Shopping Day

I skyped with my Mom and Grandpa in the morning. I also did my laundry. The best part about doing laundry at KoRoot--the dryer! They actually have a real dryer! AMAZING! I of course splurged and spent the extra 2,000W to dry my clothes!! I'm actually wondering if I can come and do laundry here all the time....

We had lunch, which was chicken bulgogi. Then I went out to wander a bit. I was supposed to meet Mina, the student from Inje I met with Ginger and Tommy during the Gathering, but she had to cancel so I was wondering what I would do in the evening. I contacted my friend Min Kyung, So thinking she probably wouldn't be able to meet because she would go home and spend time with her husband, but she said she had no plans after work! First I went back to Insadong because when I was there on Monday I didn't feel well I didn't look much at the things. I found a new wallet to replace the one that was stolen when I left Korea in December. Then I walked to Jongak Station where they have underground shopping. I looked a lot but didn't buy anything. I met up with Min Kyung and we walked to a restaurant that was tofu stew--where I went with a few adoptees during the Gathering, but unfortunately it was closed! (For the holiday season) So we picked a restaurant next to it and had a cold noodle soup. After dinner Min Kyung asked me if I liked "bing soo". Typically bing soo is served with "pat" which is red beans, but Min Kyung doesn't like pat either. She heard of a place that had chocolate bing soo in Myeongdong, so we went there. It was so delicious! There was chocolate ice cream and it was chocolate shaved ice with chunks of chocolate type cake and walnuts. When we finished eating we walked around and shopped a little. I finally found a pair of shoes-they are comfortable and dressy. I also bought a dress and nail polish.

Unfortunately I forgot my camera's card so I wasn't able to take any pictures today. I was so disappointed, but there wasn't anything I could do about it.

East Sea Bros

Today's plan was to meet my friend Han Su (Hansy) for lunch. My other friend from Inje, Jeong Kwan came up from Busan to meet everyone today too. It is a national holiday; the day Korea gained independence from Japan in 1945. Anyway, I thought I was running late but arrived right on time. I came up out of the subway and there was Jeong Kwan! I didn't know he was coming to lunch so I was very surprised to see him there! We waited for Hansy who arrived a few minutes later--from listening to him tell the story later a few times in Korean, I gathered that he was looking for Jeong Kwan and went upstairs and downstairs of the Burger King and Mc Donald's trying to find him. It was drizzling a bit when we started walking to the restaurant for lunch, but after a 5 minute walk, it had stopped and the sun was shining.

Hansy had asked me what I wanted to eat and I picked dak galbi (which is like a spicy chicken stir fry you cook in front of you). We went and ate a lot! Then we took a taxi to meet the leader of the "East Sea" group, Seok Hyun. He has started a non-profit organization to learn about other countries/cultures and have an exchange and discussion with people from other places--with a small emphasis on the East Sea issue. Friday, he leaves with another group for 2 months to work on this project, SAYUL (Share all Your Universal Links); they are traveling in Eastern Europe. We went to their office and helped pack/organize and hangout. I also proof-read some things for them. Around 5 Sungmin came and joined us--Sungmin, Han Su, and Jeong Kwan did the "original East Sea" tour with Seok Hyun last year. Their 5th memeber, Young Tae is studying in New Zealand so he wasn't able to make it--but we did call him a few times and talk to him. We went for BBQ for dinner and ate so, so, so much food! The guys all wanted ice cream after but I had to say no. We chatted a little more and then everyone had to go their separate ways. I was surprised how calm Seok Hyun was--the big suitcases were still not packed and it was 9pm and they leave the next day...I would be stressing majorly. Jeong Kwan left with Hansy so he could get a train back to Busan. Sungmin drove me to Gangnam where I met up with Seon and his cousin.

When Seon and his cousin arrived, Seon told me that I could practice my Korean--his cousin started speaking in Korean and I had to tell him to slow down. So for about 5 minutes they pretended that he couldn't speak English and then finally let me in on their little prank. We decided to go bowling and walked to the place. It was a lot of fun--we played 3 games in all. Then we got our bill and it was almost $100! The prices listed were written like this-- 1.5 for a drink. We thought 1.5 = W1,500 but it actually meant W15,000! Ouch. Seon was very nice and paid the largest chunk-he apologized and said he didn't realize it was going to be so expensive. We went to get coffee and then went our separate ways. Seon leaves Korea on Friday too.

