Inje University Visit

I woke up this morning excited again. We were going back to Inje for a visit! I had grand plans to visit my favorite restaurant (Mongshili for bibimbap and kalguksu--a noodle soup) and a hair cut and perm. Jungyoon had tried calling the hair salon a few times with no one answering. Around 9:50 Jungyoon's mom told us we had to leave ASAP because the bus to Gimhae left on the hour. We rushed like crazy and got to the bus station. We looked at the time table and it actually didn't leave until 10:30. We waited and then boarded the bus to Gimhae! Unfortunately Jungyoon had tried a few more times to call the hair salon with no answer; Jihye thought maybe the salon was closed for summer vacation--a lot of businesses were on a little break.

When we arrived in Gimhae, Jungyoon helped me find the bus to Inje and then we parted ways--she had an afternoon appointment in Busan and couldn't join Jihye and me for lunch. So, I made it to the campus and met Jihye--she was waiting for me at the stop. She looked so happy and she's so cute with her little pregnant belly. We went to Mongshili and...it was closed. Jihye asked me where else I wanted to go. I remembered the first place we went to with the Inje program and it was nearby so we went to see if they were open and they were! We chatted and I gave her baby presents from Jungyoon and from me. Jihye only had an hour lunch break so we only had a little bit of time. I walked her back to her office and then walked around campus to take a few pictures and for nostalgia's sake. After that, I went through the makeup stores because they were air conditioned and I was waiting for my former student, Kyungmin, to contact me. While I was waiting at a crosswalk, I hear, "AAAAAMY!!" and I looked up--it was Kyungmin in his car with some other people! He was coming back from his lunch meeting. He told me to get in and took me back to campus. We chatted in their laboratory for a few hours. He and another student, "Noh" both got married this year! And one other student got a girlfriend recently too. My 'little' students, all grown up, haha. (They are in their late 20's early 30's!!)

After I met with Kyungmin, my friend Bumsik called me and we met. It was so hot I suggested ice cream so we went to Baskin Robbins. While we were at Baskin Robbins, I got a message from my other student Daeguk--originally he mentioned he was going to be out of town and couldn't meet me, but then he told me he had just arrived to the laboratory! So he came to Baskin Robbins and we chatted a little. He was my favorite student because he tried the hardest. We struggled to converse and Bumsik wouldn't help translate; he made me speak in Korean!! Daeguk had to leave shortly after he arrived so Bumsik and I stayed there until Jungyoon arrived from Busan. He walked us to the bus stop and we took a city bus to the bus station to return to Jinju. When we came back to Jinju we went to a famous bibimbap restaurant and also got bulgogi. It was so delicious. The bibimbap had raw meat in it--I was a little worried about it, so with some good critical thinking skills, I put my meat in the boiling hot soup and voila! My meat cooked in the soup and I added it back to the bibimbap! After dinner we stopped at Paris Baguette for bread and returned to Jungyoon's home.

We've been watching tv with her parents and visiting a bit. I really like her parents; they are very kind. It feels like being at a home away from home here. Even though this is my first time here, I feel like I've always known it.

Jungyoon and me on the bus to Gimhae!

Lunch with Jihye

Cute pregnant Jihye!

The trees we planted 2 years ago

English Town dormitory where I lived for 4 months

Kyungmin, the leader of my students

Daeguk, my favorite student

Bumsik and me by the front gate of Inje University

Bibimbap!

Jinju Day!

I woke up early--I couldn't sleep. Excited to travel to Jinju and see Jungyoon (Jenny)!!! Bohye's mom made 게란 말이 keran mari (egg omelet rolled up and mixed with tuna and green onions). Bohye and her mom both said I'd be fine to leave at 10, but I wanted to leave at 9:30 even though my bus left at 11:30. I was concerned about carrying my bags through the subway and making a transfer as well as finding where I was supposed to go at the bus terminal. As it was I ended up running to make one connection and arrived at the bus station about 30 minutes early. It was good though because I needed to show my receipt and get a ticket printed out.

Then it was time! I boarded my bus and was on my way to Jinju! I slept for a little bit and then we came to a rest stop. I got out and stretched. Back on the bus for another hour and some; I fell asleep again and woke about 10 minutes before we arrived in Jinju. Jungyoon told me that she and her mom were waiting for me at the bus station. I arrived and found Jungyoon right away. :) We got in their car and her mom took us to lunch. We had samgyetang, which is a chicken soup--it's a little tiny chicken stuffed with ginger and rice. It's a special summer soup and you are supposed to have it 3 times in the summer for good health. After lunch we went back to the bus station so I could buy a return ticket to Seoul for Sunday. Jungyoon's mom was so generous and paid for my bus ticket!! We went to a grocery store and got some ice cream and then went to a movie. We saw "Snow Piercer" (I forgot the Korean name). It's about these people on a train because the world froze when they tried to use some kind of chemical to fight global warming. Anyway the movie was really violent because the (poor) people in the back of the train had a revolution and was trying to get control of the engine which was in the front of the train and controlled by the few rich in the front. It was an interesting movie.

After the movie, we went to get dinner. We had kimbap and ramen. When we finished eating, we took a bus back to Jungyoon's house. I met her dad and then we hung out a little before getting ready for bed.

At the bus station

Jinju here I come!!

Samgyetang

We don't really like ginger!

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