playing in the ocean! sokcho city
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Pohang City, the birthplace of Kang Sun Mee
So you're probably thinking....wow, whose this Kang Sun Mee person right? Sounds like a hot shot. Well, sorry to disappoint, but that was the name I was given at birth. It later changed to Cara when I moved to America 5 months later.
So today two Korean friends and I rented a car, a tiny one, and drove the 4 hours south to Pohang City. It was beautiful because it is a coast city. There was a huge seafood market (yuck) but it was quite the experience. Everything was fresh (and trying to escape from their tanks), and I even got squirted by a huge shrimp. I don't think that anybody can say they have had crab until they've had Korean King Crab. There are huge. I got the eebie jeebies because they look like glorified spiders, but I was sure to stay far far away from those tanks.
After shopping for a bit we bought some deep fried shrimp and dipped it in soy sauce. To my surprise, it wasn't horrible. I'm not sure the changes of it happening again, but it was one of those "When in Rome" moments that we all have. After hanging out in the market we drove about a half hour along the coast to Sokcho City. This is another coast city that had markets, but also a beautiful beach as well. If you've never been swimming in Korea, make sure to wear your full outfit. Shorts, t shirts, the whole works. Koreans are very modest when it comes to skin. It was really fun, and the water wasn't too cold either. It did start raining after about an hour, but it was good timing because we were due at another location anyways. We ate some ramen and were on our way to a beautiful look out spot with a coast of rocks. Of course I have Shimon blood, so I ventured out onto the rocks to get as close to the water as possible (a success of course). My friends thought I was crazy, but then joined me in the fun. They think that Americans are brave they said, but I just don't think they're used to my family :)
After bringing the car back (we left at 5:30 AM and got back at 9:30 pm) we were pretty exhausted. We took a bus back to campus and now that leads me to right now. Lots of people are leaving early in the morning, so it's packing season in the dorm. I think I might start as well, the early bird catches the worm right? Or I'm just procrastinating from doing my laundry (sorry mom).
Tomorrrow I'm going to my Korean friend's family gathering in Seoul, it is a memorial for her Grandma that they have every year. I'm really excited to see some tradition!
Write more later,
CS
So today two Korean friends and I rented a car, a tiny one, and drove the 4 hours south to Pohang City. It was beautiful because it is a coast city. There was a huge seafood market (yuck) but it was quite the experience. Everything was fresh (and trying to escape from their tanks), and I even got squirted by a huge shrimp. I don't think that anybody can say they have had crab until they've had Korean King Crab. There are huge. I got the eebie jeebies because they look like glorified spiders, but I was sure to stay far far away from those tanks.
After shopping for a bit we bought some deep fried shrimp and dipped it in soy sauce. To my surprise, it wasn't horrible. I'm not sure the changes of it happening again, but it was one of those "When in Rome" moments that we all have. After hanging out in the market we drove about a half hour along the coast to Sokcho City. This is another coast city that had markets, but also a beautiful beach as well. If you've never been swimming in Korea, make sure to wear your full outfit. Shorts, t shirts, the whole works. Koreans are very modest when it comes to skin. It was really fun, and the water wasn't too cold either. It did start raining after about an hour, but it was good timing because we were due at another location anyways. We ate some ramen and were on our way to a beautiful look out spot with a coast of rocks. Of course I have Shimon blood, so I ventured out onto the rocks to get as close to the water as possible (a success of course). My friends thought I was crazy, but then joined me in the fun. They think that Americans are brave they said, but I just don't think they're used to my family :)
After bringing the car back (we left at 5:30 AM and got back at 9:30 pm) we were pretty exhausted. We took a bus back to campus and now that leads me to right now. Lots of people are leaving early in the morning, so it's packing season in the dorm. I think I might start as well, the early bird catches the worm right? Or I'm just procrastinating from doing my laundry (sorry mom).
Tomorrrow I'm going to my Korean friend's family gathering in Seoul, it is a memorial for her Grandma that they have every year. I'm really excited to see some tradition!
Write more later,
CS
Friday, August 13, 2010
3 days!
Well, today I took my final for my Business in Asia class. It was an essay on what kind of business we would do in China, how we would do it, and what things we might have some troubles with. In the states there is usually a page limit, or a list of topics that need to be covered. Well, for my Chinese professor the rules were: sit and write for 2 hours. It is much much harder than you would think. I finished my thoughts (and 2 pages front and back) in about one hour, so the last half hour I just babbled about some things we learned in class and hoped for the best. I feel a little bit nervous because our final is worth 80% of our grade (wow) and this class will be counted towards my major GPA (call me a geek, I don't care). We find out in the end of August, so I will just have to wait and see.
So on Wednesday we did two things: listened to Samulnori (Korean traditional percussion quarter) and went to the Nanta performance. Samulnori was ok, we listened to the University Club play, and then were able to play the drums ourselves. It was neat to see the traditions that Korea brings to everything they do. We danced in a circle (much like a Native American pow wow), sang, and beat our drums. It was very early in the morning though.
In the afternoon we went to see the Nanta performance. It was awesome! The performance is a "non-verbal show of free rhythmical movements that dramatize customary Korean percussions in a strikingly comedic stage show". It has been the longest running show in Korea (10 years), was born here in Korea, and has even played on broadway. It is definitely worth your money to go see it. It felt very nice to let out some laughs, as most of the time I am feeling stress from class, transportation, and of course the drama! It is very similar to Stomp the Yard if you have seen that except it takes place in a Kitchen scene so cheese graters, knives, pots, pans, water bottles, and even brooms are used to set the tone and beat of the stage. The show was 1.5 hours long, but I wish it was double. I want to take my friends to see it when it comes back to the US.
Since today was the last day we had a closing ceremony and even received certificates of completion in pretty, velvet cases. Afterwards the school held a reception where we ate pork and kimchi, and get this one...a keg of beer. I couldn't believe the school was giving its students beer, that's Korea for you! Many people were crying, and lots of pictures were taken...people were sad, but I can't wait to get home.
Right now it is 12:30 am and the majority of the students in my program are out celebrating and saying goodbye to one another (most leave on Sunday). But, in a few minutes I will be tucking myself into bed because I am leaving tomorrow morning at 4:40 am!!!! Yep that is right, AM. Why you may ask...because 2 Korean friends and I have rented a car and are going to drive to the coast tomorrow! I am very excited to see other parts of Korea and not be on any type of schedule. We can go where we want, and see whatever we please. My camera is going to have a heartache tomorrow guaranteed. I had to warn my Korean friends that I am not the happiest camper in the morning, and that I might (more like will) be very crabby. Good friends are honest, right?
Well I'm going to go enjoy my now 4 hours of sleep, and I'll let you know how it goes. We might visit the city I was born in, Pohang City, so memories will definitely be made. Peace out.
CS
So on Wednesday we did two things: listened to Samulnori (Korean traditional percussion quarter) and went to the Nanta performance. Samulnori was ok, we listened to the University Club play, and then were able to play the drums ourselves. It was neat to see the traditions that Korea brings to everything they do. We danced in a circle (much like a Native American pow wow), sang, and beat our drums. It was very early in the morning though.
In the afternoon we went to see the Nanta performance. It was awesome! The performance is a "non-verbal show of free rhythmical movements that dramatize customary Korean percussions in a strikingly comedic stage show". It has been the longest running show in Korea (10 years), was born here in Korea, and has even played on broadway. It is definitely worth your money to go see it. It felt very nice to let out some laughs, as most of the time I am feeling stress from class, transportation, and of course the drama! It is very similar to Stomp the Yard if you have seen that except it takes place in a Kitchen scene so cheese graters, knives, pots, pans, water bottles, and even brooms are used to set the tone and beat of the stage. The show was 1.5 hours long, but I wish it was double. I want to take my friends to see it when it comes back to the US.
Since today was the last day we had a closing ceremony and even received certificates of completion in pretty, velvet cases. Afterwards the school held a reception where we ate pork and kimchi, and get this one...a keg of beer. I couldn't believe the school was giving its students beer, that's Korea for you! Many people were crying, and lots of pictures were taken...people were sad, but I can't wait to get home.
