September, the Good Times and the Bad

As much as I like writing things chronologically, there are times when it's just too painful and complicated to make it on written form. Things that happen still have to be documented, but it won't be now. Maybe a bit later. This would be the "feel good" life episode.

A working woman has more financial freedom --- unless you're an heiress. :)  Well, I am not so I have to work and I like it. I may not have to pay the bills but at least, I can cover the grocery and my personal cravings. ;)   

My day has been a mini adventure today. I was able to attend a Korean-based training for after-school teachers after an hour drive, taste a worth-it fungi (mushroom) pasta, explore an area that I had wanted to check out before, and learn a few things even after a few kinks along the way.

On General Things
1. Research the target area more to avoid unnecessary expenses if possible.
2. Be more generous with "thank you" and "I'm sorry" as needed, but especially do more of the former. Think of Belle.
3. Relearn the Korean versions of these, especially the "kahmsahmnida" and "jal mogeutsubnida."

Specific Ones
1. Bring the parking stub with you to get stamped on especially in old buildings' underground parking. And do not lose any of it, parking stub or store receipt.
2. Always keep cash in the car, bills and coins.
3. It's a bit of a stretch to find parks in cities with good parking space so one has to do some diligent research or just risk parking anywhere.
4. It never hurts to ask questions. 

Work related ones:
1. English driver's license are available for request (with 10k fee) at police stations and not at pachulsu. It will take two weeks release if done there but it can be available right away if it is directly applied for at the driving testing centers.

2. The KFV will need at least 2 hours to maximize the 20k entrance. And the parking is pre-paid, 2K (for a small car) either by card or cash. (ATM inside is KEB.)

3.  ATC seminars can be worth the trip, mixing work with fun.

4. I've realized that the Confucian School that I was considering to write about has some conflicting points on my feminine POV so I will have do more online and library research before I finish my post on that. (along the lines of gender inequality and hierarchical social relations)

5. I've also searched the IG accounts of the other places that are on my list and they look promising.

Can't wait for the next meeting and be able to start the legwork before writing. 


Quote for the day which I believe is not really from Einstein even if it's been widely credited to him. This is what seems to be how my driving for the day pretty much ended -- a lone wanderer in that Confucian school.


"The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before."

Daily Dose of Motivation

What are the advantages of acquiring a Korean nationality?

If you already have a non-Asian (Western) citizenship, there's really not much to benefit from acquiring a Korean one at first glance. This is especially if you are a young male and physically able to serve in the army. I am neither of those.

More than ten years ago, acquiring citizenship was a bit more lax but I wasn't really that keen on changing mine. Korea doesn't allow dual citizenship at that time and I didn't think I was ready to give up mine to have a new one. First, my Korean language was dismal, to say the least. How can even think of acquiring the citizenship of this country when I can hardly speak their language, understand the culture and how their government system works? Just because I married a Korean? That is not logical at all.

I was working even when I was pregnant up until I gave birth with just a month or so break and learning the language or acquiring citizenship was not really my priority. My husband had no regular job so I had to work and raise a kid.

Fast forward to 14 years now, my son is almost grown up (I'm pretty sure he'll like this part^^) and my husband has a regular job at least for the next couple of years, I am now in a better place to learn and really understand what and how it is to be a Korean citizen.

The naturalization process has gotten a bit more complicated but I believe it's all for the good of the nation in the long run. There are more institutionalized programs for people who want to get Korean citizenship specifically for married immigrants like me or even just permanent residency for some. Besides, the government now allows dual citizenship so that is a plus for me. I get to have another nationality and I have a better understanding of the country now and what role I can play besides being a wife to a Korean and a mom to one.

Different folks, different strokes. I did not sign up for this just because of that. I want to understand how this country works. Acquiring Korean citizenship is not just an additional passport. It legitimizes one's existence in a country where one can figure out what role he can play for the common good.

Let's move on from the ideals get down to the practicality of it. Why am I going to acquire that citizenship? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a non-Korean living here?

Let me just count the ways that I have come across the idea that having citizenship would have made things easier.

