The Choi Dinner
Had dinner with my gym buddy Choi, could be the last time seeing him. He took me to a traditional Korean restaurant, which was called Grandma in-law's house. It was an actual house that was transformed into a little restaurant. No menu, they prepare what they have for you. The first course was pumpkin soup. It was thick, but very tasteful. I was happy with the first course. The second course was a little bigger, bringing some pork, seaweed salad, kimchi, squid, radish with vegetables, and beef pachan. This was also very good. Then the third course comes. I would like to call this the fish course. Different dishes had different ways of serving the fish. Dry fish, a whole fish that was fried, anchovies, fish soup, rice, and pumpkin leaves. Choi made me try everything, which I am glad that I did. He also made me try a fish eye, which is another food I can check of my list of most interesting things I have eaten. The final course was fruit and Cheywea tea. A fruit tea that is very sweet and is a cure for stomach aches.
Although I was not full it was a good experience to have before I leave. After dinner he drove me to his son's highschool to pick him up at 9PM. It is a private school of all boys. Reminded me of a prison almost. Three floors. The first floor is for first year students, second floor second year, and third floor third year. 1st and 2nd year end mandatory studying at 9 whereas the 3rd year at at 11:30. The night doesnt end for them their, because some go to hagwons and the rest go to the library till 1 or 2am. And by the way, it seems like if you are not studying hard enough or being destructive you can get physical punishment.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
6/25-27
Friday
Max and I went to Gorilla burger and had some tasty burgers. Then we went to Billy Bowl where we played Billy Bowl, a mix between pool and bowling They had a contest going on and depending on high your score, the better the prize. The first game I won a beer glass. The second game Evan joined in, however he didnt win anything. The big winner was Max who scored over a 220 and won us a 3000cc pitcher of beer. It was awesome. Finished that pitcher, then went to another bar where one of our friends was having a goodbye party. Stayed there for awhile, then went home.
Saturday
Woke up at 930 to get ready for a day drip to Kyongju with Iris. It was pouring rain out, but we had planned for that. She was taking me to a little water park that also had some cool sauna areas. Met her at the bus station around 11 and departed for our destination. Arrived at Kyongjy at 12. Got to the water park and it was surprisingly crowded, because of the weather. The park was definitely geared towards families and children. It was pretty funny, because not only was there hundreds of kids, but Korea has a rule that everyone has to wear a swim cap or hat at all times. It was very interesting, but had a good time. Stayed there for a couple of hours and once I noticed that I was very pruny I was done. So we left the park and luckily the rain stopped so we walked around the lake together. It was very nice. After that we came back to the bus station and went back to Daegu, where we ate dinner at a chicken place. I was fairly tired from the day so I wanted to take a nap before the Korea game. WEnt home, relaxed and then headed back downtown to watch the soccer game at Kush. It was a fun experience, although they lost. The next task was to stay up till 3:30am to watch the US game. Set my alarm for that time, however it didnt work. I woke up at 11:30 missing the game and the loss.
Sunday
Had lunch with Evan and Jay at Lazy Diner. Did a load of laundry. Cleaned a little, then met Iris at 6 downtown. Watched a movie and had dinner at this very good Japanese place. I had this tuna dish, which was similar to bibimbap, but added tuna and other ingredients.
Max and I went to Gorilla burger and had some tasty burgers. Then we went to Billy Bowl where we played Billy Bowl, a mix between pool and bowling They had a contest going on and depending on high your score, the better the prize. The first game I won a beer glass. The second game Evan joined in, however he didnt win anything. The big winner was Max who scored over a 220 and won us a 3000cc pitcher of beer. It was awesome. Finished that pitcher, then went to another bar where one of our friends was having a goodbye party. Stayed there for awhile, then went home.
