tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47034282139810236322024-02-07T13:22:57.377+09:00Wally in Real LifeIn the land of the morning calm and raging kpop fangirls.Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.comBlogger341125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-45481410407226815942012-08-27T18:56:00.001+09:002012-08-27T18:56:23.503+09:00Typhoon Bolaven<br />
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Kind of stressing about this typhoon. Supposed to be feeling the effects from this evening until tomorrow evening.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is from about 12 hours ago. It has since passed Okinawa and is going to skirt the West Coast of the Korean Peninsula. Hooray.</td></tr>
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Supposed to be most severe in the morning tomorrow as the center is projected to pass a predicted 100 km west of Seoul.</div>
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Have to say I'm glad to not be living in Icheon now.</div>
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And to have extensive hurricane experience in order to handle this shit at least sort of calmly.</div>
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This is a pretty big storm we've got comin' our way folks... </div>
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Will hopefully have internet throughout. If I can, I'll post a vlog sometime tomorrow!</div>
Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-88764538668045410322012-08-20T23:34:00.003+09:002012-08-20T23:34:51.321+09:00Gardening... sort ofWhen I was in elementary school I have fond memories of setting up a garden with my father and picking green peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries and the like. Granted, I mostly supervised while my father did the vast majority of the work, even though I <i>swore</i> I would pick weeds, water, plant and harvest everything myself because "please please <i>please</i> daddy! All I want in this whole wide world is a garden!"I pretty much just stuck to the harvesting. That's the fun part anyways.<br />
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Well, at my school's summer camp, I was teaching an English science class and we learned about plants and seeds and such. All the students got little bean plants to grow at home, and we did some activities comparing seeds to full grown plants. As a result I ended up with about six packs of unused seeds, some planting stuff and one leftover bean plant.<br />
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So what did I do? Why naturally I decided I'd get my urban gardening on. I also managed to discover some old planters just sitting under the stairs out on the balcony next to my place. I used one and have planted up some spinach which is just starting to sprout. I've also still got my bean plant, and am working on some four o'clocks (a big decorative trumpet flower that blooms PINK!)<br />
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We'll see how this all goes, since it's almost fall. I should have done this earlier I supposed, but I haven't.<br />
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Additionally, my boyfriend Jong Hoon is growing watermelon from seeds he spit out from one of the many watermelons his parents bought him and his brother this summer.<br />
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In other news, I have internet at my house, and the fall semester officially started today...<br />
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I've also decided to try to resume blogging and to make this blog a personal blog about Korea/my life and keep my tumblr to kpop related things.Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-38058014614820126122012-06-02T18:20:00.001+09:002012-06-02T18:20:52.583+09:00My awkward body.<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15px;">
This has nothing to do with the "that awkward moment" meme because this wasn't an awkward moment it was just this super awkward body thing I did today. I was walking to the store (all of three minutes, on foot, away), wearing my flip flops and tank top. Perfect weather.</div>
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I'm approaching the store, but I have to cross the street. I have two options: 1. wait until the traffic stops and I can cross (it's a small street, but with a fair amount of car traffic, especially on Saturday afternoon) but this could take up to three minutes of waiting. OR 2. At a lull in traffic going one way, dart through the cars. They usually aren't going very fast, so they all generally stop.</div>
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Option 2 is the option I usually go for, as do most of the people who live in my neighborhood. It's generally not dangerous.</div>
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Well, unless your wearing flip flops that you almost never wear and which are just slightly loose on your feet. As I start to run through the two lanes (one in each direction) I feel the bottom of my right flip flop fold under my foot, causing me to trip, in the middle of the road.</div>
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I fly forward into the second lane of oncoming traffic with absolutely no body control and a car approaching. I try to regain my balance, flailing my arms wildly as my flip flops fly off my feet. I stumble again, but manage to not quite fall as the approaching car jerks to a stop. I embarrassedly reenter the street and get my flip flops and finish crossing the road.</div>
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Upon regaining the awareness that had temporarily exited my body, I discovered that my left knee was in considerable pain, and my right big toe had a large piece of skin hanging loose as blood was pooling. I turned around and walked home, tail between my legs and bandaged my now throbbing toe before returning to the store.</div>
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Good thing only 25 or so people saw me, and all of them strangers.</div>
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Even more importantly, good thing I didn't get hit by a car, amiright?</div>
<br />Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0Itaewon 2(i)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea37.5407324 126.989718837.5281419 126.96997780000001 37.553322900000005 127.0094598tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-86171025376473503752012-04-13T00:19:00.004+09:002012-04-13T00:19:55.274+09:00Why I Teach: Cindy<br />
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Today I was reminded exactly why I am teaching in the first place: for the beautiful beings that are children. For their minds. For their futures.</div>
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This is how it happened:</div>
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My morning was rough, my mind filled with a whole boatload of things I had to get done before I go to Jeju tomorrow for an ultimate frisbee tournament. I also had all my lowest level classes today, for six hours straight.</div>
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In my fourth class, grade 2 (elementary school), one of my hardest classes to control, a girl named Cindy came up to me sheepishly and quietly said, in Korean, "teacher today I couldn't do my homework." And I was overwhelmed with other stuff so I kind of ignored her. And then as class started, I began checking the students homework as I always do for the first five minutes of class. When I got to little Cindy I said ok Cindy no homework. You see, this student has never done homework in class. She's a sweet girl and she works hard in class, but for almost a month and half she hasn't done a single page of homework. And as I move to the next student I suddenly realize Cindy is crying. Not a little, but a lot, these great big gulping sobs, and everything stops. The students are drawn like magnets, which I know won't help. So I take Cindy outside and sit down with her for a good almost five minutes and we talk about her homework.</div>
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She says to me, again in Korean, I don't know how to do the homework. It's too hard and I can't do it. And so I said to her, if you can't do because you don't know how, I understand. You can come see me any time when you don't know how to do your homework. In the mornings, or lunch or after school. And so I told her we can do our homework together during lunch time today.</div>
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But she made some excuses like what if there isn't enough time after I eat, and I thought maybe she was just upset that she couldn't get a sticker because she hadn't done her homework, and that she didn't really care at all. But I told her, just come and we will do what we can.</div>
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And then at the end of class Cindy came up to me and she said, as always, in Korean, Teacher, I will not play today after lunch. I will come straight here, and then I will come after classes end too if I have to so I can finish my homework.</div>
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And you know what? She did just that.</div>
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She came at lunch and worked on her homework in class with me and her classmate Sally who is even more of a beginner at English than she is. And then the moment class ended she came to my classroom door with her books in her hand looking at me like, let's start!</div>
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And we did. We did one whole chapter of the workbook, which is a lot (about two and a half weeks of homework almost) and she just worked her little butt off. And then after a whole hour of just me an hear looking at her workbook, I had to tell her it's time over and I had to work. And she said to herself, "oh I don't want to stop," and then looked at me and said, "I'll come tomorrow at lunch."</div>
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I don't think I've ever felt so fulfilled doing what I'm doing that I did at that moment when she showed me just how bad she wants this, and how much she trusts me to help her get there. Her English is not bad. She is probably much better than the rest of her class. But her confidence in English is no good. I will make that change 100 percent. She will be the class star by Summer vacation.</div>
