Saturday, December 27, 2008

The Silent Majority Needs to Step Up

To my family and friends who are looking at my blog but NOT posting their feelings and comments. Shame on you...lol. Please keep me informed that you are infact keeping tabs on me. I like that and it really makes me feel at home. I know who you are.....lol. Keep me in the loop of your love and friendship and make a profile, and/or make comments to my postings. Although I am having the time of my life over here, I still get lonely and want to know how you are doing. Man up and post please.........................

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas Eve in Seoul (Seoul Tower Expedition)


























Merry Christmas. I really can't believe it infact is Christmas. I have so many emotions running through me. It is very surreal, yet I know this will be a Christmas to stand out from all others. That I believe, is a very good thing.

Tonight, I took this girl Hong-Lee to Seoul Tower. She's pretty into me, but we'll see what happens. Seoul Tower must be the Tourist Mecca of the City. It was really nice. I got to ride in a cable car and walk up 1000 steps. The view was amazing, although some of the pics have some snow in the lens. The place was littered with beautiful Korean girls making out with their boyfriends. I guess it is the place to go and see the city.

Hong-Lee came back to my apartment and we drank Soju and listened to Christmas songs. Overall a good time and some good pics. It still really doesn't feel like Christmas after all this trying. To me, I guess family is where the Holiday Spirit truly exists and is enveloped. I miss every single on of you. But, I wouldn't change where I am at this point in my life. Korea is doing wonderful things to me. I love it. So----Why don't you all fly here for the Holiday and it will be perfect....lol.
"An eye for an eye will make us all blind"-Mahatma Ghandi

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Merry Christmas(HO, HO, Xing-Ho)

















Wow! What a great day. Today was my last day of work before the Holidays. Last night I had a blind date that went pretty well, although I'm not sure if I'll see her again. Her name is Hong Lee and she definitely liked my guitar playing. It was fun, but we'll see what happens; no worries. It's just good to be out in the dating scene. To be honest, It's just good to be here. I am loving life over here. I am truly living. Even the small moments just make life so much more glorified over here. I am learning the Korean language and every single Korean I speak to tells me that I am doing very well with the pronuncitation. I think I'm using my skill of listening to music and repeating it into the language. It works for me. Anio hashimnikka? (How are you?) Cho I yo (I am fine).

So, guess who they asked to play 200 plus pounds of 6 foot tall Santa? My four foot 60 pound Korean co-worker you may say. NO. Me. That's right. I had to come in a few hours early and put on a Santa outfit and give gifts to small Korean kids. That may sound like a chore for some people, but I must tell you-It actually Made my whole Holiday experience. To see the faces of these kids as I gave them unourmous gifts (which I assume their parents bought and sent to my work). By the way, do you think I didn't play Santa with full steam. I was singing, dancing, and going crazy with these kids. My bosses and supervisors were loving me. After all, I am a really huge, 29 year old kid. That's what I've come to realize over the past month. But, if I hear those Christmas Carols again I will probably shoot myself.

So, after work we had our annual Christmas Party at this authentic Korean restaurant. It was a BBQ in front of your face. You take the bbq'd Pork and put it in a leaf of lettuce and then put sauteed onions, Kimchi, and any sauce you choose and make a wrap. Not unlike the Asian Wraps I used to make back home Dad. The best part is, is that my boss not only paid for everything, he gave us free reign to go drink about the city with my Korean co-workers afterwards...on his dime... Beautiful. We had a pretty good time as the pics will show.

Merry Christmas to the ones I hold dear to my heart. May God bless all. Love and Peace from Seoul.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Kite (Cover)

Wow, Talk about a good day. I was so pissed that I couldn't post my video of my version of "Kite: Live from the Shoebox" but when I came back from work, it magically posted after 12 hours of trying to get posted and waiting for a moving circle to stop. I guess it's the magic of the Holidays..hmmm. Anyway, this song is a song that represents just exactly how I feel at this particular moment in my life. That is the true beauty of music. It truly represents. And yes, the camera really adds 20 pounds to my face. Unbelievable. Son of a....

