Back in the saddle....

There have been so many 'Red Letter Days' lately...I just wish I could remember the details a bit better! :-) I do believe that the little experiences are usually the most note-worthy. An example would be walking into Itaewon with Chris last weekend and hearing Gordon Lightfoot (Wreck of the Edmund Fitz) blaring from a speaker cocked in a little second floor shoe shop....or being at the gym and thinking the music sounds 'familiar'....but not exactly like you remember..."I was made for loving you" by KISS...same music but with Korean words...actually it sounded pretty close...even in a different language! Today I walked into town with the goal of exchanging 100,000KWon into Hong Kong Dollars. I had heard this little shop near the KFC had the BEST exchange rate around so I gave it a try. I knew I was going to have some challenges when I asked what the exchange rate currently was. The lady behind the bullet-proof glass ignored me initially...then I sweetly asked again...she yelled "Go to the Bank!" in clear English...then she resumed her money counting. By this time a small line had formed behind me...a really nice Korean guy (probably around 30) looked at me...I pointed to my money and said "Hong Kong Dollar?" ...the fellow told her in Korean to tell me the exchange rate and to exchange my money. At least I 'think' that is what he said...because she punched in the rate on her calculator...showed me...I nodded in acceptance...she handed me the cash. Poor guy probably wanted to get the line moving...:-) That is one really nice thing about Korea...strangers will assist you if you appear confused/unsure/in some type of distress.....I believe they truly want to help you....or at least get the line moving again! :-)

Tomorrow we are heading to Hong Kong! I am almost packed and really looking forward to it. We will be there for the Lunar New Year or 'Loonie New Year' as some people refer to it. I told Chris we might fit in just perfectly for this holiday! :-) Although things may be a bit slower on the actual holiday (Jan. 26) I do believe there will be an evening parade (I keep imagining one of those Dragons going down the street with men standing underneath moving it down the road...and LOTS of sparklers)....:-) We keep hearing of places we must try out...I'm especially looking forward to the Dimsum! With my new camera...I hope to catch some great pictures. On a sidenote...my computer is having a mini-war between my previous camera software (Kodak) and my new software (Canon)....so far Kodak is winning...so I am limited with my picture posts today...don't worry...I WILL get it fixed! The picture attached to this entry was taken over Thanksgiving while we were visiting Chris' family. The visit we had in MI/KY was really action-packed but so much fun. I may have mentioned in my previous entry that our Internal Medicine Doc said we won the prize for 'longest distance traveled to see the doctor'...:-) Maybe it's all of the Korean food and Kimchi.....good reports all around from our medical team!:-)

Now that January has arrived people have gradually made their way back from their holidays to Seoul. (Of course many are leaving again for Lunar/Loonie) This also means the SIWA classes start back up.....tours...etc. Also attended an AWC meeting where the new Commander of the US forces in Korea spoke about volunteer opportunities...how we can support our military and their families. Hopefully I will post an update from this meeting soon! Sounds promising. I did re-start the Asian Flower Design class...we had one class this past Monday and it was GREAT! I did get some photos and will post once my camera is cooperating! BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) also started back after a Christmas break. It has been great re-connecting with my small group....we are studying Moses. It really is a great study and I truly believe joining has been a positive factor in my adjustment to life in Asia....along with making some really good friends both in BSF and outside this group. I told someone just the other day that my outlook and ability to see people as someone else trying to find their way...has improved so much...I am really trying to make the most of my time here...and soak in this opportunity to explore and learn! Also, several people has asked how my neck is doing...well, thanks to God and a wonderful PT here in Korea I continue to become more active and pleased with my progress. It's amazing how God sends just the right people into your life...at just the right time...and that's how I feel about the friends I have met here in Seoul....I don't want it to end quite yet...I feel there is more to do! And I must give a lot of credit to Chris...he is a go-getter and really researches the markets, travel spots, cultural experiences...even with his super-busy schedule! This was evidenced most recently with our picture on the front page of the JoongAng Daily Newspaper on January 20th!(I was curious why that little fellow with a ladder and camera followed us around the Seoul Folk Flea Market around Christmas!) I have included the published photo from the newspaper in this post! (If only I had worn a little mascara!) Another big 'thank you' to Bev(aka Eagle Eye) for alerting us! :-)