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Mark my words.</div>Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-54482422891924383112012-02-08T20:22:00.000+09:002012-02-08T20:22:32.678+09:00I bought this today:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eXyvgETlpROxex78kqG1cmA7Trn5eZo6Ytc5yYbDp9ZJOf6fXilHi7do2aOGIB1J5VRT4anh3KiVknKpelFzH_wmkNExfX10DRCcSvwTIlPDl3NX_JsWl3hJgwn6LX8EhM_ASNWUeP0/s1600/IMG_3469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eXyvgETlpROxex78kqG1cmA7Trn5eZo6Ytc5yYbDp9ZJOf6fXilHi7do2aOGIB1J5VRT4anh3KiVknKpelFzH_wmkNExfX10DRCcSvwTIlPDl3NX_JsWl3hJgwn6LX8EhM_ASNWUeP0/s320/IMG_3469.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-62707668746387920652012-01-18T20:52:00.002+09:002012-01-18T20:57:06.097+09:00Chef WallyI've been cooking a lot lately.<br />
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I made almond chocolate chip brownie cupcakes, which are DELICIOUS, and from a box (well, I added the chocolate chips and almonds and, in a stroke of genius, put them in a muffin pan).<br />
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I also made this soft tofu soup. Sarah, if you are reading this, this is what I made when I was back in Gainesville with you. This is what it's supposed to look like. It's not nearly as spicy as the stuff I made in Gainesville. You (sarah, and everyone else) should definitely give it a go. I posted a recipe on <a href="http://www.reallywally.tumblr.com/">www.reallywally.tumblr.com</a><br />
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Here is a picture:<br />
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<br />Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-77188758686412659052012-01-17T22:02:00.001+09:002012-01-17T22:02:16.384+09:00Brownies, Refrigerators, HuluWell, it's been a roller coaster end of 2011, and here we are going through another breath-taking corkscrew and 2012 is only a couple weeks in.<br />
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On Friday, I discovered that my refrigerator had broken, and that the inside of my refrigerator was no longer cold. I also discovered that the chicken breasts in my freezer had dethawed and spilled chicken juice all about my freezer's insides.<br />
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It was then I went down to my landlord and, all in Korean mind you, expressed that a problem had arisen in my apartment, involving my refrigerator. And when my landlord remained unmoved, I knew I was in for a treat. It was at that moment that I realized the refrigerator was in fact my refrigerator, which I bought along with all the furniture in my apartment (including a dresser, microwave, sofa, dresser, t.v., water dispenser and the fridge, apparently) for 200 US dollars.<br />
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After showing a bit more desperation as I explained that I didn't know what to do about my refrigerator, my landlord conceded to coming to check out the refrigerator. However, he didn't do much except ask if I had unplugged it and plugged it back in (what, do I look like I'm a five year old? Come on) and then he got a worker from the second hand furniture and appliance store across the street.<br />
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Friendly as the worker was, he was not a repairman, and did nothing except check the plug (for the 5th time) and put his ear to the fridge. However, he did call LG to set up a repairman appointment for later that afternoon.<br />
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About an hour later, the repairman came and pulled the refrigerator back off the wall, revealing a dozen hair accessories which Nova and Baram pushed into the depths underneath the refrigerator, and which I embarrassedly tidied while he inspected my refrigerator. After finishing his inspection, he said, all in Korean mind you, that that whatchamacallit was broken and needed to be replaced. I say whatchamacallit because he tried to explain to me it's location and purpose, but even had he been speaking English I'm fairly certain it would have gotten no where. The new part would cost 50,000 won, about 45 US Dollars. However, he added, my refrigerator being nearly 20 years old, he couldn't guarantee that it would last, and that some people would opt to simply buy a new refrigerator at this point.<br />
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He then proceeded to tell me we needed to wait 10 minutes, for some reason that was not entirely clear. After the 10 minutes my refrigerator was turned back on. I didn't, at the time, understand how this happened since he replaced nothing and said nothing regarding the situation. He then said I should call him tomorrow or later today after consulting with a male (Hoon) regarding the part replacement vs. refrigerator replacement decision. He then left after telling me I owed him nothing since he fixed nothing (in spite of my refrigerator becoming cooler by the moment).<br />
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Hoon arrived home from sports academy at about 6:30 to a barrage of text messages from me. Yes, they have sports education academies in Korea; Hoon attends his approximately 40 hours per week during his vacation from school. I'm not a fan. After consultation with the repairman, Jong Hoon told me to opt for the part replacement, but that he wanted to research the correct price for the part to make sure I wasn't getting hosed.<br />
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So Saturday morning came and I discovered that my refrigerator had, again, shut off, overnight.<br />
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This time the refrigerator warmed up extremely quickly and I ended up throwing away about 80% of the food that remained in my fridge. Hooray. Hoon was unreachable the entirety of Saturday, something I don't wish to speak about as it irritates me beyond words. Finally Saturday at 11 pm he called apologizing, and swearing he'd set a repair appointment the very next morning.<br />
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And so he did set an appointment, which came on Monday afternoon.<br />
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And the same repairman came and he replaced the timer and sensor in about 10 minutes flat and was out of my apartment in under 20 minutes. I'm pretty sure I could have just bought the parts and installed them myself. It was actually that easy.<br />
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But regardless, I now have a working fridge and cold food once more.<br />
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So to celebrate, I've been watching Gossip Girl and Glee nonstop and I made chocolate chip-almond brownie cupcakes.<br />
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And now I just have to hope that it doesn't break again before my first paycheck comes in March 25th. If it does break again, well, then, looks like I've got a few months of ramen in the forecast.<br />
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And that is how I fell victim to and overcame refrigerated tragedy in the nation of South Korea.Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-83236937245194630772012-01-13T18:37:00.004+09:002012-08-27T19:00:08.134+09:002011 in Review.It was a year of LOTS of changes. Here's my recap by the month.<br />
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<b>January</b>: Watched Korean Dramas: My Princess, Boys Over Flowers, Secret Garden. Enjoyed my last winter vacation at Incheon.</div>
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<b>February</b>: <i>14th</i>: my first Valentine’s Day with Hoon. Making peppero (pocky) all by myself. <i>16th</i>: Kitties.<i> 24th</i>: BigBang Album <i>25th</i>: My First Big Bang Big Show. </div>
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<b>March</b>:<i> 14th</i>: White day with Hoon. (Big Box of candy and Hello Kitty make-up bag!!!) <i>27th</i>: Seoul Fashion Week</div>
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<b>April</b>: <i>8th</i>: BB Special Edition Album Release. <i>17th</i>: Angel Price Festival w/ BB. <i>29th</i>: Best. Birthday. Ever. Se7en's Chicken Restaurant <i>30th:</i> The time I met Big Bang.</div>
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<b>May</b>: <i>24th</i>: First trip to YG Building </div>
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<b>June</b>: <i>1st</i>: Daesung’s Car Accident. Heavy online hate from Daesung fans for translating Korean news articles. The end of Big Bang Promotions</div>
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<b>July</b>: <i>13th</i>: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2 (aka the end of my childhood) <i>20th</i>: 1 year anniversary <i>29th</i>: last day of my Middle School Teaching job <i>30th</i>: Moved to Seoul</div>
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<b>August</b>: <i>8th</i>: narrowly skirt typhoon and get bumped to business class on flight to USA <i>9th-26th</i>: America with Hoon. HARRY POTTER WORLD. <i>26th</i>: narrowly skirt hurricane and barely make it back to America <i>30th</i>: begin work at new hagwon</div>
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<b>September</b>: <i>1st:</i> first day of Korean classes at Sogang.</div>
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<b>October</b>: <i>20th</i>: Old Middle School’s Festival day, visit. Mid Terms. Visa Run to Japan.</div>
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<b>November</b>: <i>11th</i>: Sogang first quarter finished! All A's! <i>20th</i>: My grandmother passed away. The first person in my family I've lost while abroad. Probably won't be the last.</div>
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<b>December</b>: <i>1st</i>: Sogang Korean Winter Term Starts! <i>2nd</i>: Hoon & my 500 day anniversary. <i>4th</i>: YG Family Concert <i>22nd</i>: Sogang Classmate White Elephant Party <i>24th</i>: Pre-K closes, lose job <i>29th</i>: Get new, better job. Must quit Sogang. <i>31st</i>: New Years Cocktail Party. HAPPINESS.</div>
Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-65479029516745211272011-12-27T15:59:00.001+09:002012-08-27T18:58:14.998+09:00That Time I lost my job on Christmas.<br />
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It's been literally ages since I've posted on here, but this is big.</div>
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So here begins one of my most depressing stories from my time in Korea.</div>
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As I had written not so long ago, I have been working for a pre-school academy part time since September. I loved my students and my co-teachers, even if there were some things that were annoying and stressful and not so wonderful about the job. Plus, it gave me a visa and a salary which was/is critical for me to continue living in Korea and studying Korean.</div>