1. Getting those documents from the automated machine. Only citizens, 19-year-old and above, can use those machines. I'm pretty sure there can be a technical way to allow registered expats for such but it's exclusively for the legit Koreans this time.

2. Additional medical and other documents especially when applying for a teaching job. There is a drug test required with the assumption that foreigners would have more likely been exposed to such. I believe it stemmed from some previous misdemeanors that came to light a few years ago. Aside from that, other documents will need to be sourced from one's home country: criminal and educational records, etc.

3. Signing up to certain websites, financial products (i.e. loans, mutual funds, digital currencies, anyone?), and other services that are non-foreigner friendly. This thing just comes up every now and then in my five years of living here. Not only that there is a language wall to scale, but there are also times when there is another wall to break --- citizenship.

4. Government social programs (education, health care, pensions) -  I am not very big on this since I am married to a Korean national and has access to the national health insurance but I am very sure about the pension system. It's common knowledge that Korea has an aging population and this doesn't spell rosy future for everyone concerned with pensions. That's something that I have to research some more.

5. Unrestricted residency. No need to report to the immigration office that you moved but you can do so at the nearest jumincenter if you are a citizen. Although that is not really such a big deal for me. I generally like the rules but it's just pretty inconvenient for non-citizens like me.

6. Political rights. No one can question if you want to join the candlelight protest or any street protest that fancies you. :D Well, what I'm actually saying is that I can vote for the president. Not that I don't like the current government. On the contrary, I would have liked to have been to able to cast my vote during the last presidential election.

That's about it,for now, to motivate me to hit the books and do well on this upcoming interview.

Marriage. Why do you stay?

Some couple stays together because of kids.
Some couple doesn't stay together because of kids
While some couple stays together even if they don't have kids,
Some couple doesn't stay together because they can't have kids. 

That's the reality of married life that involves offsprings.
The attraction, emotion and all that has been invested in a relationship
can dry out or even die.
Marriage can even be dissolved now. With or without kids.
Sometimes, it's better to just have kids and not be married.
Or better yet, don't even think about getting married at all.
Live alone. Die alone. Or adopt. Or just adapt to the changing times.

(The above thoughts came about after a chat with other women to Korean men. ^^)

Super Out-of-Town Target Destination NEXT MONTH!

I'm pysched! I will be taking my first round of level 5 test, without really studying but what I'm psyched for is driving there. Not this time but on my next test. Ha!

This is the second time that I am heading in the same location but my husband gave me a ride on my first. This time, he has no plan to do that again since I didn't really study well, plus he is also busy. I volunteered that I can perhaps drive myself but he totally refused to let me do that. Still a bit risk he says. Well, yeah...it's not my car. What can I do? Instead, I'll be taking the chance to take the public transportation via train which will take more than half an hour more compared if driving. I'm going ask my son if he's interested to go for an adventure (plus moral support) but if not, I'll be fine to go alone. I'll stake out the area so that next time, I can more confidently drive by myself. Hoho! That's the plan! :D

As for the test, well, I really have to study more seriously starting now. I've seen a well-used book yesterday by a Viet thru a common Fil friend and wow! I should be doing just that and perhaps, I'll be in a better position with this tests. I'm thinking of doing the studying in the car at the parking lot after my swimming class. I can also go out there early and do that. Or go there on weekend and do that. We'll figure that out.

I can do this! I know! But for now, I have to figure out the public transport going there this weekend.

Peace or Victory?

Just random thought this morning as I fry some Korean cabbage pancakes. 

Why do Korean do the V sign when taking pictures ALL THE TIME? I've asked a some before and they said it's for V - victory. Sure, like we just won in something and it's time for the victory shot. No. Coz that is definitely not the case most of the time.  

So I pose this question to my KH.

"Why do Koreans do the V sign when taking pictures?"

Everybody does it. And he has never thought about exactly why but it's something one does without thinking. 

That sure got me nowhere. Here is my theory ---wait! That's too heavy for a word. Just my funny ideas running wild. Or better yet, these are some reasons why. 

a. Everybody does it. 

b. They feel they just don't know what to do with their hands when it's photo time. 

c. It's for V - victory. Victory for all seasons and reasons. 

d. It's for "peace" sign.

e. The Japanese do that, so they followed. (This will definitely get some violent reactions from the Koreans.)

f. It's either the c or d, VICTORY or PEACE since South Korea is still technically at war with the North. There's this subconscious thing to show victory or peace. 

