival! Red Letter Weekend!

Flowers 4/3/09...

Another attempt of the 'Modified Upright Style'. The branches were thicker and made placement into the oasis a bit challenging! We had a smaller class today so each of us did a different style with the same flowers. After the class, she demonstrated making the smaller sized arrangements with last weeks flowers...one of my favorite things to do!

This week has really been a good one. Maybe it is partly the Spring weather and blooming of everything. Seems there are more smiles on the sidewalks...or at least a few less frowns! :-) Yesterday (Monday) I visited my buddies at the local Post-Office. While I was waiting for my turn, the gal I usually speak with came walking in the front door. We did a little greeting then she looked over at her boss and headed for the back of the office. I assumed she was busy and just kept waiting. After about a minute she came back out to the waiting area and pressed 2 candy balls into my hand...gave me a big grin...then gave a serious looks and returned to her desk. She is such a character. When I went up to get the postage she looked at me seriously then raised her eyebrows and grinned. I'm sure she is trying to look professional...but really wanting to chat! (Or least have us try for a little chat!)

I was really pleased this morning when the Treasurer for the Dutch Orange Ball delivered our tickets and orange bow-ties with little bicycles on them....for the guys at the table. They are so cute. I didn't realize it would be such a coordinated affair! When I ran down to fetch the tickets the nice lady said "Here you go...I'm sure you will be wearing something nicer to the ball"...I laughed....then wondered if she was really frightened by my outfit! :-) (I'm sure it was just a little attempt at humor). During the ride up in the elevator I looked at myself and thought I could have presented myself a bit better! :-)

Today (Tuesday) was absolutely beautiful! Went to the AWC (American Women's Club) meeting/coffee morning. The speakers were from all of the various charities that the group supports though the Second Hand Rose Thrift Shop on the US Army Base. I don't think there was a dry eye in the place when the Irish Priest came forward and spoke of starting a group home for mentally challenged adults...and how the group has grown since it's beginnings in the 1970's. Quite a story. One of the other very touching stories came from a Nurse/Nun who stayed after the Korean War and started a Nursing Home/Hospice Program. She even makes the breads for sale from wheat...really from scratch! Of course I bought several little handicrafts, scones, cookies...all kinds of things. Some US Soldiers spoke of their work in some remote orphanages....awesome stuff. I really felt choked up when the Korean boy with CP (I think) came to the front with one of the Nuns and read his poem to the group (in Korean). His poem was one of several that were published in a book that was for sale today. I'm happy to say the poetry books sold out...I'm on the waiting list for a few more...plus the little fellow signed all of the books! I left there feeling even more appreciative of my life....for sure.

After the fun morning we headed off to...can you guess...my favorite Kabob shop!!! ( Julie gave us a lift in her cute little GM/Daewoo car...with 2- tone interior...very cute!) Unfortunately, it was too busy and there was no seating for about 12 of us. We went to another Kabob place with outdoor seating. It wasn't quite as awesome...but very tasty! (And great french fries). After lunch we headed to a jewelry repair shop and the market...I needed some ingredients for the Poppy Chicken Recipe! I'll be substituting yogurt for sour cream...so we will see how it goes! Chris is giving Alberto a ride home from work so I can check his knee.

In summary...I would say this was another 'Red Letter Day'....and I'm thankful!