Five k-pop songs for your Korean Summer

**So I realize this post is a bit out of date but I found it, half finished of course, on my drive so thought I'd throw it up here anyway. Maybe some of you still have some Indian Summer days left.**

It's summer in Korea...
It can get pretty hot here during the summer and, lucky for me, I just happen to live in the hottest city in Korea. If Korea is hot in the summer- Daegu is positively sweltering. I'm not sure I've ever lived somewhere with this level of heat and humidity (and I grew up in South Georgia, went to summer camps in Florida... none of that compares to the heat and humidity here!!).

With how hot it is I have honestly given up on doing little more than moving, at a rather slow pace, from point A to point B while I'm outside. And even that ends with me being nothing more than a gross, sweaty mess.  The only relief it seems I can find (other than aircon filled coffee shops with an ice latte in hand!) is finding just the right beat pumping in the headphones to put enough spring in my step to get me down the street!

So, in an effort to spread the love, here are five k-pop songs that I've been using to get myself motivated and out the door into the painful heat (really, I'm not kidding, it SO freakin' hot here!)

MBLAQ- Smoky Girl
The summer started with my boys *finally*, after over a year (which in k-pop land means they basically disappeared for an eternity!), making a comeback with Smoky Girl.

Now, I realize the simple fact that they are my group, my favorite above all others, makes me inherently biased but... it's just a damn good song. It's clean, cool,  all parts lead well from one to the other (too often in k-pop a great song is ruined by some random rap, dance, dubstep moment that just doesn't flow), the dance is sharp and crisp, and the suits... the suits, people... *ahem* wait, what was I saying? Oh, right. Smoky Girl was a great way to start the summer. Well done boys, well done!

*side note* I recently went to the opening ceremony for a sporting event here in Daegu. MBLAQ just so happened to be part of the ceremony festivities along with several other k-pop artists. Which means... I SAW THEM... in real life... preforming... they were fabulous and blew all the other groups out of the water. And yes, yes there was squealing and fangirling. Say what you will but sometimes it's nice to act 13 again ;)

MIB- Dash
This is a group that I have just recently discovered. They have been around for a while but have yet to make it really huge. They are one of those groups that are interesting in fact that they are 'technically' k-pop but don't necessarily follow all the rules- they are made up of three rappers and one vocalist, they can't dance (really, not at all), and tend to not follow your typical k-pop flowerboy (although to me they still fall in pretty boy territory) trends.

It's one of those songs that, as soon as I heard it, was addicted too. And it's got the perfect beat to make you feel like you've got swag even as you sweat your way down the street! Also, the suits, people!... I'm sensing a theme here, hmm....

Crayon Pop- BarBarBar
This is the song of the summer here in Korea.

It. Was. Everywhere.

I personally adore it. Its fun, cute, and the dance is fairly simple and doable (in some fashion) by everyone. And it's always nice to see a k-pop group that doesn't take themselves too seriously and, as a result, actually produces something fairly unique to the rest of what's currently out there.

EXO- Growl
Ok, I hate that I'm putting this group on the list.

I do not like them.

There are way to many of them (I paid my dues early on learning all 15 Super Junior member's names and am NOT doing that again), they look like those bratty kids in the back of class that don't care (not that I've had any of those), and they are one of the most popular groups in Korea right now having, in my opinion, not produced much quality (their last song contained actual howling like a wolf, come on boys, really?)... but...

... I have to be honest and say it was one of my favorite songs of the summer and, even more, the choreography and music video were just well done.  Ok, I've confessed... moving on...

Roy Kim- Love, Love, Love
I had a hard time picking the last song. There were a few other songs that I listened to a lot this summer but this one actually had one of the highest play counts on iTunes.

It's simple, sweet, and has the feeling of a cool, fresh breeze which is really all I've wanted this summer.


So there you have it. I hope these help to get you motivated and outside even in this crazy summer heat!

Bonus: MBLAQ- No Love
Because... aren't they just the cutest things ever?!?! I mean... *sigh* seriously, they kill me *^^*

Update!

Well hello there! Long time no see… yeah, I know that’s kinda my fault. It has been *way* to long since I’ve sat down at my computer to write something, anything!

Due to the long absence I’m going to attempt to give you a whirlwind update from this summer. Ready?  시작!