Saturday
Woke up at 930 to get ready for a day drip to Kyongju with Iris. It was pouring rain out, but we had planned for that. She was taking me to a little water park that also had some cool sauna areas. Met her at the bus station around 11 and departed for our destination. Arrived at Kyongjy at 12. Got to the water park and it was surprisingly crowded, because of the weather. The park was definitely geared towards families and children. It was pretty funny, because not only was there hundreds of kids, but Korea has a rule that everyone has to wear a swim cap or hat at all times. It was very interesting, but had a good time. Stayed there for a couple of hours and once I noticed that I was very pruny I was done. So we left the park and luckily the rain stopped so we walked around the lake together. It was very nice. After that we came back to the bus station and went back to Daegu, where we ate dinner at a chicken place. I was fairly tired from the day so I wanted to take a nap before the Korea game. WEnt home, relaxed and then headed back downtown to watch the soccer game at Kush. It was a fun experience, although they lost. The next task was to stay up till 3:30am to watch the US game. Set my alarm for that time, however it didnt work. I woke up at 11:30 missing the game and the loss.
Sunday
Had lunch with Evan and Jay at Lazy Diner. Did a load of laundry. Cleaned a little, then met Iris at 6 downtown. Watched a movie and had dinner at this very good Japanese place. I had this tuna dish, which was similar to bibimbap, but added tuna and other ingredients.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
6/18-6/20
Friday, I had probably the most shocking event occur at school the 8 months I have been here. In my C12 class (level 9) I was about to start an activity with the class, which made them all get out of their chairs. I asked the students to all stand up and one of the students (Jason) stood up raised his right hand and shouted 'Heil Hitler'. Now when I heard this I had to do a double take because in my head I was pondering did he really just say what I think he said. There is no way this kid knew what it meant, but I asked him, with anger and frustration settling in 'what did you just say?' He said Heil Hitler, yet again. So I stood there in shock wondering what to do. Do I stop class and get a teacher or wait till the end of class. I went outside to take some breaths and interrupted Max's class to ask him what I should do and he said to wait till class was over and bring him to a KT, which I concurred with.
At the end of class, I asked him to come with me and took him to Iris, where I had her translate for me. I knew in my mind that he did not know what the phrase meant, but he needed to know that it was not okay to say. So I told Iris, to tell him that he was not in trouble, but needed to know that the phrase he said in class was very hurtful to me and was not okay to say in any situation. I also found out that he learned it from reading books, which is mind-boggling. A 12 year old saying a phrase that has so much history to the world and especially the Jewish people. He understood what he had done and felt very bad and started to tear up while apologizing to me. What a class!
Other than that, school has been good. Only 3 more weeks of teaching and two more weekends in Korea.
Friday night I hung out with Iris. We brought back some food to the apartment and watched the soccer games. It was a fun night.
Saturday
Woke up around 12 and went to brunch at Lazy Diner with a bunch of people including Jay's sister who just arrived in town. After brunch Jay, Evan, and I went to Kyobo (a book store), where I bought the Lonely Planet Vietnam. Came back home and headed to the gym. Had a good workout, however the owner wont turn on the Air Con (A/C) because he doesnt think it is hot enough yet. Crazy man. After my workout came home, relaxed in my sweat, which wouldnt stop even after my shower. Max then came home and we went to get some dinner. Then we headed downtown, where I bought a 5 dollar watch for my upcoming travels. Headed to Kush, our friends bar where we watched the games and met his new girlfriend. It was a good time. The night couldnt end without a Kebab, which hit the spot.
Sunday
Iris took me on a tour of her University, which was absolutely beautiful and also very big. The buildings were pretty spread out, but they also created a Folk Village for people to study and learn about the old days. She said that the President of the University has been accused (or rumored) to spend more money on the landscape than on the students, which shows. The campus is said to be the most beautiful campus in Korea. After her tour we had some dinner over there. It was a very pleasant day, even though the humidity was pretty bad.
At the end of class, I asked him to come with me and took him to Iris, where I had her translate for me. I knew in my mind that he did not know what the phrase meant, but he needed to know that it was not okay to say. So I told Iris, to tell him that he was not in trouble, but needed to know that the phrase he said in class was very hurtful to me and was not okay to say in any situation. I also found out that he learned it from reading books, which is mind-boggling. A 12 year old saying a phrase that has so much history to the world and especially the Jewish people. He understood what he had done and felt very bad and started to tear up while apologizing to me. What a class!
