Elise in Korea

Specialty Show

2009-11-22T03:20:00.002-05:00

yes I've been slacking on the blog and podcast. any way now I'm asking for your help!

starting in January I will be doing an Asian music specialty show on my radio station, Impact 89FM.

I know enough about K-pop, but I need to expand the show to all of Asia, not just Korea. if you know any good Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, Thai, Mongolian, etc. music, leave a comment!

thanks y'all.

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Twenty-Three

2009-09-08T23:23:00.002-05:00

It's been forever I know... sorry. I briefly talk about Music Bank and play some tunes:

SHINee - "Amigo"
2NE1 - "Fire"
2PM - "I Hate You"

I'll do another podcast soon!

Download regular ol' mp3 here

ET Phone Home

2009-08-15T14:51:00.002-05:00

I'm home back in Michigan... yeah I realize now I did not once podcast while in Korea and that's my bad. Sorry y'all I was lacking in 정신 and a lot of stuff was going on. I promise I will get a podcast in soon and talk about my summer and if you have any questions, comments, whatever leave it in the comments on this post.

Already??

2009-08-08T00:32:00.002-05:00

Haven't updated like all summer. I've been busy and I am just a bum always. My internship with KBS ended last week and I had a great time. OK I am at my aunt's office right now at the spine hospital and there is someone like dancing outside the window. hhah can't tell because it's frosted. Any way. I can't believe summer's nearly over already. I'm flying back to America on wednesday and I don't think I'm ready. Sahar is leaving in a few hours and I can't believe it.

Yesterday was my last time going to Music Bank; my internship already ended but I needed to take pictures and talk to the managers. I started a Twitter for Music Bank (twitter.com/kbsmusicbank) and will continue to maintain it hopefully it won't die when I go back to America and start school up again. It won't because I care too much.

I just want to say I LOVE 2NE1. I mean I knew I would love them months ago when I found out they were going to debut a female Big Bang because BB is the best. Then I saw them do "FIRE" which is a great song and these girls have attitude and style and I loved them even more. Then I met them and they were sweet and humble and down to earth. They remembered my face even though I was just a lowly unpaid intern and would go out of their way to 인사 (bow/say hello) to me and I love them. In Sinchon I saw a bar called 2NE1 and it had like their logo and everything. When I showed them the picture they were SO excited. I seriously love these girls so much even though we don't know each other very well they are so down to earth and hardworking and very unique especially in the factory that is Korean pop. I mean I love the Korean pop industry but it is very fabricated and cutesy and there is a lot of imitation. 2NE1 is what everyone wants to be.

So anyway yesterday I came in to take some pictures and told them I had to go back to America and said I'd miss them. I said I'd always support them and that they should come to America because they have tons of American fans and they seemed very humbled. I mean they have to know they are freaking huge but I wonder how they stay so chill about everything. CL called me 언니 ("older sister") and I was so touched. She gave me a cd and wrote, "Elise we're gonna miss you!" and I like wanted to cry. I mean I would love these girls regardless but they are seriously the sweetest girls. On top of that they're talented and hardworking and have got some mad style. I had to compliment their stylist because he is also very cool he has a punky style and made them the most fabulous shoes. Did I mention they all have incredible English skills?

Enough 2NE1 gushing, though. I was also freaking GEEKED to meet Drunken Tiger's JK. He is seriously one of the most talented people ever and hella cool and I was trying to act like I didn't care that I was like meeting him. I met his wife, T (or Yoon Mirae) first because I had to speak in English because after talking to their manager for about .3 seconds it became very clear that my Korean is awful. I'm not going to lie I didn't know who she was but when she came out she was VERY cool. She was like, "Yo!" and I immediately felt comfortable with her. Not only are they freaking cool but they are chill as hell. Haahha JK out of nowhere goes, "Do you smoke?" and I was so thrown off I was like, "what?? smoke what??" I thought he was Korean but his English is perfect. I mean I know the man is a lyrical genius in Korean but he said he didn't understand me because I spoke Korean. I guess my Korean is that bad. ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

I will try to make a podcast soon but I am so lacking in 정신 and disoriented that it will probably have to wait until I get home. I know I am stupid I bought a fancy new mic just for Korea and didn't even use it once when I got here. But life is crazy right now. I'm so thankful that I got to come chill in Korea for the summer and have a great job and meet wonderful people. So happy I got to hang with Sahar and that Sam is being cool and letting me and my tons of crap take over his living room. And mostly to my parents for always being cool and loving and letting me do pretty much whatever I want and always supporting me. Yeah this blog just turned all mushy.

Number One Korean

2009-06-14T09:16:00.003-05:00

The picture was taken from the production booth while they were building the special stage for 2NE1. And the whole thing had to be taken down after we filmed their performance.

This week on Music Bank there was an act called "Number One Korean" and although it sounded familiar pretty much all Korean acts sound familiar by now so I didn't think much of it until they came up on stage and I was impressed to see everyone had instruments. Actually they had a lot of brass and when they started playing I realized this was the ska band I saw playing at Club FF a year ago in Hongdae. I have pictures of them somewhere on my hard drive...

It's pretty cool that this band made it out of the small clubs in Hongdae and onto the biggest stage, especially considering their music genre is very different from the bubblegum pop and ballads that are usually popular in Korea. But I have noticed a trend lately of "trot" (트로트) re-gaining popularity and I love it. Though trot it usually associated with ajumas and ajashis it's a lot of fun and a unique sound and it's always fun for 노래방.

Speaking of Hongdae I went out there last night with Ivan and a bunch of his friends, a couple of his friends came to visit from Scotland and Sweden and then the rest were Korean guys. One guy was on his vacation for one day off the army and was so happy. He was thrilled to be able to have freedom, I didn't realize people hated the army so much. He says he gets brainwashed by propaganda (esp. anti-communist) because he's a translator and he was so happy to be standing on the street with all his weight on one side of his body instead of having to stand straight up. I don't know, I personally like that all Korean guys have to go to the army it makes them 멋있어 because they can fight and be disciplined but if I were them I wouldn't like it either.

I was also very happy just to be there because since I got to Korea I haven't even had an opportunity to go to Hongdae which is pretty much my favorite part of Seoul.

Right now I'm listening to songs that I will pitch to the team tomorrow. On the 26th we're doing a special show with all the biggest acts of the year and we're having some team up and do covers, and I love covers so this is a fun assignment for me.

I finally got out and went shopping. I've been wanting to go and I've been needing some more clothes too but I've been tired or lazy. I went to Dongdaemun tonight and was dressed like a total bum and barely anyone bothered me to come look at their clothes that must be the secret. They were more like looking at me like, you wouldn't even fit into these clothes, or, you're so bummy I don't even want you buying my clothes. I will have to dress like a total bum every time I go so I don't get harassed.

4minutes

2009-06-10T23:35:00.001-05:00

So I realized that since I have a lot of exclusive information and not a lot of time anymore I will just post little tidbits of info for y'all.

Like that the highly anticipated super group 4minutes will be debuting on Music Bank next week on the 515th episode. Holla.

Myoojik Baenk!

2009-06-07T07:35:00.002-05:00

Um so last week started my internship at KBS pretty exciting. Friday was filming as always I was so excited to see SHINee, Super Junior, and everyone else. SHINee won and cried and it was the cutest/most disgusting thing ever. Those poor boys probably work so hard and it looks like they're not even being properly fed. If you think they look skinny on tv, well, the camera really does add ten pounds and in the case of Korea about 38023. I love the fat guy from Super Junior he always looks so happy and we figured it's because he probably gets to eat 13 portions at every meal kekeke.

After filming we went out for dinner and I already feel fat from the 삼겹살 and beer. And if you've ever been eating with older people in Korea you know they going to make you drink! haha but I love my team they are so cool and fortunately I explained to my producer how my name is Elise not Alice from Alice in Wonderland and now he explains to everyone so I don't have to.

After eating I took a taxi on over to Guro and went to Sam's. There is the most amazing 찜질방 at his apartment complex and so I think I will have to make an at least weekly trip there. Especially with how bad my skin is lately because I went from cold Michigan weather to hot humid polluted Seoul air.

Daniel and I planned on going hiking today and Sophie and Sam were going to come too but yesterday Sophie and I started watching 꽃보다남자 (Boys Over Flowers) which I resisted for this long and we were immediately hooked and could not stop watching. Sam and Mike have an awesome fuge tv and a sort of on-demand type of service so I can watch movies and tv and by the time I woke up Saturday the Music Bank episode was available for us to watch.

Aoki Remixed, and TV Notes

2009-06-02T09:59:00.003-05:00

photo by the cobrasnake

So last Friday was the Aoki show at the W Hotel. I'd never been there but Ivan had and I was worried it would sell out. Well Ivan, Josh, and I went to Cheonho (천호역) nearby, met a few of Ivan's friends and heard the show was probably going to sell out. So Josh and I went to the hotel and saw a fuge line and were freaking out but in the end I think they were lying to hype it up and I'm sure there were plenty of tickets. Just the presale sold out because they were 10,000 won cheaper. In the photo you can see Ivan about to get crushed by Steve and me there under his leg afraid of getting crushed.

Saturday Sam and Sophie and I went to check out the 찜질방 (jjimjilbang) at his new place, both are very nice by the way. The 찜질방 even has a 숯가마 (I will have to do a whole jjimjilbang podcast episode one of these days). The place was huge, and there were even cubby holes all over to sleep in with reading lights. Didn't get to try them out, as Sam lives in the apartment complex so I just slept in his living room. Unfortunately for me one really determined mosquito made it up to the 7th floor and in through his window and bit me on the face 234083 times also my finger and ear and leg and who knows where else.

Loving my new place. The location is great and the kitchen is really convenient. Love having a tv. I don't really watch tv but it's nice to have one in Korea. I can keep up with pop culture stuff as well as watch random crappy movies late at night when I can't sleep.

Today I met up with with Nahee in Jamsil. We ate at Marche (I believe that's what it's called - there's also one at the COEX Mall) and there was a ton of food it was kind of confusing though because you have to go around and order stuff then get a stamp then go pick it up. Then we wandered around the shopping areas and acted girly and stuff. I think my Korean actually is getting better. I mean, I can understand Nahee. She needs to help me learn Korean and I need to help her learn English.

Tomorrow I start my internship I'm very excited. Who knows what will happen in the next two months? Maybe I will finally get a boyfriend and turn into a lame Korean couple -- the ones that make me feel lonely and bitter on a daily basis. ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Maybe not. John is coming at the end of this month should be cool all the Yoon kids in Korea at the same time for the first time in like over 10 years.

So since I've been watching so much tv lately let me just make a few comments about the commercials:

- The Rush Cash commercial series with the talking 무 (radish) is really creepy. I still don't get what 무 has to do with Rush Cash. Korean commercials will never make any sense to me. Which is partly why I want to be in one. Preferably a non-alcoholic drink commercial because those are the best.

- The banana milk (바나나우유) commercial with 소녀시대 (Girls Generation) is dumb because they are all like, "I'm hungry" "I'm hungry" "I'm hungry boo hoo" of course you bitches are hungry you think banana milk is a freaking meal.

- Seungri (승리) is in fact not in the Hite beer commercial because he's a baby and not legally old enough to drink alcohol even in this country LOL. Speaking of Seungri the other night at my brother's I watched the movie 우리집에왜왔니? (Why Did You Come To My House?) because Seungri is in it, though his character is important to the plot he doesn't come out a lot which is understandable because he's probably not like the best actor. The movie is kind of weird (which can be expected when watching any Korean movie, seriously) but is actually good. The girl from Old Boy (올드보이) is the main character and she does a really good job, though she looks different because apparently she got surgery.

- And on the subway line 2 they made a new video this one is awareness for women about creepy men (yes this is not correct grammar I don't really care) and there is a creepy guy trying to like look up her skirt then the creepy guy next to her is like trying to look down her shirt and like rub his leg against hers it's pretty hilarious. but nothing beats the one about suspicious objects in the subway I hope they are still showing that where the suspicious guy throws something suspicious in the trash and then some good citizen sees this suspicious behavior and calls the correct authorities. the next scene involves what appears to be a maxi pad on the train tracks and another good citizen reports the suspicious object yet in the video a number to call if such suspicious activities occur is never given.

Moving Soon!

2009-05-26T21:29:00.003-05:00

So, went 집 hunting with Sam yesterday and we were really lucky. We decided on the second place we looked at, really it's ideal. I get my own bathroom, a shared kitchen with the rest of the girls on my floor, a shoe locker, mini fridge, free ramen & rice & kimchee & fake coffee, LAUNDRY, and the best part is it's only like a block from the Grand Mart and Sinchon Station. Which is totally necessary because walking in the Korean summer heat and rain and humidity is miserable.

There's an interesting blog written by an English teacher who was put under quarantine. If you've been keeping up with the news a bunch of them are stuck in some building. It's a fun read over at http://underquarantine.tumblr.com

Hopefully I'll get all settled in this week into my tiny closet of a room -- fortunately the walls are packed with shelving units and I have a closet of sorts -- and next week I can start my internship at KBS. SO EXCITED. I wonder which show I will be put with and which future husband celebs I get to meet kekeke hopefully my fav 이승기 I think he's working on a new drama but I'm pretty sure that's over at SBS. Oh well.

Got to hang with Eun Soo for a while yesterday and fortunately she was being nice. I took her to the playground next to the building and she made a new friend who is only like a couple months younger than her. They were adorable. Of course, Eun Soo is more adorable. I was suprised Eun Soo was like a foot taller than this baby so I thought it was really a baby but it could run and talk much better than her.

So excited for STEVE AOKI and the Cobrasnake dance party this Friday. Unfortunately Daniel is lame and has to be a lame architecture major and this has ruined our party plans many a time so I'm kind of used to him having lame teachers that make him freaking have class THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS or on NEW YEARS DAY or STAY FREAKING OVERNIGHT at the studio. Ugh. Well any ways, I think that's it for now.

Oh right, Sam and I got our hairs cut yesterday too. I look really fobby now and have bangs again. But it's nice and somewhat shorter.

KU Spring Festival & Hiking

2009-05-24T07:31:00.003-05:00

Last week was Korea University's spring festival also known as Ipselenti (입셀렌티) which I think is supposed to be Greek and mean something but who knows. Wednesday night I met Daniel in Anam for some delicious Indian cuisine at Otsal and the waiters remembered us, I guess Daniel hadn't been there all semester and so they thought he went back to "America" too, because they don't know he's Australian. Any way, the main street and Gaeun-sa-gil (the street of the temple/the street going all the way up the mountain to the dorm we used to live in) had a bunch of banners up for the festival it was very cool, but also kind of sad. I kind of felt like an outsider.

In campus, especially Democracy Square there were tons of tents set up and even a stage for performers. Various student groups were drinking in the tents with makeshift tables and chairs made from cardboard boxes and styrofoam blocks. I was totally jealous. American college would be so much better if the school funded drinking on campus. Well, I guess that would never happen because American students are too freaking irresponsible and stupid.

Any way, Friday I met up with Sam and saw his place that he and Mike moved into just after I left this past winter, but now he's in his new place. Then I went back to Anam, had to walk up that stupid mountain again even though I thought I'd never have to after I moved out of CJ, and in the rain too. Oh well. I caught the last bit of Drunken Tiger's performance which was awesome, and Baek Ji Young came too.

Super Junior came! They did "Sorry, Sorry" of course and that was a lot of fun to dance to especially in the pouring rain. The last performer was Lee Moon Se (이문세) who I personally think is lame and he only confirmed my feelings when he was up there on stage barely singing. Like, I understand you're old but you're getting paid so at least try to entertain us man. OK, so we left early to avoid the huge rush/not stand around in soggy shoes/eat.

Let me just say I am surprised I survived Thursday night. We went to 노래방 which is always great. Then we went to eat some more, then Ivan found us and I missed that guy he is crazy. We all went to Abbey Road for one drink and then found ourselves at this one bar (which I do not know the name of) I used to always walk by the place and want to go in but we never did. We drank too many 3000 cc containers of beer then went to 노래방 and ended up going home at around 6am. The sun was blinding but we knew it was going to be a beautiful day so we had to go through with our plans for trekking at 북한산.

Around 10:30am I made Daniel get ready so we could go to the mountain. We were both like hungover and exhausted but I am determined to not be such a fatty this summer plus I love mountains and Michigan has no mountains. We ate a fuge delicious breakfast and took the extra long route (not on purpose) on the subway to 독비위 station, stopped for sunscreen and snacks and finally made our way up the mountain. We were only planning on 2-3 hours trekking/climbing but suddenly realized we were exhausted and asked some ajashi how to get down the mountain the quickest way.

He pointed us in some direction and said he and his friend were going that way and he took off and we never saw him again. In fact we never saw any people for a while after that and were really lost for a couple of hours and the "trails" we were on were getting increasingly wild/bushy and we were tired and I wanted to cry/throw up/die. I would actually get excited to see a candy wrapper or glass shard and hoped there were people nearby. On the way we found a cool creek/waterfall thing that went all the way down the mountain; it was really refreshing.

Finally we saw a couple spare people, and then signs, and then a more legit path. We then found a little park with the exercise equipment and a bunch of old people hanging out, and I wondered how the f they go there, and Daniel said "because they're f-ing fit." We eventually made our way past a temple and then found paved road, and then the town and the subway station. I thought I would die walking down the 248308 flights of stairs in the subway because my toenails already felt like they were going to fall off. That's what happens when you buy $10 hiking boots. That's what I get for being cheap.

I was exhausted but hey it's really good exercise and the few pictures I did take do not do the views justice. Which is why I didn't even really feel like taking pictures. It was such a clear day that we could see clear across the river and point out landmarks of the city like the 63 Building (육삼), the World Cup Stadium, etc.

Elise [Back] In Korea

2009-05-19T20:54:00.002-05:00

I'm already back in Korea and I can't believe it. I came back and my aunt and uncle and Eunjin unnie and EunSoo were eating dinner. My 큰엄마 said it feels more like I just was at the dorm and came back not like I went back to America. It's true I am so comfortable here and I feel like I just left.

Any way I'm so glad to be back in Korea. I can't even describe the feeling I just feel like at home, excited, happy, comfortable, etc. My dad P-Yo + his travel agent are the coolest they arranged it so I got to stop in California and see Peter, Cece, and Jason. It was great seeing them; we went to Disneyland and the beach. I love California especially after being in cloudy, damp Michigan. So that's the picture above, it's the It's A Small World ride at Disneyland.

I'm overwhelmed and busy and not doing anything all at once. I have a lot to do in the next couple of weeks like find a place to live -- though fortunately my big bro Sam will be helping out a lot with that -- move, meet a ton of people, clean up and organize my crap (brought too much as always), and stop being so fat, at least compared to Koreans. I actually just went for a walk/run/exercise behind the apartments here there's a walkway. All the ajummas with their ridiculous clothes and huge visors were out walking too. I love Korea because there's public exercise equipment in pretty much every park and people actually use it.

Today I'm going to meet Daniel 오빠 for dinner I miss him! I wish he could stay for the whole summer, though. Australia is so far away. This week is Korea University's spring festival which is basically a big party; last week was Yonsei's. I'm going to the big event tomorrow and will probably die because I'm an old lady but whatever.

Also can't wait for Steve Aoki at the end of the month; I'm going to go with Ivan my favorite Russian/Swede/crazy person. I just read something about Lady Gaga coming next month. If it's not ridiculously expensive I'll probably go to that too. I can't wait to go to the Prada Transformer; it looks very cool and I never get to see things like this living in the suburbs of Michigan. One of the many reasons I love Seoul/Korea.

Oh, and for the podcast listeners (all two of you) I got a new microphone so hopefully once I get a little more settled in I can do a new podcast! If you have stuff you want me to address just leave a comment here.

End of the Semester

2009-04-25T19:35:00.003-05:00

Been so busy lately. And by busy I mean lazy and kind of stressing about dumb things. Fortunately the postal service found my passport and I will be able to get a visa in time for my flight to Korea in less than a few more weeks here.

CANNOT WAIT. My dad and grandma are there now because Jonggeul just got married. Miss my family and definitely miss Korea that goes without saying. I am beyond excited. Not that I hate America (sometimes I do) but I totally left my heart in Korea.

Lots of excitement I guess because the semester is ending so everything's quite chaotic. I got to interview My Brightest Diamond (Shara Worden) which was awesome she was really nice and I'm glad to see her getting a lot more publicity now.