At lunch with Han Su and Jeong Kwan

Seok Hyun and Hansu

Jeong Kwan hard at work

Two new members preparing/practicing music

Seok Hyun, Sungmin, Jeong Kwan, Hansu and me

Seon and his cousin at the bowling alley

Immigration and Ji

My task for today was to go to get my F4 Visa card remade since my wallet was stolen in December and I needed a new card. I had contacted my friend Sungmin (aka Ji) and asked if he could come along as my interpreter. He agreed, even though he works and I was so thankful! I was running a little late so I ran almost the whole way there. I was wearing a dress and sandals (at least not heels!) but I did manage to rub the skin of 2 toes. Anyway, I made it there and got a number and Sungmin arrived a few minutes later. There were around 100 people waiting in the "residency" line. The F4 visa only had 4 people ahead of me. We waited maybe 15 minutes before we talked to an officer. I had to take a new picture because the one I wanted to use had a grey background and they wanted it to be a white background. I used the photobooth in the waiting room and poof- I had 6 passport sized photos. Sungmin and I returned to the officer and got everything all settled. In 2 weeks I can return and pick up my new card. It was rather painless, but I'm very glad Sungmin went along with me. He helped explain that my card was lost/stolen and my situation of being in Korea and why I don't have an address yet.

We left the office and he asked what I wanted for lunch. I suggested a few things and he decided we'd just go drive somewhere. He is working as a salesman for a medical company so he goes and sells medicine and stuff to pharmacies and businesses. Sungmin has a company car that he can use any and all the time. We went across town and went to a mall complex to a food court and got fried rice. After we finished eating, he had to go meet a colleague because he needed to drop some stuff off to him...except Sungmin forgot the things he needed. So we drove to the company warehouse and got the medicine stuff and then went to go meet the colleague. It was at another mall complex called "Star City" and Sungmin said very rich people shop there and there's a lot more personalized services offered to shoppers there. First we went to the E-Mart and looked at their petshop area and saw the little dogs for sale. Then we went to Krispy Kreme and got "coffee" (I use this term loosely for anytime I go to a coffee shop with friends-they usually get coffee and I get juice or tea) and received a free donut because Sungmin ordered an Americano. Sungmin kept getting phone calls (he was very disappointed because Thurs is a holiday and he had expected to take a rest in the afternoon, but his appointments kept changing) and he realized he'd have to go do more work so he drove us to the complex we at lunch at and walked me to the subway there.

While on the subway, I contemplated what to do. Originally I thought I would just go back to the guesthouse and rest because I had dinner plans with someone there and then plans with our soccer team, but I realized that I didn't have the energy to walk the 15 minutes to the guesthouse to be there for a little and then go back out again. So I took the subway to Ewha Women's University area to do some shopping. While on the way, one of the adoptees I had talked with last night, Seon, messaged me and asked me what I was up to. I told him I was going shopping and he said he would join because he needed headphones. I arrived about 20 minutes before him so I was able to do a little bit of looking before he came, but didn't buy anything. We walked around the area but I felt funny doing any kind of 'serious' shopping with a guy in tow. Then we walked to Sincheon area (one subway stop away) because that's where I was meeting Tae yang, another adoptee for dinner. Seon and I waited in the Mc Donald's, or "Mackies" as Seon calls it--he's from Australia. He ordered some snacks and we talked while we waited for Tae yang. When Tae yang arrived, he said some other guys were getting together for dinner too--and I realized it was the same group I was meeting! Since that group was meeting for dinner, we decided not to eat...much. Seon really wanted to try Taco Bell (they don't have them in Australia--and they don't have them in Denmark where Tae yang lives) so...we went to Taco Bell. And they ordered a party pack with 9 tacos. I had 2 and that was plenty; the guys split the rest. We talked in Taco Bell and waited until it was time to meet the other group.

We arrived first and waited for everyone else to show up. Apparently there was yet another group of adoptees meeting in that location to go for dinner too. After everyone arrived, we had about 17-20 people. The main reason we met was because our team player, Katie, is returning to the US on Friday. So most of the group was our soccer team plus significant others and friends. Off we went to a BBQ place, but I didn't eat because I was still quite full from our taco run. It was a lot of fun hanging out with everyone. After we ate, Stefano, one of our Italian friends wanted to go to Noraebang (karaoke) so he went to go find a place that could accommodate our large group. We sang for probably 3 hours or so. It was also fun, but very loud. When it was time to go, we had to take a taxi, but there were 2 others going to the guesthouse with me so we could split the fare. I guess I knew the most Korean and had to sit in front. The taxi driver was very chatty and again I was forced to test my knowledge and try and make conversation.

