Boo. Blogs are quite hard to keep up with but then again, i wonder how many people actually read them.
Anyways, if you haven't noticed already, i've given up on blogging.
However, do not be dismayed! I have posted tons of pictures of facebook and so have others with my face tagged in them, so there are plenty of pictures to look at. You know what they say, a picture says more than a 1000 words. So I hope the many pictures make up for my lack of entries.
So please do check out facebook and sorry if you don't have facebook. Perhaps this is a good incentive to get an account?? haha. However, i'm guessing that those of you who are checking up on my blogs already do have facebook and have seen the pictures i've posted and have been also keeping in touch vica facebook or email.
One more week of classes in Korea left!
I actually have to write exams!!!:O
And then i'm off to Vancity for my lovely cousin's wedding:)
Friday, July 20, 2007
Saturday, June 30, 2007
More Pictures!
After not being able to post pictures up for over a week, it was hard selecting ones that I should post. This week was my first week at the Yonsei Special Summer Program, where more than half of the students went on a 3 day trip to Min Sok Chon and Gyeong Ju. It was an optional portion of our program but I think everyone who went would agree that they were glad that they had gone. This is where we were given the chance to really get to know people.
I found out that most of them are from the States and are in their 1st/2nd year of university. There are some that have just graduated from high school and will be going to university in the fall!
sigh.. i feel so old!
However, first with pictures with the remaining time with my cousin's:
They have KimBab Chung Gook (translates to KimBab Heaven) in Toronto but they are everywhere in Korea!! and the so much cheaper!! So after seeing many Kimbab Chung Gooks, I felt like having some KimBab but my dear cousin offerred to make them herself, saying that her's tastes better. And mmm.. they were pretty good! To go along with the Kimbab, we also made Ho Dduk (korean pancakes with a sugary/nutty filling)!! yup:)
Before dropping me off at Yon sei University, we visited the Korean Performance Arts Centre, which was close by my uncle's office. Here I got to see a bit of traditional korean art and instruments... play with them:)
So I got into the dorm, thinking that I had a single room because my name wasn't paired up with anyone else's on the list that they gave us, but I walked in only to see someone's personal belongings all nicely arrange on the other side of my room. Supposedly someone who actually attends the university as a full time/summer student has been and is living there.
So it was a bit disappointing but she hasn't been around all week, so I have yet to meet her!
MinSokChon is a Traditional Korean Folk Village that they set up for people to see what it was like many years ago. It's basically the same sort of concept as Pioneer Village back in Toronto. Here are some pictures of the the performers. First are these girls doing Yeul Dee Gee, where they jump on either sides of a board that's kind of like a see-saw. They were amazing!
This was crazzzzy! This man walks on a tight rope but with no harness!! He's completely free standing/walking on the rope and then he does all these cool tricks on the rope such as walk backwards, hop across with one foot, sit on the rope then stand again, etc.
After we made our way to Gyeong Ju, which is about 5 hours drive away from Seoul. This city holds many of Korea's historic and national treasures, especially from the 7th century during the Silla Kingdom. I was afraid we were going to stay at some sketchy motel but we ended up staying at a very nice hotel. The only weird thing was that it had it's one No Rae Bang (Karoake Rooms) and Night Club, which we all took advantage of the both nights we were there!
Me and some girls in a No Rae Bang, singing the night away~
While we were in Gyeong Ju, it was non-stop. We went to two famous Buddhist temples, one of which being the Seokguram Grotto, one of Korea's national treasures. The temples were absolutely beautiful because they are mostly up in the mountains. They hold so much culture and history since Buddism influenced much of Korean culture at some point. 
Here I am drinking the "holy water" at a Buddist temple. The water comes from a spring that flows down from the mountain and at the point that it flows out, a Buddhist statue was placed on top of it. Thus, they believe that the water is "holy" and whomever drinks it will become more youthful.
This is an astronomical observatory tower that is considered to be one of the oldest surviving observatories in East Asia, and one of the oldest scientific installations on Earth
Just imagine this picture was rotated 90 degrees clockwise..