I also did a thing with fellow blogger Sahar. It's finally airing tomorrow on the Impact after a lot of technical difficulties and frustration. Plenty of K-pop goodness. The episode is called "My Life is a Korean Drama" and it's for a show I'm producing called the Guest List.

listen/download here

and in K-Pop news:

Daniel Henney everyone's favorite handsome half-Korean bad actor who is going to be in the X-Men movie is apparently turning into an ajumma just like the other really popular guy Bae Yeong Joon (배영준), hence the picture above. Apparently that's what happens when you are famous in Korea and have a lot of ajumma fans; you turn into one.

Kara's label Playdis is totally ghetto as I've always thought. This has been confirmed by the A-ST1 (yeah apparently that makes out to be "A-STYLE" because 1(일)=il) video that cost ummm probably 45000 won.

Girls Generation (소녀시대) were caught lip-syncing when the cd started skipping during a performance. TOTALLY HILARIOUS. What is awesome is that in America this is a career-ender but in Korea it's totally forgivable because everyone knows that all the singers don't actually sing.

all dolled up

2009-04-06T21:20:00.003-05:00

today(ish) in the korean entertainment industry

lee min-ho puts on his own make-up at a shoot for a beer commercial. i must say, he does it better than i do. i'm bouta go get some tips from him. and does anyone else think he has luscious lips?

also, 2NE1's offical photos are out and about. they have an edginess thats awesome. not trying too hard to be sexy or cutesy. basically, they're the female big bang, as advertised. i love big bang enough to love anything connected to them, of course - but these girls do look pretty fantastic. CL especially looks fierce!

and to gloat about how awesome big bang is again - they've generated about $26 million in profits in 2008. this is awesome because it beats the measly $13 million that se7en, wheesung, big mama and gummy raked in for YG entertainment combined. after bringing in all that money, the boys definitely deserve a break.

by the way. kim jong kook is looking a bit chubby these days. he sang at an outdoor concert (which was also featuring ft island). it was for some sort of save nature campaign.

and -i knew this was coming- yet another boys before flower fainting spell occurred. t-max rapper, kim joon (aka woobin), fainted a music bank performance. the doctor said that exhaustion was (duh) the reason.

flower power

2009-04-05T00:13:00.006-05:00

boys before flowers has ended its 25 episode run, making us all sad with nothing to do on monday and tuesday nights. and, so far, the actors havent had any time to rest. they've all been drowning in a sea of CF's (CF=commercial film btw). kim hyun joong (aka ji hoo), for example, has only been getting 2-3 hours of sleep a night - causing him to faint during a CF shoot. this isnt the first time the boy has fainted (its probably more like the 3rd or 4th) so i think someone needs to sneak him a sleeping pill or two. in a non-roofie, non-harassing sorta way.

other castmates kim bum (aka yi jung) and kim so eun (aka ga eul) did a "spin-off" CF for anycall's new phone bodyguard. the CF was based off of boys over flowers and was released in its entirety this past weekend. to be ~~a total fangirl~~ totally honest, it was cute and entertaining. and cheesily funny.

speaking of ~~cheesy~~ ~~funny~~ entertaining -- 2NE1 officially released their full lollipop MV. it's not too far off from the CF for the phone that inspired the song. but seriously. did g-dragon dress these girls from his own wardrobe? and do their hair??? cus they all look like female ~~or just regular~~ versions of g-dragon. especially the girl in the polka dots with the peppero stick hair. i bet he did her hair that way because he wishes his hair was long enough to ~~defile~~ style like that.

oh. and in case anyone cares, se7en is doing more promotion for his US debut. but really. no one cares.

OMG LOL R U 4 SERIOUS?

2009-04-03T19:24:00.002-05:00

The Wonder Girls just released this video promoting a new cell phone. You may remember their "Slim Panda" phone ads from last year. Yeah I totally almost bought the phone because the commercial was so cute. But then I actually held the phone in my hands and realized it was just a cute, cheap piece of crap.

Any way, they did a remake of the FIN*K*L song "Now" to promote this new phone and I totally don't understand the concept of this video. It's pretty hilarious, actually. I don't get how some girl wearing sunglasses inside and doing a virtual car ride is sexy or attractive in any way, but OK there are enough creeps out there.

My favorite part is when Sohee is eating random foods (which is why she still has a fat baby face) and then eats a hot pepper and then has to take Alka-Seltzer (or date rape) and is like sitting in front of an open refrigerator. That kind of goes against the message all the K-Pop celebs are trying to send about saving energy and doing those ridiculous "Energy" songs.

Also, it looks like that rapper chick gained some weight.

fashion statements and... other... statements?

2009-04-02T22:16:00.004-05:00

bi and se7en's lovechild, singer AJ, is out with his single called "dancing shoes." i will say, the video was fun to watch even though the song itself is kind of boring. he's pretty adorable (his denim suspenders!) and plus, there's lots of korean-boy eye-candy for those of us who miss seeing korean men dressed in ~~awesome~~ ridiculous outfits. *sigh*

also, another day = another shotgun wedding. this time by two random celebs. good luck w/ that.

mc mong is going to attempt getting into med school for a tv show. thats... cool... i guess? im just imagining a dr. mong and trying not to laugh. i mean, you know those pictures of chimpanzees in lab coats? yeah.

designer lee young-hee has designed a hanbok (korean traditional dress) inspired wedding dress. its actually really pretty and elegant and well-designed. i'd wear.

some photos from t.o.p's new drama IRIS have ~~been deliberately released~~ surfaced and he looks like a serious gangsta in them. seriously tho. is he just playing HIMSELF in the drama? cus im pretty sure special agents don't dress like that... im curious to see this boy act. i know he can be funny/campy but can he be serious? we shall see, wont we?

ok and to leave you all w/ something ~~fun and exciting~~ ridiculous and degrading to look at - because g-dragon never ceases to amaze me:

Bang!

2009-03-31T19:36:00.003-05:00

This week in K-Pop:

The big news is about the debut of the female version of Big Bang (빅뱅), 2NE1. It's a stupid name, and they had to change it from the original. and they came out with this ridiculous song probably to promote that they were promoting a phone called Lollipop. Watch the video here. I love Big Bang but part of why they work is because they're guys. We'll see how the female version does...

Tiffany of Girls Generation (소녀시대), always having to be a princess and all, is trying to break out on her own. She does a duet with K.Will (who cares?).

Apparently mega-producer and artist himself JYP (박진영) is getting divorced. I didn't know he was married, since he acts like such a perv at his concerts.

Singer Bae Seul-ki (배슬기) will be in the movie Finale. She is famous for the "boko" dance (보코 댄스) and I totally met her once backstage at KBS. I was talking to the rapper H about how I was also from America, and my friend was from LA; Bae Seul-ki came up and said in very cute English and saturi accent, "I'm from Boo-zhan."

I am heartbroken. My future husband Lee Seung-gi (이승기) did a photoshoot with some girl who is not me. I think he is going to be in some drama but I didn't have the strength to keep reading after these shocking photos.

In other news:

Figure skater and fantasy of every pervy guy in Korea, Kim Yun-a (김윤아) did something great again and everyone is excited. I think she broke some world record but I'm not sure.

map the seoul

2009-03-27T13:26:00.006-05:00

epik high's newest album map the soul is out. its available on itunes for those who dont want to go through the website and wait for their album to come through the mail.

anyways i took a listen today and it really feels like a tangent to their 5집 (their fifth album). i mean, the songs are different (duh) but have gone into a more rap/freestyle sound in this album. they are still amazing. epik high's lyrics are always amazing.

but i do think i liked their last album better. thats probably just because im biased since i'm ~~obsessed~~ in love with the song "one" ... i think they're fifth album was so awesome that this album - though good - disappointed me a little. the songs weren't varied enough.

either way - the cool thing about epik high is that they constantly change up what they're doing. mad props to them for constantly reinventing themselves and the korean music industry. tablo is a total genius and the MV for "map the soul" is crazy.

Pink Dragon?

2009-03-24T15:15:00.003-05:00

I don't even have enough time to even begin to discuss the X-tReME fashion choices of G-Dragon (지-용) of Big Bang (빅뱅), but this is the latest, apparently for some sort of endorsement. Of course, he dresses like this when he's not getting paid, too.

Boys Over Flowers (꽃보다 남자) star Lee Minho (이민호) did an advertising campaign for makeup shop the Etude House. The pictures are pretty entertaining, particularly the one where he has a stuffed cat on his shoulder.

The Seoul Jazz Fest will take place the weekend of May 14th (Thursday) to May 17th (Sunday) in downtown Seoul. Wish I could go; some highlights I would be excited about include: Madeleine Peyroux (her cover of "Between the Bars" has been on the podcast), Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova who starred in the movie Once.

Sorry Sorry

2009-03-18T16:19:00.004-05:00

It's been a while! I know! Sorry! "Sorry Sorry" is Super Junior's new song and as stupid as it is, I am kind of digging it. Check out all 23740328 members here:

There are enough people that you wouldn't notice if they threw in: a fat guy, an ajashi (아자씨), some Japanese dude, a girl, an anorexic, etc. It's like a scavenger hunt!

Well I was off on my wonderful spring break where I went to Maryland, Philadelphia, and New York for a day. It was great, I stayed with Sahar, who will now be contributing to the blog so look forward to her K-pop commentary. We went to KASCON 23 at UPenn, it was good times and very educational.

Sunday I made a last minute trip to New York for the JYP/Wonder Girls/2PM concert. Jason is working for Powerhouse and I was lucky enough to sell merchandise and see the concert for free.

This week in K-Pop: (it's been more than a week)

Tiffany of Girls Generation (소녀시대) fell down the stairs and sprained her ankle/leg/something and had to stand awkwardly to the side of the stage with this funny thing. Am I a horrible person for laughing? Maybe. But that doesn't make it any less hilarious.

BoA's US debut album, BoA, came out yesterday!

Deu-rah-mah

2009-03-01T21:23:00.003-05:00

Dad is too funny. We were watching this show on tv and I was so excited to see Seungri and TOP (of Big Bang) on it, but kind of confused because they were the only young people on the show. Any way they showed some clip from Coffee Prince (커피 프린스) and my mom was like "I don't get it" because the show is very confusing. Synopsis here.

And then my dad goes ahead and basically explains the whole drama in a minute and my cousin Hyeongmok (형목) is all, "어떻게 알아요 저는 다 몰라요" (basically, how do you know all of this, I don't even know it) and I was like "SERIOUSLY DAD" and my mom was like, "he doesn't sleep" and yeah it's true the man runs on like no sleep. He is up all night in his "office" watching the Korean dramas on his computer with headphones.

Then I asked if he was watching 꽃보다 남자 (Boys Over Flowers) because it's totally the hottest drama right now and everyone's watching it. He isn't, but he knows what it is.

Spring Break

2009-02-27T17:53:00.002-05:00

Today is Sahar's birthday!! 생일축아해! I get to see her in less than a week! Just studying, working, waiting for spring break to get here already.

This week in K-Pop:

My future husband Lee Seung Gi (이승기) graduated college. He's known mostly for being on the show 1 Night 2 Days (1박2일).

Ajumma idol (and turning into one himself) Bae Yong Joon (배용준) has yet another useless stupid thing to sell: coins. And apparently they're selling out. He also has an impression of his foot or something for sale in Japan which is totally creepy. He's famous for being so cool on the classic drama Winter Sonata (겨울연가).

Texas!

2009-02-17T14:30:00.004-05:00

I am so excited in just a couple of days I get to visit Gloria, Rex, and Andrew in Texas. Sharon is coming from Maryland and Peter is coming from California we're going to have a mini Yonsei exchange reunion. Can't wait to see them. Not to mention get out of this crappy weather.

This Week in K-Pop:

KARA, who I've always considered a second-rate group, mostly because their songs are not as good as other songs including such great lyrics as "every wanna pretty" and "everybody say rock you body say." Point is, they will never be the Wonder Girls or Girls Generation (소녀시대) Any way, KARA released their new single "Honey" and it's okay, better than their other two songs ("Rock U" and "Pretty Girl") but still no "Tell Me" or "Gee." Here is a live version:

Some crazy Big Bang fans found old pictures of the guys and it gives me hope because they weren't particularly good looking before their careers in the group. TOP as a fatty is adorable.

And this doesn't really have to do with K-Pop but MoMA is selling Korean stuff and I came across these way overpriced Go-Stop cards. Seriously? $25 for something you can get for 2,000 won (aprox. $2) at the 편의점 (corner store).

K-Pop Items

2009-02-10T14:49:00.004-05:00

ㅋㅋㅋ OK. Since I am in America for the time being I can't really say much about "Elise in Korea" so to keep the blog going I have decided to post about some interesting/notable going-ons in the world of K-Pop culture. I don't know if I'll do it weekly or what, or what my schedule will allow but here's my first stab at it.

If you haven't heard, the new drama Boys Over Flowers (꽃보다 남자) is like the hottest thing ever. All my friends [who care about Korea] have been addicted to this. I myself have not yet taken the time to start watching, for fear I might not pass my classes this semester, also I've taken up the quest to start watching Winter Sonata (겨울 연가) which is a classic drama; I can talk about it more later. But any way, one of the main characters is Lee Minho (이민호) (pictured above). He's a heartthrob with a curly head of hair on him. It's what we like to call the "ajumma perm" (아줌마 파마) because usually young men do not get super curly perms. Well for some reason he is a big hit and everyone is in love with him. I personally do not see anything special but I am told if I watch the show I will totes fall in love with the guy.

You can watch the show via MySoju.

Perez Hilton has been posting up some K-Pop videos including songs by the Wonder Girls, Big Bang, Uhm Jung-hwa (엄정화), and Lee Hyori (이효리). He finally caught on to Sonyuhsidae's (소녀시대) "Gee." I absolutely love this song it's so catchy and cute and I have been trying to learn the dance when I'm fed up with homework.

Figure skater and underage fantasy of every Korean guy I know, Kim Yun-ah (김연아), set some kind of world record. More on that here.

Now I just need to think of a cool name for this section. In the meantime if you are dying for a podcast let me know via the comments section. If you are dying to hear my voice head on over to the Impact where I dj on Tuesdays 4-7pm.

New Year

2009-01-31T20:25:00.003-05:00

It's been forever since my last post or podcast but I've been incredibly busy with school and stuff like that. Certainly I can say that Korean universities do not put on nearly as much workload as American universities. Also I've gotten a job, and am involved with some school stuff. And of course I need plenty of sleep.

So yeah, I'm alive. The above picture is my huge box of crap arriving from Korea after a couple months. I sent it by boat so it wouldn't cost a million bajillion dollars.

Reader Adeline asked me to post this survey for a project so fill it out of you've got a few extra minutes.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=OiAD3Z0c4Sm2epv49zkGwg_3d_3d

I know it's a bit late but, 새해복 많이 받으세요!

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Twenty-Two

2009-01-06T17:28:00.003-05:00

Addressing listener questions: how younger Koreans feel about foreigners, is it safe to visit Korea alone, necessary places to visit: Insa-dong, Gwanghwamun/City Hall/Jongno, Sinchon/Hongdae/E-Dae, Dongdaemun, Gangnam

Hot Potato - "Rain Tears"
Katy Perry - "Hot N Cold"
Blitzen Trapper - "Furr"
Girls' Generation - "Gee"
Tender Forever - "How Many"

Download m4a Version

Download mp3 Version

New York Times Quality Journalism

2009-01-02T18:13:00.002-05:00

I randomly read the New York Times usually because there will be an article about Korea and I'm interested, obviously. However, it's easy to find mistakes or things that make you scratch your head in these pieces and it's kind of frustrating because you would think such an esteemed publication as the NYT would try harder; I would like to believe they know better, but just don't expect its readers to.

For example, a few months back there was a big article about eating in Seoul but a good deal of the ingredients were wrong as the writer had them and obviously made some crap up to make the story dramatic and more interesting than it would have been. But they don't need to do that I think Seoul and Korea is interesting enough. But maybe the old rich white people who read the Times don't.

Well I just read this one right here:

Economy Blunts Korea’s Appetite for Plastic Surgery

Like millions of South Koreans who recently emerged into the middle class, Ms. Sung, a 54-year-old homemaker, enjoyed a lifestyle of shopping at malls and lounging by her health club’s pool, and — until a few months ago — regularly visiting the plastic surgeon, where she maintained her youthful appearance.

There are a couple of things in this paragraph that are strange. Both of them in the same sentence. Okay, first of all, people in Korea don't shop at malls. Clearly this woman lives in Seoul because like half of the country does and the article talks about Apgujeong and that is where all the clinics are, especially on this one street (I've seen it myself it's ridiculous)

It's pretty ridiculous because there is ONE MALL in Seoul that I know of and that is COEX. I've heard of outlet malls in Kyeonggido but pretty much you just shop in department stores or boutiques.

The part about "lounging by the pool" at the health club is probably bull as well because yes, there are health clubs in Korea but not like you would think of in America; there's no space for that. There are places, usually occupying one floor of a building with some treadmills and exercise machines but certainly no place for a POOL. They might be talking about a combination health/jjimjilbang but in this case "pool" is hot tub or small cold tub. I mean, yes there is a YMCA in Gangnam but it's ghetto and you certainly wouldn't call it a "health club." Koreans don't like working out any way. If this woman is a housewife then most likely she spends her days at the jjimjilbang and department store or boutiques.

So my point is this writing is stupid and so are probably all the other stories the NYT writes about foreign countries. But I'm sure people reading this crap feel really cultured because now they know what it's like in other countries because the NYT knows everything. Gah.

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Twenty-One

2008-12-30T18:23:00.003-05:00

Favorite places in Anam! Korea University, Otsal Indian restaurant, Abbey Road live music bar, makeulli "house," Between the Bar bar, Boonigi bar, Anam HealthLand 찜질방, Golden Dog Cafe, Gaeunsa Temple

SHINee - "Amigo"
Yang Hee-Eun - "Morning Dew"
Madeleine Peyroux - "Between the Bars"
All-American Rejects - "Gives You Hell"
Big Bang - "Lies vs. Haru Haru"

m4a download

mp3 download

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Twenty

2008-12-27T11:51:00.003-05:00

Back after some delays... and back in America but the podcast will continue! BoA in America, addressing listener questions (foreigners in Korea), the Hedwig musical in Korea, Bolt, Journey to the Center of the Earth.

BoA - "Eat You Up"
Hedwig (Korea) - "Sugar Daddy"
Jenny Lewis - "Barking At The Moon"
Jukebox the Ghost - "Hold It In"

Download AAC (m4a) Version Here

mp3 Version (sans cool photos/links)

Back Stateside

2008-12-24T07:26:00.002-05:00

I hate America. I mean, I am probably just saying this because I had such a horrible time getting back home. Basically I had a really awful time with United Airlines (not the first time) and if you are reading this please do yourself and myself a favor and never fly with United Airlines if you want further explanation just e-mail me.

The picture is of Cece and Minna in front of a James Turrell installation. We finally made it out to my aunt's gallery but I was really disappointed because the place had completely changed and all the Pop Art was gone save for an Andy Warhol (labeled "Andy Worhol") in the dining room and a photograph of Andy Warhol though that doesn't really count as Pop Art. The whole place was changed, walls were moved and the awesome hot pink walls and yellow ceiling were just painted white, all the sweet custom-upholstered furniture was gone (including my favorite couch with the LV monogram leather). Apparently it had gone to another gallery nearby but we failed to find it.

I have basically been sleeping for the past couple days. My uncle is here from London and last night I played gostop with him and my dad and grandma. Today I will finally shower and meet up with my friends. I miss my friends! But I already miss Korea. If I could, I would pack up my friends and family and Pumpkin and Pepper and move to Korea. I am currently trying to convince my friends to come teach English in Korea after graduation. Not a bad idea especially since Shannon wants to be a teacher and Jon can't find a job, what with this recession and being in Michigan with the highest unemployment rate/worst economy ever.

So, as for the blog and podcast they won't stop. I still have plenty to say about Korea and if you have any questions/comments/etc. just leave comments here on the blog. I have been slacking in the podcast department for a couple of weeks now because I was so busy with final exams/packing/saying goodbyes/my computer nearly melting down and making me want to kill myself. So if I can figure out this crappy free shareare software I downloaded and if my luggage ever arrives here hopefully there will be a new podcast soon.

Good Morning City

2008-12-07T12:41:00.003-05:00

Today was the first real snow. There was snow a few weeks back but today it stuck. It was beautiful; as much as I hate winter and driving in it and being cold there is something so great about the first snow. Cece was like about to cry she was excited/confused. Several students were outside playing and taking pictures. There's people from like Australia and southern Europe who were just puzzled.

Cece and I went to the field but it was locked and I kept slipping and falling so we went to Dongdaemun because I need to buy presents for friends! I'm crap at buying gifts by the way. It wasn't snowing at Dongdaemun and whatever had been on the ground was all melted but the lights were still very nice.

