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!

Tuesday Update...

I cracked up when I saw this picture on my camera from this past weekend. On any given day there will be festival promotions, grand openings of new stores/restaurants, patriotic events and many 'foreigner' participation activities. This photo was taken Sunday near Myeongdong. There was a huge crew encouraging us to get in on the action for a historic Korean heritage location promotion about 2 hours from Seoul. I decided on this photo because in the other photo I'm grinning like a crazed woman...preparing to cut a poor kid's head off! The locals are always so pleased when you participate in this little activities..plus it's fun!

Yesterday I was walking along the sidewalk when a large black sedan (that was parked on the sidewalk) accelerated quickly in reverse and hit a light pole. I just happened to be on my cell phone with Chris and he asked what the explosion was (so that tells you it was super loud!) After he hit the pole at top speed...he threw the car into Park...assessed the damage quickly then took off! The street/sidewalk were filled with all kinds of little car parts. This seems to happen quite often...especially with cars and scooters parked all along and on the sidewalks. Today a little 'Tico' auto was rammed in the middle of the UN Village main intersection/Hannam-dong. The truck kept going while the Tico stopped dead in it's tracks with both front tires bent under the car. I have no idea how this happened...it was just too quick to take in the whole collision. I wondered why the fellow didn't push the little car out of the intersection...then I realized having no front wheels would make that difficult. So, I just bought some fruit from the stand and went on my way. You almost always see something new every time you venture out in Seoul. Nothing stays the same..and I mean nothing. (Store fronts, businesses, interior of restaurants...etc.)

Asian Flowers 3/27/09

Today I had a private lesson with Hea Sook. The Swedish gal was a 'no-show', Dorie is in Thailand, and our sweet Korean/Australian student was ill...so it was an excellent opportunity for learning and detailed instruction. Today's style was called "Cross Style" ...it is similar to the "Slanted Style" from a few weeks ago. You alternate stem placement between two primary focal points and just go back and forth with your support stems. The picture doesn't really show the dimension...it really turned out with a delicate feel. I like the cascading /arched white flowers...but I am not sure the name. We spent a lot of time doing 'branch preparation'...this it the part I really need to work on...I have found it is absolutely crucial to a nice finished product! She was really pleased with my placement of last weeks orchids in 3 small containers...I should have taken a photo of those also!

This week has really gone well. I continue to enjoy working at the school on Wednesdays. This week I wore a yellow 'smock' with kittens on the front and little dead fish bones on the back...it's funny and very similar to what the Korean teachers wear. The other teachers and a few of the students said "cute, very cute"...or 'wow...yellow'...:-) One of the Canadian guys said "looks like you are fitting right in"...:-) I try to always rotate who I sit by for lunch. Today I sat by one of the little boys who enjoys telling me lots of 'secrets'...I'm sure they are really interesting...maybe I will have a better idea once I learn a bit more Korean! Mom and Dad said he was probably telling on someone...I wouldn't doubt it! I have noticed that many of the kids that seemed to have difficulty taking direction and listening are doing so much better. They are really getting into the routine and seem to be not only enjoying the classes but participating as well. The little gal whose parents reported that she had never spoken has started to speak a bit. She LOVED the books that I borrowed from Dorie...especially "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!" For our music class I brought two books with a story...then the words with music in the back..."This little light of mine" and "She'll be comin' round the mountain'...the kids absolutely loved them...and were really catching on...we even took the 'little light' to the next level and brought in the verse with "hide it under a bushel..NO"....even the little boy who spends the majority of his day in some type of punishment participated somewhat. Sometimes, he really does funny things...especially during the swimming lessons. The Korean lady that yelled at me for daring to wear my swimsuit in the shower was back for more. When she walked into the dressing room this time she decided to give me a little shove. I was just standing in front of my locker...minding my own business..putting on my swimsuit. I just ignore her and stay focused on other things...like 21 little ones in matching suits, caps and goggles! :-) I have met a nice Korean gal that swims laps during our lesson time. She insisted I use her shampoo and body wash last week when the bag I had brought (including towel ) was misplaced...have you ever used a hairdryer to dry yourself after a shower? Glad there was no video of that one! ;-)

The primary teacher pulled me aside this week with new instructions...greet all of the parents in the mornings during drop-off time, take all the kids to the restroom to give them one-on-one time with me, and say goodbye to each child at the end of the day (not just the Monkeys). I think it's a good sign that they want to utilize me more...especially with the parents. And even the bathroom breaks will be a good time to expose them to some English and increase their comfort level with foreigners (I hope so). The kids really are characters and I am so happy to be a part of this program...I may increase my hours this Summer. I still believe that lunch time is one of the most interesting hours of the day......I'm learning all kinds of new Korean words...:-) Speaking of Korean....our lessons are going well...conjugating verbs!

Next week I will start back with a Pilates Studio here in Seoul. I haven't returned to Pilates (which I love) since my neck injury...I don't plan on doing any major 'roll-ups' onto my neck...but it will be so nice to get back onto the 'Cadillac' again!!!

Asian Flower Design 3/16/09