This is a burial mound of one of the Silla Kings, one of the few that they have dug through so that people can go inside. There are many of these in the city... when I saw them, i thougth that they best way to describe them was to say they look like Teletubbie houses but without windows or doors. It's quite interesting.
A group of us explored the surrounding area of Shin Chon. It's a pretty busy area that's filled with young people.
A few of us in Shin Chon area again, at Red Mango for some Frozen Yogurt..Mmmm
On another day, we went to Myung Dong, which is like the fashion district of Seoul. There are stores after stores selling clothes, accessories, bags, etc., all lined up with salons, cafes and restaurants. We only got to look around and not shop that much.. too overwhelming but I must go back there sometime!:D
Oh.. and there was a "Free Hugs" guy there so we decided to get a free hug. haha.
A highlight this week was to see two friends from back at home. I met up with Monica and Katie both of whom I attend Queen's with. Monica took me to the Foreign Missionary Cemetary, where we saw the graves of many missionaries that came and influenced Korea. I was really surprised to see how much of an influence missionaries had on Korea. They set up schools (including Yonsei University!), hospitals, and even influenced the national anthem!
This picture is of the man-made stream that runs through the city. The stream was originally there naturally but when they were building the city, it was paved over with construction. However, recently in the past couple years, they rebuilt the stream... haha
Alright.. now for some pictures of food from the week!
Again, imagine it rotated 90 degrees clockwise.
Above is Hae Mul Gam Ja Tang (Pork Bone Soup with Seafood!) I haven't seen this in Toronto, where it comes with seafood. And on the left is some alcoholic drink that's made from wild strawberries. It was pretty good.. kind of like a really sweet wine.
I found out that most of them are from the States and are in their 1st/2nd year of university. There are some that have just graduated from high school and will be going to university in the fall!
sigh.. i feel so old!
However, first with pictures with the remaining time with my cousin's:
They have KimBab Chung Gook (translates to KimBab Heaven) in Toronto but they are everywhere in Korea!! and the so much cheaper!! So after seeing many Kimbab Chung Gooks, I felt like having some KimBab but my dear cousin offerred to make them herself, saying that her's tastes better. And mmm.. they were pretty good! To go along with the Kimbab, we also made Ho Dduk (korean pancakes with a sugary/nutty filling)!! yup:)
Before dropping me off at Yon sei University, we visited the Korean Performance Arts Centre, which was close by my uncle's office. Here I got to see a bit of traditional korean art and instruments... play with them:)
This picture I had to take because I found it actually really funny that someone had hung these signs all over the tree. It translates to: "Chemicals were strayed on the tree so please do not eat."
So I got into the dorm, thinking that I had a single room because my name wasn't paired up with anyone else's on the list that they gave us, but I walked in only to see someone's personal belongings all nicely arrange on the other side of my room. Supposedly someone who actually attends the university as a full time/summer student has been and is living there.
So it was a bit disappointing but she hasn't been around all week, so I have yet to meet her!
MinSokChon is a Traditional Korean Folk Village that they set up for people to see what it was like many years ago. It's basically the same sort of concept as Pioneer Village back in Toronto. Here are some pictures of the the performers. First are these girls doing Yeul Dee Gee, where they jump on either sides of a board that's kind of like a see-saw. They were amazing!
This was crazzzzy! This man walks on a tight rope but with no harness!! He's completely free standing/walking on the rope and then he does all these cool tricks on the rope such as walk backwards, hop across with one foot, sit on the rope then stand again, etc.
After we made our way to Gyeong Ju, which is about 5 hours drive away from Seoul. This city holds many of Korea's historic and national treasures, especially from the 7th century during the Silla Kingdom. I was afraid we were going to stay at some sketchy motel but we ended up staying at a very nice hotel. The only weird thing was that it had it's one No Rae Bang (Karoake Rooms) and Night Club, which we all took advantage of the both nights we were there!