Right now it is 12:30 am and the majority of the students in my program are out celebrating and saying goodbye to one another (most leave on Sunday). But, in a few minutes I will be tucking myself into bed because I am leaving tomorrow morning at 4:40 am!!!! Yep that is right, AM. Why you may ask...because 2 Korean friends and I have rented a car and are going to drive to the coast tomorrow! I am very excited to see other parts of Korea and not be on any type of schedule. We can go where we want, and see whatever we please. My camera is going to have a heartache tomorrow guaranteed. I had to warn my Korean friends that I am not the happiest camper in the morning, and that I might (more like will) be very crabby. Good friends are honest, right?
Well I'm going to go enjoy my now 4 hours of sleep, and I'll let you know how it goes. We might visit the city I was born in, Pohang City, so memories will definitely be made. Peace out.
CS
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Busy, great week!
Today is Sunday, and the last time I wrote was Tuesday. Why? Because we have been so busy we don't have time for sleep. Wednesday we went to Mungyeongsaejae for "paper art making", natural tie dying, and to go to a provincial park. All 3 were amazing.
The paper making was creating a design on a fan (using really thin paper, you have to rip it up into shapes you want to use) then using glue to keep it stuck to the fan. It was pretty neat seeing your own design come to life, and I always love being able to take things home with me! I love doing arts and crafts so this was an awesome and exciting activity for me.
The second thing was tie dying t shirts with natural dye. We used dye that came from trees, and it was in all different colors: red, purple, yellow, and gray. The dye was much weaker than normal, but that's because the consistency was all natural with nothing added to it. My shirt was ok, not as good as when I'm a camp counselor, but a fun experience atleast.
The provincial park was so beautiful! In the middle was a traditional Korean village (old style buildings with painted designs everywhere) and around was mountains and more mountains! The day was so steamy hot, but I am so glad that we walked the 20 min to get there (some students sat in AC instead and didn't go to the park). The park is also used for many Korean dramas that take place in history. So that was Wednesday.
Thursday and Friday class, but that's not very exciting. Friday night...we went to a place called the Big Chill. They had wii, darts, pool, and a live DJ! It was really fun dancing and just reminding ourselves that it is the weekend. There were people there from Texas, New Jersey, and Ohio so it was good seeing friendly American faces :) Don't worry it wasn't just Americans, there were guys from Nepal, Ethiopia, South Africa, Germany, Poland, and much more. It was so exciting, that we're going to go back this Friday as well!
Saturday...white water rafting in Dong-gan (Kwan-wan-do Province). The best experience in Korea thus far. It was a perfect sunny day, but not too hot. We were split into groups of 10 and my group was perfect. We had some of the shy guys, so it was fun getting to know them and joking around. Our rafting trip was 4 hours in the water! Definitely got our moneys worth. Just picture yourself rafting through mountains...the water so clear...and cranes in the trees looking at you! It was just lovely, and we even played water games on the water rafts with our Korean rafting instructor. Some of you might think...boring. Definitely not, there were about 4 rapid parts of the river were there were huge rocks we would slam into (you had to keep your foot tucked into a strap) and a girl in our boat even fell out once! A little dangerous, but that's how life is...it keeps it exciting :)
Saturday night we went to a "jimjilbong" which is like a spa/arcade/jacuzzi/sauna room/ice room and more all in one. You can get a massage there, a manicure, sit in a sauna, take a jacuzzi (don't forget, Koreans take them naked and together!) so you get to know your friends on a whole different level. We went with 2 other Americans from Milwaukee and they were most definitely in culture shock. They sat in a jacuzzi with a towel over themselves...in the water! I think we should bring these jimjilbongs to America, what a great thing. I slept on a tile floor with no pillow...that was the only down side. After we woke up, hung out some more and got ready I took a train and bus by myself all the way back to our University (over an hour of travel). I always get a little nervous that I'm going to take the wrong bus or miss my stop and not even realize it...and end up in Japan.
So I met my other Korean friend Lucy and we went to Church together. Yeah, believe it or not I went to a Christian church in Korea. It was big, but surprisingly no pictures or stained glass on the walls (that's how ours are, so I kind of expected it there too). I met more Koreans there, and they all asked me to stay longer than 9 days (that's when I leave for home!). I told them to talk to Delta, and we'd see :)
Afterwards Lucy and I ate pork cutlet (pork submerged in a sweet teriyaki like sweet sauce). It was good, but I was so full from my noodles, pizza, and banana smoothie that I couldn't eat much.
Ok that's enough for now...I promise to not wait so long to write another one again.
CS
The paper making was creating a design on a fan (using really thin paper, you have to rip it up into shapes you want to use) then using glue to keep it stuck to the fan. It was pretty neat seeing your own design come to life, and I always love being able to take things home with me! I love doing arts and crafts so this was an awesome and exciting activity for me.
The second thing was tie dying t shirts with natural dye. We used dye that came from trees, and it was in all different colors: red, purple, yellow, and gray. The dye was much weaker than normal, but that's because the consistency was all natural with nothing added to it. My shirt was ok, not as good as when I'm a camp counselor, but a fun experience atleast.
The provincial park was so beautiful! In the middle was a traditional Korean village (old style buildings with painted designs everywhere) and around was mountains and more mountains! The day was so steamy hot, but I am so glad that we walked the 20 min to get there (some students sat in AC instead and didn't go to the park). The park is also used for many Korean dramas that take place in history. So that was Wednesday.
Thursday and Friday class, but that's not very exciting. Friday night...we went to a place called the Big Chill. They had wii, darts, pool, and a live DJ! It was really fun dancing and just reminding ourselves that it is the weekend. There were people there from Texas, New Jersey, and Ohio so it was good seeing friendly American faces :) Don't worry it wasn't just Americans, there were guys from Nepal, Ethiopia, South Africa, Germany, Poland, and much more. It was so exciting, that we're going to go back this Friday as well!
Saturday...white water rafting in Dong-gan (Kwan-wan-do Province). The best experience in Korea thus far. It was a perfect sunny day, but not too hot. We were split into groups of 10 and my group was perfect. We had some of the shy guys, so it was fun getting to know them and joking around. Our rafting trip was 4 hours in the water! Definitely got our moneys worth. Just picture yourself rafting through mountains...the water so clear...and cranes in the trees looking at you! It was just lovely, and we even played water games on the water rafts with our Korean rafting instructor. Some of you might think...boring. Definitely not, there were about 4 rapid parts of the river were there were huge rocks we would slam into (you had to keep your foot tucked into a strap) and a girl in our boat even fell out once! A little dangerous, but that's how life is...it keeps it exciting :)
Saturday night we went to a "jimjilbong" which is like a spa/arcade/jacuzzi/sauna room/ice room and more all in one. You can get a massage there, a manicure, sit in a sauna, take a jacuzzi (don't forget, Koreans take them naked and together!) so you get to know your friends on a whole different level. We went with 2 other Americans from Milwaukee and they were most definitely in culture shock. They sat in a jacuzzi with a towel over themselves...in the water! I think we should bring these jimjilbongs to America, what a great thing. I slept on a tile floor with no pillow...that was the only down side. After we woke up, hung out some more and got ready I took a train and bus by myself all the way back to our University (over an hour of travel). I always get a little nervous that I'm going to take the wrong bus or miss my stop and not even realize it...and end up in Japan.
So I met my other Korean friend Lucy and we went to Church together. Yeah, believe it or not I went to a Christian church in Korea. It was big, but surprisingly no pictures or stained glass on the walls (that's how ours are, so I kind of expected it there too). I met more Koreans there, and they all asked me to stay longer than 9 days (that's when I leave for home!). I told them to talk to Delta, and we'd see :)
Afterwards Lucy and I ate pork cutlet (pork submerged in a sweet teriyaki like sweet sauce). It was good, but I was so full from my noodles, pizza, and banana smoothie that I couldn't eat much.
Ok that's enough for now...I promise to not wait so long to write another one again.
CS
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
"The Chaser"
Today is Tuesday which means Korean Movie Night. Tonight's movie was called "The Chaser" which is about a true story that happened in Korea...a serial killer murders 12 innocent people. It was very graphic, Saw style for those who have seen those.
Let's just say I will definitely have nightmares tonight, and as I was walking back to my dorm room I held my pepper spray in hand, locked and loaded like Mom told me too.
I'm not quite sure why I kept watching it, I mean it was a good movie, just not my type. For those of you thriller lovers, go see it (if you don't mind subtitles). Or if you're like me and you love comedy and romance, watch "The Classic". What a cute movie.