Other than that, school has been good. Only 3 more weeks of teaching and two more weekends in Korea.
Friday night I hung out with Iris. We brought back some food to the apartment and watched the soccer games. It was a fun night.
Saturday
Woke up around 12 and went to brunch at Lazy Diner with a bunch of people including Jay's sister who just arrived in town. After brunch Jay, Evan, and I went to Kyobo (a book store), where I bought the Lonely Planet Vietnam. Came back home and headed to the gym. Had a good workout, however the owner wont turn on the Air Con (A/C) because he doesnt think it is hot enough yet. Crazy man. After my workout came home, relaxed in my sweat, which wouldnt stop even after my shower. Max then came home and we went to get some dinner. Then we headed downtown, where I bought a 5 dollar watch for my upcoming travels. Headed to Kush, our friends bar where we watched the games and met his new girlfriend. It was a good time. The night couldnt end without a Kebab, which hit the spot.
Sunday
Iris took me on a tour of her University, which was absolutely beautiful and also very big. The buildings were pretty spread out, but they also created a Folk Village for people to study and learn about the old days. She said that the President of the University has been accused (or rumored) to spend more money on the landscape than on the students, which shows. The campus is said to be the most beautiful campus in Korea. After her tour we had some dinner over there. It was a very pleasant day, even though the humidity was pretty bad.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
A weekend of Sports 6/12-13
The World Cup begins and the Soccer buzz is in the air in Daegu. The Korean Red Devils are ready to bounce back and try to have a repeat performance from 2002. Saturday night was their first game against Greece and it was a fun one. Before we get there let me start you off at the beginning of the day.
Saturday morning, I woke up around 11. Noticed that we didnt have any bread in the house so, I had to resort to my second favorite meal of an apple and peanut butter. Yummy! After the meal, I headed to the gym to kick my own butt for how lazy I have been lately and not getting there. And I did just that and also ran into my long time friend Choi, who I havent seen in a while. We chatted while working out and made a plan to have dinner before I leave this beautiful city. Finished working out and then went to the grocery store to pick up some essentials. Came back to the apartment, made some lunch and put in a load of laundry. While relaxing, made plans for the big game soccer game. The plan was to meet people at Duryu park at 7:30.
Max and I left our place with Danni at 6:45 and arrived at the subway to meet Jen and Jay, however Jay not feeling so well decided to stay home and sleep it off. Rode the subway to Duryu to meet up with Kasey (KT) and Iris (gf). Picked up some drinks and food and were on the way to the park. The atmosphere was incredible, everyone was excited and ready for the soccer game. Chanting the cheers, wearing red, all in one area is quite amazing. Thousands upon thousands were at this park, so it took us awhile to find a spot for us to sit. Even though we could barely see the screens the atmosphere and cell phones with TV's made it no problem to enjoy the game. Fireworks, singers, and dancers made the night even more memorable not including the 2-0 win over Greece! It was a great night that didnt stop there.
After the game we departed from the park, Iris, and Kasey and headed downtown to try and stay up for the 3:30am USA game. Hung around the usual spots, including the new kebab place that satisfies even the slightest hunger. 1:30 came around and it did not look good for me. I was getting bored and just wanted to go home, so Danni and I got a cab back to our building.
I bought some snacks for the game laid down on my bed with my music on and the next thing I know, my music is blaring into my ears, the sunlight is coming through my window and my head is pounding. So I immediately turn off my music, look at the time (6am), go to the bathroom, and then fix the blanket over my window to make it dark. Went back to sleep and then woke up again at 1:30 to a text message.
Which brings me to SUNDAY at 1:30. Wake up feeling pretty good. Ask Max if he watched the game and he did a similar thing as me. Ended up being a tie. Asked what he was doing today and he mentioned that we should go to the baseball game. I am always down for baseball, so invited Iris because I knew she had never been to one. The game was at 5, we arrived at the stadium at 4 to get good seats because last time we didnt get in the cheering section. Unfortunately, this time we didnt need to arrive to early because it was pretty empty. The weather was hot, the beer was cold, Max on one side, Iris on the other, and baseball in front of me. I couldnt ask for anything more.