Summers for an English teacher usually start with Summer English Camp. What these camps look like can vary from school to school. At Gachang it means three days of “special” english classes that include grades 1-6 (usually I only teach 3-6). They are meant to be a fun camp-like setting where students learn/practice English.  For this camp I had the “brilliant idea” (I’m still not sure if this was my best or worst idea ever) to make ice cream in a bag with all the classes. Besides a few too many “we’re out of ice!!” panics and three days of being covered in sticky saltiness it actually went off pretty well. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, English was spoken and ice cream was (miraculously!) made. Success!

Our camp ended with the students and their families camping out overnight on the school grounds. It was great fun to be a part of the night and see the students with their families, dance around to TeenTop around the campfire, watch them set off fireworks and then go have some chicken, beer and soju with the rest of the faculty in the science room after everyone was asleep (yes, that happened).

After summer camps I had a few weeks of teaching summer classes. These differ from summer camps in that only some students sign up and they are more like regular class periods.  Because this is during their summer break I had much smaller classes which was really very enjoyable. I also taught them completely on my own. While I absolutely adore my coteacher, it was nice to have a class totally to myself. Feels a little bit more like my old “classroom teacher” days. I also have more freedom in subject matter and did some things “just because” and “just for fun”.

Finally, the moment that all teachers wait for arrived. Summer vacation!! I was blessed to have my best friend from… forever, come and visit me. It was amazing having Mandy here, even though it was really too hot to do much more than sit inside and try not to overheat (seriously people, it. was. hot.). But it was fantastic, and a bit serial, to be able to show her around and show off Korea. It really is an amazing place that I would HIGHly recommend everyone visit. Just, maybe not at the height of summer! *^^*  

It was hard to say goodbye, though. And made me realize how very much I miss people back home. It’s been over a year since I’ve been there which just seems crazy to me! So, while Daegu is my home right now, I am very, very much looking forward to making the trek back over the ocean in the not too distant future for a little visit! Woot!!

The summer season ended with a five day trip to Jeju Island for 추석 (Chuseok)- it a bit like the Korean version of Thanksgiving. Jeju is considered to be one of Koreas great beauties and everyone seems to be very proud of it. It didn’t disappoint and I am already planning another trip back in the spring to do a bit more exploring! The landscape was absolutely breathtaking.

So I think brings us up to the present. We are about halfway through our second semester at school (how did that happen so fast?!?) and I am officially started on my second contract/year here. The temperatures have finally started to drop and Autumn is in the air! I’m very much looking forward to this new season!

30 Days of Photos from Korea: Day 4

Day 4: What You Wore

I've been dreading this prompt. Finding clothes is tricky here. Shirts are usually no problem and dresses are doable with a lot of searching. Pants/shorts/shoes are basically nonexistent in the sizes I need. It is a sad story in my life for sure. And thanks to the recent development of summer in Daegu (SO HUMID!!!) I usually feel like I'm barely presentable to the outside world. 

But due to it being the 4th of July I decided I need to at least pay homage and go with a little red, white and blue. So here's the picture I snapped on the way to school (I have only a small bathroom mirror in my apartment so the reflective surfaces I pass on the way to the bus serve as my check if I'm presentable for the day.... hey, it works).

I did have several students tell me "Teacher. Pretty." today. Than again- they say that often... I think I still have the novelty of blonde hair and blue eyes working in my favor. 

30 Days of Photos from Korea: Day 3

Day 3: Something Green

It was bound to happen. I totally forgot to even look at what the subject of todays photo was supposed to be. Whoops.
So It's almost 10:30 and I'm looking around around my apartment for something green and interesting. So here's a ridiculous picture displaying one of my current favorite korean foods.

This is my "remembered I needed a picture right before I go to bed" look.
Obviously I'm still working on the selca technique.

Thanks to my schools garden we have fresh lettuce and peppers with our lunch everyday. It was at school that I was introduced to 쌈장 (ssamjang). And I've become obsessed. It's made with red pepper paste, onions, garlic and a few other ingredients. At school we eat it with the raw peppers or make a lettuce wrap with a spoon full of rice and a little bit of the paste. It's. So. Good. Definitely one of my favorite korean food discoveries! So I always try to keep some green peppers and 쌈장 handy for a tasty treat.

30 Days of Photos from Korea: Day 2

Day 2: Clouds

I'm not sure if we are officially in rainy season (I think it starts closer to the end of summer) but it feels like it's started this week.

The sky is full of clouds but they are rather gray and dreary looking. I like a good rain storm every now and again but when waiting for buses is a big part of the day, I find myself glancing nervously at the sky hoping it holds off until I'm safely at my destination.

