This next post was not written by me. It was written by a teacher who lived near Seoul for 3 years. I found this post of hers by accident and laughed myself silly. The stuff in bold that I highlight are things that we ourselves have noticed or experienced already. This was written as an end to her blog as she has since left Korea. Enjoy the nice read.........
"Goodbye Korea. Goodbye ajummas and ajosshis. Goodbye girls who wear shorts in winter. Goodbye kimbap, kimchi, ramyun, chapjae, veggie mandu. Goodbye weird brand names that I won't see elsewhere (Ask Enquired?). Goodbye random children saying hello. Goodbye scooters that pass you on the sidewalk. Goodbye tiled rooftops. Goodbye wall of ass. Goodbye bent over halmonis with silver teeth. Goodbye taxi drivers that smell like ginseng. Goodbye hangeul. Goodbye Yudal. Goodbye Kimbap Nara. Goodbye Dak galbi. Goodbye soju. Goodbye chunners and man won. Goodbye the feeling of understanding or being understood. Goodbye Samsung and Hyundae everything. Goodbye small white or black cars (and rarely blue or yellow ones). Goodbye Konglish. Goodbye circular logic. Goodbye temples. Goodbye big bronze bells. Goodbye colourfully painted pagodas. Goodbye neon lights. Goodbye norae bangs. Goodbye boybands. Goodbye random gifts and service-eu. Goodbye newbies and lifers. Goodbye giving directions to people using a million different landmarks. Goodbye miming in the post office to buy stamps. Goodbye my awesome cellphone. Goodbye PC bangs. Goodbye skinny cigarettes. Goodbye spitting on sidewalks and being pushed out of the way. Goodbye recycling everywhere, even in McDonald's. Goodbye Mokpo and Suncheon and Gwangju. Goodbye Yeosu and Wando and Seoul. Goodbye Gyeongju and Jinju and Busan. Goodbye mountains like Jirisan and Wolchulsan. Goodbye quiet beaches (outside of beach season). Goodbye self-camming in public. Goodbye cherry blossom season. Goodbye yellow dust. Goodbye barking dogs, and mini-puppies carried as fashion accessories. Goodbye Hello Kitty everywhere. Goodbye cheap and weird socks. Goodbye young guys dressed to the nines. Goodbye technology that is ahead of its time. Goodbye squat toilets. Goodbye heated bidets with blowdryers. Goodbye flower arrangements that are out of this world. Goodbye almost being hit by a car every day. Goodbye cheap buses, in and out of the city. Goodbye the uniformity of appearance. Goodbye stripey scarves and sparkly t-shirts. Goodbye cafeteria food, including tentacle surprise. Goodbye Spam in everything. Goodbye hot goguma on the street. Goodbye fish shaped cookies. Goodbye ddeok. Goodbye metal chopsticks. Goodbye gochujang. Goodbye funny winter hats that look like animal heads. Goodbye Jeju. Goodbye "I don't know, lives in sea". Goodbye "It's Korean tradition". Goodbye annyeong haseyo and kamsahamnida. Goodbye Mr Kim and Mr Lee and Mrs Park and Mrs Oh. Goodbye Hite. Goodbye Homeplus and Emart. Goodbye fishing boats at 5 am and the Jeju ferry boat at 9:30 pm. Goodbye taeguki. Goodbye taekwondo. Goodbye flat-screen satellite TVs everywhere. Goodbye to the noise. Goodbye jimjilbang. Goodbye face masks. Goodbye ridiculous high heels (that I secretly covet). Goodbye mascots on street corners. Goodbye hanuiwan and acupuncture. Goodbye "good for health" and "good for stamina". Goodbye green tea in temple tea shops. Goodbye cranes hunting frogs in rice paddies. Goodbye bongo trucks. Goodbye ddong-chim. Goodbye being told how beautiful you are by strangers. Goodbye cheap eyeglasses. Goodbye to being waygook. Goodbye dabangs and double barber poles. Goodbye to weird Korean comedy programs on TV that involve hitting each other with inflated squeaky hammers. Goodbye "I'mfinethankyouandyou". Goodbye "Whel all you prom?". Goodbye to the crazy old men outside of the train station. Goodbye walking to the head of the line in a bank or post office because you have no idea where else to go. Goodbye lotus ponds. Goodbye amazing fireworks. Goodbye surprises every day. Goodbye quiz nights. Goodbye squeally musical instruments and wavering voices. Goodbye canned keyboard accompaniment. Goodbye French nights. Goodbye world travel. Goodbye Nami, Minsu, Thomas and the rest of the weird kids on the government approved CD-Roms for ESL. Goodbye "Maybe". Goodbye yes as no and no as yes. Goodbye friends from around the world ~ you have become our family."
Ms. Parker in Korea!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Not Just Tofu.....
It's lunchtime. We're hungry. We decided to go to the Alaskan Mining Company ( a restaurant on post with an all-you-can-eat buffet.) We get there at 11:30am. It's an early lunch but it's still lunchtime, none-the-less. We sit down and discover they are still serving BREAKFAST! What the.....??? Not in any mood to eat bacon and eggs, we decide to leave.
It's already hot outside and we're standing outside bickering over what we want to eat, since the AMC was a bust. Since the KATUSA Snack Bar is walking distance right down the road, we head off.
You see Koreans don't have a "set" list of items on what is considered breakfast. What they eat for breakfast, can be eaten for lunch and dinner also.
We get inside and there is only a couple of customers, so ordering and finding a place to sit wasn't hard to come by. We go to the counter to place our order. Eric and Bobby order the spicy pork, Lauren gets the ramyun (ramen to the Japanese and Americans), Matthew always gets the yaki mandu, and I go for something different....the Sundubu Chigae (bean curd stew).
I want to try as many different varieties of Korean food. Everything that I have tried has never been a failure. Many people think all Koreans just eat dog (gaekogi). They primarily eat all forms of vegetation and fish. Sogogi (cow meat) is a treat to most Koreans. But anyway.......
I forgot to add one of the side dishes that Eric and Bobby received was a type of bean sprout soup (kongnamul gook). I didn't think I would like it but it was so nice and refreshing. And I hear it's great for hangovers. Very, very low in calorie and satisfying. I've decided to make my own and give it a go. The ingredients seemed simple enough.
I know y'all are all thinking "bean sprouts?"
It's already hot outside and we're standing outside bickering over what we want to eat, since the AMC was a bust. Since the KATUSA Snack Bar is walking distance right down the road, we head off.
You see Koreans don't have a "set" list of items on what is considered breakfast. What they eat for breakfast, can be eaten for lunch and dinner also.
We get inside and there is only a couple of customers, so ordering and finding a place to sit wasn't hard to come by. We go to the counter to place our order. Eric and Bobby order the spicy pork, Lauren gets the ramyun (ramen to the Japanese and Americans), Matthew always gets the yaki mandu, and I go for something different....the Sundubu Chigae (bean curd stew).
I want to try as many different varieties of Korean food. Everything that I have tried has never been a failure. Many people think all Koreans just eat dog (gaekogi). They primarily eat all forms of vegetation and fish. Sogogi (cow meat) is a treat to most Koreans. But anyway.......
 |
| The Sundubu Chigae. Was totally awesome! Out of 5, I give it a 4. This stew was especially hot (spicy + temperature). Took me forever to eat it. I savored every last drop. |
 |
| Lauren's ramyun. We asked for it without the cheese but it came anyway. She wasn't all that happy so she primarily ate the rice. |
 |
| Kongnamul Gook. It's awesomely delicious! |
I know y'all are all thinking "bean sprouts?"
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Land of Free, Home of the Brave and then there's the Idiots!
Two complaints after living here and not a one is against a Korean or the Korean government. Oh, no! It's with the stupid Americans.
Let me start with rant Numero Uno......
I just got done dropping off Lauren at Pre-K. I walked over a mile from the center to the PX. Why not ride the bus? I had to get some kind of exercise in.....(misses treadmill). Of course, I have to off set the morning walk with a venti sized Frappaccino from Starbucks. God love them! I go outside after buying my Espresso Chip Frappaccino and sit at the outside cafe. I'm relaxing waiting for the next bus to come since I would need that to take me to the walkout gate. So I'm sitting there and I over hear a conversation. No, I wasn't eavesdropping...the girl was practically raving into the phone. She moaned and groaned and yelled that she hadn't had a haircut in 5 months and that the PX was charging $21. She wasn't going to pay that for a haircut. I practically choked on my Frap when I realized that was her beef. What? Oh, dear! It's $21!!! Puh-leassssse! If she was just getting her bangs cut....then fine. But a haircut for hair that hadn't been cut in 5 months?!!!! Golly gee wiz!!! First of all, we are NOT in the States and no where near a Walmart, if that was the problem. Did she really expect a haircut for less than $20? An adult cut at Walmart, the last I remember, was $16. Holy Mary Mother of God! So she kept this raving mad lunatic gripe over the phone for the whole time I sucked down my venti sized Frap. And no less to her husband, who was obviously at work. Seriously, I was more peeved that she called her husband to have a hissy fit over a haircut. And I, seriously, couldn't understand her complaint. The hair salon hear at Humphreys is an all service salon (nails, massage, waxing,....) And to top it off, three cute Korean males to do it for her. Was this absolutely necessary? I wanted to pull rank on her and give her a "what for." Stupid woman.....
Okay.....that rant is done......
On to the other, Numero Dos......
Today, as I was riding the bus to pick Lauren up from Pre-K (funny how it always happens when it has something to do with Lauren), we stopped to pick up a large amount of soldiers. Since this was around noon, they were obviously on their way to mess hall or to the PX for lunch. I'm sitting there minding my own business. The soldiers were a little loud and boisterous. Understandable...it's lunch time which is also break time. As we go on our way, we are also picking up Korean soldiers (KATUSA's -Korean Augmentation Training w/the US Army-these soldiers also wear the American uniform). After about 10 minutes on the bus, the American soldiers started getting loud again. But this time, the talking was unnerving and totally racial. My hairs stood on end. I couldn't believe they talked the crap they did with the KATUSA's on board. I, at that moment, wished I could bury my head in the sand. Seriously, how would anybody feel if some foreigner kept spouting bull about how their country was stupid and so behind. Seriously, the Park Jaebeom fiasco went round in my head. I'm not even quoting exactly what they said because it was some seriously harsh stuff. And most of you have to understand, those KATUSA's understand English. It's a requirement for them to. How they could listen to that crap and not go postal, I don't know. At that moment in time, I understood why so many countries hated the United States of America to be in their country. No respect or tolerance. No couth. No maturity and brains. They were a slap in the face to all Americans! Stupid soldiers.....
Now, I feel so much better.......
Let me start with rant Numero Uno......
I just got done dropping off Lauren at Pre-K. I walked over a mile from the center to the PX. Why not ride the bus? I had to get some kind of exercise in.....(misses treadmill). Of course, I have to off set the morning walk with a venti sized Frappaccino from Starbucks. God love them! I go outside after buying my Espresso Chip Frappaccino and sit at the outside cafe. I'm relaxing waiting for the next bus to come since I would need that to take me to the walkout gate. So I'm sitting there and I over hear a conversation. No, I wasn't eavesdropping...the girl was practically raving into the phone. She moaned and groaned and yelled that she hadn't had a haircut in 5 months and that the PX was charging $21. She wasn't going to pay that for a haircut. I practically choked on my Frap when I realized that was her beef. What? Oh, dear! It's $21!!! Puh-leassssse! If she was just getting her bangs cut....then fine. But a haircut for hair that hadn't been cut in 5 months?!!!! Golly gee wiz!!! First of all, we are NOT in the States and no where near a Walmart, if that was the problem. Did she really expect a haircut for less than $20? An adult cut at Walmart, the last I remember, was $16. Holy Mary Mother of God! So she kept this raving mad lunatic gripe over the phone for the whole time I sucked down my venti sized Frap. And no less to her husband, who was obviously at work. Seriously, I was more peeved that she called her husband to have a hissy fit over a haircut. And I, seriously, couldn't understand her complaint. The hair salon hear at Humphreys is an all service salon (nails, massage, waxing,....) And to top it off, three cute Korean males to do it for her. Was this absolutely necessary? I wanted to pull rank on her and give her a "what for." Stupid woman.....
