Seomun Market

Last weekend I went to Seomun Market for the first time with Christine and Brendan. It's definitely an experience! They sell everything and anything you could ever want. I was definitely on the hunt for a pan... maybe sheets... and a plant or two!

We definitely saw some interesting things in our wanderings...

Picking out veggies for our cookout!

Eek! Fresh squid! They were everywhere...

Even worse... gigantic fresh octopus soaking in a broth of some sort... yuck.

It was such a beautiful day for a market run!

It was a very productive trip! I got a beautiful purple orchid and some veggies. However, the saddest part of the trip was the animal section... I should've taken a picture of it... They had the cutest puppies for sale... to eat. I wanted to take one home. Unfortunately, not only do I not have any money... but pets are not allowed in my building. *sigh*

Samduk sol!

For dinner one night, my friend and coworker Nicole took me to have my first Korean dinner done right! It's called samduck sol (pronounced sam-duck-sol). It's pork, and you cook it over a grill in the middle of your table! It comes with sides you're supposed to eat it with/on.

First, you cook the pork. It comes in strips and you have to cut it with scissors when it's been cooked enough. Then you put the pork in the lettuce leaf, with rice, a red bean paste, bean sprouts, kimchi, garlic (roasted if you want), and onions soaked in soy sauce with a lil wasabi on the side. You roll it into the lettuce leaf and shove it all in your mouth! It's actually pretty delicious.

However... one thing was not so delicious. Apparently a much-loved side dish here is bundaegi. Basically, it's cooked silk worm larve. And you just pop them into your mouth. Yep, you eat them. When the lady first brought them out... I was so naieve and was like "oh, what's this? Do we put this in the leaf too?" haha. Thankfully, I took a closer second look. And noticed they had legs. Ew.

Also, I realized that I took a video of the Buddhist prayers and forgot to post it! So here it is:

Church Update:

I went to church this past Sunday with my friend and coworker Brendan. On our way there, I saw another foreigner come out of the building next to mine. We commented on it cause we didn't know there were any other English speakers living close to us! When we got to the church... the guy was there! It was such a funny "coincidence" that we introduced ourselves. Later, the church was doing a scavenger hunt of sorts and we were on the same team! It was fun, and he reminds me so much of an old friend from home. So yeah, pretty awesome to have a cool Christian neighbor right next door!

But this time around at chuch was funny because even though it's only my second time there... people that I had met the week before were excited to see me, and were glad I was there. It was interesting that I could start feeling comfortable there so quickly. It's definitely because the people are opening up to me first!

The pastor's wife, "Jenna" --her english name, approached me again about the Women's Bible study. She talked to me about getting it together and leading it. She had already talked to the girls about their interest, and apparently everyone is highly interested and we already have 11 girls willing to do this! Wow. God is really putting this together. Now, if only I could catch up. I have about a month and a half to get to know the girls, and hang out with them... then they want to start having the actual bible studies the first week of June. I'm excited to get to know these girls... and I can only pray that God shows me how to challenge them and bring them closer to Him.

Easter Sunday

I know this is a little late, but I wanted to relate my first church experience since so many have asked about it.

My church experience was interesting. I prayed that God would make it perfectly clear which church I should go to, so I can get involved right away. I didn't want to be left hanging too long in a foreign country, especially only knowing people who aren't Christians and who go out drinking every weekend. And it's not like in Chicago where I could spend time looking around for a good church to be involved in. There are very few English services around these parts!

Through websites and Korean coworkers I found a few churches that had English serivces. Of those few, less were close to me. After calling around and getting no luck in checking out their English service information... I called the number for Dongshin Presbyterian Church's English service contact. The guy who answered the phone was a Kiwi named Karl, and told me a bit about the church and then asked about my church background, etc. When I brought up that I had gone to Moody, Karl excitedly stated that the pastor for the English church had too! I finished the conversation feeling like God was leading me to where I should be.

On Easter Sunday, I got lost on my way to the church. That was to be expected a bit... but I got more lost than I thought I would. The directions weren't that clear to begin with, and then my sense of direction was a bit thrown off. After a few failed attempts, I was finally frustrated enough to pray. Soon after, a Korean that spoke perfect English came up to me and asked "Are you lost?" I was astonished and relieved! I asked him if he knew where the church was, and come to find out he had gone there as a child! Him and his friend kindly directed me to the church, and we talked along the way.

I finally arrived just as the sermon was starting, said "hi" to Karl and took a seat. The service took place on the 5th floor of the Activity center for a very large Korean Presbyterian church. There was a good mix of foriegners and Koreans, but everyone spoke English. Come to find out later, there was also many other new people going to church for Easter Sunday! Another thing that was a pretty awesome surprise was that halfway into the sermon, the guy that helped me and his friend came into the service and sat down in front of me!

After church, I met a whole bunch of people... more than I remember now. I talked to the guys that helped me and the pastor for awhile. The talk with the pastor was at first overwhelming, because I told him I would like to know more about the church and being involved; and since he knew I was from Moody... he really laid it on me!