I will sign-off for now....Happy Lunar New Year everyone!!! :-)

Autumn in Seoul

Well, after a great trip back to the good ol' USA we have returned to Seoul for Christmas and New Year celebrations. As "The Jefferson's" might say...I have 'moved up' in terms of my camera but need to figure out how to download the pictures and update the software (reading the instruction book would be a start!). I have some great snaps and stories from Michigan and Kentucky and will post ASAP. It was really great to be home...just seemed like it went by too fast! It was really cool after the long flight to roll into Seoul and see beautiful Christmas lights and trees everywhere! ( I will also post pictures) As a matter of fact...as I gaze out my back window...I see 6 Christmas trees with beautiful lighting in various windows. They are certainly not afraid to say and display "Merry Christmas" here in Korea! There is also a great Nativity scene near our apartment...I will catch a picture of it also. Today I will post a few good ones taken in October and November. One of my good buddies from Michigan (Tom) was kind to send us snapshots from the beautiful trees on Muir Road (MI)...they were great! We did enjoy the Autumn in Korea also...the mountains had such a variety of colors. Everyone says that Spring and Fall are the prettiest times in Korea...I would have to agree. In the attached photo...we are standing at one of the Palaces...waiting for a bus to pick us up from a great tour of Seoul. The photographer was Molly...from Grosse Pointe Farms. We met her on the tour and really enjoyed her spunk and personality! She lived only a few short streets from our place on Muir...another 'small world' moment! We also enjoyed the musical "Nanta"http://nanta.i-pmc.co.kr/index.asp and a tour of the National Korean Folk Museum http://www.nfm.go.kr:8080/english/main.jsp There was even a Cadillac built specifically for the Royal Family on display! (Along with a Daimler auto per Chris). :-) There was also a letter and contract requesting electric lighting facilities for Kyongbok Palace to Edison Lamp Company on September 4, 1884. We thought this was really interesting! http://www.ieee.org/portal/cms_docs_iportals/iportals/aboutus/history_center/conferences/singapore/Nam-Early_History.pdf This tour was sponsored by the Seoul Government to assist in educating foreigners on the heritage of Korea and to promote tourism ( we did note many photographers snapping away during the day...:-) The Korean people are very proud of their country and want others to appreciate and enjoy their experience here!

Flower Class Continues!

I have been quite tardy with my posts...I am hoping it is due to spending more time exploring and enjoying Korea! I will start with the most recent posts and work in reverse (plus I can remember this week much better than last!)