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My visa was slated to run until early November of 2012, but it looks like I won’t be using it for quite that long.</div>
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On Saturday, Christmas Eve, after two hours of class, our boss came into the office and said she had some news. I had no idea what it could be but kind of hoped for a Christmas gift or bonus of some sort.</div>
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But the only gift our boss had for us was one I’d never expected or wanted to hear. Our academy was closing as of that day. There were severe money problems (the sole investor backed out in September and out boss had been making all payments herself since then), and it was impossible to continue. She explained that if we continued to work through January it was possible she wouldn’t be able to pay us our salaries and that she thought it was better to end it right here.</div>
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And so, from today, I am jobless.</div>
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What this also means is that I have about one month to find a new job before my visa expires. Luckily, I have my full-time student stuff to cover me IF something doesn’t come up. However, if I can’t find part-time work with a visa-sponsoring academy, I am gonna have to quit Sogang after the winter term and probably work full time for another year.</div>
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I am just glad that because I am only part-time, my house is not being paid for by my academy. The other native English teacher was full-time and her apartment was paid for by our academy and she has two weeks to find a new house, sign a contract, and completely move out. Not to mention she also has one month to find a job before her contract runs out.</div>
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Regardless, though, it was a pretty shitty way to ring in Christmas Eve, that’s for sure.</div>
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As a result, I am looking for a new job, and sending lots of e-mails and resumes to lots of different academies. And in case there happens to be a blogger out there who happens to know of something, please reblog and drop me a message if you hear anything.</div>
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My Christmas was really great, though. I will post about that soon!</div>
Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-35442690707180462842011-10-22T20:45:00.003+09:002011-10-22T20:45:49.850+09:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">My Hostel in Japan</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">It's Japan!</span></div>Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-54921428770112417652011-07-29T22:15:00.000+09:002011-07-29T22:15:38.487+09:00Last minute before movingIt's 10 pm on Friday.<br />
<br />
I will move tomorrow around 6pm.<br />
<br />
I am a little annoyed that it is so late, but I don't really have much of a choice.<br />
<br />
I have all my clothing packed (except the stuff that is still drying from my laundry yesterday).<br />
<br />
I have all my bathroom stuff packed.<br />
<br />
I packed everything in my bedroom (essentially).<br />
<br />
My kitchen, however, is a freaking disaster.<br />
<br />
I can't pack up kitchen stuff because I just don't know how. It's totally over my head.<br />
<br />
Also, I ran out of boxes (I have one left and all my kitchen stuff left to pack)<br />
<br />
But, I am way better off than I was in the last move.<br />
<br />
Plus, I got word from the part-time job that she will pay for the visa run <i>IF</i> I get my fbi background check by the first week of September. That gives me one month. LET'S GO FBI!<br />
<br />
Please, everyone, fingers crossed please. I really need this job. Like seriously really need it.Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-78770124656508752212011-07-28T15:40:00.000+09:002011-07-28T15:40:35.441+09:00Moving and TearsI move to my new apartment on Saturday, which I'm sure I've mentioned like 600 times.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow is my last day to come to Shinheung Girls Middle School. Next week I have an English camp at another nearby middle school.<br />
<br />
Today I have to move a bunch of my boxes and stuff from my office.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I had my last dinner with two of my co-teachers (the two I am by far the closest to)<br />
<br />
We went to the same place where we had our first teacher dinner, mostly just by coincidence.<br />
<br />
It was fun and talk-filled, but seriously, it was so so so so sad. Seriously. I cried like a baby. We took some polaroids and ate and chatted, and we all cried. And they gave me this beautiful pair of earrings from J.Estina and I just can't tell you how thankful I am to them.<br />
<br />
They have helped me when I didn't know enough Korean, or when I didn't know where to look for something, or when I needed to sneak out early to go to the post office or bank, or when I just wanted help with anything. They have so much stress as homeroom teachers and with paperwork and discipline and extra classes I never could understand how they managed it, but they always did everything they possible could to make my life that much easier.<br />
<br />
It's not like I'll never see them again, but I won't see them in the same capacity, and it's just so crazy.<br />
<br />
A huge chapter of my life is closing. And a new chapter is opening. It's exciting, but bittersweet.<br />
<br />
I'm no longer in the beginning of my Korean life.Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-22707132860295948372011-07-26T10:46:00.000+09:002011-07-26T10:46:27.722+09:00Stress in KoreaI'm continuing to have a moderately stressful time here in Korea. I am two days into my final week at my middle school. I am packing things up in boxes and praying I don't forget anything too important here at school.<br />
<br />
I officially move on Saturday July 30. No, I have not packed a damn thing in my apartment yet. I haven't really had time to do any packing. I'm hoping to really buckle down on Thursday and Friday.<br />
<br />
Today I have to go to the Immigration Office <i>again</i> to attempt to file my visa extension. So far my visa extension experience is as follows:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Call Immigration Office for information. Get convoluted answers and the response that to get personal information I must visit immigration office in person.</li>
<li>Go to Incheon Office of Immigration. Deal with an idiot who has no idea what is going on (partly because no one has any idea, including myself, what the rules are)</li>
<li>Call Immigration Office. Am told I will probably be required to go on a visa run because they cannot process visa applications in advance (one month is too much notice???)</li>
<li>Call Immigration Office again. Speak to helpful woman who reassures me that I should have no problem extending my visa anytime from now until I leave for America. She reiterates that I will have to return to the Immigration Office after my vacation in America to fill out some additional paperwork. No problem</li>
<li>7/21 Call Immigration Office again to confirm required documents and procedure. Am told that I may be able to file my employment transfer form at the same time (if I am lucky).</li>
<li>7/22 Go to Seoul Immigration Office with the following items: visa appointment reservation ticket, passport, Alien Registration Card, apostilled and notarized diploma copy, my current school contract, new hagwon contract, hagwon's business and teaching licenses, 30,000 won, and completed immigration forms 34 and 38-3</li>
<li>Wait until my appointment time. Go to appointment desk. No one is there. Get help from a not very nice looking employee who offers to serve us since there is no one in the appointment booth. My new Korean boss explains why we came and what we are looking to do. Without so much as looking at any documents checking a computer or doing anything, she says I cannot file for my visa extension until within 15 days of my visa expiration. Unfortunately, I will be in New York City, Philadelpha and Florida at that time. My Korean boss explains this, and the women says I must bring in my airplane tickets to show I will be gone and then they will process it early. I have already explained my whole situation on the phone with immigration help a total of five times at this point and there was never, ever an instance in which I was told I needed plane tickets. </li>
<li>Return home defeated.</li>
<li>Discover in my mailbox a letter from immigration. It reads: Your visa will expire soon. If you plan to extend your visa please go to the nearest immigration office and complete the necessary paper work to do so.</li>
<li>WHAT. THE. FUCK.</li>
</ul>So I'm going back this afternoon, with all those documents, my plane tickets, a big innocent help me smile, and I'm going to find the youngest, nicest looking male employee and inquire with him about my appointment and pray that he helps me and lets me apply in advance. Because this is just getting absurd.<br />
<br />
After the immigration office I am paying my apartment deposit and buying all the furniture from the current tenant.<br />
<br />
At least I have an apartment, right? The only problem is that I am not sure if I'll be legally permitted to live/work here.<br />
<br />
lolWallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-85892699953199962172011-07-15T10:34:00.001+09:002011-07-15T10:42:09.405+09:00Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2 was great.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">I cried approximately 4-5 times (including one moment when I’m pretty sure I was the only one crying, but I was sobbing because this is my entire childhood ending)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Hoon loved it as well.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Actually, Hoon I think liked it better than I did.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Most of it was awesome. Most of it.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Spoilers (but not really as I don’t give anything away, especially if you’ve read the books) below:</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word !important;"></div><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">The battle for Hogwarts had moments of greatness, but it was too short. I wanted to see more focus on all the students and all the professors and the Order just going at it. Instead, we saw flashes of that greatness and a lot of Harry, Hermione, Ron, running around all crazy and shit trying to find/destroy the last horcruxes.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Also, I think Fred’s death wasn’t what I had anticipated.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Neville Longbottom was the joy of the movie. Seriously, he was fucking awesome. More awesome in the movie than I remember him being in the books (although it’s been awhile)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Voldemort’s death was kind of anti-climatic for me. But that’s just me.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">There were harrowing parts, parts where I just held my breath and prayed for Hogwarts and Harry and Dumbledore’s Army and the Order, and there were parts when I cried, big gulping sighs of saddness, and there were parts when I laughed (those were few though, in this movie). There were also parts when I thought, oh, that’s it?</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">But, overall, I couldn’t peel my eyes away from the screen and I was literally shaking with anticipation while the students/professors/Order readied hogwarts for battle.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Also, most of the effects were flawless and beautiful. Sometimes it seemed a bit over the top (uh, the all-white meeting Dumbledore in the station thing), but it was mostly awesome.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">A must see for any Harry enthusiast (duh) and also for those who want to know how the story ends.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">From two people, one who has never read the books, and only began watching the movies about a year ago, and the other, a Harry Potter fan from before they became the rage in America (I saw JK Rowling on Rosie O’Donnell in July/August of 1998 and begged for the first book, but didn’t receive it until Christmastime maybe, about 6 months before it appeared on teh NYTimes Bestsellers List), a fan who went to midnight screenings and book release parties, made her own wand, sorted her and her friends into houses (I’m definitively Slytherin), from both of us, we sat in awe of the movie for well over two hours.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">And when it ended I felt a small piece of me had ended. A doorway to a special part of my childhood was closed. But I am happy.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Plus, a month from now, we’ll be gearing up to go to Harry Potter World, so I guess that childhood door isn’t quite closed yet. </span></div>Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-20272149508292916902011-07-06T22:56:00.000+09:002011-07-06T22:56:59.821+09:00SorryI feel a little bad because I've let this blog kind of fall by the wayside a little, which is unfortunate. I've been really busy with the other blog and giveaways and stuff (if you are into kpop, check it out here)<br />
<br />
Plus tumblr really is a much easier platform, and nicer on the eyes.<br />
<br />
Nonetheless I will try to recap the last few weeks, but it's been a haze in a lot of places.<br />
<br />
I tested 650+ students for speaking exams. Every student at my school grade 1-3. Grade one had a dialogue which they had to translate to Korean and memorize. The dialogue was pretty simple. But the students had real trouble memorizing it, I noticed. And grade 2/3 received three questions. They had to choose one and prepare a speech answering the one question. This went better than the dialogue, but not that great. Grading was the most difficult thing as I got no guidance regarding the division of grades (I am under the impression that ideal distribution would be like a bell where the largest number of students got a middle score. I was later informed that 20-30% of all students should receive a 10/10. lol My grading scale had to change quick.<br />
<br />
Then I had my open class. Open class is a period when your class is open for your principal, other teachers from your school, teachers from other schools (foreign teachers and native teachers), and district supervisors to come in and watch and evaluate your lesson. Then there is a open discussion afterwards. Luckily, I knew most of the people who came in to watch and I got great feedback. Also, my class was PERFECT. So that was a relief because the class I had tends to be crazy talkative.<br />
<br />
Now, exams are all finished, and I've got 6 more days of school left (I think it's only five days of classes, if my memory of last year serves me right). Today was my first day telling my students that I won't be around next semester. It was actually really really sad. I had some not very good classes today, and it was still sad. When I have class with my grade ones, and the grade threes (who are the only students I've taught the WHOLE time I've been here) it's gonna be super hard. I didn't cry today, but I almost did.<br />
<br />
Well, what's next?<br />
<br />
I have been accepted to study Korean at Sogang University (not a big deal, the acceptance, they accept everyone; the big deal is what level I test in to). I will be attending Korean classes Mon-Fri 9a.m. to 1 p.m. no breaks.<br />
<br />
To help pay for this little endeavor, I've also secured (well, contract isn't finalized, but I've been offered) a part-time job at a pre-kindergarten hagwon (private after school program). The students are super young, 24 months to 4 years, and really adorable. I've visited the pre-k before and my good friend works there. I've currently been offered a job Tues-Fri 4-6p.m. so 8 hours a week, with a possibility for the addition of Monday and/or Saturday classes (up to about 15 hours/week). I'm really excited about this job and how great the timing works into my schedule (it still leaves evenings free for studying and plenty of time in the afternoon for lunch and class prep/studying.<br />
<br />
The problem?<br />
<br />
a) <b>Housing</b>: It's really difficult finding housing in Seoul. Especially without a ton of money. You see, monthly rent is often quite cheap (consistently less than 600usd/month, usually close to 450-500usd/month for a furnished studio in the middle of the 5th biggest city in the world is pretty damn cheap). However, Korea has key money, which is basically a gigantic deposit. I'm used to a first and last month's deposit policy. Here, however, it's not uncommon to pay 5-10,000 US Dollars in a deposit (which is returned at the end of the contract assuming no damages are incurred) before the contract starts. This policy stems from the 전세 system, which is this crazy idea to pay an enormous deposit (25,000 usd+) on an apartment and then pay absolutely no rent for the next 12 months and receive your original 25,000usd back upon contract termination. Basically free rent (the landlord profits from the interest earned on that deposit typically). Ten-fifteen years ago, this was almost the only system in place. THese days, they are moving to a 월세 system, or monthly rent system. But, still, the huge deposits are a result of the previous area of monster deposits. Needless to say, I don't have a spare 5-10,000usd hanging around for me to use on a deposit, so I'm super limited. Add my two beautiful kitties to the mix, and it's been tough. Hoon is looking at a place tomorrow, and I'm checking a place out Saturday that hopefully might work.<br />
<br />
b) <b>Visa</b> Oh My God. Immigration is the most obnoxious thing ever. You see, I am currently here on a teaching visa, and actually my part-time employer has offered to sponsor my visa (same kind) which is very kind (part-timers often don't get visa sponsorship... without a connection at the place, I'd never have had this kind of support). However, I am going to be in America at the time of my current visa's expiration and Immigration seemed to have no idea how to handle this situation and the prospect of extending my visa, claiming I couldn't file to extend my visa until the very day it is set to expire. They repeatedly said to me, well, just come back on the 25th of August. As if it is feasible for me to change my non-refundable plane ticket and all my plans at the drop of a hat. When I said that wasn't possible, they just sucked air through their teeth and said, well that's a problem. Then they indicated that I would have to go on a visa run. To those of you unfamiliar with this term (almost everyone who isn't currently teaching abroad) a visa run is when you make a trip to a foreign country in order to apply for a new visa (this is if you currently are not on any teaching visa, only like a tourist visa) because you cannot apply in Korea for that visa. Most people go to Osaka for this procedure, and typically your employer will cover it. However, I don't know why I'd have to do a visa run if I am here now ready to submit all the required documentation a month and a half before my current visa expires. They are telling me to just let my visa expire and then travel abroad. When I will be in America, abroad, for three weeks. Right, sure, no problem. WHAT? WHY CAN'T I EXTEND MY VISA BEFORE I LEAVE? That's crazy.<br />
<br />
Finally I found someone with a brain who told me that actually all I have to do is go now to immigration once and then again to the same office after I return to mark a change of workplace. Welp, that's simple enough. Why didn't someone tell me in the previous 5 hours I spent trying to figure this situation out???<br />
<br />
Now I'm at a cafe, and it's getting late and I should hit the sack.<br />
<br />
The reason I can't write at my apartment is because the kitties managed to chew the ethernet cable (the little plastic part at the end). They bent the plastic just enough to make my internet non-usable. So I cancelled my internet and go to a cafe twice/week to get the wifi. The rest of the time I only use my phone or my work computer to access the internet. It's cheaper this way anyhow. I'd probably be going to a cafe this often anyways. and now I don't have to pay the 38,000 won/month that my internet cost.<br />
<br />
Thanks for listening to this ramble.<br />
<br />
This weekend a follower of my tumblr is coming to town and I'm looking forward to meeting up with her. Also, wish me luck with my doggone housing search!<br />
<br />
xoxo<br />
WallyWallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-45733526357879177442011-07-03T16:10:00.001+09:002011-07-03T16:11:40.577+09:00The Egg & Spoon Race<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16px;">[Disclaimer]: I love Korean food as much as the next girl. In fact, if I had to choose, I would say about 80% of the time I’d pick Korean food. A lot of people bemoan the lack of choices within Korean food culture. I am of the firm belief that these Korean food naysayers are confusing the commonality of kimchi and rice for a lack of choices. In spite of the inevitable service of kimchi and rice at a restaurant, I can choose among sweet, salty, mild, spicy, meat, vegetarian, soy, soup, steak, bbq, porridge, stir-fry, noodles, cold, hot, warm, and everything in between. There is not shortage of variety in Korean food, just a shortage in a person’s desire or confidence to try that variety.</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">That being said, there are days when I crave American food that is next to impossible to find. The most common cravings:</div><ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px !important; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">pizza that has neither corn nor sweet potato on it or in it.</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">garlic bread that isn’t topped with sugar</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">red velvet cupcakes</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">chewy cookies</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">granola</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">quality sandwiches</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">burgers that aren’t from McDonalds</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">American Breakfast (eggs, bacon, french toast, pancakes, waffles, omelettes, proper juices)</li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">I have found suitable substitutions for many of these things. The problem is they are usually really pricy. A delicious, juicy burger from Smokey Saloon (no fries no drink) can easily run you over 9,000 won. A brick oven pizza for two from someplace other than dominos/pizza hut can cost in the ballpark of 25,000 won. My favorite brunch place to this day is Flying Pan Blue in Itaewon. However, one omelette and coffee will run you nearly 20,000 won. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">The tasty and reasonably priced places usually have nothing at all by way of atmosphere, waits out the door, or horrendous service.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">I’d like to share a delicious brunch discovery I made just yesterday near Ewha University Station on line 2: The Egg & Spoon Race.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lRGsrgM8b2vOpzflb1k4A0QNo0VMuXcupMpsRo79Ha-AsuJuPIAk8GXU9XdLaPWVJrpou8TXL8xnJxar0cY3eL0P49Gz8BLo5AUwB50Ob7bInJ89a_M4KFYdLaG6_ds9ewAd-U0KokE/s1600/2011-07-02+11.46.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lRGsrgM8b2vOpzflb1k4A0QNo0VMuXcupMpsRo79Ha-AsuJuPIAk8GXU9XdLaPWVJrpou8TXL8xnJxar0cY3eL0P49Gz8BLo5AUwB50Ob7bInJ89a_M4KFYdLaG6_ds9ewAd-U0KokE/s200/2011-07-02+11.46.05.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1gcE3AWm7ha2-qlbNZPq1uZXmU5Izk1j-bzANJlKD12GD55Zib0bv0RYoICj07XhvlBPSwsD6LMQd-S2_bp1sfOVGBYCokffChnerzGE_N4q49Io8KzcU4tN51q7yWB2aRHKp_rYO_U/s1600/2011-07-02+11.45.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1gcE3AWm7ha2-qlbNZPq1uZXmU5Izk1j-bzANJlKD12GD55Zib0bv0RYoICj07XhvlBPSwsD6LMQd-S2_bp1sfOVGBYCokffChnerzGE_N4q49Io8KzcU4tN51q7yWB2aRHKp_rYO_U/s200/2011-07-02+11.45.46.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaf9EV7j0xCbcIrmPYMwJTBdCs63iiCgbsv1txlDdINSWiwJaAaTue5ddy31dYbndbqpEyzj_A09gQ_M0yOXuqgXM3D8hWZfPdrM8Uv8rz8-c4CUkn5GnSuTwF_fPXfeARifBY70LaUg/s1600/2011-07-02+11.45.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaf9EV7j0xCbcIrmPYMwJTBdCs63iiCgbsv1txlDdINSWiwJaAaTue5ddy31dYbndbqpEyzj_A09gQ_M0yOXuqgXM3D8hWZfPdrM8Uv8rz8-c4CUkn5GnSuTwF_fPXfeARifBY70LaUg/s320/2011-07-02+11.45.05.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Egg & Spoon Race</td></tr>
</tbody></table> This tiny outpost of western deliciousness boasts a variety of big three egg omelettes, homefries, a full drink menu (juice, coffees, espresso drinks), belgian waffles, thick sliced bacon, and french toast. They also have a full lunch/dinner menu that looks lovely as well (some people ordered up some pasta while we were eating and it looked great, and they make some of their own salad dressings I believe).<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">The service was fantastic. The servers speak Korean and English, although Korean is definitely recommended as the menu has little by way of English. Waitresses responded quickly to requests for syrup for my coffee, and a fresh fork and knife when I dropped them clumsily. They also were able to readily answer questions regarding the menu quickly and helpfully (at least in Korean). Everything was prepared fresh. And while the seating was limited and quite cozy, it never felt too noisy or cluttered (maybe everyone was just enjoying their food that much).</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">I went with my friend Mina (<a href="http://wordsrundry.tumblr.com/" style="color: #444444; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">wordsrundry</a>). I ordered the waffle set after asking what the waitress recommended. Mina ordered the Potato Omelette set.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzDl7751lBY_JM3qUuGo6Rcp2Vq4Ws5-Nl-BuN4ph1jsMN9jeVswRNYO2nqLorX7y2UplHUgpzYBnSrWUZ6FJPD9QtbZ8xiOINu2uLD5UlswPeyLFCc1Rg7wypnQCD86d1zhTUtuIn8g/s1600/2011-07-02+11.58.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzDl7751lBY_JM3qUuGo6Rcp2Vq4Ws5-Nl-BuN4ph1jsMN9jeVswRNYO2nqLorX7y2UplHUgpzYBnSrWUZ6FJPD9QtbZ8xiOINu2uLD5UlswPeyLFCc1Rg7wypnQCD86d1zhTUtuIn8g/s320/2011-07-02+11.58.16.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waffle Set</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">The waffle set comes with a big Belgian waffle topped with plenty of powdered sugar, scrambled eggs, salad and bacon and sausage. I don’t particularly like sausage, and they were happy to substitute and extra order of bacon for the sausage. The maple syrup was quality. The eggs were fluffy, but I found they needed a bit of salt (Koreans either make things salt-less or super salty… there is not much of a middle ground), but came topped with fresh cracked pepper. The salad was nothing special, mostly iceburg lettuce with sesame dressing (there were 4 dressing to choose from). The bacon was thick and juicy. The waffle was the perfect texture, and the flavor was just right. My iced americano was nice and cold from the moment it arrived at my table and never got watered down.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrF15uOJWhnl-JUvrzcfY9s4odAs5Y9GwPEyL24SNSQeDncSCuG94mz5rg2izvG-JRl-JDi-HwapiaLOzmSnCZodL_4mCwpk5xgin4-GQYtaZTnh5sGs1VlK2QNOA_j4faic42NVDvs_o/s1600/2011-07-02+11.44.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrF15uOJWhnl-JUvrzcfY9s4odAs5Y9GwPEyL24SNSQeDncSCuG94mz5rg2izvG-JRl-JDi-HwapiaLOzmSnCZodL_4mCwpk5xgin4-GQYtaZTnh5sGs1VlK2QNOA_j4faic42NVDvs_o/s320/2011-07-02+11.44.51.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potato Omelette Set</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">The potato omelette, which was recommended on the site that I randomly found out about the restaurant on, is a three egg omelette filled with cheese, tomatoes, and a generous portion of spinach. You have to option of including the potatoes inside the omelette or outside as homefries. Mina ordered them separate, although I probably would have had them inside. The omelette also came with the same average salad. But, who needs a salad when you have all that delicious brunchy goodness? Mina reported that the omelette was delicious and she was happy that they didn’t skimp on the spinach. She also seemed to like the orange juice, but I didn’t taste it.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZS9jpYRg2pWsn87Rh5Q4s-rfNUfUJ8tzva8XMOVwsMa_ApsbvpTXNglLA5Y5wYPODYKiis_T5k4wzi5XafaqkIn8Cu7rI_jVjzdgAk6hYqTaQJAf0lB0J1WxZFmP0Em3Iq0p9hmxeaA/s1600/2011-07-02+11.48.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZS9jpYRg2pWsn87Rh5Q4s-rfNUfUJ8tzva8XMOVwsMa_ApsbvpTXNglLA5Y5wYPODYKiis_T5k4wzi5XafaqkIn8Cu7rI_jVjzdgAk6hYqTaQJAf0lB0J1WxZFmP0Em3Iq0p9hmxeaA/s320/2011-07-02+11.48.59.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our drinks: Iced American (L) Orange Juice (R)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">I would definitely recommend this to anyone living in Seoul or anyone visiting who has a craving for real breakfast (a hard to find treat here).</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">Each of our meals were about the same (the waffle and oj were more expensive than omelette and americano, respectively). Waffle set and Americano came out to 14,500 won, about 13.50 usd and the omelette and oj were 14,000 won. Without the drinks, the prices were right around 10-11,000 won, or under 10usd.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">I was stuffed for about 6 hours after eating.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">Directions:</strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">Line 2 to Ehwa University Station (이화대역)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">Go out Exit 3 and head straight. At the second street turn right.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">It’ll be on your right side, Spoon Race will be written in big letters.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">It is small (maybe can seat 15 people MAX) so it’s easy to miss.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">There are lots of other amazing looking coffee shops and restaurants in this area, so if you can’t find it, try any number of the other places in the area!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">If you go, lemme know what you think!</div>Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-40581834013000255132011-05-30T09:39:00.000+09:002011-05-30T09:39:38.974+09:002 Weeks.Seriously, this has been the best past week and a half ever. Seriously, ever.<br />
<br />
I will review.<br />
<br />
May 20th: My best friend got married. Even though I wasn't there to see it, I'm basically freaking out I'm so happy. Also, Hoon's cousin had his schools festival and it was fun to watch heckle.<br />
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May 22nd: Everland. Everland is a huuuuuge amusement park outside Seoul and it's simply amazing. It's just awesome. I will post about Everland (pictures included) soon.<br />
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May 23rd-25th: No classes as grades 1&2 were on a school trip and Grade 3 had an exam and a class picnic.<br />
<br />
May 23rd: Language Cast. I spent an hour in the Korean-only room, and it was awesome. I really like Language Cast. Like, really really like it.<br />
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May 25th: I went to the YG Entertainment Building. I delivered my (and my students') birthday gifts/letters for Taeyang via an awesome suited man and in spite of the mean old security guard who was attempting to block my delivery in every way possible.<br />
