New Friends

When I had gone to bed, Bohye had mentioned she'd ask a friend at morning service if she was available to meet with me during the day. At first she said no, she wouldn't be able because she had other plans but then said it would be okay. So after having jjim dak (a chicken and noodle type stew) prepared by Bohye's mom, I went to go meet her friend. Hyunha met me near Bucheon station and her friend Seonhye joined us as well. Seonhye traveled in Canada for a year so her English was pretty good. At first, our plan was to go to Insadong but then we decided because it was so hot outside we didn't want to do anything that required being outdoors for a long period. So we rode the subway and tried to figure out where to go. Everywhere they suggested, I had already been to or seen. They both really wanted to take me somewhere I hadn't been to already. I suggested Seoul History Museum because I know they have special exhibits that change frequently so we went there. Unfortunately, they were in the middle of changing to a new exhibit! We stayed at the museum for a short time and then went to Yeoido area and decided we'd take a river cruise. Seonhye was kind of against it because she thought it would be too hot, but Hyunha really wanted to go and since I haven't really been on a boat cruise she wanted to take me.

On the way to the boat station, Hyunha had called to find out what time the boat left; we had only a few minutes to get the ticket before the boat departed--we barely made it. The boat was really cute and had air conditioning inside in the lower cabin part. We went outside and took some pictures. There was a little bit of a breeze outside but it was still quite warm. After the boat cruise we went to get chicken. The girls had been so nice and paid for everything so I paid for the chicken--they were both upset and gave me money so we ended up just splitting it 3 ways. When we finished eating, we got the subway and Hyunha and I took off to church for an evening service. We met Bohye there-she had to be at church early to play the piano. After service Bohye, Hyunha and 2 high school girls and I went to a noodle place for dinner.

I made sure to pack up all my bags. I'll be leaving my 2 big suitcases and a few other small bags that I have already acquired in my few days here at Bohye's and will not retrieve until I get my home (about 3 weeks).

Seoul Museum of History--miniature scale of Seoul

Hyunha running to get the boat ticket--63 building in the background

On the boat tour

Seonhye, me and Hyunha on the boat cruise

Bohye, Hyunha and the two high school students--and our dinner!

It's Been One Week

This morning I skyped with my Mom and then later my Grandpa. It was good to see both of them. We had an early lunch because Bohye had to leave for work at 11. Her mom made kimchi fried rice with spam-ham and onion, soybean paste stew/soup and we had some sides as well. It was all very delicious.

When Bohye left, I decided I would take off too. I wasn't quite sure where I wanted to go, but noticed it was very dark and cloudy. I figured shopping underground would be the way to go, besides, I'm in search of some flat shoes. Well one of the first stores I come to I see some cute dresses and then I see the letters A M Y on a shelf and then looked up to see the store name was in fact "Amy". I figured this meant I had to buy something from there! I did buy a cute dress/top the only problem is I saw it elsewhere later on for less. So, what's in a name?

As I walked around more, I was a little hungry and I was thinking ice cream except that the underground mall gave way to the "Times Square" shopping mall and it was very air conditioned and quite cool actually. I was just wandering when I smelled a familiar scent--pretzels. So I went and bought some pretzel sticks from Auntie Anne's. I just couldn't resist. After my snack I headed home to Bohye's and just relaxed until Bohye returned from work around 6:30.

In the evening we went to a bbq and got "쪽 갈비" (jjok galbi) jjok meaning pieces and galbi is meat. Basically, it was ribs! We also go another order of some type of meat too. After we at dinner, we went to a used bookstore close by to the restaurant. We spent almost an hour there! My mission was to find any Korean children books/Korean for children. I found 2 that should do the job. The store was cute and there was a funny sign saying only dogs that are reading are allowed in the store! Since yesterday Bohye has been thinking about cake. So we went to the new cake 'bar' just down the street and had delicious cake and drinks. We sat and talked for awhile and then walked home to burn off those calories!!

