Pseudonymous Bosch's Book 1

The author's name stuck more to my mind than the book title this time. That is seldom the case, I'd say.
I am a 32-year old mom who is simply checking out a book my son is currently reading but I did finish and enjoyed it nonetheless.

I've just finished reading the first book from the series today after almost three days of struggling to find time to simply chill out and read it. I'd rate it at 7 out of 10, with 10 around something for books like Tolkien's "The Hobbit." Not that it is comparable to that though. It's an all together a different level as for the story's plot itself.

Before I go off tangent,  the story is just enough for an 11-year old but it's the storytelling that I find quite refreshing. The titles of the books, as well as the author's name, are quite intriguing for me that I had to find out what these books are like. The first pages already made me smile. It reminded me of the word-play attack from the Tollbooth book which I had tried to read before but never finished. The humor reminded me of Louis Sachar's and David Sedaris' books. It's just something fun to read coz it made me smile on the word-play humor.

The book chapters, even the appendix, were developed in a somewhat funny way. The main story itself is almost as lame as Louis Sachar's (don't get me wrong here though I did like those books) but it's entertaining enough for an adult like me. Unfortunately, it isn't much for my hubby :D

Samgyetang (part 2)

This entry is for a checklist on what to do and not to do on my next samgyetang.

My second try to make one here has enough filling, with the prepacked filling like dates, ginseng, and some dried stems, as well as the glutinous rice. I was able to solve the problem of keeping the stuffing inside by sewing it up a bit with the ginseng roots and tying up the chicken legs. Almost none spilled out!

It wasn't that perfect still though. I should have put more water, soaked the rice longer, and made sure that the rice is cooked. Also add the green onion or leeks as garnish and get myself a new container of black pepper. There are still two samgyetang days coming in a few weeks and two chicken waiting in the freezer. I'll get this right, with the ginseng flavor and all, soon.

Here are some links to some website articles related Samgyetang from the newspaper the Chosun Ilbo and the recipe from Maangchi's.

Samgyetang Day (part 1)

Eating  hot chicken soup on a hot summer day! That's the Korean way. I still find it hard to comprehend. There is a special day for eating such and it's not only once in the summer but three times. I can't remember if anybody has ever mentioned this to me in the almost eleven years of being married to a Korean (who now claims to be an alien Korean) until a Korean ajumma mentioned it recently.

I learned that there's Chobok, Jungbok and Malbok. All three are called Sam(3)bok. Chobok turned out to be last Friday (July 19), Jungbok will be on the 28 and Malbok on the 7th of August this year following the Lunar calendar.

It's supposed to be eaten on a hot day but last Friday started out as a rainy day. The day they didn't really start very well with me. Somebody pop in our language class three days before that and mentioned about an activity involving samgyetang, Friday, and the time. Since I'm free on that day and curious to know more about the food, I signed up. I'm not sure who else signed up but I'm so going.

Rainy Friday morning came, we all woke up very late and I had to rush to go downtown. There were a group waiting at the lobby but I just said hi and went up to where I thought I was supposed to be. When some staff saw me climbing up the stairs, they were all as bewildered as me as to where I was going. They tried to find out why I was there, and the keyword that I was able to blurt out was Samgyetang! The staff had to call the person in-charge for the activity to inform them that there is one person coming still. I was, then, sent down to the lobby to join the group.

That's what happens when one signs up without exactly knowing what it's about! :D I haven't exactly figured out where we were headed even when we were herded to the cars to take us. Someone mentioned that maybe we will head to the next town, which I was almost not very keen on coz of distance and my carsickness. I was almost tempted to back out until the road finally looked like a different one. So I tried to get settled and brace myself for a crazy morning.

We managed to pass by a university that I had been quite curious to see for a while, discovered that the fields covered with black are ginseng, and wind through inner small back roads to get into our destination. The place turned out to be special house for sick people.

We got in through the kitchen, discarded our umbrellas and bags and went inside the dining hall. We made puchimgue, served food, helped out picking out the meats, ate our own lunch, cleaned up the dining area. There more than a dozen of ladies so the job of feeding more than a hundred people and cleaning up afterwards wasn't that hard.

I've noticed that there were special holders for the used stainless cups, automatic hand sanitizer that sprays hand sanitizer and all I needed was to wipe off well with a tissue and my hand is free from the oily chicken.

I was also able to see a well-functioning kitchen that has automatic cleaner for trays, bowls, and utensils. The food waste are removed right after one finish the food and puts the trays on a corner in the dining hall. The system goes like this: discard any leftover food in your food tray before parking it on the cart. Those trays will be rinsed off one more time before they are put separately into their own dishwashing machines later on. Once done through the machines, they are put back into trays to cool from the sterilization. Everything that were used to cook gets cleaned up and even the sinks were scrubbed well.