:-) The photo on the bottom is from our October 29th class, which was held here. We utilized quite a large container which made some parts of the arrangement more difficult. The most interesting flower is the bright yellow 'fox face'. This is the first time I have seen this and we all just loved it. Not only is it interesting but long lasting and cheerful! This was another modification of the traditional modified style and our first time working with such a large (and heavy) container. We had about 6 ladies in this class. The picture on the top is from our most recent class November 5th. It was a very small group of three...but it was really nice having the extra time with the instructor. One of the neat parts of this day....the Korean lady (who is also an Australian citizen) sent her driver AND her new/huge Lexus to pick us up...at our apartment. Her driver was so 'dapper and professional'....and the ride was really like a tour of Seoul. We crossed the river into Hangam (I think) and arrived to a gated community/high rise surrounded by trees, gardens, flowing stream, all marble facade, flooring, walls....huge entry with an indoor greenhouse area....'wow' really doesn't do it justice...and that was just the entrance to the building! :-) When we arrived to her place on the 49th floor...we were greeted by a very sweet live-in helper and a super cute Fox Terrier named Sammie ..'but she's a girl' the hostess said...:-) That little dog reminded me so much of Gil...she ran around, skidded on the marble floor (Gil would skid on my hardwood floors) and brought a variety of toys for us to throw and play 'tug' with. I told the gal I would be happy to dog-sit anytime! Once we entered the front door we were provided with embroidered slippers and escorted to the HUGE stainless-steel kitchen where china tea/coffee cups, silver spoons and tasty treats awaited us. (I took mental notes...but not sure I can replicate this setting at my home anytime soon!) After we had our snack she gave us the tour. Absolutely magnificent- both the inside and the view. I would say it was one of the most beautiful views I have seen while in Seoul. Awesome view of the mountains, trees (changing into crisp reds and yellows), river, creek leading to the river....and quiet! You felt like you were truly in another world. And she was such a gracious lady....loved every minute of it. She did not brag or boast ....but was genuinely proud and pleased that we were enjoying our visit. When she took us to her bedroom and dressing room...I noticed all of the furniture was a beveled/mirror look...not tacky in the least...spectacular....an Art Deco feel for sure....and then she smiled and said "I bought all of my furniture in America!" After the tour we settled in for our class...and just the variety of flowers utilized was awesome. The ornamental cabbage and the sunflowers with some of the pedals removed...added another dimension. She also had us partially strip the fern stems. All of the tall/purple flowers had to be an exact height. This arrangement is not Asian...but more of a European style....a bit of a fusion. This arrangement is specifically made for table tops/in front of mirrors etc. Important for all of the green foam to be covered in a layered manner (which takes time) or at least a stem of Fern along the side...positioned with little pieces of a firm plant stem. The instructor also demonstrated how to make smaller arrangements from your older ones...you never want to waste a flower! I rushed right home and made little mini-arrangements from the previous weeks lesson....before I forgot! I was so pleased with the day, the little dog, my ride and of course the lesson!

Our first visitor...CHAD!

Last week we were so pleased to have our very first (and hopefully not our last) overseas visitor! Chad stopped by Seoul on the return leg of his Japan business trip. We really enjoyed taking him to some of our favorite spots and just hanging out! I know Chris enjoyed having a buddy to chat with. We did a bit of touring to Gyeongbokgung Palace, where the attached photo is from. Chris refers to this photo as "The 3 C's"....Chris, Chad, and Kwame...:-) I will attach other photos to the blog also. We also stopped by the Korean Folk (Fork, as they spell it)Museum where we really had a great time. We learned a lot about Korean culture, language development, interactive displays, history, handicrafts...very interesting! We happened to be touring with a posse' of French visitors...so that added to the experience..:-)

I will say this...in all honesty...Chad was such an easy house guest...no problems at all! :-) I inadvertently forgot to mention him in the previous blog where we initally found the cool pottery...Chad was with us when we first discovered them. I just wish I had taken a picture of Chad with his cool dragon head statue(Celadon)..it will definitely become a conversation piece in his Chicago home.....very cool. We had a great Italian dinner, plenty of tasty Korean food and lots of fun scouting around. I think it gave both of us a boost to have a friend visit and we look forward to next time!

Weekend Update...and more!

I just had to attach this photo from our Friday subway ride to Dongdaemun and a local flea market. The gals to Chris' left were a bit 'tipsy' and there simply wasn't room for me...:-) I was initially sitting beside Chris...doing my best to hold her up...but got tired of being whacked with her backpack and shoulder. Thankfully, she came to a 'semi-resting place' against the pole. This was around noon. Chris is carrying my "Hummingbird" backpack (a must) and giving the Korean peace sign. All he needed to do to complete this photo would be a slight head tilt. Most of the Koreans pose with peace and the head-tilt...standard. :-)