It was a great weekend with time winding down on this incredible experience.
Saturday morning, I woke up around 11. Noticed that we didnt have any bread in the house so, I had to resort to my second favorite meal of an apple and peanut butter. Yummy! After the meal, I headed to the gym to kick my own butt for how lazy I have been lately and not getting there. And I did just that and also ran into my long time friend Choi, who I havent seen in a while. We chatted while working out and made a plan to have dinner before I leave this beautiful city. Finished working out and then went to the grocery store to pick up some essentials. Came back to the apartment, made some lunch and put in a load of laundry. While relaxing, made plans for the big game soccer game. The plan was to meet people at Duryu park at 7:30.
Max and I left our place with Danni at 6:45 and arrived at the subway to meet Jen and Jay, however Jay not feeling so well decided to stay home and sleep it off. Rode the subway to Duryu to meet up with Kasey (KT) and Iris (gf). Picked up some drinks and food and were on the way to the park. The atmosphere was incredible, everyone was excited and ready for the soccer game. Chanting the cheers, wearing red, all in one area is quite amazing. Thousands upon thousands were at this park, so it took us awhile to find a spot for us to sit. Even though we could barely see the screens the atmosphere and cell phones with TV's made it no problem to enjoy the game. Fireworks, singers, and dancers made the night even more memorable not including the 2-0 win over Greece! It was a great night that didnt stop there.
After the game we departed from the park, Iris, and Kasey and headed downtown to try and stay up for the 3:30am USA game. Hung around the usual spots, including the new kebab place that satisfies even the slightest hunger. 1:30 came around and it did not look good for me. I was getting bored and just wanted to go home, so Danni and I got a cab back to our building.
I bought some snacks for the game laid down on my bed with my music on and the next thing I know, my music is blaring into my ears, the sunlight is coming through my window and my head is pounding. So I immediately turn off my music, look at the time (6am), go to the bathroom, and then fix the blanket over my window to make it dark. Went back to sleep and then woke up again at 1:30 to a text message.
Which brings me to SUNDAY at 1:30. Wake up feeling pretty good. Ask Max if he watched the game and he did a similar thing as me. Ended up being a tie. Asked what he was doing today and he mentioned that we should go to the baseball game. I am always down for baseball, so invited Iris because I knew she had never been to one. The game was at 5, we arrived at the stadium at 4 to get good seats because last time we didnt get in the cheering section. Unfortunately, this time we didnt need to arrive to early because it was pretty empty. The weather was hot, the beer was cold, Max on one side, Iris on the other, and baseball in front of me. I couldnt ask for anything more.
It was a great weekend with time winding down on this incredible experience.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Ladies in Korea part 2
Monday
Got the day off from work, so woke up around 10 again and went to the hotel to decide what to do. We decided to go Seoumun market, which is the oldest traditional market in Korea first. The ladies really enjoyed that. Never have I seen them look for knock off purses for so long and hard. They were determined to find some, but ended with nothing of quality. However, I did buy Cheryl some Obama socks, because I knew she would appreciate them. After shopping for purses, I took them over to the live animal section, where dogs, cats, roosters, and rabbits were all next to each other in cages. The reactions were priceless and many times did I hear all them saying that they wouldnt eat meat again. The cats and dogs were not for sale as food, but for pets I assure you.
After the market we went to Apsan, which is a mountain that surrounds Daegu, and gives a beautiful perspective of the city. It was a beautiful day, so we took the cable car up and just sat in a spot looking at the views and relaxing. Brooke started to get antzy so we went back down to go get some food, at where else--McDonald's, which was downtown, which meant more shopping for them. I decided to go home get some rest and hit the sauna up. Nice and relaxing before galbi.