Hiding under my umbrella at the bus stop.

30 Days of Photos from Korea: Day 1

My amazing sister-in-law, who is one of the most creative people I know, recently started a 'photo challenge' on her blog (check it out).

I have loved getting a little snapshot of her days and what's been keeping her busy recently (and the adorable pictures of Scout are just an added bonus!- I miss her).

Since it's a new month and I'm feeling very motivated on this Monday I'm going to give it a go! I'm not going to promise amazingly artsy, thought provoking, ground braking photography. But I hope this is a way that I can share a little more of my days and experiences here in Korea!

Day 1: Self Portrait 

Really, this seems like the best place to start a photo challenge in Korea! The self portrait, or selca as it's know to Koreans, has been transformed into an art form here. Children, teenagers, young adults... old adults, everyone takes pictures of themselves when they are out and about here. I've sat in coffee shops and watched couples entertain themselves for hours by taking pictures together... and I'm not exaggerating... hours!

I don't think I'm quite up to my Korean counterparts level of skill but I'm working on it.

Also, I probably should have looked for a more exciting background than my corner of the English room... but hey, this is where I hang on Monday mornings so there's some authenticity for you. ;)

Updates...

Oh... hi there. It’s, um, been a while huh...

It’s been a crazy few months here in Korea. The new semester brought lots of changes.

A new Korean coteacher, the departure of the other Native English Teacher from my school, and a new teaching schedule that is keeping me on my toes! Over all the changes have had a rather positive outcome.

I am now working with an experienced coteacher. We have both adapted to a new system of working and teaching together. I have really enjoyed getting to know her as a teacher and as an individual. She is an amazing English teacher and I have already learned so much from her. I also feel like my skills as a ‘professional’ teacher are being more recognized and put to use. I've gone from teaching about 16 classes a week to 24. I'm loving the busyness of my new schedule. Gone are the hours that I used to spend twiddling my thumbs at my desk, and I couldn't be happier about that!

My new coteacher also understands that I don’t want to be stuck in the English room. I want to be a part of school life as much as I can. She is my link to the outside school world since I can’t read the daily memos and she has been incredibly diligent and gracious in letting me know what’s going on at our school. I’ve been able to participate in a 5k run, cheer my students on at their drumming competition, join teachers on a Saturday morning hike, and, of course, the always educational faculty dinners.

Out of all the changes this semester I think the chances I’ve had to talk with students outside of the English room have been the most meaningful. I’ve been able to actually get to know them. Let them know I’m interested in them-their lives- their language- their culture.

It’s been incredibly rewarding and I love the moments when students come in early and crowd around my desk. Some students I can have simple conversations with, others just run through the list of English phrases they know. And then there are some I can talk with about the name of the rice cake we had at lunch that I really liked and how to buy it at the store! Regardless of the amount or level of verbal communication that goes on I truly love my school and students. I am constantly grateful that I ended up where I did.  

In short- life is good. It’s hard to believe that I've been here in Korea for 10 months! And the thought of having to leave in two months when my contract ends is a sad one.

Yes- I miss home.

Yes- I really (really) miss my family and friends.

Yes- I miss the ease and comfort that comes with speaking the same language as everyone around me.

Yes- I miss a good proper breakfast. (actually, this month it’s been Chipotle that I’ve been craving... oh burritos... nomnom...)  

But- I’m just not ready to leave Korea.

After many discussions with friends and family (and a few long walks around Daegu thinking it over) my decision simply came down to the fact that I’m just not ready to leave. So I have crossed all my T’s and dotted the I’s and am officially signed on for another year here. It’s exciting and I have even found a peace knowing that I have more time to keep exploring, learning and teaching.

So- Cheers Korea! Thanks for being so awesome and letting me stick around a bit longer to continue experiencing it.

(Side note: this also gives the rest of you another year to plan your adventure to Korea! I guarantee your own personalized tour with one of the best guides in the country! And I even have a couch now for you to crash on!)

WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE... oh wait...

I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume that most of you have read a few things about North Korea in the last few weeks. Now I'm not a political analyst, in fact, I've recently been shamed with how little I know of the history of Korea. I know the very basics but that's about it. So I'm not going to go deep here about the North and South conflict or discuss the possibilities/implications of reunification.  Or even make predictions about the likelihood of an all out war (although, technically, I believe we've been in a state of war for quite some time now).  I can tell you though that you probably shouldn't believe every headline you read without following up with the actual article... just a thought.