Our goal of the morning was returning to a previous spot for a few final Christmas gifts and a local birthday gift. One of his co-workers was having a surprise party...so we needed a clever/fun gift. The guy WAS driving a fancier vehicle...and now has a more basic car...with only a tape deck (Cassette not 8-track). Appears the guys at work have gotten a big kick out of the tape-deck and we just happened upon a virtual plethora of Billy Joel, Movie Themes, Korean Traditional songs, 70's music with Korean artists singing...you name it...they had it...and the whole lot for 2,000kw (2.00US). So, we had the birthday gift completed! We also found several shops with all of the Conway Twitty, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Porter Wagoner LP's you could possibly want. After browsing around, we happened upon a "Music Festival" in Itaewon. The stage and lighting were quite impressive....then the band came on stage. Honestly, I initially thought the Korean band was singing along with a music track...they sounded JUST like Black Sabbath, Journey (seriously), Judas Priest, and Survivor...yes...'Eye of the Tiger'....the guitar player had long/straight hair to his hips...and could flip it just like you would expect a 'rock band lead guitar player' to flip his hair! :-) I took a few pictures and will post. The only injury in all the excitement.... I tripped over a fire hydrant. The group following the 'rock show' ... about 20 little Korean kids dancing to traditional music...quite a variety in acts. There were several foreigners (and Koreans) watching the concert and when he started singing the first of two Journey songs...everyone was looking around with amazed expressions like "I can't believe it!"

Since I mentioned music in this post. I must name a few songs/groups that we have heard around Seoul...just in random locations. Elvis is popular year-round...especially the Christmas album(many coffee shops), The Babys -Anthology (several restaurants), Beatles (with traditional Korean instruments only), Neil Sedaka, Little River Band, Johnny Cash, Tom Jones, Carpenters, 80's groups (Journey, Survivor, Foreigner, Tesla, Whitesnake etc.). Also, various techno music with many posters around the city advertising DJ's that are traveling to the area from around the world....we aren't really part of that crowd...mostly the college kids. The Koreans pride themselves on their musical abilities and education...many classically trained musicians here...top notch.

Today was another class of "Shopper's Delight"...so we traveled via subway to a 'Curio' area. It was interesting...and I felt much better about getting around town since our nice instructor became a bit 'turned-around'....so I'm not the only one! :-) Most of the gals are really nice and there are always a few good laughs. After browsing around, Joanna and I returned to the subway and went to Insadong for some great Bibimbap. Chris had located this place previously from the "Lonely Planet" book and we really enjoyed it...many traditional Korean decorations. After lunch we checked out some pottery that Chris and I had fallen in love with on another browsing visit. We felt another good set of eyes was needed to check out the pieces. They really are spectacular and unique! After some negotiating and a 'little' Korean spoken....we settled on the price. Joanna stayed for the bargaining (or attempt), receipt writing (in Korean) and loading of the items into his car...then...he delivered the items home...and ME! Guiding the shop owner and his helper through Seoul was pretty interesting....and we arrived with no problems! He spoke mostly Korean and I could make out a bit of his conversation with his buddy...Soju/drinks after the delivery! They asked me questions about Kentucky and Michigan....it was actually a lot of fun. Once we arrived...they took pains to place the pieces in the optimal positions....very nice fellows. He said he will find a stand and bring it over also...he was very proud of his pieces...and we love them too! He also said (and I quote) "You need to decorate really bad!"....:-)

Tuesday Shopping Extravaganza!

Today is Wednesday and I must say...it's been a really good week so far! Last week was a bit challenging (sometimes for no really good reason) but this week has been on the upswing! Maybe it was the great shopping day with Bev and Joanna in Damdaemun. We met at the Hangangin Subway station 8:30am yesterday (walking distance from where we live) and took the subway to meet Joanna. It was a gorgeous day, breezy, and crisp...to us it felt great...to many of the Koreans it meant: Hat, gloves, scarf, winter jacket, layered clothing and possibly a face mask. We were wearing short sleeves. One of the nice Korean ladies touched my arm while we checked out her stand...and in Korean said something like "Too cold...you need a jacket" We bought some clever gift bags from her stand...a huge stack for 8,000kw (about 8 US). I tried to take mental notes of landmarks so I could return on my own if Bev/Joanna were globe trotting and not able to come next time....:-) Bev directed us to one of her favorite stands and we shopped for some Christmas gifts....excellent shopping! The photo with this entry is one of our 'finds' of the day. It's rabbit, fully lined, nice leather handles/hardware and fun...we thought it looked a 'bit' like a Hermes'...they reminded me that if you find it...and you want it...better get it while you can...we may never find this place again! :-) Maybe it will be a gift for someone who doesn't read my blog... The gals were so patient while I debated various items (for presents of course!) to purchase. They even helped carry my load AND offered to be a temporary bank if I needed it...now that's a true buddy!! :-) After shopping and trying to absorb it all...we caught a taxi and headed to a "Jewelry Party" being thrown by one of their British friends. She really had a beautiful home and spectacular view. On a side note...we had initially looked at a place about 5 houses from this one...but the steep hill/challenging access was a deciding factor for us to live where we do...and we really like it here. If you had a driver you could live pretty much anywhere...but if not...just carrying a few bags of groceries up that hill would be a challenge. The gal having the party designs the items ...and there were some really unique and interesting pieces. Everything was priced in 'Pounds'...but I think she would accept Korean Won also. After my shopping trip from the morning...I cooled my heels and did not make a purchase...just enjoyed looking. She has a really nice 'helper'...not sure where she is from...but SO nice and sweet. She brought me a coffee and said "Here you go mum"....so sweet.