Sungmin busy on the phone figuring out his schedule

Seon and Tae yang excited for the Taco Bell experience

From here all the way to the back-our group for dinner

Saying goodbye to Katie

Hwa Sun and Jaebin

I hung around the guesthouse long enough to get lunch. We had bibimbap and my eyes were bigger than my stomach. I was so excited to see all the vegetables that I really loaded up and then couldn't finish everything. (I put lots of mushroom, onion, carrots and cucumber/zucchini in my dish.)

After lunch I went to Gwanghwamun Plaza again to take pictures of all the Korean flower-trees. While I was taking a picture, an older Korean man (ajushi) spoke to me in Korean, saying, "aren't they pretty?" and I agreed. Then he talked about the weather too. He was dressed in traditional royal clothes and was carrying a Korean flag, a fancy hat, a sign and a bag of other traditional clothing items. It looked like he had come from Gyeongbok Palace (which is right behind the plaza) but I don't think he was with them. Anyway, he put his hat on me and took a picture of me. I always love these random meetings that give me an opportunity to practice my Korean.

I walked on to Myeongdong to do a little shopping, but didn't see anything. Then it was time to head to Hwa Sun's house! I arrived at her apartment and as usual, I lucked out and someone was leaving as I was arriving so I was able to get into her building. When she opened the door a small white ball of fur came flying out and yapped at me. They are dogsitting her parent's dog, Hanuel (sky, heaven) for a few days. She is so tiny, Toby could eat her for breakfast! We visited a little and I gave Jaebin his Ninjago lego present. Right away he started putting it together--he was also very excited because apparently there are 5 characters and this was the last one he needed to complete the 'set' and have all 5! After he finished putting the lego thing together, we went for "patbingsu" which is shaved ice with red beans. Well Jaebin doesn't like red beans (and I'm actually not crazy about them either) so we all basically had shaved ice. :) Hwa Sun also ordered a cheesecake as well. We returned to their house and visited a little. Her husband came home from work; he's had some stomach pain so he didn't visit long and didn't come to dinner with us. We had jjimdak (which is the chicken stew Bohye's mom made for me) and it was soo good!

When I got back to the guesthouse, there were many of the adoptees hanging out and talking in the lounge. I decided I would join them and stayed up very late talking with everyone. It was such a unique experience; I really enjoyed it. 

Gyeongbok Palace

National flower of Korea as far as you can see

Mugunghwa (name of the flower)

My new friend

Wearing the hat

Tree trimmed in the shape of Korea!

Statue of Admiral Yi and kids playing in the water fountain

Jaebin and me

Hwa Sun with our dinner

Not a case of the Mondays

I did not sleep very well, but it could be due to the fact this is the 6th bed in 11 days that I have slept in. I skyped with my Mom and then later my Grandpa. It was so good to see both of them. :)

I just hung out in the guesthouse until 12:30 when the free lunch was served. Everyone in the house gathered for the meal. The cook made curry and a pickle soup and also had some vegetable side dishes. After lunch I went walking even though it was pretty hot. I went to Insadong (which is the traditional artsy area--lots of pottery, fans and then also souvenirs) and then took the subway to meet my friend Katie. I started to not feel very well and at one point on the subway I must have looked so in pain that a grandfather asked/told me that I looked like I was very sick/in pain. He then went to someone sitting down and told them to get up because I was hurting. I met Katie and she helped me find some medicine. We went to a cafe to sit down. Then I felt better. We went into a few stores and then went to her gym.

At her gym, we dinked around a little bit, waiting for a workout class to begin. I had my muscle/fat measured and according to their machine and the results, I'm below the average muscle mass--so I'd better start pumping some iron! The trainer also told me I should eat more protein. The class was pretty intense--the hardest were the ab exercises that we did. After class, Katie walked me to the station and I made my way back to the guesthouse.

Back to Seoul Sunday

I slept really well last night. When I got up, Jungyoon and I had bread. Then we just hung out and watched tv. Her parents drove me to the bus station and her dad gave me an envelope of money. They also gave me a lot of advice about teaching in the car. ^.^ It was sad to say goodbye, but I’m sure I will see them all again.

The bus ride was not very eventful. I didn’t sleep except for the last maybe 30 minutes of the ride. I arrived in Seoul and I was struck by how busy and how many people there are mashing about. I forgot how rude and pushy people in Seoul are. The southern part of Korea is much more laid back and people are friendlier and I think a little more kind. They are not so busy and ‘go-go-go’. 