Even though it was overwhelming, and much different than I expected... I still feel like that's where I should be. I mostly feel this way because of conviction and the fact that their needs match my abilities/what I want to do! They have need of a Theology bible study, starting a Women's group, and help with Children's church. haha. However, I need to actually get to know the church members... and that means opening up. Which I'm not the best at in the beginning.

I need to step outside of my fears and insecurities to open myself up to this church to love and grow with them! Eek! And even though I'm excited to get involved, I still feel so inadequate to help at all. What keeps playing over in my head is when Paul says that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness... I pray this comes true!

Gatbawi Buddha

The hike this past Saturday was amazing! Brutal... but amazing. haha. My coworker was right when he said it was the "stair master from hell."

The trip started off around 10am Saturday morning with an hour long bus ride. Their buses are really nice compared to Chicago's! The cherry blossoms have been coming out for the past month as well... so there were some very beautiful parts of the hike.

The entrance of the hike with some beautiful cherry blossom trees!

Right before you start up the trail (and on through the trail at certain points, as I came to find out later), there are piles of rocks. The rocks are wishes or prayers and you have to balance them on top of the other rocks... and you want to balance them on the highest point so your prayers are closer to Heaven. Or Buddha. Not really sure which one.

My prayer balancing on the highest point I could get.

A ways up the hike we came to a temple area. Before you go up to the temple, there's an alter to Buddha. Incense was burning and water was flowing by the statue. People were there lighting candles for prayers, kneeling on the mats to pray, and worshiping Buddha's statue. It actually reminded me of a strange mix of Catholicism and Islam.

They take off their shoes before they step on the mats to pray

Statue of Buddha and alter area

There were a few different temples. One was to the mountain god - usually depicted as a tiger or an old man, and the other is the main temple where the monks pray. This beautiful bridge connected the two temples.

Temple of the mountain god

Pagoda and bell "tower" for the temple

Bell which they ring once a day for the main prayer

Beautiful hand painted artwork was everywhere; this is from the bell "tower"

Everyone tries to get a sip (or fill their water bottles) of temple mountain spring water that's been blessed by Buddha. It flows out of the mouth of the turtle.

Vats of kimchi soaking on the roof of the temple kitchen

These are the hardcore uneven steps that kicked our butts

As we neared the top we started seeing people selling candles, and gifts for Buddha

The view from one of the resting areas maybe halfway up

When we neared the top, we started seeing these beautiful temple lanters!

The lanterns had Buddhas holding lotus' and standing in Buddha positions

The prayer area at the top of the mountain.

The lanters that covered the ceiling had the prayers of people tied to the ends

Me and the huge Buddha with a stone on its head: it's one of the oldest in all Asia!

Once we had finally reach our goal with making it to the Buddha and the temple at the top of the mountain, we had to make our way back down again. That was definitely the most trecherous part of the trip! (At least for the first half of the way down.) We hadn't realized how steep it had been getting... so we were definitely off balance for the way down. Gravity works, let me tell you. What was the most confusing though was that we kept seeing people with dress clothes/shoes and very old people making their way up the mountain! How they did it I will never know...

Making our way slowly back down the mountain

Me with a monk!

We finally reached the end of our hike with much relief. Our legs were definitely shaking! On our way down we passed by the monk that I have a picture with, and he was so friendly! It was funny cause the only two things he knew how to say were "hi" and "I love you..." haha. Our bus ride home felt long, but we felt both tired and accomplish from the day. I can't wait to do more!

Old vs. New

As promised, here are pictures of my previous place as opposed to my new one.

This was my studio:

Dirty front door area with a small dresser/TV

Bed area directly to the left of the doorway

Small kitchen area on the left, even smaller bathroom area on the right

Nasty mold area behind furniture. It was spread across the wall.

Now, my new place! It was too big for pictures, so enjoy the tour:

First Week

Hey Friends and Family!

I'm now completely moved into my new place, and it's so much nicer than the one before. First of all, no mold! (Or "no moss" as my landlady says. haha) It also has room separate rooms! I have a bedroom, a living space/kitchen, a small "office" type room... and best of all a bathroom with a shower! The faucet is still really low, but at least now I can wash my hair with both hands. haha.

Moving day was pretty interesting. My landlady showed me my new apt, then took me up to her "office"/place where she "sometimes sleeps" and asked if I wanted her TV or microwave... Needless to say, I was confused. Then she kept insisting that I take one (or both)? After a bit of a difficult interchange, we sort of communicated: I would rather have the microwave if I had to choose one. So I think I traded my supposed TV for her microwave. lol. However, I came to find out later that my Director has already paid for me to have a TV!? Very confusing. But I don't regret my decision. It's more difficult than you think to live without a microwave.

She was very helpful though! And very kind and patient with me and the language barrier. She also told me that she bought me a new mattress and frame, a new washer, and a new gas burner! (Not sure why though...) The only thing I'm missing now is a dresser... I'm getting a little tired of living out of my suitcase!