Tomorrow we're on a bus for 6 hours (3 hrs each way) as we head to the south of South Korea to tie dye and make paper.
Catch ya then!
CS
Let's just say I will definitely have nightmares tonight, and as I was walking back to my dorm room I held my pepper spray in hand, locked and loaded like Mom told me too.
I'm not quite sure why I kept watching it, I mean it was a good movie, just not my type. For those of you thriller lovers, go see it (if you don't mind subtitles). Or if you're like me and you love comedy and romance, watch "The Classic". What a cute movie.
Tomorrow we're on a bus for 6 hours (3 hrs each way) as we head to the south of South Korea to tie dye and make paper.
Catch ya then!
CS
Monday, August 2, 2010
Proud. To. Be. An. American.
It's been a few days since I've written, and honestly it's because I've been so stressed. But now I'm ready to let my emotions fill this post with how I feel. There are some very ignorant people in my program (well of course, because there are those people everywhere) but these people are starting to say things about America and Americans specifically. They say things like: ALL Americans are stuck-up, superficial, b****es; and that all Europeans hate Americans. Some of the things that they say I am just in pure shock because I can't believe any human being would say things like that. But of course they always end the conversation in...but you're not really American, so I'm not saying bad things about you. For those of you who are simply reading this blog but have never seen me...I look Korean, well, because I was born in Korea. But just because you're born somewhere doesn't mean you are that. Being American is a way of life, it's a culture, it doesn't mean you look a certain way. They say that since I look different, I must not be American and even if I wanted to be I never could be.
Well, news flash people. I am more American than any "American-looking" person there is. I wish that these people weren't here to make my experience negative at times, but I guess it's just one of those things that we have to deal with. It's quite funny though because the two boys that are saying things are German and Canadian...but almost all of the people from Asian countries open up to Americans with open arms. My roommate even mentioned to me that most Koreans have the "American Dream" which means the opportunity to come visit or if they're lucky enough come live for awhile.
Ok enough with the negative Nancy...it's just important for me to point out that even though some of us are accepting of other cultures, there are still those people that want others to feel like crap. Now back to Korea...
Well Saturday night we decided to go to Seoul and visit a club. We went to "Water Club" and "Cocoon Club". Water club was pretty cool because the dancefloor is a very shallow pool of water (about up to my shin) and every 5 min or so water falls from above the dance floor. You definitely want to bring an extra pair of clothes if you're planning on staying there all night. Since I didn't want to get too wet, a few friends and I went to "Cocoon Club". It was a 3 story club that played very Western music, many of the songs I recognized. The club was very fun and filled with dancing, but since they didn't turn the air conditioning on it was very VERY hot. My legs were dripping with sweat, and a few times I had to go outside for some fresh air. All of those people with no air circulation: bad smelling air haha. Since the subway system doesn't start back up until 6 am, we had to stay out quite late (we ended up eating "breakfast" at 4:30 am). I ended up crawling into my bed at 9 am, and slept until 6 pm. That is the way of life for club-going Koreans on the weekends. It was an experience I'm glad to have had, but I don't think I will do it again because it has completely thrown my sleeping schedule off! Today I went to class, came back and slept from 11-4. But since I return home in 2 weeks, I guess I'll be all ready to conquer that jet lag.
Paper making is Wednesday, write more then....
Cara
Well, news flash people. I am more American than any "American-looking" person there is. I wish that these people weren't here to make my experience negative at times, but I guess it's just one of those things that we have to deal with. It's quite funny though because the two boys that are saying things are German and Canadian...but almost all of the people from Asian countries open up to Americans with open arms. My roommate even mentioned to me that most Koreans have the "American Dream" which means the opportunity to come visit or if they're lucky enough come live for awhile.
Ok enough with the negative Nancy...it's just important for me to point out that even though some of us are accepting of other cultures, there are still those people that want others to feel like crap. Now back to Korea...
Well Saturday night we decided to go to Seoul and visit a club. We went to "Water Club" and "Cocoon Club". Water club was pretty cool because the dancefloor is a very shallow pool of water (about up to my shin) and every 5 min or so water falls from above the dance floor. You definitely want to bring an extra pair of clothes if you're planning on staying there all night. Since I didn't want to get too wet, a few friends and I went to "Cocoon Club". It was a 3 story club that played very Western music, many of the songs I recognized. The club was very fun and filled with dancing, but since they didn't turn the air conditioning on it was very VERY hot. My legs were dripping with sweat, and a few times I had to go outside for some fresh air. All of those people with no air circulation: bad smelling air haha. Since the subway system doesn't start back up until 6 am, we had to stay out quite late (we ended up eating "breakfast" at 4:30 am). I ended up crawling into my bed at 9 am, and slept until 6 pm. That is the way of life for club-going Koreans on the weekends. It was an experience I'm glad to have had, but I don't think I will do it again because it has completely thrown my sleeping schedule off! Today I went to class, came back and slept from 11-4. But since I return home in 2 weeks, I guess I'll be all ready to conquer that jet lag.
Paper making is Wednesday, write more then....
Cara
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Goodbye Chinese Students...
So about 2 hours we found out that 5 of the Chinese students have to return home. TONIGHT. Or else the Chinese government is going to fine them $10,000 and they won't be able to return to Korea for 5 years. I guess what happened was their program at their university filed for a tourist visa (which is only for a month) instead of a student visa, and today it expired. Three of the students already left (they were taken out of class early) and we didn't even get to say goodbye. The remaining 2 are girls, and they decided to go shopping today, without a cell phone. So they are somewhere in Seoul, and they don't even know yet. The bad news for them is that the last plane for China already left for the evening, so I'm not sure how the Chinese government can impose such a high fine if they didn't even know until hours later. It's pretty scary for them, and pretty shocking for the rest of us. I am so thankful to be from USA and not have to have a visa to visit here.
The students were all talking, and they were all saying that USA is the hardest place to get a visa, unless you are a student. Each country is different, but you have to wait a long time and have a definite purpose for your stay. It's incredible to see the different view points of people and what they think of Americans. I was told that we are "fearless", don't get embarrassed, and say really cool stuff haha. Sometimes I feel like we're good guys, but sometimes not so much (like when my Chinese professor tells everyone how the US is taking all of their profit and that's why China and its people are so poor). I guess the real truth is in the eyes of each beholder.
Even though I wanted to go home earlier, now I take that back. Anything could happen, at anytime. So we just have to live it up, every moment.
CS
The students were all talking, and they were all saying that USA is the hardest place to get a visa, unless you are a student. Each country is different, but you have to wait a long time and have a definite purpose for your stay. It's incredible to see the different view points of people and what they think of Americans. I was told that we are "fearless", don't get embarrassed, and say really cool stuff haha. Sometimes I feel like we're good guys, but sometimes not so much (like when my Chinese professor tells everyone how the US is taking all of their profit and that's why China and its people are so poor). I guess the real truth is in the eyes of each beholder.
Even though I wanted to go home earlier, now I take that back. Anything could happen, at anytime. So we just have to live it up, every moment.
CS
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Korean Folk Village, Hyundai, and some "Good Coffee"
Today was a great day; a lifter upper from last night :)
We went to a traditional Korean Folk Village and saw the buildings and the life of Koreans 200 years ago. We got to play a traditional pebble game where you try and flick the opponent's pebbles off of the board, and even saw a traditional wedding ceremony. There was lots of bowing, and of course beautiful clothing wear (very colorful, and multiple pieces).
After the Folk Village we went and visited the Hyundai plant in Asan, South Korea. I was super excited to go because I'm pondering being an operations management major, and possibly working as a manager in a factory myself. I couldn't believe how many robots there were. The only other plant that I've visited was Bush's baked beans, and although it was automated, there weren't actual robots running the show. We saw the car being made from the panels at the press shop, to the assembly line (which only took 51 seconds to assembly one whole car) to putting the engine in and putting the final touches on. We were there around 3:15 pm and the plant had already completed 366 cars. It was pretty impressive. I also didn't know that the largest car factory in the entire world is located in Korea, in Ulsan (where 2 of my Korean friends are from!). Korea sure has made a name for itself.