Apparently Japanese people/foreigners go at the late times we go so that's why everyone thinks we're Japanese. Some guy almost convinced us to get a piercing because he was kind of cute and funny but we didn't want anything pierced and by the way did I mention Cece and I are really desperate especially after watching Korean movies/drama/seeing couples EVERYWHERE/feeling lonely.

The other day Daniel was taking Minna and me to some 고기집 for some fatty samgyupsal goodness. We had mushroom samgyupsal and it was fresh and seasoned and cooked with various mushrooms and it was delicious. Any way on the way to the place we were kind of lost (lost in Anam ha!) and were going down back alleys and passed by this little place, the sign said "손칼국수" I got really excited because I love kalguksu noodles but none are as good as the ones my grandma makes. Duh she is the best. Also I get upset when places claim to have 손칼국수 which means it's made by hand but it's really just the packaged stuff.

So Cece and I went there the next day and it was like some little grandma's house. We looked cold they said, if you're cold come eat in here and we ate in some grandma's room with a heated floor and the 칼국수 was delicious and we loved it, the whole experience. You can only do that sort of thing in Korea.

Friday we went to the SK T-Tower for our Mobile Media class field trip. It made me miss Sahar since she used to intern there. Very high-tech futuristic fancy. I mean, that is the point. The Starbucks is like special wireless ordering crap or something, so commercial, so blatant too.

We ended early so 교수님 took us all to Coldstone and bought us all ice cream. I love him he is seriously one of my all time favorite teachers, very cool and knows his stuff and makes us actually learn and makes me excited about a class I never thought I'd even take.

Then Cece and I went to my aunt and uncle's store and we all had dinner together and they took us home we fell asleep in the car. It was absolutely freezing we could still see our breath in the car thankfully they had seatwarmers in the back. Eunjin unnie and Eunsoo were there when we got back. Eunsoo is growing so fast I can't even believe it soon she will be going to school. But she is smarter than most kids her age. We had ice cream (my second time that day) and Eunsoo was so cute asking everyone to try theirs.

Saturday we all went out to Hongdae for Alicia's birthday. It was the coldest night of the year, like -20 Celsius I'm told. It was unbelievable there were still girls in miniskirts. Our last round was at 500 except instead of a quiet, chill 분의기 like last time there was a dj and crazy people dancing. Seriously these people were so weird I don't know what drugs they did or what planet they came from but it was very fun to watch them. Actually our real last round was at the huge 포장마차 where we ate and were forced to order soju at 5am. The older kids took care of that for us since Cece and I are babies. We took the subway back and the walk up the hill was miserable. I slept around 7am but I do love nights like that.

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Nineteen

2008-12-02T09:23:00.001-05:00

Todai seafood buffet, Butterfinger Pancake in Apgujeong, Jens Lekman in Hongdae

Antony & the Johnsons - "Shake That Devil"
손담비 - "미쳤어"
Jens Lekman - "A Postcard to Nina"
Vampire Weekend - "A-Punk"

download mp3

Somewhere In This City

2008-11-26T03:31:00.004-05:00

It's 5:30 and nearly completely dark outside. I hate autumn but it's my favorite season. I haven't posted a real entry in a while, but I don't have much to say. I'm really dreading going home but accepting it and excited to see my friends, family, but most of all Pumpkin and Pepper. Love those guys.

I've been trying to keep busy since I don't have too many classes, and I know I will regret not getting out more. Well last week I was completely useless and missed two days of class and slept in a lot. Now I've got a sinus infection and it serves me right.

Minna took us to the top of the Somerset place in Anguk and it was the most beautiful view of Seoul I've ever seen. I haven't been to Namsan yet but Somerset is centrally located and we went to the top of the helipad and took some nice shots. It was very romantic however it was just Minna, Cece, and myself and we said it's a shame we don't have boyfriends to share this view with. Oh well.

Going to see Jens Lekman this weekend in Hongdae. Got tickets for myself and Ivan for Sunday. Well kind of. I transferred some money into some guy at FF's bank account it's a little sketch. But don't know how to get tickets for Saturday. The shows are at Freebird and FF which are both tiny and I'm concerned about availability.

Tomorrow is American Thanksgiving. I can't believe it, first time of my life I'm missing it. My favorite holiday (because I'm a fatty) and I won't get to spend it in the kitchen with my mom. Ha, not that I do any actual cooking, but, yeah.

What else is new? We went trekking a couple times and that lasted, well, twice. I even bought hiking boots and an awesome pole, it was a really good workout and the fall colors were beautiful hopefully I can get up off my lazy butthole and go this Sunday. I wanted to go last Sunday but I slept in because no one else woke up and no one called me. It's just too easy to sleep in these days because it's kind of cold outside and dark, too.

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Eighteen

2008-11-25T03:29:00.003-05:00

Jens Lekman in Seoul (maybe), first snow, Korean universities, Seongshin Women's University, Blindness (the movie), Insa and Anguk-dong, cell phones, wiki.galbijim.com

Jens Lekman - "Shirin"
Jewelry - "Everybody Shh!"
Cave Singers - "Cold Eye"
Jared Mees & the Grown Children - "Bees"

Download mp3

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Seventeen

2008-11-18T11:57:00.001-05:00

Foreign exchange student episode: what to expect when you get to Korea, what to do, where to go, etc.

Big Bang - "오.아.오."
Brown Eyed Girls - "어쩌다"
Of Montreal - "Nonpareil of Favor"

elisethoughts.blogspot.com

download mp3

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Sixteen

2008-11-11T12:48:00.000-05:00

The new Big Bang album! Special episode with guests Cece and Minna: recounting our Halloween in Hongdae.

Big Bang - "Sunset Glow"
Bobby "Boris" Pickett - "Monster Mash"

Download MP3

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Fifteen

2008-11-09T12:22:00.001-05:00

Pepero Day, Michael Crichton, T.O.P. of Big Bang, Oldboy remake, SHINee, fried chicken

TV on the Radio - "Halfway Home"
엄정화 - "D.I.S.C.O. (featuring T.O.P.)"
SHINee - "SHINee World (Doo Bop)"
2PM - "10 Points Out of 10"
Seo In Young - "Cinderella"

Download mp3

She Without Him

2008-11-06T07:04:00.003-05:00

I have been in a really strange mood lately. It might be fall, which always depresses me a little despite the fact it's my favorite season. I am starting to realize I have barely over a month left here and it makes me so sad. There's so much I still need to do and so many people I need to meet with so many more times. Oh, and Cece and I spend about 80% of our breath complaining about being boyfriendless and sad and pathetic, etc.

Of course, I'll be back in several months but still, this whole experience is coming to an end and I'll never have it again. Any way. By the way I hate laundry it's such a big bother pain in my butt.

Halloween was interesting we went to Hongdae and were bored and standing around in the park and then this guy came up and asked if we'd go have a drink with him and his friends. Then after some rock paper scissors we agreed and then this other guy stopped us and said he was waiting for his friends and he was going to ask us first. Since when are we so popular? I don't know. Must have been because we were bitching about being single and lonely for so long.

Last Sunday a few of us went to Bukhan Mountain it was not at all what I expected. I thought a nice walk in the woods but it was like hardcore. Parts were pretty much mountain climbing it was really dangerous actually but fun. We bought hiking boots for next time hopefully we'll go again this Sunday.

Went to Sinchon today to find some music. The girl at Hyang Music is always kind of rude to me and I hate it since I spend so much freaking money there and I have no other choice to get CDs in Korea. Like bitch please I came all the way out to Sinchon and you better be nice to me. Found She & Him which has finally been printed in Korea after like 7 or 8 months of waiting.

I considered going to Hongdae but was exhausted by the way hate living in the middle of nowhere. At least where there are no young people besides the university students. By the way hate living in Korea and being single because one more fake holiday is going to squeeze itself in before I go back to America where it's perfectly normal to be single. It's called Pepero Day and if you thought Sweetest Day was bullshit come to Korea and check it out this company created its own holiday and if you're a boyfriend who doesn't participate you are a butthole.

Then I went to that other music store which disappeared (along with everything else because Sinchon never looks the same) and I asked around and they moved to a big place upstairs in a nearby block but they didn't have what I was looking for but the old man was nice. Also they were blasting BIG BANG's new album which I bought here in Anam yesterday. I convinced the guy to give us two posters since I always buy CDs there.

I have group projects in every single class HATE IT I hate working with other people but even just meeting up and deciding on crap is the hardest thing ever.

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Fourteen

2008-10-27T06:04:00.001-05:00

Insa-dong, "service," Chunggyecheon, 방긔대장 뿡뿡이, 나무그늘, Dr. Fish

Matt & Kim - "Daylight"
Kanye West - "Heartless"
Big Bang - "Oh My Friend"
Shogu Tokumaru - "Parachute"

MP3 Download

Home Alone

2008-10-25T04:27:00.003-05:00

Wow my family hates me officially for the 230438th time. Well, actually we all lack proper communication skills. My grandma was telling me to come home this weekend last weekend and I wasn't planning on it but since I stopped by my aunt and uncle's store yesterday and they were telling me how Eunsoo was like screaming for me to come home so she could watch 뿡뿡이 dvd I said I'd come home.

Well now I am here and so is NO ONE ELSE. Jonggeul was here but he left like five minutes after I came. I texted my 언니 and no response. I don't even know where my grandma could have gone. Man I am such a loser. And the ride here was not even pleasant I have this heavy bag of crap -- books, computer, etc. Oh well at least I'll get some work done tonight. Hopefully I can see the baby today if anyone decides to call me.

Last week was midterms it was all right not a big deal for me fortunately. On Wednesday I took 세윤오빠 Daniel to see Gag Concert but 마미 was busy helping out with a Cider filming so we couldn't hang out afterwards. There were some seats taped off in the front and apparently the singer guy from Wheesung came in to watch the filming. In the last skit, the 이상향 thing the guy came out and made fun of Wheesung and he wasn't laughing so it was kind of awkward. He asked for a mic then all of a sudden went up on stage and gave a little speech and didn't seem to be joking around I felt really uncomfortable I'm sure the whole audience did I didn't even know what he was saying.

Minna went to Japan this weekend I miss her feels like I haven't seen her in forever. Last night I took Daniel and Cece to Club FF in 홍대 and the place was like empty. There were only a couple bands and the night kind of ended early so we went to 나비 since we went to this hookah bar in Gangnam called Rainbow and I said compared to 나비 this place sucks so I took them to 나비 and Cece passed out on some pillows and Daniel and I had drinks and hookah.

It was kind of sad Hongdae was really empty last night usually a Friday night is crazy even if it's not club night. I guess some people still have exams. Next weekend is Halloween I can't believe it. We probably won't dress up which makes me really sad but oh well I don't know if it'd even be worth it. I'm supposed to hang out with Sichan Friday I'm nervous I haven't seen that boy in a month and I don't remember what his face looks like.

Yeah maybe I will make myself some ramen now my life is so depressing. I mean really my grandma was the one who told me to come home today and God knows where she is partying it up at this moment.

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Thirteen

2008-10-21T09:58:00.002-05:00

Midterms! My fat, mosquitoes, etc.

Dynamic Duo feat. Alex - "Solo"
Clazziquai - "Lover Boy"
Jenny Lewis feat. Jonathan Rice - "Carpetbaggers"
Rain - "Rainism"
19 Wheels - "Colorado"
Big Bang - "Number 1"

Download MP3 HURR folks

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Twelve

2008-10-13T09:22:00.001-05:00

Wonder Girls - "Nobody"
LCD Soundsystem - "Daft Punk Is Playing At My House"
Dongbangshinki - "주문 (Mirotic)"
Ben Folds - "Hiroshima (B B B Benny Hit His Head)"
CSS - "Jager Yoga"

Wonder Girls' new album, Special Disco Version at Club Mass, Baekryeong-do Island, Hyang Music.

Download MP3

J.S.A... the Fake One

2008-09-27T10:50:00.003-05:00

I am so happy and exhausted lately. Friday was so beautiful. Thursday was hot and sweaty like it hasn't stopped being since June, but Friday was a complete change. Friday was autumn; it was chilly and windy and Friday night was almost like winter. Man my English writing skills suck now.

But any way, the weather Friday made me so happy. I walked out early in the morning to go tutor and the air just felt like fall. I love fall and this is my first time to experience it in Korea. I am constantly hearing it's the most beautiful in Korea and I'm excited. I don't doubt it.

I came back to campus to meet up with Ji-hoon for our group project. I was in the completely wrong building. Next time when I make plans to meet up with a Korean person I'll have to verify in English. All the buildings on campus sound the same, at least the Korean names do.

Then I came back to get ready for my big date ㅋㅋㅋㅋ! I went to Hyewha and I was so nervous I thought I was going to die. I was waiting at the station exit and afraid any dorky or ugly guy I saw would be him. He turned out to be very cute, he has great style and is really sweet. The only thing that seems to bother me is that I'm older and so he calls me "noonah" and it's kind of weird. Any way if it doesn't work out he can be my 동생 and I'll buy him dinner from time to time.

I really like the Hyewha area Sophie used to live there when she went to Ewha. It's actually pretty artsy-fartsy. We watched this ceremony with chesa-like food set up for an art exhibition dedicated to abandoned dogs. It was nice because I was so tired and then we didn't have to talk. Then we had dinner which he paid for and went to a jazz bar it was really nice. I paid for that since I'm 누나 and I felt bad I was like falling asleep.

I came back and passed out and then today, Saturday, went all the way out to 경기도 to meet Sophie 언니. We were texting and actually realized we were on the same train. We went to this movie village-thing. That's where they filmed J.S.A. and a lot of historical movies and dramas. They have the fake DMZ and a couple old-style villages. It was beautiful and creepy. The scenery itself was absolutely beautiful we were out in the mountains and clean air away from Seoul it was very nice.

I came back and passed out again and didn't make to to Pyeongchon today. I will go tomorrow to see grandma and dad and also I need to get a new phone. Sometime Friday I must have messed up my phone; I mean I drop it all the time since I'm clumsy but now whenever I call or answer there is a beeping tone and I can't communicate. This thing is the poops any way the keys don't light up and random buttons press themselves so I have a real tough time texting.

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Eleven

2008-09-24T12:17:00.001-05:00

New Korean music, it's still hot in Seoul, 삼겹살, electronic music coming to Korea.

SHINee - "누나 너무예뻐"
Boys Noize - "& Down"
Justice feat. Uffie - "Tthhee Ppaarrttyy"
Jenny Lewis - "Acid Tongue"

Download

The Best 삼겹살 Ever!

2008-09-24T08:37:00.001-05:00

Today I was a fuge bum for the second time this week and missed class and was too late to tutor. I haven't tutored in like a week at least since I either sleep in or my 언니 cancels. I got dressed and went to Sam's new place in 역삼 it's in a pretty nice neighborhood. It's in a financial-ly area in 강남 so it's nice and good location and stuff. And he's got a place for free without having yet signed any sort of contract for work.

We hung out and Sophie 언니 told me about some movie set places which would be perfect for my article thing I need to write. TIME IS TICKING T-TIME IS TICKING. Man I am so awesome at procrastinating. He said we had to go to THE BEST SAMGYUPSAL EVER. So we took the subway all the freaking way to 오목교 and it was about rush hour so it was packed and we stood the whole time. If you were to look at a map of the metro you'd see that 역삼 and 오목교 are nowhere near each other. But they were right. The meat seems to melt in your mouth it's quite delicious. And the atmosphere of the place was very great too.

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Ten

2008-09-18T06:02:00.001-05:00

Episode ten! Chuseok, family, random stuff, song dedications to friends here.

Drunken Tiger - "난 널 원해"
Tupac - "California Love"
I'm From Barcelona - "We're From Barcelona"
Cake - "Mexico"

Direct download

Chuseok

2008-09-15T01:20:00.004-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Kind of. This weekend was Korean thanksgiving aka the Harvest Festival aka 추석. I was very excited because I've never been able to experience the chesa ceremony in which Korean people pay respects to ancestors and elder family. I had only heard about it in Korean class or seen pictures on the Internet. And now I capitalize "Internet" because of this mobile media class I am taking you gots to be specifics!

Friday night I headed back here to 평촌 and called Mike a couple times but he didn't answer his phone. I knew Sam would be with him but I was pretty tired. I went to 은진언니's place for a little to play with the baby and we watched 호비, a tiger who teaches you to poop in a toilet. It was awesome. Korean television is awesome.

On Saturday our aunt and uncle came from Pusan. It's hard enough to understand Korean sometimes but when they got that crazy saturi accent I am just smiling and nodding my head. Later Sam came and then our aunt and uncle from Seoul. Fahja's family is complicated since our grandfather had so many wives apparently, but we are still family and love each other. That man's genes are so strong it shows up in all my uncles even if they had other mothers and you can see it in baby 은수; we all look very much alike.

It's a strange thing, being surrounded by so many relatives like this, especially since I have only known most of these people for a couple of years at most. Living in America, you don't get to see too many relatives. So the men drank and Sam got really drunk because he hasn't drank in maybe a year. He passed out and got sick and 작은 엄마, my aunt's two sons (from her first marriage) came over. I guess they studied in America but I was too shy to talk to them and they didn't speak any English to me either. For some reason they looked very familiar. We went to 노래방 and it was kind of awkward.

The next day 은수 was sent in to wake me up and it worked. She wouldn't let anyone in the room and said "bye bye" and closed then door and was walking around with a bar of soap and handed me my glasses. She is way too cute and growing up way too fast. Even if I don't see her for a couple weeks she gets bigger I swear. I love her to death I don't know what I will do when I have to go back to America.

I didn't really even think that maybe I'd have to dress up for chesa because I'm dumb. They had set up a table and screen and mat and tons of stacked food just like I had seen in pictures. There were candles and incense and it was such a new experience. On the screen there were four pieces of paper with writing for our three grandmothers and one grandfather.

Basically the men did everything (but cook all the food!) and us women stayed in the back and stayed quiet. I was kind of relieved since apparently Sam used to get yelled at for not wearing socks/wearing shorts and I was doing both. Also, I forgot how to do the correct bow for girls. At New Year's I usually just watch my mom or bow like a guy and get laughed at.

종걸오빠 cracked open the door to invite the spirits in and my uncles tapped spoons and chopsticks on the table before putting them in the food to invite the spirits to eat. Then we had a fuge lunch and everyone sat around watching tv (일방이일 and 우리결혼했어요) and talking and eating more. At one point I wanted to see 은수 but realized she wasn't with anybody and the front door was still open. We all panicked and ran out the door and she was just down the stairs picking her nose and eating it.

I washed her feet and we closed the door and I was finally able to teach her "A" like Crown J does. We were so excited I showed her mom. She is way too cute and gangsta. Sam and I put on the Lions in Kenya flash video and it kept her busy forever but we were afraid it'd mess her up if she just watched it loop for hours. Any way now I know how to get her to stop crying.

After everyone went home Sam and I went to 종원's PC방 for a while. Then we took the scooter home. Sam taught me how to ride it around the parking lot but it was really scary because apparently this one is really heavy/more powerful than a normal scooter. When Mike got back to his place we went over there to hang out. Later Sam brought me back here and it feels like a lazy Sunday. I will have to eventually go back to KU sometime today and I need to work out after eating bbq wings and cheese sticks last night.

Do You Mind?

2008-09-10T04:30:00.003-05:00

Today was a beautiful day. A couple of times I thought it might rain due to some menacing clouds. I woke up extra early, not by choice. I have a mini sinus infection but it seems to be clearing up on its own and now fully blown.

After class I went to tutor. Eunji unnie will always stop and ask me random questions. Today it was my jean size because she bought a pair of jeans but they don't fit. They're probably really expensive, too. But I am fatter than her so I don't think it'd work. Then she asked, "Did you know Kim Jong Il died?" I didn't know what to think because there have been a lot of rumors and speculation of his death lately. As of now officially he just had a small stroke and is OK.

I taught her the whole "do you mind" thing since this lesson was about asking for favors and stuff. English is hard. So is explaining grammar.

I have been meaning to check out the Seoul Forest for a while, especially since it is so close to Chungdam. The area around is kind of gross and there is a bunch of construction going on so I was worried. Of course the place is not a real forest, since it's in the middle of Seoul. I immediately went right to the bike rental. The guy asked where I was from, and why I was by myself. Even he thinks I'm pathetic.

There were so many couples young and old and it made me pretty sad, though I had the time of my life riding around the bike and watching deer eat and then getting a slushie. Kids were running around the fountain and these girls -- maybe middle school or high school -- were play gawi bawi bo and whoever lost had to run through the fountain not knowing when the water would shoot up.