We all met up for galbi around 7:30, max and evan came as well. Enjoyed a nice dinner, talking about how we teach and the culture of Korea. Once dinner was finished I headed back to the hotel with them to catch up on life and have a drink or two. It was a very nice evening and can not thank them enough for coming.
Tuesday
They met me at school to watch all of us teach. When they first walked in they were surprised of how much energy these kids had. I introduced them to all the teachers and then they went to observe Max's class first and then Evan's, while I planned for my upcoming classes. After their period was over, they observed my class and it was very tough having Cheryl and mom observing me because this is what they have done their whole lives. I could see it was tough for them just to observe because they wanted to help me in anyway possible. I told them to be quite and if they would like to teach they could. It was funny and stressful at the same time. My class ended, gave the kids some presents and sent them home. My mom and Cheryl left to go sightseeing while my sister stayed with me to observe more classes. It was great to have my sister with me. She was really good all day long. After school ended we went back to the apartment to wait for my mom and Cheryl to call. They werent calling so we called them and found out they were already at the hotel. So we went to the hotel to meet them and headed to a nice Italian dinner where we stuffed ourselves with quality food. We had great discussions about each others day and that they thought I was doing a fantastic job.
Dinner ended, we went back to the hotel and said our goodbyes because they were leaving in the morning to go back to Seoul.
It was great to see them, a little short lived, but am very happy that they came across the globe to see me and experience what I have been doing for the pass 7 months. I love you all!
However the night didnt stop their for me. Ended up playing poker at Who's Bob with Evan and Max for a while. Did pretty well for myself, given that I havent played in awhile.
Got the day off from work, so woke up around 10 again and went to the hotel to decide what to do. We decided to go Seoumun market, which is the oldest traditional market in Korea first. The ladies really enjoyed that. Never have I seen them look for knock off purses for so long and hard. They were determined to find some, but ended with nothing of quality. However, I did buy Cheryl some Obama socks, because I knew she would appreciate them. After shopping for purses, I took them over to the live animal section, where dogs, cats, roosters, and rabbits were all next to each other in cages. The reactions were priceless and many times did I hear all them saying that they wouldnt eat meat again. The cats and dogs were not for sale as food, but for pets I assure you.
After the market we went to Apsan, which is a mountain that surrounds Daegu, and gives a beautiful perspective of the city. It was a beautiful day, so we took the cable car up and just sat in a spot looking at the views and relaxing. Brooke started to get antzy so we went back down to go get some food, at where else--McDonald's, which was downtown, which meant more shopping for them. I decided to go home get some rest and hit the sauna up. Nice and relaxing before galbi.
We all met up for galbi around 7:30, max and evan came as well. Enjoyed a nice dinner, talking about how we teach and the culture of Korea. Once dinner was finished I headed back to the hotel with them to catch up on life and have a drink or two. It was a very nice evening and can not thank them enough for coming.
Tuesday
They met me at school to watch all of us teach. When they first walked in they were surprised of how much energy these kids had. I introduced them to all the teachers and then they went to observe Max's class first and then Evan's, while I planned for my upcoming classes. After their period was over, they observed my class and it was very tough having Cheryl and mom observing me because this is what they have done their whole lives. I could see it was tough for them just to observe because they wanted to help me in anyway possible. I told them to be quite and if they would like to teach they could. It was funny and stressful at the same time. My class ended, gave the kids some presents and sent them home. My mom and Cheryl left to go sightseeing while my sister stayed with me to observe more classes. It was great to have my sister with me. She was really good all day long. After school ended we went back to the apartment to wait for my mom and Cheryl to call. They werent calling so we called them and found out they were already at the hotel. So we went to the hotel to meet them and headed to a nice Italian dinner where we stuffed ourselves with quality food. We had great discussions about each others day and that they thought I was doing a fantastic job.
Dinner ended, we went back to the hotel and said our goodbyes because they were leaving in the morning to go back to Seoul.
It was great to see them, a little short lived, but am very happy that they came across the globe to see me and experience what I have been doing for the pass 7 months. I love you all!
