Don's NEW Adventures through Korea

Videoblogger: the next frontier

2007-01-12T13:08:00.000+09:00

Since I'm wayyyyy to lazy to type and even lazier when it comes to pointing and clicking, i've decided to post videos of my life courtesy of www.youtube.com and Ms. Meaghan Leister.

If you have any requests of things you want to see while i'm in the states, do so until January 23rd. Otherwise you'll have to request things that are in Korea.

and yes, I'm going back.

enjoy this piece on the dangers of "Sharecropping"

A Reason To Blog Again

2006-06-21T00:56:00.000+09:00

This is not a joke...

After 7 months of waiting, wanting, wishing, wallowing, and whomping*,
I'm excited to say that the burrito above
is currently residing in my stomach....
I've in fact refused to pass my bowel movements to keep
the sweet sweet tejano treat in my stomach.

It didn't matter it that it was stale,
It didn't matter that the cream cheese was 2 seconds from turning,
It didn't matter that I HATE tomatoes on my burrito,
It was the most awesome 2 minutes and 34 seconds I've had in Korea...

Its the end of an era.

*Whomping was a ficticious word to express extreme hunger for a burrito and btw, my brother brought me this burrito and he and my mother are visiting.

Kids are Greedy and why the board game "Guess Who" is socially unacceptable (a little social commentary to brighten your day)

2006-05-18T23:42:00.000+09:00

That title was an earful but its all true.

There have been some bad combinations in history: Ike and Tina, John and Yoko, and the 2003-2004 Los Angeles Lakers. But nothing is as bad as kids and toys.

Sure, kids need their toys but kids these days (said while adjusting my Effergrip laced teeth) don't know when enough is enough. They're just living in the Pokemon generation: they gotta have em all.

We had a "Market Day", where children cash in their reward stickers for money and exchange that for goods like pencils, pens, notebooks, and miscellaneous trinkets. There were also some toys for the children. It should have been a day of happiness and cheer. Instead, it brought on enough jealously and greed to make Tori Spelling blush (OH SNAP!). Their screams was the most horrifying experience ever.

"Why teacher? Why can't I have that?"
"Do you hate me teacher? No? then give me more money..."
"I'm gonna cry until I get something...(15 min later)...I'm crying HERE!"

Never again, will I give out toys and cheer. I know why there were asshole teachers in schools. Because they were the smart ones. You give a kid too much and they'll walk all over you. You give them small rewards and only when the deserve it, you got yourself a happier kid: the kids might be toyless, but at least they're not gonna cry about it.

Market Day has made me cold.

So, on to Guess Who. Boy, there are some serious flaws in this games logic. This game was probably invented in the 1950's for the simple fact that it is damn near all white men on the board. If you ask the question "Is it a girl?" and the answer is "yes", then you're left with 5 people. Last time I checked, the world was pretty much down the middle on the male/female ratio. But children play this game and learn that you can't win being a girl. And the other minorities, at first glance they seem to be there, but when you look at their faces and names closely; there is probably not a middle eastern blue eyed man named "Dave" (my bad to Dave if he really is out there).

So what stared this rant. This is the most popular game at our school. Kids love it. They think this is the greatest game in the world. But I can't keep answering the question "Why are there no people who look like me on this board?" So I've devised only one possible answer to this:

Milton Bradley hates Asian people.

Correction: Soju is made of rice, not potato as I had stated earlier. Potatos can be added later for flavor. Please stop your distilling process immediately and start again with rice. I'm sorry for the inconvience. (thanks Regina)

You have the right to drunk dial (A welcome back story to Blogging)

2006-05-11T23:56:00.000+09:00

Dear Readers,

Welcome back.

That was geared more towards me than to you. Its a Thursday night and I've just finished watching my favorite Korean soaps and its on to the zany (but actually unfunny) Korean comedies (for an example, click this ). Then, it hit me. The reason why I haven't blogged in so long. The force that was keeping my brain from typing my pointless blurbs about the motherland:

They've got me.

It was somewhere between my second helping of Kimchi and cheering for the Korean soccer team, that I realized that somewhere along the line, I put down the red, white, and blue and traded it for red, white, and blue...hmm bad example.