The day got me a chance to peek through the heart of the kitchen, give back some service to my adopted place and challenge myself to eat a small cornish chicken. I was also able to meet new people who turns out to be living in the same area. Chobok may have gotten me slightly sick from the rain, sweltering hot and car ride but it was cool.

Next entry will be how my own try at cooking samgyetang turns out. 

I'm Psyched!

This past few weeks have turned out to be quite exciting after we have moved to our own place. In less than two weeks that we have moved, I finally got another challenge in store for me. I have the chance to start teaching again!

Almost 6 months since I've stopped preparing for a class and I am now back to it. But of course, my Korean language learning should still be my priority until I have passed a decent TOPIK level test in the near future. As for now, a good place to start is a one-on-one with a friend's son and a more challenging teenager's class who are all non-Koreans but Vietnamese and Chinese. Isn't that a very good challenge? 

I have no idea what their levels are in terms of English except that they are also learning Korean like me now. I can only sigh and try to prepare more as I feel my way around in this somewhat different setting. But I like the challenge. I think I am more armed with knowledge and experience in teaching ESL now than before. I just have to review my notes, read a bit more to create my curriculum. What's the use of attending the Curriculum Development class of Ma'am G. if I can't write one now? :D I just love studying specially if you can use what you have learned in real life. 

My other possible tutee will be up to my liking in a sense that it is in about the right age that I like to teach. I hope I can make a positive big difference in this kid's life even at his young age. 

As for the possible income from these stints, it would be just enough to cover my fare and snack expenses. But it's alright. The Lord knows the proper timing better. I'll take things one at a time. I'll just have to remember to prioritize and still have time to study Korean until I've reached my goal. 

Speaking of that goal, I got to go back to CUK now!

Independence Hall in Cheonan, South Korea

This year's children's day, our first one after coming back, has been a fun day trip to the Independence Hall in Cheonan. We've been thinking about that as one possible place to visit in the horizon. The perfect opportunity came around is the fun-filled activity day for kids on this year's Children's Day.

We were fortunate to have our Korean friends invite and enlist the kid up in the reservation to make sure that they will be included for the materials to be used. When I tried to inquire what activities are lined up from the site itself, I didn't get a lot of info as to the specifics. Our friend mentioned about flower puchim/jeon, mug painting but had wanted to know some more to figure out what we will possibly do for the day to no avail.

Nevertheless, we got there pretty much on time and were able to do lots of stuff. The kids were able to do the flower jeon, mugs, make the ddeok, play traditional games and other cool stuff. We went to see the exhibition hall 1 and 2 later in the afternoon. The kids weren't a big fan of the halls so the remaining 4 halls would have to pushed back to other future trips to the place. I've heard that it's a favorite field trip stop for students anyway.

Ijungono Malhagi Dewe (Bilingual Speech Contest)

 We are now sitting in a small auditorium waiting for Pilip’s turn in this speech contest. The airconditioned auditorium seats roughly about 140 people, with plushed seats that has removable armchairs. It is also equipped with projector and screen coming out from the ceiling. It has two lecterns, one for the emcee and another for the speaker.

With the 29 contestants from the province in this competition, I wonder how this will go and have them complete the 6-minute time allotment for each contestant. Each contestant will do the Korean version, then the foreign one right after. The schedule is set from 1 to 6 in the afternoon. I think they started at one (we got in about 15 or 20 past one).

There are a lot of kid from first to sixth grade competing. Most of them came in their respective country’s national costume with fancy headdress, caps, and hair ties to boot. It was an interesting sight to see their outfits from countries like Cambodia, China, Japan and Philippines. There were a couple of Russians but I don’t think they wear wearing Russian traditional clothes. However, there are also some who came in like it is just a regular day at school with only shorts and T-shirts.

The speech contest turned out to be streamlined. It flowed quite smoothly since they have two lecterns and the contestants were seated near one of those. Every ten or so kids were moved to seat near the stage and they go back to their originally seats after their turn. The mic was seldom has to be adjusted for height since there were two removable blocks that were provided just behind the lectern if the speaker needs it.

The topics were about living here having a foreign parent, their job ambitions (like translator, news anchors, etc.), the kids’ interest like singing and taekwondo. The taekwondo kid also showed up wearing his medals to boot. Another one played horn, and someone even did cartwheels. Just to note, the ones who played the horn and did the cartwheels were from my home country. I just find it funny.

Good thing is that the winner, who was also from my home country, didn’t do any of those and just a very simple content of his own family life. It was honestly simple and short but he delivered it well, meaning he memorized it and told it in an almost natural way. 

As for my son’s piece, he got the most laughs I’d say. Not only because he fumbled a bit, but mostly what he was actually saying. I was quite surprised that the audience were still awake and listening after all those hours. Nonetheless, I was just relieved that it was all over and done with. Even though he didn’t memorized well, he did get the audience attention on a good note.