Okay.....that rant is done......
On to the other, Numero Dos......
Today, as I was riding the bus to pick Lauren up from Pre-K (funny how it always happens when it has something to do with Lauren), we stopped to pick up a large amount of soldiers. Since this was around noon, they were obviously on their way to mess hall or to the PX for lunch. I'm sitting there minding my own business. The soldiers were a little loud and boisterous. Understandable...it's lunch time which is also break time. As we go on our way, we are also picking up Korean soldiers (KATUSA's -Korean Augmentation Training w/the US Army-these soldiers also wear the American uniform). After about 10 minutes on the bus, the American soldiers started getting loud again. But this time, the talking was unnerving and totally racial. My hairs stood on end. I couldn't believe they talked the crap they did with the KATUSA's on board. I, at that moment, wished I could bury my head in the sand. Seriously, how would anybody feel if some foreigner kept spouting bull about how their country was stupid and so behind. Seriously, the Park Jaebeom fiasco went round in my head. I'm not even quoting exactly what they said because it was some seriously harsh stuff. And most of you have to understand, those KATUSA's understand English. It's a requirement for them to. How they could listen to that crap and not go postal, I don't know. At that moment in time, I understood why so many countries hated the United States of America to be in their country. No respect or tolerance. No couth. No maturity and brains. They were a slap in the face to all Americans! Stupid soldiers.....
Now, I feel so much better.......
Monday, August 02, 2010
Do I Really Have To Take Off My Shoes?
The other day, Bobby's friend came over with his wife. Our first house guests in our home. Bobby had questions about certain things about the house....mostly Korean do's and don'ts. That was the primary reason he asked them over. Why would he ask his friend and wife to come over? They have been to Korea before. Three years ago, I was informed. But not just that....they are Korean. Korean-American, that is. Well, from what I gather, his wife was born Korean but moved to the States. Not sure about Mr. Ahn (Bobby's friend.)
While Bobby and Mr. Ahn talked, his wife and I talked on the couch. Found out she taught Korean at Ft. Hood. Taught Korean? I had no clue that Korean was offered at Ft. Hood. She said she had flyers posted at O Mart. But then, most of the flyers at O Mart were in Hangeul (Korean alphabet), so I usually just ignored them. That is what I get for not paying attention.
Mr. Ahn's wife's name is Ji Ni (sounds sort of like Jenny). She translated some things in our house (the washing machine, AC, the heater controls on the wall, and even helped us change the lock code on our front door (we don't have a key...but a 4 digit pin to get in and out of the house).
We then talked about Korean customs. Well, it's not just Korean but mainly Korean as the Chinese and Japanese do some of the same things, as well. My curiosity got the better of me and I asked her..."Why do Asians take off their shoes at the door before walking into the house?" Her answer: "There is a belief that if you walk into a house with your shoes on, you bring in the bad spirits into the home. They believe if you do, the family will get bad "voodoo" and will eventually become sick." She then explained in simpler terms for any American can understand. "It's like this. When we go outside, we walk to many places and we don't know what we stepped into or on. You come home and walk in the house and then have spread those awful germs into your home. It's the same thing. If you bring in some kind of bad germ, your family can become sick." This also explains why the Asian community are keen on cleanliness. They have a habitual habit of washing their hands, feet, brushing their teeth, and some are keen on keeping their faces clean. God forbid the bad spirit of face washing comes to your house and spreads acne.
She explained that when she visited her family (who still live here in Korea), she forgot to take off her shoes before coming in. She picked up our bad American habit. Her "halmoni" (grandmother) went ballistic. She was immediately reprimanded and then was told to clean all the floors....by hand. They rarely use mops. Most of the dusting and washing of the floors is by hand.
And because Koreans are learned in respecting their elders, she immediately did what she was told without a word. The elder is always right. You are not allowed to "back-talk". If you do so, expect a beating.
Thankfully, my kids already have a habit of taking their shoes off before walking into a house. It drove me crazy when they would walk on the carpet with their nasty shoes. We don't have carpet here...but they still will immediately take off their shoes.
While Bobby and Mr. Ahn talked, his wife and I talked on the couch. Found out she taught Korean at Ft. Hood. Taught Korean? I had no clue that Korean was offered at Ft. Hood. She said she had flyers posted at O Mart. But then, most of the flyers at O Mart were in Hangeul (Korean alphabet), so I usually just ignored them. That is what I get for not paying attention.
Mr. Ahn's wife's name is Ji Ni (sounds sort of like Jenny). She translated some things in our house (the washing machine, AC, the heater controls on the wall, and even helped us change the lock code on our front door (we don't have a key...but a 4 digit pin to get in and out of the house).
We then talked about Korean customs. Well, it's not just Korean but mainly Korean as the Chinese and Japanese do some of the same things, as well. My curiosity got the better of me and I asked her..."Why do Asians take off their shoes at the door before walking into the house?" Her answer: "There is a belief that if you walk into a house with your shoes on, you bring in the bad spirits into the home. They believe if you do, the family will get bad "voodoo" and will eventually become sick." She then explained in simpler terms for any American can understand. "It's like this. When we go outside, we walk to many places and we don't know what we stepped into or on. You come home and walk in the house and then have spread those awful germs into your home. It's the same thing. If you bring in some kind of bad germ, your family can become sick." This also explains why the Asian community are keen on cleanliness. They have a habitual habit of washing their hands, feet, brushing their teeth, and some are keen on keeping their faces clean. God forbid the bad spirit of face washing comes to your house and spreads acne.
She explained that when she visited her family (who still live here in Korea), she forgot to take off her shoes before coming in. She picked up our bad American habit. Her "halmoni" (grandmother) went ballistic. She was immediately reprimanded and then was told to clean all the floors....by hand. They rarely use mops. Most of the dusting and washing of the floors is by hand.
And because Koreans are learned in respecting their elders, she immediately did what she was told without a word. The elder is always right. You are not allowed to "back-talk". If you do so, expect a beating.
Thankfully, my kids already have a habit of taking their shoes off before walking into a house. It drove me crazy when they would walk on the carpet with their nasty shoes. We don't have carpet here...but they still will immediately take off their shoes.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Feet, Buses, and Trains
Woke up this morning and it was raining....AGAIN! I prayed for it to end...and right before our scheduled time to catch the base bus, it ended. We hooed and hawed for awhile. "Should we stay? Or should we go? It might be raining in Seoul."...etc...etc....
We just said let's just do it. At the last minute, we ran around throwing shoes and socks on. Then running around for any kind of jacket to wear, just in case.
We thought we missed the base bus but we were looking at the regular bus schedule, not the weekend one. Whew! Lucky us. We made it to our destination...the walk-through gate. For those who don't have a car, just walk out or show your ID to get back in. Eventually our guide arrived and one other family. So all together...there were 10 of us.
We walked out the gate and right across the street from the base in the city bus stop. Bus #20 was our bus that would take us to PyeongTaek Train Station. Now understand, I didn't take pictures on our way to Seoul. I didn't want to miss anything.
Okay, now let me tell you....Bus #20 was more exciting that the longest roller coaster. The speed was high, dodged cars parked on the side and/or oncoming cars. Every speed bump didn't slow the driver down. As soon as we hit, up my butt left the seat it kept warm. Now if you are pregnant and have back problems, you'll go into labor or your back will become worse or it might go back into alignment. Either way, every five seconds a "squeak" escaped my mouth. I don't know if it was from fear or excitement or both.
We eventually made it safe and sound to PyeongTaek Station. We walked in and had to ride the escalators up. It was like everything I imagined it. Korean people everywhere. We (the tour group) immediately became the main attraction at the zoo. If you know what I mean.....? We all headed to the ticket booth and bought our tickets.
<<<<<<
After purchasing our tickets, we took "care of our business" and then met in the main lobby to head down stairs to the tracks.
Once down the tracks, a train arrived. We boarded it immediately and the "delicately" made our way to our cars. We had car #2. The other family ended up in car #3. Our guide ended up in car #5. We were told after leaving Suwon, the seats were ours. We had to stand up until then. No problem since Suwon was the next stop.
After we left Suwon, we asked the people on our seats to leave. They wouldn't. The lady and young girl showed us that they had the same seats. Memories of the Yongsan bus danced in my head. NOT a pleasant memory. The train attendant shows up and we discover....WE ARE ON THE WRONG TRAIN! The tour guide just saw the train pull up and assumed it was ours. Wrong-O! Thankfully this train was going to Seoul Station which was not overly far from Yongsan Station...the place we wanted to go to. The guide decided we would just tour around Seoul Station instead of trekking over to Yongsan.
But that was okay. I felt like an idiot and apologized profusely to the lady and the young girl that sat in the same numbered seats of the train we were supposed to take. So instead of sitting down, we stood there like some of the others. Lauren eventually got tired and just sat there in the middle of the train aisle.
Another example of Korean hospitality, or maybe because of Lauren's cuteness, the lady asked if Lauren could sit between her and her daughter. So I picked up Lauren and placed her between the two. As Lauren sat there, the lady talked to her in the best English she could. "How old are you?," "What is your name?," and other things that I didn't catch because the racket of the train is pretty loud. Eventually the lady got quiet, probably used up all the English she knew, she pulled Lauren toward her and stroked her hair. Lauren just sat there like a smiling goofball and practically purred.
Eventually we finally arrived at Seoul Station. In total from PyeongTaek, it took about 50 minutes.
Pictures of Seoul Station are below....
These first three pictures are after we got off the train. We decided to go ahead and buy our train tickets back to PyeongTaek in advance so we could all arrive together.
Next are pictures outside Seoul Station as we walked to another area which contained a superstore called Lotte World.
<<<<Notice all the buses. I swear on my life that if this picture could be widened you will see buses as far as you can see.
<<<<Because of the humidity from the morning storms, a thick haze (not fog) loomed in the city. The humidity is the worst I've experienced in my 38, almost 39 years. This is just a bit of downtown Seoul.
Yep, the boys were all "KOREAN WII GAMES! KOREAN XBOX GAMES! KOREAN DS GAMES!" For the love of God, it was like they landed on the moon!
<<< Oh my God, it's a Korean Halo3 ODST!
Eventually we got tired of that store. Lauren was complaining she was hungry and thirsty and it was just time to move on. We walked past a Bennigans. Yes, there are those in Seoul. We didn't have enough time to get in and sit, so we started looking for the ever popular, American friendly, fast food joint we all know and love. Well, not me....I will never stop loving my BK. You got it.....McDonald's! We knew it was in the station and we only had 30 minutes to eat and go use the restrooms.
This place is insanely crowded. The lines wrapped around. I'm telling you fear set in. We are not at Humphreys, Osan, or even Yongsan where most of the Koreans speak adequate English. We are in downtown Seoul where English is a fad.
We get up to the counter. "One 4-piece McNugget Happy Meal," I said. Girl at the counter, "McNugget....??" Then walks off and finds a laminated picture table and has me order by pointing at pictures. Okay, it was simpler that way but I'm telling you I felt like a loser. The order was okay. She never asked what drinks we wanted with our meals with the exception of the Happy Meal. Bobby's and the boys' drinks were Cokes, automatically. We get our meals and discover we are short a hamburger. The place was so busy and then to have an American with a Korean speech impediment ask for the missing hamburger would have taken FOREVER. So Bobby just ate his fries and drank his Coke. I shared Lauren's fries because I didn't order anything. As soon as we walked in, the smell of frying "bulgogi" made me want to hurl. Oh, that reminds me. The hamburgers were called "bulgogi" burgers. "Bulgogi" is beef, but just cracked me up. "Bulgogi" burgers........kekeke!