But I'm back, and I promise never to stray from this blog which keeps the bridge between me and Americaland (as they affectionately call it here). So lets catch you up on a month of me:

A birthday has come and gone. It was uneventful. Really. A cake and some beer. Pictures aren't necessary. I'm 23. I eagerly await the day when my car insurance gets lowered.
I've started piano lessons. Its an hour everyday before work where I play a glorified version of chopsticks in a 5 by 5 cell with a chair designed for a six year old. I mean, look at that book. I hope to swoon Korean women with a rousing version of the "the elephant march" or "goodnight moon".
I love Lost. Its bad. I wait every week for Thursday morning to come (that's Wednesday night for you). They usually post the shows for download an hour after its on TV and it couldn't come any sooner. As I type, I'm about to watch the craziness unfold on my computer screen through this freshly downloaded episode. Thank you Internet, thank you.
I use Skype. Simply put, its the reason the Internet is around. I have the ability to place calls from my computer to any telephone all across the globe for mere pennies. Plus, I get a local number where people can call me. I can even forward it to my cell phone, so I can hear all of you sweet voices wherever I might travel to.

So brush up on your Korean. Here's a start.

안녕 everybody! ah hem... I mean, catch you all later.

Fun Korea Fact #1 - Fear the Dust

2006-04-08T15:13:00.000+09:00

See what's wrong with this picture?

No...hmm, let me explain then.

Its 3 pm in the afternoon on a Saturday and instead of heading outside, I'm held captive by this creepy murky sky. There's an overcast but no smell of rain. After doing some back thought and consulting my Korea for Dummies book, I found out that this is Yellow Dust.

Sand from the Gobi desert is swept from China by strong wind currents across the country, over the pacific and hits parts of the United States at times. However, part of its journey takes it directly over Korea.

But not to worry. Apparently the dust is only "detrimental" to your lungs and because pollution mixes with the sand, its like ingesting millions of toxic-coated mini-gobstoppers every time you breathe.

I just noticed my window is slightly open, which means that probably cost me 5 years of my life.

Now, I'm probably not correct in my figures here as I'm no scientist (but I should be), so there is no need to worry fellow travelers.

No need to worry at *COUGH* *COUUUUUGH* *AHeeeeeeeeeeeeem* *Cough* all.

For more on Yellow Dust, be sure to visit your local library.
http://www.lakepowell.net/asiandust.htm

Happy Birthday Dewy

2006-04-04T22:36:00.000+09:00

When my mom first read Jason's blog (www.jasonjang.com), she told me to "watch out for this guy", in the typical mom fashion reserved for tattoo-covered, fully-pierced, baby seal clubbing drug addicts. But after looking at this picture and spending the weekend in his hometown of Gumi, I see that she's only half right.

Angelo and I took the Friday red-eye to Gumi and after 3 hours and 3 train beers, we found ourselves in a very country area of Korea. Or at least we thought...

Gumi isn't the quiet country life that I once imagined. Gone are the days of horse-buggies and outhouses and ushered in are the KTX bullet trains and Outback's. The foreign community is very tight knit and seeing all those foreigners in one place brings a smile to your face.

But back to my mom's theory. Jason is dangerous. Here are the reasons why:

The man cooks on his own. Now, I respect independence but I saw his fridge. Its full of taco shells and peanut butter. I'm no chef but unless you can make a quesadilla with Skippy, he's in for a long trip here.
He owns a scooter. True, it might seem cool and hip but he rides them in sandals and while listening to music. You would understand if you've seen Korean traffic. I'd rather take a bath with a hair dryer.
His Korean is like mine. When he orders chicken for the group, he usually only gets one piece. This doesn't necessarily make him dangerous, its makes him hungry. But hunger makes him necessarily dangerous (*mind exploding*) (see reason 1).
He's a good friend and will follow me around when I do stupid things. Its only really dangerous for him because he listens to me.

All and all, it was a killer time and a good experience for all.

Actually, I'm just glad I didn't have to carry him home. Happy Birthday buddy!

A Ship in the Middle of Town (As told by Don Kim)

2006-03-28T01:25:00.000+09:00

Well...there really isn't a story to this. Its a ship. In my town. Like the captain was steering toward port and took a wrong turn and ended up between an apartment complex. Korea really is silly.

I tried this audioblogger out (www.audioblogger.com). Besides being the stupidest thing I've said on the Internet, its pretty convienent. I promise more content later but for now, its a simple letter to my friends.

The picture below is another shot of my town in the morning. Imagine that scene while listening to my post (it'll help the awkwardness and stupidity pass).

Party on kids!

I'm turning fourteen, I think I'm turning fourteen (I really think so)

2006-03-13T23:29:00.000+09:00

Yout is gift wasted on the young...