Me and some girls in a No Rae Bang, singing the night away~
While we were in Gyeong Ju, it was non-stop. We went to two famous Buddhist temples, one of which being the Seokguram Grotto, one of Korea's national treasures. The temples were absolutely beautiful because they are mostly up in the mountains. They hold so much culture and history since Buddism influenced much of Korean culture at some point. It was foggy that day so the pictures didn't turn out that great.
This is me and tw first from my bus, wearing our free Yon Sei University T-shirts:)
Here I am drinking the "holy water" at a Buddist temple. The water comes from a spring that flows down from the mountain and at the point that it flows out, a Buddhist statue was placed on top of it. Thus, they believe that the water is "holy" and whomever drinks it will become more youthful.
This is an astronomical observatory tower that is considered to be one of the oldest surviving observatories in East Asia, and one of the oldest scientific installations on Earth
Just imagine this picture was rotated 90 degrees clockwise..
This is a burial mound of one of the Silla Kings, one of the few that they have dug through so that people can go inside. There are many of these in the city... when I saw them, i thougth that they best way to describe them was to say they look like Teletubbie houses but without windows or doors. It's quite interesting.
We also visited the Hyundai Heavy Industries, which was ok... they're huge here in Korea but i guess people who are more techy and into that stuff would appreciate it more. However, Samsung and Hyundai owns almost everything here.
Once we got back, we met the rest of the people in our program and took a placement test which had both a written and oral component. I was hoping to get into a lower level because I didn't want to be working while I'm in korea but for some reason, my intentional half-ass effort on the test didn't work. So i'm placed in a level 4 class, which I'm finding it to be probably at the right challenge level... i guess I'll be learning while i'm here. hahah..
Once we got back, we met the rest of the people in our program and took a placement test which had both a written and oral component. I was hoping to get into a lower level because I didn't want to be working while I'm in korea but for some reason, my intentional half-ass effort on the test didn't work. So i'm placed in a level 4 class, which I'm finding it to be probably at the right challenge level... i guess I'll be learning while i'm here. hahah..
Classes run from 9am to 1 pm, so have the rest of the day to do whatever we want with consideration that we homework. Many people complained that the curfew (yes, we have curfews..) is too early at 12am, but I found it being more than ok because by that time, I'm SO tired. First off, the campus is HUGE and it's on a friggin mountain!! A friend who went on the program last year warned me about climbing a moutain to get to the dorms and oh man, he wasn't joking!!! I takes me 20 mins to get to the front gate from my dorm but it takes atleast 30 min back uphill to the dorm rooms, so i'm definitely getting my exercise while i'm here, haha....
A group of us explored the surrounding area of Shin Chon. It's a pretty busy area that's filled with young people.
A few of us in Shin Chon area again, at Red Mango for some Frozen Yogurt..Mmmm
On another day, we went to Myung Dong, which is like the fashion district of Seoul. There are stores after stores selling clothes, accessories, bags, etc., all lined up with salons, cafes and restaurants. We only got to look around and not shop that much.. too overwhelming but I must go back there sometime!:D
Oh.. and there was a "Free Hugs" guy there so we decided to get a free hug. haha.
A highlight this week was to see two friends from back at home. I met up with Monica and Katie both of whom I attend Queen's with. Monica took me to the Foreign Missionary Cemetary, where we saw the graves of many missionaries that came and influenced Korea. I was really surprised to see how much of an influence missionaries had on Korea. They set up schools (including Yonsei University!), hospitals, and even influenced the national anthem!This picture is of Monica and Katie in InSaDong, where we had dinner~
This picture is of the man-made stream that runs through the city. The stream was originally there naturally but when they were building the city, it was paved over with construction. However, recently in the past couple years, they rebuilt the stream... haha
Alright.. now for some pictures of food from the week!
Again, imagine it rotated 90 degrees clockwise.
I didnt actually eat this. My friend did instead because I actually had some stomach problems that day from something I ate.. not fun. But it looks really good...