Almost two long hours of sitting and listening would definitely tire anybody, specially the judges, so there was a ten-minute break sometime around three o’clock. There were hot teas, juice, biscuits and candies prepared for everyone outside. I, on the other hand, headed out in the sun to soak up the warmth since I am already feeling the airconditioned-room effect on my system. I should have borrowed one of the kids’ headwear or brought one of my own.

We were called in for the remaining set and sat for another hour, I think. My kid’s turn was at the last part so I really have to endure the remaining hour. I rushed out after all the contestants had finished their turn. I know that they would have to tally the judges’ scores for each contestant.

While we were waiting for the  the tabulation to finish, there was an ocarina group who played three songs: a Korean traditional song, an English folk song, and Chopsticks. They also showed some gag show on the projector screen. The show was simply played from a video site online. Even my husband was surprised when he saw them clicking through naver site while loooking for the video.

Everybody started streaming out of the hall before five o’clock. It took about 30 minutes and the results were out. I missed the final awarding because I was really nursing a very bad headache at that time and cannot afford to stay inside anymore.

As it turned out, my son didn’t come home empty-handed even though he faltered a few times. I wasn’t exactly expecting much knowing that he barely memorized his piece. He managed to get a bronze award (this is all paper, though). The coach and his Dad were a bit disappointed but I am just glad it’s over and we don’t have to prepare for another one for a while. :D

Although, as for my husband, he said we might have to start thinking up for the next topic of his speech for next year. hahaha..And here it is right off from the top of my head..

* his first contest experience (comparing with the Philippine ones..)

something along the lines of having to wait, grab candies, etc.

* part 2 of his snowman experience in Korea, finally (with pictures to boot)

*

P's Bank Account

I had finally opened my son’s bank account today! I had been trying to do this task for months now since his small coin bank has been full. We tried it twice at Shinhan but until last week, we barely made it to filling up the application form.

At first, after checking the document that I had prepared (Kajok Kwange), they said that the boy need his “dojang” aside from that. So I had to reschedule that one again and just had his “dojang” made by myself without him seeing how is it done.

We came back to the bank a few weeks later with the previous document and the dojang this time. When we got to the teller, she again refused us and told us that there’s something wrong with the document. The National ID number should be shown and should not be in asterisk. I was already getting pissed off by this time and asking why they didn’t check that one in the first place the first time we were there. Lousy business.

I dragged my son to Woori Bank with barely a few minutes to spare before the banks closes. We managed to get in and get to fill up the form. The thing is the same asterisk thing came up when we submitted it to the teller. This time, however, the pretty teller wrote down the list of documents we need in a cute note pad. Not only we need a Kajok Gwange but also a Dong Min Junrok.

Even though she didn’t mention, my husband reminded me to prepare the one with my name on it. Base from our previous experience, the Dong Min Junrok (Family Register) doesn’t usually include the foreign wife unless specifically requested at the Dong/Office. One would hardly notice my foreigner’s name at the bottom of the document as if it was added as an after-thought.  It bothers me to see that there’s plenty of space between my husband and son’s name and mine. Oh, well. Somebody ought to explain how that form works. :D

Nonetheless, the teller was pleasant enough to deal with even though I know that it was a trifle hard for both of us. She still had me fill up another form even though my son had already filled up the application and a privacy disclosure of sorts. Stupid me just filled up and signed another document which I think is something like a “parental document.” I do hope that will not get me in trouble later on. :D

I gave her my son’s paper bills and coins after I thought that she is already finalizing the papers. She also asked if it will be a passbook or card account. (All of these was in Korean of course.) I only tried to guess what she really meant, along with the gestures and all. Since it will basically be a deposit account, I opted for the regular bankbook account. I have to really study a bit more about banking terms, as well as filling up a form. (Tong Jang is bank book, Ibkum is deposit, Jeokum is savings.) There’s more to learn though and it is imperative that I should be familiar with these since it is a very vital part of anyone’s existence here.

I breathed a sigh of relief when the transaction of opening my son’s account was done. Good thing that the teller was pleasant and patient. I was delighted when she gave me the bank book with the Thomas Train cover on it. My son will surely be delighted as well. :D

___ --- ---

Noted Stuff

It is getting hot in the peninsula and I cannot help but notice things around me like plants that are almost as happy as I am with the sun shining hot above. One thing that I’ve noticed is that the leaves of most plants here are usually small compared to the ones back home. Indeed, tropical plants tend to have bigger leaves than the ones here. It just shows how nature adapts to the availability of sun at this part of the world. We get more sun in the tropics so the leaves are usually bigger to catch more sun. Isn’t it a funny observation? On the other hand, fruits like strawberry that are grown in a limited part of the Philippines are smaller than the ones around here.

Oh by the way, I have a seen beet for the first time at the open market under the subway track today. There was also an interesting plant called “birum” which I might try to make into  namol one day. I asked the old lady selling it and she answered me with a lot of other information but of course it was all in Korean. I only understood about less than 20% of it. As long as I got the name and the idea that it can be made as namol, it was good enough for me. I didn’t buy though. I was not brave enough to try to make it yet.