Now, I know what you're thinking. I'm 22 years old. I'm no where near my prime. But I find myself in envy of the kids sometimes. What do they have to worry about? Bullies, puberty, a lack of candy? Who knows. All I know is that my life got a little too complicated around the time I started doing adult things like drinking and ... well you know...*whistle* moving on.

So this month and next, I've dedicated myself to rejuvenating the child-like spirit. I realized that when I was in the job hunt, I wasn't worried about my future career, I was upset that I had to leave the kid stuff behind. So my plan is to slowly but surely turn back time. I make enough money to support this kooky idea. So take out your pens because here it is:

1. ) I started playing darts on a Saturday night at a bar. Now, I know you're asking, "Don, that's a grown up activity." Well, guess again. First off, its digital darts. The dartboard is in Japanese and I swear if put in an extra fifty cents, the machine will do your math homework. But, grown men playing a video game at a bar where there are lots of girls around is definitely kids stuff.

2.) I leave a vat of ice cream in my freezer. Not to binge on but so when I wake up in the morning, I can grab a spoon and take a bite. So when my kids ask me what I had for breakfast, I say "ice cream" and then laugh. Their jealousy and envy makes the day go by faster.

3.) Along the lines making children jealous, when Angelo and I are on a subway, we'll speak loudly in English until a child sees us. Then when we have his/her attention, we give each other a big high five, like its the greatest thing in the world. Kid get jealous and our mission is complete.

4.) I bought a new laptop last Sunday. So what do I do with it? Download hoards of porn? Chat with hot babes all day long? Nope. I install my favorite Korean video game: Kart Rider (A Mario-Kart knockoff which I'll discuss later) and challenge my students to races online. And when I win, I make sure to throw in a witty comment like "hah, is that the best you got?" or "man, this is too easy!" or my favorite "in your FACE!"

So after writing this I realized that most of my newfound childhood is spend making fun of children or lowering their self-esteem. I suppose as a teacher, I should probably stop.

(too bad its way too fun.)

*Some facts of this article were fabricated for the sake of humor. But I don't regret writing any of it. Oh, and the title is a reference to The Vapors hit "Turning Japanese"...its a reach but I had to use it. Have a great day!*

The Seoul Session (A "Seoul" pun story)...but not really

2006-03-03T15:45:00.000+09:00

Greetings from the land of the morning calm. But first a disclaimer:

I have been in Korea for three months now. I feel as though I've become more worldly and connected with myself on a new level. However, I believe that my writing ablilty has been shot to hell...I will not accept any corrections and I will fly to wherever you are and punch you square in the face.

So you think you know me, you have no idea...

Well actually, you probably do. I have a need for simple things. Food, Beer, and Sleep. But on Saturday, I got a fill of what I've been craving for a long long time...live music.

A band in Seoul called the Penetrators rocked my world. Sure, in all fairness to world music, they could be brushed off into cover band obscurity. But here in Korea, they are a diamond in the rough, a needle in a haystack, um...a Chipotle burrito in a pile of Kimchi.

And after a good rock show filled with such covers as Blur's Song No.2 and a rousing scream-filled rendition of We're Not Gonna Take It, you should come here...to Jackie's Kitchen (Please hold your laughter).
Now granted, Jackie Chan is the biggest Chinese star in the world but that doesn't stop him from invading Korea, one egg roll at a time.

So with a bit of Jackie and a hint of Twisted Sister, life in Korea is truly a "Seoul"-soothing experience...I hate myself for writing this entry already.

I end this entry with this shot: Angelo next to military academy cadets. I'm not sure why, but it just seemed appropriate.

Go Korea.

For more on the Penetrators and Jackie's Kitchen check out:
www.seoulpenetrators.com
http://www.jackieskitchenusa.com/main.html

Long time no Blog

2006-02-23T15:05:00.000+09:00

So, its been a little while since I've decided to lay some text down on this site...but a lot has happened.

Lets see, I discovered my parents read this blog so I thought I would post this picture of me, Manson, and Jack Daniels just to spice up their day.

If anyone knows Tupp from Maryland, he's here and apparently is having a good time too. We met up last Saturday and rocked it out at some techno club in the ritzy part of town. Aside from still really hating techno music, we had a great time.

I'm getting a new co-worker from Chicago on Tuesday. This should be interesting. I mean, as interesting as work gossip can get.

The students have the best gossip though. Apparently Grant has this thing for Ally but Ally is totally into Max. Max apparently isn't at the age for girls yet so he just hits Ally. Ahh, to be young again.