<br />
May 26th: finalized all airplane flights for trip to America in August<br />
<br />
May 27th: Hoon's university. Meeting Hae-gun until 10 p.m. It wasn't exactly what we had planned, but it was really fun nonetheless.<br />
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May 28th: Cirque du Soleil: Varekai. The best circus ever, and Hoon's first ever circus visit. It was awesome. I will also post separately reviewing this performance.<br />
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May 29th: Frisbee<br />
<br />
May 30th (today): confirmed my application to Sogang University's language program was received.<br />
<br />
I hope things can continue to go this well for me.<br />
<br />
Also, I have (counting today, which has hardly started) only 30 more days of teaching before the semester ends. a full 4 of those days will be after exams are finished (which means MOVIE) and another 5 of those days will be review for the English exam. Plus, 3 will be independent study days (there is a three day break between exams... students just spend every moment studying. That means only 18 more REAL days of teaching. YES.Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-29082684007471620472011-05-25T22:58:00.001+09:002011-05-25T22:58:08.696+09:00Holy. Shit. 2Where did all my pictures go???? WTF?Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-57705918297170793932011-05-24T15:26:00.001+09:002011-05-24T15:27:40.682+09:00Korean Indie Music????This is called me getting in touch with my pre-kpop roots.<br />
<br />
I saw this duo last Friday at Hoon's cousin's university festival.<br />
<br />
Let me explain. Every university has an annual festival. Sometimes it is in the fall, and sometimes it is in the spring. It depends on the university. For example, Hoon's uni festival starts tomorrow. His cousin's ended last week. But Hoon's older brother's university was last October. The festival is a little bit like homecoming, except without the alumni coming back, and also without a football game. So actually it's not anything like homecoming except for the alcohol consumption. Basically all freshman are required to perform in some music/singing/dancing/cultural performance. Plus some singers come and perform. Sometimes it's a very famous singers, and sometimes it's a less famous singer. If you go to a very good or famous university, you get a good famous singer. Ex: Hoon goes to one of the best unis in Korea (yes, I am bragging right now, i don't even care). On Friday, 2ne1 will perform. Sometimes, even if a school is not particularly famous or good, if it has enough money it can bring a famous group/singer. Ex: Hoon's bro goes to a not so famous school. But it's private. They had B2ST last year.<br />
<br />
Anyways, the student groups also set up tents for drinking and snacking, and sometimes there are games to play. Mostly though, they cook you shitty 안주 and serve you a ton of beer, soju and other adult beverages. On campus. For three days.<br />
<br />
It's pretty freaking awesome.<br />
<br />
I love university festivals.<br />
<br />
Anyways, at Hoon's cousin Daniel's university festival, this duo came to perform. They are called 10 Centimeters (the difference between the two members' heights) and they are SO awesome and fun. I feel like this is something my non-kpop followers (i.e. all my friends back home) could seriously enjoy even in spite of the language difference.<br />
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Take a moment to listen. You might be surprised!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="279" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fBCSzcziTMA" width="448"></iframe>Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-81728734425281965912011-05-06T15:25:00.001+09:002011-05-06T16:05:46.574+09:00Children's Day 2011 - Hello Kitty Cafe reviewI love Korea. Why? Well, because their are so many awesome holidays.<br />
<br />
Like Children's Day, which is a national holiday on May 5th.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, being May 5th (I forgot it was cinco de mayo) I met up with my friend Mina and we went to 대학로 for coffee and shopping and sightseeing.<br />
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I had been to this area one other time, back when I first arrived in Korea, and I had no idea where I was. I went with a Korean friend and she just showed me around. 대학 is the korean word for university. 로 is one of the words for street or road or lane (just like in English, there are lots). 대학로 is near the best university in Korea, Seoul National University, and is also located really close to 성균관대 (Sungkyunkwan University) which you may recognize from the wildly popular k-drama 성균관스캔들. Anyhow, this is also the biggest theater district in Korea, and the home to about million adorable cafes and restaurants and some of the best and most varied architecture in Seoul (not saying much, Seoul sucks as far as architecture and urban design is concerned).<br />
<br />
I am so happy to have rediscovered this area. It's beautiful and I HIGHLY recommend it as a place to visit.<br />
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Now, why, exactly, did we pick 대학로? Well, because on April 29th (coincidentally my birthday), a brand new branch of Hello Kitty Cafe opened there. And, well, Mina and I both love Kitty, so we HAD to go. Also, I had to buy some new <a href="http://www.toms.com/international">TOMS shoes</a> because my old ones were getting raggedy, but you can't buy TOMS just anywhere here in Korea. <a href="http://www.10x10.co.kr/shopping/category_prd.asp?itemid=113148">10x10</a> is an AMAZING store, by the way. Definitely check out if you are in Seoul. Also, if you are in Korea and looking for toms, tweet <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/TOMSkorea">@TOMSKorea</a> and they will totally tell you how to find stores that sell TOMS wherever you are.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTTN-sUsyCU/TcOQp2UPLlI/AAAAAAAAAuM/YF4TKs71WlY/s1600/2011-05-06+07.52.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTTN-sUsyCU/TcOQp2UPLlI/AAAAAAAAAuM/YF4TKs71WlY/s320/2011-05-06+07.52.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Old TOMS (left) New TOMS (right) - I'm not gonna stop wearing the old ones.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
And, let me tell you, Hello Kitty (henceforth HK) fans, it's a must-visit. If not the one in 대학로, you can also go to the one in 홍대 (Hongdae) or the one in 신촌 (Sinchon). They are all amazing, all the the 신촌점 is my favorite.<br />
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Be prepared for a heavy dose of pink, and a whole lot of cuteness when you walk through their sliding glass doors. It's just bursting at the seems with Kitty paraphernalia, which didn't bother me one bit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gfipGrxdF4E/TcOQs-fDsWI/AAAAAAAAAug/AMejh4m09Zs/s1600/2011-05-05+16.05.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gfipGrxdF4E/TcOQs-fDsWI/AAAAAAAAAug/AMejh4m09Zs/s320/2011-05-05+16.05.16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The stairwell between 2nd/3rd floor. SO MUCH PINK</span></div><br />
The 대학로점 is located on the second floor across from the CGV (go out exit 4 of 혜화 station). The sign is big and pink and on your left. You should be able to find it pretty clearly. You should definitely find a seat before you order because there weren't a lot of available seats (unless you go during dinner time). Otherwise, you'll order your drink and get bounced really fast.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3v-yknaf28s/TcOQqmP0fUI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/Pl310JKrvT4/s1600/2011-05-05+15.58.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3v-yknaf28s/TcOQqmP0fUI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/Pl310JKrvT4/s200/2011-05-05+15.58.46.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-DqQWvZ5a0/TcOQrg-lRaI/AAAAAAAAAuY/4qDshAkfYCk/s1600/2011-05-05+15.59.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-DqQWvZ5a0/TcOQrg-lRaI/AAAAAAAAAuY/4qDshAkfYCk/s200/2011-05-05+15.59.05.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">It doesn't look that crowded but TRUST ME. It was full of people, Korean, Western, Japanese and Chinese!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFqEeVtrtAA/TcOQrLK81ZI/AAAAAAAAAuU/3UF0m5kAsvo/s1600/2011-05-05+15.58.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFqEeVtrtAA/TcOQrLK81ZI/AAAAAAAAAuU/3UF0m5kAsvo/s200/2011-05-05+15.58.55.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GqXFDjrqitY/TcOQsNtN-hI/AAAAAAAAAuc/yXW1kIjR_1M/s1600/2011-05-05+16.02.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GqXFDjrqitY/TcOQsNtN-hI/AAAAAAAAAuc/yXW1kIjR_1M/s200/2011-05-05+16.02.40.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
We sat on the third floor which was a bit quieter, but just as pink. You have to order your drinks at the counter on the second floor the menu is typical of most cafes, except with extra kitty touches. If you order a waffle, like we did, you can expect it to come out shaped like Kitty's head, complete with a waffle ironed bow. On the tops of some drinks (NOT caramel ones... mostly lattes) they will dust images of Kitty. My vanilla latte had her whiskers and eyes and nose, a cafe mocha I think has a side profile, and the green tea latte has the MOST ADORABLE dusted green Kitty bow. Everything comes out in specialty cups and plates emblazoned with a pseudo-hello kitty image logo(the cafe is not actually Sanrio certified, so they can't use kitty's real image in their logo). But, all the decorations are HK inspired, and they sell *real* HK dolls & accessories for relatively reasonable prices.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggto2F_prD0/TcOQu-_06YI/AAAAAAAAAus/uou7mnD0dWA/s1600/2011-05-05+16.10.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggto2F_prD0/TcOQu-_06YI/AAAAAAAAAus/uou7mnD0dWA/s200/2011-05-05+16.10.43.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Yzfn_iy3_A/TcOQwWioO7I/AAAAAAAAAu0/ExaGTEEOuFE/s1600/2011-05-05+16.11.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Yzfn_iy3_A/TcOQwWioO7I/AAAAAAAAAu0/ExaGTEEOuFE/s200/2011-05-05+16.11.30.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Food</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JqJIpWwfUk/TcOQw1Ua-EI/AAAAAAAAAu4/M2VafprIlF8/s1600/2011-05-05+16.12.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JqJIpWwfUk/TcOQw1Ua-EI/AAAAAAAAAu4/M2VafprIlF8/s200/2011-05-05+16.12.38.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ed3Iy3EnZXo/TcOQxT9lP4I/AAAAAAAAAu8/BKXSD__xP84/s1600/2011-05-05+16.12.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ed3Iy3EnZXo/TcOQxT9lP4I/AAAAAAAAAu8/BKXSD__xP84/s200/2011-05-05+16.12.56.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">My Vanilla Latte</span></div><br />