I must not forget the ketchup! Let me give you a taste of Korean McDonald's ketchup. It tastes like........tomato paste. It isn't made by Del Monte or Heinz (God love them.) But by a company called Ottogi.
As I'm not fluent in Hanguel, we'll just assume the main ingredient is to..ma..to..pa..ste.
The trip back to PyeongTaek was less "adventurous." We bought our tickets and were told that no seats were available and that we would have to stand. I didn't care at this point. I was tired, hot and sweaty. Forgot to mention, Koreans obviously don't believe in air conditioning. It was stuffy and I didn't not feel not one lick of any cold or moderately cool air at Seoul Station.
We rode back in the snack car. The car has console video games to play, a snack counter, massage chairs, internet cubicles.....don't laugh.....even a karoake area! I wish I could have gotten more pictures but I felt weird taking pictures with lots of people staring at me. LOL!
>>>>The Suwon Station, I believe. One of the stops on our way back.
>>>>Outside PyeongTaek station, as we crossed the streets towards the main street....to our bus destination.
<< Anjeong-ri...."the Ville"....shops, restaurants....bricked road with marble benches to rest on...and only 3-4 blocks away from our "house."
We just said let's just do it. At the last minute, we ran around throwing shoes and socks on. Then running around for any kind of jacket to wear, just in case.
We thought we missed the base bus but we were looking at the regular bus schedule, not the weekend one. Whew! Lucky us. We made it to our destination...the walk-through gate. For those who don't have a car, just walk out or show your ID to get back in. Eventually our guide arrived and one other family. So all together...there were 10 of us.
We walked out the gate and right across the street from the base in the city bus stop. Bus #20 was our bus that would take us to PyeongTaek Train Station. Now understand, I didn't take pictures on our way to Seoul. I didn't want to miss anything.
Okay, now let me tell you....Bus #20 was more exciting that the longest roller coaster. The speed was high, dodged cars parked on the side and/or oncoming cars. Every speed bump didn't slow the driver down. As soon as we hit, up my butt left the seat it kept warm. Now if you are pregnant and have back problems, you'll go into labor or your back will become worse or it might go back into alignment. Either way, every five seconds a "squeak" escaped my mouth. I don't know if it was from fear or excitement or both.
<<<<<<
After purchasing our tickets, we took "care of our business" and then met in the main lobby to head down stairs to the tracks.
Once down the tracks, a train arrived. We boarded it immediately and the "delicately" made our way to our cars. We had car #2. The other family ended up in car #3. Our guide ended up in car #5. We were told after leaving Suwon, the seats were ours. We had to stand up until then. No problem since Suwon was the next stop.
After we left Suwon, we asked the people on our seats to leave. They wouldn't. The lady and young girl showed us that they had the same seats. Memories of the Yongsan bus danced in my head. NOT a pleasant memory. The train attendant shows up and we discover....WE ARE ON THE WRONG TRAIN! The tour guide just saw the train pull up and assumed it was ours. Wrong-O! Thankfully this train was going to Seoul Station which was not overly far from Yongsan Station...the place we wanted to go to. The guide decided we would just tour around Seoul Station instead of trekking over to Yongsan.
But that was okay. I felt like an idiot and apologized profusely to the lady and the young girl that sat in the same numbered seats of the train we were supposed to take. So instead of sitting down, we stood there like some of the others. Lauren eventually got tired and just sat there in the middle of the train aisle.
Another example of Korean hospitality, or maybe because of Lauren's cuteness, the lady asked if Lauren could sit between her and her daughter. So I picked up Lauren and placed her between the two. As Lauren sat there, the lady talked to her in the best English she could. "How old are you?," "What is your name?," and other things that I didn't catch because the racket of the train is pretty loud. Eventually the lady got quiet, probably used up all the English she knew, she pulled Lauren toward her and stroked her hair. Lauren just sat there like a smiling goofball and practically purred.
Eventually we finally arrived at Seoul Station. In total from PyeongTaek, it took about 50 minutes.
Pictures of Seoul Station are below....
These first three pictures are after we got off the train. We decided to go ahead and buy our train tickets back to PyeongTaek in advance so we could all arrive together. 
Next are pictures outside Seoul Station as we walked to another area which contained a superstore called Lotte World. <<<<Notice all the buses. I swear on my life that if this picture could be widened you will see buses as far as you can see.
<<<<Because of the humidity from the morning storms, a thick haze (not fog) loomed in the city. The humidity is the worst I've experienced in my 38, almost 39 years. This is just a bit of downtown Seoul.
Seoul Station houses many shops and restaurants. Even a Lotte World, which to us Walmart shoppers would appreciate. It's very similar. The coolest thing about Lotte World at Seoul Station (a picture I failed to get), was that the escalators were flat so the shoppers could ride up with their shopping carts!!!!!! Obviously, this Lotte World has two levels.
The kids immediately found the toys section, where as I was looking for the music section. Couldn't find it, but I did find a Shinee picture book of Lucifer....(for all my fangirls...kekeke)
Yep, the boys were all "KOREAN WII GAMES! KOREAN XBOX GAMES! KOREAN DS GAMES!" For the love of God, it was like they landed on the moon!
<<< Oh my God, it's a Korean Halo3 ODST!
Eventually we got tired of that store. Lauren was complaining she was hungry and thirsty and it was just time to move on. We walked past a Bennigans. Yes, there are those in Seoul. We didn't have enough time to get in and sit, so we started looking for the ever popular, American friendly, fast food joint we all know and love. Well, not me....I will never stop loving my BK. You got it.....McDonald's! We knew it was in the station and we only had 30 minutes to eat and go use the restrooms.
 |
| McDonald's at Seoul Station |
We get up to the counter. "One 4-piece McNugget Happy Meal," I said. Girl at the counter, "McNugget....??" Then walks off and finds a laminated picture table and has me order by pointing at pictures. Okay, it was simpler that way but I'm telling you I felt like a loser. The order was okay. She never asked what drinks we wanted with our meals with the exception of the Happy Meal. Bobby's and the boys' drinks were Cokes, automatically. We get our meals and discover we are short a hamburger. The place was so busy and then to have an American with a Korean speech impediment ask for the missing hamburger would have taken FOREVER. So Bobby just ate his fries and drank his Coke. I shared Lauren's fries because I didn't order anything. As soon as we walked in, the smell of frying "bulgogi" made me want to hurl. Oh, that reminds me. The hamburgers were called "bulgogi" burgers. "Bulgogi" is beef, but just cracked me up. "Bulgogi" burgers........kekeke!
 |
| McDonald's Ketchup |
As I'm not fluent in Hanguel, we'll just assume the main ingredient is to..ma..to..pa..ste.
The trip back to PyeongTaek was less "adventurous." We bought our tickets and were told that no seats were available and that we would have to stand. I didn't care at this point. I was tired, hot and sweaty. Forgot to mention, Koreans obviously don't believe in air conditioning. It was stuffy and I didn't not feel not one lick of any cold or moderately cool air at Seoul Station.
We rode back in the snack car. The car has console video games to play, a snack counter, massage chairs, internet cubicles.....don't laugh.....even a karoake area! I wish I could have gotten more pictures but I felt weird taking pictures with lots of people staring at me. LOL!
 |
| Ill-fated ticket that brought us back to PyeongTaek. |
 |
| The building in the backdrop was GOLD! |
 |
| Tried to take a pic of the outside but got an awesome reflective picture of the people on the train. |
>>>>The Suwon Station, I believe. One of the stops on our way back.
 |
| Matthew and Lauren sitting on the floor....of the train. |
We arrived to PyeongTaek.....rode the escalators down to ground level......and this is what we saw.
<<The windows near the escalator......
>>>>Outside PyeongTaek station, as we crossed the streets towards the main street....to our bus destination.
<< Anjeong-ri...."the Ville"....shops, restaurants....bricked road with marble benches to rest on...and only 3-4 blocks away from our "house." |
| Poster of the Korean movie, "71-Into the Fire" |
>>>A pic for my Asian fanatic friends. Kekeke. This poster was hung up high at Seoul Station. I'm sure you all can guess the actors' names.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Today, You Teach Me English!
Cast of characters in today's interesting story....
Army wife ~ AW
American Soldier (husband of AW) ~ AS
American Soldier who is also Filipino ~ AF
Grandfatherly Korean man ~ GK
Me
Today started out crappy. My intention was to get the boys registered for school, get our ration cards, go to ACS (Army Community Center) for information on tomorrow's excursion, hit the library and then possibly go to the commissary. I was out of my infamous Diet Mountain Dew.
We got to the registrar's office. They gave me all the paperwork I needed to fill out for both Eric and Matthew but the Osan rep. hadn't arrived yet. So, the kids and I decided to head out and try to fill out the other obligations I had set. Eventually, I let Matt take Lauren back to the hotel room while Eric and I headed back to the registrar's office to meet the Osan rep. Now mind you, since we have no vehicle....we had to walk everywhere. Sure, we could have taken the bus, but this base is soooooo small that that was just obsurd.
As Eric and I headed back, dark clouds loomed. The hot, humid air turned ice cold. I told Eric we should head back because we had no umbrella. Of course, Eric wants to trudge on and face the consequences. After convincing Eric that he was out of his ever-living-mind, we turned back and went back to the hotel. The sprinkles started and by the time we got to the front entrance doors to the hotel....heaven gave way.
We had been couped up in the hotel room for the whole day. Rain, thunder, lightening, and more rain. The base supposedly closed down because of heavy flooding. Yeah, it was that bad. The rain was constant....fast and heavy for over 6 hours.
So, after being couped up, I had to get outside. Outside the front of the hotel is a little pavillion. I think I mentioned this before. A lot of us living in the hotel come outside there and talk/hangout/smoke/just get fresh air.
I was the first to go outside. After sitting there people watching, AW shows up. Her and I sat there talking about the happenings of adjusting, when a little GK walks by. "Annyeong-haseyo, " I say. "Annyeong-haseyo," he replies. And he smiles and goes into the hotel. AW and I go back to talking when the little GK comes out smiling with a hot coffee in one hand and in the other, the Stars and Stripes newspaper.
He says "hello" in the cutest Engrish ever to both of us. He asks if we are American and we nod and say "yes." He sits next to me, opens the newspaper, then says, "Today, you teach me English." I smiled and said, "okay." He read the top news to me, "Gates In Korea to Discuss Tour Lengths."
GK~ "I understand Gates. He top defense guy."
Me~ "Correct."
GK~ "Gates in Korea to discuss....Discuss mean talk?"
Me~ "Correct."
GK~ "...to discuss tour lengths. I don't get. Tour...mean take trip to look around?"
Me~ "Well, yeah, tour does mean that but in this instance it doesn't mean that."
GK~ "English hard." He laughs.
Me~ "Well, you are doing a pretty good job. Tour...in this sentence, it is talking about a military man's stay in another country."
GK~ "Hmm...still don't get. What is lengths?"
Me~ "Lengths is referring to time. Gates wants to changes the time a military man has to stay out of his country."
GK~ "English is hard. Still don't understand."
Me~ "My husband's tour in Korea is 2 years. We will live here 2 years. Gates wants to change that. We might stay longer or shorter."
GK~ "Ohhhhh!"
We go through the paper some more and we come upon the word "deployment."
GK~ "What is a deployment. Very big word."
Me~ "Deployment is actually kind of like the word tour."