At the three month point, its becoming routine and its weird waking up here and realizing that this is home for now. But I do really enjoy it and I'm having a great experience. Hopefully I can start posting some interesting stories after this filler crap piece...

so check out these links that I enjoy:

The Sports Guy: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/simmons/index
Chuck Klosterman: http://www.spin.com/features/magazine/columns/chuck_klosterman/
Jason's Blog: http://www.jasonjang.com/blog/
Henri's Blog: http://makembe.com/blog/
Fallyn's Blog: http://www.fasinfrank.blogspot.com/

and of course
StrongBad email: www.homestarrunner.com

The Super (Sleepy) Bowl

2006-02-06T20:04:00.000+09:00

Its 8:00 am and the sun's barely up but in the first true test of living across the world, I've dedicated myself to having a Superbowl party (well, actually I don't really know anyone in my neighborhood but if I could type flyers in Korean, I would have). So let the solo suare begin.

I suppose beyond friends and fun, the other F pillar of Superbowl Sunday is food. I've decided to venture out at halftime (10:15 am) to my street and compile of collection of street bread, vendor fries (not potato though), and fish cakes. As unappealing as that sounds, it actually wasn't half bad (but I'm not sold on the other half being good yet either).

So the game ended, and I was surprisingly supportive of the Steelers, despite the conference rivalry (go Ravens!). Big Ben shadowing Marino, Jerome bringing one home, and Hines Ward becoming the new unofficial mascot to interracial Korean breeding. His natural combination of athletic prowess, sharp wit, and Korean charm has made him a force to be reckoned with. I hear he'll be here in April, which gives me 2 months to make a Ward Ravens Jersey.

So all's well that ends well...

I'm watching all my sporting events on tape delay from now on though.

Itaewon: Korea's New Jersey

2006-01-26T19:50:00.000+09:00

Only in Itaewon, located in Seoul, will you find a scene like this...To your far left is a girl raised in Germany and now back in Korea with inexplicable English abilities. Then there's the local Koreans who seemed to disappear every 5 minutes and next to them are two American soldiers (one of whom is from Virginia and was a Redskins fan...I punched him in the face shortly after this picture was taken). The point is Itaewon is the more diverse part of Korea. But before we start singing "We are the world", we have to remember a very important saying:

"Too many cooks spoil the broth."

Teachers: We are everywhere in this town. Foreigner on foreigner love is pretty rampant here as everyone seeks a piece of home (and a piece of ass too). The Korean girls go crazy for the roundeye out here. Maybe its because they can offer them a better life. Maybe its because foreigners are

better in bed. My theory is that most of them just take my money, when I'm in need...They're just trifling friends indeed...

Most Interesting Phenomenon: The foreign girls need loving too. While the white male teachers calm their yellow fever, these girls are left in the cold. Coincidentally, there has been a boom in the Korean sex toy industry.

Canadians: If I had 500 won for every Canadian that I've met...

Korea is a like a safehaven for Canadian refugees; exiled from a life of hockey and maple syrup.

Don't get me wrong, I love our neighbors to the north but if I hear one more argument that hockey is better than football, I will kick them all the way back to Canada myself.

Honorable Mention: The Irish and Scottish: I would say its a stereotype to call them alcoholics but they are a 100% alcohol filled here.

The Other Half: The gay population of Korea is next to none, if you ask anyone over 30 here. However, apparently the gay community thrives but only here in Itaewon. The irony that there is only one place where homosexuals can meet and there is only one place the US soldiers meet, and guess what? It's the same place! That has sitcom (or bloodbath) written all over it.

Most Interesting Phenomenon: This is a picture of my friend Jason Jang (right) and he's not gay...but apparently he forgot to tell this dude that.

Safe to say that this place is the weirdest place I have seen in all of Seoul. When you visit, make sure and bring a cup, a condom, and a camera...

I didn't even mention the ATM's here...

Angelo vs. The Brain

2006-01-17T14:03:00.000+09:00

This post is dedicated to culinary adventurers all over the world. With invincible tastebuds and iron stomachs, they explore other cultures' foods so that the other foreigners with them can say "no thanks, you've already enjoyed it enough for the rest of us." This is a tale of one such man....

Angelo loves him some food. And Korea does have an abundance of it. This picture was taken at a supermarket. Lets not ask why he's holding a beer with Tony the Tiger, lets just embrace the fact that we weren't shunned out of the country right then and there. Back to the story...