(That is my own joke which I understand if not everybody will get it.)

Mind you, I am not the only one who has blogged about this ubiquitous V-signs. There's a couple more expat bloggers like American blogger Jonathan, another anonymous Brit who dug a 'lil bit on it's history and has taken time to write more about it. A lot of people also posted the question and askaKorean blogger also mentions it in one post. 

But what tops it all is the article by Stephanie Burnette for TIME magazine, no less, back in Aug. 2014! And it isn't just a Korean thing; it's an East Asian one! So there goes my "theory" for the Koreans. :D

As to when, if I, will get to the habit of doing that, I don't know. The things you do when you've lived in a place like Korea! I'll try to resist. My smile should be enough for the picture. (just being me) 

There's one more thing I've noticed (and a bit annoyed by it) is the other not-too-famous mass hand gesture (the fist) in Korea, FIGHTING! Over zealous picture-taking sessions in group shots will usually three clicks: plain kimchee (no hand signs), the V-sign and last but not the least, the fist while shouting FIGHTING! 

Mid-Term Test (Long Version)

(This is a long, rambling version of the test experience. A shorter one is in my kimchilandiaries)

Done with the test and I'm fairly confident that I will fail. hahaha...

I didn't really study well, and there were a lot of excuses. It will be a miracle if I do pass. But wait, passing mark is 60. Do I have hope? LOL

My hubs was quite kind enough to give me a ride, and save me the trouble of going via public transportation. We left for Daejeon at around 10:15, 15 minutes later from what we planned. We got to the area without a problem at 

around 11:30. 

I checked my name on the list and ate our packed food in spacious parking lot. My usual driving-out food are boiled eggs and bread. Hopefully, I'll be able to pick up the habit of adding some fruits next time. I used to add some peeled and chopped apples before but it wasn't that popular. It's just a bit tricky with fruits like apple coz it can easily be oxidized. If it's something else, I'll have to bring a knife to peel it or if it's something else that doesn't need peeling, I will still need to peel for myself. hahaha.. Picky-eater me. My best fruit of choice will be bananas! 

Well, today was a bit special coz I managed to bake pandesal earlier this morning. (It's getting better.) I also packed a few banana muffins that I baked yesterday. The pandesal, muffins, and egg was our lunch, along with the misutkaro drink and iced water from the thermal bottle. It was pretty filling, enough to last me until the test ended. 

I went up to the testing room a few minutes after 12 only to find the the room is very small for the 53 test-takers. And it was also pretty noisy. I'm not very used to this kind of noise anymore. Flashback to my high school days. 

12:30 The test proctors showed up and started to quiet the folks down. I know it's a test so I got my old copy of Reader's Digest to read while waiting silently. I don't understand why other people just can't quiet down and contain themselves. It's a test after all. 

Luckily, I was not seated far in the back so I can hear the proctors better amidst the noise. It would be totally dismal if I wasn't coz I'd have to hear them well to be able to better guess what they're saying. 

The proctors gave the general information on the test, as well as the instructions on writing the name and other details on the answer sheet. We were also told put our bags at the back of the room, turn off the mobiles and put a sticker on them before they were collected and put on small plastic trays. We were told that we'll get them back after the speaking test. 

1:00 Signal to start. I skipped most on the first page which was sad coz it was the vocabulary page. It should have been easy. 

1:30 I hurriedly went back to the skipped numbers with the remaining ten minutes on the clock. With still a minute or two, I finished off the last item that I only guessed the answer. It wasn't such a bad test if only I understood everything. hahaha..

One question that stuck me funny went like this:

Which one is wrong? An guy who is called sabunim by a younger lady or a 30-year-old single lady who is called ajumma. Seriously? Now, as I ask my son, he says the latter is correct. Why? His reasoning goes like this, "so will I call a 70-year old unmarried lady agassi?" 