GK~ "Why not they say tour instead?"
Me~ "Because English is hard." We both laughed.
We then talked about accents. I explained that in Korea they have accents as well. There is the Daegu accent, the Busan accent, the Seoul accent, and I'm sure there are others. Americans have accents. There is the southeren drawl, the northeast, midwest, and I just said the California accent (because from movies and TV, that is what they mainly see and hear.) He pointed out that the English they learn are from Koreans who were taught English. And most of that English is American. One word in particular that annoyed him (that brought up this whole discussion) was the word "water." He said Americans say "wadder" but he was taught "water" with an emphasis on the "T." I told him that he said the word correctly but as Americans our English was "lax." We speak the same English as the Brits but because the first thirteen colonies had been away from England so long...as time progressed our English changed as well to what it is today. He replied with an "oooooh." He taught me something though. I never realized that from a foreign perspective, I was pronouncing "water" as "wadder."
Around this time AS and AF show up. GK starts explaining (about what I already knew) that the old Koreans love Americans because of the Korean War. He explained that he was 6 when the war broke out. He became a refugee and he and his family were forced to move south towards Busan. At this time, he had us laughing because he explained it was at that time he came upon his first American. Because he was only six, his father seemed big to him. But when he came to see the first American, he thought we were giants from a land of giants. He knew then that these giants would win because North Koreans were small like his father. Kekeke.
He then asked us what part of the states we were from...
GK to AS~ "Where you from?"
AS~ "I'm from Virginia."
GK~ "West Virginia?"
AS~ "No, just Virginia."
GK~ "I visit W.Virginia. Mountains big. Scary. We might fall off mountain." *he gestured a lot with his hands.*
GK to AF~ "Where you from?"
AF~ "I'm from the Philipines."
GK~ "You not American?"
AF~ "I'm half. My mother is Filipino."
I don't remember what exactly happened here but he started talking about how Korea used to be an underdeveloped country. Comparing the country to Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, etc. I told him that Korea was far from being underdeveloped. That well, yes, there were ungodly amount of rice paddies everywhere....but the cities were far more advanced than some American cities and that Seoul was much bigger than New York. That the entertainment, electronic and fashion industry had bipassed us by far.
He then talked about the States being the "police of the world." I asked him how he felt about that. Was it appalling to the average Korean? That sort of thing. He explained that he had nothing against it. That if it wasn't for the Americans, he would not be here. If it wasn't for the Americans, there would still be a Saddam Hussein. And on and on and on......
He then explained that the new generations didn't take to kindly to the American occupation but he then went on that as long as there were "halboji's" (grandfathers) around, they would keep teaching the youngers about Americans.
Somehow, he then changed topic directions again....
GK~ "Where you from?"
Me~ "I'm from Texas."
GK~ "City?"
Me~ "Dallas." *Of course, I say this because it's the closest big city and like he would know where Grand Prairie was. Grand Prairie is in Dallas county.......Kekeke.*
GK~ "Everyone in Korea know Dallas."
Me~ "They do?"
GK~ "Forty-seven years ago......all over world know Dallas. When President Kennedy got shot." *He then again used gestures of a man holding a shotgun.*
Me~ "Ah, yes. There is a museum and memorial of the place where he got shot. I don't think Dallas wants to be remembered of that fact, though."
GK~ "Ah, but Dallas is famous."
Me~ "We'd rather you know Dallas because of the Dallas Cowboys."
GK~ "The Dallas who?"
Me~ "American football."
GK~ "......."
*Then the others laughed.*
After that, AW, AS left. GK had to leave as well. He turned to me and said....
"Today, you my English Teacher." He then waved and said, "Annyeong-kyeseyo." "Goodbye," I replied.
Army wife ~ AW
American Soldier (husband of AW) ~ AS
American Soldier who is also Filipino ~ AF
Grandfatherly Korean man ~ GK
Me
Today started out crappy. My intention was to get the boys registered for school, get our ration cards, go to ACS (Army Community Center) for information on tomorrow's excursion, hit the library and then possibly go to the commissary. I was out of my infamous Diet Mountain Dew.
We got to the registrar's office. They gave me all the paperwork I needed to fill out for both Eric and Matthew but the Osan rep. hadn't arrived yet. So, the kids and I decided to head out and try to fill out the other obligations I had set. Eventually, I let Matt take Lauren back to the hotel room while Eric and I headed back to the registrar's office to meet the Osan rep. Now mind you, since we have no vehicle....we had to walk everywhere. Sure, we could have taken the bus, but this base is soooooo small that that was just obsurd.
As Eric and I headed back, dark clouds loomed. The hot, humid air turned ice cold. I told Eric we should head back because we had no umbrella. Of course, Eric wants to trudge on and face the consequences. After convincing Eric that he was out of his ever-living-mind, we turned back and went back to the hotel. The sprinkles started and by the time we got to the front entrance doors to the hotel....heaven gave way.
We had been couped up in the hotel room for the whole day. Rain, thunder, lightening, and more rain. The base supposedly closed down because of heavy flooding. Yeah, it was that bad. The rain was constant....fast and heavy for over 6 hours.
So, after being couped up, I had to get outside. Outside the front of the hotel is a little pavillion. I think I mentioned this before. A lot of us living in the hotel come outside there and talk/hangout/smoke/just get fresh air.
I was the first to go outside. After sitting there people watching, AW shows up. Her and I sat there talking about the happenings of adjusting, when a little GK walks by. "Annyeong-haseyo, " I say. "Annyeong-haseyo," he replies. And he smiles and goes into the hotel. AW and I go back to talking when the little GK comes out smiling with a hot coffee in one hand and in the other, the Stars and Stripes newspaper.
He says "hello" in the cutest Engrish ever to both of us. He asks if we are American and we nod and say "yes." He sits next to me, opens the newspaper, then says, "Today, you teach me English." I smiled and said, "okay." He read the top news to me, "Gates In Korea to Discuss Tour Lengths."
GK~ "I understand Gates. He top defense guy."
Me~ "Correct."
GK~ "Gates in Korea to discuss....Discuss mean talk?"
Me~ "Correct."
GK~ "...to discuss tour lengths. I don't get. Tour...mean take trip to look around?"
Me~ "Well, yeah, tour does mean that but in this instance it doesn't mean that."
GK~ "English hard." He laughs.
Me~ "Well, you are doing a pretty good job. Tour...in this sentence, it is talking about a military man's stay in another country."
GK~ "Hmm...still don't get. What is lengths?"
Me~ "Lengths is referring to time. Gates wants to changes the time a military man has to stay out of his country."
GK~ "English is hard. Still don't understand."
Me~ "My husband's tour in Korea is 2 years. We will live here 2 years. Gates wants to change that. We might stay longer or shorter."
GK~ "Ohhhhh!"
We go through the paper some more and we come upon the word "deployment."
GK~ "What is a deployment. Very big word."
Me~ "Deployment is actually kind of like the word tour."
GK~ "Why not they say tour instead?"
Me~ "Because English is hard." We both laughed.
We then talked about accents. I explained that in Korea they have accents as well. There is the Daegu accent, the Busan accent, the Seoul accent, and I'm sure there are others. Americans have accents. There is the southeren drawl, the northeast, midwest, and I just said the California accent (because from movies and TV, that is what they mainly see and hear.) He pointed out that the English they learn are from Koreans who were taught English. And most of that English is American. One word in particular that annoyed him (that brought up this whole discussion) was the word "water." He said Americans say "wadder" but he was taught "water" with an emphasis on the "T." I told him that he said the word correctly but as Americans our English was "lax." We speak the same English as the Brits but because the first thirteen colonies had been away from England so long...as time progressed our English changed as well to what it is today. He replied with an "oooooh." He taught me something though. I never realized that from a foreign perspective, I was pronouncing "water" as "wadder."
Around this time AS and AF show up. GK starts explaining (about what I already knew) that the old Koreans love Americans because of the Korean War. He explained that he was 6 when the war broke out. He became a refugee and he and his family were forced to move south towards Busan. At this time, he had us laughing because he explained it was at that time he came upon his first American. Because he was only six, his father seemed big to him. But when he came to see the first American, he thought we were giants from a land of giants. He knew then that these giants would win because North Koreans were small like his father. Kekeke.
He then asked us what part of the states we were from...
GK to AS~ "Where you from?"
AS~ "I'm from Virginia."
GK~ "West Virginia?"
AS~ "No, just Virginia."
GK~ "I visit W.Virginia. Mountains big. Scary. We might fall off mountain." *he gestured a lot with his hands.*
GK to AF~ "Where you from?"
AF~ "I'm from the Philipines."
GK~ "You not American?"
AF~ "I'm half. My mother is Filipino."
I don't remember what exactly happened here but he started talking about how Korea used to be an underdeveloped country. Comparing the country to Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, etc. I told him that Korea was far from being underdeveloped. That well, yes, there were ungodly amount of rice paddies everywhere....but the cities were far more advanced than some American cities and that Seoul was much bigger than New York. That the entertainment, electronic and fashion industry had bipassed us by far.
He then talked about the States being the "police of the world." I asked him how he felt about that. Was it appalling to the average Korean? That sort of thing. He explained that he had nothing against it. That if it wasn't for the Americans, he would not be here. If it wasn't for the Americans, there would still be a Saddam Hussein. And on and on and on......
He then explained that the new generations didn't take to kindly to the American occupation but he then went on that as long as there were "halboji's" (grandfathers) around, they would keep teaching the youngers about Americans.
Somehow, he then changed topic directions again....
GK~ "Where you from?"
Me~ "I'm from Texas."
GK~ "City?"
Me~ "Dallas." *Of course, I say this because it's the closest big city and like he would know where Grand Prairie was. Grand Prairie is in Dallas county.......Kekeke.*
GK~ "Everyone in Korea know Dallas."
Me~ "They do?"
GK~ "Forty-seven years ago......all over world know Dallas. When President Kennedy got shot." *He then again used gestures of a man holding a shotgun.*
Me~ "Ah, yes. There is a museum and memorial of the place where he got shot. I don't think Dallas wants to be remembered of that fact, though."
GK~ "Ah, but Dallas is famous."
Me~ "We'd rather you know Dallas because of the Dallas Cowboys."
GK~ "The Dallas who?"
Me~ "American football."
GK~ "......."
*Then the others laughed.*
After that, AW, AS left. GK had to leave as well. He turned to me and said....
"Today, you my English Teacher." He then waved and said, "Annyeong-kyeseyo." "Goodbye," I replied.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Kamsahamnida
"I am grateful."
We picked up Eric's cellphone yesterday. Same drill, different day.
Anyway, the lady at the counter (another beautiful Korean woman) gave Lauren a "display" cellphone since the rest of us got a new phone. The display phone is actually a real phone but doesn't turn on. To top it off, she gave Lauren one of those cellphone accessories you attach to the phone. Lauren chose one that has a light on the end. When you squeeze it, it lights up.
Most Americans don't have these but in Asia...it's like having several keychains attached to the phone. Notice, the attachment I have has a fake ruby set in a little pig. I chose this because...don't laugh...I was born the year of the pig.
After Eric got his phone (he got all those fun things too), we were about to leave. I bent down and whispered in Lauren's ear, "Tell the nice lady kamsahamnida." Lauren repeats, "Kamsah-ida." The lady at the counter....melted.
We picked up Eric's cellphone yesterday. Same drill, different day.
Anyway, the lady at the counter (another beautiful Korean woman) gave Lauren a "display" cellphone since the rest of us got a new phone. The display phone is actually a real phone but doesn't turn on. To top it off, she gave Lauren one of those cellphone accessories you attach to the phone. Lauren chose one that has a light on the end. When you squeeze it, it lights up.