So we decide to try spicy seafood stew. Its full of the favorites like shrimp and oyster. But that's not all. Apparently, the stew goes best with what seems to look like a brain. However, we were told that it is NOT brain. BUT, our moment of relief was only replaced by horror when we were told that it was fish intestines. Brains are for thinking and intestines are for tinkling...even trade. Angelo decides that he will bite the bullet and "just eat it", so here's the play by play

Angelo about to place the "brain" in his mouth. His confidence is high and he swears that this is "no problem" and a "piece of cake"

This is the "Are you Serious?" Shot. This picture also highlights the universal appeal of the "brain". With its ridges and squishiness, its a wonder that we don't eat this more often.

"Over the Teeth and Through the Gums..."

Not sure if he'll ever be the same again. But I will never question this man's bravery (his intelligence however...)

Writers Note: I paid about 30 dollars for my share of this meal in which I had 3 bites. I only went here because we ate with 2 hot Korean bartenders who really dug a guy who can handle him some "brain". I immediately ate as much "brain" as I could. After the meal, we rushed ourselves to a food court and ordered burgers.

...and How To Waste It!

2006-01-12T16:40:00.000+09:00

Ahh...so now that you're up to speed on Korean money, here are ways that I use it. The cost of living is relatively cheap here in terms of Korean food and booze. Public transportation is a dream and if you crave a smoke, they go for 2 dollars a pack. But beyond that, if you eat at a western restaurant, invest in electronics, or just treat your cash like Monopoly money, life in Korea can end up being a dead end street (but one hell of a ride). Lets see how I spend my money:

Karaoke: A staple of Korean culture. The love for inebriated singing is genetic apparently and I am no different. Who am I to deny my heritage? It seems like there is a karaoke bar on every block and for about 10,000 Won per hour, you can shamelessly sing the top American hits of the 80's and 90's as well as Korean pop. My favorites this month are:

I'll make love to you - Boyz 2 Men

Tearing up my heart - Nsync

The Right Stuff - New Kids on the Block

Dust in the Wind - Kansas

SuperGroceryStores: These supercenters are one-stop till you drop mega-stores sent from the heavens to fulfill my laziest fantasies. Food, clothes, electronics, household goods, and even a Starbucks is what you'll find in these places. With names like Homeplus, E-mart, and even Walmart and Costco, money is sure to burn here.

Super Overpriced American Goods: Sure, I get homesick sometimes. But for stupid things like pancakes, Lost, and of course....chipotle. However, there are some goods here that you can find but if you want Americana, you're gonna have to pay for it. Ben and Jerry's and Haagen-Dazs is all around but at 8,000 Won a tub, I'll settle for the Korean derivative, Super-Happy-Fun-Joy-Joy-Cream*. Pringles and Hersey's chocolate are like currency here; like you can offer it to the biggest Korean here (most likely me) in exchange for protection. The deodorant here is expensive and awful and finding it is a needle in a haystack. If you ever visit, make sure and bring these items...please.

*Note: I'm not sure Haagen-Dazs is an American brand and there probably is no Super-Happy-Fun-Joy-Joy-Cream company. I fabricated it for entertainment purposes. However, if it does exist, I do apologize to the SHFJJC corporation for copyright infringements.

Western-Brand Fast Food - Hey, even in Korea, you gotta have it your way. The Whopper (6,000 Won per combo), though similar in appearance, has the most flavorless patty I've ever encountered. The pizza (which I've sampled from Dominos, Pizza Hut, and Papa Johns in Korea) is alright except they really don't like tomato sauce. In fact, I believe they spread what I equate to about 2 ketchup packets worth of sauce over a 13" pizza (and at 14,000 won+ a pizza, no thank you). The best fast-food honor goes to KFC and Popeyes. The Koreans have really got their fried chicken down to science. Great taste and perfectly cooked, the chicken comes in multiple forms, including my favorite, the Tower Burger. Its a fried chicken patty between a bun with a hash brown added on top just to kick it up a notch and at around 5,000 Won a combo, its totally worth it.

So there you have it...I've wasted my money on food and singing and since I'm sending this post to my mother, I didn't even mention the booze....

I'll save that for the next one...

Korean Money...

2006-01-12T14:24:00.000+09:00

As a teacher, I feel as though my blog should become more of an educational resource to outsiders who have yet to discover the beauty and appeal of this hidden Asian gem. So today, I will explain the currency of Korea called the Won.

This is a 1000 Won Bill. This bill converts exactly to about a US dollar. It is most commonly used when riding taxes, buses, and subways as public transportation is almost always around that cost. I mainly use it to buy candy and cookies from the local 7-11.