However the night didnt stop their for me. Ended up playing poker at Who's Bob with Evan and Max for a while. Did pretty well for myself, given that I havent played in awhile.
The girls come to Korea part 1
Friday night before they arrived went out with my girlfriend and had a pretty difficult conversation with her. We did not break up, but it did not end on a positive note. I could not go yet because Max was with his girl, so I decided to stay downtown and visit my friends bar that just opened. I was the only foreigner there with a bunch of his friends. We just started having a good time, almost too good of a time. In the back of my mind I knew that my mom and sister were coming, but it was too late. Was way to drunken, left the bar around 3AM. Got home and passed out.
Sat morning
Woke up, uh-oh, not a smart move on my part. Definetely going to be an all day hangover. My mom calls me around 11 saying they were at the hotel and I panicked because I was not feeling great at all and all I wanted to do was show them a good time here and be with them. Max and I drove over to the hotel, where they immediately noticed my glassy eyes and that I was not feeling good. Cheryl had the perfect quote 'same story, different place'. I nodded my head and agreed. They checked into the hotel, went to the room and started to unpack. I sat down drank some water and my mom brought out the shoes I asked her to bring, unfortunetely they were the wrong ones. My hangover plus the excitement I had for the shoes, and now they were the wrong ones, I accidently yelled at her. Immediately after, I felt awful not only because of me yelling at my mom the first few minutes she arrived, but also having to puke, which I did.
Since we all realized I was having one of those days (which hasnt happened in awhile) we decided that I would get them downtown to shop and eat, while I stayed at home and slept it off.
So we did just that. They went shopping and I went to recover. Around 5 I finally started feeling better so we finally got a hold of each other and I decided to meet them downtown to take them to Dr. Fish.
Went to Dr. Fish, enjoyed the little fishes nibbling at our feet minus Cheryl, then continued shopping for a bit more. Wow these ladies can shop. They finally started to get hungry so we went back to the hotel, washed up and went to the famous Chinese restaurant i went to with my dad and bro. It was oh so delicious.
After dinner, they were exhausted, so they went home and I went dt for a little. This time I made a conscious effort not to get drunk and just see my friends.
Sunday
Woke up around 10, met the family at the hotel, then headed to the train station to go to Busan. Left Daegu at 12 and arrived at Gwanali beach at 2. A little chilly, but still a nice day. Walked around, did more shopping, had some Italian food that they enjoyed. Then we relaxed on the beach for an hour or so. Pretty windy so we decided to come back to Daegu. A very nice day, that was going to end with a nice meal. Went to Shabu Shabu, which is an excellent meal that I have mentioned in previous blogs. They enjoyed the experience of sitting on the floor and eating a traditional Korean/Japanese meal. However, I noticed that my sister doesnt really enjoy the food here, but that is okay she has been a real trooper these past few days.
Went home and fell asleep
Sat morning
Woke up, uh-oh, not a smart move on my part. Definetely going to be an all day hangover. My mom calls me around 11 saying they were at the hotel and I panicked because I was not feeling great at all and all I wanted to do was show them a good time here and be with them. Max and I drove over to the hotel, where they immediately noticed my glassy eyes and that I was not feeling good. Cheryl had the perfect quote 'same story, different place'. I nodded my head and agreed. They checked into the hotel, went to the room and started to unpack. I sat down drank some water and my mom brought out the shoes I asked her to bring, unfortunetely they were the wrong ones. My hangover plus the excitement I had for the shoes, and now they were the wrong ones, I accidently yelled at her. Immediately after, I felt awful not only because of me yelling at my mom the first few minutes she arrived, but also having to puke, which I did.
Since we all realized I was having one of those days (which hasnt happened in awhile) we decided that I would get them downtown to shop and eat, while I stayed at home and slept it off.
So we did just that. They went shopping and I went to recover. Around 5 I finally started feeling better so we finally got a hold of each other and I decided to meet them downtown to take them to Dr. Fish.