1:40 Part 1 done. A round of excited chatter erupted again while the proctor wrote the test question for the written part on the board after handing out the answer sheets. 

The answer sheet has around 5 lines of boxes for the characters, small text boxes below those, which from what I can guess, are the guidelines in writing and checking the answer. If only I can understand any of it. 

All done in five minutes. I managed to write 2.5 lines. Wasted precious miutes writing over my penciled answer. It seems that pencils are not a regular for test-taking in Korea. They provided a permanent small-tipped marker for the machine-checked part but I had to use a smaller-tipped one for the writing part. 

Papers were collected and another round of chatter and "be quiet please." Someone asked if they can go to the rest room and was given ten minutes. I also stepped out because of the noise at first but decided to check out the rest room in the end. 

Then, we were told to stay put in the room, and behave so we can all start and finish the remaining part of the test. That, I can only totally agree. We were given another set of papers, I'm guessing for the speaking test. I say "guessing" coz by then, I had read enough Korean for the day and my head just can't manage to try to make heads or tails on what's written there. 

2:00 We started in batches of four. As luck would have it, I was on the second batch. Yes! I get to go home early. Thank you. I just have to be able to muster out a few more spoken Korean and I'm done.

Four people were called out, each pair is sent to a room where two proctors wait. One was the same guy from our room. My speaking test buddy was a Cambodian lady who looks younger and darker than me. I actually thought she was a "kabayan" at first. We sat and waited just outside of the testing room. I managed to chat a bit and practice my limited spoken Korean. All within the 5-minute-limit of my ability. We'll maybe 7-minutes now? :)

The minute I sat and saw the pictures on the paper, I knew I was doomed! There were two photos: pork and shrimp. Both of which I do not eat, knows practically nothing much about and you expect me to talk about it? Incomprehensible. I managed to say that anyway, I think. 

The rest, I can only hazard a guess if I made sense with my answers. I can imagine what points they have to write on the speaking rubrics paper that I handed them. 

The whole actual speaking test lasted at least about five minutes, I think. I had no concrete watch on hand coz our phones were handed back to us after that. 

I turned it on and hurriedly went out to look for my hubs so we can go home and eat with our son. It won't be that soon coz the drive home still took almost two hours. 

2:30 We set to home.

4:25 We got home. 

Yiruma's Kiss the Rain

Music can definitely transcend any language, any thought, any feeling. This music has something that draws me to it, without any lyrics. It makes me feel something deep inside that I wouldn't really want to express into words for words will just ruin the feeling evoked by this music.

This one has that quality. I just heard it and kept listening to it. It sounded very familiar, yet  I cannot pinpoint where I heard it before. When I looked it up, I found that it was used in a Kdrama "A Millionaire's First Love." This got me confused because I initially thought that Yiruma is Japanese. And I finally searched for more Yiruma music and found out that he is Korean after all. Korean-born but British-educated concert pianist. Interestingly enough, his other music are also good. There's even a Korean lyrics which I might just try to learn one of these days. I had indeed become an official fan.

Humidity and Korean Winter

Weather: Sunny, supposedly warmer at -1 degrees C high temps but with the wind chill factor in, it still feels colder than usual. There's even steam whenever I breathe outside. 

The air is drier today with 47% percent of humidity. I was finally able to run one of our thick winter blankets in the machine with hopes that it will dry out by tonight. It's been a while since I have planned on doing so but I cannot afford to go blanket-less for a night with the colder temps these past few weeks. When it got warmer, the humidity is pretty high also so there is less tendency for the clothes to dry. We do have an extra blanket but these are thinner that the super winter ones we have.

I'm so looking forward to spring soon when I can move about the house more freely. 
There is the spring cleaning to plan out and getting back to school for my son and my offline Korean language classes too. Those I need to prepare for the following months. 

Then, there is also the Korean New Year and our possible move again. Oh, boy! I'm starting to like spring!

Arirang All Throughout

Arirang is to Korean music here in Korea. Sure, there is the more modern and popular Kpop but when we talk of Korean music, the traditional way, Arirang it is.

That is the theme for the concert we recently watched over the weekend ---Arirang, all throughout the concert. It was played on different instruments and styles.