The waffle was decent. Nothing to write home about, but it was cute. One negative was that when you order the waffle they give you only a fork to eat it. With some waffles this is fine (belgian waffles especially), but this waffle is not Belgian and it as nearly impossible to cut with our forks. We had to ask for a knife. The taste was pretty average for a waffle. But, the price was pretty average too. Luckily, this is a theme cafe that won't cost you an arm and a leg. The choco banana waffle we had was 3,500 won. The drinks are also not too spectacular, but they aren't bad. In my experience, the Americano is quite good (I've had it at the other locations, where they used mini mini ice cubes which I loved) as are the caramel drinks. The vanilla latte I had needed more vanilla and less sugar, imo. But the dusting on top was cute indeed. Also, they offer frozen yogurt with a pureed fruit topping, which is really good, but very sweet. Also, they sell mini HK cakes, which are delicious AND adorable, but a little on the pricey side, at 10,000 won for a cake that might serve 2-3. The waffle is a better deal, but that cake is heavenly. I got one once at the Hongdae shop, two thumbs up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eSQSzowvTio/TcORAY-chiI/AAAAAAAAAvU/gNMWaYZowtw/s1600/2011-05-05+16.02.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eSQSzowvTio/TcORAY-chiI/AAAAAAAAAvU/gNMWaYZowtw/s200/2011-05-05+16.02.24.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BM0XyjOyZzA/TcOQ_g8lYEI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/GLO7JHlxsxw/s1600/2011-05-05+15.58.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BM0XyjOyZzA/TcOQ_g8lYEI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/GLO7JHlxsxw/s200/2011-05-05+15.58.34.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Left: <a href="http://www.wordsrundry.blogspot.com/">Mina</a> Right: Kitty goodies and a kitty wall!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQZ2xyWVF9Y/TcORA7X3b6I/AAAAAAAAAvY/_oNBWfYK--0/s1600/2011-05-05+16.04.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQZ2xyWVF9Y/TcORA7X3b6I/AAAAAAAAAvY/_oNBWfYK--0/s200/2011-05-05+16.04.58.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SCrNxfeCHGc/TcORBmEw8dI/AAAAAAAAAvc/EbH5ChEmWWA/s1600/2011-05-05+16.05.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SCrNxfeCHGc/TcORBmEw8dI/AAAAAAAAAvc/EbH5ChEmWWA/s200/2011-05-05+16.05.42.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Kitty on display!</span></div><br />
Even the bathroom was decorated to the hilt with Kitty, from the mirror to the soap dispenser to the toilet paper cover. Kitty-tastic:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opEihmdIOew/TcORGXSQVRI/AAAAAAAAAvo/ckrCBm_2lrY/s1600/2011-05-05+16.08.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opEihmdIOew/TcORGXSQVRI/AAAAAAAAAvo/ckrCBm_2lrY/s200/2011-05-05+16.08.07.jpg" width="148" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-62dyfp-kwz8/TcORDFJ9vGI/AAAAAAAAAvk/OQ1_74IVNx4/s1600/2011-05-05+16.07.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-62dyfp-kwz8/TcORDFJ9vGI/AAAAAAAAAvk/OQ1_74IVNx4/s200/2011-05-05+16.07.46.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mmnSDatHHig/TcOQuJWgWnI/AAAAAAAAAuo/VWtTzMu0K6M/s1600/2011-05-05+16.08.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mmnSDatHHig/TcOQuJWgWnI/AAAAAAAAAuo/VWtTzMu0K6M/s320/2011-05-05+16.08.50.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from top L: Toilet Paper Holder; Bathroom Door, Me posing in Bathroom mirror shaped like HK</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My favorite thing? The warning signs. I only took a picture of one: 머리 조심! (Watch your head!), but all of them (don't write on the walls, wifi is available, please bring your plates to the 1st floor) were adorable. Those and the chairs were freaking cute:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rh385gEbNjM/TcOQx40CpNI/AAAAAAAAAvA/WNfeFfPfZCs/s1600/2011-05-05+16.52.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rh385gEbNjM/TcOQx40CpNI/AAAAAAAAAvA/WNfeFfPfZCs/s200/2011-05-05+16.52.45.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0FyHIOz4V8/TcOQyTHfYNI/AAAAAAAAAvE/Q6cqSOqhghQ/s1600/2011-05-05+16.55.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0FyHIOz4V8/TcOQyTHfYNI/AAAAAAAAAvE/Q6cqSOqhghQ/s200/2011-05-05+16.55.45.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Sad hurt head kitty. BOWS ON CHAIRS!!</span></div><br />
Anyways, if you don't care about Hello Kitty at all, I wouldn't bother coming, but if you are interested in HK, have a daughter (or son!) who likes HK, or you just want to beat the heat of the fast-approaching summer in a pink paradise, the Hello Kitty Cafe is your place.<br />
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Oh, and we drank smoothies at Smoothie King!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cmaroa7WpHI/TcOdsWMZg8I/AAAAAAAAAvw/xdNOLJFyDP4/s1600/Me+drinking+smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cmaroa7WpHI/TcOdsWMZg8I/AAAAAAAAAvw/xdNOLJFyDP4/s200/Me+drinking+smoothie.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Mmmm Mmmmm Good!</span></div><br />
Directions to 대학로점:<br />
Go to Hyehwa Station (Line 4- 혜화역).<br />
Exit 4.<br />
Go straight down the main 대학로 road.<br />
On your right, after about 50-75 meters you will see a CGV.<br />
Across from the CGV, on your right, is the Hello Kitty Cafe on the second/third floors.<br />
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Directions to 홍대점 (Hongdae Shop):<br />
Go to Hongik University Station (line 2- 홍대입구역)<br />
Exit 9.<br />
Go straight until VIPS.<br />
Turn left.<br />
Walk straight until on your right hand side you see a make up store: Tony Moly.<br />
Tony Moly is sandwiched between two roads, one with a lot of restaurants (right side, looking to Tony Moly) and one with a lot of little stores and coffee shops (left side).<br />
Go down the left side one (you will have to cross the street first).<br />
Walk maybe 50 meters, maybe a little less, maybe a little more.<br />
On your left, tucked behind some stores is the PINK hello kitty cafe storefront.<br />
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Enjoy!!Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-24718897737960411992011-05-06T13:53:00.000+09:002011-05-06T13:53:37.695+09:00Big Bang Collection Cards GiveawayI just posted this on my tumblr in case anyone isn't following me on that and wants in on this giveaway of some of <a href="http://reallywally.tumblr.com/post/5006156657/big-bang-collection-cards-box-packaging-and-group">my Big Bang</a> <a href="http://item.gmarket.co.kr/detailview/Item.asp?goodscode=208477146&pos_shop_cd=SH&pos_class_cd=111111111&pos_class_kind=T&keyword_order=%ba%f2%b9%f0%bd%ba%c5%b8%c4%ab%b5%e5&keyword_seqno=62313653&search_keyword=%BA%F2%B9%F0%BD%BA%C5%B8%C4%AB%B5%E5">Collection Cards</a>. I'm running the giveaway through the 31st of May!<br />
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You can get the details <a href="http://reallywally.tumblr.com/post/5234877525/big-bang-collection-card-giveaway">here</a>. If you don't have a tumblr or twitter, you can't do the giveaway. But if you have only one, GO GO GO!<br />
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xoxo<br />
WallyWallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-54275719541983634152011-05-06T12:14:00.002+09:002011-05-06T12:14:49.104+09:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNYisrGk5m0/TcNnaHR8HfI/AAAAAAAAAuI/d3T9H_oydvE/s1600/Final_BigBangCollectionCards_G_web-large.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNYisrGk5m0/TcNnaHR8HfI/AAAAAAAAAuI/d3T9H_oydvE/s320/Final_BigBangCollectionCards_G_web-large.png" width="120" /></a></div>Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-15513163279351487492011-05-03T16:07:00.000+09:002011-05-03T16:07:05.280+09:00The Rest of my Birthday and a Review of Yeolbong, Se7en's Chicken RestaurantWell, my birthday was last Friday, and I'm finally all caught up on my sleep/work/activities/promises, so here is the recap of my birthday.<br />
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In my last post I wrote about my birthday morning, and here's the conclusion:<br />
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At school I got a package from my parents: birthday gifts. A cute Betsey Johnson bracelet and hair pins, and such. Really cute things. I put those in my Nike bag with that big ol' card Hoon gave me. ^_^<br />
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After school, I went off to Baskin Robbins, not knowing what to expect. When i arrived at Baskin Robbins, I walked in and approached the girl at the counter. I simply said, Hi, I'm Allison... and she said, "아~ 케이크~!" Cake??? What cake?? Jong Hoon got an ice cream cake for me (last time we went to BR I had said ice cream cakes are my favorite... he must have remembered). On top of the ice cream cake box was another note.<br />
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The note said, go to the 아디다스 store. (Adidas Store). !!!!! The Adidas Store was across the street so off I went with the ice cream cake box and the Nike bag (with a balloon a student gave me tied to it lol) over to the Adidas Store. I walked in and the worker immediately looked at me and said "아! 옷~!" Clothing??? What clothing? And he walked to the back and gave me an adidas bag with some soccer pants I've been wanting for a while. Inside the bag was also a letter which was from him. SO CUTE.<br />
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I went home, changed and got ready for our date.<br />
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We met at Noryangjin and went to Sinsa station, to Garo-su-gil to eat dinner at 열봉찜닭. This restaurant is owned by musician Se7en, who is someone I really admire. I've been hoping to go to his restaurant for a long time. It's really easy to get to, which is good because I had never been to Garo-su-gil before, and it wasn't too hard for us to find it. ^^<br />
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The restaurant is located on the second floor just off the main road. We walked up the stairs and of course you are greeted by a cardboard cutout of Se7en님. We took pictures before we left to commemorate our time there.<br />
