Buddah's birthday left us with a pleasant Friday holiday and we jumped on the opportunity for a three day getaway. All of our apartment crew joined us on a train expedition to a small coastal city called, "Yeosu." This quaint port town lies at the central tip of South Korea in Jeollanamdo province. Our entire goal was to enjoy a lazy beach trip before the stress of packing. Due to ceaseless rain, beach time = not so much. Luckily, adventures can be had in the rain.
On Friday, we were fo
rced to stand on the first bus for 1.5 hours due to traveling hoards. Despite endless planning, we could not get a bus ticket ahead of time for the first leg of our trip.It is one of the few holiday weekends not tied to family in Korea; just like how everyone and their mom goes camping on Memorial Day.
We arrived around three and popped over to Odongdo Island. This scenic island is covered in craggy cliffs, caves, and gardens. We enjoyed outdoor rock acupuncture and musical fountains as we bobbled around the hills. The highlight came when we stumbled upon a group of elderly women having a shindig in a shady pathway. We joined in the clapping and got invited to their jamboree. After a few traditional tunes, we got summoned to sing. Forrest (the musical talent) busted out, "Stand by Me" and they loved us in no time. Apples and beer for all!
On the way back, we found a makeshift restaurant vending live octopus on the cement aside the sea. Of course Jake jumped at the chance for the freshest food possible and we plopped down on the mats with a half a dozen Korean families. If you haven't eaten octopi before, you should know that the squiggly creatures are literally chopped into one inch pieces, yet wiggle relentlessly until you chew them to death. Want to try?
Saturday and Sunday were filled with endless rain. We journeyed to a mountainous temple and a black sand beach. The area was talked up quite a bit on wikitravel, but didn't exactly exude the lively cafes it boasted. Instead it was an abandoned, small town beach with dirty shores -we'll blame it on the weather. We managed to find one seaside restaurant ope n named, "Carp Island." This place blew our mind by serving sandwiches with the ultimate side - whip cream! Everyone was looking for the four-year old cook to surface - no sightings thus far. The evening adventures started with an arcade where I finally tried dance, dance revolution. Jake won- unbelievable! Must have been all those years of video games. Next, we rounded up some soju and ordered colas in the basement of Lotteria (like McDonalds) to get out of the rain. A gaggle of 15 year olds provided an hour of entertainment with pestering questions and giggles. They especially liked when Michael hit his head on a tv - snap.
Later we hopped on a bus to a bar with free pool, fooze ball and wii. The Canadian staff alerted us of holiday specials and we stayed for the long hall. We learned a Canadian coin game using a Tooney. Everyone gets a shot of beer to start. You flip the coin, bear = drink and queen = pass the shot. Now, the odds seem decent, but some how it stacks up against certain people and they end up with 5 shots at once. If everyone flips a queen for one round straight, a whiskey shot is added. Kim and Jesse were the big winners, or losers, depending on how you view it. I recommend trying this ONLY at home and ONLY with beer.
Enjoy some pics and visit Yeosu when there is less chance of rain.
When Joe and Liz arrived, we met up in Seoul for the beginning of our travels. One day was dedicated to history with palaces, markets, and hillside hanok villages budding with spring flowers. The next, highlighted modern Seoul with a scenic boat tour of the Yeouido waterfront and shopping galore.
But alas, the true reason to visit Seoul - private noraebangs (singing rooms). It brings out the melody and moves in even the worst singer. Joe's new addiction may spur relocation if Seattle doesn't catch on quick to this cheap and freeing entertainment.
The latest art exhibition at our local museum is deemed "Sense of Humor." This brings ddong (aka poop) to a whole new level.
After weaving through 4 corridors of the museum, Joe approached me flustered - "This stuff is weird. None of these artists take themselves seriously." Yeah, he missed the memo and large banner at the entrance.
We have pictures from days 1 to 3, but then our camera died. Joe was in charge of being the family photographer and will likely post much better shots. Here's a starter pack with more stories from the trip on the next few blogs.
Funny Quotes
Korean Coworker (explaining the meaning of "Heol." An explicative akin to holy crap.) So you are hunched down, squatting behind some car, taking a long pee. Mid-pee, the car starts its engine and pulls away. "Heol." (there is a version for taking a dump, but I'll let your mind imagine.) Liz (after a nap) - I'm fabulous with 9 hours, just fabulous. (Good for you mom!)
Joe (while nodding in and out of slumber during the expensive tea house finale) - Why is everyone clapping? (while the masked creatures bobbed their heads and their face paint mysteriously transformed to reveal a new mask of vibrant colors.)
Liz (also tea napping) - I don't know. What is happening?
The food was rather hit or miss. Everything was drowned in oil. Hence, it tasted splendid on day 1 and 2, but by day 3, we all had belly aches. Nevertheless, we tried our best to sample the cities delights.
Of course we got in a couple tourist jams on day trips. For example, when we were starving and the only food in sight was "the famous Great Wall food shops." Yeah, don't eat there ever! The food price was jacked up for foreigners who can't read the Chinese characters and it tasted worse than dog food. We definitely lost a few lunches to this dilemma. Learn from us and pack a picnic on day trips.