This goes out to my phenomenal family and friends.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Youtube Nowhere (Sorry)

Hello all,

I'm in the process of becoming a Youtube Superstar although my computer knowledge is dredging me down. Or it's just luck. I don't know. Bry needs to step up and help me out with this. I have a great song waiting for everyone; the technology is wearing me down. Anyway, Chip and Andrea, it is great to hear from you and I hope you are having a wonderful holiday with those beautiful girls. You are truly blessed and I had a great time seeing you guys over the Summer. Chip, I understand, finally, what it is like to leave you're family to do something far away to become who you need to become. I respect it, and I'm coming to a realization that I never had. I miss you, and we will all be together sometime soon.

Anyways: I'm back online. Thank God for the "vein" that the internet truly is. I have broken the communication barrier. It was not easy to get a Korean to come to my apartment and get this thing back online. The guy actually had the wrong address to my shoebox and wanted to come back tomorrow because he was getting off. I sternly said "anio" you need to do this right now, I've been waiting all day for you. It only took him an hour and a half to get my net on, and he's going to have to come by tomorrow to fix something. I felt bad for this guy; he was complaining about being so tired and was frustrated. Long hours in Korea (to the Korean and not American English teacher) are very long indeed. Poor bastard. I tipped him well and made sure he was infact coming back. I'ts really good to have this opportunity once again to write. I've missed it. Here is a little something I wrote a while back but couldn't post:


The Korean People

The Korean people. The Korean people are a beautiful race. I am overwhelmed and very happy that I chose to come to Korea for this life-changing and epic journey. Where do I begin? Well, first off, I had always hoped that the Korean people would be nice, or somewhat tolerable. They are very complex, yet easily understandable. They are a homogeneous mix; meaning that the whole country pretty much is black-haired, dark-eyed, and not as tall as westerners. The physicality’s of the men and women are pretty much the same for both genders. Five-foot something, skinny, and absolutely mild tempered. When I decided to come here I hoped that they would be accommodating and easygoing. I was wrong in my thinking. They are very accommodating and easygoing. Always smiling. And forever trying to make me happy. From the President of the school I work at picking me up at the airport on a Saturday night and taking me out to a very cultural Korean meal, to my female co-worker going out of her way to pick me up medicine when I was sick. On her twenty-minute break. Unbelievable. How sweet.

As far as aesthetics go, the attitude of happiness at all times blends itself so easily into the white skin of this race. These people are happy and beautiful and always polite. Anyonghaseyo (the Korean word for hello) is basically yelled at me from every employee at every place I’ve gone to every single time I’ve entered. They bow. They receive your money with two hands. They give you something with the left hand tucked into their right elbow pit. They say goodbye the same way you’ve entered. Loud. Without self-awareness or pride. I like that.

Men- Men in Korea are very cool. Cooler than I thought. Somewhat Westernized, and welcoming to a foreigner. I’ve heard a lot of stereotypes before I came here about Korean men thinking that you’ve come here to take their women, land and jobs. I have been happily bowed to and said “hello” to by male children, teens, adults, and old men. I am frequently encountered by men that ask me where I’m from, or try to speak English to me. I love it, and return the politeness absolutely, as I am a stranger in a strange land that is not my own. Do unto others.

The dress style for men has actually grown on me. The younger men in school wear a lot of school uniform type things with the logo of their school on the left chest area. They wear their hear long, and I can understand why one of my students said, “Chris teacher, you are bald, why don’t you wear a wig?” I can’t make this shit up. It’s so entertaining and so innocent at the same time. I call it innocent ignorance. I feel it everywhere I go and it doesn’t bother me. I smile.

Women- I got it bad for these Korean women. Beautiful from the inside out. No phoniness. No bullshit. No games (yet). The real deal. Accommodating in every way. Sweet. They ask you questions that they want to know the answer to. When you walk into a room that they are walking out of they let you go before them at all times. I’m not a misogynist (Paul, careful where you use that word buddy…lol). I have been raised by my parents to respect women, and everyone for that matter. I take no first-class-citizen-as a-male-approach to life. But it is very nice. Especially when I’ve seen my share of American “bitches.”(sorry ladies and bitches from my former past) After all, “When in Rome.”