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The restaurant is quite small, smaller than I had thought, but it was tidy, and well-decorated. Dark wood tables, white light fixtures and semi-private nooks for some parties. Most seating is open, however, and they do try to fit as many tables in as they can. Even though it was tight, it didn't feel particularly cramped, but I did notice that even without all the seats filled, it was still quite loud. There are several fake trees adorned with chili peppers and pictures of celebrities, which are fun additions to the decor. On the left wall as you enter, they have posted numerous pictures and autographs of celebrities including members of Miss A, Big Bang, Park Han Byul, 2AM, as well as other actors and singers I don't remember or didn't recognize.<br />
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All of the dishes are branded with the cute chicken mascot of Yeolbong or with the chili pepper that also is used to represent the restaurant. The menu is divided into two sections. The left side is the traditional spicy jjim dalk (열봉 means really spicy, or something along those lines, that's my boyfriend's explanation) and the right side is Se7en's specialy chicken. Supposedly that's really spicy. We decided to go with the traditional spicy side.<br />
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On the spicy side you can choose your spiciness level 1-3 peppers. We got one, because we didn't know how spicy it would be. Boy were we glad we ordered level one spicy. IT WAS LIKE EATING FIRE. It was really spicy. I mean, I like spicy food, and so does Hoon, and this was quite spicy. Not unpleasantly spicy, but I can't fathom ever eating any level higher than that. I think I'd die.<br />
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We were sucking in air through our teeth and gulping 쿨피스 (Coolpis -- a fruit juice that is amazingly effective in countering extreme spice) after just two bites.<br />
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Even though it was spicy, it was really delicious. The chicken was cooked perfectly. It was not difficult to get off the bone (although if you are not adept at chopsticks use, I would recommend asking for a fork), and the carrots and potatoes were cooked like a dream. The noodles were probably the most spicy (the soak up all the sauce which makes them extra intense) but they were also SO delicious.<br />
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Afterwards, we added rice (which also had dried seaweed laver and tofu mixed in) and mixed it up. If you do go, I recommend ordering the rice at the end, after you finish your meal. It comes out really quickly, and that way its still piping hot when you add it to your slightly cooled sauce. We didn't do that, and it's a shame. IT was still good, but we imagine it'd be much much better if we had eaten it still hot...<br />
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On the whole, I would definitely recommend this to any spicy food lover traveling to Seoul. Also, I recommend it for anyone who is a big kpop/kdrama fan (just order the mild... it's listed under the main section on the left. It is less than one pepper, lol. The Right side is more spicy!!!) and is interested in looking at the pictures and even have a chance to glimpse a celebrity while you eat.<br />
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As for portions, 반마리 is half a chicken and it's enough for two-three people. There are two larger sizes, 한마리 and 한마리반 (one chicken, and 1 1/2 chicken respectively). For two-three people, you can order just one of the special rice dishes (남두 밥) and you'll be all set. Definitely add a 쿨피스 to cool you off if your feeling all spiced out!<br />
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Price: $$ for Korean food, it's a bit pricey. But for westerners, it's very reasonable for a dinner. 반마리 + 남두밥 + 쿨피스 came out to about 25,000 won, which is about 23.50usd, for two. A gut-bustingly filling meal for less than 12usd per person? Not too bad, I'd say. But, if you're pinching pennies, I'd say go for the bibimbap. lol<br />
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Food: *****/ 5 out of 5 - I don't have a lot to complain about with our food. The only complaint I'd have is that we foolishly ordered our rice too early (my fault). The flavor was excellent. Spicy but flavorful. Chicken was moist and tender. Vegetables thoroughly but not over-cooked. Noodles cooked perfectly.<br />
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Service: ****/ 4 out of 5 - There was nothing wrong with the service, but nothing to write home about. I think they are used to seeing celebrities and therefore treat their normal patrons with general indifference. Don't take that the wrong way. I just mean that some restaurants (not so many in Korea) treat their patrons with excellent service regardless. Here, in Korea in general, wait staff don't bend over backwards for their patrons. If you need them, call them. If you don't, don't expect them to check up on you because they won't.<br />
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Atmosphere: **** / 4 out of 5 - The decor was lovely. A nice mix of playful sophistication. The colors were good for the restaurant and the concept. The furniture was aesthetically pleasing. But it was a bit loud. I don't know if the acoustics of the restaurant need improving or if it's just a result of packing a few too many chairs into a restaurant. Some restaurants are meant to be loud an noisy. But the noise level didn't really fit the rest of what the restaurant, stylistically, seemed to be going for. In my opinion, they could stand to lose seating for maybe 5-8 patrons. I think that giving up that seating would make for a better atmosphere by far...<br />
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Overall: 4.5/5 I had a great time and it's definitely some place I'd recommend.Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-10410945353331163092011-04-29T09:25:00.002+09:002011-04-29T09:45:09.447+09:00My Birthday...Is nowhere near over yet, but I just have to share how amazing it has been so far.<br />
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Last night at 11:45 I sent a message to Hoon, basically just that I was going to sleep.<br />
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His response: ㅋㅋㅋ 잘 수 있을까?? ㅋㅋㅋ Which is basically hahaha Will you be able to sleep? hahaha<br />
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I thought what?? Then like 5 minutes later I got bombarded with text messages from all of his friends who he told to message me for my birthday. So far I've received something like 40 text messages from his friends, and they keep coming. I actually had to turn my phone to vibrate so i could sleep. SO CUTE.<br />
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Then, this morning, he sent me a message and said, "There is a mission! Check your door before you leave."<br />
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As I was leaving my house, I checked my door to discover that at some point between late last night and 7:30 a.m., he had traveled the hour and 20 minutes to Incheon and put Hello Kitty Stickers on my door, with th sticker message Allison's House written out. Plus, he left a little post it note:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7tVPopoa5M/TboJdfNJtGI/AAAAAAAAAuA/KmM5zqplGgk/s1600/birthday_mission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7tVPopoa5M/TboJdfNJtGI/AAAAAAAAAuA/KmM5zqplGgk/s320/birthday_mission.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">던킨도넛츠 = Dunkin Donuts.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">베스키 라빈슨 31 (there shouldn't be a ㄴ at the end... idk why it's there) = Baskin Robbins.</span></div><br />
So off I went to Dunkin Donuts where I discovered he had also visited and preordered my standard bagel and ice americano. SO CUTE. Then, when the girl gave me the iced Americano, she also gave me a bag and said that Hoon had come in earlier and prepared this for them to give me.<br />
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Inside the bag? This amazing birthday card that he drew himself!:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOdNZ5GHm4c/TboJ0V5kDoI/AAAAAAAAAuE/2Vf-9l03wzk/s1600/Birthday_Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOdNZ5GHm4c/TboJ0V5kDoI/AAAAAAAAAuE/2Vf-9l03wzk/s320/Birthday_Card.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This is the cutest card Ever. I love giraffes. That's me as Hello Kitty skydiving on the left, and Hoon (he's a bearwolf... it's a joke between us...) is on the left. LOVE IT.</span></div><br />
And so now, I've just been getting tons of amazing messages from Hoon's friends and family, enjoying a delicious birthday breakfast, looking in amazement at my adorable card, thinking about Baskin Robbins after school, and being really thankful for having a boyfriend who is so amazing and sweet.<br />
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I might cry I'm so happy.Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703428213981023632.post-77859717021540812192011-04-27T08:52:00.000+09:002011-04-27T08:52:13.574+09:00Number 2I recently read an article that suggested that Americans and their toilets have it all wrong.<br />
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The article reported that doctors agree that a toilet seat is not as natural or easy a means to relieve yourself as the old-fashioned, still-popular-in-the-East squatting toilets are. Reports say that people using a squatting toilet are able to relieve themselves something like 30% faster and in a more comfortable manner.<br />
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Additionally, people from countries that still use squat toilets widely (this includes South Korea where most bathrooms have at least a couple squatting toilets) have a much lower incidence of kidney stones (something like 40% lower) and that, we all know, is a good thing.<br />
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However, when it comes down to it, I prefer the sitting toilets due to my natural western inclination. However, I have no problems or hesitations using a squatter. I wonder if that 30% faster figure includes westerners who need to take an extra two minutes to mentally prepare themselves for what they perceive is a dirty, archaic, third-world bathroom convention.<br />
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As an aside, I have seen show prints on the toilet seat in the bathroom next to my classroom (there is only one western style cammode, and 8-9 squatters) which indicates that some students still think that a western toilet is for squatting, not sitting.<br />
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Interesting, right?Wallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07296107336712093988noreply@blogger.com0