This is a 10,000 Won Bill. If a 1,000 Won is a dollar then a kooky theory called mathematics makes this worth about 10 US dollars. It the highest form of paper money with a face on it. There's also a 5,000 Won Bill but I didn't show it. Get over it. I use this to make all my big purchases which include fast food, Korean food, cold food, and of course, hot food.

In the event of winning the lottery, I would start carrying around this bill. Its like the bastard step-child to the check but its the only way to fly if you wanna carry around the Korean equivalent to a C-note. The number on this check can vary from 100,000 to as many zeros as you can fit in that margin. I have never seen a bill like this but I hear they are nice...and taste like chicken.

Reader of the Month: Mark R.

2006-01-09T16:45:00.000+09:00

(Above) From Left to Right: Random, Random, Mark, Random, Random. This picture isn't creepy one bit.

Dear Readers,

I have created this section because of the enormous bust formerly called my "ask me anything" section. The only question that I got was from Josh Silver, and all he wanted was a cable check...check's in the mail, Josh...maybe.

I have noticed that Mark has left the most feedback in my comments section and showed the most interest in my boredom-driven endeavor. So in my gratitude, I see it fit to reward him by stroking his ego a bit with a side of ribbing.

His dedication to this site is a reflection of the kind of man he is: Bored. His late night checking and re-checking is a testament to our friendship and frankly, makes it hard for me to not update; I wouldn't want to leave Marcus without stuff to do.

Upon receiving this honor, he had this to say:

"Two little mice fell in a bucket of cream. The first mouse quickly gave up and drowned. The second mouse, wouldn't quit. He struggled so hard that eventually he churned that cream into butter and crawled out. Gentlemen, as of this moment, I am that second mouse. "

Unsure of what his quote means, I'll end it with this...A great man, a great friend, and a natural-born leader, I am proud to announce Mark as my first Reader of the Month.

Now, use the label below and send me burritos, jerk...

I Miss Only One Thing...

2006-01-06T16:57:00.000+09:00

So life is good, I work, I work-out, and I get paid...but you know...despite the vast hoards of American chains that have parasictally invaded this country and created a universal love of the Big Mac, I simply ask "Where's the Chipotle?" My investigation led me to email someone at the Chipotle company via their website and here's what I wrote:

To the greatest restaurant ever,
I am a teacher in South Korea and in my conversations with fellow teachers about missing home, I realized the only thing that I miss from the states is a double-meat chicken pinto burrito with sourcream, lettuce, corn, and what I affectionately call "the brown".
Please open a Chipotle here in Korea somewhere. Anywhere you can but your best bet is in Seoul. They have everything. Even those jerks at Quiznos' have opened a store here...you're missing out on the action. I would devote at least 20 % of my paycheck and I'm sure I could create a slew of faithful chipotle customers enslaved, like I am, to the the taste of the sweet nourishment that is your burrito.Boy. I have tears in my eyes thinking about how much that burrito means to me....please open a Chipotle here...

or airmail a case to me please!

and here's the answer that this grubby, no-good, burrito-monopolizing company sent me:

Don,
We appreciate your enthusiasm for Chipotle and I wish I could tell you that we have plans to venture overseas someday, but I cannot. I'm sure it may happen eventually but there are so many places here in the US that we have yet to open in first. I hope that makes sense and hope you can hang in there.
Take Care!
Sincerely,
Dawn Dillon
Mojo Mama
Chipotle

Hang in there??!? Hang in there...its like being a crack dealer then telling your client to "hang in there" while you stop giving him his fix...you bastards....I'm not sure i'll ever forgive them for this...

but seriously...please Air Mail Burritos in Coolers via Express Mail...I have created (actually Jason Jang did...thanks) labels that you can print out and attach to the box so its quick,easy, and almost pain free. Sending the Burrito ensure you a hoard of Korean souvenirs...

Do the Right Thing!

Christmas Night with the Grown ups (Beer and Vendor Meat)

2005-12-28T01:56:00.000+09:00

(Top to Bottom) Steve, Irish dude, and Charlie at Doors. Random dude on Floor. The Doors. Angelo, Jeff and Alicia, Steve using his magic on the waitress (who hit me after the pic was taken).

Christmas night is a completely different monster here in Korea. The traditional nature of the holiday makes it strictly family in the states, but here, almost any holiday is done right...with booze.

We had started with a sweet sweet Nashville burger, then headed out all over Seoul. We went to a bar called "The Doors" and never looked back. After ringing in the new year there, we headed out to, um, well another bar.

The memory of the night is dim but warm so i'll just post pics and put captions under them to explain...i hope. I do however remember a club filled with Russian models and vendor meat that left a warm feeling in my stomach (for a couple days actually)

better late than never...Merry Christmas!