It was very exciting, but a very tiring day as well. Many of us took a nap on the 2 hour bus ride home. We went out to dinner, went to "Good Coffee" (coffee shop by our university) and sat for awhile and chatted. Koreans love coffee, like I said before a very large consumer. It is so nice to just sit down and talk with friends. I feel like when I'm in Eau Claire I never take the time to just sit and talk with friends. There's always a schedule, something I'm coming from, and always somewhere I have to be in 15 min. If I bring something back with me, it's going to be to slow life down a little bit and enjoy the small moments because they keep ya goin.
And oh yeah, Good Coffee also has wifi!!! I am enjoying my games on my iTouch once again, and one happy lady. :)
Tomorrow we have class again, so I better get to my homework.
CS
We went to a traditional Korean Folk Village and saw the buildings and the life of Koreans 200 years ago. We got to play a traditional pebble game where you try and flick the opponent's pebbles off of the board, and even saw a traditional wedding ceremony. There was lots of bowing, and of course beautiful clothing wear (very colorful, and multiple pieces).
After the Folk Village we went and visited the Hyundai plant in Asan, South Korea. I was super excited to go because I'm pondering being an operations management major, and possibly working as a manager in a factory myself. I couldn't believe how many robots there were. The only other plant that I've visited was Bush's baked beans, and although it was automated, there weren't actual robots running the show. We saw the car being made from the panels at the press shop, to the assembly line (which only took 51 seconds to assembly one whole car) to putting the engine in and putting the final touches on. We were there around 3:15 pm and the plant had already completed 366 cars. It was pretty impressive. I also didn't know that the largest car factory in the entire world is located in Korea, in Ulsan (where 2 of my Korean friends are from!). Korea sure has made a name for itself.
It was very exciting, but a very tiring day as well. Many of us took a nap on the 2 hour bus ride home. We went out to dinner, went to "Good Coffee" (coffee shop by our university) and sat for awhile and chatted. Koreans love coffee, like I said before a very large consumer. It is so nice to just sit down and talk with friends. I feel like when I'm in Eau Claire I never take the time to just sit and talk with friends. There's always a schedule, something I'm coming from, and always somewhere I have to be in 15 min. If I bring something back with me, it's going to be to slow life down a little bit and enjoy the small moments because they keep ya goin.
And oh yeah, Good Coffee also has wifi!!! I am enjoying my games on my iTouch once again, and one happy lady. :)
Tomorrow we have class again, so I better get to my homework.
CS
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Sweet Eau Claire
Today is one of those days that I miss everything about being in America. My bed, the food, my friends, the list goes on and on. I think that I've been spending too much time with the same group of people. But this is what studying abroad is all about. As my mom would say, "Cara, you can't quit everything in your life". Being here in Korea is something different. You can't just go quit your job, or not go to class, or not go home just because you don't "feel like it". I can't simply quit and book another plane ticket home. I have to stick it out and make the most of it. As of today I have exactly 2 weeks left. The crazy part is that I have no idea what will happen in those 2 weeks. Everything is a mystery. I think that's getting to me as well...I need to have schedule, order...and most important, people who are on time! There is a big joke that there is time, and there's Korean time. Whenever we go anywhere or do anything it's always the Koreans that are late. In their defense, they're not as bad as my Mexican friends ;)
So right now I'm chilling in my dorm room, knitting my blanket. My friend had a birthday last night so we went out to celebrate, which was a little weird because it was a Monday night and usually I'm all tucked in on a Monday. Koreans sure do love their night life. I was more of a spectator, but thought I'd be respectful and atleast be in attendance.
We're going on another field trip tomorrow, I'll let you know what we're up to!
CS
So right now I'm chilling in my dorm room, knitting my blanket. My friend had a birthday last night so we went out to celebrate, which was a little weird because it was a Monday night and usually I'm all tucked in on a Monday. Koreans sure do love their night life. I was more of a spectator, but thought I'd be respectful and atleast be in attendance.
We're going on another field trip tomorrow, I'll let you know what we're up to!
CS
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Inception, DMZ, and the Hospital
I did my title Cake Boss style, for those of you who don't know what Cake Boss is turn your TV onto TLC and get a watchin! It's my new favorite show.
Anyways, yesterday I went to the DMZ (Demilitarization Zone) also called JSA (Joint Security Area) or simply "the border" between North and South Korea. It wasn't as intense as I thought it would be, mainly because most of the time we weren't allowed to get off of the bus or take pictures anywhere (well, in a few spots it was ok). It was pretty crazy to see the literal cement, 6 inch high, line going right through the country. It went straight through buildings (so that if they need to meet for diplomatic reasons, they don't have to cross into the other's side). The South Korean soldiers were very serious the entire time, standing in a very upright position with their arms locked in a "taekwondo" pose, and with their hot bulky uniform. Let's just say, not a job I'd want to have.
The other thing that surprised me was America's involvement with the JSA. Everywhere you look there is a South Korean flag, a JSA flag, and our flag!! It was kind of weird to see. While our tour guide was showing us around she made it very clear that the people of Korea did not want to be split into two countries, and that it was the super powers' (Russia and US) fault that they did. From the American point of view we learn that we went over there to "help" the Koreans keep capitalism, but really they didn't want the split in the first place. I guess there's always two sides to every story. Did you know that the guy that started Hyundai was North Korean? When the war ended the POW soldiers were allowed to choose which side, and he switched over to the South. Nowadays, people say that North Korea is living in poverty, and that starvation is everywhere. It makes me sad to hear that, because they don't even know what else is out there.
The last part of my title is "hospital" or in korean "pyeong won". While on the subway my show got caught on the edge, and I fell face first. As embarrassing as it was, it hurt much more. I ended up "bending" my bone, but atleast it wasn't broken. I don't think I could live on crutches and a cast without my mother or grandma taking care of me! I went to the ER last night around 10:30pm and they took an xray. After an hour and a half of looking at my charts, the doctor told me in English that they're not sure what it is. I was a little shocked to hear that. They said if the swelling and pain persist 3 days from then that I have to get a CT and Cat scan. So at this point, I'm not sure what's wrong with it. He said "micro fractures" and bending of the bone, but ended with...I'm not sure about your condition. comforting, eh? Well I'm going to go eat some left over pizza because the restaurants are too far to walk on this leg...then take my 15 pills per day that were prescribed (over kill I know).
Sleep tight America,
CS
Anyways, yesterday I went to the DMZ (Demilitarization Zone) also called JSA (Joint Security Area) or simply "the border" between North and South Korea. It wasn't as intense as I thought it would be, mainly because most of the time we weren't allowed to get off of the bus or take pictures anywhere (well, in a few spots it was ok). It was pretty crazy to see the literal cement, 6 inch high, line going right through the country. It went straight through buildings (so that if they need to meet for diplomatic reasons, they don't have to cross into the other's side). The South Korean soldiers were very serious the entire time, standing in a very upright position with their arms locked in a "taekwondo" pose, and with their hot bulky uniform. Let's just say, not a job I'd want to have.
The other thing that surprised me was America's involvement with the JSA. Everywhere you look there is a South Korean flag, a JSA flag, and our flag!! It was kind of weird to see. While our tour guide was showing us around she made it very clear that the people of Korea did not want to be split into two countries, and that it was the super powers' (Russia and US) fault that they did. From the American point of view we learn that we went over there to "help" the Koreans keep capitalism, but really they didn't want the split in the first place. I guess there's always two sides to every story. Did you know that the guy that started Hyundai was North Korean? When the war ended the POW soldiers were allowed to choose which side, and he switched over to the South. Nowadays, people say that North Korea is living in poverty, and that starvation is everywhere. It makes me sad to hear that, because they don't even know what else is out there.
The last part of my title is "hospital" or in korean "pyeong won". While on the subway my show got caught on the edge, and I fell face first. As embarrassing as it was, it hurt much more. I ended up "bending" my bone, but atleast it wasn't broken. I don't think I could live on crutches and a cast without my mother or grandma taking care of me! I went to the ER last night around 10:30pm and they took an xray. After an hour and a half of looking at my charts, the doctor told me in English that they're not sure what it is. I was a little shocked to hear that. They said if the swelling and pain persist 3 days from then that I have to get a CT and Cat scan. So at this point, I'm not sure what's wrong with it. He said "micro fractures" and bending of the bone, but ended with...I'm not sure about your condition. comforting, eh? Well I'm going to go eat some left over pizza because the restaurants are too far to walk on this leg...then take my 15 pills per day that were prescribed (over kill I know).
