Old Meets New
August 26, 2007
I am really trying to enjoy Korean food, but it's just not happening. I tried to branch out and like new things, but the best I can get is eatable. I really enjoy mandu, but it's not something I can eat everyday. So, last week at Costco I bought frozen chicken breasts and frozen veggies. I invited Erin over for dinner with promises of chicken and veggies only to find out my chicken and veggies have frozen solid to my freezer! I even broke a wooden spoon trying to get it out!! I gave up and went to the local butcher. I'd gotten regular chicken breast there before, so figured I could do the same. Oh no. To make a long story short imagine me walking the streets of Seoul carrying a bag full of bloody chicken necks, crying. The butcher tried to understand me, but when he gave up he got mean and frustrated with me and started yelling, the entire time chopping away and holding pieces of raw chicken in my face. I understand he was frustrated, so was I. I am in his country, and shouldn't assume things will go my way everytime. I'm going to have to brush up on my pantomiming skills!! Sonya said she would write a few things down for me, and I can keep them in my wallet and pull them out when I'm stuck. Excellent idea!
I've never liked chicken, but have recently started liking it more. However, after that experience I can't even look at the stuff. I hate to be a baby, but the stuff makes my skin crawl worse than ever. Plus, the rest of the meat here is terrible!! Someone get to the military base and get me some American beef!! (Ooo, we had a bbq the other day and the GIs brought American beef and I thought I was going to cry I was so happy!) Erin tried to make sense of the chicken I brought home, but in the end we threw it out.
So yeah after Thursday's fiasco, on Friday I went out for Egyptian food with friends and stuck to the hummus, babaganoush and falafel. :) Much safer. After dinner, we went for drinks and met Dennis Oh! He's obviously no one in America, but he's a big deal actor here in Korea. He's actually half American half Korean, speaks zero Korean, but has shot to fame. He seemed nice enough, but it escapes me as to why he's become famous here. He can't speak their language, but is a famous movie star... and I can't even get regular chicken. Hmpf.
Saturday Erin and I explored the market at Dongdaemun and even though neither of us bought a thing we were SO excited to be there. The place was alive, busy and a real epicenter of activity. I was so excited just to be around that much LIFE. Stands selling fabrics, clothes, jewelry, and basically anything you can think of were all over this massive area. There were also tons of food stands selling everything from fruit on a stick (I had some pineapple that was very yummy) to hotdogs deep fried with french fries to form one heart attack inducing lump. Erin got one, but as much as I love hot dogs I couldn't force myself to try it. (Am I a vegetarian?) I took a picture with it though, because it was too hilarious to pass up.
To get back to the metro you had to walk over this bridge, and when we got back noticed Korean security guard type people blocking off part of it. On the bridge were older Russian and Middle Eastern men in suits having a little meeting. We were beyond positive it was a mafia meeting. We decided to avoid the area, and went below the bridge only to discover a hidden treasure! The river was clear and cool, and underneath were Korean families just hanging out enjoying the cool shade. We took our shoes off and went wading, and then decided to walk up the river and find another metro stop. It was a gorgeous walk, and we had a great time just strolling. We ended up in the hardware district! If you need a chain saw or a sink in Korea hit me up, I know where to go. We went home after that, Erin went to dinner with some work friends and I went into Itaewon for a rooftop goodbye party for a new friend. I am really sad she is leaving, she has been so welcoming and sweet. It was a lovely party though. Rooftops in Korea are amazing because you get a great breeze and Seoul at night is stunning. We had a perfect view of the Seoul Tower and with fairy lights all around, we couldn't ask for a more perfect arrangement.
At the party, I was chatting with this girl Sarah, when her friend Brian, a very obviously gay American/Filipino guy walked up to chat. He immediately grabbed my wrist and goes, "Oh my GOD! Are those CARTIER!? Oh my god, I hate you like I hate me. And I fucking LOVE me!" When he asked where I was from I said I'd moved here from Nashville, but was originally from Florida. He asked where I was before Nashville and and soon as the word "Switzerland" escaped by lips he was screaming, "Oh my god. Rosey Rosey Rosey!" Turns out he's an Ancien Roséen as well! We're everywhere.
Sunday I went to 11am church (and I didn't have to leave my apartment until 10:40!) and got to talking to this one American family after mass. They are here because the husband is the general manager of GM here. They have a 21 year old daughter who is a student at Michigan State, but is spending a semester here, and then also a 4 year old daughter. The older daughter wasn't at church, but the mom gave me her email address and said we should get together. Her mom said they belong to the Seoul Club and would love to have me as their guest. Pilates classes, swimming pool, full gym, tennis courts, blah blah blah. How nice of her!! I'm excited.
An anecdote from church - we have a great and lively population of Nigerians and one baby in the group had been baptized the day before. The whole group processed in with he priest, and he presented the baby to the entire congregation. While they were all standing at the front of the church, smiling proudly at the baby, a small American child sitting behind me, no more than 6 years old, says in a stage whisper, "Mommy! They all look exactly the same!" Haha.