The main instrument was the flute, accompanied by the piano most of the time. It was also joined in by a cello at one point and a band for the latter part. The cello part was quite short but I think that that piece was one of the most authentic or close to the traditional sound of the popular version of Arirang.

The concert opened with an instrumental medley of different versions of the song from diffeent parts of Korea. Each area has their own take on the song. Some have sad tones while others are downright melancholic when it is sung.

The flute shared the stage with four other younger guys on the latter part of the night. They took care of the drums, lead/rhythm and bass guitars, as well as my personal favorite instrument, piano.They played Arirang in other arrangements like waltz, bossa, pop, jazz and even rock as encore.

The piano guy was my favorite. Why? He has quite a personality from the minute he showed up in a pair of walking shorts and beanie on his head. He played the piano with fun written all over it. I would like to bring home that piano guy with his piano.

Sorry for the flute guy, even though it was a refreshing instrument, I'm a shameless piano fan.

posted from Bloggeroid

Uniqlo Haul for the Coming Winter

Uhmm, yes. It's for my winter haul. As early as September. I should have done some winter shopping when we got here and catch the after-winter sale but...I am not a big shopping gurl at all. I just think I need to get some comfortable and warm things to keep me alive this coming winter.

The temperature is getting colder for me so I thought it best to start preparing for it with a Uniqlo shopping trip. It set me back for almost 80 USD.

I got a hooded zip up sweater (slightly discounted), two turtle neck heat tech long sleeves (@ 5 bucks each), a heat tech long-sleeved bra top (regular price at 30 bucks), another kid's heat tech long sleeved undershirt and a pair of socks.

A pair or two of heat tech leggings was on my list but it was pretty thin for my taste that I decided to think about it again. I still a couple of useful ones for the winter as underpants but not much for a decent one that I can wear by itself. I may have to check around some more or maybe just try the regular leggings.

The turtle necks had been pretty comfy to wear at home for now, along with an indoor zipped up sweater. I may have to keep an eye for the bottoms next time. Fleece lined ones won't be bad at all.

posted from Bloggeroid

Oncheon-dero

Spotted along Oncheondero near a high school are a couple of quick bites for students.




Still along the same road, but FARTHER along....is the the Home Mart. It is a newly opened supermarket sometime in the summer this year which had a raffle event for three months to kick off things. And this is how the raffle thing went.

I'm not sure how much would the purchase receipt is needed to get a raffle stub which one will fill up with the name and mobile phone number. This is dropped in transparent box outside to be drawn from every month. There were different sets of prizes mostly home appliances from small blenders to big washing machines at that.


The thing that strikes me differently was one should be there when they do the draw. If the name got picked but the person was not there at that time, the prize is forfeited and they will keep on drawing for another paper until they have the same person in attendance. That is quite new for me.  I now wonder how raffle draws go in other countries. :D

Library Bins -- Post-Chuseok State

The local library was closed for four consecutive days for the Chuseok Holiday last week. It started on the Sunday to Wednesday. They usually close on Mondays during regular days.

We had a set of books due last weekend but we only managed to drop it off last Wednesday. And this is what I saw! Overflowing!





I am quite happy that the libraries here are well-used and readers managed to fill these bins. The more readers, the merrier. ^^

posted from Bloggeroid

Post Chuseok Affairs

Post Chuseok Affairs

Title is inspired from Sherlock Holmes' titles. However, this should have been better titled as Post-Chuseok Effects for Foreign Wives in Korea which sounds more apt for an academic paper.

IT isn't unheard of that divorce rate for Koreans goes up after a big national holiday such as Chuseok and New Year. The usual cause or maybe catalyst would be the humongous preparations that the wives have to do during these occasions. Traditionally speaking, women do all the chores and men do almost nothing in preparing all of the food and whatnots that are needed for the traditional observance. This is a common issue for Korean women nowadays.

I pretty much know about this part but what I learned this time is there are other aspect in these traditional holidays that can also cause some disagreements, or possibly divorce if it can go worse. This is the bowing part. I have not been pressed to do that since the first time I refused because of religious reasons. I never realized that some Korean families are very strict about that to a point that they might actually raise the issue of a possible divorce case. 