Sleep tight America,
CS
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Koreans=High IQ
After tonight I know why Koreans have the highest IQ in the world...because they study all of the time. I went to the library for the first time here at Ajou, and wow is all that I can say. It is pretty much 4 floors of individual desks just lined up one after another: cubicle style. Right away at the entrance you need to swipe your student card that has an electronic chip for all public transportation and everything at the school. That gets you in the doorway, next stop is electronic kiosks (about 10 of them) that have a touch screen map of every floor in the Library. Get this...you pick your seat, and then it's assigned to you! For 4 hours that is, then you have to extend your stay or pick a new one.
I stayed for 4 hours in the library...more than I have ever stayed in any library, in any country. I definitely showed my American side with my knitting and Ipod and the constant need to be switching tasks about every half hour. The Koreans just sit and read their textbooks, or write their papers. My Korean friend (like all Koreans actually) are so careful when they write in English. It took him 4 hours to write 2 pages, and they seem to run on no sleep.
This Library experience has got me wondering...do Koreans study too much? Over the top? Or do Americans not study enough? Because there is a huge gap in hours of studying I can tell you that. Maybe my superintendent mother can answer this one for us.
CS
I stayed for 4 hours in the library...more than I have ever stayed in any library, in any country. I definitely showed my American side with my knitting and Ipod and the constant need to be switching tasks about every half hour. The Koreans just sit and read their textbooks, or write their papers. My Korean friend (like all Koreans actually) are so careful when they write in English. It took him 4 hours to write 2 pages, and they seem to run on no sleep.
This Library experience has got me wondering...do Koreans study too much? Over the top? Or do Americans not study enough? Because there is a huge gap in hours of studying I can tell you that. Maybe my superintendent mother can answer this one for us.
CS
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Bruises and Beaches
So remember last time when I wrote, "I'm going to go play ping pong"? Well I ended up playing with 3 Korean guys (all were very good) for 3 hours! We played singles, doubles, a tournament, and around the world. So exhausting but a great work out. It is a big sport here as well as squash and badminton, and of course soccer. I don't think they get the idea of girls playing though.
Today we went to Boryeong City which is where the Mud Festival is. Boryeong's mud is known to be "rich in minerals and good for the skin" and they even sell cosmetics from the mud as well. There was a mud prison where people have little buckets and throw mud on you, multiple obstacle courses which were very slippery but very fun, a mud bath where you just sit and cover yourself and other fun attractions. The rides were so slippery that we would fall over all of the time, making my title be "bruises". Also, one of my friends threw me down in the mud bath (the bottom was concrete) so I got a good bruise from that one too. And if you seemed "too clean" which means had any skin showing...don't worry a "friend" from the program was sure to help you out with that "problem" haha.
After we played around in the mud for awhile, we walked to the beach (right next to the mud festival). It was beautiful as ever, but since it was windy and the tide was so high we were unable to swim in it...just swoosh our toes in a bit. One of my friends from Milwaukee actually lost her sandal because the tide took it when it was washing outwards. My lunch for the day consisted of a hamburger and fries. Guess what? They were being literal with the "ham" in hamburger. It had ham and beef in it! Along with cucumbers, lettuce, onions, and other fun things that I didn't quite know.
The bus took 2 hours to get there one way, so on the way home I took a really long nap. That doesn't really help out the jet lag that I still am having a problem with (laying in bed for hours not being able to sleep finally going to sleep at 5 am when the sun comes up). I really want it to stop by the next session which starts next Monday because I have class at 9 am, and I'm not a morning person even without the jet lag.
Well, I'm going to go get a bite to eat and do my homework for my Korean Language class. Ciao!
CS
Today we went to Boryeong City which is where the Mud Festival is. Boryeong's mud is known to be "rich in minerals and good for the skin" and they even sell cosmetics from the mud as well. There was a mud prison where people have little buckets and throw mud on you, multiple obstacle courses which were very slippery but very fun, a mud bath where you just sit and cover yourself and other fun attractions. The rides were so slippery that we would fall over all of the time, making my title be "bruises". Also, one of my friends threw me down in the mud bath (the bottom was concrete) so I got a good bruise from that one too. And if you seemed "too clean" which means had any skin showing...don't worry a "friend" from the program was sure to help you out with that "problem" haha.
After we played around in the mud for awhile, we walked to the beach (right next to the mud festival). It was beautiful as ever, but since it was windy and the tide was so high we were unable to swim in it...just swoosh our toes in a bit. One of my friends from Milwaukee actually lost her sandal because the tide took it when it was washing outwards. My lunch for the day consisted of a hamburger and fries. Guess what? They were being literal with the "ham" in hamburger. It had ham and beef in it! Along with cucumbers, lettuce, onions, and other fun things that I didn't quite know.
The bus took 2 hours to get there one way, so on the way home I took a really long nap. That doesn't really help out the jet lag that I still am having a problem with (laying in bed for hours not being able to sleep finally going to sleep at 5 am when the sun comes up). I really want it to stop by the next session which starts next Monday because I have class at 9 am, and I'm not a morning person even without the jet lag.
Well, I'm going to go get a bite to eat and do my homework for my Korean Language class. Ciao!
CS
Monday, July 19, 2010
Thank Goodness for Multiple Choice
My quiz today...not bad! It was multiple choice which made it so much easier. The entire exam was in Korean, so I only recognized a few of the words, but enough to realize what's going on and what the right answer was. So I'm pretty thrilled about that. Next stop is our final on Friday. That should be interesting, hopefully more multiple choice :)
I just got back from our pizza party! I keep thinking wow, things are so different here but then I remember that well, everything pretty much is different here. There were 3 types of pizza to choose from: sweet potato pizza with ham and literally sweet potato on top, shrimp and squid tentacles, and shrimp with something else. They just love seafood over here. I had the sweet potato one and it wasn't too bad! It was pretty sweet though, I think because they don't have marinara sauce here. It's just bread with cheese on top with the toppings. That's why Koreans are so thin.
Now I'm off to play some ping pong, so have a great night America!
CS
I just got back from our pizza party! I keep thinking wow, things are so different here but then I remember that well, everything pretty much is different here. There were 3 types of pizza to choose from: sweet potato pizza with ham and literally sweet potato on top, shrimp and squid tentacles, and shrimp with something else. They just love seafood over here. I had the sweet potato one and it wasn't too bad! It was pretty sweet though, I think because they don't have marinara sauce here. It's just bread with cheese on top with the toppings. That's why Koreans are so thin.
Now I'm off to play some ping pong, so have a great night America!
CS
Sunday, July 18, 2010
A Whole New World
I borrowed this saying from Aladdin and Jasmine, because it is oh so true here in Korea. The menu for our competition: pancakes with kimchee (fermented cabbage) and onions...and another pancake with squid tentacles and green onion. Pretty interesting huh? Typically they're dipped into a red hot sauce or light brown sauce similar to soy sauce. We didn't win the competition, but it was very fun to make nonetheless.
On Saturday we went to "Lotte World". We were going to go to Everland, but the weather downpoured all day Friday and Saturday. It is funny how they try to westernize many things here in Korea...their Lotte World symbol is a big castle. It was a little too familiar to DisneyLand's castle :) But Lotte World is known as the largest indoor amusement park (that's what Guinness says). KOreans really know how to condense many things into a small area. When I first walked in I figured after 2 hours we'd be done, but we were there for 10 and I still didn't go on 2 of the rides.
There was a few very fast roller coasters, and if I may so say, were better than Six Flags! I was in a group with 2 other Koreans and one of our professors from Canada, so it was really fun to go on rides together (like water ones) because we would almost always see who would get the most wet (and then splash the driest person).
One of the Koreans had a normal amusement park snack: Peanut Butter Roasted Squid. I tried one just to say I did, but my hate for seafood was not changed.
Today I have my quiz in my Korean class, the quiz that's worth 25% of my grade. I'm a little nervous about that. My Korean roommate told me that if she had a quiz she'd study all day and probably the day before as well. They study here all of the time. But in all fairness, they don't have jobs (students my age that is). Their parents pay for everything and give them allowances so that they can concentrate more on studying and then getting a good job.
Well I'm off to study now, see ya later!
CS
On Saturday we went to "Lotte World". We were going to go to Everland, but the weather downpoured all day Friday and Saturday. It is funny how they try to westernize many things here in Korea...their Lotte World symbol is a big castle. It was a little too familiar to DisneyLand's castle :) But Lotte World is known as the largest indoor amusement park (that's what Guinness says). KOreans really know how to condense many things into a small area. When I first walked in I figured after 2 hours we'd be done, but we were there for 10 and I still didn't go on 2 of the rides.