My coworkers have been so helpful though! They've taken me shopping, showed me what a few different foods were, and helped me find my way around a bit. Now all I have to do is remember these things... I'm planning on hiking Mt. "Pogwonsan" this weekend with a few of them. Apparently the mountain we're going to has the tallest standing Buddha at the top holding a lotus, along with one of the oldest medicine Buddha with a stone on it's head. I'm excited for the hike! Finally some outdoor events. There's also salsa dancing, taught by a foreign teacher, and Korean classes at the local YMCA (within walking distance from me!), so I have plenty of options for things to do.

Also: praise God, I've found a church! I actually haven't been there yet, but I do believe this is the one that God wants me to be involved with. It's only a few subway stops away, and has an English service. It's called Dongshin Presbyterian Church. I called the contact number, talked to Karl (an Austrailian), and told him a little about myself and asked about the church... and found that the pastor when to Moody as well!!! I am definitely going there this Sunday and am very excited to meet the congregation. Apparently the church itself is pretty large, but the English service has only 20 foreigners and 40 Koreans. I think that's a good amount for me. :)

So a few interesting cultural differences I've found:

1. They wallpaper everything. The ceiling. The walls. Every corner and crag. I think they would wallpaper the floor if they could. lol.

2. They have something called PC rooms and DVD rooms.

PC rooms are exactly what they sound like-- large rooms full of computers with games and Internet on them. They're generally dark, and smokey (you can smoke inside here)--kinda like a bar. Yuck. But apparently Koreans (especially Korean teenagers) spend hours upon hours here! They have really comfy computer chairs and they serve food (generally snacks like fried squid and octopus).

DVD rooms are a little more sketchy. They are what they sound like and a little bit more. Since Koreans live with their parents until they're married, and even somtimes after, they don't get much "alone time" with their significant other. So, they'll go to a DVD room, rent a movie, lay/sit on the bed/couch and spend some "quality time" together. I was actually a little shocked when I heard about that... I mean, they're everywhere! So it's a pretty common thing.

3. They're not kidding about taking off your shoes before you enter a house. They have something called "shoe closets" next to the entrance, and the rest of the floor is raised except for the "shoe area."

4. They have these delicious rice patty pancakes that they fill with a brown sugar and cinnomin combindation and fry called hodduck (pronounced ho-duck...except really fast and like a Korean. haha). Yum!

5. Street vendors sell everything and usually sell the best things. i.e. Strawberries, socks, hodduck, chamwae (pronounced cham-b-way. it's a Korean melon -it's yellow), blankets, cell phones, subway cards, etc.

A few especially good things: Today I got my physical in order to get my Alien Registration card, which I should be getting in a few weeks. And I also got internet today! Yay! That means I have a landline, too. Still working on the cell phone... but should have that in the next few days. Yay for communication skill!

Skype is up and running for sure now.

First Few Days

I got into Daegu safely. The cab driver who picked me up was a little crazy. Didn't speak any english, drove like a bat out of hell and didn't have any seat belts in the back seat (which is apparently not normal). My first impression of Korea was cloudy/foggy and very mountainous. The city is pretty much like Chicago with buildings crammed close to each other... but there's not as much diversity in the architecture.

My first night in my apt was cold. Apparently they haven't turned on the gas yet, so the heat doesn't work, the stove doesn't work and the hot water isn't hot. I also don't have a phone yet, or internet or TV connection. But they say it wont take long to set those up. My room is more like a studio... I took some pictures so when I get internet set up at my apt I'll put them up. (For now I'm using the school's computer.) The bed, TV and dresser are in the main room, the bathroom is a tiny separate room. It's a lot like the bathrooms in Greece with the toilet, shower and sink all in the same area and no separation. The kitchen is in a separate space too, along with the washing machine. Apparently they don't do driers here... they line dry everything!

I have pretty good cabinet space, but there's nothing in them like I thought there would be. So i have to find a few dishes, etc. Also, I have a little mini-fridge... so that's going to be interesting too. Kinda like being back in the dorm again. haha. There's also mold growing on the wall in a huge patch... so I told them I was allergic to it and it would make me sick if they left it. They don't know how to clean it though so they're going to cover it with another layer of wallpaper! Oh brother. All the walls need to be cleaned actually... But the apt is similar to some studios I've seen in Chicago. And there were no sheets on the bed and the bed is as hard as a rock. Did I mention it was cold? I miss home!!!

It's a little frustrating not being able to read/understand most things here... but I'm at the school learning about my class schedule and who I'll be working with and the curriculum... so that's really exciting! I'm planning to see my friend Christine tonight as well.

Oh, the flight over was SO long. And I realized I don't mind flying alone usually, but flying alone internationally sucks. I exchanged some won in Seoul, but haven't been able to find a calling card yet. I'm hoping to soon. Brian (one of my bosses/coworkers) is showing me around a bit, and as well as some of the other teachers... So it seems like I'll be pretty busy for awhile!