Most Americans don't have these but in Asia...it's like having several keychains attached to the phone. Notice, the attachment I have has a fake ruby set in a little pig. I chose this because...don't laugh...I was born the year of the pig.
After Eric got his phone (he got all those fun things too), we were about to leave. I bent down and whispered in Lauren's ear, "Tell the nice lady kamsahamnida." Lauren repeats, "Kamsah-ida." The lady at the counter....melted.Nothing like having a cute four year-old girl say, "kamsahamnida."
*This pic is of my phone and the goodies given to me. Isn't the little cellphone purse cute?*
*This pic is of my phone and the goodies given to me. Isn't the little cellphone purse cute?*
The Good, The Bad, and The Weird
Yesterday, I met two women outside. One an army soldier just went active, former National Guard. The other, an army wife like me. All three of us sitting outside under a pavilion outside the front doors of the lodge. A little shaded area for some of us who feel couped up in our hotel rooms to come and get fresh air and just "people watch."
We introduced ourselves and just started talking about how we came to Korea and the troubles we had to deal with when we all came over. We came to the conclusion that the military really have no clue about Korea and the policies for civilians and the soldiers stationed here.
The soldier was told to not bring ANYTHING with her. She has a family (a husband~former soldier, and three young girls.) So they came with nothing but pretty much the clothes on their backs and what they could pack. She was told that they couldn't ship a vehicle. And that the military would provide furnishings for her and her family once they got a place off post. Well, the military can provide furnishing...if they are available. If not, it comes out of their own pocket to find those not provided. Obviously, the military will ship a vehicle as I can testify that my big, bad truck is sitting somewhere in Seoul or is somewhere near Seoul as this moment.
The army wife on the other hand brought EVERYTHING. All their furnishings. There is some discrepancy as I told her we were told we could pretty much bring only half of what we owned. I then told her if her household goods went over the weight limit that they would have to pay out-of-pocket the difference of what was allowable. So she is now stressed. Don't blame her. The problem lies in her husband's orders and what was written in them. We've came to realize at once, that depending on what post you came from, everyone had different mandated orders. There was no set rule.
Let me clarify something on my end. We immediately saw differences in what we were told as soon as we came to Seattle. At Ft. Hood, we were told we could bring only one pet. But then we were told that we couldn't fly our pets on a military sponsored plane. In Seattle, no lie, many people brought cages with various sized animals. Most were small dogs. THAT is where we switched from a domestic flight to a military flight. I'm telling you, I was seriously pissed.
The USAG Humphreys website said that they only allowed one small pet (a cat) only on post. Okay, some of those people were not going to Humphreys. Some got off in Japan. Some got off with us in Osan but were going to different posts other than Humphreys. Here at the hotel, I've seen people walking their DOGS! As I said, the website said only one small cat.
As you can tell, the communication from each post or base was varying in their knowledge of what was indeed true.
Here's another bit of knowledge that both women informed me about from people they knew who already live off post. Brace yourselves...especially for those who think they have a sky-high electric bill. Many of those friends who used the airconditioning units in the off post housing had bills roughly from $700-1000 for one month. And those same people only used their airconditioning units for no more than a week. Let's just say my jaw fell off my face. Korea isn't really hot but the humidity is worse than a hot day in the Amazon. Okay, some exaggeration there but it IS intense. We were told to run the airconditioner until the house got cool then turn if off...not to let it run. Thanking God Korea is not near the equator.
Here's something I forgot to mention. I've never seen it in the US but it might happen. So correct me if I'm wrong. While riding the bus back from Yongsan Army Base in Seoul to USAG Humphreys, I noticed men wearing reflective jackets and holding up light sticks to warn drivers that there were road workers ahead. Nothing out of the ordinary, I'm sure you are thinking. After close inspection, they were MANNEQUINS! That was the smartest idea. Why haven't I seen that in the US? We see commercials or read in the news of road workers getting struck by vehicles. But actually having a mannequin do the most dangerous job was ingenious. I have seen police cars parked strategically with mannequins to give the illusion that they are watching you. LOL! But to have a mannequin stand out in the road warning drivers to slow down for road contruction was weird but seriously a good idea. I'm sure you've noticed the little things amaze me. Kekeke.
We introduced ourselves and just started talking about how we came to Korea and the troubles we had to deal with when we all came over. We came to the conclusion that the military really have no clue about Korea and the policies for civilians and the soldiers stationed here.
The soldier was told to not bring ANYTHING with her. She has a family (a husband~former soldier, and three young girls.) So they came with nothing but pretty much the clothes on their backs and what they could pack. She was told that they couldn't ship a vehicle. And that the military would provide furnishings for her and her family once they got a place off post. Well, the military can provide furnishing...if they are available. If not, it comes out of their own pocket to find those not provided. Obviously, the military will ship a vehicle as I can testify that my big, bad truck is sitting somewhere in Seoul or is somewhere near Seoul as this moment.
The army wife on the other hand brought EVERYTHING. All their furnishings. There is some discrepancy as I told her we were told we could pretty much bring only half of what we owned. I then told her if her household goods went over the weight limit that they would have to pay out-of-pocket the difference of what was allowable. So she is now stressed. Don't blame her. The problem lies in her husband's orders and what was written in them. We've came to realize at once, that depending on what post you came from, everyone had different mandated orders. There was no set rule.
Let me clarify something on my end. We immediately saw differences in what we were told as soon as we came to Seattle. At Ft. Hood, we were told we could bring only one pet. But then we were told that we couldn't fly our pets on a military sponsored plane. In Seattle, no lie, many people brought cages with various sized animals. Most were small dogs. THAT is where we switched from a domestic flight to a military flight. I'm telling you, I was seriously pissed.
The USAG Humphreys website said that they only allowed one small pet (a cat) only on post. Okay, some of those people were not going to Humphreys. Some got off in Japan. Some got off with us in Osan but were going to different posts other than Humphreys. Here at the hotel, I've seen people walking their DOGS! As I said, the website said only one small cat.
As you can tell, the communication from each post or base was varying in their knowledge of what was indeed true.
Here's another bit of knowledge that both women informed me about from people they knew who already live off post. Brace yourselves...especially for those who think they have a sky-high electric bill. Many of those friends who used the airconditioning units in the off post housing had bills roughly from $700-1000 for one month. And those same people only used their airconditioning units for no more than a week. Let's just say my jaw fell off my face. Korea isn't really hot but the humidity is worse than a hot day in the Amazon. Okay, some exaggeration there but it IS intense. We were told to run the airconditioner until the house got cool then turn if off...not to let it run. Thanking God Korea is not near the equator.
Here's something I forgot to mention. I've never seen it in the US but it might happen. So correct me if I'm wrong. While riding the bus back from Yongsan Army Base in Seoul to USAG Humphreys, I noticed men wearing reflective jackets and holding up light sticks to warn drivers that there were road workers ahead. Nothing out of the ordinary, I'm sure you are thinking. After close inspection, they were MANNEQUINS! That was the smartest idea. Why haven't I seen that in the US? We see commercials or read in the news of road workers getting struck by vehicles. But actually having a mannequin do the most dangerous job was ingenious. I have seen police cars parked strategically with mannequins to give the illusion that they are watching you. LOL! But to have a mannequin stand out in the road warning drivers to slow down for road contruction was weird but seriously a good idea. I'm sure you've noticed the little things amaze me. Kekeke.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
USAG Humphreys
Okay, so....thought of writing about the oh-so-wonderful things about living on or near USAG Humphreys (renamed from just Camp Humphreys).
1. If we get the house we have chosen without horror, the boys will be able to walk on post to the waterpark. Yeah, we're that close.
2. I can walk on post, catch the bus, and relatively go anywhere on post for free.
3. The gym is the best gym I have ever seen. Temeko took us by there and my eyes glittered from envy. Then informed it's free to all military and their dependents. This thing (gym) is 3 levels!!!! The second level is where heaven came down upon me and angels sang. Treadmills, ellipticals, and the best weight equipment imaginable. Oh, yes, Sheree will be a visitor very, very soon.
4. The theater.....is FREE. Theater meaning.....movie theater. All the movies are new or recent. I'll will be there this week to see Eclipse and Letters to Juliet. I swear if the popcorn is free.....somebody hold me back!
5. There is a full sized Starbucks....'nuff said.
6. The hotel we are staying at....or as it's called the "Lodge,"....has free laundry and our rooms are furnished like an apartment. 'Nuff said. Oh, and free internet....or this blogging thing wouldn't be possible. Kekeke.
7. "Yo quiero Taco Bell!," "You can have it your way at BK."
*There were a few things Eric liked but those things were neither here nor there for me.*
______________________________________________________________
There are only a few things that are annoying here at the USAG Humphreys.......
1. The commissary is as a small as an ant hill.
2. The PX is just as small.
3. They only have two schools....elementary and middle. We were informed they are clearing a barracks (this particular one looks like a hotel) and making it into a school. High school? Don't know.
4. Only one gas station.
1. If we get the house we have chosen without horror, the boys will be able to walk on post to the waterpark. Yeah, we're that close.
2. I can walk on post, catch the bus, and relatively go anywhere on post for free.
3. The gym is the best gym I have ever seen. Temeko took us by there and my eyes glittered from envy. Then informed it's free to all military and their dependents. This thing (gym) is 3 levels!!!! The second level is where heaven came down upon me and angels sang. Treadmills, ellipticals, and the best weight equipment imaginable. Oh, yes, Sheree will be a visitor very, very soon.
4. The theater.....is FREE. Theater meaning.....movie theater. All the movies are new or recent. I'll will be there this week to see Eclipse and Letters to Juliet. I swear if the popcorn is free.....somebody hold me back!
5. There is a full sized Starbucks....'nuff said.
6. The hotel we are staying at....or as it's called the "Lodge,"....has free laundry and our rooms are furnished like an apartment. 'Nuff said. Oh, and free internet....or this blogging thing wouldn't be possible. Kekeke.
7. "Yo quiero Taco Bell!," "You can have it your way at BK."
*There were a few things Eric liked but those things were neither here nor there for me.*
______________________________________________________________
There are only a few things that are annoying here at the USAG Humphreys.......
1. The commissary is as a small as an ant hill.
2. The PX is just as small.
3. They only have two schools....elementary and middle. We were informed they are clearing a barracks (this particular one looks like a hotel) and making it into a school. High school? Don't know.
4. Only one gas station.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Living in a Korean home
I'll have pics up soon enough...but I think we got a home. The same one from yesterday. The "ahjumma" owner....not to be confused with the "ahjumma" realty lady....was a bit harsh, but then I expected that. At first, she put up a fuss that we have children. Why would a couple want this HUGE home? The "ahjumma" owner was quite adamant that she didn't want children. With lots of charade like movements and speedy Korean that even had me befuzzled, she managed to make her point. With an interpreter on the phone, the cellphone (trust me, that cellphone was quite used well today) was passed from the owner, the realtor, the interpreter, Temeko, me and Bobby. We all got a part of that phone. After a good while, I think our interpreter (the "ahjumma" realtor lady from yesterday), put in a good word for us. Eventually, the "ahjumma" owner gave in and we worked it out. We will pay 1,600,000 ($1400.00 roughly)won for the 4 bedroom house/apartment.
The home is quite bigger than the Harker Heights home, 'bout the same size as the Killeen home minus the 2 car garage (Mr. Biggie Truck will have to tide the elements in Korea). We don't have a yard but we do have this wrap around deck that goes from the living room and circles completely to the back of the kitchen. We would live on the second floor (not third, as mentioned yesterday). The house is FULLY FURNISHED! With better furniture than us. Even decorated....kekeke....with beautiful Korean art. HEAVEN, I tell you!
