On visiting home; or, the most confusing thing you'll ever do.

I'm not even going to pretend to excuse the absence of blog posts for the last several months, it would be insulting to both you, the reader, and myself. What I will say is "I Love You~ Chuuu~~"  "Sorry".

I just returned from my summer vacation in America this past Sunday. I'm finally able to see clearly again (after having a contact lens suctioned to my eyeball during the 14 hour airplane ride, yes it was very stupid of me to wear one MOM) and I feel like unloading a bunch of feelings that have sprung up as result of leaving Korea, arriving in America, and returning to Korea.

1. Pre-departure. I have GOT to get out of this country. Look at that ajumma, staring at me. YEAH I'M NOT KOREAN OLD LADY. Oh GREAT another guy spitting on the sidewalk, just lovely. Really lady, you work at a doctor's office, how do you not speak a lick of English? I guess I'll just get medicated for whatever you feel like today. UGH kimchi jiggae again for lunch? Can't I just get a sandwich?? With some honey dijon? Maybe some pretzels on the side with some not too expensive fruit? This is all usually followed by the phrase, "When I get to America, I'll/I won't have to/there will be/ there won't be any..." As you pack your bags, giggly with both frustration and delight, the 24 hour journey you are about to take seems like a breeze.
2. Arrival. So you made it to America! Home of the Free and Land of the Brave! Hotdogs and cheesy tots for everyone! Stepping off this plane and into the bright new- "Hey! lady! hurry up in the line!" Who? Me? Oh right. Everyone speaks English here. I get no grace period for figuring out how anything works because I speak English, too. Also, why is everyone so loud? Did this airport lady just roll her eyes at me? rude! AH! What's that smell? Omgggg. It's heavenly! A pulled pork BBQ restaurant in the middle of this Dallas airport. Let's eat it all! (20 minutes later) Oh.I don't think my stomach is use to all this rich food. I need some rice ASAP. Oh boy. After a while you'll get to do all the shopping that you wanted to do for the last 12 months. Shoes! Jackets! Shoes again! Never mind that you should be sleeping, and that you've been talking non-stop out of pure excitement/jet lag. Soon it will all seem like an awesome Benadryl induced dream, one that unfortunately has to come to an end. But first a few annoying "In Korea we..." statements.
3. Return. First of all, why am I sobbing?! This is way harder than my initial departure from America for some reason. Maybe it's because the time was so short I didn't get to experience many of the bad parts about living at home. Like the higher costs for just about everything, the violence, the lack of travel opportunities widely available. For a brief moment in time, everything was perfect! Also, I'm exhausted. This is...odd. I wasn't this tired when I traveled to America. So what now? I was convinced I was done with this country, and then I've had a taste of home life again (not much changed there). I thought this trip was suppose to solve every riddle I had twisted up in my head about what I wanted to accomplish in my life. Another year in Korea would be bogus, right? RIGHT? 

So, there you have it. The three stages of what I'd call manic-depressive like symptoms regarding a trip back to your home country after an extended stay abroad. Did I learn anything conclusive? No. Do I have any solid plans about the next step? Not at all. Did I score some pretty sweet shoes? Heck yeah!

With love and respect (fist bump)

Imani 

On weight loss in Korea

Every orifice of my being is getting bombarded with World Cup information. World Cup sports drinks, World Cup t-shirts for sale at my local mart. World Cup ads on every YouTube video ever. It's funny because I never knew to equate life insurance with soccer until I had to sit through 30 seconds of your advertisement. So thanks for that.

I hate you.

With the Korean countryside getting hype about sports, I was reminded that it was time to get active again. I'd gained some, let's say....kimchi weight from simply living in South Korea.

What is kimchi weight? Well, no worries, it has nothing to do with the actual food kimchi- which happens to be full of healthy ingredients and is just spicy cabbage. Rather kimchi weight is gained by all the things you eat in Korea along with the sometimes delicious, sometimes not kimchi.

Case in point. At lunch the other day we had rice ~400kcal worth, kimchi 30kcal, soup ~150kcal, and SWEET AND SOUR PORK ~a bajillion kcals. Kimchi and soup and a moderate portion of rice actually make for a fairly healthy lunch, however, at school there always seems to be something breaded, fried, and covered in sauce.

I would go so far as to argue that typical Korean food is not that healthy for you. Sure, there are plenty of exceptions, and you can always make a meal out of the heartier soups. However, when eaten like a Korean, with all the rice on the side consumed, every side dish devoured, and some sweet beverage to wash it all down, these meals pack a heavy caloric punch!