I hopped on the subway to get to the station near the guesthouse. My friend suggested I not walk to the guesthouse but either take a bus or get a taxi; and Jungyoon’s dad told me to take a taxi with the money from him because it is too hot to be walking so much with my heavy bags. I got a taxi and called the office to tell the taxi driver how to get here. When I arrived, Mrs. Jung, the ‘house ajuma’ was waiting in the alley for me. She helped me with my bags, but funnily enough, it was my lightest one. Anyway, I was shown how to enter through all the doors and everything and given a tour of the guesthouse. 

I decided it wouldn’t be too bad to walk back to the subway to get to church because I wasn’t carrying much with me. I went to church and after, I met with my soccer team for dinner. One of the players is returning to Italy at the end of the week and he wanted everyone to get together. The group played today, but with church and my toe, I decided I would pass and wait a few more weeks (next week is the start of my orientation and the following week I’ll still be at orientation).  While I was at Jungyoon’s house, she had me put on some medicine (some kind of iodine?) that is supposed to help with the discoloration from the bruising and maybe it helps some other way too. I’m not really sure, but her dad also strongly recommended to me that I use it, so I did. The team and I went to an all you can eat grill your own meat buffet. I didn't eat much because I sat with the Italian (Soo Bok) and his wife and they are vegetarian. I had to use a grill on a different table and it was a little awkward reaching around the guy sitting next to me.

View outside Bentley's room

View from the living room--the big roundish building on the right is a soccer stadium

Bentley's room

Jenny's mom, me, Jenny, and her dad

Family Day

Originally we planned to leave to see Bentley around 10:30 or so, but Jungyoon’s Grandmother wanted to meet me and her mom had to stop over at her Grandma’s, so we went there earlier instead. Her grandmother was so sweet and cute when she greeted me. She gave me a big hug and said she recognized me from pictures. Jungyoon’s aunt was there too. She had made some dolls out of character socks and let me pick one to have. We left and her Grandma waved to us from out the window—she called down to us getting in the car. Jungyoon said ever since she was little, her Grandma always made a big deal of saying goodbye. 

We went to McDonald’s to get Bentley a hamburger, but it was so early they only had the breakfast menu, so we got breakfast sandwiches instead. We arrived at his military base and Jungyoon signed in for us. Then the office calls to Bentley and he has to take a shuttle bus to the meeting place. He arrived finally and looked much older with his short military haircut and because he lost some weight. Jungyoon’s mom could only stay a little while because she had to go back and help prepare for the Grandma’s birthday. Jungyoon and I visited with Bentley for almost 4 hours. We also ordered fried chicken to have for lunch. 

Around 3:15 we said our goodbyes and headed to the hair salon. I got my hair cut and permed and Jungyoon got her hair trimmed. I think it turned out pretty well. It took a really long time at the hair salon and when we were finished Jungyoon and I walked to her house. We had enough time to cool off and then we went to pick up her cousin and aunt to take to the restaurant for Grandma’s birthday. 

When we arrived at the restaurant, there were extended family members there—wives and sons/daughters/children in laws of her grandfather. Her grandfather and grandmother arrived and then her grandfather’s brother as well. We grilled samgypsal (pork) and then also had galbi (another kind of meat). There was so much food! After Koreans finish grilling, they will usually get a stew and rice (and in the summer neygmyeon—which is noodle soup, cold with ice in it); Jungyoon and I both passed because we were so full. Towards the end of the meal and before the after stew/soups came, some of the older relatives started singing and dancing a little. They made me stand up and I had to pick a Korean song to sing. The only one I really knew was a song I learned at Inje University. It was pretty ugly. Then it was time to leave and we sent off all the older relatives; Jungyoon, her cousin and I walked back home. We stopped at Baskin Robbins for ice cream to go. When Jungyoon and I got home, we watched some tv. There is a popular show right now with celebrity dad’s and their child(ren). They go on little trips/adventures with little competitions or tasks to complete. One actor is from a drama my mom and I watched together.

Grandma waving goodbye!

Inside the meeting room--the only place the guys can meet friends or family members on base

Bentley!

Jenny, Bentley and me

Bentley reunited with his sock from America!

Jenny, Bentley, me and "Mom"

Saying bye to Bentley

Family

Jenny's family--the man on the left is Jenny's dad

Grandfather singing

 

Jenny and me--new hair do's!

Jenny's Aunt

Jenny's Great Uncle and her Grandpa

Jenny's Grandma, me and her Aunt

Jenny, her Grandpa and me