Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Fun With Co-Workers
The other day I went with 4 teachers at my school to the Kia Tigers game. This time I got to experience it the right way. I sat on the first base line, ate alot of squid jerkey, waved the strange yellow balloons in the air in sync with all of the other fans, and tried to sing along with the many rally songs. The guys I was with spoke broken English at best, but we were able to communicate somewhat effectively. My co-worker Yang Won spoke English with the greatest proficiency, and explained to me that every player in the lineup has his own personal theme song, and all the fans sing whenever they come up to bat! Another guy I was with kept his English to a minimum, but every now and then he came up with a hilarious one-liner, such as, "They hitty time, we drinky time."
A Nice Little Saturday
This weekend was a lot of fun, especially Saturday. Allow me to give a little recap:
Saturday morning, I woke up at 8:00 am (I know, shocker) and took a half hour bus ride out to the countryside with 12 of my western friends. Our destination was Moo Deong Mountain, and we were to spend the morning hiking. On the ride there, we were all being talkative and loud. Usually, no one speaks on the public buses, and about halfway to the mountain the bus driver was fed up. He cleared his throat noticibly and suddenly shouted, "Speak SMALLER! Small speak!" Though his English was minimal, he got his point across.
It was a gorgeous day in the country, and we hiked for about an hour and a half before reaching a modest summit. A few of my counterparts couldn't make it to the top and had to go back early. I don't know if I am in better shape than them or if they were just hungover, but I felt great the whole way and plan on hiking again, hopefully every weekend!
After the hike, we all ate lunch at a small restaurant at the foot of the mountain. The lunch was delicious. I'm not sure what it's called, but it was meatless, consisting of a spicy sauce, white rice and strange vegetables. Seems to be a trend in this country..
After the hike, I was walking back to my apartment through the campus of Chonnum University, when I noticed a crowd of students huddled around a van outside the fitness center. I made my way over there and realized it was a beer truck full of kegs, and they were giving out free beer to all the passersby! Naturally, I endulged myself between returning home.
That night, I went to yet another Kia Tigers game (I can't get enough) and got myself a hat. After that, I went to a pizza place with my friends. The pizza there was DELICIOUS, and might trump most pizza I've eaten in the US.
All in all, it was a nice little Saturday
Saturday morning, I woke up at 8:00 am (I know, shocker) and took a half hour bus ride out to the countryside with 12 of my western friends. Our destination was Moo Deong Mountain, and we were to spend the morning hiking. On the ride there, we were all being talkative and loud. Usually, no one speaks on the public buses, and about halfway to the mountain the bus driver was fed up. He cleared his throat noticibly and suddenly shouted, "Speak SMALLER! Small speak!" Though his English was minimal, he got his point across.
It was a gorgeous day in the country, and we hiked for about an hour and a half before reaching a modest summit. A few of my counterparts couldn't make it to the top and had to go back early. I don't know if I am in better shape than them or if they were just hungover, but I felt great the whole way and plan on hiking again, hopefully every weekend!
After the hike, we all ate lunch at a small restaurant at the foot of the mountain. The lunch was delicious. I'm not sure what it's called, but it was meatless, consisting of a spicy sauce, white rice and strange vegetables. Seems to be a trend in this country..
After the hike, I was walking back to my apartment through the campus of Chonnum University, when I noticed a crowd of students huddled around a van outside the fitness center. I made my way over there and realized it was a beer truck full of kegs, and they were giving out free beer to all the passersby! Naturally, I endulged myself between returning home.
That night, I went to yet another Kia Tigers game (I can't get enough) and got myself a hat. After that, I went to a pizza place with my friends. The pizza there was DELICIOUS, and might trump most pizza I've eaten in the US.
All in all, it was a nice little Saturday
Sunday, September 13, 2009
I Found a Dunkin Donuts!
Earlier this week I discovered a Dunkin Donuts not too far from my neighborhood. Now I know of two places where I can actually find freshly roasted coffee in my area (the other being Starbucks). As I was waiting for my coffee, I glanced at the various Donuts that were on display. Along with the standard Honey-Dipped, Bostom Creme, and Chocolate glazed, I noticed a few standouts:
1) Old Fashioned Black Bean
2) Old Fashioned Red Bean
4) Olive Donut
5) Garlic Donut
6) Olive Garlic Cruller
and, of course:
7) The Kimchi sticky bun (for those who don't know, Kimchi is spicy fermented cabbage)
Needless to say, I just stuck with coffee
1) Old Fashioned Black Bean
2) Old Fashioned Red Bean
4) Olive Donut
5) Garlic Donut
6) Olive Garlic Cruller
and, of course:
7) The Kimchi sticky bun (for those who don't know, Kimchi is spicy fermented cabbage)
Needless to say, I just stuck with coffee
Friday, September 11, 2009
Kia Tigers Game!
Sorry to my many fans for not posting in awhile. I still don't have internet at my apartment so it has been difficult to go online.
Last week I experienced my first Korean professional baseball game; what an experience it was! My friends and I met at the main gate, and we proceeded to purchase our tickets from a woman standing behind a cart in front of the stadium. Along with face value, general admission tickets (which cost a whopping $6 dollars) she was also selling beer, soju and delicious (sarcastic) dried squid!
The stadium was pretty dumpy. It was nothing like a professional park in the US, or even a Division I college park for that matter. The place was sold out, though, and legions of loyal fans were on their feet for the whole game cheering on the mighty Kia Tigers!
(I will post pictures from the game soon)
Last week I experienced my first Korean professional baseball game; what an experience it was! My friends and I met at the main gate, and we proceeded to purchase our tickets from a woman standing behind a cart in front of the stadium. Along with face value, general admission tickets (which cost a whopping $6 dollars) she was also selling beer, soju and delicious (sarcastic) dried squid!
The stadium was pretty dumpy. It was nothing like a professional park in the US, or even a Division I college park for that matter. The place was sold out, though, and legions of loyal fans were on their feet for the whole game cheering on the mighty Kia Tigers!
(I will post pictures from the game soon)
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