There was a few very fast roller coasters, and if I may so say, were better than Six Flags! I was in a group with 2 other Koreans and one of our professors from Canada, so it was really fun to go on rides together (like water ones) because we would almost always see who would get the most wet (and then splash the driest person).
One of the Koreans had a normal amusement park snack: Peanut Butter Roasted Squid. I tried one just to say I did, but my hate for seafood was not changed.
Today I have my quiz in my Korean class, the quiz that's worth 25% of my grade. I'm a little nervous about that. My Korean roommate told me that if she had a quiz she'd study all day and probably the day before as well. They study here all of the time. But in all fairness, they don't have jobs (students my age that is). Their parents pay for everything and give them allowances so that they can concentrate more on studying and then getting a good job.
Well I'm off to study now, see ya later!
CS
Friday, July 16, 2010
Throwdown!
Anybody who watches the Food Network (or knows Bobby Flay) will recognize the title of this entry. It's a cooking competition show, which is what we will be doing tonight with our AISS (Ajou International Summer School) group, minus the cameras that is. I'm not sure what we'll be making, the Korean student group leaders get to decide that.
Tonight for dinner I had spaghetti ramen. I know what you're thinking...how is that possible. But believe me, if you can dream it...there's a ramen for it. There's Korean noodle ramen, Japanese noodle ramen, etc. It was ok. Nothing like my mom's cooking, but not as bad as I thought it'd be. I am 2/3 done with my Korean Language 1 course. Thank god. We have a quiz on Monday on all of the vocab words we've learned thus far, then our final is next Friday. It counts for 55% of our grade! I was a bit shocked when I heard that. I'm going to have to study alot in this upcoming week, or atleast think about it :)
It is pouring rain here, and the weather says the next two days will be the same. This means that our trip to Everland (theme park in Korea) is cancelled. But good news is that we will be going to Lotte World (another theme park, largest indoor in fact) in Seoul instead. I'm pretty excited, but a little nervous because I've had quite an upset stomach with the change in food and spiciness everywhere, but I think it'll be fine.
Even though I've only been here for about 3 weeks now, it seems much longer. I am very comfortable on my campus and if I was to be staying for an entire semester, I think I'd make it. I'm pretty excited to come home though (32 days) so I can enjoy floating down the river and my mom's cooking.
I'll let you know how th competition goes next time (our group won the photo contest by the way, so we will be enjoying free pizza next monday!)
CS
Tonight for dinner I had spaghetti ramen. I know what you're thinking...how is that possible. But believe me, if you can dream it...there's a ramen for it. There's Korean noodle ramen, Japanese noodle ramen, etc. It was ok. Nothing like my mom's cooking, but not as bad as I thought it'd be. I am 2/3 done with my Korean Language 1 course. Thank god. We have a quiz on Monday on all of the vocab words we've learned thus far, then our final is next Friday. It counts for 55% of our grade! I was a bit shocked when I heard that. I'm going to have to study alot in this upcoming week, or atleast think about it :)
It is pouring rain here, and the weather says the next two days will be the same. This means that our trip to Everland (theme park in Korea) is cancelled. But good news is that we will be going to Lotte World (another theme park, largest indoor in fact) in Seoul instead. I'm pretty excited, but a little nervous because I've had quite an upset stomach with the change in food and spiciness everywhere, but I think it'll be fine.
Even though I've only been here for about 3 weeks now, it seems much longer. I am very comfortable on my campus and if I was to be staying for an entire semester, I think I'd make it. I'm pretty excited to come home though (32 days) so I can enjoy floating down the river and my mom's cooking.
I'll let you know how th competition goes next time (our group won the photo contest by the way, so we will be enjoying free pizza next monday!)
CS
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Always something new in the S-E-O-U-L.
Today was Wednesday, which means again Korean Culture Workshop days. These days are turning out to be my favorite ones, not only because of the activities, but no class :)
This morning we had a 2 hour interactive Tae Kwon Do class. It was interesting to say the least. We had one teacher that was pretty old and you just know he could kill someone with his bare hands, and then 4 students of his that were all black belts.
We watched them do a demonstration, then did it ourselves. It was really fun, and quite the work out! We were all sweating by the time it was done...and a little sore as well. They even held up boards for us to break (just like in the movies) and we broke them!
Afterwards we took our usual bus and subway to Seoul and visited Gyeongbokgung (spelling wrong) Palace. The palace was where the Chosun Dynasty lived (before there ever was a North and South Korea). It was amazing to see all of the fine details and structures that they built. And let's just say that they weren't modest with their acreage, the place was huge; and behind the palace was none other than a great view of the mountains.
After the palace a group of Korean friends and I ventured out for dinner. We had a very traditional plate (I forgot the name sorry) but it had a ginseng soup and a full chicken inside of it. That's right, bones, wings and everything. If you ever have the chance to pick out the bones of a chicken, stop yourself and ask for a fork haha. JK, try it. It's always fun to do things once!
After dinner we walked around and saw a big carnival ride in the middle of the city. I don't know how to explain this ride, but it was wayy better than any ride I've ever been on in the states (this includes ValleyFair and Six Flags!). It was one of those wheel shaped rides that you sit on...with no seatbelt though. This guy was the controller of the ride, and spun it or even turned the entire wheel by 45 degrees whenever he felt like it. Let's just say that people would literally turn over and hold on because we were on that sharp of an angle. My friend and I were in skirts...yeah pretty sure the guys across from us got more than they bargained for. It was definitely a scream fest!
Then we went and got popping sue. It is a really light ice cream with fruit and red beans scattered on the plate. Not too bad, but not my favorite either. We then ran into a digital photo place where Koreans (all asians I'm pretty sure) LOVE. You spend $1, take 4 pictures and then you can decorate them digitally like photoshop, but with odd sayings and pictures all over. It was really fun to see them in their glory.
We were so tired from the day (8 am until 11:30 pm) that we hopped back on our bus and headed to Ajou University. Now I sit here and it's 1:00 am, with lots of Korean homework to do so I'm going to get started on that.
Have a good night (good morning for all of my americans).
CS
This morning we had a 2 hour interactive Tae Kwon Do class. It was interesting to say the least. We had one teacher that was pretty old and you just know he could kill someone with his bare hands, and then 4 students of his that were all black belts.
We watched them do a demonstration, then did it ourselves. It was really fun, and quite the work out! We were all sweating by the time it was done...and a little sore as well. They even held up boards for us to break (just like in the movies) and we broke them!
Afterwards we took our usual bus and subway to Seoul and visited Gyeongbokgung (spelling wrong) Palace. The palace was where the Chosun Dynasty lived (before there ever was a North and South Korea). It was amazing to see all of the fine details and structures that they built. And let's just say that they weren't modest with their acreage, the place was huge; and behind the palace was none other than a great view of the mountains.
After the palace a group of Korean friends and I ventured out for dinner. We had a very traditional plate (I forgot the name sorry) but it had a ginseng soup and a full chicken inside of it. That's right, bones, wings and everything. If you ever have the chance to pick out the bones of a chicken, stop yourself and ask for a fork haha. JK, try it. It's always fun to do things once!
After dinner we walked around and saw a big carnival ride in the middle of the city. I don't know how to explain this ride, but it was wayy better than any ride I've ever been on in the states (this includes ValleyFair and Six Flags!). It was one of those wheel shaped rides that you sit on...with no seatbelt though. This guy was the controller of the ride, and spun it or even turned the entire wheel by 45 degrees whenever he felt like it. Let's just say that people would literally turn over and hold on because we were on that sharp of an angle. My friend and I were in skirts...yeah pretty sure the guys across from us got more than they bargained for. It was definitely a scream fest!
Then we went and got popping sue. It is a really light ice cream with fruit and red beans scattered on the plate. Not too bad, but not my favorite either. We then ran into a digital photo place where Koreans (all asians I'm pretty sure) LOVE. You spend $1, take 4 pictures and then you can decorate them digitally like photoshop, but with odd sayings and pictures all over. It was really fun to see them in their glory.