Last night I tried calling P-Yo again and his phone has been off. So I called the house and talked to grandma. It is so nice to be able to communicate with her but I feel horrible since I resisted Korean and speaking to my own grandmother for so many years. I guess she got a pacemaker put in but she said she's doing fine. She is a strong woman; she's more active than me. It's such a slap in the face to realize that people I know and love will someone die and so will I.

She mentioned Sam was coming to Korea tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow. So, today. Tonight his flight leaves (morning there). I called him and he said, "surprise." I guess he just got a job teaching SAT at a Princeton Review place in Apgujung so he will live there and I will visit him all the time because Apgujung is way better than Anam. Plus he'll have the scooter.

Fahja and grandma are coming on the 23rd/24th this month. I want to get ahead on homework tonight I think we are planning to go to Circle tomorrow night for ladies' night and this weekend is Chuseok!

Makoli University

2008-09-09T10:47:00.002-05:00

I still have yet to drink makoli here. I had it once or twice elsewhere but KU students are known for drinking it...

Last weekend was the Ko-Yon games and I am still recovering. My voice is rough (but I think it sounds kind of cool) and it was very exhausting. Waking up early Friday and Saturday, taking a bus to Jamsil, then cheering for hours nonstop. These people are crazy I have to say.

One of the cheers called KU "Makoli University." Compared to Yonsei cheers they are much more traditional, one even incorporating "Arirang." I can no longer input Korean characters into certain text boxes on the internets and it's pissing me off and I don't have time to figure out how to fix it.

There's nothing else like it, really. Except for festival (Akaraka and Ypsilanti) in the spring. I need to find out more about the origins of these crazy names. Especially Ypsilanti, because to me or anyone else from Michigan that just means a ghetto down by Ann Arbor.

On Sunday Cecelia, Melissa, Olga, and I went to E-Dae for manicures. Spent all day walking around and had Mr. Pizza and it was the 7th, deemed "Woman's Day" every month by the chain, so we got a 20% discount because we be WOMANS.

Class was canceled Monday so I just tutored and farted around. Took a big nap. It was Melissa's birthday so we went to a bar and did things to be sneaky and avoid drinking. Today I actually woke up early and finished my homework and went to class. Ordered Chinese with Cece, Ernesto, and Minna and ate it at a picnic table by the parking lot. It's nicer than it sounds. I'm so proud of myself for being able to order food now. Except it's probably not a good thing. I did work out for the first time in a week today. I am definitely building my endurance back up it feels good.

My throat is all itchy and I have mad allergies these past couple days so I am drinking tea. I think a lot of people are sneezing lately. Or at least that's how it seems to me.

I got accepted to the Granite Tower. Basically KU's version of the Scribe: English publication. This is more of a magazine and little better-looking overall. I will be a guest author this semester and they publish each month so I'll be doing November and December. Speaking of writing I need to get my ass up and start working on this movie-location thing. A friend of our North Korean teacher is a writer and she's putting together a movie-travel book. I don't think I've said for sure if I will do it but I could sure use the publication and not to mention money.

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Nine

2008-09-05T09:32:00.001-05:00

Ko-Yon Jun, my sore throat, Travelocity, Avril Lavigne, trash in Korea, Macs in Korea.

DJ DOC - "Run To You"
Dashboard Confessional - "Again I Go Unnoticed"
Aqueduct - "The Suggestion Box"
Tegan & Sara - "Living Room"
Smashing Pumpkins - "1979"

Download

It's Getting Colder

2008-09-01T09:09:00.002-05:00

I love finding cute little cafes. I am always slightly shocked when I see that the price of a drink is the same or a few cents more than at the big stupid chain coffee shops (i.e. Coffee Bean, Starbucks, Angel In Us, Hollys, Tom N Toms, etc.).

I had a very busy weekend starting with Friday. Everyone wanted to go out since it was Club Night in Hongdae. Pretty much half of the exchange students were all (over)dressed up and ready to go clubbing, except Cece and I were the only ones who knew where to go. And none of these rude people even introduced themselves to us so we decided we weren't on babysitting duty and left with our relatively small group. Well, first we went to eat Chinese in Anam.

Then we were off to Hongdae. I seriously freaking love that place. I think Hongdae is my favorite place to be on a weekend night. Even though the exit #5 is disgustingly crowded and it's total CHA-OS I love it. The people in Hongdae are so interesting and the most fashionable are always there. There's clubbers, punks, foreigners (boo keke), gangstas, fobs, etc. Hongdae is the best.

Well my dear friends surprised me at midnight while we were walking down a street they started singing "happy birthday" and gave me a bag, a sort of "survival kit" as Cedric called it: champagne, cigarettes, underwear, condoms, chocolate, silver ball things. These people are too good to me I haven't even known them for a week and they do this for me. So nice.

Saturday I had to wake up around 12:30pm to go downstairs and sign for my passport and pay this guy even though I'd already paid for it to be delivered to me at the U.S. Embassy and it says so on my receipt but it was only 6,000 so I'm not going to complain this will just add onto my list of reasons why I hate the U.S. Embassy.

I fell asleep and missed the KUBA welcoming party which is quite sad because I want to hang out with the Koreans. Also apparently Seokwan got me a present. I woke up, worked out, and then went out with friends to Anam where they surprised me again with a cake and sang "happy birthday" in about 234038 different languages. I feel so international here with my friends from Denmark, France, Spain, Australia, Japan, etc.

Sunday I slept in and then went to Sinchon to meet Jason to meet mommy. We boarded a bus at the Sinchon station and about 23408232308 hours later finally ended up in Songnae where mommy lives. I was like, "I don't think we're in Seoul anymore" and I turned out to be right; it's Kyunggi-do. Any way we were exhausted and hungry so he took us to eat 보삼 which is pigs feet which is actually delicious and it was the most tender I've ever had.

Then we went to mommy's apartment where his friend's cat Isabelle (Ijah-bell) is now living with him which made me SO EXCITED. Even though the thing hates being held and peed on my blanket and meowed in the early hours of the morning. We drank some wine and watched Gag Concert and played Go-Stop and then went to sleep. We woke up a little too late and it was raining and gross and it hasn't stopped raining all day.

I could have made it to the last bit of my class but I didn't want to go all the way to Anam then right away to Chungdam to tutor so I just rode the subway and fell asleep then when I woke up went in the other direction and went to tutor. I got paid today! It's so exciting it's such good money I hope I can be better about spending this semester. Although I have to buy all new fall/winter clothes. Darn.

So tomorrow I have four classes or something ridiculous like that. My schedule is such that all my classes are on Tues/Thurs and I have just one on Mon/Wed and none on Friday. I am actually taking more credits than necessary but one class (TV and Film Production) meets just once a week. And I'm paying the same whether I take 12 or 15 credits so whatever.

Haroo Haroo

2008-08-27T10:37:00.003-05:00

This picture is funny because it makes it seem like we've all been friends forever. I only knew four of these people a few hours prior.

I've been having a much better time lately, since I made friends and all, kind of any way. And I was so glad to find Koreans. Not that I don't like other people, but I came to Korea to learn Korean and to meet Koreans. But really it's incredible the diversity I experience here just in the dorm. There's people from literally all over.

We went to Sinchon yesterday to play. I took these people to 미친구이 which thank God hadn't closed but was just being renovated as I had suspected. Now it's a little classier and the rice is free. We then went to Festival so I could see 파우 except he was sleeping like always and his owner laughed and nudged/kicked him with his foot. That poor dog hates his life.

Noorim came out to meet us at Festival. After most of us were good and drunk (I lost at Titanic) we went out for third round at 노래방 it was good times. Of course we got back so late (4am) and I woke up too late to make tutoring. I felt awful but she's very nice and understanding so we just moved it tomorrow. Our tutoring schedule is very flexible any way.

I went to KBS to meet Jason and we met up with mommy. On the way in I ran into 이태헌 PD님 and bad guy and a couple 언니s I used to work with. Mommy was all poofy because he was playing with a cat and suddenly got allergies. We went into a Japanese ramen place, it must have been new I'd never seen it, and the people I ran into earlier were eating there.

We went back to KBS and mommy edited and we saw some pretty crazy people singing. One guy did a crotch thrust for about 2734038 days and I told mommy it was considered perverted in America so he edited most of it out. He tried to teach me some but no matter how many times I learn, even if I were taught in English, I'd never be able to use those editing machines. I do much better with a computer and visually being able to see stuff.

I've been working out lately which makes me feel really good about myself. Of course I still have great difficulty getting up the hill to the dorm here, but maybe someday I'll be in shape. That, or I'll have huge arms and beat people up.

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Eight

2008-08-26T05:26:00.002-05:00

Korea University, Ko-Yon Jun, Swedish peeps, Yongsan.

Big Bang - "하루하루"
Menomena - "Walking"
Peter Bjorn and Jon - "Amsterdam"
El Perro Del Mar - "Glory to the World"

Download here.

I found the best cafe ever today

2008-08-22T01:03:00.003-05:00

Around 6:30am I woke up, and that is actually late for how I've been sleeping lately. Eunji texted me and said she couldn't tutor today, but I was already awake and so pumped for McDonald's breakfast so I decided to finally take care of my passport renewal.

Of course I should have expected to get upset, since that is what happens when I go to any sort of office to take care of anything. The U.S. embassy is this big ugly brown building. Police buses are rotting around it, permanently there and these young guys my age or younger have to stand around all day or sit in the buses. I feel bad for them.

By the way it's raining and cold today. It sucks monsoon season is over come on.

I saw this huge line wrapped around the building and was dreading it. After standing there impatiently for thirty seconds and then asking some people I realized this was the line for people seeking American visas. I don't realize just how lucky I am. These people have to stand in the rain just to get into the building. Then they have to apply and interview to maybe get a visa. But I'm pretty sure now Koreans can visit America without a visa.

When I was trying to pay the girl was all rude and said the machine doesn't read Korean debit cards. So I had to leave the embassy area, go to an ATM, then go back through security. When I came back she was sitting at a desk even though myself and another person were waiting I was all, "HELLO" and she knew she was being a bitch so she was fakely trying to be nice and ask me about Korea University. I was already pissed though. But two other ladies were very nice and I also took care of getting my absentee ballot while I was there.

Since I was already in the area and I have nothing to do today I wandered on over to Anguk. I stopped into an art gallery and spent about a minute looking like an idiot at the counter until I realized there were five paintings and it was free.

Then I wandered around some more even though the whole time it's wet and cold but I love Anguk. Most stuff was closed since it was still morning but I wandered into this adorable cafe with stuff posted up all over the walls and not to mention they actually BREW coffee from all over the world not throw in some instant. And it's not too expensive considering a cup of regular coffee at any of the chains is like 4-5,000 won I paid 6,000 for an iced coffee (hot is 5,000). They have pink helmets everywhere I don't know if you're supposed to wear them or what. I was the only person in the entire place. I wrote a little something in a notepad and will have to write something cool on the wall later.

The girl and guy there were very nice, I think the guy was the owner. They gave me a stamped business card and I realized the back is a map of the cafe and the stamp was on the table I sat at. Really this place is great my new favorite. It really made up for the embassy crap I was in a much better mood.

Then coming back on the subway I got completely lost. Or not lost, but confused, since it is pretty much impossible to get lost. It's too much to even try to explain but any way I came back and now I am about to pass out even though it's like 3pm.

Yeah by the way I forgot my camera at home so yeah no new pictures until I go home maybe tomorrow maybe today probably tomorrow since it's gross outside.

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Seven

2008-08-21T08:51:00.003-05:00

Check it out! I just moved, Korea University pride, how to get hit, communist fruit trucks, night clubs, free stuff.

이효리 - "U Go Girl"
Ben Folds - "You Don't Know Me (feat. Regina Spektor)"
Port O'Brien - "I Woke Up Today"

Download it.

Sahar's Last Night In Town

2008-08-19T16:30:00.004-05:00

I went to Sinchon yesterday to meet up with Sahar on her last day in Korea. First I pigged out on McDonalds and then I tried to give blood but apparently you have to live in Korea for a year before you can do that. Also I stopped by the Film Forum in Sinchon by the Yonsei East Gate. I had seen these people putting up signs for the place and I was curious but I was in a hurry last time. So I stopped by and picked up some fliers and checked the place out. There are so many film festivals all the time in Korea especially now that's it's summer. What is frustrating is that it is nearly impossible to get any of the information in English. Don't these people want people to come? I think foreigners would be interested in the films as most of the films are not even Korean ones.

Sahar gave me all this crap she would not be able to take back to America, including a sleeping mat and tons of bedding which I'm really excited about as I can take it to Korea University. We mailed books to her house and the sleeping mat to mine and then I took the bedding home on the subway which was a huge pain not to mention I was falling asleep and missed my stop and people were already staring.

I took a quick nap and went back to Sinchon to meet up with Stephanie while Sahar was out with her friend for dinner and we hung around at a PC방. We were hungry but failed at ordering 짜장면 so we quickly packed Sahar's things and went out for 삼겹살. While we were still eating we decided to next head to McDonald's for breakfast which was delicious. But then we all looked like pregnant and fat.

Sahar and Stephanie went to the airport and by this point we were all crazy too crazy to be sad. I mailed the rest of Sahar's things (books and shoes) and then went tutor in Cheongdam. I came home and passed out.

Right now I am sitting in what is basically a big pile of crap. Sadly this is progress. I'm slowly organizing my things so I can pack (I move out tomorrow morning!) but really I should just throw everything into my two big bags and organize when I get to the dorm. I'm really excited but also kind of scared. I will no absolutely no one. This will test my friend making skills.

Yesterday was such a beautiful day I really wanted to go to the Han River and ride a bike or sit under a tree but I was really sleep deprived. Today I will go to the zoo and if I am feeling up to it also go for a bike ride. And if there's time and I am somewhat packed I will try to hit up galleries. But that is ambitious even for me.

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Six

2008-08-14T18:47:00.002-05:00

Steak, VIPS Family Restaurant, General Fart the television show, and onomatopoeia.

P.Diddy - "Bad Boys for Life"
거북이 - "한동안 뜸했어지"
High School Musical - "I Gotta Go My Own Way"

Download directly here

Please Mister Postman

2008-08-14T12:44:00.003-05:00

My sleeping schedule's been completely off lately. Mostly because it's summer and I have nothing to do and I like staying up late and doing nothing. But, I started tutoring this girl since Sharon left and she wants to do it at 11am so yesterday I went and I didn't get to have any sleep before I went. I was all right and not too tired.

Eunjin 언니 took me to the post office so I could send Sharon's books off to America, which we went by boat. It'll take two-three months but it sure beats paying like a bajillion dollars for shipping. After that we went to VIPS. She asked me if I'd ever been to "bips family restaurant" and I said I had no idea. When we got out of the taxi it smelled like curry because we were across the street from the 오뚜기 factory which is right by these apartments.

When I realized that "bips family restaurant" is the steak place I've been wanting to go to I nearly had a heart attack. We walked in and nearly everyone was pigging out on ribs. She had me order a steak even though I felt awful because the cheapest one was about $22 but I did any way because she always treats me like that and I was not going to not have a steak. The salad bar was amazing; it was much more than a salad bar. There was also pizza and pasta and desserts and breads and soup. I could live off that salad bar for the rest of my life.

So, yeah, I know where to go if some guy is trying to take me out on a date or something. No shame about it, I will order the $30 steak and savor it.

We walked back home since it was only a couple blocks away but Eunsoo insisted that I carry her. It was really strange since usually she doesn't like me that much and when I ask her to kiss me she will say "yah!" and swat at my face. She wanted me to carry her the whole way back and when her mom tried to take her she clung to my body and started crying. So we used this opportunity to make her promise that she would not refer to me as "yah!" and promise to be nice to me in the future.

Eunjin turned on the air conditioner and this time I really thought I had died and gone to heaven. It was the first time I'd ever seen some Korean person actually turn on the ac in his/her home. Of course it was only for about half an hour, but it was glorious.

She was trying to use the computer to edit some video but Eunsoo started getting fussy so Eunjin put on 뿡뿡이 which is a show with a big creepy fat orange guy with a huge butt and his whole thing is he likes to fart and farts a lot. This is the sort of thing that would become a viral video quickly especially because it's in a different language and just so weird.

Any way these calming kids shows always make me sleepy and I'd already been sleep-deprived so I passed out sitting up. Eunjin came in and told me to go home and sleep. But yeah, I need to go back to VIPS, and with tupperware and a huge tote bag.

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Five

2008-08-13T12:21:00.003-05:00

Olympics, drinking in the street, towels, Doremon, Fish Tycoon, dog soup.

BoA - "Atlantis Princess"
Franz Ferdinand - "Lucid Dreams"
Bon Iver - "Skinny Love"
Beyonce - "Ring the Alarm"

Download directly here

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Four

2008-08-10T10:07:00.002-05:00

Clubbing in Korea: I focus on the Hongdae and Chungdam neighborhoods.

Playlist:
소녀시대 - "Kissing You"
MGMT - "Electric Feel (Justice Remix)"
Pop Levi - "Wannamama"

Enjoy!

Seoul in New York Fashion Week and Stupid People

2008-08-10T08:07:00.003-05:00

This whole website/contest thing is really stupid. I randomly was sent here from an ad on my Pitchfork feed, but I am thinking maybe the ad was tailored based on my Korean IP address.

Either way, all these idiots posting comments and entering to possibly win a couple of tickets to Fashion Week are really annoying I am in disbelief over the stupid comments so much so I cannot even create a coherent sentence right now. That and the fact that it is probably 100 degrees in this apartment and my aunt and uncle still refuse to turn on the air conditioner even though they themselves are sweating and complaining about the heat.

Most of the comments are some sappy shit like, "this commercial makes me feel peaceful like I would in Seoul" or some stupid crap like that even though I'm pretty sure most of these people wouldn't even know if Seoul was in North or South Korea. These a-holes think they know Seoul from one tiny commercial blowing crap like, "this captures the spirit of Seoul" and shit like that even though the video mostly doesn't even take place in Seoul but some 시골 obviously and BY THE WAY NO ONE WEARS HANBOK in real life.

It's really annoying because like I said people think they know Korea from seeing this commercial, but what they don't know is that Seoul is much more Americanized than they think. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love Seoul and Korea but not because we are still sitting around in huts wearing silk hanbok and dancing with funny hats and beating beans into powder -- that is Korea of old. In many ways Seoul is much more modern than most American cities.

It's not like Korean people think Americans are going around dressed like Pilgrims and churning their own butter. Once again this shows how freaking ignorant Americans are and I don't blame people for hating America because of shit like this.

Summer Fever

2008-08-08T04:07:00.002-05:00

So last night we went to Club Answer for some ELLEgirl party. At first I thought we were overdressed but it turned out to be okay. We got there at exactly the right time because after we were forced to take our pictures alone in front of the thing that made us look like we were at a press conference I hear these guys go, Alex is coming move out of the way. And we saw a celebrity van earlier (limos in Korea is a bad idea) and I started freaking out but Sharon and Dayena like didn't believe me because they know my Korea sucks and I always mishear things.

But I turned out to be right Alex was escorted through the red carpet right in front of us and did a little interview and right as soon as they turned the camera off I was like ALEX CAN WE TAKE A PICTURE WITH YOU? 사진 같이 찍어도돼요? And I guess he only came for a second to do the interview. He said he didn't have time and said some stuff in Korean and goes, "have fun!" and he touched my arm and I nearly died. He is my favorite on the show 우리결혼했어요 and I totally didn't know he was Canadian.

Then we went in and got a bunch of free stuff and some woman had us take pictures with these mannequins and chair and tvs and stuff and we felt real cool. Later Dayena's two 오빠s came and they had got a table so we went upstairs with them. 소녀시대 had been rumored to be coming and a couple of the members walked right by us except I didn't know any better.

Later Dayena's 오빠 brought these guys up to hang out with us and they invited us to go with them to meet their friends except I think that was a lie because it was just all of us. They turned out to have gone to college in Canada so they spoke English pretty well and had a white friend. We were all crazy and ended up staying out until 7am and we all died and those guys who were cute at the club turned out to be really annoying and drunk.

I hauled my fat butt on over to 찜질방 in my dress and in broad daylight too and messed up hair and everything. Then I passed out and went to the bank to take care of stuff for Korea University. I met up with Esther at the arcade and mentioned that Justice was playing at Answer and she wanted to go. We decided to go except we got there around 9:30pm because the flyer said 9:00pm and they didn't end up coming out until 1am.