Now we will have to decided what we want to do with our furniture that we are bringing. The couches might fit if we separate them. Put a couch in the master, a love seat in one of the boys rooms, and the chair in another room. I guess we'll deal with that when we get there. We might have to sell some stuff. LOL!
Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself. We haven't put down a deposit yet. The military has to do a safety inspection first. Then we have to get approval from command. Bunch of military BS that is slowing down the process. Aaaagh!
On a good note, the "ahjumma" realtor lady who we actually came to find out wasn't a realtor lady. LOL! Nope, she worked in the same building as the realtor "ahjussi" (name given to a man of marriagable age...like ahjumma, usually 30 or older.) She is actually a money exchanger. Meaning, she takes our wonderful dollars and turns them magically into won. LOL! And just happens to speak understandable English. Anyway, this woman is like a diamond in the rough. So sweet! I will definitely go to her to exchange my money. LOL! Today, we are getting some of the typhoon that has hit the Asian coast. Rain won't end. Anyway, she was always there with an umbrella. While we were safe, she took the brunt of the rain. Very polite.
The "ahjussi" realtor, even though he didn't speak a lick of English (okay, the basics), was a kind man. Before we left, decided when to come back (Monday or Tuesday) because of military BS, he just handed out my favorite candy out of the blue. How did he win me over? Easy enough. Just give Sheree a Snickers bar and YOU WIN! LOL! Seriously (chin jiha), the few people we have met are making my stay here so much more heavenly!
The home is quite bigger than the Harker Heights home, 'bout the same size as the Killeen home minus the 2 car garage (Mr. Biggie Truck will have to tide the elements in Korea). We don't have a yard but we do have this wrap around deck that goes from the living room and circles completely to the back of the kitchen. We would live on the second floor (not third, as mentioned yesterday). The house is FULLY FURNISHED! With better furniture than us. Even decorated....kekeke....with beautiful Korean art. HEAVEN, I tell you!
Now we will have to decided what we want to do with our furniture that we are bringing. The couches might fit if we separate them. Put a couch in the master, a love seat in one of the boys rooms, and the chair in another room. I guess we'll deal with that when we get there. We might have to sell some stuff. LOL!
Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself. We haven't put down a deposit yet. The military has to do a safety inspection first. Then we have to get approval from command. Bunch of military BS that is slowing down the process. Aaaagh!
On a good note, the "ahjumma" realtor lady who we actually came to find out wasn't a realtor lady. LOL! Nope, she worked in the same building as the realtor "ahjussi" (name given to a man of marriagable age...like ahjumma, usually 30 or older.) She is actually a money exchanger. Meaning, she takes our wonderful dollars and turns them magically into won. LOL! And just happens to speak understandable English. Anyway, this woman is like a diamond in the rough. So sweet! I will definitely go to her to exchange my money. LOL! Today, we are getting some of the typhoon that has hit the Asian coast. Rain won't end. Anyway, she was always there with an umbrella. While we were safe, she took the brunt of the rain. Very polite.
The "ahjussi" realtor, even though he didn't speak a lick of English (okay, the basics), was a kind man. Before we left, decided when to come back (Monday or Tuesday) because of military BS, he just handed out my favorite candy out of the blue. How did he win me over? Easy enough. Just give Sheree a Snickers bar and YOU WIN! LOL! Seriously (chin jiha), the few people we have met are making my stay here so much more heavenly!
Friday, July 16, 2010
I'm Baaaaack!
It's been so long I've forgotten how to blog. LOL!
Well here I go.........
Today, another nonstop drama. We are barely in our hotel. Most of our day is bumming a ride from Temeko (our Korean sponsor, Bobby's co-worker who happened to work with him at Ft. Hood.) She has taken us everywhere. She even has taken care of our reservations here at the hotel. She today took us off post, helped with our cellphone purchases, and was with us when we went house hunting. We owe her tons for her help.
Today's main adventure was house hunting. Oh, those Koreans can be wiley. Many of you know, there is no such thing as "set price." Everything can be haggled. Well, today....we haggled for a completely furnished 4-bedroom house/apartment, wireless internet/cable TV, American size washer/dryers, and WATER!
Yeah, water. Supposedly, you don't drink Korean tap water. Don't drink the water in Mexico. Don't drink the water in Korea. Did some research and the water IS drinkable in Korea. South Koreans have been so horrified of North Korean psychology that they have believed and still (some) believe that North Korea has contaminated there water. Even though the World Health Organization has cleared Korean water for consumption, many still to this day won't drink it. Okay, I'm an American and don't really care much for American tap water but that is because that crap that comes out of our faucets taste like...well, crap. I'd rather drink bottled water anyway.
So, water haggling was a little weird to say the least for a house. LOL! Whatever. I'll drink out of a bottle no matter what, even if it was good or...bad.
Well, as my story goes on. The "ahjumma" (Korean term for older women usually over the age of 30, married w/children...or not) realtor lady with much confusion took us over to the house to check it out. Okay, the lady is smaller than me (5'2"ish...to my 5'7") walked waaaaay faster than me. I literally had to walk/jog to keep up with her. Yes, we walked from the office to the house. So all 6 of us (this included Temeko) struggled to keep up with the little woman. Her strides weren't only fast...but long.
We get to the house with much sweat. Workout...maybe. Could have been humidity...maybe. Combination of both...most definitely. The house/apartment was on the 3rd floor. I think. Can't remember...my brain was fried from the intense walk we had. We couldn't get in because the house owner was away. We decided to go outside and wait. It was cooler outside as the sky got darker....rain was on its way. Again.
As we waited, the clouds broke and the sprinkles got bigger. Then out of the blue, a window across the small street (the streets are no wider than the typical alleyway in the States...no joke) opened and this loud angry voice came out. All in Korean. She was yelling at the "ahjumma". All I caught out of the yelling was...rain (bi) and child/baby (aegi). I came to the conclusion the "eonni" (older sister/title of respect given to older women by women), as the "ahjumma" called her, was a little beyond pissed that the "ahjumma" made us wait in the rain and that Lauren was getting wet. The "ahjumma" ran to the "eonni" and came back with an umbrella to give to Lauren. Then the "eonni" came outside spewing Korean (probably reprimanding the "ahjumma") with another umbrella which she gave to me. Amazingly, she was an adorable old lady who I instantly fell in love with. You just had to be there. She talked to us in Korean and for some reason we understood what she tried to say. Luckily, I did seem to get some words. I think Temeko, Bobby, and the boys were amazed more so now with my translation skills than ever before. Kekeke!
As the rain came down, we decided to head back to the realty office. As we walked back, Lauren complained that she was tired. Well, yeah....we were walking behind the fastest Korean I've ever seen. I asked Lauren if she wanted a "piggy back ride". I didn't even get a chance to squat down..."ahjumma" was already down and Lauren climbed on her back. At that moment, I realized that most of the Americans I have spoken to weren't joking, that elder Koreans were exceptionally kind to us...the Americans. The "ahjumma" didn't complain. She sweet talked with Lauren. Lauren giggled and laughed with her. At the same time, Temeko, myself and Bobby...walked behind with our jaws dragging on the ground.
Tomorrow, we meet up with the "ahjumma" again to conclude our visit to the house. We hope its the "one" we want. It's right outside the gate. Bobby could walk to work and catch the bus inside the base. Matthew most definitely would not have any problems with getting to school. Heck, he might even could walk with his dad. Eric is our only concern...having to go to school to Osan and all.
Also, tomorrow...we pick up our cellphones. Eric will have to wait just a wee bit longer. We discovered his military ID is missing his SSN. That was really weird. He might have to get a new ID. Anyway, we have to take his SSN card to get his cellphone. I know. I know. "What?!!!" is what you are thinking. Since we are military, it's a requirement for the Korean community to have our "lives" printed on paper. They know we can up and leave and they get screwed in the process because they can't do anything about it.
I just wonder how crazy tomorrow will be.......
Well here I go.........
Today, another nonstop drama. We are barely in our hotel. Most of our day is bumming a ride from Temeko (our Korean sponsor, Bobby's co-worker who happened to work with him at Ft. Hood.) She has taken us everywhere. She even has taken care of our reservations here at the hotel. She today took us off post, helped with our cellphone purchases, and was with us when we went house hunting. We owe her tons for her help.
Today's main adventure was house hunting. Oh, those Koreans can be wiley. Many of you know, there is no such thing as "set price." Everything can be haggled. Well, today....we haggled for a completely furnished 4-bedroom house/apartment, wireless internet/cable TV, American size washer/dryers, and WATER!
Yeah, water. Supposedly, you don't drink Korean tap water. Don't drink the water in Mexico. Don't drink the water in Korea. Did some research and the water IS drinkable in Korea. South Koreans have been so horrified of North Korean psychology that they have believed and still (some) believe that North Korea has contaminated there water. Even though the World Health Organization has cleared Korean water for consumption, many still to this day won't drink it. Okay, I'm an American and don't really care much for American tap water but that is because that crap that comes out of our faucets taste like...well, crap. I'd rather drink bottled water anyway.
So, water haggling was a little weird to say the least for a house. LOL! Whatever. I'll drink out of a bottle no matter what, even if it was good or...bad.
Well, as my story goes on. The "ahjumma" (Korean term for older women usually over the age of 30, married w/children...or not) realtor lady with much confusion took us over to the house to check it out. Okay, the lady is smaller than me (5'2"ish...to my 5'7") walked waaaaay faster than me. I literally had to walk/jog to keep up with her. Yes, we walked from the office to the house. So all 6 of us (this included Temeko) struggled to keep up with the little woman. Her strides weren't only fast...but long.
We get to the house with much sweat. Workout...maybe. Could have been humidity...maybe. Combination of both...most definitely. The house/apartment was on the 3rd floor. I think. Can't remember...my brain was fried from the intense walk we had. We couldn't get in because the house owner was away. We decided to go outside and wait. It was cooler outside as the sky got darker....rain was on its way. Again.
As we waited, the clouds broke and the sprinkles got bigger. Then out of the blue, a window across the small street (the streets are no wider than the typical alleyway in the States...no joke) opened and this loud angry voice came out. All in Korean. She was yelling at the "ahjumma". All I caught out of the yelling was...rain (bi) and child/baby (aegi). I came to the conclusion the "eonni" (older sister/title of respect given to older women by women), as the "ahjumma" called her, was a little beyond pissed that the "ahjumma" made us wait in the rain and that Lauren was getting wet. The "ahjumma" ran to the "eonni" and came back with an umbrella to give to Lauren. Then the "eonni" came outside spewing Korean (probably reprimanding the "ahjumma") with another umbrella which she gave to me. Amazingly, she was an adorable old lady who I instantly fell in love with. You just had to be there. She talked to us in Korean and for some reason we understood what she tried to say. Luckily, I did seem to get some words. I think Temeko, Bobby, and the boys were amazed more so now with my translation skills than ever before. Kekeke!
As the rain came down, we decided to head back to the realty office. As we walked back, Lauren complained that she was tired. Well, yeah....we were walking behind the fastest Korean I've ever seen. I asked Lauren if she wanted a "piggy back ride". I didn't even get a chance to squat down..."ahjumma" was already down and Lauren climbed on her back. At that moment, I realized that most of the Americans I have spoken to weren't joking, that elder Koreans were exceptionally kind to us...the Americans. The "ahjumma" didn't complain. She sweet talked with Lauren. Lauren giggled and laughed with her. At the same time, Temeko, myself and Bobby...walked behind with our jaws dragging on the ground.
Tomorrow, we meet up with the "ahjumma" again to conclude our visit to the house. We hope its the "one" we want. It's right outside the gate. Bobby could walk to work and catch the bus inside the base. Matthew most definitely would not have any problems with getting to school. Heck, he might even could walk with his dad. Eric is our only concern...having to go to school to Osan and all.