Turns out the media back home really likes to sensationalize news... again, shocking isn't it! I am grateful that most of my friends and family seem to have a good head on their shoulders and have not gotten sucked into the temptation to send me messages asking if I'm coming home or what the emergency evacuation protocol is. However, based on most of the headlines I've read about what's going on here in Korea, those questions and concerns would not be unfounded. I mean... if they were completely true. My favorite pastime has become comparing Western news sites to those based here in Korea.

Example:

This week the BBC posted a video titled 'Unsettled in Seoul'. Based on my understanding of the word 'unsettled' this headline would lead me to believe the fine citizens of Seoul are beginning to feel worry, concern, perhaps even stress due to the most recent rhetoric coming down from the North. I clicked on the report thinking "Oh, maybe I'm missing something. Should I actually be concerned too?" Of course when I actually watched the interview those asked expressed no concern whatsoever... seriously, they were totally chill. Apparently my definition of 'unsettled' is a bit off?

Compare this to the headline on The Korean Heralds main page "Foreigners neither blase or scared by NK bluster."(First of all let's just appreciate the fact that they used the phrase 'NK bluster') The article went on to state that most foreigners are slightly more on edge then their Korean counterparts (most seem to consider this just business as usual)  but hardly feeling the fear that the media back home seems to be trapping them in. Once again, hardly even qualifying as unsettled.

As for myself, am I unsettled? The short answer- no. Not at all. I have neither felt nor heard any cause of panic from my Korean or even foreign friends. I'm not saying that North Korea should be completely ignored or disregarded. I have no idea what will happen tomorrow or the next day... but that's true with or without North Korea picking this month to start shaking their fists again. And most of what I have read and the word from the Koreans around me is that this is still nothing new. Pretty much all of this, so far, has been said before by North Korea. So I'm going to take my cue from those who have dealt with this longer then I (and also from the Embassy that sent out a statement basically saying 'everyone chill, it's fine'.) and keep on enjoying life here in Daegu!


Let's wrap this up with a little visual example, shall we?...

Kpop (double feature!) song of the week:

MBLAQ- It's War

What everyone else apparently thinks is going on here in Korea.

Busker Busker- Cherry Blossom Ending

Dudes, it's Cherry Blossom season! We're all out frolicking in the fields!!

Korea... I think we need a little time apart

When I first moved to Korea I was very aware that we were in the "honeymoon" period. Everything was new, interesting, exciting. Eventually there would be those little things that would start to pick at me, the cuture shock would start and the honeymoon would be over and I'd have to find ways to deal. I knew it had to happen eventually. It would probably involve being holed up in my apartment craving real cheese and looking at plane tickets home.

Except.... it never really happened. Sure there were things that bothered me or little things I found difficult to deal with. But those feelings of unbearable homesickness, frustration with the cultural divide never really came. As the weeks went by I become more familiar with Korea and where I was living and therefore become more and more comfortable with my space.

I was expecting the bottom to fall out of my adventure and it just never did... well, until a few weeks ago.

It was finally starting to feel like Spring in The Daeg so I was walking to the store instead of taking the bus. It had been business as usually at school and I got a few "Hello!!"s from the passing middle schoolers. I'm not sure what brought it on really but all of a sudden all I could think about was how lovely it would be to be somewhere... not Korea. Well, no I guess it was more specific than that.

I wanted to be somewhere where going to the store wasn't an "event".  Where I could read all the signs, knew all the brands and could ask for something when I couldn't find it.

I wanted to be where I knew I could completely blend in. Where I wouldn't feel like I was putting people out or see that look of stress appear on their face because they don't speak English and have to take my order (once again people, I live in Korea... you really shouldn't be the one stressing about the language barrier here!). For the first time since I moved here I just wanted to be 'home'. Now where exactly that home is... well, the jury is still out on that.

I wanted to be back in my cozy apartment in Salt Lake City with my oven and walking up to the Luther's for an amazing dinner and chat in the kitchen. I wanted to be in Chattanooga having a beer with Lee and tea with Rachel.  Chilling at Aretha Frankenstein (dang... now I really want a biscuit again!!) with Carla Rae. I wanted to be back in Atlanta with Mandy staying up all night talking about everything and anything going on in our lives and then take Maria and Sarah to Chik-fil-a the next morning.  I wanted to be in South Dakota and get a hug from my mom and dad.