To add it up: Korean women know how to take care of men, and find it as what seems to be their duty. Once again, I like that. I think women in general are God’s gift to men. Korean women just have a nice bow on top of the package, and it’s the gift you’ve prayed for Santa to bring you from August to December 25th. Anyongheekaseyo and Hallelujah (yeah, I’ve finally spelled it correctly.) Love and peace from Seoul.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Hey everyone,

All is well and I will be posting my debut Youtube performance of that song that I've been talking about. I think everyone is going to like it. I recorded it on my Webcam and the audio is actually pretty good. You'll hear and see it soon. Every good Rock Star knows to keep his audience waiting in anticipation..lol....That's what they tell me at least.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Happy Holidays (ㅗ메ㅔㅛㅙㅣㅑㅇ묜)

Well, Korea is very awesome and I'm taking my sweet time exploring and having the time of my life. Last night I took two lovely ladies to a HUGE movie theater in Gangnam. It's 10 stories and pretty crazy. I saw the movie Australia. Um, obviously not by choice, being that it was the only Engrish movie in the twin tower sized movie theater. The movie was alright, but I will definitely not take up my precious time or blog space to write home about it. Hollywood is pretty predictable. The Koreans, however, can't get eneough of this shit and practically jumped out of their seats when Hugh Jackman shaved his face (Koreans are all about clean shaven people). Hence, my seventy somewhat square inches of shaved everything from the neck up. Afterwards, I had a great time meeting up with my friends from work and going out until 6 in the morning. Good times, good people. I'm pretty much blocking out the holiday season in my mind due to the fact that I can't be with my family. I am however, not unhappy at all and I really am having a great time and experience. Well, it is pretty hard to forget the holidays when I'm preparing my students for a Holiday play and musical. There's a part in "We Wish you a Merry Christmas" that goes-"Please bring us some figgy pudding". I've given up on trying to correct them and just let them sing it as they do with a pretty big grin on. They sing it like this----"Please bring us some fucking pudding, please bring us some fucking pudding, please bring us some fucking pudding and a big cup of cheer." Fa ra ra ra ra, ra ra ra ra. I'ts so hard not to like this place. Happy holidays to all the ones I love.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEVIN-ManBearPig will return!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Listen and Remember

To my beloved family. I miss you all tremendously but am having the experience that I so desperately searched for. Please do me the favor and listen to this song on youtube.com

It is one that I have written about and documented. It is one that everyone from my parents to my nephews and neices will appreciate and truly enjoy. I just learned it on guitar and it is what my heart is truly saying to the ones I love. Please take the time to listen to it. I promise it is addicting; as all good music is.

U2----Kite (live in Boston) Type that in on youtube.com (for the laymen)

Love and peace from the Seoul Survivor. I'm doing this thing.

Faruckin frustrated incorporated

I am going crazy trying to post in Korean. I have a really nice peice that I cannot post, and this really helpful Korean person is not as helpful as I would like. I really want to get my blog rolling and I am furuckin frustrated.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Danny Boy

Alright. Hello everyone and especially Dan; my crazy and uncontrollably lovable brother. What a character. Those comments you made have made my day (of course using Dad's password being that you think the word pentium refers to a car you drove in the 80's). If I haven't made it effeciently clear that I'm going to rip on your computer skills, just wait longer. I miss you Dan. I miss the laughs, I miss the fun, I miss you trying to sing as I play guitar. I miss the way you try to talk to me as an older brother and always have my best interests in mind. I miss the cooking, the sushi, the shrimp, the beer and all those great times we've had. Don't worry, when you come to visit me in Seoul it will all take shape. I promise to take you to a noraebang (karaoke) so you can show the Korean people what a true rock star sounds like. You are the man. Always remember: "The best way to get a good look up a cow's ass is through it's rectum. Take the butcher's word for it.....ah....I'm retarded."