Kimchi fried rice

Inside the posh Times Square (Notice Louis Vuitton and Tiffany and Co)

Grilling ribs

Used book store

Only reading dogs allowed! :)

Cake and drinks

Inside the cute cake shop

It's been a week since I left

This morning I checked out of my guesthouse and was able to leave my bags in the office so I didn't have to lug them around with me which was nice. It was pouring when I left. I found a Korean restaurant to have lunch-I had a kind of bulgogi stew and by the time I was done eating, the rain stopped. I walked around a little and was going to do some shopping when I realized that it would be more stuff for me to lug around so I decided I will wait til I get settled before I shop and buy anything. Then, I walked around looking for a cafe. I spent almost 30 minutes looking for the right one, and one that had wifi. I finally picked one that was 2nd story (which is what I wanted) and even better, I found a little alcove to sit in with a desk and outlet right next to it! It was absolutely perfect. As soon as I turned my computer on, I got a call from my Mom. Unfortunately I didn't have my headphones so we couldn't really talk, but we got to chat and have video which was nice. I got to see my little brown dog, who I miss very much.

I spent a long time at the cafe, and then I went to go pick up my bags. Then it was back off to Bohye's. I'll be there until Thursday morning when I leave for Jinju, which is Jenny's hometown. I'm excited to visit her home and meet her family.

Bohye and I had a dinner of some leftover pork, rice, and black beans. Then her parents picked us up and we went to E-Mart to buy groceries. They also wanted fried chicken (Koreans loooove chicken!) and so Bohye and I went to KFC to get chicken. I did a sneak attack and paid for the food before she had a chance to. We came home and her parents dropped us off and they went to church. Bohye and I ate chicken and worked on getting a bus ticket for me to Jinju. We also skyped briefly with my Mom.

Shout out to Michelle Shane! Happy 13th Birthday!! Love and miss you!

Bulgogi Lunch

How Koreans "bag" their groceries!

Busy Sunday

I was scheduled to skype with my mom and Grandpa, but they had some technical difficulties. I was on a tight schedule so it was a 2 minute conversation, but I was still glad I got to see my Grandpa. After our short talk, I went to the subway and rented a locker for my bags, only to realize once I got back to the hotel I bet they have a service to watch my stuff for free....oh well. I checked out and then I went to the "closing ceremony" brunch. I sat near the stage and had a family from Colorado join me. Later a few adoptees who have relocated here sat at our table too. I talked a little with them and one gave me his number to contact him if I needed anything or help at all. The brunch was delicious too; Korean and American food. There are also 2 brothers adopted to France who's family owns a winery and they gave us champagne with the brunch. :) After brunch I joined with John and Jes, my soccer friends and we chatted for a long time. John and I were headed in the same direction, so we took the subway together. I checked into my next guesthouse and took a nap! After my nap I wanted to go shopping but my toe was bothering me. I did walk one subway stop distance to another college-y area that has mostly department stores. I had planned to go one more subway stop away but my toe hurt too much. I went to a convenience store for some kimbap and snacks to eat. I walked to church and was about 2 hours early, so I sat near their futsol fields and watched some soccer.

Finally it was time for church and the priest was as great as I remembered. After church, I walked back to my guesthouse to change for the 'after party' for the conference. An adoptee performed his rap songs and a few Koreans performed as well. It was pretty packed and super hot. I stayed a few hours and then had to go because I was just too tired.

Another ice sculpture

Big buffet line!

First plate ;)

My soccer friends Jes and John

Special Saturday

In the morning I went to the continental breakfast and sat with some of my soccer friends and also met some new faces. Korean breakfasts always make me laugh--there were tomatoes, corn with chickpea and kidney bean salad, kimchi and salad along with bacon, sausage, eggs and potatoes. It's such a funny mix, I don't think I'll ever get over it.

After breakfast I went to the documentary session. The first one I saw was about the Korean War, some perspectives from some Koreans who lived in Northern Korea and moved southward during the war and some that were located in the southern part. It was interesting and sad. The next one was called "Going Home" and was a documentary following an adoptee's journey to finding his birth family. That was also very moving. I took a lunch break and met with Tommy and a few of his friends. We went for tofu stew; mine had mandu (dumplings) in it, so I ate all of the dumplings and a little bit of the tofu. We returned from lunch in time for me to make it to the next film I wanted to see--an adoptee from Denmark has been living in an unwed mother's home on Jeju Island and was screening her trailer and a few clips she had. It was an interesting perspective into the parents' idea of what needed to be done with the baby of their child. There was a special screening of a trailer of a documentary in progress; there are twins-one was adopted to France and the other to the US and they found each other because the American is singing and put her stuff on youtube and the twin in France's friend saw the American and said, "she looks just like you!". So they connected and found out they were born in the same city on the same day...and realized they were twins. Pretty cool story.