Some foreign wives do feel a little uncomfortable in not doing so, specially the CHristian foreign wives. Yet, it is more uncomfortable if they do suddenly change and follow the local norms. I, myself, am a bit on the same boat even if I was fortunate enough to have a more understanding and open-minded extended Korean family. I've just realized how blessed I am that I didn't hear any negative repercussions about it. Or if there ever was, I am just so oblivious and numb. 

Neighborhood Festival-- Korean style

I am sitting in the middle of a Korean event for Chuseok in the neighborhood apartment complex. It started at 2 and still running until 9 at night.

There was a dumpling-making event where mostly old people joined in. They were making the seompyeon pretty fast and I cannot almost keep up with them in filling their well-shaped rice dough. I totally gave up making my own  shapes since they weren't as pretty and quickly-formed as most of the old ladies'. I resigned myself to the job of spooning in the sesame+sugar filling for them instead.

There was this grandmother who made a bit bigger seompyeon and I had to spoon out the filling twice the amount more than what the others made.

I also notice that some made theirs quite differently only to find out that they came from another province. That is quite interesting coz one can probably guess where they're from through the style of shaping their seompyeon.



A few younger kids also joined in after school let out later in the afternoon. They tried to make some but they are obviously inexperienced compared to the grandmothers.

It seems like the tedious job of making these Chuseok rice cake can be a fun event if shared with other people. The grandmothers even sang and dance along with some live entertainment while they were making the seompyeons. I even got bumped a few times while a grandmother was dancing but of course, all I can do is try to avoid her. :D She sure had fun, eh?

They all got some rest after and sat down to watch the show. There were guitar acts, duets and mid-age girl group, young and adult traditional drummers, a choir, and even jump ropers.

There was also a singing contest open to all---that means-- for all ages with a limit of two minutes for each of the almost two dozens of candidates. The youngest was a 4th-grader girl who sang an English song, and oldest would probably be the grandmother who had a bit of hard time scaling up the stair without any hand bar but she sang pretty well. The singing range varied from not-so-good to quite good ones.

A few that stood out from my memory, aside from the one I already mentioned, was a gentleman who did look like a man (he even came with his son on stage) but sounded like a woman's voice the minute he started singing. He quite good, if not the best, though. He sang his a little upbeat song like a pro and everybody seemed to have a good time. If it wasn't a contest with a time limit, we would have enjoyed another song from him.  





It is pretty interesting how they had the stage set up from a big truck that comes with stage light, and a screen projector. This basically served as the stage wall, with the stage itself enough to hold more than a dozen people.

It wasn't such a bad traditional event after all. The crowd was just enough. But the Kpop style sound was a bit too much for me at the end. I actually prefer the well-choreographed choir of the city singing songs form my all-time-favorite movie, the Sound of Music. It was quite long and tiring but fun for a first-timer like me nonetheless. 

 

posted from Bloggeroid

Korean Legal Aid Center for Family Relations

Just a short note today about legal aid resource I got from the facebook group for expats...

Korean Legal Aid Center for Family Relations

This can be useful for someone in need of legal aid specially here where English is a bit hard to come by. 

Math, Arts and Sciences on Korean Liberation Day

The season is changing soon. My son started the second semester of school last week and the month ends today. I can almost feel the autumn coming soon so it's almost bye-bye time for my very familiar friend, hot summer. 

Not too fast though. It is still somewhat hot during daytime specially if I was under the sun. But once under the shade, I can already feel a bit different. For the locals here, it's cool. For me, it's a little cold. I now need my thin jackets over my sleeveless tank tops to keep me warm and not solely to protect my arms from the sun. 

The temperatures have been slowly dropping to 18 and even 16 degrees C when the sun is not around. 

I may have to bring out our long sleeved clothes sooner than most people. I now understand why Koreans usually have a lot of these kinds of clothes which they use during the most part of the year.

It's been a while since I have experienced living in a temperate region so this year will definitely be a learning year how to cope with the seasons. 