It was crazy crowded and I was dripping sweat and I don't think I've ever smelled so bad but we got back to Sinchon around 3am. I went to 찜질방 to shower and sleep but I couldn't fall asleep. Around 5:30am Sharon texted me and I headed over to Casavil to say goodbye. I can't believe she's really gone it hasn't hit me yet.

Delicious Fried Chicken

2008-08-05T14:34:00.004-05:00

Just watched my bootlegged version of Wall-E. Loved it. The quality was decent, and the story was surprisingly touching. For some reason the ending seemed abrupt, but maybe it was because I was doing stuff throughout the first half of the movie. Like picking at my nails. I also bought the Dark Knight because I'm impatient. Why does Korea have to wait for movies?

Today I went to Sinchon to meet Sahar and have some fried chicken. She took me to Frypan which is a sort-of new place I'd always pass by next to the 119kimbap place and it always looked empty or closed but now it's full of people. The chicken is great it's not too oily almost more like chicken tenders. And it's not too expensive like BBQ Chicken by the way don't go to BBQ in Sinchon both of them suck. Also they have these amazing homemade potato chips with just the right amount of salt and they're not even greasy.

We went to 찜질방 and Sahar got her 대 scrubbed and I got a mini massage because my neck had been killing me all day (all three hours of it). Then we got out in time for me to make it back home at just past 11pm. Then I got all frustrated trying to call MSU and figure out my bill because they love to randomly charge me late fees or random fees so I had to call out the study abroad office on that one. They totally made up a fee and added $200 to my account.

Bush came to Korea today. I totally forgot about it. Well, I knew, but I guess I just don't care. I love protesting but that last one killed me. It was so hot and humid. I liked in the early summer when it was still possible to protest and not melt. Once it gets cool and people get pissed about something I will try to join more demonstrations but for now it's sitting in front of the fan and drinking chilled 보리차.

One article about the protests said he was "taken to a luxury hotel." I am pretty sure he was taken to the Hyatt since that is where the Yongsan police chief man said he basically works and he said he was in charge of Condoleeza Rice and George Bush's security. Plus the diplomats all love the Hyatt. Or the Shilla. I wish I could afford to stay there. Just being in the lobby makes me feel poor.

As you may see below I posted my third podcast today. I feel like it is slowly improving as I think of more things to talk about. There is so much that my friends in America don't know about Korea but to me it's just everyday stuff so I don't think to mention it but now I will have lots of podcasting material.

I'm excited my father and grandma are coming to Korea in October and Sam may have possibly planned a sort-of date to come though this is secondhand information from Jay and I can barely understand him most of the time. In any event I get to see my dad and grandma and then send them off with pounds and pounds of my clothes and shoes.

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Three

2008-08-05T10:00:00.003-05:00

In this episode I talk about Sinchon, the neighborhood in Seoul known for Yonsei University and bars.

Tunng - "Bullets"
이승기 - "여행을떠나요"
Frightened Rabbit - "The Twist"

Download mp3

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode Two

2008-08-02T12:33:00.006-05:00

Just finished the second podcast. I talk about 놈놈놈 and 찜질방.

Enjoy and please offer suggestions as this thing is pretty boring.

Songs:

SGWannabe - "La La La"
Illuminoids - "Get It On At Le Disko (T. Rex vs. Shiny Toy Guns)"
Martha Wainwright - "Love Is A Stranger"
Of Montreal - "Id Engager"

Download Here

Lotte World

2008-07-31T08:23:00.002-05:00

I have been going to Lotte World so much in the past few weeks and I love it. That place is magical.

Yesterday I met up with Dayena and Sharon in COEX and then we headed to Jamsil to the world of Lotte. First we ran outside and rode the Gyro Drop and thought we were going to die. Then we rode the Gyro Swing which was awesome. Then we found Jason in the Atlantis line and cut and rode that and I think it's my favorite ride there now. We went inside and rode Pharoh's Fury and the bumper cars and then it was time to go home.

I met up with Jay in Dongdaemun and did a little shopping. Today we went to the Asiana office so I could exchange my ticket like my fahja told me to except it was all complicated and they said they had to contact the Chicago office and I have to go in tomorrow which I won't be able to.

We went to Dongdaemun again and then Chungmuro right next to it to look at puppies. I was so seriously about to buy this one puppy, the first one I met. I fell in love with her. She was this beautiful Marmute puppy except she would get too big and I am going to live in the dorm and taking her back to America would be a hassle but I LOVE her.

We went into the pet shop where Paris Hilton went and the owner was this funny thuggy fat guy and all the other puppies we looked at had no personality though they were so small I could easily tote them around in a small handbag or large pocket. Any way the guy said Paris Hilton came in (God knows why she was in Korea -- actually Nikki Hilton was here not too long ago doing fashion stuff but any way) so he gave her a puppy, this white Pomeranian which didn't look at all familiar and I wonder how many animals this woman has she must have like 23234038 neglected pets or gets to swap them out like accessories.

Jay is leaving tomorrow. Sharon is leaving in a week and Dayena leaves a week after that. I don't know if I can handle it this is all too sad.

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode One

2008-07-27T11:54:00.005-05:00

My very first podcast; hope it works. Just an introduction of sorts and here is the tracklisting for songs:

Big Bang - "거짓말"
The Ting Tings - "That's Not My Name"
Britney Spears feat. Madonna - "Me Against the Music (Justice Remix)"
Wonder Girls - "So Hot"

Most likely this is all wrong the Internet is so difficult.

Elise In Korea Podcast Episode One

Vote!

2008-07-23T10:14:00.002-05:00

So I was with Sahar and her friend Stephanie last night in Sinchon and I hear music and see people dancing in Sinchon Rotary. I got so excited I ran through traffic to get up there and see what it was all about. Stephanie, who has the best grasp of Korean, said it was for some politician. That is the best, people dancing to promote a politician. It's weird enough when it is for a restaurant or loan company, but this time it was for 이영만, who knows what he stands for.

Sahar and I danced with these people for a while. I had a great time; it was such a blast SERIOUSLY. And the best part about acting stupid like this (like I do all the time) is that everyone will just think I'm drunk and I don't have to be embarrassed. One of the dancers was like cheering us on too. Then we went to the subway exit to catch a bus and see Jason and there he was in all his glory, Lee Young Man shaking hands with the young people. We took pictures with him and his assistant guy said we'd be in the newspaper. He was all excited because Sahar's like white and shaking hands with this guy.

Before than I'd been hanging out with Jay. We went to Yongsan; it was my first time going to the electronics mart and it was pretty exciting. He bought me a nice lens cover for my camera that actually attaches to my camera and doesn't fall off easily. Also, we bought gamepacks for our Nintendo DSes and then played each other in Tetris and Mario Kart. I ruled at Tetris and lost at Mario Kart though I won a few courses. I'm so excited now that I have more than two games. I am going to try to put movies and music on this thing and perhaps Nintendogs in English so I know what is going on.

Last night I stayed at 찜질방 and woke up way too late since they left the lights off and I was way too comfortable. I met up with Sharon in 이대 and we ate dinner at the LA DSB House or whatever it's called. Then met up with her brother and Nick for a second and I came home. It felt so good to shower since I'd been wearing the same sweaty, smelly (like meat) clothes for two days in a row.

Tomorrow I'm having lunch with Rex for the last time in a long time ㅠㅠ and then going to Lotte World for ice skating with Jay. I'm so sad especially since Rex and I got so much closer on the Hong Kong trip now he has to go back to America. But I do plan on going to Texas I really want to go to Austin and three of my buddies are in Texas! Especially Gloria. And I love Andrew too. I miss the semester and all our friends being here. I saw kids from the summer program and it made me miss my friends so much today.

Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?

2008-07-17T10:34:00.002-05:00

Finally got to watch the video for the She & Him song since MTV sucks (so does ABC) and only lets people in America to watch videos. Dumb.

I also wonder what my aunt and uncle thing of me. I am this big waste of space with the messiest room and I'm only a temporary resident. I create an ungodly amount of trash compared to the rest of the family combined, as well as laundry. Also I will just text my aunt telling her I won't be home that night and they are all so cool about it instead of telling me to come home or get a meh meh.

Yesterday morning Sharon texted me saying I should head on over to Sinchon to get a pedicure with her. So yeah, despite the rain I felt the need for a pedicure. After all, we both have nasty fungus-ey toes from wearing high heels and not drying our feet after showering apparently.

I met up with Sharon and Dayena at the 김밥천국 because we can't afford to eat at a real restaurant and then we headed over to E-Dae to get our nails did. Dayena got a purple manicure, Sharon got pink toes and mine are orange. We went to a cafe and bummed around; they worked on teaching stuff and I helped a little.

Ten hours later Jay showed up after forgetting his phone he had to go back and get it. He was also wearing a shirt that was too big and belonged to his father; he said he didn't bring any clothes when he came. So took him to buy a couple shirts. We met back up with Sharon and we went to the fish place and they were like trying to close and kick us out. The same thing happened later at 노래방 and we didn't even know this place closed. Lazy people.

We met up with Sharon's little brother 뚱이 and went to the arcade. Then sent him off in a taxi to go to 찜질방 where we'd join later but I guess the big 숯가마 I always go to was closed for some reason which was weird and really sad. Dayena met us and we went to 노래방 and sang our hearts out.

We didn't end up going to 찜질방 because Sharon had work to do and Jay was kind of sick and so I just stayed at Sharon's. In the morning I had to leave with her and she bought me this toast from a morning 포장마차 WHO KNEW such a thing existed? I was delicious it was like two pieces of toast, an egg-ish mass, ham, ketchup, and sugar. I inhaled the thing on the subway while people stared. Then I fell asleep and woke up with a stonewashed, studded denim crotch in my face. Transferring during morning rush hour was slightly miserable but all right in the end. I got home and slept forever.

La La La

2008-07-15T14:10:00.002-05:00

Today was pretty crazy but about half of my blog entries begin this way. More like I was crazy today the day had nothing to do with it. I headed into Seoul for some friend-meeting and went in the direction of E-Dae because I've been meaning to get some gladiator sandals as they are so in right now plus I realized I have no sandals besides the ones I shower in and the ones I broke then superglued back together so yeah. I think that merits a new pair. Peep toe heels don't count.

Um won't go into details here but basically I flipped out on this ajashi because he was giving me a hard time and made half the world stare at me while I went all crazy and hysterical but some random girl calmed me down a bit and then Sharon calmed me down and Jay calmed me down later except I was about to DRONKCHI Jay for taking forever to come to Sinchon.

I met Sharon for .5 since she had to head off to Incheon to see her mom and brother (I'm so jealous) and then I went to PC방 and waited for Jay who should have taken 30 minutes max but ended up taking an hour and I was already still a little leftover crazy but we got samgyupsal which is the best and then went to a cafe and then karaoke and recorded videos of ourselves singing.

We wanted to see a movie but I'm too ashamed to be seen coming/going to/from any dvd방 in Sinchon since everyone is in Sinchon we saw 강철중 at the theater it was pretty good. I was very worried it would be scary since Korean movies like to do that suddenly turn disturbing/scary and the previews were for horror movies and I was like hiding. Oh yeah before the movie we were sitting outside and I saw 개미 walk by so we stopped her except her name isn't 개미 (ant) but I don't know why everyone calls her that.

She had already seen the movie and said it was good and there was a lot of swearing and stabbing. What I really want to see is Wall-E I have been reading nothing but good reviews about it and I spent like an hour on the official site today but it doesn't come out until next month here which sucks same for na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na Batman which looks SO GOOD. I am also sad I think that movie, The Good the Bad and the Strange is already out of theaters and I missed it.

Jay bought some sandals while we were in E-Dae last week but he said they were uncomfortable so he was wearing his dad's sandals but those were like tearing up his feet so I had to give him band-aids and me and 개미 made fun of him because we know what it's like to have torn up feet from shoes.

Then we went to his house and said hi to his parents and his dad looks way different from what I remember and he drove me home. I don't know how I'm going to wake up in like four hours and go to the office but I am so good at taking naps in that chair now.

At the Beach

2008-07-12T10:17:00.003-05:00

Being the lazy 잠꾸르기 late crappy person I am, I nearly overslept to the point of not being able to go on this weekend trip. I woke up after not hearing my alarms and freaking out because I live out in China... so far from Seoul. I ran to the bus and shoved my way through people in the giant subway station and then got on the train and realized I didn't know the best way to get to Yeouido.

Any way I just barely made it before the time mami told me to get to KBS and it was a good thing he was running a little late. We went up to the office so he could grab some stuff. Some old man was sitting in a dressing room and shouted as we walked by asking why the bus didn't come yet and mami said it did. The old guy is the host of 전국노래자랑 and it's apparently only cool for old people.

We stopped at a big rest stop called Gingseng Land to get lunch and as soon as one grandma recognized the old man a huge crowd gathered around him. Mami had to follow him around and it was funny because I was following mami and it was a bit like babysitting.

Any way we went to Namhae, a little south of Pusan, took around four hours but I slept nearly the whole way. We put our stuff in the little motel place and my roommate 언니 (forgot her name but no one really uses names in Korea any way) and I went to the beach. We collected seashells and then went to see how the stage setup was coming. She was the makeup person and I already felt gross enough not wearing makeup and then later when we showered she gave me all these little packets of stuff and then came out and asked why I didn't use them I said I didn't know how.

But she was very nice we went to play with these puppies together. The owners of the place we stayed at had a dog and we loved it and said, she has kids want to see? and we did and my 언니 pained my toenails. We all went to dinner and had all sorts of seafood, but the good kind it was kind of like Japanese-style. Everyone was basically drunk and thank God mami was there to tell people I don't drink. One girl was pregnant and these ajashis were like, OH IT'S FINE. But our side of the table was crafty and replaced soju with water and threw out shots when the ajashis weren't looking.

The next morning it was raining here and there and we were all worried but it ended up being okay. I wasn't too useful just running a few scripts and moving a couple chairs. During the filming I got to wear a headset but people mistook me for someone who knew what they were doing. People would ask a question and I'd act like I was too important to answer or my 언니 would save me and answer for me.

All these random singers came and people on the beach took notice and surrounded the canopy and followed them and when we were all done about 2332208823 policemen had to escort the old man host out (I keep forgetting his name). There were a couple drunk ajashis so the police had to deal with that too. This one random girl had her own posse of a codi (stylist), makeup, hair, and some random guy with an umbrella. Me and the makeup 언니 were like who the f are you? And we made fun of everyone and all the funny ajumas dancing.

This ten-year-old girl ended up winning and I was rooting for her since she was scared in the morning and I thought I heard her tell her dad she couldn't do it. But I was glad she stayed when I heard her sing it was pretty amazing.

At KBS I got into a car with a couple of the 언니s that are backup singers and one dropped us off at a subway station except it was line number 1 which is confusing as all hell and outdoors and it was raining. Fortunately I found my way back to Pyeongcheon unfortunately there were very heavy showers and as I ran from the bus to the apartment building I got completely soaked. I don't know if I've ever been so happy to shower.

Heat Wave Coming

2008-07-10T08:05:00.002-05:00

As if the hot and humid summer was not enough the mosquitoes have to be going absolutely crazy on me lately.

I got my hair cut. Yesterday I went to Korea University to get a form filled out plus visit for the first time. Except it was like the worst day to walk around ever as it was about ten degrees hotter than the Sun. I had no idea where I was going; I found some map and forgot it as soon as I walked away so I wandered along shady paths and somehow ended up in front of the building I needed to be at.

Called Jay and he said he was going to get a haircut something that he is always in need of. I met him and his friend Ji Hyeon in 이대 and she took us to a place she knew. I desperately needed mine cut as well. Their friend 개미 came and we wandered 이대 and Jay bought some clothes.

Jay and I went back to his house and his mom was there and she is very nice but I never understand what she is saying to me. Well she was talking about how the place was messy and there was no food because essentially the nanny was busy lately or something like that. We went to Yeongdeungpo which is a place that I don't know why people like it but 마미 likes it and Jay likes it even though he doesn't drink and it's like all bars.

He convinced me to go to dvd bang even though I'm afraid of them but Sharon said they're okay and we ended up having a great time. We watched two Korean movies. The first one was like history/action/adventure (my fav) and then we went to eat/leave but then we got the food to go and took it back up and watched a comedy. It was pretty perverted, though, even for me.

His mom had made up an extra bed so I could stay there since I live out hurr in the boonies. Jay woke me up all early and I was pissed but drove me to work and Ted said "impressive" about my 10:15am appearance. We (Ted and Joseph, I just watched) cleaned up boxes and a desk and we plugged in the lonely G5 that had been hidden in the corner and I am using it now. It's a great computer and now I don't have to lug around my notebook.

At work 마미 called and inquired about my weekend plans and invited me to go along with him and his show team to some sea/beach for some filming. I am going to stay with the codis (because they are girls) but I don't know if they really need three stylists for one host. Well I will see when I get there. And I hope I get to play in the water/sand.

So Humid

2008-07-06T04:12:00.004-05:00

This weekend was wild. (I found a new word that isn't "crazy") Friday I went to the 63 Building for some awards thing for luxury brands that we were partly sponsoring, though I'm not quite sure what that entails. After this I went to 동대문 to meet up with Sharon and Dayena. I bought the same 참옷 that Sharon has because I wore it once and it's great you don't even have to wear pants.

Dayena went back, Sharon and I ate 만두 and then headed back. I got my nails done while she took a nap. I went to PC방 to quickly write about the Pakistan reception. Here I am again at the Gaia PC방 I love it here what can I say. Any way I met up with Sharon to meet up with our NK teacher and his wife. They are damn cool let me say.

We went to Watts On Tap where none of us had ever been before, because it's geared toward white people, which we are not. Any way since it was July 4 all Americans got a free shot of tequila, we never got ours though. hmm. We had a beer and then proceeded onto the meat buffet/grill. Our teacher had never been and he was excited to put it lightly. His wife is amazing, she is pretty, nice, humble, fun, and hello a fashion designer.

By the way some kid next to me is playing Audition and keeps doing "So Hot" by the Wonder Girls. I love that song but please too much.

We had a great time eating 삼겹살 and talking about everything from fashion to North Korea to meat buffet and ghettos in Seoul. By this time Sharon and I were pretty drunk but we had to go meet up with friends because EVERYONE IS LEAVING. ㅠㅠ

We went across the street to Monkey Bar where Dan, Greg, Kevin, and some of their friends were hanging out. Then we ran over to JunCo where a bunch of people were for Peter. We went back to Monkey Bar and made the mistake of drinking more, but hey, it was Dan and Greg's last night. Our scooter buddies. Our 똥침 buddies. The big group went to some other bar where we ended up but then a bunch of drama happened and it was stupid.

All throughout the night during our crazy running around, Sharon and I were doing absolutely the stupidest stuff. We 똥치ed random people or tried to subtley grab the arms of random guys as they walked by. I ended up getting pretty sick and threw up about 23483 times it was really attractive I'm sure.

We had to say goodbye to Dan and Greg and Kelly and I really can't believe they're gone. I'm so glad to be staying in Korea for another semester.

Sharon took me back to her tiny one room because I was much too sick to find my way to the 찜질방. Our feet were dead and the sun was coming up. It took way too long to walk up that long hill to her place. The next day we woke up and farted around for hours and finally showered and met up with Dayena and Olivia.

We went to the arcade and Olivia had to leave and soon she has to go back to New York. We did the mini 노래방 and recorded videos of ourselves. I am trying to access them but I'm not a Korea citizen so I can't make an account which is one thing I hate about some websites here. Other people have already watched and ranked them.

The three of us headed out to the City Hall area for some hardcore protesting. We were just going to stop by but ended up staying a while. First they had blocked off a crapload with police buses. We found our way to the action and this semi-crazy lady comes up to us and asks if we came on our own. We were quite confused about the protesting it was something about North Korea. The woman gave us these signs and said something along the lines of, you're such smart young kids coming here on your own. And at that moment we looked around and realized everyone was middle-aged or older.

To the side were lines of riot police and protestors shouting at these protestors. We put the signs away and walked around. At one point it seemed things might get interesting when these men were exchanging words about being communist and such. Also we got stuck in the middle of the riot polices' formation lines and thought we'd get trampled. It was exciting because a lot of the guys were pretty cute. It's crazy to think they're our age, some even younger.

This old man came up and tried to talk to us. We were getting sick of crazy people so we pretended to only speak English. But this grandpa was actually pretty good at English and ended up having a lot of interesting things to say. He told us that some of the protestors were actually North Korean defectors and then complained about the young kids not having war experience and how America is our friend and he likes American beef it's fine. Then as things started to heat up with people shouting he told us to watch up and step back.