After church I went home and changed clothes, packed a little picnic bag and set out to Pagoda Park to do a little exploring/reading. The park was a lot smaller that I anticipated, but it was still gorgeous and a great place for people watching. Each pagoda was an architectural master piece. Some were painted in bright and exciting colors, and others were intricately carved marble. One pagoda in particular was built in 1467! America didn't even exist! It was harmed when the Japanese first invaded, but was rebuilt, and in 1919 the Koreans started their revolution against the Japanese at this very sight. It was a peaceful protest, but was met with very violent attacks from the Japanese, but it ultimately led to Korea's independence. It was such an intense feeling to know I was somewhere steeped in so much history. From this 15th century pagoda I could see out of the park to the incredibly modern city of Seoul. Asia is so spectacular in that it is truly where ancient meets modern. From sleek glass sky scrapers to 15th century pagodas. From high modern fashion to ancient hanbok dress. This country spans centuries beyond centuries, and it's staggering sometimes.
At the park I settled underneath a pagoda with about 6-8 old men and read while they chatted and played board games. It was such a gorgeous day, and I was so satisfied just sitting, reading and people watching. I noticed across the park a very old man talking to the only other waeguk (means foreigner in Korean, and it's how they refer to us and we've adopted it) in the park. The next thing I knew the old man had creeped up beside me and was talking to me! His English was pretty good. He said right away that he was 110 years old and that he'd learnt English when he was in the army and that one of his favorite things to do now is find waeguks and just talk to them. He told me all about his family, who were farmers in the country, and how his parents had lived until they were well into their 100s, but his sister had only lived into her 90s. He told me about life in the country, and about how he'd move to Seoul when he was young and how he'd seen so many changes he couldn't count them anymore. We talked about living in Korea and he explained how happy he is that foreigners come and want to see Korea. He was immensely proud of Korea, and I was just awe struck by how fortunate I was to be talking with him. Despite the language barrier, he wove his stories so delicately together that I thought I was listening to an accomplished narrator. He eventually told me he had to go, and I was sorry to see him leave. As he left, I realized together we were just like the rest of Seoul -- the ancient meets the new, and they can coexist perfectly.
I sat peacefully for a while, just meditating on his words. We didn't talk for very long, but I took our meeting very seriously and wish I'd gotten his picture to remember our encounter more clearly. After a while I heard drums and singing, and wandered in that direction. It was some sort of ancient performance -- complete with crazy hanbok costumes, men in cages, small children being carted around in rick-shaws and insane music and singing. Right in the center of the street, surrounded by all the Koreans in their modern style of dress. Old meets new, once again. I wandered the surrounding area, and then came back for another show. Again, I met an older Korean but this one didn't speak much English, and just wanted to talk about my hair anyways. No thanks. I left around 8pm, had some pineapple on a stick and caught the metro back. I walked home in the cool summer air beyond content with my day, and my entire decision to come to Korea.
Lots of love,
Sarah
I've never liked chicken, but have recently started liking it more. However, after that experience I can't even look at the stuff. I hate to be a baby, but the stuff makes my skin crawl worse than ever. Plus, the rest of the meat here is terrible!! Someone get to the military base and get me some American beef!! (Ooo, we had a bbq the other day and the GIs brought American beef and I thought I was going to cry I was so happy!) Erin tried to make sense of the chicken I brought home, but in the end we threw it out.
So yeah after Thursday's fiasco, on Friday I went out for Egyptian food with friends and stuck to the hummus, babaganoush and falafel. :) Much safer. After dinner, we went for drinks and met Dennis Oh! He's obviously no one in America, but he's a big deal actor here in Korea. He's actually half American half Korean, speaks zero Korean, but has shot to fame. He seemed nice enough, but it escapes me as to why he's become famous here. He can't speak their language, but is a famous movie star... and I can't even get regular chicken. Hmpf.
Saturday Erin and I explored the market at Dongdaemun and even though neither of us bought a thing we were SO excited to be there. The place was alive, busy and a real epicenter of activity. I was so excited just to be around that much LIFE. Stands selling fabrics, clothes, jewelry, and basically anything you can think of were all over this massive area. There were also tons of food stands selling everything from fruit on a stick (I had some pineapple that was very yummy) to hotdogs deep fried with french fries to form one heart attack inducing lump. Erin got one, but as much as I love hot dogs I couldn't force myself to try it. (Am I a vegetarian?) I took a picture with it though, because it was too hilarious to pass up.