It's not that I was ready to leave Korea at that moment. Far from it, the thought of having to leave Daegu is really quite sad. But just a few days away and back in the completely familuer and normal sounded really nice and almost relaxing.  Turns out that this almost constant state of adventure and newness (yes, that's a word), as wonderful and amazing as it is, can get tiring too.

But (here comes the fluffiness, friends ;) ) on my home from the store I stopped at my favorite coffee shop (with the cute barista) for a coffee and then picked up some chicken from the Super Junior place. Both places knew me and my order when I walked in. Cute barista always uses lots of English with a smile when I order and the sweet couple at the chicken place always turns on the tv for me while I wait. It was familiar and comfortable. As I walked home with tasty chicken in hand I ran into two of my 6th graders who stopped and chatted with me for a bit. By the time I got home my mood was throughly lifted... Korea seems to have a way of doing that when I need it.

I still would probably give away most of my savings if I could beam home for about 48 hours or so. But then, after going through my to do list with everyone, I would want to come right back home... here.

Kpop Song of the Week: Don't Go Home- GD & TOP

I mean, if they really want me to stay that much, who am I to say no?

The Six Month Mark

Not too long ago Korea and I celebrated our six month anniversary (hey, there are people out there that celebrate their pets birthdays. Allow me this at least). Six months... half a year... how is that even possible?

As cliché as it might sound- the time has flown by. I've seen two whole seasons here in Daegu. I've celebrated holidays and a birthday. I've closed out a semester and started a new one. And it still feels like I just stepped off the plane. Well... not always. In the past 6 months things have started to become familiar. Things that confused or bothered me before, just don't anymore.

Here are just a few examples:

Why yes, yes I am fascinating and amazing!

So remember that post about staring? That one lamenting the feeling of always being watched and examined. Right, well funny thing about that.... It seems that being the center of attention can kind of go to your head.  Somewhere along the line I've gone from "why do they all turn when we walk into the restaurant?! Must run away!" to "Well hello there. Why yes, I'm the foreigner that will be eating at this fine establishment. Nice to see you all!" 

I'm not going to say that it doesn't still bother me sometimes. When I walk into the coffee shop and get the head to toe scan from the group sitting by the counter I still prickle a little. But on the flip side there are the girls who stop to tell me I'm pretty. The baristas that tease each other about their pronunciation when one of them tells me the total in English. The little kids who wave with big smiles and yell "Hello!" when they pass me on the street. The group of guys at the bar who finally work up the courage to say something in English to us before they run out the door in embarrassment.  The high school students who suddenly start using as many English phrases as they can with their friends on the subway... seriously, the list goes on.  And like I said, it goes to your head. What happens when I finally go back home and I'm just like everyone else? Who's going to say hi to me on the street just because?

I'm really good at pointing

Going to a restaurant was about the most terrifying thing when I moved here. Would they speak English? Would I be able to read the menu? What if I don't know what to order? It was scary. But after plenty of success (ok, and some failures) going out to eat is hardly a big deal. Yes, it still helps to go in groups. But I'm pretty good at pointing to pictures or, worst case scenario, close your eyes and point to something written in korean on the menu... it usually turns out pretty tasty... usually.

Who needs personal space?

My first few weeks of using pubic transportation were a bit up and down. I really like buses. I'm not sure why I enjoy being able to hop on a bus and watch the city go by. It's a thing. I like it. But, along with the comfort of zoning out on a familiar bus route comes the hustle and bustle, jostling and pushing of lots of people going in the same direction in a small space.

When I first moved here there were times when I actually missed my stop because I couldn't push my way through the crowed of people packed like sardines on the subway. Sometimes I would walk just so I could avoid the rush of high school students heading home on the buses.

However, somewhere in the last 6 months I've gone from "excuse me... um, I need to get by. no? ok never mind..." to "Elbows out! Coming through!!" Ok, I'm not quite as vicious as that sounds but you get the point. Being so crammed into a subway that I accidentally keep brushing the ass of the guy in front of me (FYI- it's always a good idea to get your hands at shoulder level before you are pressed into the masses... maneuvering after that is a bit tricky) doesn't really bother me anymore. The old ladies pushing me out of their way to get on the bus first, I just brush it off.  It's all part and parcel of getting around here. And sometimes I still get those empty buses on the way home were I can blissfully zone out and enjoy the ride.