I also got to taste a cherry on my way to the Jumin Center when I happen to pass by a truck that sells them at 7000  W.

Me: Can I taste?

Cherry Ajussi: Only one.

Me: Of course.

Cherry Ajussi: Are you from the Philippines? How old? (He asks while he was choosing the cherry for me.)

Me: Yes. Seorun dol. Thank you. (And off I go as I bite into the unwashed cherry. It isn’t that sweet for my taste.)

I am so used to being asked my age here in Korea at this point but still it sounded strange to me. I only wanted to taste some cherries and I get ask how old am I? Oh, well. This is Korea.

So what else have I came across today? Ah! I tasted and finished a bibimbap serving at the Gimbap Nara today. I even managed to ask the ajumma to make sure that the gochujang is on a separate plate. Next time, I’ll ask her not to give me any kimchi and only one banchan (side dish) for me. It’s such a waste coz I hardly touch the other banchans.

Bits of Culture Differences

I've met a few more Pinays married to Koreans these past few days and of course, culture comparisons between our home country and Korea won't be unheard of. We generally know a lot of big difference but little things do come up every now and then. So here is some list about social interactions that I have come across lately:

* bringing along someone else after being invited only in the first place
* bringing a gift for an occasion is not  really required
* bringing a gift is almost required
* listing up the amount of cash gift and returning that on the next occasion for the giver
* a stranger calling you with your kids name instead of some general term for a stranger

Make a guess which are Filipino and Korean ones?

The first two are very Filipino. Prior to meeting my husband, I had no idea that the first one is actually a little common culture for Filipinos. I was made aware of this ever since my Korean husband has brought this up early on of our relationship when comparing cultures. When you invite a Filipino for a meet up or a party, do not be surprised if he shows up with someone. We are not talking about a damsel with chaperone here. Although most often, it is a lady that shows up with another friend in tow. And they don't see anything wrong with it. I have never noticed this one before but ever since my husband pointed this out, it made me more aware of this possibly happening every now and then. Although, I am more aware that I do not do the same thing coz I really do think it is a bit strange even though I lived most of my life in the Philippines.

I may understand that single ladies would opt to go with a friend when meeting some guy for a date for the first time or something like that. But other than that, I do really think that it is not cool to bring along someone when one is invited without asking if it's okay. But in the Philippines, it seems to be just okay. Some do ask, while some just show up with someone in tow.

The next one is bringing a gift for the occasion. Bringing a gift is not that common specially for friends and relatives birthdays. One can always get away without the gift although bringing one will always be welcome. (Who doesn't like gifts after all?) Nowadays, it is almost changing specially in the urban setting.

The remaining three are Korean ones.

Gifts are almost always a requirement. Cash and goods alike. The amount of cash is listed in a guest's gift  list specially in formal occasions. This is used as a guide when you get invited and have to bring a cash gift later. Common gifts would be socks, t-shirts, food packs (Spam etc., fruits), drinks (alcohols, medicinal drinks, etc.) beauty packs (facial mask, etc.),  bath toiletries pack (shampoos, soap, lotions, etc.) and cleaning agents (bathroom tissue and laundry powder for people who have just moved in.)

I think gift-giving is almost as an affair of its own like it is Japan. (Talking about origami art of gift wrapping here.)

The last one is about calling strangers with their kids name. There is an old man who lives on the first floor who does that to say hello to me and my husband. He would call out my kid's name as a greeting or to get our attention or something like that. It's just seem strange for me coz we usually just address a stranger with a general Manong, Manang, Ate, Kuya or something like that. But since the old man is way older than us, it would be Hija or Hijo, Ineng, or something like that. Hearing the old man call out our kid's name even if the kid is not around is just strange for me but seems to be the way for Koreans.

That is about it for now. I'm sure there will be more later on. :D

Multicultural Korea

The word multicultural is defined in the Longman Dictionary as involving or including people or ideas from several different countries, races, or religions. It has become familiar word in the Korean society as the rate of international marriages increase in the past decade.

The word itself can be technically correct in my own humble opinion. But my husband doesn't like it at all. He says that it is almost as bad as a label for someone of mixed decent. I argue that it is technically appropriate word. He counters if is there such a word or an agency for such in my home country or (any other country) where kids of different parents' nationalities are more common. I can only answer "none" for my home country. He has made his point. Yet, I still feel that maybe, the long-time-homogenous Korea would really need such word more than Philippines. I am a still bit ambivalent to the term. 

In spite of that, I appreciate the programs in schools nationwide from the Ministry of Education. The last week of May has been designated as the month for multicultural awareness, it seems, as I've seen in my son's school calendar. There were activities at school that were designed to promote multicultural awareness. Even my son had to join a speech contest for multicultural kids like him.

But no, it isn't just because my son gets to join such contest because he has a non-Korean parent that I am appreciative of this. I am glad that accepting the changing social landscape would start with educating the next generation. The school is one of the best place to do so. The pupils brought home some fliers, mini-books, and hopefully, a better understanding of other different cultures. 