Christmas Party with the Kids (Cake and Games)

2005-12-28T01:48:00.000+09:00

For the holidays, it seemed like good idea to bring cake and milk for the kids, so they would know how to enjoy the upcoming holiday.

However, the materialistic nature of Christmas has transcended the actual spirit of giving and being with family. Graditude, though not expected, could have been recieved with a simple smile and a "Merry Christmas". Instead, they asked why the cake wasn't very good and when they would recieve their actual gifts...kids, gotta love them (because you can't hit them*).

Although, the party was a perfect time for a photo op and a photo op you get...enjoy

*note: As an educator, I would NEVER hit a child, EVER....I would mearly shake them**

**note: again, I joke, I really don't know when to stop.

Ask me Anything!! (part 1)

2005-12-20T18:12:00.000+09:00

(picture) Top: from left to right: Steve (from Ohio), me, Angelo, Stef

Bottom: from left to right: Emily-Jane, Jason

So, the weekend has come and gone and we partied until the sun came up on Saturday (literally). We explored all that the Foreign district of Seoul had to offer including the all-foreign bar Gecko's, the all-Canadian bar Rocky Mountain, and the all-night-was-I-really-up-till-6am bar, Kettle Pot (?). I'm having a blast exploring the depths of the Seoul nightlife scene and hopefully there are plenty of good times to come.

So now my friends, I am opening up my blog to questions. Anything that you might be wondering about, feel free to ask in the comments section and I will respond to them in future postings.

and please, no requests for awkward photos...

This Just In: There are Burgers in Korea that aren't made of Dog...More at Eleven

2005-12-20T16:13:00.000+09:00

(Top Right) Nashvilles is the happiest place in Seoul, featuring 3 dartboards, 14 tables, a full-service bar, and a Korean staff that will pretend to know what you're saying while they pleasantly smile and nod their heads. (Middle Right) Jason Jang enjoying the sweet burger. Immediately following this picture, was him enjoying himself a little too much. (Bottom Right) This burger could have easily been served at Cornerstone but not Bentleys, because Bentleys burgers suck.

After 1 month of being in Korea, Life isn't too bad. I've replaced Wawa subs with Fish cakes that are sold outside my apartment and I still have Chinese food delivery, although I have to return the bowls that I eat out of by leaving them outside my door for them to collect.

However, a certain void has appeared in my life. When I think American food, all I can think of is Burgers. They should start serving burgers wrapped in Stars and Stripes with fireworks to compliment each bite. But in Korea, hamburger meat is like eating the sole of my shoe. In fact, I would gladly eat the sole of my shoe if it meant that I would never have to see a Korean style hamburger again.

Luckily, Angelo knew of a place in Itewon (known as the foreign region of Seoul) that sold burgers that actually resembled burgers. Jason and I went along with Angelo to chase this elusive burger, in hopes that I would have to never eat shoe again. A thick burger patty, a generous helping of cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion, and draft beer to wash it down...Heaven has a name and its name is Nashvilles.

The food coma lasted about an hour but the memory will last me a lifetime (or at least until next week, when I go again). And with that, there's not much to miss...except all of you guys at home of course.

So being in Korea and finding a decent burger, life isn't too bad...

just don't order the wings.

Pictures for Entry Below

2005-12-09T20:44:00.001+09:00

I'm not good with computers so here are the pictures.

Party photos courtesy of www.jasonjang.com

Stumble and Slur: A Less Important Weekend (Pt. 2)

2005-12-09T13:08:00.000+09:00

So after a crucial first week of work, there was only one thing to do.

Last Saturday started with a site seeing trek into Seoul, where I met up with Jason Jang from Orientation. He brought along his friend, Angelo (Pappas?). Even though they were from Canada, I decided to hang out with them. We headed to the biggest music store I've ever seen and I managed to buy nothing. On the way there, we encountered a huge Anti-Bush Protest. When the protestors would yell "Say No to Bush", I was so tempted to yell back that "not all bush is bad", but they probably wouldn't get it. However, The next adventure was right around the corner: drinking.

We started off with dinner and beer. Casual, Fun, Sober. We then added Soju (potato rubbing alcohol aka Korean Devil Juice) and slowly, a buzz came over us. We then headed to a "cocktail bar" to enjoy more booze, pick up broads, and shoot some darts. Its like I never left home (If home was in Canada, I actually called girls "broads", and I knew how to shoot a dart). Angelo had never had a "bomb" drink before so we opted for the cheapest version there: whiskey dropped into beer. This will explain why he's in such awesome shape in the pics (picture 3). I wasn't doing too great either though, we took two rounds of "fire shots" and next thing I know, I'm trying to hit on the Korean ladies at the bar. Not much has changed as you can see.