P.S.- Everyone, I should have my internet this week and then it's ON.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Thanks

Hey everyone,

I am doing well and just hitting the grindstone at work. My internet is down so I can only use the one at work in English. Thanks for the emails and blog posts. They are all great and help me out tremendously. Keep em' coming. Love and peace from Seoul.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Bry,

As I write to you right now I am in a "Gamer's Paradise." A PC Bang (the word "bang" means room in Korean. Hence Noraebang-singing room, bangbang-just kidding, get it.) There are about 50 leather chairs with Korean guys playing what look to be the coolest f-ing games ever made and chain-smoking. They are all playing online together as I make use of the internet (as my cable guy gave me 3 English speaking channels, but cut my internet). Anyway, you and I would never leave this place sane. High tech stuff.

This ones for you buddy. No pun intended in the title of the song (as you are an architect):

The Masterplan

Take the time to make some sense
of what you want to say
and cast your words away away upon the waves
sail them home with acquiesce
on a ship of hope today
and as they land upon the shore
tell them not to fear no more
say it loud and sing it proud today

and then dance if you wanna dance
please brother take a chance
you know they're gonna go
which way they wanna go
all we know
is that we don't know how it's gonna be
please brother let it be
life on the other hand
won't make us understand
were all part of the masterplan

I'm not saying right is wrong
it's up to us to make
the best of all the things that come our way
cause every thing that's been has passed
the answers in the looking glass
there's four and twenty million doors
on life's endless corridor
say it loud and sing it proud today

and then dance if you wanna dance
please brother take a chance
you know they're gonna go
which way they wanna go
all we know is that we don't know
how it's gonna be
please brother let it be
life on the other hand
wont' make us understand
we're all part of the masterplan

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Seoul Survivin' in the City

I had actually been a little absent-minded since I've been here about the title of my blog. Seoul Survivin'--I am doing it; but it's not easy. As survival never is. Coming off the great weekend I had, this week so far has been really tough. I am very sick and have a Doctor's appointment to rid myself of Asian Bird Flu I got from the office (READ: Just Kidding). Yeah, not necessarily the way I want to start my first full workweek. I almost called in sick on Monday but held strong. In the meantime, before I see a doctor, this Korean girl at work hooked me up. She was so nice, and went to the pharmacy to get a "Korean" tonic that settles the nerves (which have been a little rattled with the shock of everything good and bad) and helps with flu symptoms. I don't know if it's the placebo effect, or she really got it from Mr. Miyagi down the street. Either way, I'll take relief from the symptoms.

I've been having some serious growing pains. I dream about my family and friends at night. I miss my dog. A lot. Work is stressful, and this city is MASSIVE. I have to (and am) am extremely careful as I walk aroung this city. I know i've mentioned how crazy people drive around here, but I actually saw a woman get hit by a car on my way home from work today. Not pretty. I'm no doctor or anything (or am I? Didn't Doogie Howser M.D. become the first blogger?). But yeah, she definitely had a broken pelvis. I keep two eyes in the back of my massive head..lol.

Anwyay, I am doing better after a steaming shower in my "shoebox." Right now I'm going to get some good food down the road and bring some maps so I can plan my takeover of this vast, crazy, and yet alluring city.

Sunday, November 23, 2008





Anyong haseyo,

Thank you all for leaving comments on my blog. It makes consolidating my communication so much easier. So, I cooked tonight for the first time since I've been here. They have gas stoves which scare the living shit out of me. Thanks Mom. I know, the "Korean Fire" of 2009 has been keeping you from sleeping. Me too. It's going to happen. I'm going to blow this whole f-ing city up by not turning off my stove and lighting a candle. It's actually pretty cool to see the flame come out from the burner.