My son's friend who goes to another school also had such multicultural activities at their school. His parents are both Koreans and are more open to the idea of multiculturalism. Come to think of it, I haven't really met an openly against such notion so far. There might be some who thinks otherwise but I believe that there generally more who support the idea. 

The term "multiculturalism" itself might be a bit strange for some at this time. Nonetheless, it can be a place to start as I look forward to the time when there won't be a need to use such term at all as everybody will be accepted regardless of their racial heritage. 

 

Yeolmu and Bibimbap with Daenjang

I found yeolmu on sale for 500W per bundle the other day at the nearest supermarket. I specifically went in and bought one only to find out that it was quite big. This would be more than enough for what I had planned on making -- yeolmu muchim/namol for bibimbap.

When hubby saw it, he also googled up some recipe that has yeolmu. Of course, it involves some gochu karo. It turned not very spice at all, except that the stalks are a bit hard since he insisted on having everything fresh and uncooked. In my case, I decided to blanch the yeolmu, specially the stalks, and simply made it like a sigumchi namol.

My brother-in-law brought home a box of shitake mushrooms a few days ago. The mushroom is like a gold in terms of price, quality and nutrition, and I am just very thankful that he brought home that much. Now, if only my husband wouldn't keep his mantra "we have to finish it" and change it to we can "store it in the freezer" so we can enjoy it longer. That's what freezers are for anyway, plus maybe I can also try to dry some of it.

Typical bibimbap will use gochujang but since I've tasted one that uses daenjang with a Korean friend recently, I am very keen on trying it at home.  And..tadadada...not the typical mix of vegies but it was good. I can finally enjoy a bibimbap minus the spiciness of gochujang.

We mixed the yeolmu with some stir fried zucchini, leeks, carrots and the shitake mushrooms from brother-in-law. Hubby put some gochujang and sesame oil in his and I, on the other hand, only put daenjang. Yumyum. Bibimbap with daenjang is now gonna be on my edible list. :D

I hall

Hall

posted from Bloggeroid

Ifedex mo..shampoo ko. (thank you po Nay and Tay)

My poo less days are finally over. I got my early birth month gift from my Mom, my human heart nature shampoo, last weekend.

After months of figuring out a shampoo-less hair care, I am just glad to have a taste again of the organically-made shampoo from home. I was not able to bring it or have these shipped before our moved coz it was out of stock in the local branch at that time. I had to make do with a small sample bottle which only lasted for a week with me.

How did I get the stuff? My dear mom sent it through fedex. It cost an arm and a leg for a one-kilo fedex int'l economy package service but you get what you pay for. :D Although I will have to think twice if going to do it again. My MOM would really think twice again. :D The local post office didn't accept it coz it was liquid. *sigh*

Here is the tracking info from the Fedex website, except the first and last entries.

May 3 (Saturday)

Delivered at the addressee                                Asan-si


May 2, 2014 (Friday)

20:03	In transit		JUNG-GU INCHEON KR
	Tendered to authorized agent for final delivery
10:19	International shipment release - Import		JUNG-GU INCHEON KR
09:40	In transit		JUNG-GU INCHEON KR
	Package available for clearance
08:30	At destination sort facility		JUNG-GU INCHEON KR
04:20	Departed FedEx location		GUANGZHOU CN
03:27	In transit		GUANGZHOU CN
-  01/05/2014  -  Thursday
01:35	In transit		GUANGZHOU CN
01:24	Arrived at FedEx location		GUANGZHOU CN
-  30/04/2014  -  Wednesday
23:07	In transit		PASAY CITY PH
21:06	In transit		PASAY CITY PH
21:04	In transit		PASAY CITY PH
20:15	Left FedEx origin facility		PARANAQUE PH
17:03	Picked up		PARANAQUE PH

Tue - April 29 Package drop off at the branch in my hometown PPS.

So what was in the one-kilo medium box? big bottles of HNN shampoo, lotion, facial toner. Also a pair of my son's old clothes and another dress for me (used as fillers).

Declared value was 1k, shipping amount would probably be the same.


It took 5 days, counting in the day it was sent. Two days for the sending and receiving end. The rest of it was in transit from Manila, China and Incheon. Isn't that just fun? I may want to work in a courier company like fedex one day. :D

I now have my mandarin smelling shampoo which I can use with my vinegar/baking soda/rice washing hair regimen alternately.

Advance happy birthday to me..with big thanks to my mom. I hope she will also like using the HNN products that she'll be trying out soon. 

Note:
I have finally checked out the local Olive Young branch here and found a bit limited possibles for my future washing needs. I may have to double check how much it would cost to order from HNN internationally and compare it with buying other stuff online or offline from here.