Lunch Time
I've mentioned before that I enjoy the break that meals in the lunchroom can bring during the school day. That still holds true, but this month I have noticed an interesting phenomenon that has started to occur... I eat my lunch... all of it... and enjoy all of it....
When I first started eating Korean lunches I would usually sit down with a plan of attack. How I was going to eat everything, even those things I didn't like. Yes, sometimes it took a plan to get through lunch. But now? I don't even really think about it. Either the lunches have changed or my taste buds have adapted to life here as well... is that a thing that happens?

Six months.

Six months since I've...
... seen my family
... driven a car
... baked cookies
... taught a math lesson
... made a proper home cooked meal
... worn shoes in my apartment

But I think I'm ok with that. There are lots of things I miss about the States. But, Korea, I think we're still getting on pretty well. I'm looking forward to another six months. And after that..... ?

Kpop Song of the Week: PSY- Korea

Yes, that's right, he sings other songs. Crazy I know...

Anyway, go Korea!

Five Shopping Quirks

I don’t remember much of my first week here in Korea. It was all a bit of a whirlwind. I do remember my first shopping excursion though. I was standing in the dairy aisle staring at cartons trying to decide which one was the milk I wanted to buy. My thought progression went something like this:

The blue carton? Or maybe the red one? What’s the difference? Is there a difference? What if I buy the wrong one? What are the people next to me buying? Maybe I should just get that one? What if I never figure it out? Oh my gosh! I’m going to starve in Korea because I don’t know what anything is!!!

Obviously I haven’t starved and I’m happy to report that I do, in fact, have milk in my fridge at this very moment.

However, shopping here can still provide some unique experiences. Here are five shopping quirks I’ve noticed during my time out and about in the stores.

1) No shopping bags

I’m a little sad that I didn’t pack the multitude of cute, reusable shopping bags I had collected during my time in Salt Lake. Here in Korea they are actually necessary since most stores will charge you for each bag you need for packing up your purchases. However, those plastic shopping bags also double as the trash bags you are required to use when you put garbage out on the curb for pickup. (Korean waste disposal is a whole different post waiting to be written... that is once I figure out how it works. So maybe in a few years I’ll understand it enough to explain! Here’s hoping...)

2) What you wanted.... plus!

I’m discovering that Koreans like their extras. Whenever you sit down in a restaurant you are brought an array of side dishes that come with any meal. Sometimes you even get coffee or tea after... just because. There’s always that little extra something you get for, what seems to me, no particular reason. This is pretty common and extends beyond restaurants to grocery stores, skincare and makeup shops, even cell phone stores.

         My absolute favorite example of this was when I signed up for my cell phone contract. It was during my first few weeks of living in Korea. I was lucky enough to find a store on Cell Phone Street that had an English speaker. It made the process incredibly easy and I was happily waiting for my new iphone to be set up when the sales assistant brought over this box and said- “gift!”. I took it with a smile but was honestly too excited about my new phone (finally, I could compete with all the 7 year olds on the bus with their fancy phones!) to wonder much about what was inside.

When I got home I decided I should check it out. What could possibly be in a box that size from a cell phone store... I never would have guessed.

Because I obviously need some fry batter, flour and Korean pancake mix to go along with my new phone! And how did they know I was out of paper towels?!

3) Follow the Foreigner

This shopping quirk is not quite as positive and nice as the others. Truthfully I’m still trying to figure out the why and the reason behind this and could be missing some information. BUT it seems to me that whenever I walk into a store downtown I quickly have a second shadow in the form of a salesman attached to my side. Well, not exactly my side, they usually stay a step or two behind me. Shoe stores, clothing stores, makeup stores, the variety doesn't matter. Once I walk in the doors they are at my side, avoiding eye contact, not saying anything after the customary “Hello. Welcome to [insert store name here].” Sometimes it’s not terrible, but for someone who doesn't like shopping to beginning with, feeling like someone is following me around and watching my every mood doesn't help the experience.

4) It's your turn to take the waygook's order!
On the other end of the spectrum from being followed when I walk in a store is the look of fear that sometimes appears on the faces of employes. I've actually seen some run into the back and drag someone else out (I suppose the poor soul that was deemed the best english speaker of the bunch) to take my order. I usually just smile and laugh. And honestly I always feel like saying "No, really, we're in Korea. I should be the one terrified because I'l have to use my poor Korean to order!" 

5) Did they just say what I think they said?!