So, there is an open air market that sells seafood. Now, I love seafood. I usually have seaweed hanging from my lip (Paul, you know what I'm talking about). So I bought these Prawn (if you did'nt know that Prawn are a type of shrimp than you should really feel sorry for yourself). I cooked those little bastards. Delicious. Healthy. The side is a side of rice with a some special hot sauce/dipping sauce in the middle. Sooooo healthy. So tasty. It's really not hard to like it in Korea (again, did I just really fly around the earth?). Anyway, I am thinking about every single one of you throughout each minute. I miss you all, but I have spread my wings and am flying. I have not flown in so long and am enjoying the ride. You are all with me; And I with you.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Miss you all- I am Strong


I was just listening to this song and had to send it out as a special request for my family. Mom, Dad, and my Bro's. Here it is:


Kite


Something is about to give
I can feel it coming
I think I know what it is
I'm not afraid to die
I'm not afraid to live
And when I'm flat on my back
I hope to feel like I did

‘Cause hardness,
it sets in
You need some protection
The thinner the skin

I want you to know
That you don't need me anymore
I want you to know
You don't need anyone or anything at all

Who's to say where the wind will take you?
Who's to know what it is will break you?
I don't know which way the wind will blow

Who's to know when the time has come around?
Don't wanna see you cry
I know that this is not goodbye

In summer I can taste the salt in the sea
There's a kite blowing out of control on a breeze
I wonder what's gonna happen to you
You wonder what has happened to me
I'm a man, I'm not a child
A man who sees
The shadow behind your eyes

Who's to say where the wind will take you?
Who's to know what it is will break you?
I don't know
where the wind will blow
Who's to know when the time has come around?
I don't wanna see you cry
I know that this is not goodbye ----U2


Here is an acoustive performance of the song:

I Love You Bro




It's 10:30 on a gloriously beautiful Korean morning. Words cannot describe the excitement and hope I have. Bear with me on these crazy posts. It's funny when Dan tells me about being repetitive on my blog. Sorry, dude. I did talk a little too much about jetlag, but I was seriously shocked with my situation. I know you never repeat yourself Dan....ever. You're true patience and talent for self-control is something I appreciate and have strictly admired. What's Renee's nickname for you again? Oh---"One Track Jack." At least there's traffic on "my" track, and sometimes a nice layby station. Also, I know how easy you think this is for me. You know, the quick life adjustment; new job, new country, new city, new language ect. I want you to know that I take your criticism very seriously and think about it constantly. After all, you have travelled and explored more than 3 miles off of the Long Island Expressway. I'll call you for directions from Gangnam to Itaewon. Just let me know what to say to the cab drivers in Korean..................................................SARCASM---my new best friend. Love you Dan. After all, our conversation in the pool led to this. I miss you man, you are the man. There's an opening in my band and you're "majestic" vocals are required. Also, you get to drink beer in the studio. I'll call Renee immediately and have her set up the flight date, and lodging requirements. I am sure she will be soooo happy for you!
p.s- The photos above represent our secret cloned body doubles. You got Rob Lowe. What did I get..............Oh shit. Andrew Zimmerman. I guess I lost at rock, paper, scissors. I will, however, be making a nice dish of broiled Prawn and King Crab legs tonight---IN YOUR FACE. Actually Koreans call me "Bruce Willis." I'll take what I can get....lol.




Anyonghaseyo


Rock and "Seoul" Star







Yes. I know. The ridiculously overused and over-run Seoul puns are getting to you. Me too. It's seoul annoying! Seoul, let me tell you what's been goin on. I went from being unemployed and living at my parent's house last week (God bless them both for that), to becoming a "MAN." Employed. Medical. Dental. My own place. A new experience. A culture shock. My own rules. A new perspective. Seoul Survivin" (that's it.... swear to God.)
So, one of my dreams of coming to Seoul was to join, or just plain jam with a band. Fate has made me two new friends and coworkers: John (David Gilmour from Pink Floyd on guitar), and Ryan (a great drummer). We went to a recording studio and jammed out for two hours yesterday. It felt like I needed that for seoul damn long. AHHHHH>
So, becoming a "Rock Star" was apparently in the mix as well. Seoul......what haven't you given me so far? I didn't even mention the most adorable Korean girl is going to be taken out by yours truly next week for dinner and "noraebang (singing room)."
Here is what I'm really feeling like: Supersonic (by Oasis).
Yeah, Man Up and listen to this song.