We were so tired from the day (8 am until 11:30 pm) that we hopped back on our bus and headed to Ajou University. Now I sit here and it's 1:00 am, with lots of Korean homework to do so I'm going to get started on that.
Have a good night (good morning for all of my americans).
CS
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
JSA (Joint Security Area)
So now I know why Korea has such a high suicide rate...because it is portrayed in so many movies. People here aren't even phased by it, I'm squirming in my chair and frightened the entire time, and they just watch it like it's nothing. Tonight's movie even showed a guy shooting himself in the head. Pretty graphic if you ask me.
We're 2 for 2 on suicides in movies. Last week a guy hung himself. Let's just say: Debbie Downer. I was told that next week's movie doesn't have any suicides (thank god).
I'm heading to bed. Tomorrow I have a Tae Kwon Do class then we are going to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. I'm pretty excited to learn all of the traditional Korean things here (even though my roommate is Korean, and she just informed me that she has never done Tae Kwon Do...so how traditional is it? haha) I guess it's like saying that I don't lasoo a bull everyday.
Have a good night,
CS
We're 2 for 2 on suicides in movies. Last week a guy hung himself. Let's just say: Debbie Downer. I was told that next week's movie doesn't have any suicides (thank god).
I'm heading to bed. Tomorrow I have a Tae Kwon Do class then we are going to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. I'm pretty excited to learn all of the traditional Korean things here (even though my roommate is Korean, and she just informed me that she has never done Tae Kwon Do...so how traditional is it? haha) I guess it's like saying that I don't lasoo a bull everyday.
Have a good night,
CS
Korea's Now and Then
So I found out a good reason why so many men smoke here...because when they join the military (which is required by all men for atleast 2 years) almost everyone smokes. Why is this? Because just like in America at some places (I worked at a gas station that this happened all the time) when someone wants to go on a smoke break...they can. If another co-worker doesn't smoke, then no break. So a majority of the men start smoking because they don't want to be the ones working while everyone else enjoys their smoke. Pretty interesting seeing as how America has so many ads on TV about lung cancer and how it kills. They smoke around a half pack a day, some more. It's really sad actually.
So I forgot to tell you that my university has their own hospital that many people from around the area come to seek treatment (much like Sacred Heart hospital is close to UWEC, except this Hospital is actually called Ajou Hospital). I went there yesterday to get an xray of my chest to check for TB. It was pretty depressing seeing all of the little kids who are still in strollers hooked up to machines and liquid packs. Alot of people sit outside which is good I guess, but it makes everyone's sickness much more visible, so much more sad.
A friend of mine (Korean) was telling me about Korea's past (which was not too long ago) and how the Korean people had it pretty bad. I would have never noticed it coming here now because they are so developed and for how small, pretty advanced. He was telling me how Japan had rule over Korea and would take their woman and men to Japan and pretty much turn them into slaves. This was back in the 60's, so their parents and grandparents remember it like it was yesterday.
Tonight (since it is Tuesday it's Korean movie night) is going to watch JSA (Joint Security Area) which is about the DMZ (Demilitarization Zone). I heard it's pretty intense and since most of the men said they liked it, I believe em. I'll let you know how it goes.
Until then,
CS
So I forgot to tell you that my university has their own hospital that many people from around the area come to seek treatment (much like Sacred Heart hospital is close to UWEC, except this Hospital is actually called Ajou Hospital). I went there yesterday to get an xray of my chest to check for TB. It was pretty depressing seeing all of the little kids who are still in strollers hooked up to machines and liquid packs. Alot of people sit outside which is good I guess, but it makes everyone's sickness much more visible, so much more sad.
A friend of mine (Korean) was telling me about Korea's past (which was not too long ago) and how the Korean people had it pretty bad. I would have never noticed it coming here now because they are so developed and for how small, pretty advanced. He was telling me how Japan had rule over Korea and would take their woman and men to Japan and pretty much turn them into slaves. This was back in the 60's, so their parents and grandparents remember it like it was yesterday.
Tonight (since it is Tuesday it's Korean movie night) is going to watch JSA (Joint Security Area) which is about the DMZ (Demilitarization Zone). I heard it's pretty intense and since most of the men said they liked it, I believe em. I'll let you know how it goes.
Until then,
CS
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Coffee anyone?
I just got back from lunch, and had jay-um-poke-ugh. In a basic translation it was pork with onions and mushrooms in a spicy red sauce...and DELICIOUS. It is my favorite Korean dish so far besides Kalbee (but Kalbee is very expensive so I've only had it twice).
So for my meal which included water (remember that it's bottled here because we can't drink the water from the faucet) a big bowl of the pork mixture, rice, and five little side dishes it was 3,000 won (which comes out to be $2.50 US dollars). I was more than full and even had some leftovers. I can't believe how cheap meals are here. The food is cheap, but the clothes not so much. I did buy a pair of heels in Seoul for 15,000 won, but most shirts were above $60, way out of my college price range.
One very interesting thing here is that the majority of Korean men smoke cigarettes. I really didn't expect that coming here because I think that it's starting to die out in the states. Cigarettes here are around $2...pretty cheap compared to US so maybe that's why. They also drink coffee like it's going out of style. I'm going to dare to say that it's more than New Yorkers! A Korean told me that US consumes more volume of coffee, but Koreans have a larger person to coffee consumption ratio. Some people were even drinking coffee at 11:30 pm. Crazy if you ask me!
Well I am going to go knit. Things are pretty mellow today since alot of people were out until 7 am in the morning. Let me know how things in the states are!
CS
So for my meal which included water (remember that it's bottled here because we can't drink the water from the faucet) a big bowl of the pork mixture, rice, and five little side dishes it was 3,000 won (which comes out to be $2.50 US dollars). I was more than full and even had some leftovers. I can't believe how cheap meals are here. The food is cheap, but the clothes not so much. I did buy a pair of heels in Seoul for 15,000 won, but most shirts were above $60, way out of my college price range.
One very interesting thing here is that the majority of Korean men smoke cigarettes. I really didn't expect that coming here because I think that it's starting to die out in the states. Cigarettes here are around $2...pretty cheap compared to US so maybe that's why. They also drink coffee like it's going out of style. I'm going to dare to say that it's more than New Yorkers! A Korean told me that US consumes more volume of coffee, but Koreans have a larger person to coffee consumption ratio. Some people were even drinking coffee at 11:30 pm. Crazy if you ask me!
Well I am going to go knit. Things are pretty mellow today since alot of people were out until 7 am in the morning. Let me know how things in the states are!
CS
Friday, July 9, 2010
the STUDY in study abroad
This one is going to be a little bit about my school, Ajou University in Suwon, South Korea. Korean students take their school very seriously, well most do that is.
In High School students aren't allowed to really have a life, their life is dedicated to education and getting into a good university. Once they get into a university, they have much more fun.
The course that I am taking for my first session (3 weeks long) is Korean Language 1. It is mind boggling difficult. We are first learning how to read their characters (symbols), then it's the challenge of learning what it means. Let's just say, I have never been so challenged in my life. Spanish seems like a piece of cake to this because atleast they use letters too.
Next session I will be taking Business in Asia from a Chinese perspective. I am very excited to see how the other professors teach (2 are from Wisconsin, 1 from Canada) and what the chinese perspective really is.
I'm heading to dinner now, and then to a walking tour of Hwaseong Fortress. We have a competition to see who takes the best pictures at the fortress, and the director will buy us pizza (it is very expensive here, so a really big deal!). until next time...
CS
In High School students aren't allowed to really have a life, their life is dedicated to education and getting into a good university. Once they get into a university, they have much more fun.
The course that I am taking for my first session (3 weeks long) is Korean Language 1. It is mind boggling difficult. We are first learning how to read their characters (symbols), then it's the challenge of learning what it means. Let's just say, I have never been so challenged in my life. Spanish seems like a piece of cake to this because atleast they use letters too.
Next session I will be taking Business in Asia from a Chinese perspective. I am very excited to see how the other professors teach (2 are from Wisconsin, 1 from Canada) and what the chinese perspective really is.
I'm heading to dinner now, and then to a walking tour of Hwaseong Fortress. We have a competition to see who takes the best pictures at the fortress, and the director will buy us pizza (it is very expensive here, so a really big deal!). until next time...