I took off to get ready for the big Gala dinner! The only problem I had was that it was quite painful to shove my bruised big toe into my shoes, but it wasn't too bad. Well, I made it down to the lobby and got on a bus to the Seoul Grand Hyatt where the dinner was being held. I had another American sit next to me, turns out she's from Chicago and her name is Aimee! We chatted on our way there. When we arrived, I saw my friend Colin again. We took our picture next to the giant IKAA ice sculpture. He asked me to sit next to him at the dinner and we found a table nice and close to the stage. We had a couple from Germany join us, and then an American from Philly that lives in the Netherlands and a couple from Arkansas. I enjoyed talking to the woman from Arkansas; she was very friendly and gave me some resources for teaching English. The food was really nice. First we had a nicoise salad with tuna. Then we had a mushroom soup. Next came the main course, steak with mashed potatoes and green beans. Finally, there was lemon cheesecake with a mango sauce.

When dinner was over, we had some performances. First there was a a B-Boy performance (break dancing) which was pretty amazing. Then came a girls KPOP band, After School (they are quite popular so it was a big deal they were there!). Then there were some traditional fan dancing and finally a drumming performance.

After dinner, the group was going to a "bar" near the hotel. I went for a little just to be social, and did end up enjoying myself meeting some new people. Though it does get a little bit...repetitive telling your story over and over to everyone you meet.

More photos to follow, but here's one I stole from my friend Allen. He and I met in 2009 when I came with GOAL.

Allen and me at the Gala Dinner

Colin and me with the ice sculpture

The Italians! Soo Bok and Stefano

Tuna Salad

Steak

Lemon Cheesecake

KPOP band After School

Traditional fan dancing

Friends Friday

I woke up in my amazing bed--I had got about 6 hours of straight sleep so that was a nice change. It was cloudy and kind of drizzly outside. I figured the task for the day was to find an umbrella. By the time I was out, the rain had stopped. I went to an area called Myeongdong, which is right behind my hotel, and I got a noodle and dumpling soup. It was a little early, but the restaurant gets very busy so I figured i should go as soon as I could. By the time I finished eating, the line was out the door! I walked around Myeongdong (famous for shopping) a little and then wanted to go to my favorite place, Cheonggyecheon. I sat there a little and then decided I would go to a museum I had seen in the fall but hadn't opened yet. It is the Contemporary History Museum of Seoul and right now it is featuring an exhibit about the Korean War. The main parts of the museum cover history a little bit before Japanese occupation until present day. The first floors (which are all the turmoil years) are sobering and made me quite sad. I wasn't able to finish one floor because it was getting to me too much. I headed back to the hotel to rest a little before my friend Ginger came to visit. She teaching in a city in central Korea named Daejon and is going home for a month vacation to the US.

Ginger arrived and we spent a few hours just sitting in my room chatting and catching up. We decided we should go get dinner, so we asked the concierge for a particular type of BBQ, in hopes of being directed to a chain we both know from Inje. However, she suggested a very expensive one not too far from the hotel. We decided since I had a map on my phone we would go search for the one we knew (much cheaper). Unfortunately, it lead us on quite the chase, ending in...a different restaurant. We still had BBQ and it was good, but not the one we were looking for. We ordered Samgypsal which is like thick cut bacon that you grill. After dinner, we returned to the hotel and all of a sudden Ginger hears her name. It was Ginger's tutor, Mina, while she was at Inje! She was meeting Ginger's friend Tommy (who we were also meeting) and was waiting for him. He was running late, so I invited her upstairs with Ginger and we had some water and chatted. The conference group had an event at a pub type place in an area called Itaewon so we decided we'd go that way too. I ran into my friend Colin, who I met at Inje (he's here for the conference as well and then will be studying at a university this fall). The place proposed by the group was full, so we decided to go off the 4 of us (Tommy, Ginger, Mina and me) and find somewhere. We sat and chatted. Mina talked about her boyfriend and was showing off a picture of him on her phone and I realized I knew him!!! He was one of the more active Korean students in our group of friends at Inje! What a small world! Later Colin joined us with a female friend, Nikki, that he had met recently. Mina had to leave to make the subway back to her home, so Ginger, Tommy and I left to walk her to the subway. We thought we could grab a cab so we started walking a little...but after quite awhile decided we'd take a subway cause we had walked to the next station, only to find out the subway had just stopped running, but there was a car going in the opposite direction (just where we came from) so we took it back and grabbed a cab. The first cab we got, the driver told us it would be 20,000W (almost $20!!) We said NO, STOP! And we all got out. The next cab had his meter running so it was a reasonable 5,000W ride. I had Ginger and Tommy come up so we could continue talking and it was really nice to connect. Also, I found out Tommy will be starting at Ross in a few weeks so I told him I'd see if I could put him into contact with Phil. :)