To get back to the metro you had to walk over this bridge, and when we got back noticed Korean security guard type people blocking off part of it. On the bridge were older Russian and Middle Eastern men in suits having a little meeting. We were beyond positive it was a mafia meeting. We decided to avoid the area, and went below the bridge only to discover a hidden treasure! The river was clear and cool, and underneath were Korean families just hanging out enjoying the cool shade. We took our shoes off and went wading, and then decided to walk up the river and find another metro stop. It was a gorgeous walk, and we had a great time just strolling. We ended up in the hardware district! If you need a chain saw or a sink in Korea hit me up, I know where to go. We went home after that, Erin went to dinner with some work friends and I went into Itaewon for a rooftop goodbye party for a new friend. I am really sad she is leaving, she has been so welcoming and sweet. It was a lovely party though. Rooftops in Korea are amazing because you get a great breeze and Seoul at night is stunning. We had a perfect view of the Seoul Tower and with fairy lights all around, we couldn't ask for a more perfect arrangement.
At the party, I was chatting with this girl Sarah, when her friend Brian, a very obviously gay American/Filipino guy walked up to chat. He immediately grabbed my wrist and goes, "Oh my GOD! Are those CARTIER!? Oh my god, I hate you like I hate me. And I fucking LOVE me!" When he asked where I was from I said I'd moved here from Nashville, but was originally from Florida. He asked where I was before Nashville and and soon as the word "Switzerland" escaped by lips he was screaming, "Oh my god. Rosey Rosey Rosey!" Turns out he's an Ancien Roséen as well! We're everywhere.
Sunday I went to 11am church (and I didn't have to leave my apartment until 10:40!) and got to talking to this one American family after mass. They are here because the husband is the general manager of GM here. They have a 21 year old daughter who is a student at Michigan State, but is spending a semester here, and then also a 4 year old daughter. The older daughter wasn't at church, but the mom gave me her email address and said we should get together. Her mom said they belong to the Seoul Club and would love to have me as their guest. Pilates classes, swimming pool, full gym, tennis courts, blah blah blah. How nice of her!! I'm excited.
An anecdote from church - we have a great and lively population of Nigerians and one baby in the group had been baptized the day before. The whole group processed in with he priest, and he presented the baby to the entire congregation. While they were all standing at the front of the church, smiling proudly at the baby, a small American child sitting behind me, no more than 6 years old, says in a stage whisper, "Mommy! They all look exactly the same!" Haha.
After church I went home and changed clothes, packed a little picnic bag and set out to Pagoda Park to do a little exploring/reading. The park was a lot smaller that I anticipated, but it was still gorgeous and a great place for people watching. Each pagoda was an architectural master piece. Some were painted in bright and exciting colors, and others were intricately carved marble. One pagoda in particular was built in 1467! America didn't even exist! It was harmed when the Japanese first invaded, but was rebuilt, and in 1919 the Koreans started their revolution against the Japanese at this very sight. It was a peaceful protest, but was met with very violent attacks from the Japanese, but it ultimately led to Korea's independence. It was such an intense feeling to know I was somewhere steeped in so much history. From this 15th century pagoda I could see out of the park to the incredibly modern city of Seoul. Asia is so spectacular in that it is truly where ancient meets modern. From sleek glass sky scrapers to 15th century pagodas. From high modern fashion to ancient hanbok dress. This country spans centuries beyond centuries, and it's staggering sometimes.
At the park I settled underneath a pagoda with about 6-8 old men and read while they chatted and played board games. It was such a gorgeous day, and I was so satisfied just sitting, reading and people watching. I noticed across the park a very old man talking to the only other waeguk (means foreigner in Korean, and it's how they refer to us and we've adopted it) in the park. The next thing I knew the old man had creeped up beside me and was talking to me! His English was pretty good. He said right away that he was 110 years old and that he'd learnt English when he was in the army and that one of his favorite things to do now is find waeguks and just talk to them. He told me all about his family, who were farmers in the country, and how his parents had lived until they were well into their 100s, but his sister had only lived into her 90s. He told me about life in the country, and about how he'd move to Seoul when he was young and how he'd seen so many changes he couldn't count them anymore. We talked about living in Korea and he explained how happy he is that foreigners come and want to see Korea. He was immensely proud of Korea, and I was just awe struck by how fortunate I was to be talking with him. Despite the language barrier, he wove his stories so delicately together that I thought I was listening to an accomplished narrator. He eventually told me he had to go, and I was sorry to see him leave. As he left, I realized together we were just like the rest of Seoul -- the ancient meets the new, and they can coexist perfectly.
I sat peacefully for a while, just meditating on his words. We didn't talk for very long, but I took our meeting very seriously and wish I'd gotten his picture to remember our encounter more clearly. After a while I heard drums and singing, and wandered in that direction. It was some sort of ancient performance -- complete with crazy hanbok costumes, men in cages, small children being carted around in rick-shaws and insane music and singing. Right in the center of the street, surrounded by all the Koreans in their modern style of dress. Old meets new, once again. I wandered the surrounding area, and then came back for another show. Again, I met an older Korean but this one didn't speak much English, and just wanted to talk about my hair anyways. No thanks. I left around 8pm, had some pineapple on a stick and caught the metro back. I walked home in the cool summer air beyond content with my day, and my entire decision to come to Korea.
Lots of love,
Sarah
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