Above is Hae Mul Gam Ja Tang (Pork Bone Soup with Seafood!) I haven't seen this in Toronto, where it comes with seafood. And on the left is some alcoholic drink that's made from wild strawberries. It was pretty good.. kind of like a really sweet wine.Ahh.. these updates take forever!:P
Monday, June 25, 2007
Love boat.. Korean style??
It's funny because there's this similar program in taiwan (i think?) where it's known more as "Love Boat" amongst the people overseas due to the things that go on in the program. Parents send their children off thinking that it's a good cultural experience and a chnace for them to learn the language. And sure students experience the culture but in many ways, a lot more than just culture of the country!
What do you get when you put about 120 students from N. America in a foreign country who've just met each other for the first time? oh and the soju is cheap and the party scene is very accessible?? haha.. i'm sure one can imagine but i didnt' know things would happen so fast here.
Well, it's interesting to be in this environment... but kind of feel old. Most of the people here are first or second year of university and they are all from the States, so suddenly i'm proud to be Canadian pride. It's been intersting to see just how many people are so curious about Canada and really don't know much about it.
Hence, yes, i'm in Love Boat Korea. Haha.. funny to watch.
Anyways, this is a short update. Later today i have a placement test to write so that we're put into classes according to our level of Korean and then off to explore the surrounding neighbourhood to see what is around the area!
Pictures will probably not be posted until the weekend.
What do you get when you put about 120 students from N. America in a foreign country who've just met each other for the first time? oh and the soju is cheap and the party scene is very accessible?? haha.. i'm sure one can imagine but i didnt' know things would happen so fast here.
Well, it's interesting to be in this environment... but kind of feel old. Most of the people here are first or second year of university and they are all from the States, so suddenly i'm proud to be Canadian pride. It's been intersting to see just how many people are so curious about Canada and really don't know much about it.
Hence, yes, i'm in Love Boat Korea. Haha.. funny to watch.
Anyways, this is a short update. Later today i have a placement test to write so that we're put into classes according to our level of Korean and then off to explore the surrounding neighbourhood to see what is around the area!
Pictures will probably not be posted until the weekend.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Pictures!
I bought myself a camera for a pretty good price and what I love about korea is that you can BARGAIN! woohoo.. which means they also give you a lot of free stuff, or should I say extras, such as an tripod, 1GB memory card, zippered case for the camera, and plastic film cover to protect the LCD screen. Thus, I have pictures to post finally. So the following are from today... First, these are the two "unnees" (= "older sisers"), my cousins that I've been chilling with the past few days and until I go to the school...
I look very FOB here, BUT I assure no more pictures where I look like a fob:) It just so happened to turn out that way here.. sigh.. haha
One of my cousins works at a hak-gwan, a tutor/private learning center, where they specialize in music and science. Their main idea of education is to allow the kids to learn on their own by asking own questions and then find answers through exploration and experimentation. It's a very progressivist "child-centered" philosophy of education!
So here I am with my other cousin playing with the instruments.
And here we are in the science room in our lab coats pretending to be scientists!
It's funny because my two areas of studies are science and music..
They should hire me, I look good in their lab coats.. .haha
Then we went to the Shinsaegwe Shopping mall.. every thing there is so expensive so i didn't buy anything... except food:)
Wang Man Du (King Dumplings)
they were the size of my face!
Soon Dae.... you don't want the English description. But it tastes good!
The outside of the mall... the malls here go vertical. They have 7 floors and a movie theatre on top, compared to malls in canada that are horizontal with usually one floor but many halls.
we watched Ocean's 13.. pretty fun.
Ok.. THIS is interesting! It's an electronic parking system.
You park your car in these "slots" and punch in a code that activates a door to shut and then it takes your car into one of it's many basements and stores it away. And when you need your car back, you punch your code back in and it brings the car to you from below!
They do this because the land in Korea is small and so this system maximizes parking space!