Friday, November 21, 2008


“Time is not on our hands people. Time is slipping through em’. We gottta transcend the bullshit. And fast. But hey, no point bucking your heads bucking the system. Let em’ get all snarled up in their dreary eyes.

Hate to mess with your groove New York, but we’re about two years ahead of you on the coast. We already graduated from what’s been going on, to where it’s going.”

-Bono (as Dr. Robert from Across the Universe)

Strength, Light, and Hope



"All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all that wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither,

Deep roots are not reached by the frost,

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,

A light from the shadows shall spring;

Renewed shall be blade that was broken,

The crownless again shall be king." -Tolkien

Thursday, November 20, 2008

My Route to Work


















Here are some pics I shot on my way to work which is an interesting 2o minute walk. I saw a garbage truck crash into a parked motorcyle yesterday. It was pretty cool. Don't worry though, I am soooo careful. I don't trust anyone and ALWAYS watch my back.The people here drive and park on the sidewalks and motorcyclists go wherever the hell they please. Getting to work is like a real life version of the game Paperboy for Nintendo (I know you guys remember..lol.) While you're looking at the actual clip of the game, realize it's the grown up version of me......I promise you will laugh your ass off.

Interesting Drinking Customs in Korea

This is some interesting wikipedia citation on the drinking of Soju (distilled Vodka drink), and drinking in general. No, loyal readers, I am not drunk, but just passing the information to some who may be. Here ya go male Richter's (except Bry and Chip)....lol...lol.

No, really though, it's pretty interesting:

Etiquette
"Soju is usually drunk in group gatherings while eating, unmixed and portioned into individual shot glasses. It is against traditional custom in Korea to fill one's own glass. Instead, it must be filled by someone else at the table. This promotes a spirit of thoughtfulness and camaraderie.
In Korean culture, using two hands to offer and accept items is considered an act of respect. Accordingly, if one's glass is going to be filled by a superior, one should hold the glass with both hands. Similarly, when pouring soju for an elder, one holds the bottle with both hands.
To pour a drink, hold the bottle in the right hand with the left hand touching the right forearm or elbow; this peculiar arm position originated from the practice of holding back the sleeve of the
hanbok so that it wouldn't touch the table or the food.
Similarly, when receiving a drink, rest the glass in the left palm and hold it with the right hand, perhaps bowing the head slightly to show additional respect. You can also hold the glass using the same hand positions as when pouring. Pouring and receiving with just the right hand by a senior, or between equals, is common in normal situations.
Koreans often say "
one shot", a challenge to everyone in the group to down their glass in one gulp. A glass should not be refilled unless completely empty and should be promptly refilled once empty; it is considered rude to not fill someone else's glass when empty.
Some special rules apply when drinking with someone of much higher status, i.e. greater age or rank. When drinking in front of elders (people older than you), the junior is expected to turn away from the elder first. Drinking the shot while directly facing the elder is considered disrespectful.


On occasions, an elder gives an empty soju shot glass (usually his/hers) to an equal or junior. A junior may also offer an empty glass to a senior after they have established a closer relationship.
Giving the glass implies that the person is going to fill it and wants the receiver to drink it. It is not obligatory to finish the drink immediately, but it is impolite to place the glass on the table without at least pretending to drink from it.
After finishing the entire glass, it should be returned and refilled. It is not necessary to return it immediately, but holding it for a long time is considered rude, as it deprives the giver of his glass.
Among friends of equal social status, it is not necessary to use both hands while pouring or receiving a drink, but may be done out of habit or politeness, or if the situation is considered a particularly formal one."