Another possible blog entry about Olive Young..or should I say, Andes choco mints? ;D

Lost in Translation

My son was given a school homework to join a speech contest last Tuesday. He only has until Friday to do it. It will be in Korean and English. It was a family homework since we needed to do translation. Moreover, the teacher required him to hand in a copy the next day (Wednesday) so he can go over it as well.

This is the process that we had to do. First, I had to pick my son's brain for what he wanted to be included in the content. That wasn't easy because when I asked him about that, all he answered was " I don't know" and "I don't want to" I can clearly see that he has no initiative to actually compose the speech.

I had to remove the initial barrier of not wanting to do it. Wanting to do it or not is out of question. He just HAVE to. Then we can move on with composing the content after getting past that.

So I asked him direct and leading questions to be able to figure out what he might want to talk about. Unfortunately, it was already late at night so I was only able to squeeze out limited information from him before he had to go to bed.
We were able to have an idea on how to start and end the piece, and a few topics to expound in the middle.

I tried to write and finish it while he was sleeping. I had to finish it before I hit the bed coz the next part would be harder for his dad will have to translate it to Korean.

That is where the problem begins. I thought that he would just simply translate it. Simple and easy. No. He did not. He decided to get the main parts and make it as a guide as he compose the Korean version. His version. Fine. I have no problem with that. He then sent that version to the teacher.

And when the teacher sends it back with some minor additions that I have no objections as all, my husband again tries to translate it to English and asks me to write in down in English. That's the worst part. I wrote the original, it comes back to me with some details not coming out as I want it to be.

I wouldn't have put those details in the first place if I had only known. Hmmp. That is one thing that I have to take note next time. Be bland.

After writing out, put it together (Versions 1, 2 and 3), they still have some problem with it. Fine. I've done my part. Let them do whatever with it. I let them, father and son, do the writing now, as I type this blog entry.

This predicament seem to be a possible one when an author agrees to have a movie version of his book. The screen play that will be returned to him will have added parts that he may not really want to be in there at all or some may come out differently from what he originally meant it to be. What a dilemma specially if you have a tight schedule. Lost in translation.

P.S. I may think about adding the versions here later on..only three anyway, just to see the what really happened. 

Onyang Folk Museum

We were there at ten in the morning, a little cold but the weather improved and it got warmer with the walking that we had to do. We were supposed to be there for another reason but it turned out that the event got canceled. We ended up making the most of what we paid for the entrance fee (1000/pax, not that much since we have recently registered as local residents ^^,) Regular fee is 4000 for adults, I think. Hubby had to present our ID's.

We took the outdoors first since I didn't like the air when I first got in the main building. It smelled a bit too strong at first. We saw traditional houses, graves, epitaphs and statues (most of them as spirit guards of sort). There was also another building which has an art exhibit that has just opened and will run for the next three months (Old and New, April 23- July 27). 

The main building has three levels of spacious showrooms. If you are like me who likes to take the time in reading and taking in everything in a museum, it would take more than two hours just to cover the main building. We had no idea how the place looks like beforehand so we just took each level as it is. It starts with a first Birthday scene, wedding, death, parts of the house, hairstyles, shoes, accessories etc. on the first floor. Second floor was about agriculture, weaving, fishing, etc. By the time I found the third floor, it was already an overload for me. There were old coins, a wall of masks and whatnots. Since it was already lunch time and we were getting hungry, (not to mention that my son has already lost interest) I ended up skipping the most of the last floor.

I didn't see any elevator facility in the building. We had to take the staircase except between second to third which has a slope in between. There were also a small resto which at that time served 12,000 W meal which we did not take. We packed our boiled and planned on eating somewhere else.

Another note. After buying the ticket at the ticket booth, there should be an ajussi to take the other part of the ticket. He wasn't there when we got in the morning. You should have your other part of ticket with you just in case he asks if you happen to step out and need to get in again. 

Basically, scenery is quite simple but the indoor museum is educational. Limit the time for the kids with short attention span though.

The whole place will involve a lot of walking, walking and more walking as most traditional museums would, so bring at least some water. We spotted a vending machine outdoor that has cold drinks but no hot coffee or something hot drink. This can be good on warmer days.

IDs and more IDs (Library Post #1)

Three months after arrival and three ID cards now. The first one, of course, was the alien card. I got another one when I joined the multi-cultural center. And finally, the default one in every place I get to, the library card. My family are just crazy about books and libraries.



It was pretty easy how to get the library card: present the alien card, fill up the form, and have the librarian take a digital photo with the tiny camera and smile as you think of how many books you can access through this card. Happy Day!

I was able to get the card right away and even borrow the maximum 5 books that I could. Even checking out a book was a breeze. Oops! Not just one book, but more than that coz one doesn't have to write or register the books one by one. They just pile the books up and put them on a flat surface of the machine and voila! All the books are already checked out under your card. This was an improvement from seven years ago when I had to have the books bar-code-read on the machine one by one.