CS
Thursday, July 8, 2010
New Place, New Food
As promised,
I'm back again. Today I went with 3 Korean friends, 1 friend from Denmark, and 1 from Finland. We went to a Korean restaurant (which they all are, but I still call it that) and ate squid! Everyone who knows me knows what a challenge that is. It didn't taste like seafood (good) but tasted more like rubber (bad).
Most food here is red colored, and that's a good warning that it will be very spicy. It is really flavorful, but does sting the taste buds quite a bit. I try to eat really fast because after about 10 minutes my nose starts to run and I start to sweat.
Everyday I have a different Korean dish. Sometimes I wonder what our American dishes would be. A guy from Germany said that, "US has no culture". I just said we are the melting pot of everyone, so we have everything.
Some food here makes me laugh..if you go to Seoul they have McDonalds, Burger King, Subway, Pizza Hut, Dominos. It's incredible. Of course everything is Koreanized (like mustard on pizza) but it still reminds me of home.
I'm going now to watch Avatar with some friends. The Korean people here are the thing I like most about the program. They're so welcoming, always helping, and hang out with us whenever we need a friend.
Write later...
CS
I'm back again. Today I went with 3 Korean friends, 1 friend from Denmark, and 1 from Finland. We went to a Korean restaurant (which they all are, but I still call it that) and ate squid! Everyone who knows me knows what a challenge that is. It didn't taste like seafood (good) but tasted more like rubber (bad).
Most food here is red colored, and that's a good warning that it will be very spicy. It is really flavorful, but does sting the taste buds quite a bit. I try to eat really fast because after about 10 minutes my nose starts to run and I start to sweat.
Everyday I have a different Korean dish. Sometimes I wonder what our American dishes would be. A guy from Germany said that, "US has no culture". I just said we are the melting pot of everyone, so we have everything.
Some food here makes me laugh..if you go to Seoul they have McDonalds, Burger King, Subway, Pizza Hut, Dominos. It's incredible. Of course everything is Koreanized (like mustard on pizza) but it still reminds me of home.
I'm going now to watch Avatar with some friends. The Korean people here are the thing I like most about the program. They're so welcoming, always helping, and hang out with us whenever we need a friend.
Write later...
CS
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Back!
So...
I haven't been on for quite some time. This was due to a couple things:
1) No converter for my 3 prong computer charger
2) On a 3 day trip to Jeju Island
3) Absolutely no free time
But now classes have started and things have started to calm down. (by day that is, at night the Koreans come out and stay up until 6 am!) Life here sure is different. I've never been so shocked in my life, not being able to talk the language, eat with their utensils (super heavy metal chopsticks) or even relate to anybody else in the program.
The first few days were kind of hard. It was like starting high school all over again. Who is that, what's your name, oo he's cute, I'll add you on facebook....you know the usual. Now we have people we know we can eat with, or even travel to Seoul with.
My Korean Language Class that I am taking is quite the bear. It is extremely helpful and I'm thankful that I took it, but it's so hard to learn this language, or anything with characters for that matter. I always feel lost, and that every vowel sounds the same. I wonder what they think about English. The teacher is very nice though, and understands that we're only beginners.
Today is Wed which means we go on a field trip and do something to do with Korean Culture. Today we went to Seoul and made clay pots. It was pretty interesting, and very fun at the same time.
Afterwards we traveled to Samsung D'light which was a museum like building that showed off all of their new technology. They had solar powered phones! I thought it was pretty cool. After that we had free time, which was when my new friends and I went to see Eclipse in a Korean movie theater. It was in English with Korean subtitles. It was awesome...for everyone who hasn't seen it yet.
Well, I know I've done much more than that...like my trip to Jeju Island, but it is now 3 am here and I'm going to hit the sack. Good night, and hopefully I'll be on soon :)
Cara
I haven't been on for quite some time. This was due to a couple things:
1) No converter for my 3 prong computer charger
2) On a 3 day trip to Jeju Island
3) Absolutely no free time
But now classes have started and things have started to calm down. (by day that is, at night the Koreans come out and stay up until 6 am!) Life here sure is different. I've never been so shocked in my life, not being able to talk the language, eat with their utensils (super heavy metal chopsticks) or even relate to anybody else in the program.
The first few days were kind of hard. It was like starting high school all over again. Who is that, what's your name, oo he's cute, I'll add you on facebook....you know the usual. Now we have people we know we can eat with, or even travel to Seoul with.
My Korean Language Class that I am taking is quite the bear. It is extremely helpful and I'm thankful that I took it, but it's so hard to learn this language, or anything with characters for that matter. I always feel lost, and that every vowel sounds the same. I wonder what they think about English. The teacher is very nice though, and understands that we're only beginners.
Today is Wed which means we go on a field trip and do something to do with Korean Culture. Today we went to Seoul and made clay pots. It was pretty interesting, and very fun at the same time.
Afterwards we traveled to Samsung D'light which was a museum like building that showed off all of their new technology. They had solar powered phones! I thought it was pretty cool. After that we had free time, which was when my new friends and I went to see Eclipse in a Korean movie theater. It was in English with Korean subtitles. It was awesome...for everyone who hasn't seen it yet.
Well, I know I've done much more than that...like my trip to Jeju Island, but it is now 3 am here and I'm going to hit the sack. Good night, and hopefully I'll be on soon :)
Cara
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Suwon at last.
Hello.
So I finally made it to Suwon after 16 hours of travel, 2 delayed flights, a city bus tour of Seoul, a stay at an awesome hotel, and a ride from a friend to Suwon.
If I would recommend anything, it would be to know someone in the country that you are going to visit. It's like having a translator with you at all times, and there to watch your back.
Today is raining (surprise, surprise) just like it did yesterday. I'm having some complications with my converter and it burning everything out. Any suggestions from people who have been to Korea?
I am pretty excited because I just bought a cell phone here that I can actually call people on. I feel much more safe, and ok if I get lost. In Korea, all incoming calls are free, so it's going to be very easy to talk to my family.
Today I have orientation, in a building I'm not sure where it is. I'll have to venture out. And one thing I definitely wasn't ready for was fending for yourself when it comes to food. Some places here have pictures, some don't; and most people don't speak English. So it's kind of a point and nod game.
Well I'm off to clean up, I'll let you know how orientation went.
Tomorrow I head out to Jeju Island (The Hawaii of Korea)!
So I finally made it to Suwon after 16 hours of travel, 2 delayed flights, a city bus tour of Seoul, a stay at an awesome hotel, and a ride from a friend to Suwon.
If I would recommend anything, it would be to know someone in the country that you are going to visit. It's like having a translator with you at all times, and there to watch your back.
Today is raining (surprise, surprise) just like it did yesterday. I'm having some complications with my converter and it burning everything out. Any suggestions from people who have been to Korea?
I am pretty excited because I just bought a cell phone here that I can actually call people on. I feel much more safe, and ok if I get lost. In Korea, all incoming calls are free, so it's going to be very easy to talk to my family.
Today I have orientation, in a building I'm not sure where it is. I'll have to venture out. And one thing I definitely wasn't ready for was fending for yourself when it comes to food. Some places here have pictures, some don't; and most people don't speak English. So it's kind of a point and nod game.
Well I'm off to clean up, I'll let you know how orientation went.
Tomorrow I head out to Jeju Island (The Hawaii of Korea)!
Monday, June 14, 2010
13 days until I get lost in the 4th Largest City in the World!
I'm pretty nervous as my trip is starting to come very close to reality. I started packing a few days ago, and I realized that I had almost my entire closet of clothes in my "bring" pile! You never know what might come up, right? :)
It's been raining here in Eau Claire all day long, but I'll have to get used to that because it rains in South Korea every day. Even if it's only for 15 minutes, rain comes EVERY day I was told by my Korean friend.
But rain or no rain, Eau Claire is now my home, and I'm a bit sad to think I'll be in a place that's nothing like it for the rest of summer. Hopefully I'll be able to go tubing once more before I leave!
Stop back June 27th-August 17th to learn more about my awesome study abroad experience that is yet to come!
It's been raining here in Eau Claire all day long, but I'll have to get used to that because it rains in South Korea every day. Even if it's only for 15 minutes, rain comes EVERY day I was told by my Korean friend.
But rain or no rain, Eau Claire is now my home, and I'm a bit sad to think I'll be in a place that's nothing like it for the rest of summer. Hopefully I'll be able to go tubing once more before I leave!
Stop back June 27th-August 17th to learn more about my awesome study abroad experience that is yet to come!
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