We were about to leave so we walked along the stream for a little, then went to eat at Kraze Burger. We had chili cheese fries and it was glorious. When we got out it seemed that things were done, but as we walked toward City Hall we realized there was a huge march proceeding. We walked with everyone and I got to sing my favorite song even though I don't know all the words.

One group was all standing on a platform all dressed as V for Vendetta it was quite eerie. A bunch of people with black capes and the V masks in the middle of Namdaemun was pretty surreal. We didn't really know what they were there for but they shot off roman candles and everyone liked it so they're probably with the main group. After getting thoroughly sweaty and exhausted we found a subway station and headed home. Dayena and I went to 찜질방 and got all the dead skin and dirt scrubbed off of us it felt so nice. She went back and I spent the night having a great time sleeping and wandering whenever I felt like.

Also I have a new hobby. At all the face/makeup/lotion stores they have people standing outside on mics shouting at people to come in and offering free gifts if you go in and buy something. We decided to take the gift and go in the store and pretend to look around but we didn't know how to get out so I pretended to see someone walking by, shouted "오빠" and ran after a crowd then Sharon and Dayena had to follow me. This way we got the free gift without having to buy anything.

Jude Law and [Another] Semester Abroad

2008-07-03T10:51:00.003-05:00

Gloria left Korea this morning and I am already missing this girl. I still have her face airbrushed onto my left index fingernail, though. It's a bit tacky I'll admit, but so is the half-chipped hot pink polish on the rest of my fingernails.

Today I made it to work at a kind of decent hour. At least I planned to, but I had a wardrobe crisis. I know I have too many clothing items and I keep buying more, but I don't seem to have clothing appropriate for work and/or shoes to match. My favorite sandals, the gold ones, broke this morning. It's fixable but I panicked. Then I walked out the door without glasses. Then I had to consider whether or not to bring an umbrella. Being premature monsoon season in Korea I had to even though I didn't end up using it.

Today we went to some man's office. He used to be a journalist but now owns a bunch of slot machines. On the first floor we passed a bunch of them, but they look more like an anime arcade game. Many guys in suits were playing, and some were drinking; it was actually kind of sad.

Randomly the police chief of Yongsan showed up. He is like my favorite badass. I met him at the Parade of Nations and he was very friendly and introduced me to one of the guys he works with, also a badass. I wanted to ask him if the whole Bush changing his trip thing was a big pain in the ass for him since he is in charge of all that security stuff for foreign diplomats but he can't speak English too well and I didn't want to struggle through the Korean. But he's a very friendly guy, took us to a special fancy lounge in the Hyatt to kill some time and said if I was ever in any sort of trouble in Korea he'd take care of it. Then he had to leave because some UN secretary general was visiting.

We then went to the Pakistan embassy for a farewell/welcoming reception for the commerce counselors. I had to leave to meet up with peeps in Sinchon. I thought it was the last time I'd see Dan and Greg but hopefully they'll come back tomorrow night for Peter's farewell. I am getting a strange sort of homesickness with everyone leaving Korea; I don't know what it is.

I'm dreading dealing with these forms the study abroad office sent me when I finally decided to notify them I'm not coming back until December. Apparently I have to apply to not do an exchange program. MSU and its red tape. I should do them, though, since they're all overdue. But it's not like they can say I can't go since I'm already here.

Saying Goodbye To My Friends

2008-07-01T05:54:00.003-05:00

I woke up late today (big surprise) and didn't make it to work because I was already late to meet up with the girls for Gloria's last day. Of course it is impossible to find taxis in this town so I waited forever for one to take me to the subway station, and it took an hour to get to Sinchon.

On the subway this guy got on all dressed up in a white tennis outfit and sunglasses and wristband and had a tennis bag. It really looked like 철웅 but I didn't want to be a big idiot and shout his name if it wasn't him, since I am awesome at mistaking people for other people. Any way I figured it was him since he was about to get off at Sinchon and I stood next to him and he saw my reflection and we walked out together. He thought I was back in America already. Nope I be here until December.

We had the sushi buffet for lunch and stuffed ourselves then took sticker pictures at the arcade and sang in the mini 노래방. Jason, Esther, CJ, and Noorim met up with us. Sharon and I used the new nail art machine at the arcade and got Gloria's face on our index fingers. That machine is the coolest although mine didn't turn out too well since I have hot pink nail polish in the process of chipping off my nails.

We went to a cafe and then had to see Gloria off at the bus stop. It hasn't really hit me yet that she's leaving now, and that everyone will soon. But I am excited to stay in Korea, I love it here and can't wait for the new semester. Now that I know I'm going to Korea University for sure I have a lot to take care of as far as MSU goes, I haven't notified them yet. Also KU needs to hurry up and send me my admission stuff so I can apply for housing since the deadline is soon and I need to sign up for classes.

I need to stop being so lazy and make it to work at a decent hour. I am proud of myself for finding the right bus home instead of giving in and paying for a taxi. Although a lady helped me.

Last Night In Town

2008-06-30T08:30:00.003-05:00

All our friends are leaving. I guess it's a fact of making friends in a place where no one lives; we all have to go. Saturday I headed out to Sinchon and met up with Dayena, Rex, and Dayena's adorable little cousin 한솔. We went to dinner and then karaoke and then a hookah bar and then JunCo. After everyone got good and drunk they went home and Rex and I went to 찜질방. He passed out and I tried to sleep by him but he was outside and I kept getting bitten by mosquitoes so I went inside.

The next day I woke up and met up with Sharon and Justin and Jason and we ate 삼겹살. It was delicious as we were leaving this ajashi was shouting something at us like we didn't pay or left something. We went back and he sprayed us with Febreze it was great.

I went back with Sharon to her room and took a nap. Later we met up with Andrew, Justin, Jason, and Dayena because it was Andrew's last night in Sinchon. It's quite unreal that there are so many people we'll probably never see again. It sucks when they're close friends. I spent the night at Sharon's because the subway stopped. She slept while I got re-addicted to Tetris and I went to sleep when she woke up.

When I woke up Sharon and Dayena yelled at me to go brush my teeth and wash my face and put on some clothes. We went to lunch at Pizza Hut which was a rip off and totally the world's smallest pizza. Then Sharon and I went to the Seoul Times and hung out for a little bit. Then we got on bus 18 instead of 19 so went out to like the country and then finally found our way back to Yangjae station. I was so tired I took a taxi back here even though it was like $15.

I'm exhausted. Tomorrow's our last time to see Gloria.

Hong Kong

2008-06-26T10:00:00.002-05:00

I had an amazing week. Everything is real strange right now and busy/nothing to do, etc. Saturday night was Andrew's birthday celebration. We went to Junco and had kind of an awkward time. Half the group went to hang out with IYC and some of us wandered around stoops in Sinchon. After coming home Sharon and I went crazy and dug through the mountain of trash in the lounge. It was such a treasure trove. People were throwing away boots, makeup, food keke, jeans, etc.

But the best find was a giant Chinese flag and Beijing 2008 flag. After grabbing all the useful crap we could find we tied the flags on us and ran over to the guys' side of the dorm, where we were forbidden to go for fear of getting kicked out of the dorm/Yonsei. But hey, it was the last night. It was actually pretty boring. We ran into Dan who showed us his trash find: a giant plastic horn. We found a dictionary in the refrigerator.

I tried to sleep but wasn't really able to. There were a bunch of European guys in our lounge watching some football/(soccer) game. As soon as the game was over the security ajashi came and kicked them out of there. We said sleepy goodbyes in the lounge and Amy, Rex, Jason, and I headed off to the airport. The weather was CRAP it was raining and gross.

We took Thai Airways, a first. It was fun, they serve so much alcohol and our plane was all shaking so we downed red wine to the point where my face was bright red, Rex's neck was red, and Jason just passed out. Upon our arrival in Hong Kong we were completely lost. None of us were responsible or planned any part of the trip; we were to meet Tiffany at our hostel.

Somehow we made it there. But the place was disgusting and shady and scary. There were actually cockroaches on the walls. We were too tired and disoriented to really do anything so we waited for Tiffany. As soon as she got to our room we all decided to get the hell out of there. We're all pampered kids who have never stayed in a hostel.

Our hotel was in Mong Kok, on the island of Kowloon. It was very fancy and since we all stayed in one room (not allowed) it wasn't too expensive. Tiffany and Rex checked in and asked for a really big bed and the hotel staff asked if it was some sort of anniversary or something.

Since Rex, Jason, and I are irresponsible and lost, we hadn't eaten since the plane. Tiffany took us to get real Hong Kong/Chinese food: noodles and soup and dumplings. We went for a swim on the roof of the hotel, very nice, and then got slightly dressed up to go up to Victoria's Peak and take pictures of the city. After we were sufficiently bitten by mosquitoes we headed over to Lan Kwai Fong aka LKF, the hippest part of the city, or where all the cool bars and stuff are. We had overpriced appetizers around 11pm as dinner and went back to sleep.

On our second day we went to Stanley Market to buy souvenir stuff. Then we went to the beach, except the sand was not too soft. We went to a grocery store and bought meat, chips, snacks, etc. and took a taxi to the next beach over to have a bbq dinner. Except none of us had never barbequed and we were all completely clueless as to how to light coal on fire. We were starving and some guy let us use his fire. Finally we got ours working after a couple hours and by the end we were exhausted. A group next to us was really nice; it was someone's birthday and they had all just graduated and they had us try some of their food and even spoke a little Korean to us.

The next day we woke up early and went for a morning swim. Tiffany and I fell asleep by the pool; it was so nice. We went out to Times Square for dim sum which was delicious. We just stopped into the Gucci store to peek around except Tiffany and I completely fell in love with this one bag. Except it was $700.

Jason went back to the hotel to chill and we went to Ocean Park. Everyone says Disneyland Hong Kong sucks so we shouldn't go there. Ocean Park had PANDAS. They were adorable. I was so excited I've always wanted to see live pandas. They ate and played and drank and slept it was amazing. We rode the cable car over the mountain to the other side of the park for the non-kiddie rides, except they kept stopping. We were getting worried because it was really windy and at one point really thought we would die. But the view of the mountain and bay was beautiful.

As we got toward the end we noticed people weren't coming back the other way. We got down and found out that the "Level 3 Typhoon Has Been Hoisted." So all the fun rides were shut down. We went to look at sharks, fish, turtles, octopi (??) and other sea life. By the time we were getting ready to leave it was pouring. We had to take a series of escalators down the mountain and then a shuttle bus to the main entrance. As consolation this woman gave us crappy pins and key chains and ponchos because we complained.

We met up with Jason and went to check out this store with designer bags. Tiffany and I ended up getting the bag we fell in love with (in different colors) and Rex got a Gucci messenger bag. We felt like such Gucci whores. I owe Rex a lot of money right now. We hurried up to Victoria's Peak to have dinner at Bubba Gump (authentic Hong Kong cuisine!) and everyone kept talking about the coming typhoon which would be at level 8. Level 10 is the worst and at level 8 employers can't force employees to work.

We got our food to go and hurried back to the hotel and ate there. It was pouring all night. We slept in the next morning because every time we looked out the window we could barely see. It was pouring and wind and well, TYPHOON.

It started to clear up and we went to the Hong Kong Museum of History because on Wednesdays the museums are free. We went back to shop at the mall attached to our hotel/chill in the sauna. We got slightly dressed up again and ate dinner and went back to Lan Kwai Fong for ladies' night at the clubs. We were told Beijing Club would be cool. A sign said strict dress code was enforced but I was wearing jeans. They didn't check our ids either and the minimum age was supposed to be 21.

While we were dancing around Tiffany freaked out a little and told us the old guy next to us was a really famous celebrity. We saw him a bunch of times, and there was another old guy celebrity with him. Tiffany took a picture with him and thought it was Jackie Chan but we were like, that is so not Jackie Chan.

This morning was gross and rainy again. We had a final lunch and Tiffany took us to the bus stop. We didn't really get a proper goodbye, but hurried onto the bus to the airport. We all split up outside the airport, taking buses to Gimpo, Sinchon, and me to Anyang. I was worried about being able to find a taxi but I was lucky and the guy even helped me get my giant heavy suitcase (29 kilos) into the car.

I don't know where my aunt and uncle went but my cousin is here watching tv in his pajamas. It feels good to be back here. I have a lot of unpacking/rearranging/laundry to do.

What The Hail Are You Doing?

2008-06-20T16:13:00.002-05:00

I love Korea. I don't know how people are leaving right now and how I will ever leave. Of course, I miss home and my friends and family but this is home too. Today was the last night for so many people. Actually so was last night. People are already leaving and it makes me want to cry.

I woke up at 5:30pm-ish with about 2834083 text messages and missed calls. Met Sharon and Dayena at 딸기 probably for the last time ㅠㅠ. We came back to the dorm and showered and they packed and I went with Dayena to move some of her stuff into her 하숙. It's so funny we walk into a random alley back behind the bars and 고기집s and go into this tiny door and there's this whole house thing where she will live and eat with randoms.

We came back and went out again, this time with Sahar. She and I were hungry and so naturally we had to get 삼겹살. It was delicious. The women loved her great Korean accent. Cedric came because he is also a fatty. He is too funny. He started telling us about the problem of jellyfish taking over the world's oceans and how in Japan there are 200 kilo jellyfish. The French accent made it that much better.

Today we were standing around with Cedric, Marain, and another French guy and he said Cedric's English was horrible and he couldn't understand him, except his English sounded exactly the same as Cedric's.

After eating we went next door to the building with Festival, 치우, and a thousand other bars. Sharon, Dayena, Peter, Rex, and a couple IYC guys were there. 누림 is too cute especially when he speaks English. Gloria came right after us and Cedric's French-Korean friend came by for a bit. We stayed here for um, forever then went to 노래방 STORY of course it's so classy. We were in the same room as last time: Louis XIV.

After tons of 서비스 (free minutes) my "friends" cut me off from doing another Queen song and said BOO HOO WE'RE BABIES LET'S GO HOME. It was about 5am. Cedric was still being a fatty and got 냉면 with Peter who wanted 선롱탕.

Volunteer Staff

2008-06-20T07:09:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I woke up and forced myself to get on the subway. I could not take any more of this sitting around in my pa-jay-jays in my dorm room. I went to Anguk near Insadong. It's cute, like Insadong, it has a nice old feeling and aside from the skyline you don't even know you're in Seoul. I went to a gallery and some photographer's work was showing. Pictures he took in Pusan. He had crazy hair and looked like Korean Einstein.

I came back to Sinchon to meet up with Jong-Ryul and I was a little late. At first this was the most awkward thing ever and I was ready to bolt at any minute. We got some iced tea at a cafe, then saw Get Smart, which was fun. Then we went to dinner and after Red Mango for some frozen yogurt. During this whole time we barely spoke. In fact, I spoke more than this man and I can barely speak Korean. But I guess he is shy.

Sharon picked me up-ish and we both agreed he seemed to be relieved to get rid of me. I thought this whole thing would be over but okay later on he called me about 230483 times.

We went to Club Circle with basically everyone who lives in this dorm. It was a lot of fun Thursday is hip-hop instead of house and us girls got in free. The gangsta bouncer even remembered me from months ago.

Around 4am some of us left. Cedric and I went to norebang because he has to back to France soon. And he said in France karaoke is "red neck." Which is just too bad. When we had gotten our Mariah Carey fix and our time was up we came outside to find that the sun had beaten us. People were going to work and it was a new day.

He wanted nengmyun and I thought he was just saying it. I was dirty, tired, my feet were swollen. We went and ended up getting samgyupsal at like 6am in the morning. But oh it was such a glorious meal.

Today we stopped by the International House staff board to see a new RA nicknamed Mr. J. It's great. Then we saw Marain's picture randomly stuffed into a slot. Sharon and I went crazy and put our own pictures in and labels too. Except our pictures are so bad and don't even look like us we couldn't stop laughing and tried to not cause a scene.

Tears

2008-06-17T14:18:00.002-05:00

We are so immature. But it's okay.

I'm so mad at myself I had big plans for today. BIG PLANS. One of my last days living right here in the best place the live in Seoul and I blew it. I slept my day away. I was even awake at 11am and said, I'll sleep one more hour. Next thing I know it's 5:30pm and Gloria is a-knocking at my door.

She, Sharon, and I went to eat and then to our favorite place the Rainbow Super. We then went to E-Dae for some quick shopping, there was a bag I wanted but of course if it's there one day it's gone the next this is Korea after all.

I've been such a slave to my pregnant-woman-like cravings lately. Yesterday I ran into Krispe Kreme and bought a box of doughnuts though they'll probably rot in my room here. I got a fruit smoothie bubble tea in E-Dae. There's other stuff but I forgot.

After E-Dae we went to Sinchon and stopped in to the Blue Monkey Bar where Sahar, Margaret, Ben, Michael, and Minyoung were. Because it was my first time there even though we weren't drinking I was forced to have a "blue monkey" which is lit on fire then dranked with a straw and it was nasty. It is a double shot of Bacardi 151 and I was immediately drunk.

So we proceed to Chunggyecheon, a little late for the protest, but we just wanted to go to the stream. It's the best at night. We walked around and took stupid pictures then it started raining so we headed back to Sinchon.

This guy I am supposed to see a movie with on Thursday calls me because he's in Sinchon and so Gloria, Sharon, and I stop by BBQ Chicken to see him for two seconds. I was still slightly drunk, gross, sweaty, unshowered, etc. so I was hoping he'd be turned off and never want to see me again.

Oh yeah also I cut my bangs last night a little bit too short and I look like a man. But what is new right?

Any way after the most awkward thing ever we meet Jason, Justin C, Andrew C, Amy, and one other guy at the greatest 노래방 ever. They have "Breaking Free" from High School Musical and some other ones that the others don't seem to have yet. Plus it is way fancy and there is a mini stage in each room and nice fluffy couches and FREE ICE CREAM HELLO.

I went all out and sang like every other song and I'm sure everyone was annoyed because the songs I sing are usually random and nobody knows them so they are falling asleep while I'm having the time of my life. For example I sang "Wig In A Box" from Hedwig and the Angry Inch but everyone needs to see that movie. Oh yeah I forgot I bought I'm Not There and National Treasure 2 dvds in the subway station.

So we came back to I-House around 2am something and Gloria, Andrew, and I ordered Chinese because we're fat. I am so sad this is our last week and we're all scrambling to hang out and I keep sleeping my days away. But there are still many good times to come.

The Mosquitoes Know

2008-06-16T11:26:00.002-05:00

I found one of Pepper's hairs in the package P-Yo sent me and it made me miss my pets so much. I always miss Pumpkin and Pepper the most even when I'm five minutes away at MSU. Too bad my parents are boring and sent me only allergy medicine and not any of my magazines I've been dying to read or a Tide pen.

Last night I went to 찜질방 with Sahar, Margaret, and Cedric. It was so much nice I hadn't been there in forever. I couldn't sleep too well so I came back around 7-8am and had breakfast and then went to sleep. I woke up around 3-4pm and went to Sinchon.

I had a great time walking around even though it was kind of hot. I watched the tiny teacup puppies in the window, then I got my nails done. The whole point of going out was to try to find somewhere to get my heels fixed. After I nearly gave up I saw a little shoe repair hut. The man was so nice I love Korea because you can find anything you need on the street basically.

Although, I noticed that every time I am waiting for a crosswalk there has to be a couple holding hands and staring into each others eyes as if they're about to get married it's too cute and makes me die a little. Seeing couples fight is the best because it's hilarious and these girls can be vicious.

I ate 삼겹살 with Sharon it was so good. I got another mosquito bite on my ankle and it's huge and I want to die. Sahar and Margaret met up with us and we went to take sticker pictures. We went all out on a poop-themed photo session and gave it to Sung 오빠. He's leaving tomorrow I'm so sad. We never got to hang out with him that much he's like the nicest guy ever we call him dad.

Then we met up with Dayena and we went to Jazzy Sport [Bar] in 홍대. I love 홍대 and really have taken it for granted that Yonsei is in such a good location. If/when I am at Korea University next semester I will be kind of far from everything.

Can't Wait To See My Baby

2008-06-13T05:14:00.003-05:00

I am sad but excited. I'm packing up a good deal of my stuff right now to be taken home to my uncle and aunt's home where I will be staying this summer. That means most of my friends are going back home to America, Europe, etc. But once we move out of the dorms I'm going to Hong Kong with Jason, Tiffany, and Rex, and Cedric will be there too!

Tuesday night I went to the rally with Julienne, Julie, and Rachael. We ran into Rex by the subway station and he wanted to come too. The girls left early and Andrew and Sharon came by for a little bit. It was absolutely crazy I've never seen so many people and to experience such a thing is great. There was no violence thanks to a pacifist group being all adamant about peace but it was also somewhat disappointing we wanted action. Rex and I stayed for several hours and my legs were definitely hurting by the time I got back.