It really was fun...we said our goodbyes and hiked down the hill (we were hoping the gal would let us catch a ride with her driver...since we had all of our shopping bags..no luck). Bev had to run to a SIWA class(she's making her OWN jewelry) and Joanna was off to her part of town...I headed to the post-office to mail our election ballots! The nice girls at the Post-office greeted me and were really interested in the envelopes for the ballots. One of them pointed to the Eagle on the front and said "American President Voting?"...I said yes....then we spoke a little bit of Korean...I eventually ran out of things to say...then we all smiled/bowed/waved good-bye. Just for regular days about town...I get the biggest kick out of visiting the local Post-office and the Turkish Kabob place (you knew I wouldn't leave them out of this blog entry!) haha.

Asian Flowers II

Last Wednesday was our second lesson for Asian flower arranging. It was initially scheduled for us to meet at another residence...but that gal canceled...so all the lucky people returned to our place! :-) This time I was prepared with tea, coffee and a smile. :-) This style is called "Upright/Modified". I believe the focal point should be to the front only...so a good design scheme for a corner display. The teacher said the sides of the arrangement are not as important as the previous "Upright" style. This appears to be a little more of a Fall arrangment...at least I think so. The triangle layout continues with this type of arrangement, then you fill the bottom of the planter with all types of smaller 'filler' type plants. I chose the Sunflower to be the focal point and top of the triangle. When the instructor went around to each planter she paused...grabbed a hand-full of the tall/beige/brown material and jammed it in. I liked it a little better without the addition...but she felt more height was needed...plus she is the expert...not me! One girl showed up 30 minutes late "That crazy driver of mine!" she said. She then proceeded to take about 6 cell phone calls and screech in her native/tribal tongue (issues with her driver, nanny, housekeeper and cook she told us)...it would have been more entertaining if we weren't trying to listen to our soft-spoken Korean teacher. After the 5th call...I gently guided the lady to the entrance and shut the door....so she could have some privacy with her call....:-) It all went well and everyone seems to get along just fine. I even asked the 'talker' is she would like some 'special green tea from the mountain monks'....she looked at me like I was a martian...bugged out her eyes and said "No way!"...haha...At the end she gave me a hug and said she had a great time.. and she would like to return next week..maybe my hostess skills are improving....

After the class (and cleanup!) I walked to the local market and who do you think was there? The Turkish crew! You would think it was a nice family reunion...me with about 4 Turkish fellows of varied ages and my sweet Korean buddy. "Sis!!" they yelled across the market. I must say I enjoyed having someone recognize me...and with such enthusiasm! There are usually lots of foreigners who go to this place...so it was even more hilarious with all the commotion. Plus, I have quickly learned how social interactions sometimes go here...it's like Junior High and occassionally High School (on a good day). If a 'cool' kid talks to you...then all of their pals seem to think you are 'ok'...I doubt the other people in the market thought about it too hard...but maybe down deep they thought...'well, she seems to have a few friends!' :-) I will save some of my 'Junior High' dealings with a few of the other foreigner ladies(not Korean) in another blog...I'm in a pretty good mood right now...I would hate to ruin this nice blog entry! haha.