At Cheonggyecheon!

Samgypsal Dinner with my friend Ginger

Adoptee World Cup!

Again, another night with trouble sleeping. The other slightly unfortunate thing about my guesthouse was that my room was on a floor with the male bathroom so I had to go either up or down to use; and since I was staying alone I had to lock my door each time I went out. I had tried to start hydrating in preparation for the soccer tournament so...

I got ready and went to go get bread at a bakery and yogurt from a convenience store near the guesthouse and...both of them were still closed at the early hour of 7:15am. I figured I should find another convenience store and buy something to eat there. My Mom will also be happy to know there are yogurt drinks that I've been eating every time I've come since 2011 and I forgot that on the carton it says "probiotics". I walked to the soccer fields and arrived about 30 min early. Most of the Gathering participants arrived on buses, but my team still hadn't shown up. Finally I found a few of my team members (Italian) and then our captain, John showed up. We got our jersey's from him and I went to go change. They only had large and extra large. When I came back all the guys chuckled because it was so big. The schedule had changed a little overnight; John had told everyone to arrive at 8, but that our first game didn't start til 9:45. Well, our first game started at 9:15. We ended up having almost everyone there for the first game, but only about 6 for the group picture. The rules were to have 2 girls on the field at all times. Our team had 4 girls, but 2 were working and couldn't come right away. The other woman that was there, Patty, was Italian and didn't play any soccer. The first game was against the US (I was on the Korea team). We ended up tying them 0-0. Our second game was against the Europe team (Netherlands, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy etc). We won 1-0. Our 3rd female player arrived for the game against Sweden/Norway and we won 2-0. The final game in 'regular play' was against Denmark and we beat them 1-0. We had a break for lunch and found out we were seeded #1! Our 4th female player arrived in time for the playoffs. In playoffs we first went against #4, Europe team. (US was out). We beat them 2-0. Then for the final game! It was against Denmark. This team has been practicing together since February! When the time was up, it was 0-0. Originally the plan was to play 5 mins of overtime and then a shootout, but because we were behind schedule (and because it was incredibly hot) they just went to shootout. Our keeper was--AMAZING (I mean really, he had a shutout EVERY game!)!!! He's only 17 but so good. We ended up getting 2 out of the 5 shots and they didn't make any. When our last guy made his shot, we all ran over and the team jumped on him. Adoptee World Cup Champions!!!!

After the game we had pictures taken. I saw my friend Maite again and then I packed up to come check into my 5 star hotel. It was heaven--especially since I'd played 3 hours of soccer in the heat and sun (and spent about 8 hours at the event). I took a long cool shower and then...took a nap. Our team was meeting at 7 for dinner and when my alarm went off-I couldn't figure out what the sound was. It was tough pulling myself out of my big comfy bed to get ready to head out into the heat again. We met and went to a bbq place-but they also had a meat soup so I got that, per our Korean friend's suggestion (he helped coach us and normally plays soccer on Sundays with our group). Then the team headed to a 'pub' for drinks. I stayed a little but was so tired I had to duck out early.

Our pep talk before the shootout

Running to tackle the guy who made the winning goal

Celebrating

Team Korea: Adoptee World Cup Champions!

My 5 Star Hotel Room!!

Posh Bathroom

View from the 26th floor