So for dinner we went to a Chinese fusion restaurant for some Jajangmeun. It's like korean style chinese food, all of which I thought was originally korean because they sell it in Korean restaurants in Toronto. However, they are not native Korean food but chinese food that Koreans have taken and changed it over time.
Me eating again... eating Jajangmeun.. noodles in blackbean sauce and seafood!
I look very FOB here, BUT I assure no more pictures where I look like a fob:) It just so happened to turn out that way here.. sigh.. haha
One of my cousins works at a hak-gwan, a tutor/private learning center, where they specialize in music and science. Their main idea of education is to allow the kids to learn on their own by asking own questions and then find answers through exploration and experimentation. It's a very progressivist "child-centered" philosophy of education!
So here I am with my other cousin playing with the instruments.
And here we are in the science room in our lab coats pretending to be scientists!
It's funny because my two areas of studies are science and music..
They should hire me, I look good in their lab coats.. .haha
Then we went to the Shinsaegwe Shopping mall.. every thing there is so expensive so i didn't buy anything... except food:)
Wang Man Du (King Dumplings)
they were the size of my face!
Soon Dae.... you don't want the English description. But it tastes good!
The outside of the mall... the malls here go vertical. They have 7 floors and a movie theatre on top, compared to malls in canada that are horizontal with usually one floor but many halls.
we watched Ocean's 13.. pretty fun.
Ok.. THIS is interesting! It's an electronic parking system.
You park your car in these "slots" and punch in a code that activates a door to shut and then it takes your car into one of it's many basements and stores it away. And when you need your car back, you punch your code back in and it brings the car to you from below!
They do this because the land in Korea is small and so this system maximizes parking space!
So for dinner we went to a Chinese fusion restaurant for some Jajangmeun. It's like korean style chinese food, all of which I thought was originally korean because they sell it in Korean restaurants in Toronto. However, they are not native Korean food but chinese food that Koreans have taken and changed it over time.
Me eating again... eating Jajangmeun.. noodles in blackbean sauce and seafood!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Through His eyes
I was not able to go to church this past Sunday. My uncle's family is Buddhist so instead of church, they volunteer at an orphanage every Sunday morning for 1-2 hours. Thus, I had the opportunity to join them. This orphanage that they go to house children from ages 3-6 and there's an "umma" ("mom" in korean) per 10 children. My uncle's family visit the same 10 group of young boys each week, and during the time that they visit, the "umma"s goes to church for Sunday service.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time there although it was short. I felt that I had experienced God as I remembered the challenge that Rev. Ohm gave our South African mission team last summer just as we were about to do our first task, visiting the preschools in Khayleitsha. He had asked to us to think of just how much God has loved us. Then, he told us to go out and ask God to help us to love the children to the capacity of which we have experience His love for us. Thus, with this in mind, I entered the room of 10 little boys and loved them in the best way I can, while thanking and praising God for who He is. As I saw their smiles, listened to their laughter and joined them in their play, I had a ever-so slight glimps of the depth of God's love for them.
It was great to worship and serve God in a different way this past Sunday.
However, one thing that did come to mind as I played with the boys was why is it that I think of Rev. Ohm's challenge only in times like these, where I encounter those who are considered "unfortunate", "in need", and "part of the mission field"? Should not this be a challenge for every day of our lives? Should we not make that same conscious effort and pray for help to love through the eyes of Jesus with everyone in our lives, even those we find hard to love or take for granted?For some reason, unconsciously, we don't really apply it elsewhere or we chose to ignore that calling as it is convenient for us.
sigh.. it's so hard.
On the side note, I think I'm going to come back to Canada with weight gained. So far my days are usually characterized by food (lots of it and it's soooo good!! ahhh) and zero exercise. Hopefully that will change when I'm in the school's facilities. hahaha :D
oh and my sister got confirmed today back at home.. hope her testimony went well.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time there although it was short. I felt that I had experienced God as I remembered the challenge that Rev. Ohm gave our South African mission team last summer just as we were about to do our first task, visiting the preschools in Khayleitsha. He had asked to us to think of just how much God has loved us. Then, he told us to go out and ask God to help us to love the children to the capacity of which we have experience His love for us. Thus, with this in mind, I entered the room of 10 little boys and loved them in the best way I can, while thanking and praising God for who He is. As I saw their smiles, listened to their laughter and joined them in their play, I had a ever-so slight glimps of the depth of God's love for them.