My favorite new game when walking around downtown in the evenings is finding the store with the most horrid English song blasting from their doors. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard as many songs with that amount of swearing and derogatory terms in one stroll down a street as I do on any given night downtown. Granted, if I went to the right streets I’m sure it’s pretty easy to find in the States... but not usually in a family friendly clothing store! I’m not sure where they are getting these mix cds of English songs but they really need to hire an English speaker to help filter some of those songs out. I’m looking at you ABC Mart....

Shopping is still something that I don't love doing, no matter what country I'm in! But at least focusing on these little quirks and differences gives me something to chuckle at as I stumble through the process.

Kpop song of the Week: Epik High- Don't Hate Me 

Ok so not exactly a representation of Korean Shopping... I just adore the group and this song! ;)

A Tokyo Adventure

I’m sitting in my favorite neighborhood coffee shop on a Thursday night and have been staring at a blank document for the last several minutes. My plan was to write an eloquent and precise summary of my recent trip to Tokyo... that seems to be easier said than done. We were only in the city for four days but that provided enough experiences and observations to completely jumble my thoughts. So I’m afraid I’m going to have to revert to my tried and true thought organizing process... to the list, Batman!!

Japan is NOT Korea
Yes, I know- Captain Obvious here. But truly I was not prepared with how very different Japan would feel from Korea. I’m aware that they are their own countries with their own (although at times very connected) histories. But I think I often lump Asian countries into the same category and make assumptions based on that. Seeing, feeling and getting a small glimpse of the differences between Japan and Korea was one of the things that made this trip so enjoyable for me. I would very much like to go back some day and spend some more time exploring this in more depth!

If Asia was a high school lunchroom

I’m not a fashionista... I’m not even very fashionable or pay all that much attention to it. But somewhere in the last several months observing and comparing what groups of people are wearing in different places and areas suddenly fascinates me.  So I was thrilled to get to Japan and have a whole new fashion outlook to take note of.

While traveling by subway and buses one has a lot of time to think. During this time I’ve started to develop my theory of Asia as high school lunchroom (I may or may not be blatantly stealing this from a movie... let’s just go with it). On one side of the room we’ve got Korea. Their the Preps. Everything is fitted, pressed and polished. Every hair is in place, makeup applied to perfection, the scarves are jauntily thrown over the shoulder to fall just right. Honestly, I really don't dress well enough to live here! There has been more then one evening where I’ve found myself standing next to middle schoolers at the bus stop who, I’m pretty sure, are better dressed than I am.

Japan, on the other hand are more like the cool kids that follow the Preps dress code but with their own spin. A lot of what they wear looked similar to Korea but had a slight edge or difference that made it stand out. Guys clothing was looser (I did appreciate that not all the guys were wearing jeans tighter than mine...), girls had more dramatic makeup with longer eyelashes. Hair styles were spikier and and tousled looking. I also noticed a lot more guys/girls with multiple piercings then I do here.

I’m not sure if any of that paints a picture of what I saw. Like I said, fashion is NOT my area of expertise, but I enjoyed seeing the differences. 

*side note: if anyone wants to add to my high school lunchroom theory with other Asian countries and their fashion trends I would be fascinated to hear about it!!*

Where are are we?! And where are we going?!

I am sorry to tell you this but not everything about Tokyo was peaches and cream. I was not a fan of their subway system... at all. Unlike cities in Korea the subway system in Tokyo is run by several different companies. Due to this division it was at times difficult to maneuver around the city if we had to transfer to a different line. Add to that the fact that almost no subway maps had any english... honestly I'm amazed we got anywhere (and there's a good chance that, had it just been me, I wouldn't have!).

Nomnomnom
When you travel you start to learn a lot about yourself. Somethings can be very profound and eye-opening. Others... maybe not so much but still good to learn. The last few trips have helped me see that eating is not always on the top of my list of things to do. Which really is a travesty when it comes to international travel!  Luckily I was still able to try a few of Japan's delectable dishes! I think my favorite was by far the ramen... I would eat that just about everyday! So, so good! And it was definitely one of those great moments where you just sit back and think, "I'm eating ramen... in Japan. That's kind of amazingly awesome!!"

The sights to see
Last but certainly not least, besides the people watching (ok, truthfully that might be my favorite thing about traveling), I was able to take in some of the delightful sights that Tokyo has to offer. Tokyo Tower was beautiful at night and give an amazing veiw of the city and Harajuku lived up to it's funky reputation and provided exceptional people to watch (and super tasty crepes)! I could live at Tower Records and Tokyo Disney was perfectly Magical. The temples, shrines and parks were peaceful and relaxing.