The next morning, I woke up not knowing where I was and how I got there, but it was Sunday and I was hungover: All was right with the world. So I learned 3 things this weekend:

1.) Canadians are great boozers and I look forward to enjoying the hockey season with them. I will not, however, concede that the CFL is a real sport because it isn't.
2.) I do not have a "foreign accent" and my lack of Korean ability is more of a "laugh at" then "laugh with" situation with the ladies.
3.) Booze, protestors, female rejection....I'm in college all over again.

Stand and Deliver: An Important Week (Part 1)

2005-12-06T18:25:00.000+09:00

This week, I've found myself embracing a certain milestone in my life: my first real job. Sure, bouncing and bartenders seems like real work but no job where you can smell like booze and it be acceptable should be considered real work. Teaching, as explained to me, is one of the most important jobs in the world. I have the ability to shape young minds and give them the tools necessary to succeed in this world. For me, I'm giving these children an exceptional tool: the ability to use conversational English in this modern society, where the communication barrier has been shattered by globalization through technology.

What's all that mean?

I'm teaching these kids how to give high-fives and say "what's up, dude". That's right, I'm turning these potential CEO's, Scientists, and Doctors into lowly, football watching, frat party loving, all around fun college party dudes (and dude-ets). I am still able to sleep at night. The children's inability to lay on a decent High-Five has led me to my new goal in life: make these kids cooler. We'll see how much they can learn from me (I can picture your comments already).

Disclaimer: The picture above is way to cute to have in a dude's blog. Dudes should refrain from making comments about it because yup, I already know.

LOST in Translation (But I still can't find what channel its on)

2005-11-28T11:30:00.000+09:00

Ahh...its been a week here in the land of the morning calm and all I've been obsessing about is how the survivors of Oceanic flight 815 are doing. Sure, I have a career to worry about and culture shock is about to set in, but I just hope those guys are okay. I'm still not sure what channel its on, but I hear those ladies at the supermarket talking about it. I know they are because here, the word "Lost" somehow has three sylables. My own life now seems like a Lost adventure. In theory, I'm hunting and gathering and sometimes, hoping a rescue plane will spot me. However, broadband internet and indoor plumbing make my island (peninsula actually) stay a little more bearable.

Having a 9-5 life (1-7 really) is probably the weirdest part of the journey. No matter what language you speak, everyone understands that Monday just plain sucks. The daily grind isn't terrible though. I work right by a college campus, so there are plenty of places to eat and they're all under 5 dollars. Goodbye paycheck! I start working with kids this Thursday and I've enclosed a sweet doodle that one kid gave me...thanks little guy!

But back to food...I've discovered that my uncle owns a sweet barbecue resturant and because of this, he doesn't accept my money. Let me repeat this: I eat sweet, sweet barbecue for free. Give me a moment....

so, week one: not so bad...food, shelter, a child's scorn...

but if I don't find Lost soon, I'm gonna tear up this country like Mothra.

I have a closet for a room

2005-11-20T08:42:00.000+09:00

For those who have asked how big my room is...i'll show you...

The pictures that you're looking at show a room that's about 10 feet by 12 feet and has a divider for my hallway-like kitchen. The bathroom is the roomiest area but they've forgotten the bathtub...

I'm having fun exploring the town and there'll be more pictures on the way

Welcome to Korea, where the players play (online games all day long)

2005-11-17T13:10:00.000+09:00

After weeks of mental preperation and under-justified anxiety, I have finally arrived in the motherland. Problem is, I have no idea what she's saying.

Sure, I understand enough to get by, but pointing at your mouth to imply food is only cute for a short period of time. I got a level 1 Korean language book and I'm getting Cable tv tonight, so we'll see how this crash course will turn out.

I'm currently in what they call a PC bang...or PC room (bang means room, so i'm putting that one in the vocab bank for the day...zing!) Its 1:15 in the afternoon and there's a slew of young people hacking away at their computers playing Multiplayer adventures. Me...i'm just chatting online with hot babes all day long.

well...pictures and stories of adventure are on their way...stay glued to your seats folks, its gonna be an interesting year...

*sidenote: when I usually write phrases that imply a years' worth of writing, it lasts for 2 weeks then I stop writing...hopefully this trend doesn't continue....