My New Little Young Jedi's


I think I had my first real day of how it's going to be for me workwise, and into the grind type of thing. First of all, I was kind of "thrown to the lions" so to speak as far as work goes. The teacher I am replacing had his "year up" and was done this Wednesday. My orientation and "training," if that's what some will call it was a bit insanely ineffective. I observed all of the teachers that teach in the school. I'm no rocket scientist, but I wished I could have strictly observed him in every class (which would be mine), meet all of the students and get to know their personalities, strengths and weakness (again, my future students), and learn how the curriculum, discipline, structure, assessments, and classroom materials are recieved distributed and checked. Oh, yeah, the big thing I wanted to know was what the hell was on the schedule for them to learn this week and how the hell I could get it. No answer from anyone. They sure are cute though these little bastards. Smart. Funny. Adorable. I know I'm going to love this job as soon as I just get organized and have somebody set me on the page I need to be. By the way, these pics are of my "young" class. I have older kids that speak English like they're from the American Midwest. Scary, but absolutely entertaining and respectable. Think about it.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

What's the Story Morning Glory?





Alright. Yesterday was one of the worst days of my life. WHaaa. I know. I'm not going to delve into the beauty that Jetlag does to one who just flew 8,000 miles to a new home, job, culture, and life. (although I just kinda did) You get the picture.

Here's the good news. I am on top of the world today. I came home last night from work after stopping for some bottled water (that's all you can drink over here and I AIN'T touching what's coming out of my faucet unless I'm like Frodo Baggums in the deep hell of Mordor). I went to my neighborhood open air market and went for a Healthy dinner as I've already lost a little weight (it's still like throwing a deck chair off the Titanic though). Some of my goal's for this Korean Oddyssey are to become as skinny as possible, as healthy as possible, and find out what the hell is waiting for me here. Oh, ya, and having the time of my life. Is that too much too ask? Well here's a little quote from yours truly.

"Hunt down your dreams relentlessy and with reckless abandon. After all, complaceny is always hunting us, and there will be a victor."

The meal I took home was Kimchi (fermented cabbagge with spices and some other unrecognizable veggies, and this vegtable type of slimy noodle and seaweed that I have had in the past with Bry at Kotobuki. Bry knows what I''m talking about. I think it is a vegtable, although it's slimy, noodly, and tasty. It's all about the texture. Anwyway you can see the picture of it on my stove. Hella good! Supposedly Kimchi is the healthiest food you can eat. It has amazing healing powers (so say the Koreans), lowers blood pressure and helps tremendously with digestion. Also is an anti-cancer agent. The older Korean lady, or "Ajossi" gave me small order, about 4 pounds of it in a plastic bag...lol. Here's some text on this "superfood" that I think Dan will appreciate:
"A staple of the Korean diet is kimchi. Kimchi is a fermented mixture of ingredients such as red pepper powder, cabbage, green oni on, radish, and garlic. Its efficacy is well known, and Koreans consume 22-33 pounds (10-15kg) of kimchi per person per year. According to the Korean Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MIFAFF), kimchi is highly nutritious, strengthens the immune system, prevents cancer, lowers blood cholesterol levels, and delays the aging process promoting longevity. The MIFAFF also states that Kimchi contains ingredients providing antibiotic effects, preventing hyperacidity, and restricting the growth of undesirable bacteria in the intestines. A medicinal ingredient in prepared kimchi is garlic. Garlic assists in preventing cancer, reducing the risk of heart disease, and minimizing the effects of aging. Garlic is known to lower cholesterol levels in the body. It can help maintain lower blood pressure levels by thinning our blood. Thinned blood deters plaque build up in arteries and veins. It is known that regularly eating garlic can add up to four years to a person's lifespan."

So why the morning glory today? 10 hours of sleep. I came home and unplugged my phone. Ate dinner and turned the lights down. I still woke up every few hours but was able to get back to sleep again. I feel INVINCIBLE today. Woke up at 8. Took a walk to Starbucks. Apparently these crazy Koreans feel that no one should drink coffee before 9 AM. I was pissed, but I found this gourmet coffee joint with this really cute Korean girl behind the counter. I really need to work on my language skills. I did however, manage to say coffe, thanks, please, and pronounced the right amount of Won.