P has been coughing every morning a few months ago but I haven't heard it for the past few weeks. I had to let him wear a jacket for sleep tonight. With the dropping temperatures specially evenings and early mornings, we will have to be extra careful of how we do things. We should be more fastidious in keeping warm clothes and blankets at night. Because the changing season can really wreak havoc to our health. That also means enough sleep, and healthy food.

The fruits in the neighborhood fields are slowly ripening. The pear and apple trees are bearing fruits that are slowly changing colors ripe and big enough for picking soon. I can't wait to find a place to help out one of these days. The grapes are getting a bit cheaper as well so we're starting to get some from the supermarket. 

During the brief summer, the summer fruits like watermelon and honey dew melons abound as cheap as 3000 to 5000 for a big bag or a decent sized watermelon. It has now gone up again to 10,000 a piece nowadays.Hmmm..I may have to do another post on fruits soon. 

Notes and notes, and bracing for the coming cold season.

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)

*

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

Changchi Gukso -- (our version)

Finally! (Why is it that I seem to have used this word more often nowadays, I wonder) We were able to taste this noodle dish after a while. It was bit pricey to make it back home but since we have moved here, the dishes that we liked are more accessible for us. This one of those on our list to make.

It has four basic parts: stock, noodles, sauce and the various toppings (carrots, blanched chinese cabbage, fried egg strips, kimchi, zuccini, mushroom, tofu and laver or seaweed) I mean the list of toppings one can possibly add can be crazy.

The stock can be simple but a bit daunting to make. The sauce is also easy to put together and cooking the noodles is the quickest. The trick is make enough toppings and stock the first time so you can enjoy eating it again on your next meal with less hassle and prep time.

A. stock/broth
about a dozen whole large anchovies
4-6 C of water
6x4 inches dashima
All boiled together in a large pot. Simmered in low fire afterwards until it smells like broth. <sup>,


B. Sauce (this is one of the last to add when you eat but better make it ahead lest you forget later ;) )
3-4 T soy sauce
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
3 green onion leaves, minced
1 t sesame oil
sesame seeds
pepper flakes
(the measurement for the last two is really based on personal preference)


C. Toppings carrots, zuccini - julienned and lightly fried SEPARATELY (looks better as toppings later, ^^)
1 or 2 eggs - whisked, fried thinly and cut into strips afterward
tofu - cut into strips or small squares, fried
kimchi - slightly minced
mushroom and onion - can be fried together (if using dried mushroom, make sure it is well soaked in water, soft and well cooked)
laver or gim or dried seaweed - cut into strips using scissors or hands done on the LAST MINUTE BEFORE SERVING to keep it moisture free
1 big leaf of cabbage, cut into thin strips, blanched (the same boiling water can also be used for cooking the noodles as this saves heat, water and time)
sumyon Noodles (very thin noodles like angel's hair)
about 2 inches in dm as you hold then with your fingers (not every kitchen has a weighing scale, you know)
- cook in boiling water. Note that this thin noodles cook very quickly (3 minutes). When it starts to boil over, add a bit of cold water. Do this boil over-add water twice. Then noodles should be ready to drain.
- Drain the hot water and replace with cold water to rinse. Wash it like you are washing clothes to remove starch. Repeat twice or three times. Then drain the water out for the final time.
As you do the final draining, separate them into serving size. Pick out a handful and roll it around your 3 fingers to make ball of sorts (just like when one eats spaghetti rolled around the fork)


Putting it Together: Put a round of noodle in a bowl.
Add the toppings. Add the sauce. Then pour over the broth. Then add the gim/laver. Or how whatever sequence you choose. Hahaha...

That is the way we made our chanchi gukso.

Do not follow this very well since I cannot guarantee how yours will taste. This was written to refresh my own memory for later or to give someone a general idea how to make it. I repeat, there is no guarantee to a good tasting output. Please check other more reliable websites like Aeris Kitchen. LOL. ⊙•⊙
(even the name for the dish is not consistent.. Changchi, chanchi, or chamchi, go figure) :)</sup>

posted from Bloggeroid

(originally posted from a smartphone, 

4/1/2014 -edited on pc)