I can honestly say I am baffled by how steady Korean weight seems to be. Some of my older teacher beast out in lunch and yet maintain a slim size 4 throughout the year. I know they eat outside of school! Ah well, this isn't "Cosmos" and I'm not here to solve the mysteries of the universe.

(theme music)

The point at hand is how to lose weight while living in Korea. I'll do more in depth posts about working out and what to actually eat, but for now I'll leave with the simple suggestions of:

1. Not eating all the rice you're given. The servings are kind of outrageous and most of the time unnecessary. Try to eat rice moderately, and after eating other parts of your meal.
2. Exercise. Won't delve too deep in this one because it's mostly self explanatory. A simple walk after work would suffice, or you can do like me and try your hand at taekwondo. 
3. Drink plenty of water. This is probably the most important step. I haven't willingly drank juice or soda in about 5 years. If I did it was literally the only option at the time, or I needed some electrolytes after a rough weekend. 

delicious and dangerous

That's all for now, I'm sure I'll have more to say on the subject and I will explain how to join a taekwondo club in the future.

Much love
Imani

On guest posts

Hey all! Recently I wrote a little ditty on my friend K's page. Check it out if you get a chance, and while you're there please read some of her other posts-she's a funny gal!

http://katherineteacher.blogspot.kr/

Much love
Imani

On midnight hikes

There are several universal truths regarding life in Korea, and one of them is: when your taekwondo instructor tells you to go hiking at midnight, you go hiking at midnight.

Let's back up a little bit, shall we? The day was Friday, and like all Fridays, it was just barely tolerable. Five 6th grade classes in a row is enough to drive anyone to "happy hour". This Friday was different, though, because I had been told to meet at my taekwondo studio at 8 pm for a casual BBQ party. 

8 pm came along and I showed up in gear (long taekwondo robes) for the party. wrong move. Turns out that despite what my Sabeom said, it was casual wear.

8 30 pm returned to the party in casual clothes and sneakers. It was a little awkward at first because these are a bunch of Korean teenagers and I'm a mid-twenty year old American woman and we really don't have that much to talk about. When we're all practicing taekwondo it doesn't really matter that we don't talk that much. We mostly just race each other and fight. Communication is much easier when it comes to sports.

On top of that, the language restriction kept the topics we could discuss to very superficial levels such as:

"Oh you like Big Bang?"

"Yes, teacher"

"I like 2PM"

"Yes, teacher" (giggles)

If the actual food wasn't as delicious at it was, I'd call the night a bust. However the food (charred beef slices, kimchi, greens, rice, and soda) was delicious and helped to break the ice a little bit. Now we were having three sentence conversations! Just kidding, but not really.

Around 11 pm my taekwondo instructor tells us to get into the van.
I had heard mumbling about hiking before, however, I thought it was a miscommunication due to language barriers. I mean, how can you hike at midnight? It's dark, cold, and a sure way to end up on "I Shouldn't Be Alive".

how appropriate.

But, climb into the van we did, and hiking we went.

It took about an hour to get to Palgok mountain, and from there we basically walked up 1,000,000 stairs until we reached the top. I won't bore you with the details of walking, just know that there were a lot of people there, and the paths were well lit with street lamps. 

When we got to the top we took the obligatory photos of us and Buddha, which my taekwondo instructor said was built "one thousand years ago" which I think he meant just a long time ago. In addition, there were scores of older Koreans paying homage to Buddha and praying. There was a tape recording of some chant (in Korean) that synced up to the prayer movements that the Koreans were doing. It was pretty interesting to watch, and I was completely surprised by the amount of people participating.

When we came back down the mountain we all celebrated with various colas and fruit juice drinks we bought out of a shady (maybe because it was night?) rest stop. At this point everyone was tired and sleepy, the teenage boys (and girls) ready to head back home.

Yay! we didn't die!

When we got back to Seobu, the three girls came over to my house to take a shower before spending the night at the studio. It was really fun to have a house (room) full of girls giggling and gossiping, even if I couldn't understand everything. One of the girls is in love with my brother, Nathan, after seeing his picture on my facebook page. Apparently his big eyes and soft features make him super "kee-yo", or cute.

Despite the lagging exhaustion from walking until 3 am, I'm really happy that I got the chance to do something that wouldn't have happened without help of my Korean friends. Now, I just need to find something equally as "fun" to share with them...maybe a pig-pickin'? 

suggestions?

Much love,

Imani

On the Ddong in Insadong

Insadong~~~ I think I love you, you glorious beacon of all things good. You standard bearer of Korean culture. You crowded hot mess.