In the end I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Japan. It is a beautiful country that I would very much like to visit again and spend more time exploring and learning about...even though it's not MY asian country. I think Korea will always hold that title in my heart. ; )

Kpop Song (in Japanese) of the Week: MBLAQ- Your Luv

Lots of kpop artist tap into the Japanese market and release songs in Japanese as well as Korean. And many times you can actually see the different styles when you compare Japanese and Korean MVs.

New Shoes

I finally overcame my fear of shoe stores in Korea. I know, it’s silly and maybe a little unfair but I have this irrational fear of shoe stores here. I picture walking into a store and asking to try on a pair of cute shoes. After telling them my size I imagine they will look at me in horror and tell me, in no uncertain terms, do they have shoes in such a size. My shoe size… turns out I’m a little self conscious about it now, it’s a new thing… anyway…

A few weekends ago, backed by the Waygook Team, I successfully tried on and bought a new pair of shoes. And she didn’t even blink an eye when I told her what size I wanted. Woot!

They are a beautiful new pair of shoes!

Converse.

Black.

High tops.

Crisp white shoelaces.

What more could a girl want in life from a pair of shoes?

And yet….

Today when I stood at the door about to put on my shoes to head down to my local coffee shop I had to pause and think. My old pair of Converse were still sitting there.

I can only wear black socks with them because they have huge holes worn in the sides.

They have scuffmarks, grass stains, and coffee spilt on them numerous times.

I think the shoelaces were white… once upon a time.

And yet…

Here I sit in a coffee shop, surrounded by Koreans and their shiny, clean, new shoes (look around next time you’re in Korea… they all wear nice shoes) in my scuffy, dirty, old pair. And I'm happy with that.

Maybe I'm just a creature of habit. Maybe I just prefer what's broken in. Maybe sometimes, when I walk out the door, I need something familiar and comfortable close by. Even if it's just a pair of old shoes.

Happy New Year!

Ok yes, I’m just a bit late with my greeting. Of course, this is the girl that still has Christmas presents laid out in orderly little piles waiting to be shipped. I get around to it.... eventually!

But looking past my late tendencies in the holiday realm I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and wonderful New Years!

The Holidays here in Korea were rather cheerful even with the absence of the normal Christmas festivities. Christmas isn’t the glittering, festive ball of food, family, presents and events that it is back home. We only had the 25th off (it was more than a little odd having a regular teaching day on Christmas Eve) and it’s really seen as more of a day for couples and not so much for families. I started calling it Valentines Day 2.0. All the young folks were out in their finest duds with cakes in hand on Christmas!

It was certainly hard being away from family and the normal Christmas trimmings but I also become very grateful for our little band that has been assembled here. We were able to make it a merry time and I truly enjoyed it!

However, I feel our Christmas festivities paled in comparison to New Years. This time, instead of trying to make the holiday like what we know from back home we decided to embrace our inner Korean. This meant dinner downtown, beer at the local with the ajhussies, purchasing a cake at the neighborhood bakery (any event is seen as reason for cake here!), and of course- karaoke!

Now let’s make something clear upfront- I am not a singer. The idea of spending the evening singing into a microphone for all to hear could not be farther down on my list of enjoyable ways to spend my time! But Korean karaoke.... Best. Thing. Ever.

We wandered over to one of the MANY norebangs (seriously norebangs are to Korea what Starbucks are in the States, one on every corner and two in between). When we walked in they set us up in our own small room with couches, tv, microphones, tambourines, beer/soju if you asked for it (ok the soju does help with the singing bit), and a HUGE book of songs to choose from. I think with the exception of one Alanis Morissette song we found everything we felt like singing, be it Korean or English!

Counting down at midnight with our single candle lit on the cake, confetti poppers ready to go, and dancing to Big Bang’s Fantastic Baby, all with good friends... doesn’t get much better than that folks! It was a night... and morning... to remember.

2012 was truly fantastic. This time last year I was still enjoying being in Salt Lake surrounded by good friends and family close by. I was working an amazing job at an amazing school (that I still love and miss!). Now I find myself fulfilling a dream I’ve had since I was little and loving Korea more and more each day. I can safely say I have absolutely NO idea where I will be this time next year but I’m excited to see where the year takes me.

Life can be such an adventure. The world is so big and there are so many things to experience and love no matter where you are. I hope this year you all have many new adventures, be they on the other side of the world or just down the road. May you have a multitude of new experiences and find more things to love and cherish and enjoy!

Happy New Year!