Also, tomorrow...we pick up our cellphones. Eric will have to wait just a wee bit longer. We discovered his military ID is missing his SSN. That was really weird. He might have to get a new ID. Anyway, we have to take his SSN card to get his cellphone. I know. I know. "What?!!!" is what you are thinking. Since we are military, it's a requirement for the Korean community to have our "lives" printed on paper. They know we can up and leave and they get screwed in the process because they can't do anything about it.
I just wonder how crazy tomorrow will be.......
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Super Junior OFFICIALLY releases "IT'S YOU!"
Like I can't already get "Sorry, Sorry" out of my head....now this song! Aggghhh! It's not like that is a bad thing. LOL!
This song, to me, has more of a grown up feel. I would think it's about time since the oldest, by the Korean year, is 27!! It's time for the girly, girly "bubblegum" pop to go! The diversity this year has been incredible and I'm so happy that I'm now able to watch them grow into adult musicians. Plus, it doesn't make me feel so guilty being a "nuna" by a decade! LOL!
.......is it me but doesn't it sound like their saying "quote, unquote" when they say "neorago".
EUNHYUK) Neorago (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
EUNHYUK) Neorago (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
DONGHAE) Nan neoppoonirago (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
DONGHAE) Neorago (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
EUNHYUK) Neorago (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
EUNHYUK) Neorago (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
DONGHAE) Nan neoppoonirago (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
DONGHAE) Neorago (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
D♥NGHAE) Dareun saram piryo eobseo naneun geunyang neorago (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
D♥NGHAE) Dashi hanbeon mooreo bwado naneun geunyang neorago (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
KYU♥HYUN) Imi neoneun dareun saranghaeggejjiman (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
KYU♥HYUN) Nohchil sooga eobseo dashi dorikil soo eobseo Oh~ (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
YESUNG) Nae noonbichi ddeugeoweodeon soongane (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
YESUNG) Gaseum gipeun moseul bakdeon soongane (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
LEETEUK) Miryeon eobshi baro neoreul seontaekhaesseo (KYUHYUN/ Neorago) Geurae nan neorago
YESUNG) Oh nan~
SIWON) Geu nooga nooga mweorado naneun sanggwan eobdago
SIWON) Geu nooga nooga yokhaedo neoman barabondago
RYEOWOOK) Na dashi taeyeonandedo ojik neoppoonirago (jakkoo jakkoo~) Shigani heulleodo
RYEOWOOK) Oh nan~
KANG♥IN) Neol saranghanda marhaedo cheonbeon manbeon marhaedo
KANG♥IN) Nae gaseum sok da booltago mareun ipsool dwedorok
KYUHYUN) Na dashi taeyeonandedo ojik neoppoonirago (jakkoo jakkoo~) Shigani heulleodo
KYUHYUN) Oh nan~
EUNHYUK) Oh oh only for you Oh oh only for you
EUNHYUK) Oh oh only for you Oh oh only for you
LEETEUK) Oh oh only for you Oh oh only for you
LEETEUK) Oh oh only for you (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
KANGIN) Amoo maldo piryo eobseo nan geunyang neorago (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
Neomoo neujeoddago haedo nan geunyang neorago (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
SUNGMIN) Jalmotdwen sarangin geol algo ijjiman (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
LEETEUK) Pogihal soo eobseo jeoldae nohchil sooneun eobseo Oh oh~ (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
EUNHYUK) Chadachan nae ipsooreun deo booreune (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
SHINDONG) Ddeugeowoopge neoreul chaja wechine (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
RYEOWOOK) Boolleobwado daedapeobneun neoijiman (KYUHYUN/ Neorago) Neol gidarindago
RYEOWOOK) Oh nan~
HANGENG) Geu nooga nooga mweorado naneun sanggwan eobdago
KYUHYUN) Geu nooga nooga yokhaedo neoman barabondago
YESUNG) Na dashi taeyeonandedo ojik neoppoonirago (jakkoo jakkoo~) Shigani heulleodo
RYEOWOOK) Oh nan~
SUNGMIN) Neol saranghanda marhaedo cheonbeon manbeon marhaedo
SUNGMIN) Nae gaseum sok da booltago mareun ipsool dwedorok
KYUHYUN) Na dashi taeyeonandedo ojik neoppoonirago (jakkoo jakkoo~) Shigani heulleodo
RYEOWOOK) Oh nan~
EUNHYUK) Oh oh only for you Oh oh only for you
HEECHUL) Nan neorago neorago naneun
DONGHAE) Wae moreuni? Wae moreuni?
HEECHUL) Nan neorago neorago nan~
SIWON) Geu nooga nooga mweorado naneun sanggwan eobdago (YE♥SUNG/ Nan sanggwan eobdago)
SIWON) Geu nooga nooga yokhaedo neoman barabondago (YESUNG/ Neol barabwa Hey~)
RYEOWOOK) Na dashi taeyeonandedo ojik neoppoonirago (jakkoo jakkoo~) Shigani heulleodo (YESUNG/ Heulleodo Ah~ oh yeah~)
RYEOWOOK) Oh nan~
DONGHAE) Neol saranghanda marhaedo cheonbeon manbeon marhaedo
DONGHAE) Nae gaseum sok da booltago mareun ipsool dwedorok (YESUNG/ Ipsool dwedorok Oh baby~)
KYUHYUN) Na dashi taeyeonandedo ojik neoppoonirago (jakkoo jakkoo~)
YESUNG+KYUHYUN) Shigani heulleodo
RYEOWOOK) Oh nan~
DONGHAE) Neorago (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
DONGHAE) Neorago (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
DONGHAE) Nan neoppoonirago (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
DONGHAE) Neorago (KYUHYUN/ Neorago)
Credits to La’MISS:fairy at SJ-WORLD.NET
Translations
It’s you
It’s you
It’s you
It’s only you
It’s you
It’s you
I don’t need anyone else, it’s only you
When you ask again, it’s only you
Even if you already have another love
I can’t forget you, I can’t turn back around
Oh ~
The moment my eyes began to burn
The moment my heart was captured by you
I have no regret, I chose you
That’s right, it’s you
Chorus :
Oh whatever anyone anyone says, it doesn’t matter to me
Oh whoever whoever curses me, I’ll only look at you
Even when I’m born again, it’s still only you
(Still Still) Even as time goes by
Oh when you tell me you love me
When you tell me thousands and millions of times
Even when my heart sets on fire, my dry lips wear out
Even when I’m born again, it’s still only you
(Still Still) Even as time goes by
Oh oh only for you Oh oh only for you
Oh oh only for you Oh oh only for you
Oh oh only for you Oh oh only for you
Oh oh only for you
It’s you
I don’t need any words. it’s just you
“ It’s too late “ , but for me it’s just you
I know our love is wrong
I can’t give up, I can’t let you go
Ah Ah
My lips, cold as can be, are even more blue
I cry out to find to find your warmth
I call, even though I call for you
And there’s no reply, I’ll wait for you
Chorus :
Oh whatever anyone anyone says, it doesn’t matter to me
Oh whoever whoever curses me, I’ll only look at you
Even when I’m born again, it’s still only you
(Still Still) Even as time goes by
Oh when you tell me you love me
When you tell me thousands and millions of times
Even when my heart sets on fire, my dry lips wear out
Even when I’m born again, it’s still only you
(Still Still) Even as time goes by
Oh oh only for you Oh oh only for you
Oh oh only for you Oh oh only for you
Oh oh only for you Oh oh only for you
Oh oh only for you
For me, it’s you, it’s you
Why don’t you know, why don’t you know?
For me, it’s you, it’s you
Oh whatever anyone anyone says, it doesn’t matter to me
Oh whoever whoever curses me, I’ll only look at you
Even when I’m born again, it’s still only you
(Still Still) Even as time goes by
Oh when you tell me you love me
When you tell me thousands and millions of times
Even when my heart sets on fire, my dry lips wear out
Even when I’m born again, it’s still only you
(Still Still) Even as time goes by
It’s you
Credit : kimchi hana@soompi.com
Friday, February 06, 2009
Ai Nante by NewS' Tegoshi Yuya
Don't mind the Italian Subs....the English ones have all of a sudden disappeared. Errrgh!!!
Watch [Pacific Tour] Tegoshi Yuya - Ai nante View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
Dore dake aruite kitan darou?
Furimuitara namida no ato
Kizu tsuke kizu tsuki tadoritsuita basho
Ima koko ni kimi ga iru
How long will I keep going, I wonder
After I turned my weeping face
Being hurt and hurting in return
I reached that place after many struggles
And now you’re here
Ai nante kimi dake sa
Itsu demo motome sugite
Ai nante kimi nashi ja
Imi nai yo ikirarenai
What’s love?It's only you
Always demanding too much
What’s love?Without you there is no meaning
Without you I can’t live
Hontou ni kokoro de ai sete iru no?
Ima demo fuan da yo
Hitorikiri yume no naka tadoritsuita basho
Furueteru kimi ga iru yo
Do you really love me with your heart?
Even now I’m insecure
All alone I reached that place within my dreams
And you were there shivering
Nakanaide hanasanai yo
Subete wo nage sutetemo
Mirai nante kimi nashi ja
Mienai yo iranai yo
Don’t cry, I will never let you go
Even if I would throw away everything
What’s the future?
Without you there is no meaning to it
I don’t need that
Asa no hizashi ni kimi no negao to
Tereta egao de ureshiku nareru kara
Sonna hibi wo kanjitai yo eien ni
In the morning sunlight
Seeing your sleeping face and your shy smile
Gives me hapiness
That’s the love I believe in
For eternity
Ai nante kimi dake sa
Itsu demo motome sugite
Ai nante kimi nashi ja
Imi nai yo ikirarenai
What’s love?It's only you
Always demanding too much
What’s love? Without you there is no meaning
Without you I can’t live
Ai shitemo ai shikirenai
Mirai nante kimi nashi ja
Mienai yo iranaï yo
Although I love you, love is impossible
What is the future?
Without you I can’t imagine it
Without you I don’t need it.
I don't know why, but this song just brings me to tears. I've never really been a big fan of NewS but for some reason this song has definitely turned my head their way. Such a beautiful song from Tegoshi Yuya. He's probably the only singer in the band that is worth their while. He's got a future.....DEFINITELY!
Also two verses were cut out in this video since two of the members who sing this song with him weren't there....so their parts weren't sung. Just an FYI.
Watch [Pacific Tour] Tegoshi Yuya - Ai nante View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
Dore dake aruite kitan darou?
Furimuitara namida no ato
Kizu tsuke kizu tsuki tadoritsuita basho
Ima koko ni kimi ga iru
How long will I keep going, I wonder
After I turned my weeping face
Being hurt and hurting in return
I reached that place after many struggles
And now you’re here
Ai nante kimi dake sa
Itsu demo motome sugite
Ai nante kimi nashi ja
Imi nai yo ikirarenai
What’s love?It's only you
Always demanding too much
What’s love?Without you there is no meaning
Without you I can’t live
Hontou ni kokoro de ai sete iru no?
Ima demo fuan da yo
Hitorikiri yume no naka tadoritsuita basho
Furueteru kimi ga iru yo
Do you really love me with your heart?
Even now I’m insecure
All alone I reached that place within my dreams
And you were there shivering
Nakanaide hanasanai yo
Subete wo nage sutetemo
Mirai nante kimi nashi ja
Mienai yo iranai yo
Don’t cry, I will never let you go
Even if I would throw away everything
What’s the future?