In Seoul, South Korea, there are a million places to spend your time. If I had to choose one to recommend, it would be Insadong. Maybe it was the pleasant 75 degree day that we visited on, or the fact that we met some cool people on our way. Either way I was in heaven during our time there.

Before we even arrived at the city, we met some of E's friends on the subway headed to the same palace that we were going to. E plays in the Daegu softball league, so she knows a lot of random teachers, and B just happens to be one of them. B was travelling with his family, showing them the most touristy things imaginable, so we decided to link up!

One of the most impressive things about Insadong are the Korean grand palaces.

they're grander than this, but I lost my pictures in a horrible fire

After joining the walking tour of the palace's "secret garden", led by the most gorgeous Korean woman ever(!), we decided to seek out the famed Ddong (poo) cafe. We found it quickly, and it did not disappoint.

ddong-y decor

ddong love notes inside the cafe

Ddong bread. 똥빵. 

After drinking lattes out of toilet mugs (pictures to come from T), we decided to call it quits for the day. It was time to go back to the hotel, play some card games and watch some movies. I really can't think of a better weekend than that.

Peace and love

Imani

On whirlwind adventures

It's May time in Korea, a special month where we celebrate my birthday and some sporadically scheduled vacations. I've been busy since the first of May strutting around town, buying birthday gifts for myself and planning weekend trips. *accordingly, now, on the 20th of May, I am dead broke*

On the first of May, we celebrated the labor day vacation. This vacation is only for English teachers and other government employees, not the general public, and it happens to fall on a Wednesday. My crew and I decided on a trip to Everland Korea, a magical Disney-like theme park that was mostly empty at 11 am on a Wednesday morning (score!). Our time in Everland was beyond exciting, however I lost all my photos that I took during that time, so you'll have to rely on your imagination.

Imagine a theme park that looks and smells like Disney World, with similar decades-based architecture. Now miniaturize it, I mean really shrink it down. Also, no characters, so take them out of the equation. Decrease the number of legitimate theme park rides from twenty or so to about six, throw a little kimchi in there and BOOM! Everland is born. 

Not to say it wasn't a fun day (and for a fraction of the price of Disney, who can complain?) but it wasn't what our Korean friends had made it out to be. I'm sensing a theme here. Regardless, I was able to see a hologram show of Big Bang and that's all that really matters. 

Later, on Friday, we began our four day weekend with a midnight-ish train back up to Seoul to stay in a jjimjilbang that J found for us. The spa we decided to stay at happened to be located right next to Seoul station, which made for an easy walk after we got off our train. We spent the night there in little sleeping cubicles that could be politely referred to as "quaint". The real fun came in the morning when we donned the clothes that were given to us and began to enjoy the many perks of staying in a spa. We visited several rooms including the Jade heat room, with walls of jade crystals and hot sand for a floor, and the Ice room, which, unfortunately was not filled with ice-cream, but with a fan blowing and ice crystals on the wall. It was amazing!

in our spa wear...reppin that orange and red

Next on our list of things to accomplish in Seoul was a decent American lunch. We checked into our hostel and decided to hit up a place that was always a hit; On the Border.

 

After we ate a week's worth of calories, we decided to walk around the Itaewon area for a bit. The day was nice and sunny, so we were able to see all the market stands on the street and explore some of the back alleyways.

artsy back alleyway

crowded Itaewon street

The next day was Sunday, our day of true rest. For many of my friends it had been more than a year since they've been able to order something hot and delicious from a western breakfast menu. We ended up going to the Original Pancake Story restaurant for some grub, which was close to the Gangnam area.

their berry french toast is DEVINE

Next, I'll talk about our day on Monday, when we visited the awesome Insadong area and went to the Ddong Cafe!

Peace and Love

Imani

On 25 and in Korea

Today marks the 25th anniversary of when I was blissfully born into existence. Most of the time I'd be at home in Lewisville but this year I celebrate in Korea. It's actually my third birthday abroad. When I was 21 I was in Greece and when I was 24 I was still here in dae-han-min-gook.

So what's it like celebrating your birthday abroad? I would say that, like all holidays, it's there. It's a thing, it's a day that passes, but it's not really that holiday. Like Christmas and Thanksgiving and other holidays, I've found that it's not the day that makes the occasion, but the traditions, the people. During Christmas at my house we celebrate with waking up early (forcefully), eating something sweet baked in the oven, and then going our separate ways until it's time for dinner.

Dad's working on the latest gadget, Nathan's playing video games, Nia's usually reading a book or fiddling with an electronic. Mom is cleaning up and drinking coffee and I'm recounting all my gifts to my friends over the phone.