It was great to worship and serve God in a different way this past Sunday.
However, one thing that did come to mind as I played with the boys was why is it that I think of Rev. Ohm's challenge only in times like these, where I encounter those who are considered "unfortunate", "in need", and "part of the mission field"? Should not this be a challenge for every day of our lives? Should we not make that same conscious effort and pray for help to love through the eyes of Jesus with everyone in our lives, even those we find hard to love or take for granted?For some reason, unconsciously, we don't really apply it elsewhere or we chose to ignore that calling as it is convenient for us.
sigh.. it's so hard.
On the side note, I think I'm going to come back to Canada with weight gained. So far my days are usually characterized by food (lots of it and it's soooo good!! ahhh) and zero exercise. Hopefully that will change when I'm in the school's facilities. hahaha :D
oh and my sister got confirmed today back at home.. hope her testimony went well.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
I'm actually in Korea
To be real honest, I did not particularly forward to Korea. My last visit was quite tiring because we tried to do, see and try everything we can in one month. We travelled to 5 different cities in 2 weeks then spent the next two weeks trying to hit all the hot tourists spots in Seoul, while trying to visit all our relatives since it was a first time visit for both me and my sister. All the travelling, the thick heat, and constant fast pace lifestyle took a toll on my body and I got what Koreans call "mohm sal". Although I was not particularly excited for Korea itself, I did look forward to the mere fact of retreating away from home for a short while. However, I know it will be a much different experience as I am on my own and in a completely different setting, so who knows, I might not want to return to Toronto.
I'm currently staying at my uncle's place in Soo Ji, about an hour away from Seoul, and I won't be going to Yon sei University until later this week. So the next few days should be a good time to just settle in, get the korean language slowly rolling off my tongue (haha more like stutter), and spend time with my uncle's family. When I get to Yonsei, I will be going on a 3 day trip with the other students to several historic/tourist locations in Korea before classes begin.
It's really hot and humid already, and it has finally hit me that I'm actually in Korea. I'm really beginning to look foward to the next couple weeks. Familiar sounds, smells and tastes (ohh.. I'm so loving the food!) are arousing my senses, and it all creates a sense of excitement that I didn't quite anticipate! Hopefully this excitement only continues to grow as time goes by!
Oh and pictures to come...
Being me, forgetful and careless, I just HAD to forget something in Toronto. I packed my camera but forgot the battery and it's charger.. sigh.. However, it's alright since my sister was planning to get a new one anyways. So hopefully, I'll be purchasing a camera and will soon have pictures to go along with the blogs!
I'm currently staying at my uncle's place in Soo Ji, about an hour away from Seoul, and I won't be going to Yon sei University until later this week. So the next few days should be a good time to just settle in, get the korean language slowly rolling off my tongue (haha more like stutter), and spend time with my uncle's family. When I get to Yonsei, I will be going on a 3 day trip with the other students to several historic/tourist locations in Korea before classes begin.
It's really hot and humid already, and it has finally hit me that I'm actually in Korea. I'm really beginning to look foward to the next couple weeks. Familiar sounds, smells and tastes (ohh.. I'm so loving the food!) are arousing my senses, and it all creates a sense of excitement that I didn't quite anticipate! Hopefully this excitement only continues to grow as time goes by!
Oh and pictures to come...
Being me, forgetful and careless, I just HAD to forget something in Toronto. I packed my camera but forgot the battery and it's charger.. sigh.. However, it's alright since my sister was planning to get a new one anyways. So hopefully, I'll be purchasing a camera and will soon have pictures to go along with the blogs!
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