Without you there is no meaning to it
I don’t need that
Asa no hizashi ni kimi no negao to
Tereta egao de ureshiku nareru kara
Sonna hibi wo kanjitai yo eien ni
In the morning sunlight
Seeing your sleeping face and your shy smile
Gives me hapiness
That’s the love I believe in
For eternity
Ai nante kimi dake sa
Itsu demo motome sugite
Ai nante kimi nashi ja
Imi nai yo ikirarenai
What’s love?It's only you
Always demanding too much
What’s love? Without you there is no meaning
Without you I can’t live
Ai shitemo ai shikirenai
Mirai nante kimi nashi ja
Mienai yo iranaï yo
Although I love you, love is impossible
What is the future?
Without you I can’t imagine it
Without you I don’t need it.
I don't know why, but this song just brings me to tears. I've never really been a big fan of NewS but for some reason this song has definitely turned my head their way. Such a beautiful song from Tegoshi Yuya. He's probably the only singer in the band that is worth their while. He's got a future.....DEFINITELY!
Also two verses were cut out in this video since two of the members who sing this song with him weren't there....so their parts weren't sung. Just an FYI.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
An American Mutt, I Am!
I haven't posted here in so long. I know....don't beat me....please!
I have so many things to talk about.
First, my cat Smokey, who I have had since he was 6 weeks old, was put to rest on Friday, September 12th. I haven't posted about him because it was really hard to not think of him and not ball my eyes out. I'm more at peace now. I brought him home with me in September of 1992. Yeah, he was 16 years old. He was old but a fighter to the end. I had to put him down because he was losing weight quickly (and he was already underweight as it was) and his skin started to turn yellow underneath his grey fur. Ugh! He was my "old man", my "Smokey man", "Sir Smoke-a-lot", the "Smoke meister". He loved fresh microwaved popcorn (the buttery kind), raisins and prunes (weird, I know), and he loved to jump on my chest and knead my hair. The latter is the hardest. It's weird not having him by my side.
Second, I'm having difficulty with snide remarks about the American people from those from overseas. I'm not here to start a war. I'm here to clarify things.
I've read hundreds of things about we Americans are snobs and think we are the best. Well, that being said, I don't think we are snobs. Being the best? Aren't we? We are the best of every nation. What I mean is.....is that we are country compiled of "mutts". We aren't a pure bred race of people. We are the best of every person who has decided to come across the " great ponds" and have spread their seeds. For every "pure bred" race, their children, grandchildren, and their children will reproduce with another "mutt" from our country and creat a stronger person. We are the best from every nation. Their aren't any Japanese, Chinese, German, Africans, etc...that live here. They are Japanese-American, Chinese-American, German-American, etc. We are a blessed country to have these people of different nations that decide to crossover and spread their ancestry to us. Aren't we becoming a better country because of this?
I'm a person with no certain race. I do know I have Canadian blood, German blood, English blood, and Native American blood.
When I read or hear about how we Americans "know it all" and said with sarcasm. It hurts. It really, really hurts. We are characterized by our government. We the people, chose our President...yes. But if it doesn't work out....we out him in four years. But as a people, we shouldn't be judged because of one man or one government. Proud to be an American..yes! I'm proud to be a white girl with "muddled" blood.
This girl wants to be friends with all who are willling to except me as I am. American.
Most Americans on average are segregated to this country. Meaning? I have never left the mainland. Have never crossed the borders. We might be a rich country but not all of us are rich. Many of us are just lucky to go to a different state, if we can. So naive we might be to other cultures. But thanks to the internet...that is being remedied.
So as to my Mid-Life Anime Crisis, has led me to love the Asian culture. I've never been there but so want to before I die. I want to eat Japanese ramen and drink Sake, Korean kim chi and bimbap with Soju.
So for someone to hate Americans, you have to have been here. You have to meet our people of "mutts". Embrace our culture before you decide you hate us. We welcome those with open arms who truly want to learn about us. We want to tell you why we think we are the best. You don't have to believe it or accept it.
But to be an American you don't have to be. Nations now are becoming thinned blood. Pure breeds almost don't exist anymore. Only cultures really remain. If cultures could be taught in schoools, would separation of nations become non-existant? Could the two Koreas finally merge?
I know my topic is all over the place. I have so many thoughts that are merging and separating as I type this.
Having the best of every nation that runs through our blood, I would say that yes...Americans are the best because thanks to you (our friends, neighbors, allies, enemies, cultures), we wouldn't be the "mutts" we are today
I have so many things to talk about.
First, my cat Smokey, who I have had since he was 6 weeks old, was put to rest on Friday, September 12th. I haven't posted about him because it was really hard to not think of him and not ball my eyes out. I'm more at peace now. I brought him home with me in September of 1992. Yeah, he was 16 years old. He was old but a fighter to the end. I had to put him down because he was losing weight quickly (and he was already underweight as it was) and his skin started to turn yellow underneath his grey fur. Ugh! He was my "old man", my "Smokey man", "Sir Smoke-a-lot", the "Smoke meister". He loved fresh microwaved popcorn (the buttery kind), raisins and prunes (weird, I know), and he loved to jump on my chest and knead my hair. The latter is the hardest. It's weird not having him by my side.
Second, I'm having difficulty with snide remarks about the American people from those from overseas. I'm not here to start a war. I'm here to clarify things.
I've read hundreds of things about we Americans are snobs and think we are the best. Well, that being said, I don't think we are snobs. Being the best? Aren't we? We are the best of every nation. What I mean is.....is that we are country compiled of "mutts". We aren't a pure bred race of people. We are the best of every person who has decided to come across the " great ponds" and have spread their seeds. For every "pure bred" race, their children, grandchildren, and their children will reproduce with another "mutt" from our country and creat a stronger person. We are the best from every nation. Their aren't any Japanese, Chinese, German, Africans, etc...that live here. They are Japanese-American, Chinese-American, German-American, etc. We are a blessed country to have these people of different nations that decide to crossover and spread their ancestry to us. Aren't we becoming a better country because of this?
I'm a person with no certain race. I do know I have Canadian blood, German blood, English blood, and Native American blood.
When I read or hear about how we Americans "know it all" and said with sarcasm. It hurts. It really, really hurts. We are characterized by our government. We the people, chose our President...yes. But if it doesn't work out....we out him in four years. But as a people, we shouldn't be judged because of one man or one government. Proud to be an American..yes! I'm proud to be a white girl with "muddled" blood.
This girl wants to be friends with all who are willling to except me as I am. American.
Most Americans on average are segregated to this country. Meaning? I have never left the mainland. Have never crossed the borders. We might be a rich country but not all of us are rich. Many of us are just lucky to go to a different state, if we can. So naive we might be to other cultures. But thanks to the internet...that is being remedied.
So as to my Mid-Life Anime Crisis, has led me to love the Asian culture. I've never been there but so want to before I die. I want to eat Japanese ramen and drink Sake, Korean kim chi and bimbap with Soju.
So for someone to hate Americans, you have to have been here. You have to meet our people of "mutts". Embrace our culture before you decide you hate us. We welcome those with open arms who truly want to learn about us. We want to tell you why we think we are the best. You don't have to believe it or accept it.
But to be an American you don't have to be. Nations now are becoming thinned blood. Pure breeds almost don't exist anymore. Only cultures really remain. If cultures could be taught in schoools, would separation of nations become non-existant? Could the two Koreas finally merge?
I know my topic is all over the place. I have so many thoughts that are merging and separating as I type this.
Having the best of every nation that runs through our blood, I would say that yes...Americans are the best because thanks to you (our friends, neighbors, allies, enemies, cultures), we wouldn't be the "mutts" we are today
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Made a Friend at a Red Light
Two days ago, on my way to the trusty ol' WallyWorld, I'm driving along in my big, bad Dodge. Living in a small town, that has loads of people (loads of military families), the traffic is insane. The stop lights are timed in some places, so you pretty much are at the mercy of the city.
Anyway, I'm driving along, windows rolled down and I'm blaring Shinhwa (totally cool Korean R&B group) out my stereo. I eventually make it to one of those blasted timed red lights. So, I sit there tapping my fingers along with the beat of the song on my steering wheel.
Next thing ya know, a car stops right along beside me and the passenger of the car starts yelling and waving at me. I turn down my stereo and look out my window thinking she was telling me that I have a flat tire or something.
Nope.
She starts yelling excitedly at me.
"Was that Shinhwa?"
"You know who Shinhwa are?"
.....and more stuff like that.
I tell her I know a lot of Korean, Japanese, and even Chinese/Taiwan groups and bands. Shinhwa are my favorite band out of S. Korea.
She got all happy and was telling me whe was totally shocked to see a white girl jammin' to a band that is exclusive to Korea. I laughed.
Out of that whole time at the red light, we ended exchanging email addresses. I turned up the volume of my Shinhwa CD and we both happily sang along to A Perfect Man.
Then the light turned green.
Anyway, I'm driving along, windows rolled down and I'm blaring Shinhwa (totally cool Korean R&B group) out my stereo. I eventually make it to one of those blasted timed red lights. So, I sit there tapping my fingers along with the beat of the song on my steering wheel.
Next thing ya know, a car stops right along beside me and the passenger of the car starts yelling and waving at me. I turn down my stereo and look out my window thinking she was telling me that I have a flat tire or something.
Nope.
She starts yelling excitedly at me.
"Was that Shinhwa?"
"You know who Shinhwa are?"
.....and more stuff like that.
I tell her I know a lot of Korean, Japanese, and even Chinese/Taiwan groups and bands. Shinhwa are my favorite band out of S. Korea.
She got all happy and was telling me whe was totally shocked to see a white girl jammin' to a band that is exclusive to Korea. I laughed.
Out of that whole time at the red light, we ended exchanging email addresses. I turned up the volume of my Shinhwa CD and we both happily sang along to A Perfect Man.
Then the light turned green.
Rain is BACK...Beijing Closing Ceremonies!
*I know this is days late but I've been trying to catch up on Cartoon KAT-TUN so please forgive me. I also have many more movies to blog also. Hopefully, I'll get to those tomorrow...*
Okay, on to my guy! I was so upset with NBC coverage of the final concert. They give Leona Lewis and Jimmy Page, an awesome overview performance. Yeah, Leona belted out that song awesomely. But come on! Rain is more famous in China than Leona Lewis!!!!!!!!!!
So I spent 2.5 hours of my time (neglected KAT-TUN) to wait for Rain's performance. Only a 30 second glimpse pretty much. I was soooooo pissed it wasn't even funny. A few fellow bloggers and forum friends also shared the same view as I. Eeeeergh! Oh and to top it off, NBC announced him as a Chinese performer. I 'bout choked on my Diet Mountain Dew! NBC you're such dumb asses, it ain't funny.
But!!!!! What we did see was a handsome, elegant Rain. The long hair was chopped off and the old Rain was back at it. That beautifully sculpted body and magnanimous voice.....*sigh*
Rain is Back!!!!
January 2009 won't get here fast enough to see his next cinematic performance as a Ninja Assassin! Wheeeeeeeeeeee!
Okay, on to my guy! I was so upset with NBC coverage of the final concert. They give Leona Lewis and Jimmy Page, an awesome overview performance. Yeah, Leona belted out that song awesomely. But come on! Rain is more famous in China than Leona Lewis!!!!!!!!!!
So I spent 2.5 hours of my time (neglected KAT-TUN) to wait for Rain's performance. Only a 30 second glimpse pretty much. I was soooooo pissed it wasn't even funny. A few fellow bloggers and forum friends also shared the same view as I. Eeeeergh! Oh and to top it off, NBC announced him as a Chinese performer. I 'bout choked on my Diet Mountain Dew! NBC you're such dumb asses, it ain't funny.
But!!!!! What we did see was a handsome, elegant Rain. The long hair was chopped off and the old Rain was back at it. That beautifully sculpted body and magnanimous voice.....*sigh*
Rain is Back!!!!
January 2009 won't get here fast enough to see his next cinematic performance as a Ninja Assassin! Wheeeeeeeeeeee!
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