Went to Dr. Fish, enjoyed the little fishes nibbling at our feet minus Cheryl, then continued shopping for a bit more. Wow these ladies can shop. They finally started to get hungry so we went back to the hotel, washed up and went to the famous Chinese restaurant i went to with my dad and bro. It was oh so delicious.
After dinner, they were exhausted, so they went home and I went dt for a little. This time I made a conscious effort not to get drunk and just see my friends.
Sunday
Woke up around 10, met the family at the hotel, then headed to the train station to go to Busan. Left Daegu at 12 and arrived at Gwanali beach at 2. A little chilly, but still a nice day. Walked around, did more shopping, had some Italian food that they enjoyed. Then we relaxed on the beach for an hour or so. Pretty windy so we decided to come back to Daegu. A very nice day, that was going to end with a nice meal. Went to Shabu Shabu, which is an excellent meal that I have mentioned in previous blogs. They enjoyed the experience of sitting on the floor and eating a traditional Korean/Japanese meal. However, I noticed that my sister doesnt really enjoy the food here, but that is okay she has been a real trooper these past few days.
Went home and fell asleep
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Weds: June 2nd Election Day
NO SCHOOL!!!!!
I love it when we have no school. Makes the week go by faster and one less day of teaching English. Arose from sleep around 1030 asked Max what he wanted to do today. He said Evan wants to go on a scooter ride, so I joined up with them. Rode on the back of Max's scooter, quite nice actually, except from all the exhaust emptying into my lungs. Even though it is a 2 seater I dont think it can handle both of us. Drove around the city for awhile. Ate at Siji Taco, which is a Mexican place in the part of town they call Siji. It was nothing special. Still the best Mexican I have had here is in Seoul. After lunch, we went to a driving range. It was a lot of fun just to hit some balls around. Gave Evan some pointers and then we left and entered a flower festival. Nothing special there so we left. Headed back home, Max's bike really pumping hard to get home. So much smoke coming out of the tailpipe. Got home, I decided to go to the gym, while Max played his computer game that he is no addicted to.
I love it when we have no school. Makes the week go by faster and one less day of teaching English. Arose from sleep around 1030 asked Max what he wanted to do today. He said Evan wants to go on a scooter ride, so I joined up with them. Rode on the back of Max's scooter, quite nice actually, except from all the exhaust emptying into my lungs. Even though it is a 2 seater I dont think it can handle both of us. Drove around the city for awhile. Ate at Siji Taco, which is a Mexican place in the part of town they call Siji. It was nothing special. Still the best Mexican I have had here is in Seoul. After lunch, we went to a driving range. It was a lot of fun just to hit some balls around. Gave Evan some pointers and then we left and entered a flower festival. Nothing special there so we left. Headed back home, Max's bike really pumping hard to get home. So much smoke coming out of the tailpipe. Got home, I decided to go to the gym, while Max played his computer game that he is no addicted to.
Last weekend in May
Friday night after work went to dinner with Jade. After that she came back to the apartment and we watched some TV and discussed the elections that are being held this coming week. Max went to a concert with the Chinese teacher, he said he had a good time.
Saturday
Woke up around 1030 ate some food and waited for Max to get back. Since he has bought a scooter he loves riding it around town because the city is more accessible when you have an auto bike. Once he returned to the apartment we decided to take a joy ride on the scooter. First stop was Burger King, because he was hungry. After that we went to Suesong Lake to hit some baseballs. Im losing my swing, not a good sign. We ended up seeing Evan on his scooter with his girlfriend as we were going to the lake, so we decided to ask him if we could use his for the day because they were going somewhere that was not scooter accessible. He agreed so Max and I cruised around the city. Found a Subway sandwich shop ate a little snack and continued riding. We rode to this memorial, which is near Apsan Mountain and ended up talking to a Communications Professor at one of the Universities in Daegu. We discussed how S. Korea is becoming more diverse (very slowly) and also growing economically. In addition, we talked about the situation between North and South Korea. He had some really interesting statements about N. Korea and what they do to their citizens. Apparently, there is a watchmen for every 5 houses. These watchmen get families to turn on each other and criticize one another to get others in trouble. I dont know why though. No one is allowed to have a cell phone.