This past year in Korea, however, I celebrated Christmas day by going ice-skating in an overly crowded park, and playing secret Santa. All of our activities for the day were Christmas related but they weren't Christmas.

15 months is a long time to be away from home, and I've felt that harder than ever now that it is my birthday.This year I've had dinner with friends, ice-cream, gifts and hugs. However, it doesn't compare to going home to that wooden table covered in birthday wishes from everyone in the family and getting to choose whatever I wanted for dinner. (Lasagna! Pizza! Thai!)

It's melancholy at times, but I know that I will appreciate the time I was celebrating my birthday abroad in the years to come, just like I appreciate the times at home now that I'm not there.

25.

Let's make this year the best one so far!

xoxo
Imani

On tragedy

Sorry guys. It's been a minute, Korea's been going through some things right now. For those of you who don't know, the Sewol ferry sinking as left Korea in a state of mourning until May 11th. At that time I will resume my blog posts.

Thanks.
Imani

On the Phantom of Daegu

There are very few things in life that get me going as much as musical theater and ballet. From Rent to Into the Woods, musicals are my jam (pun intended). Naturally, when I heard The Phantom of the Opera's English speaking troupe was in South Korea, I jumped at the opportunity.

Actually, that's not the whole truth. When I found out about The Phantom of the Opera in Daegu I was excited, but unwilling to shell out $60 for a ticket. (I know, I know, cue tomato throwing)

However, with some much needed budgeting and extra shows added to the circuit, I was able to make plans to see the performance. I've never been so rewarded for money spent in my life.

I first watched The Phantom of the Opera when I was in highschool.I opposed watching it as our girls movie night feature, but ended up obsessed with it. Aside from the theatrics, jokes, and costumes, I loved the songs. From "the Music of the Night" to "Masquerade" The Phantom of the Opera has some of the best songs of any musical I've ever seen. Lord Lloyd-Webber knows how to write, and every score in Phantom is a hit. Did you know that The Phantom of the Opera's Broadway revenue is only surpassed by The Lion King's?

I booked the tickets online for myself and some friends, and then we picked them up the night of at the venue. Keimyung University's Art Center is a gallant building, and that night it was decked out in Phantom memorabilia, including a rhinestone covered replica mask. After getting some snacks and medicine (I had a headache), we headed into the show.

me and the infamous mask

The first half of the show flew by. By the time intermission came, every one in my group (except for my male co-teacher) was feeling sorry for the Phantom. I mean, he's just a guy, with a mask, standing there asking a girl to love him. It's hard not to empathize.

Deciding that we could really couldn't see that well from our *ahem* nosebleed seats, my friend B decided to rent us some golden viewing glasses. Subsequently, our collective classiness level went through the roof. We were real ladies (and gentlemen) of the the theater. If only I had some sparkling beverage to accompany me, it would've been perfect.

After intermission, the story line got a little darker, and the phantom changed from hopeless romantic to "man, there is something wrong with that guy". The phantom had reached creeper status, which was disappointing. In addition, when his mask was pulled off, he was hideous-a point emphasized by my male co-teacher, who was already anti-phantom. Whatever, he's still a sweetheart in my eyes.

Post show we went around the Keimyung Art Center taking pictures and discussing the actors involved. The phantom was a clear favorite. Overall everyone was satisfied the with the performance and had a great time! 

the PHANTOMOFTHEOPERAISTHERE

classy ladies

Have you seen a live musical before? Would you see one in South Korea? Let me know what you think.

Much love

xoxo

Imani

On spring in Korea: Visiting the ENT

I know very few people who struggle with allergies and sinuses the way that I do. Even as a kid ear infections were a common occurrence, and asthma plagued my every activity. It's no surprise then that I would suffer from allergies in Korea. In addition to regular spring blossoms, Korea is also a host country for yellow dust from China. Dust is a catch-all term for pollutants such as dirt, trash, and even sand particles. Recently these factors cause me to visit my good friend, the ear, nose and throat doctor.

there he is! 

I entered the clinic at around 5 pm, I had left right after school to make sure I could still attend my taekwondo class. I walked into the lobby and it was a ghost town. I didn't even see a secretary! 

uh...hello?

so sparkly clean

                                                             

free coffee, tea, and rice candy

After making myself comfortable, the secretary came from the back and signed me up to see the doctor. Approximately ten seconds later I was ushered in to see the good doctor.

The best part about this ENT has to be his equipment. He has all these scary looking tools to poke and prod at your sinuses. In addition, there's this cool gadget that he sticks up your nose and takes photos with! Gross! 

When he finished his examination he explained to me in broken English (and aided with my broken Korean) that I did not have sinusitis. He wrote me a prescription for some mucus-aid and sent me down to the pharmacy.