But, fear not. Jake was able to eat street food galore. Apparently, beastly sized scorpians taste like shrimp! Another street vendor fav was similar to naan. The mouth-watering bread was fluffier with loads of salt and butter. This was quite appealing after a year of rice.
To meet our traditional food protocol, we headed to the reknowned duck restaurant. The building was a former palace of a prince with gaudy yellow walls and embossed columns for days. There were literally so many tables that it felt like a corporate banquet hall. Surrounded with this festive ambiance, the duck was cut table side and served with thin crepes, sliced onions, and plum sauce. This dish was rich and juicy. The sides of assorted mushrooms and chinese greens sealed the deal on the best night out.
Did I mention Carlsburg beers were 7 yuan or $1 at the local mart? This made the trip worth it for Joe and Jake. Ha ha.
China was a clash of times, with modernized districts boasting Prada and ramshackled streets mere blocks apart. The chaos of traffic was enough to drive anyone mad, yet the knockoff markets are begging me to return already. We took a whirlwind trip with only 4 days and centuries of history to explore. From the endless great wall, massive forbidden city, and lustrous temples, to the lively parks, Beijing is a must see. Here are a few pictures to tempt.
At the end of every class period, the five foreign teachers line up at the front desk of the school for Today's expression. Children queue up and repeat their two daily sentences for reward coupons. Towards the end of the 5:15 expression time, some extra entertainment occurred.
Imagine all five Americans lined up under blindingly florescent bulbs. The temperature was oddly high in this small corridor and was enhanced by the proximity of numerous bodies. Most students had meandered to the elevators by this point, but one dawdler remained. We'll just call him the "peculiar middle schooler." This kid has great English skills, but is a bit of an odd ball. He constantly follows Jesse around or asks where he is. He walks past our offices and spies on us daily. We realize he doesn't have many friends, and we are always kind to him. But today, we had to laugh.
ACTION
Erin - Uh, I am so hot. I am so hot. Dang, I am so so so hot.
Peculiar Middle Schooler - (politely) Erin teacher, you are hot?
Erin - Yes, it is too hot. Peculiar Middle Schooler - (with a grin, rising intonation, & intention) Jake teacher, you're wife is SOOOOO HOT!!!
We were all cracking up. It sounded like he was hitting on me. Jake explained that when he said it like so, it meant he thought I was really pretty. He fled the premises. Another winning day.
Wednesday, May 5th was Children's Day here. Thank you children for providing us with a day off of work conveniently on sunny Cinqo de Mayo. Note: This weekend is parent's day, but we don't have a day off. Sorry P's : (.
Naturally, we threw a bbq in the park. With Jesse's newly handmade donkey ball game, soccer volleyball, dancing, and drinks, the day was a success.
It is also worth mentioning that the red bucket is meant to be a compost bin for food waste...or if you are Michael - it's the cheapest cooler on the market. I guess the lady at the mart kept saying, "FOOD" and Michael kept repeating, "ICE." Ha ha.
We have been busy solidifying some plans for next year. We are currently in the process of signing a contract with my former employeer from 2007 - SNET or Seongnam English Village. Essentially it is funded by the city and all 6th grade students in the area spend one week at the facility throughout the year. The simulation classrooms, such as broadcasting and science, enable kids to immerse in English through active learning. We are excited to have a set plan on the table and we are really looking forward to a month break in the USA!!!
We want to see everyone and do as much as possible. Here is a rough schedule of our plans. If anyone has ideas for more fun activities and gatherings let us know!
JUNE 2ND - Arrive in Chicago JUNE 3RD - Sleeping and finding a dress for all these weddings (shopping buddies?) JUNE 4TH - Wes & Stef's Rehearsal JUNE 5TH - Wes & Stef's Wedding JUNE 7TH - Boating? JUNE 8TH - Cubs vs. Brewers in Milwaukee JUNE 9TH - Jake goes to PDX and I go to MI for college festivities JUNE 11TH - Kim's big day JUNE 13TH - 26TH: Babysit baby Gwen and other munchkins. Also, who wants to hang out in IL? Ideas or trip suggestions?
JUNE 20TH - FL Reunion Dinner with the Girls JUNE 24TH - Summerfest with Colbie Calliat on a free stage @ 8 JUNE 26TH - Tom & Andrea's Wedding JUNE 27th - Off to Portland *Possible road trip to Seattle JULY 4TH - BBQ Party JULY 9TH - Return to Korea
Now that I have published my entire summer calendar, I hope I don't get a stalker! This Jake guy keeps asking more questions. Ha, ha, ha. Let's make some more plans. Miss you all. China pics and more interesting stuff to come.
rced to stand on the first bus for 1.5 hours due to traveling hoards. Despite endless planning, we could not get a bus ticket ahead of time for the first leg of our trip.It is one of the few holiday weekends not tied to family in Korea; just like how everyone and their mom goes camping on Memorial Day.
The evening adventures started with an arcade where I finally tried 