After talking with him for a while we headed back to the apartment, relaxed, and got ready for the evening. We rode our scooters to Jay and Jen's for some pre-gaming and food. I was not part of the drinking because I did not feel good and also had to return Evan's bike to him. I came back to the apartment after the drop-off for an hour and then headed downtown to enjoy a Saturday night. Saw people that I hadn't seen in a while, which was very nice and just had a grand time.
Sunday
Max and I woke up around 11 and decided to go to Haeinsa which is located about an hour and a half from Daegu. It is a beautiful Buddhist temple and is considered a World Heritage spot. We left the apartment around 12, arrived at the bus station, bought our tickets and were on our way. Arrived at the temple around 2, got off the bus to immediately find food to fill our empty stomachs. We ate at this little shack that made Pajan (described as a Korean Pizza, but is nothing like a pizza except its shape). Once we finished eating that, it took a little hike to get to the temple. The temple is known for the Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks, which have the Buddhist laws inscribed in them. There are around 70,000 of them spread out in this little section of the temple. Apparently, where they are kept closes every ten years and this is the year that is closed to preserve the books. Even though it was closed, we still were able to see them through the gates. If you want to find out more go to this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haeinsa
Once we were done exploring the temple we headed back to Daegu. Arrived in Daegu around 7, got ready to go on a date with Jade. We went to dinner and a movie. It was a good night.
Monday starts the work week. 6 days till mom and sis arrive
Saturday
Woke up around 1030 ate some food and waited for Max to get back. Since he has bought a scooter he loves riding it around town because the city is more accessible when you have an auto bike. Once he returned to the apartment we decided to take a joy ride on the scooter. First stop was Burger King, because he was hungry. After that we went to Suesong Lake to hit some baseballs. Im losing my swing, not a good sign. We ended up seeing Evan on his scooter with his girlfriend as we were going to the lake, so we decided to ask him if we could use his for the day because they were going somewhere that was not scooter accessible. He agreed so Max and I cruised around the city. Found a Subway sandwich shop ate a little snack and continued riding. We rode to this memorial, which is near Apsan Mountain and ended up talking to a Communications Professor at one of the Universities in Daegu. We discussed how S. Korea is becoming more diverse (very slowly) and also growing economically. In addition, we talked about the situation between North and South Korea. He had some really interesting statements about N. Korea and what they do to their citizens. Apparently, there is a watchmen for every 5 houses. These watchmen get families to turn on each other and criticize one another to get others in trouble. I dont know why though. No one is allowed to have a cell phone.
After talking with him for a while we headed back to the apartment, relaxed, and got ready for the evening. We rode our scooters to Jay and Jen's for some pre-gaming and food. I was not part of the drinking because I did not feel good and also had to return Evan's bike to him. I came back to the apartment after the drop-off for an hour and then headed downtown to enjoy a Saturday night. Saw people that I hadn't seen in a while, which was very nice and just had a grand time.
Sunday
Max and I woke up around 11 and decided to go to Haeinsa which is located about an hour and a half from Daegu. It is a beautiful Buddhist temple and is considered a World Heritage spot. We left the apartment around 12, arrived at the bus station, bought our tickets and were on our way. Arrived at the temple around 2, got off the bus to immediately find food to fill our empty stomachs. We ate at this little shack that made Pajan (described as a Korean Pizza, but is nothing like a pizza except its shape). Once we finished eating that, it took a little hike to get to the temple. The temple is known for the Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks, which have the Buddhist laws inscribed in them. There are around 70,000 of them spread out in this little section of the temple. Apparently, where they are kept closes every ten years and this is the year that is closed to preserve the books. Even though it was closed, we still were able to see them through the gates. If you want to find out more go to this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haeinsa
Once we were done exploring the temple we headed back to Daegu. Arrived in Daegu around 7, got ready to go on a date with Jade. We went to dinner and a movie. It was a good night.
Monday starts the work week. 6 days till mom and sis arrive
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)