Friday, December 12, 2008

4 month list

Well, we've hit our 4 month mark and we came up with a list of things that Korea has brought into our lives. We've obviously found aspects of Korea that we love and other aspects that we don't love so much. Regardless, Chris and I have both grown so much in these past 4 months , and for this we are thankful:
  • neon lights
  • sitting on the bus and older women randomly stroking your hands, face and hair or having a monk sing to you...that was classic
  • not so friendly older women literally shoving you out of their way on the sidewalks and in stores
  • our favorite Korean dishes: Chamchi Gimbap (Korean version of tuna sushi), Dak bok em bap (Chicken Fried Rice with cheese), and of course any Japenese food (which is much better than all Korean food)
  • our not so favorite Korean staples: Kimichi (fermented spicy cabbage), red pepper paste, pig intestines, bugs... and don't forget the red bean desserts
  • pencil cases and stationary! the pride and joy of the kids and a constant distraction in class
  • parents sending their children over to you in restaurants and such to practice their English
  • the pervading stench of fish, garbage and sewer
  • the confident boost... because you are always a beeeautifull girl or handsome maan to anyone you come in contact with
  • men in shiny suits sleeping in the streets after a night in the bar
  • the waffle lady, who stands in a street vendor stall right outside the apartment selling waffles and these wonderful creme filled pastries all day everyday
  • our most used Korean phrases: "assah" awesome, "jinja" are you serious?, "ego ul mayo" how much is it
  • and what would we do without the classroom favorites: "hajima" don't do that, "anja" sit down, and "joyounghihay" be quiet
  • restaurants and coffee houses completely decked out in princess pink and purple
  • instant coffee served anywhere and everywhere
  • open markets and truck vendors driving through the streets shouting and selling everything from garlic to fish to computers to beer
  • "the squat" as we like to call it, a common Korean resting position that really looks like what we would call "popin a squat"
  • bean sprouts, Chris's only source of survival for about 3 weeks when we first got here
  • body image: a new found appreciation for our bodies pre-Korea (about 35 lbs. heavier combined), and our skewed perspectives after being surrounded by the thin Koreans
  • toilet paper, covering all of your basic needs at home, work and in the restaurant (no napkins on these dinner tables); the bathroom is just an afterthought as a place of use
  • fashion, the 80s reborn! with a little added class
  • excitement and joy when you see someone who looks like you and talks like you...you talk even if there's nothing to say just because it makes us all feel more at home
  • cleaning my bathroom by spraying it down with scolding hot water
  • talking to Mama while she gets ready in the morning and my day is coming to an end
  • a new appreciation for the kisses she blows me every time we say good bye
  • girls in strange, nearly naked outfits dancing and shouting on the sidewalks and in stores ...no this is not a form of exotic entertainment, this my friend is how the Koreans advertise :)
  • random festivals for music, pottery, mums... they come out of the woodwork to go to these things
  • scooters, the scariest thing you could possibly look up to see coming at you as you walk on the side walk
  • SKYPE, email, facebook, myspace, and blogs which allow me to keep in touch with all of you
  • understanding what it means to be a minority and actually experiencing racism
  • the adventures of cooking a western meal when the supplies are non existent
  • Paris Baguette, Tours Les Jour, Baskin Robbins, and Tiamo...our favorite places to get dessert, we keep them in business over here:)
  • bus drivers who drive as if they shouldn't have a license and make me aware of death on an everyday basis
There are many more things we could list, but we've gotta stop somewhere!!!

3 comments:

Scott and Audrey said...

Amber--

I LOVED reading this. I really enjoy reading your blog and keeping up with the daily details of a Korean life. Thank you so much for keeping us updated. Merry Christmas to you and Chris. We all love and miss you very much :)

Baby Makes Four said...

The oven fried chicken was the bomb. I will email you the recipe. :)

Twists N Turns of Fate said...

Audrey~
I'm so glad you enjoyed the post. It's very similar to China, but because we actually live here it isn't quite as amusing :) Hope things are going great for you all in Cali. I thought of you the other day when I looked at a pic we took in China. It was from behind and we were walking down the road...very funny bc you're sooo tall and I'm sooo short :) Have a Merry Christmas, and email me sometime because I don't think I have your email address for some reason.