Wednesday Sahar and I went to COEX to see the special English subtitled screening of Crossing. I've never cried in a movie so much in my life, I'm quite sure. I wish everyone could see this movie. No one knows about the kind of crap that is going on in North Korea and it's awful and there's so little we can do right now, but I think the most important thing is spreading awareness first. That sounded cheesy but it's true nobody knows the extent of suffering which is the biggest part of the problem right now.

After the movie this ajuma on the subway in front of me looked like she was about to die. She squatted even though she was in a suit and all dressed up. I made her sit down in my seat and she couldn't keep her eyes open. Sahar said she smelled like soju so she was probably drunk but she looked like she was about to faint. Other than that Sahar and I were about to punch some bitchez on the subway we got them short tempers with goofy Korean girls sometimes. Especially when they be staring at us.

I had to study for the North Korean final. A bunch of us were in the lounge in the basement except it somehow turned into this big joke menu of items at "KJIFRIDAY's" (Kim Jong Il's restaurant) and it was so unbelievably dorky but we ended up giving it to our teacher.

The day of the exam the teacher took us out for drinks. Not too many people showed up like fifteen or so. It was a lot of fun and our teacher is damn cool. He is great and everyone is really comfortable around him. Also he's hilarious without meaning to be. After spending like 2830483 hours at the Country Bar (funny name) we went for second round at 노래방 and even there in the middle of his song he tried to explain what the words meant and how it was a protest song it was so funny.

I sang "Complicated" by Avril Lavigne (no shame) and Patrick and the teacher were singing along, they knew all the words. When I cut it short they were like, "hey! what! why? what? why?" You can never underestimate the catchiness of Avril Lavigne.

Today we handed in our Pop Culture papers and did our Social Change presentations. I'm getting sad because there are so many people I'll never see again. It's a shame you always meet people too late when they were there all along. However, I got an e-mail today from Korea University saying they just received my transcript and in a few days I'll get my admission letter. Meaning the whole application process is just a formality. Now I'm 99.9% sure I'll be in Korea until December.

This weekend will be nice and relaxing. I haven't seen my family in forever it feels like. I get to see baby EunSoo and my cousins and aunt and uncle. Probably also Mike whom I never hang out with but he should come to Seoul more.

Crossing

2008-06-09T13:06:00.002-05:00

I won tickets to see the special screening of Crossing Wednesday I am so excited. Also, scared because I know it will be awful and I will be crying the whole time. Sort of appropriate, though, as the final exam for North Korean class is Thursday. I'm taking Sahar and there will be English subtitles.

I feel awful since I haven't been to work in forever but I mean I do have finals this week and next plus all my friends are leaving :( and I'm still sick. I am so sad I'm going to be moving out most of my stuff this weekend and then when it is really time to move out I'll go with Jason, Rex, and Tiffany to Hong Kong for several days. Hopefully Sharon can come too or else I will make her feel guilty for-evah.

Tonight we were almost finally going to see the new Chronic(what!)cles of Narnia movie except when we got to the theatre they weren't playing it and I was like what!? since I had checked times on the website even for the Sinchon theatre but apparently they only show the COEX times which is stupid. We settled on seeing Kung Fu Panda and wow it ended up being like one of the best movies I've seen all year. Seriously it was hilarious and entertaining and pretty and just great. I highly recommend it although nobody actually reads this blog.

DMZ

2008-06-08T04:37:00.002-05:00

Yesterday woke up at the crack of dawn, actually I didn't really sleep. My mosquito bites were driving me absolutely crazy and I was coughing. Met Sharon and Sung 오빠 and we went to the USO "Camp Kim" and got on a bus filled with white people, I mean we shouldn't have been surprised since Korean citizens aren't allowed to visit the DMZ. But we knew people would be annoying.

The tour was really fun, it was crazy and we got to see North Korean soldiers, this one guy kept looking at us through binoculars which made us a little uneasy, I wonder what they think of American tourists. The South Korean soldiers have to be so serious I wonder how they don't laugh I would be giggling all day but that is because I am crazy and immature.

What was probably most annoying was how our tour guides, even the Korean ones tried to make it seem like we were all in some sort of imminent danger and referred to the NKs as "the enemy" "communist" and stuff. Of course, it's not entirely false but they obviously were doing it to perpetuate the image these Americans all already have of North Korea(ns) and make the tour seem more exciting like they would for some reason start shooting at us any moment.

If you were not retarded you'd realize the North Koreans have more than reason not to provoke the South and thus the US. But then again you should have heard these tourists it was nice to be able to talk about them in Korean right in front of them.

We got to go to JSA into the blue buildings and technically be on North Korean soil, we drove by the Bridge of No Return as seen in the movie J.S.A., we also walked down and back up this tunnel the North Koreans dug in the 70s. The end was so anti-climactic: some barbed wire and a rusty door with a tiny window to peer through there was more tunnel and some dirt/rocks, I did drink the mineral water though.

Got back around 3pm-ish and of course passed out. I was planning on going to the protest at 7pm but I could not even wake up until 11pm and then watched some "Three Dads One Mom" drama then fell asleep again and couldn't wake up until 4:30pm today there is something wrong with me. I'm sick but I don't know what it is. There's crap coming out of my eyes too it's gross.

I'm sad I missed the protest Saturday was the biggest one yet with an estimated 65,000 peeps but we are for sure going Tuesday. Sharon really didn't want me to go alone because she was afraid I'd get hurt I guess a bunch of people got hurt last night but they were probably the ones dragging the police buses out of the way. I think there's a few of us going Tuesday so we'll be relatively safe maybe.

The Sky Is Open

2008-06-06T07:48:00.002-05:00

After getting about an hour of sleep -- I was being stupid farting around the internets and then kept waking up -- I went with Sharon, Julienne, Justin, and Leo to Buchon way out in Kyunggido. Bungee jumping started at 1pm and we got there around 12pm but it was nice once they opened we didn't have to wait.

I thought I was going to pee my pants or have a heart attack it was so scary, but seriously I'm so glad I did it and didn't hesitate. These two Korean girls were ahead of us but wouldn't go first, I said I'd just go first. I was still half asleep and a little crazy I don't know why I stepped up first. Any way I barely remember jumping off the thing but I remember after I jumped I really truly felt like I was going to die.

What was even worse than the initial jump was coming back up again and falling again I don't know if I've been so terrified. It was really short though, and then I felt stupid because random people were watching me and my friends were all still up on the platform and I was just hanging there waiting for the guy to row the boat to me.

Justin, Sharon, and I took a red bus (they are very nice) back and completely passed out. The driver told everyone to get out at this one stop by City Hall because they had blocked some street for the protest and we couldn't go any farther. We were disoriented and found a subway station but the entrance we went into was so scary at least Justin was with us Sharon and I would have been squealing because we like to scare each other.

I was going to go to the protest tonight since I made it back earlier than expected, but then of course I got barely no sleep and laid down to take a nap and woke up too late. We are going to the DMZ very early tomorrow morning any way and I should get this paper and studying out of the way these next two weeks are going to fly by.

I am dying now because I'm covered in mosquito bites I don't even know when I got bit also some other thing that was not a mosquito bit me. Korean mosquitoes are the worst they don't give up after one bite and I developed an allergy to the bumuli crap that is supposed to soothe them.

Gin Is Cold But The Piano's Hot

2008-06-05T13:32:00.002-05:00

Tonight we checked out a jazz bar in Hongdae. Technically it was by the Hapjeong station but any way. It's called Moon Glow which totally sounds like a head shop or some beading set girls would go crazy for. It seemed kind of sketchy from the outside, especially since it was down a dark street. The building's not the nicest, but that's a lot of buildings here.

The band was the cutest little grandfathers playing and they were all into it. The piano player was crazy he'd pull out a whistle or recorder or spoon/bell thing. We were a little late but it was okay we still had fun. You are required to buy one cocktail at least or two beers. Our drinks were about $13 each it's pretty crazy.

Afterwards we went back to Sinchon and I was dying for some food since I never got to have dinner since I was sleeping and a huge bum. We went to BBQ Chicken and it was disappointing so we will never go to the one in Sinchon again. Plus that stuff is mad expensive. Any way Jong Ryul 오빠 called me and was like, where are you want to meet for a second. He said he was driving around and would stop by. Ah this boy is trying to meet with me like every day and I tell him I'm busy I'm such a horrible person but I don't know what to do.

So he pulls up in like the sweetest car ever and we are all laughing and realize we're dumb girls and think he's a little bit cooler since he has a nice car. I guess he took his grandma out for some specific fish since she wanted it and took her home and then came out to meet me. I don't know what to do with this man. Any way he made it sound like they live together alone but then we found out he lives with his older brother and parents too. Koreans are so goofy most people live with their parents until they get married it's a little crazy.

Since these beef protests are getting crazier and crazier I need to go check it out. Not that I wanted to get stomped on or smacked in the face but actually have a dance-off and find those riot police that waved to us the other night and marry them. Also protests/rallies are exciting.

Tomorrow we're going bungee jumping so I should be sleeping. Saturday morning we are going to the DMZ and I might pee my pants. Hopefully the North Korean soldiers come out so we can see them apparently they only come out when there are a lot of people.

I cannot get enough of these Ting Tings lately it's so catchy. I need to find more music stores that will carry more eclectic music. I mean I guess I was lucky to find Hwang which has Animal Collective and other randies I never expected but STILL I HAVEN'T GOTTEN SHE & HIM. Also there's so much coming out this summer ahhh.

Nuclear War

2008-06-04T12:51:00.003-05:00

I am so happy to be in Korea. Already I got to participate in the May Day worker's rally and experience one of the [peaceful] Chunggyecheon candlelight protests. Koreans are hardcore and passionate and even my parents used to protest which makes them 234038 times more badass than I previously thought.

Being here also makes me realize how ignorant me and so many of my friends and fellow Americans are. Not only people who are still in America, but Americans who come here. I don't see it in the Europeans, Japanese, or others, just Americans. Obviously Americans are stereotyped for being ignorant, fat, and arrogant, but it's funny how true it really is.

I've gotten really annoyed lately over how certain Americans (namely, English teachers here) are acting so high and mighty (can't believe I just used that phrase), criticizing the Korean public for believing press about this whole beef thing.

First of all it's not as if all these outraged people are just blindly following whatever the media says, obviously they're smarter than that. There have been a lot of suspicions about politically-backed campaigns used to scare innocent people and why not be afraid if you really believe you could die from something that could easily be prevented?

Basically all of the American opinions I've come across are acting as if Koreans are stupid for believing the media, but people have asked me if I'm scared to come to Korea, as if North Korea would launch a nuclear bomb tomorrow and I'd die. It's not like NK would even do that, but whatever that is retarded. Why do Americans think this way? Well hello, the media obviously. I am guilty of having a completely wrong and stupid preconception of NK from whatever media I've come across in America, and it's not the fault of most Americans for being ignorant of so many things, but it is their fault for being arrogant a-holes about it and especially the ones here acting like they're superior to Koreans and I wonder what the hell these people are doing here any way. There's a reason Americans have bad reputations here.

Some Americans are even getting upset at the recent protests but they don't understand the historical context and culture and why Koreans protest and why it is so important. Obviously -- I'd like to see any fatass Americans get up and fight some government policy. It's funny -- I hear so much crap about George Bush and coming here I hear so much crap about Lee Myung-Bak, but the difference is Americans just say, "George Bush sucks" while Koreans gather together (an est. one million tonight, I heard from our taxi driver) and go right up to the Blue House and demand some change.

Even in my Pop Culture research I learned that when the government tried to change the lyrics to a Seo Taiji & Boys song in order to make it acceptable for broadcasting, people protested and the government was the side to back down.

On a somewhat related note, I went to Dongdaemun tonight with the girls. I managed to not spend all my money, buying only a tee-shirt, a hat, and a new earring (also corn dogs -- a must in Dongdaemun). While we were waiting for the bus about 2734038 riot police buses drove by. Sharon noticed a police waving in the window of one, and we waved back. It was hilarious and awesome. Another one drove by and we kept waving and one guy started dancing all crazy with his arms.

There's been so much talk of one picture of a college girl getting her neck stepped on by a riot police, and it looked brutal. I also saw pictures of police using water cannons and one guy beat up and bloodied on the groung. But these people are people too, right? I think some of them must be my age, even. I hope I can find some time to go to one of these more hardcore demonstrations soon. But the semester's nearly over I have to worry about finals. And as soon as school's over I'm off to Hong Kong with Jason, Tiffany, and Rex. I'm so excited.

Save Me

2008-06-04T04:25:00.002-05:00

I've been holed up in my room for the past three or four days. I'm sick and it sucks. I thought I had a cold, then I thought I had a sinus infection, now I think it's just a cold. I went to the pharmacy and got some decongestant stuff.

I started my Pop Culture final paper. I'm a big dork and actually excited about it. Of course I chose the music topic option. I will somehow include Britney Spears, Big Bang, Pink Floyd, Seo Taiji, and possibly some select indie bands to prove some sort of point that Korea is awesome.

Hopefully I will be hearing back from Korea University soon. It all depends upon whether MSU wants to screw me over again or not. My application is only pending the transcript from MSU and then two weeks after it's complete I will find out whether I got accepted or not. If I decide to be a princess I will call my fahja and make this whole process immediate he was telling me to write down all these names of his friends at Korea University but I just wanted him to download me some Korean music.

Saturday we are going to the DMZ I am so excited. The weather should be nice which will be good since it's been crappy and rainy so far this week. Friday is Korean Memorial Day so we have no school we might go bungee jumping. As much as it makes me want to pee my pants if P-Yo can do it I can do it right?

Boots With the Fur

2008-06-01T09:36:00.003-05:00

That is my boyfriend. The only problem is, he has a girlfriend. It's too bad. These last few days have been pretty bizarre. I went to a gay pride festival and saw KOREAN PEOPLE. I made this black guy speechless IN KOREA.

It's already June and I only have a few more weeks of school. Thursday I applied to Korea University's international program so I can stay another semester. Friday I went clubbing for the first time in forever. My friends made me. After all, it was club night (last friday of the month). We opted for the NB1/Harlem circuit. Ran into these three black guys who were treated like gods at Harlem. "Black people in Harlem?" I know, strange.

We spent most of the night sitting on the American Apparel stoop making fun of people. There are so many foreigners in Korea lately. After all, it's summer.

I just did a vanity Google search of myself and my first press release is on the Seoul govt's website. Why is the Korean Vogue so freaky deaky big the American Vogue is not like that.

Saturday I went with Jason, Rex, Justin, and Dayena to Jongak (by Chunggyecheon) where there was the world's tiniest gay pride festival. It was very interesting though. I was so amazed to see so many lesbians. Actually, I was amazed to see homosexual Koreans at all. Most people had red ribbons on meaning they didn't want to be photographed. I don't know why I was surprised I know how conservative Korea still is.

We spent 2273403 hours at KFC telling riddles. A bunch of us went to Club FF and it was a great time. Each time I go the bands get better and better. The last band this time was called Seogyo Group Sound and I had such a crush on the singer. He had the cutest outfit on and was jumping around all crazy. For the last song they did "Blitzkrieg Bop" and he gave me the mic for about two seconds it made my night.

Went to 찜질방 with Dan and Greg and Dan's roommate Kevin and their friend Louise. Andrew C came later and we had a great time. Andrew is too funny. We went so late Andrew and I were still sweating it out when the sun was up and the ajumas and ajashis were also getting up.

Korean guys are dumb. Well, some are. Specifically this group of guys that work/worked at JunCo. This one guy keeps calling me and is too nice so I can't blow him off, but I don't even know how to explain it the way Korean guys are. I either have to blow him off or go along with it and for the present I'm too nice to blow him off but I don't have the time/energy/patience to keep this up.

I have so much to do. Finals are in just two weeks. We have a group project. I have to write a paper. I have to say goodbye to some of the best friends I've ever had. I know I know. I'm done.

I'm So Sorry But I Love You

2008-05-27T11:34:00.002-05:00

Things keep on getting crazier. Sunday night I went to Dongdaemun with Dayena and spent a disgusting amount of money considering how cheap clothes are here. But I had to. I am going to more fancy pants events and can't keep wearing the same blazer.

Monday morning we filmed our second shows in broadcasting class. I was so tired. Gwang cracks me up. He always throws in random lines. I was supposed to say "I'm sorry" but continues to say, "but I love you." For anyone living in Korea recently these lyrics are inescapable as they belong to the Big Bang song, "거짓말" (lie). That combined with his Korean accent speaking English makes me want to pee my pants.

After class I stopped by the IYC Cooking Fest outside the library. I felt bad not buying food from some of my friends' booths but hello it was expensive and so I had to choose Mexico and France. Stopped by Grand Mart on my way to work to get Benji a bone which he at first didn't know what to do with as he never had such a thing. But he eventually loved it. Joseph takes leftover food and takes out the stuff dogs can't eat and throws in some dog food and cooks it up in a pot and makes what I like to call "벤지탕" or "Benji stew/soup."

This morning I was five hours late to work because I am a lazy bum. I didn't even go out last night. These guys were working on the roof (our office is on the sixth floor and I love it since I can go out there and chill with Benji and see buildings and mountains and be creepy and watch children playing in the church yard) any way I was working at the world's slowest computer by the window and I hear this guy's ringtone which is "I'm so sorry but I love you ahsldkfd 거짓말" and it was funny.

We went to the Shilla Hotel and it is amazing. The embassy of Argentina was hosting this reception for Argentine National Day and some joint thing organization whatever's first anniversary. Food was delicious of course. The Malaysian ambassador his excellency remembered my name it made my day. He is one of the nicest people I've ever met diplomatic or not. I am so sad he's leaving in July but he wants to start some sort of energy/gas business.

I am so excited Monday we are going to the Italian ambassador's home for the Italian National Day reception. Also, we got a free bottle of wine. My room is slowly accumulating all sorts of swag I need to give this to my aunt and uncle and 은진언니.

Everyone Loves A Parade

2008-05-24T10:22:00.002-05:00

Where do I even begin I've been so busy. My English is definitely getting worse by the day. Worser? See.

Thursday I got all dressed up to go to the Hyatt Hotel's Grand Ballroom where they were having the Parade of Nations. It's a charity event put on by the wives (and Tim Strong!) of the diplomatic corps serving South Korea.

Chairman Yoon was supposed to meet me there, but I was a little early and he wasn't picking up his phone. I felt stupid. Also, he is 71. Cutest little grandpa. He was so nice, introducing me to all these important people and was so excited when the US ambassador told him I had perfect English he even called Joseph to tell him. Keke. I mean of course I have perfect English I even told the guy and his wife I was from Michigan but maybe they weren't listening they're probably not used to talking to Americans any way.

He introduced me to the police chief of the Yongsan district he was real cool. He then introduced me to one of the guys working under him and they were all stealth and would point out shady looking characters to each other. When some boy tried to sell us raffle tickets for the fifth time he was all, "sorry I'm working" and walked off it was so badass. The police chief said Condoleeza Rice is coming next month and George Bush is coming in July so he has to arrange all the security and special forces for that. Hopefully I can go see them.

Mr. Yoon is 팔평 and I'm a 칠원 Yoon so we're pretty closely related, or as Koreans say we are. He got to sit at a nice table with the United Arab Emirates ambassador and his wife and son and others while I had to sit in the back corner with other media. It's funny how I've only been doing this for a few weeks but I've already met some real media slime. Any way...

The dinner was great especially since I was starving. Then they did a fashion show and dances and songs and well you can read my crappy article on theseoultimes.com. Ted stopped by for a little bit him and Joseph were just at the Algerian embassy for some reception and it was nearby.

My peeps were in Sinchon and Jason was just getting off the subway too so we met up and stopped by Junco. I guess the really adorable guy who protected us the one night all the army guys wouldn't leave us alone "has interest" in me. He made Sharon's boy ask her if I had a boyfriend and asked Gloria for my number. Too cute.

I quickly wrote my story because I was to be gone for a couple days and was so tired I only sent one picture. I guess Ted panicked the next day I feel so bad. But he made me panic too! He accidentally took my camera lens.

Had to wake up really early and then went to Chunggyecheon to meet up and depart for Jinju. I got a little lost; every building in the City Hall area is a freaking bank. Finally found the Korean Tourism Organization place and passed out for the whole bus ride except when we stopped Joseph made me eat some random waffle and then woke me up again to make me think of a headline for my story I was so mad I just wanted to sleep.

We had lunch which was eel and ggennip my fav. We had this liquor called Jinju it just worked out that the name of the city in Chinese also means some sort of alcohol. The restaurant was covered in dead turtles it freaked me out a little.