I start teaching the Super Koreans today. My little students who are ridiculously cute and smart. They have to call all of their teachers by thier first name. Like this: "Hi Chris Teacher." A little annyoying, but it's better than being called "Hi Chris teacher who went to school for 10 years and is unemployed living in his parent''s house with no money and bored out of your mind." I'll take the former. By the way, my sense of humor and the "therapy" I get from this blog is keeping me strong. Love and miss all of you. I'm glad most are enjoying it.

Oh ya, my weekend plans involve exploring this crazy city, jamming out with two-coworkers at a recording studio, having some Soju (responsibly..uh..hum), and asking out my neighbor who goes to Seoul University. Life beckons......Hallelleju (or however it's spelled) Anyongheekasayo.
"All you're dreams are made, when you're starin' in the mirror with the razor blade, today's the day that all the world will see, another sunny afternoon, walking to the sound of my favorite tune, tomorrow never knows what it doesn't know too soon." - Noel Gallagher

Crappy day f-in Jetlag/sick/sleep deprived

Today was a mess. I feel horrible. Jetlag is killing me and I didn't get more than a few hours of sleep. I'm going home and taking some Nyquil and going to bed. Feel like dogcrap and cant concentrate which works out perfectly because my first day of teaching is tomorrow and I have so much stuff to take care of and am STRESSED OUT. I'll post tomorrow some pics of the school and kids.

"Nobody told me there'd be days like these. Strange days indeed. Most peculiar."-J. Lennon

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

I'm a Cash Won Millionaire (Bitch)





MC Korean Chris has some millions. Won that is. I am officially a millionaire. It feels good. What feels better is how cheap it is to live over here. O.K., I had the best lunch ever of Kimbap with meat, egg, and assorted veggies. There was also a neverending tray of Kimchi and other veggies that would be swooped up and restocked for my fellow coworkers and I in an instant. The price...KRW 2, 500...each. Works out to less than $2.50 (lockness monster references appreciated). Better than that, the official drink in Korea is called "Soju" which I've mentioned before. This shit is like having my dad make you a drink at the old Richter house (miss you Pops, take care of my pup, she loves you and It gives me a real sense of happiness that you're her new master.) I'm sure you're enthused. Anwyay, on my way home from work today I hit the open air market where they sell anything living in the sea. I swear to God. So, the bottom line is that the 2 bottles of Soju cost me less than 2 dollars. Let's add it up over here, a gourmet meal of neatly wrapped Kimbab, never ending Kimchi and veggies, 2 bottles of Soju.........Less than $5. No tip. Koreans don't even know what tipping is. Amazing and frickin awesome. I just got a map of the city and there are going to be some Craaaaazy posts. Trust me on that one. I am insane, and totally going to work this thing. Anyongheekaseyo!

My Royal Shoebox Awaits





























Anyonghaseyo,

So....You want to see the shoebox that I'm living in. You want to laugh..I know you do. But guess what. I actually Love this empty happy meal container I will be living in. It's on the first floor off a side street in Gangnam (the nicest area of Seoul thank God). Just because I can sleep, work on my computer, cook breakfast, take a shower, and use the toilet at the same freaking time means nothing to me. I am sooo proud of this place. I like to use the word "cozy" only so often, but I love it in here. I feel like a man. I got my own place and it is about time. It still needs some work, but they say that "Home is where the heart is." What's interesting about that quote is that for me it's not true. My true home is where my Seoul is (along with all of you), but this is going to become a temporary "Bachelor Pad" in what I think I consider the most amazing city in the world. Seoul, I am courting you and we are going to make sweet, sweet love together. You are a gem.
P.S- That hot, wonderful and aroma-rific meal on the stove is called "Bolgogi dope bap." It's not as exquisite as it sounds. It's just some marinated sweet and tangy flavored beef and seawead slowy blending itself together with rice to create an authentic Korean meal. Healthy..yes. Amazing? I'll soon find out. Then it's Lord of the Rings for the 22nd time because I only brough t two mentionable movies. The others were Shaving Ryan's Privates and Flashcrack. What the hell would I do without my sense of humor?????Love you all and please leave comments on my blog. Maybe one of my six year old students can show you how to do it......lol.....unbelievable.
"He is the happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home." -Von Goethe