So where can I use this fancy library card? This card can also be used in other FIVE libraries in town. That is just awesome! I will have to find those other libraries in the future. ;)

So what is it like in the Children's Library? One thing that I can say for now is that it has quite a collection of various English children's books more than what I have seen in a general town library a few years back. This is really a children's library!

I will post more about the place after our next visit and maybe ask the librarian if its okay to take photos inside.

I will also find my way around the Korean children's books that I can possibly use to learn Korean. One of my goal is to be able to read and understand a Korean book soon. It will not be easy but resources, resources and will power!

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Off to Old School Setting

http://librivox.bookdesign.biz/book/1782
Drifting off to the land of long ago when things are still simple...

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Still on the Subway...

The last entry was about the random art lesson. But this one is going to be mostly about the things I see on the subway ride. Or should I say, the people I see in the subway.

Some things can be funny, some things can be moving, some things make me think and reflect. (I do seem to do the last two quite often.)

We often see people selling different things on the subway ride. I remember the typical towel, drink, gum, socks, cleaning rugs or special magic brush, and even a 1000W rice cake. They usually get on the last couch and moving from one couch to another. They say their spiel upon entering the couch, move along the seats to get their possible customers to buy and exit at the other end. Sometimes, I would like to buy stuff just for them to earn something from that couch but I don't have that much money usually. Hahaha. Luckily, there would be at least one who buys from them. As I look at the buyer, I am glad to see that they are actually happy to buy whatever goods they were even though I don't think they were actually that good.

One was a magic brush/scrubber which one lady bought. It can remove dust from a carpet pretty well based from the seller's demo. I really thought nobody will actually but that. But one lady did. She looked so happy that she got the chance to buy that even telling another lady beside her what she will use it for. I could tell that other people around her was also watching her. Maybe some of them were thinking, "I should have bought one too." "You can actually buy one like that online also." "There goes an impulse buyer." " I just hope she will not regret her purchase." and other lines go on...

There were also some who are not really selling anything. There was a preacher who sang some familiar tune at one point before starting his spiel, and another one, blind man I think, who played his harmonica. I heard that harmonica before I caught a glimpse of the man. P, who seldom see anyone playing a harmonica, dug through his pocket and handed over his change. It was a just a small amount from the little boy but I wonder what exactly moved him to do that.

Still on a note about another blind man navigating the subway, we also another one last time. This one is a bona fide passenger. He was wearing an light neon green shirt as he moved to another couch with the help of his walking stick. He even slightly bumped into a lady before he exited our couch because of the sudden lurch of the train. Yet, he managed to get to his target exit door.

P also saw this man and I asked him how does he think did the blind man managed to get around. The kid had no idea. I had to tell him that blind people usually are good in remembering numbers and they keep count of the steps most of the time.

This simply amazes me that a blind man can safely navigate the subway all by himself. The subway system has special amenities for the blind. Not only are the elevators have the braille, but also the sign for the rest rooms.

It goes without saying that this is indeed a better place for special people like him. 


On a lighter note, there was also another interesting situation I saw last night. It was an early evening ride that we took. There were no seats available right away so we had to stand at first when we got into the subway. I saw a young couple who seem to be sharing a secret joke. As I look around, I noticed a middle-aged woman sitting beside the couple. She was sleeping deeply, swaying her head with every move of the train, but still sleeping. She even had her bent forward and sidewards, almost leaning on the unfortunate person sitting next to her at some point. But she never stirred. She did manage to open her eyes for a few seconds in between but she still fell back to sleep again. It was almost hilarious to watch her.

When the couple stood up to prepare to get off, P grabbed the seat and tried to drag me beside him to sit next to the sleeping woman. I opted not to. I don' think I can handle a swinging head beside me. I got another seat across, then another man took the seat between P and the lady. It was an interesting sight to fill my already-tired-eyes and mind.
 
It was pretty entertaining but I also wonder what if she really sleeps like that all the time. Or may she was just very tired from work. I wonder what kind of job does she do that made her very tired and sleepy. I wonder if she'll get off at the right station. Most people had already left and the subway has finally reached its last station. We all had to get off but she was still sleeping. I just had to let P to wake her up and inform her that it's the last stop. I hope it was indeed her destination station.


I really learned the hard not fall asleep while traveling or waiting for the next ride. I almost missed a flight once because I fell asleep. Good thing that my father called my phone at the same minute that the airline staff was paging me, for the third time at that! Plus I don't want to be caught drooling while sleeping in a public place. Hahaha..

Weekend Affairs (Random Art Lesson in the Subway)

We learn things in different ways, in random circumstances, and in unexpected places. P has had a bit of art appreciation lesson on our subway ride going back home last night. There was an ajussi who happen to sit beside him and they started looking and talking about the PyongChang art magazine that he was holding. I sat across from them and watched P if he can actually understand what the old mas was talking about. The boy did seem to understand the most of it. He was able to reply and give his opinion a few times as well.