Then we went to this BIO21 complex most boring thing ever. It was exciting for five seconds when we went into an auditorium and the outside of the buildings were all fancy and shiny I thought it'd be like Jurassic Park and they'd show us some mind-blowing research developments but yeah. Joseph was sleeping.

Went to a park to see some of the Nongae Festival festivities. Saw the mayor performing the chesa ceremony for Nongae everyone loves her gosh. Then we went to see bullfighting which is not as exciting as it sounds. I had more fun petting one of the bulls outside being all MOO. Also I couldn't watch the fighting as their heads started bleeding and I wanted to cry.

Had dinner at which I was forced to drink too much too fast. After we went back to the park to sit on a floating deck and watch this Nongae reenactment show. I fell asleep during preparation and dropped my camera on the floor good thing I was not in the front row.

After getting back to the hotel I was so excited I thought I'd be able to finally sleep in a bed. But no. These crazy ajashis had to be like, let's have a drink. I was like cringing and dying inside. I was the only girl. This one guy was all, WHY DON'T YOU KNOW KOREAN? I was like, I was born in America. NO EXCUSE I WAS BORN IN JAPAN SAME THING WE WEREN'T ALLOWED TO SPEAK JAPANESE IN THE HOUSE OUR MOTHER MADE US STUDY AND WE HAD TO TALK IN KOREAN EVEN FIGHT IN KOREAN. I called Joseph because I wondered why I had to suffer through this alone and the last thing I wanted to do was drink more. He was being a bum sleeping. Somehow I escaped and wanted to go to the sauna but it was closed I am used to the convenience of a 24-hour 찜질방.

We didn't get breakfast and I didn't get to take my crazy pills so I sensed there would be trouble. First we went to an arboretum (boring) and Joseph and I kind of had a fight. Actually it was more like him badly wording things and I couldn't help but cry but at least we didn't have to go on the boring tour of plants and it was raining. He made me drink this pine tree drink it was okay but the aftertaste sucked so I made him drink it. He constantly apologized for the rest of the day.

At our last stop I thought we'd finally eat. First we went into this little village where they grow marijuana. Yes, really. I couldn't believe it either. A lot of asian plants look like weed so I ignored it, I did notice it smelled like ggennip though. When Joseph told me it was weed I made him ask these old farmer men like four more times to be sure. This hilarious straight-up ajashi was making goofy motions and saying, "hasish!" They make funeral burial clothes out of the weed through a complex process. We visited the grandmas making it. I just imagine all these cute little grandmas and grandpas getting high all the time. I totally wanted to grab some because I didn't think anyone would believe me.

We then had lunch in the cutest little traditional house thing I felt like I was in a drama one side was all open and it was raining lightly and the floor was heated. We had kalbi tang, chicken, and makoli made with the marijuana seeds and let me say it was delicious.

Though it really exhausted me I loved the trip and got to see a beautiful place I'd never been. Also came away with some great swag I hope my aunt and uncle will like. Some sort of cloth made from marijuana and a nice silk scarf.

Surprise Party

2008-05-21T10:38:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was a little crazy. Any way. Today I missed both classes AGAIN I have been to two classes in the past two weeks. GAH. But I'm going to NK class tomorrow.

I went to work today unshowered and Ted asks if I have a jacket. It is normal that he is wearing a nice shirt and tie, but I usually wear jeans and look like a total bum. I didn't realize I was supposed to go to the Malaysian ambassador's home today for the reception party for these new diplomat trainees.

I was wearing jeans and a tee-shirt and I felt disgusting and I didn't want to go like that, especially my first embassy event. So we went to Hannam-dong and the Malaysian ambassador lives in probably the nicest house I've ever been in. His wife is pretty and his daughter is so cute. Apparently she was so sad last time there was an event and she didn't appear in any press pictures. So Ted promised her picture would be published and he gave her his card and she was jumping up and down and shouting she was so excited. She's six it's cute.

I met a bunch of very nice people working for the Malaysian embassy and it was really hard to pretend I was not a baby. This one girl was also still in college and she asked me how old I was and I had to tell her the truth (sort of I said 21 which is my Korean age). They looked very young, but then this one guy started talking about his wife. He said she watches Winter Sonata religiously which is funny since we learned about how it's so big in other parts of Asia.

Also, Joseph always forwards us e-mails in Korean. When I am like ?!@1 I wonder what Tiffini thinks when she gets them.

Just found out today I'm going to the Parade of Nations tomorrow. I was kind of sad that only Ted and Mr. Yun would go because they didn't want to give out too many free tickets since it's charity and like W100,000 per ticket. But there's some thing at the Algerian embassy so Ted is going to that and I will go and get all fancy and eat wonderful food and hang out with Mr. Yun.

Then I wake up butt early Friday and get on a bus to go to Jinju I am so excited!

Eve Of

2008-05-20T00:07:00.002-05:00

Today is Dayena's birthday! We went all out. Sunday night Sharon, Gloria, and I were planning out elaborate excuses to sneak off to Dongdaemun to go shopping for her present. I was late to Broadcasting class and I was really scared since Solki already hates us all.

After class went to ze ST office where Joseph was not at. He was looking for a farm for himself and Benji, mostly Benji. Ms. Lee was there and so we were HADLY WORKIN right I was doing homework overdue by three weeks and Ted was watching football (soccer) videos.

After work I was in a big rush to get back in time to beat Dayena to dinner. We were surprising her and she thought Gloria and I weren't going to make it. I was running through subway stations and Sinchon like a crazy person and muttering bad words in Korean under my breath. I was also getting really fed up with ugly Korean girls all looking at themselves in the mirror and trying to be so pretty all the time. Just one bad thing about Korea. But whatever I wear jeans and a tee shirt deal with it.

We went to Nolita very nice from which we could see our yoga place. Dayena was surprised and it was great and we had a good Italian dinner. We then went to Hongdae to the Jazzy Sport Bar and got nice drinks. Then of course we had to go to JunCo and had like the best time ever.

There were some sort of military guys and after Sharon asked to wear one of their hats they thought they had permission to bother us and invite us out with them. I don't know if I've ever seen people so drunk. They were taking a picture and one guy was standing on a couch and just fell. About every five minutes we'd hear glass break.

But one 오빠 working at JunCo was the cutest ever and also my husband. He was so cute and stayed by our table until they all left and told them not to talk to us and said we were his 동생s. He kind of looked like a Korean Rivers Cuomo.

Tonight we are going out with errone for her birthday. I need to take a nap.

Lesson Learned

2008-05-18T07:35:00.002-05:00

Dang. Friday night we stayed out until about 5am. It was the first time in FOREVER I could remember us all getting together like that. Me and the girls then Jason and Andrew came we were at JunCo then went to 노래방 I loved it. I hadn't been to norebang in way too long.

Woke up about 23094 hours late on Saturday and felt like an ass apparently one chairman Mister Min who is 70 years old waited to buy us lunch and none of the waygooks showed up. Any way went to the office YES we have new computers and are getting more thanks to some former speaker at the National Assembly.

Joseph was all, "let's stop by this art exhibition, my friend's an artist so we have to at least stop by." So he, Mr. Hong, and I piled into Mr. Hong's car which happens to be the same one I have (HOT WHEELS) and drove out of Seoul to the Seongnam Arts Center.

We were there for a while and I took some pictures and we ran into this girl who used to hang around the ST and sings "popera" which is apparently pop + opera. Sat there awkwardly forever. After Mr. Hong left I was like asldkfjs!! it's getting late what are we waiting for. DINNER of course.

The artist and his wife and Joseph and all their high school friends, we all went to dinner which in Korea always means drinking. I was so tired I fell asleep in the taxi from the gallery to the restaurant. Everyone was really nice even though they were pretty much all old enough to have been my parent.

I was trying to leave to meet Tiffany for 찜질방 but they said if I went to second round I'd get dropped off somewhere. Since I am cheap and transportation from outside Seoul would have been a bitch I agreed. This one guy was hilarious he didn't know any English besides "I love you" and would be like, "Elise! I love you!" every twenty minutes or so.

This other guy was a total badass and used to be a riot police and chugged a bottle of soju right before my eyes I wanted to throw up at the thought of it. The artist kept trying to speak with me in French but whenever he spoke French he was super quiet and I couldn't hear him thus I looked like an idiot because I couldn't understand/hear him.

All the drunkies piled into an SUV (the driver was sober, she was one wife) and Joseph and I finally found a taxi that would take us back to Seoul. He got dropped off in 대치둥 to meet up with Mr. Lim and gave me money to go all the way back to Sinchon.

B to the I to the BAM BAM

2008-05-16T15:10:00.002-05:00

It has been far too long. The Seoul Times has been keeping me plenty busy but I love it and wouldn't trade it for anything. I got business cards today they are real fancy I love it.

So I am trying to remember this week. Wednesday I had 낙지 for the first time. It's live baby octopus and usually it's eaten whole but it was cut up. However, it was still moving on my chopsticks and though I was scared I had to do it. We were treated to the most spectacular Japanese dinner by one chairwoman. The chef/president of the restaurant met us out on the street to take us to the place. It was by City Hall, very rich therefore many shady looking guys in suits outside sex parlors.

After she invited us to her home in Incheon and I had promised my peeps that I'd be back to hang so I couldn't. Went to a billiards place to meet Jason, Andrew, Justin, Peter, and Amy. Went to Osama bar keke where Rex and Greg were with Andrew H and his dancing club. Came back early with Jason and Justin. I was so desperate I paid for a taxi.

Thursday was AKARAKA! Spring festival. Woke up, ate, got our tee shirts and went to the amphitheater around 2:30pm. We were there until 10:30pm, standing and cheering nearly the whole time. Except I was walking around taking pictures, sitting on the ends with the ajumas and ajashis selling drinks and kimbap. Some cool celebrities came: Gumi (though we already met her psh), Jewelry ("Baby One More Time..."), the ajashi that sings "땡벌", BIG BANG, JYP, some people from Gag Concert (met them too whatevs).

I was exhausted and pretty much crazy by the end. I had taken a nap and not gotten enough food. Some idiots were throwing water everywhere even though it was cold and unnecessary. I got really mad when my camera got wet and charged up to this guy and shouted at him in English and shoved him. Yeah I was just a little crazy after all that time cheering and standing and jumping and singing. Everyone in IYC is probably afraid of me now.

We went out to Festival where a lot of IYC people were and I got to see my bff Pah-ooh though he was beat and sleeping. Justin's friend Leemo came, they and Dayena and Gloria took like a shot and Sharon and I poked at the eggs and fruit. We retired early it was pointless to go out.

I missed both classes today. I made it to one class total this week what a great student. Went to the ST. We met Mr Lim in 대치 for some seafood soup dinner. Some of the stuff in there looks like brains and it's scary. Came back and met Sharon and Gloria and Dayena at JunCo. Jason and Andrew came and we went to 노래방 forever. Sam came and we came back it's light out now. I have to wake up in three hours for the weekly editorial meeting bleh. Probably will have to drink some soju in 4-5 hours.

Sunday Smile

2008-05-12T10:38:00.002-05:00

Today is Monday but it doesn't feel like Monday. Yesterday was Sunday. Today is Buddha's Birthday so we have no school. It was also the big editing day for Scribe. I was about an hour late because I'm a huge crappy bum.

Joseph called me and told me the most hilarious things like how when he was a boy his family would raise dogs and when his mom would sell a puppy he'd go on a hunger strike and refuse to go to school so his mom would have to find the puppy and buy it back. This happened more than once. Benji is doing fine and I am so excited to see him tomorrow morning.

Though I have to wake up really early. We are going to EBS to see if they like my voice and want to do a joint thing with the Seoul Times every weekday morning. It is a real job with real money though so I'd love to do it.

After the Scribe thing I went up the mountain to the Buddhist temple. Everyone was out and about and grandpas were dancing in the streets drinking makoli and soju and parents were showing their kids how to pray to Buddha it was great. I never took a picture of any of the Buddhas because I'm pretty sure that's sacrilegious.

Ran into Leo and we walked all the way up the mountain. There is forest in Seoul! It was beautiful, we could see the city and NamSan from this little grotto we were on. When we figured we'd gone as high as we could go and seen anything interesting (there is exercise equipment everywhere) we went back down.

I went to 찜질방 and 성아 언니 saw me bathing myself. It was so random I met her last summer through Jay and I can't believe she recognized me. She is so sweet. I guess she moved and lives really close but I don't have her phone number! When I got my phone I couldn't find her but we have CyWorld. I keep bothering Jay about when he's coming to Korea. Sam too. I hope I can stay another semester these people at the study abroad office hate me.

Just now Gloria and I went to Sinchon to get 삼겹살 because we are fatties. I am going to get so fat because after Seoul Times stuff we always get the biggest meals and drink with it.

I could make a whole book of Ted's texts they crack me up. Today: "plus, get ur dress be formal (make sence?) see u 2mrw buddy^^"

I Saw A Man

2008-05-11T13:20:00.003-05:00

Slept forever today. Actually Joseph called around 10:30am to ask if I wanted to go to a porcelain festival and I don't remember what I said I guess I didn't realize it was today and fell back asleep forever and missed 2370483 calls I feel like a jerk.

Benji is way better Joseph said he ordered him 갈비탕 (beef soup) which is adorable I am so happy he is better. But speaking of beef I still don't know what to think of this whole ordeal, all I know is that I am starting to hate some people from the US because they are straight up ignorant a-holes. I mean there are plenty of great people that are not but I seem to find that most of the a-holes in the world are from America. God Bless It.

Very excited next weekend I am going to Jinju for the Nongae Festival. Though I still don't know who else is going. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is paying for two Seoul Times staffers to go. None of the chairmen want to go maybe it will be me and Ted. He is so cute and cracks me up.

Met up with mommy real quickly for dinner in 영등포. I like the place but I don't like the station because it's full of homeless people and other beggars.

Went with the girls to JunCo and I refused to drink until one of the 오빠s brought us this pitcher of pomegranate soju because I asked what it was so I felt obligated to drink plus I had to try. I left early. I am so excited Sharon told me the marquee shows stuff you text and I went crazy with it my phone bill is going to suck.

My article on the beef protest has already gotten 500+ hits in one day!

I should really be working on homework right now. But I'm painting my nails instead.

When You Bite Your Tongue

2008-05-10T08:21:00.003-05:00

Today was so crazy and this time I mean it. Let's start with yesterday. Woke up a little late but showered and dressed up in my newly purchased suit. The skirt was way too small and I had to pull it up really high and the back slit was ripping higher and higher all day.

We had our Pop Culture presentation and we all wore black and white and looked great and the teacher even came up to us to compliment us. Right after was Social Change class I was barely awake though it was interesting -- about religion in Korea. Left early and went to the Seoul Times office. I got a little lost. Tiffini came later and Joseph took Ted, Tiffini, and me out to dinner.

As it turns out Tiffini is into music journalism and worked at South By Southwest and is my new favorite person. We had 삼겹살 and 갈비 and of course soju. Ted had to leave to go to a funeral. After dinner the three of us went to meet up with the guy who is one of the chairmen for the Seoul Times. We went to Gangnam and had sake and beer. The sake had tails of puffer fish floating around and we would have been a lot better off not knowing. I finished about half of mine. Joseph kept trying to teach Tiffini bad words in Korean or rude ways of saying things. But I'm so glad he's a cool, laid back boss.

Came back around 1:30am - 2am and passed out. Woke up two hours later than planned and was an hour later than I was supposed to be. But it was okay there was no formal meeting and Joseph thought I was hungover. A bunch of important chairmen came, they could all speak English as they all had spent years working at the Korea Herald. We went for more 삼겹살 and 갈비 and soju, beer, and whiskey. It was really embarrassing to admit I'm still in college, but I guess it's kind of cool everyone thinks I'm older even though I look like a baby.

They wanted to go to 노래방 for karaoke but it was too early. We went to get coffee but David, Tiffini, and I were trying to leave because we wanted to go to the beef protest at Chunggyecheon.

When we got back to the office Benji was out on the balcony in a puddle of blood and I was so scared. We all were. Joseph was shouting and swearing and trying to call a vet and we were washing the blood off him and trying to figure out what was wrong. I don't think I've ever been so terrified in my whole life I've never experienced anything like it. I think I was too scared to cry. Benji had been having seizures lately and I guess he almost died as a puppy and had to spend three months in the hospital. But God I love that dog he's like my own now.

A vet finally came and gave him sedatives. We figured out all the blood was just from his tongue he had bit it when he had a seizure and Joseph wasn't there to calm him down. I called Joseph just now and he said the vet was back and giving him more shots I like this vet he is dedicated and I really appreciate it. I really believe Benji is going to get better. He has to.

After Joseph told us Benji was okay and we should go we went to Chunggyecheon just as the protest was starting. We split up and I'm an idiot and didn't have any sort of camera save that on my phone. Any way I got to talk to a lot of people, mostly foreigners because I can't speak Korean well, but did talk to some. The stream was beautiful and so crowded with people not even there for the protest. There are more next week I'll definitely go.

Also, Americans make me hate America. Yes I know I'm American but here I consider myself Korean since I don't act like a self-righteous douchebag.

I'm dying and probably will never have time to go out again. Tomorrow I'm meeting up with mommy and will have to do SO MUCH HOMEWORK/READING/WRITING. However I love my life right now it's crazy and wonderful and more than I could ever hope for.

Nightswimming

2008-05-08T13:55:00.002-05:00

We are crazy. Jason and I just got back from Dongdaemun because we needed to do a little urgent shopping. I may or may not have an interview tomorrow for a potentially real live paying job. So I needed a real life professional suit!

Today I went to my very first press conference. I missed yoga and I'm disappointed in myself because I can't go tomorrow so it's only once this week and the one instructor lady already hates our group because we're always missing but whatever she should be happy she's getting our moneys.

Left North Korean early but was still late. But Ted was later! He is so cute he texted me in English and I texted back in Korean and when I got to the meeting point he texted, "Brilliant! but I am still four stops away sorry!" It reminds me of Harry Potter I wonder if British people really say that (he spent two years in England) I will have to ask Malcolm.

We went to the Hyatt Hotel and I felt really scrubby for wearing jeans and my jankity heels. I also felt very young and stupid but all the ambassadors' spouses were so nice. Ted also felt awkward his major is hotel management and said he used to work at the Hyatt as a server and now coming there not as a server was weird.

We parted ways in the subway station then Joseph called me saying he thought I was coming in today he wanted to ask me something important. The way Korean people preface questions always makes me worry for some reason. I think they make it seem like everything is so grave and serious. Any way he had forgotten I had a meeting today (but when I say "meeting" Korean people think I mean date with a guy).

EBS wants to do a joint thing with the Seoul Times on the radio every weekday morning where some news items will be read for half an hour or so. They originally wanted a guy but Joseph said I was the best and they're willing to take a "lady" now. So, Joseph said in case they want to meet me tomorrow I should dress up and wear a suit. Seeing as all my clothes here are tee shirts and jeans, I figured I had to go to Dongdaemun late at night since that is where you buy that sort of thing for not a million dollars, and it's the only place open when I had time.

Jason wanted to buy a Coffee Prince outfit for our presentation tomorrow on Trendy Dramas. Also we both wanted corn dogs off the street. We were fatties and on top of a corn dog each split a big fatty hot dog covered in fries. We got back around 3:45am we are screwed as far as sleep goes. I am going to look like such a professional lady tomorrow and my feet are going to hurt since I already wore heels today.

I'm Real

2008-05-07T10:10:00.002-05:00

Today was crazy. I got up way early and headed out toward 양제, where I'd never been. But it's near Seoul National University where my mommy went so I will have to make a pilgrimage one of these days.

I met Joseph Joh, editor/founder of The Seoul Times and Ted the intern aka my new best friend probably. I am now a staff reporter! I will even get business cards! I am already loving this job, despite the fact I don't get paid (they have no money). There is an office job, "Joseph's son" Benji who is a giant St. Bernard and my new boyfriend.

We talked a lot and went to lunch. Then came back and I learned how to write a press release, it's up on the site now, very exciting. I came back and was late for the Scribe meeting but no penalty. I asked the taxi driver why so many people were selling flowers on the street. Tomorrow is Parents' Day and you're supposed to give your parents flowers. He said I should give some to my aunt and uncle since they're the closest thing I have to parents right now. My mean parents are off to France and Italy right about now for a spontaneous vacation WITHOUT ME.

Tomorrow I'm meeting Ted for a press conference on Parade of Nations, a charity event hosted by wives of diplomats. A couple weeks from now I am going on a tour trip far from Seoul all paid for by the ministry of tourism heck yes.