It made me reflect just how important it is to have an open mind as we journey through life. I am just glad that P has overcome his shyness long time ago. He is growing to be more receptive of new people and experiences. He is not the kind of kid who would shrink back if someone tries to be friendly with him. The thing is, there are still a few times that he is not very assertive in some situations where he should actually be. Nonetheless, he has finally learned not to be shy to ask questions specially in shops, offices etc.

He was even the one who initiated to write a comment at the T3 airport last time. I am not sure if I've written about that one yet. It was during our layover at the NAIA 3 when we were trying to charge our mobile phones only to find out that all the wall sockets available were flats. It so happen that our smartphone charger plugs has round ones. I know that there are already dual type of sockets available for years now and it just beats me why the T3, the latest terminal built, would still be using flat heads. We went to the information/assistance center, asked about it and P was the one who thought to write about it on the feedback paper. And he did fill it up himself!

This makes me think back when he used to be shy at asking questions to other people. I had to prod him a couple of times when he was a bit younger. I remember telling him "Why not ask it yourself? You want to find out about something, ask someone yourself. Just make sure you do so politely and say thank you. It won't hurt. " And so he tried, got positive results, and has learned to do so since then. Just like recently at the Korean supermarket, we were checking out the bread deciding what to get and he suddenly disappeared. I was surprised for a moment only to see him asking the salesclerk how much the bread he wanted to buy. No prodding needed now.

I am glad he has learned that already so with everything new around us now, he can figure out things for himself without his dear mommy around. If only he will figure out that he has to head out to school earlier. But that is another blog entry. :( 

South Korean Expressway Pit Stop (Anseong Rest Area)

It was my first time to see the expressway outside the immediate area of Seoul. We used to live just outside of Seoul and a short bus ride or car ride will technically bring us there.

Since we are now living in another province, getting to Seoul is another adventure. There are plenty of ways to get there via the efficient public transport system. We got here via express bus when we first arrived. There is also a subway line in our area that I have yet to use to get to Seoul in the near future.
I'll be looking for a chance for that as the weather gets warmer.

We had the chance to travel to the Seoul area over the weekend via the expressway. It was still a bit cold for me since we left late in the afternoon already. Hubby had to follow the car navigational system since he was not really familiar with route. I also had to decipher the symbols there specially once we got into the expressway since we are all not familiar with everything yet.

I had to keep track of the exit signs and rest stops. I noticed that there were rest stops indicated well in advance in the "navi". We had to use them once for the rest room and another one on the way back for the fuel. The first time that we passed one, I was curious how it looked like. When hubby announced that he needed to stop in one of these, I just had to check it out even though I was not feeling well and even a bit cold.

Anseong Rest Stop

The place has a convenience store, a number of restaurants and chains like even Dunkin Donuts and Baskin Robbins, spacious rest rooms and parking lot.  There were specially designated parking spaces for trucks or bigger vehicles, and the regular private vehicles. There were special areas for specially-abled person, and pregnant ones as well (check out the pink sign on the ground). 

The gas stations (at least two from what I've seen) is located right before one exits the area. One can take his time to rest in between driving through the fast-paced expressway.

We also happen to catch a short entertainment provided by some musicians dressed in what looked like Japanese costume. (Or maybe it was supposed to be Korean? I'm not sure.) I could have sat and enjoyed some food while watching them but we were in hurry and it was a bit cold for me.

I was just green with envy as I watch a group of Korean locals watching them while eating ice cream outdoors while I was still almost freezing mode. Wait 'til the weather gets warm. I'll get my vengeance of enjoying the sun while the Koreans hide their pretty white skins to avoid sunburn. (*evil grin)


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Asan City Lotte Mart

Behind this building is where we got off from the airport bus when we first got here. We just waited at back part near the old terminal while waiting to meet my brother-in-law.

I have finally seen a bit of what is actually out front and inside. Below is the mall schedule and the building directory. This quite useful before heading out to such place specially when one is in a hurry. One thing I still have to find out is when do theses discount stores close on a monthly schedule. It can be Sundays or Wednesdays, twice a month. It depends on the location.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Store Hours: Lotte Mart 10:00-24:00, Hi Mart 10:00-21:00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I did my own thing while waiting for hubby to park somewhere. I am not very fond of basement parking lots or multi-level ones that always makes me dizzy.

Took the two photos above after spying a NO CAMERA sign at the door. (Stubborn me. There were also signs for No Smoking, No Pets and I have yet to figure out the last one.


Floor Guide:

B2   - Daiso, Fresh Produce, Processed Food
B1   - Hi-Mart, Toy, Medical (beats me what this one actually is)
1st   - Asan City Bus Terminal (Far back), C4U(a convenience store),
          Krispy Kreme, some Coffee Shop etc.
2nd  - Apparels (Kids, etc.)
3rd  - Restaurants: Ashley, Rimini (Fancy Italian one), Parking Lot
4th  - 7th - Parking Lot
8th  - Asan City Terminal Wedding Hall
9th  - Lotte Cinema

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