I paid for the examination ($4) and then made my way downstairs to the pharmacy. With a nose spray, saline solution, several days worth of mucus-aid and Zyrtec for a month, the grand total ended up being $7. That's right, $7. In total (for those bad at math) I took a bus to the doctor for 90 cents, got examined for $4, and loaded up on drugs for $7.

D.A.R.E would be upset

Sometimes the health care in Korea can't be beat.

Much love,

xoxo Imani

On the next step

Something peculiar is happening nowadays with my friends in the EPIK program. There's this air of pressure and uncertainty about what the future holds. There were worries last year as well, however, they were mostly just musings on what the next year would hold. No, this year is decidedly different. There are people actually applying for graduate schools, teaching programs, and actively searching for jobs.

To those keeping score, it's April in South Korea. Those leaving at the end of this February EPIK contract have nine months to create and execute a plan to avoid going home with nothing to do. Nine months, or roughly 270 days (not that I'm counting) to make a decision that will alter the courses of their lives.

Luckily, having already graduated college, the options are practically limitless for EPIK teachers. Here's an overview of the choice that are available to people who complete the EPIK program. Note: most of the women I know share similar passions for both travel and social services. This list may be biased towards those options.

Graduate school. Ah, the steady stand-by of institutionalized education. Graduate school is something most of the people here have already attempted to do, or have planned to accomplish after EPIK. some people in the EPIK program joined specifically to finance their degrees. Graduate school is a great option and investment if you have a defined career path in mind. I would warn against spending the money on graduate school if you've yet to decide exactly what you want to do with your degree. The cost--upwards of $50k--is not something to be taken lightly.

Continued teaching. Whether you travel to another country (Spain, United Arab Emirates) or stay in South Korea,you'll find that spending at least two years in the EPIK program qualifies you for a wide range of job opportunities. Some EPIK graduates have gone on to university positions in Korea, jobs that have vast benefits and decent pay. Others have taught in Spain, enjoying paellas and siestas for years. A drawback to Spain is that your pay will have to be subsidized with either private tutoring or your EPIK savings. The UAE is considered the number one place for those that plan on making a career teaching English abroad. The pay is spectacular and the benefits rival any country in the world. However, be prepared to spend at least two years in the UAE, as most programs require a longer commitment.

Volunteer work. Teaching in SE Asia is a rewarding experience, and wanting to continue this feeling of goodwill and change a popular sentiment I hear from friends in the EPIK program. There are plenty of options for volunteer work. Some take you to a certain country or region for several weeks, others, like the Peace Corp, place you for several years. Be warned that volunteering for a short amount of time usually costs money, and many have reported feeling under utilized. On the other hand volunteering for several years, especially in the Peace Corps, is a serious endeavor that requires a lot of thought and planning (and lack of showers).

Regular work. The EPIK program provides some teachers with their first taste of a real paycheck, apartment, and bills to pay. Some people came to get teaching experience, so they could better find a job in their home country. Some people just needed a break before joining in corporate "rat race". Either way, these people are ready to make some money in their field of choice. With the economy finally on the upswing, people from the EPIK program will make competitive candidates for their careers.

Finally, I'd like point out that none of these choices are mutually exclusive. Some people volunteer when they have a regular job. Others travel and then go back to graduate school. Some people even come back to Korea for a life long ESL career. The common theme here is choice. After the completing the EPIK program you have a unique experience that can be applied toward whatever your heart desires. As for me, well, can you guess what choice(s) I'll make?

xoxo

Imani

On Korean culture: How to find an Oppa

I have a confession to make. I've been trying to find myself an oppa (Oh-Pah-오빠) for the past year, despite not knowing exactly what it entails. You've probably heard the term in that crazy popular song...you know, this song. 

Why do I want one? I blame the K-dramas that I've watched. These Korean soap operas tend to have similar set ups:

We open on a girl, not the prettiest in the world, but she's cute. She's just woken up, and her alarm didn't go off because she forgot to set it. What a klutz! Then, when she arrives to school, she races through the hallways and crashes into the boy. The boy is suave and well groomed. He's the son of some sort of hotel tycoon (like the board game!), and he's a brat. Over several hour long episodes these two get closer and closer and he begins to walk with her to school, protect her from bullies, and pick at her like an older brother. He's successfully become her Oppa.

what a nice oppa!

Now, by traditional definitions, oppa is the term that younger sisters use to refer to their older brothers. However, lately the term is used to refer to any older, caring man in a woman's life. This includes her crush, her best friend, her actual brother, her brother's friends, etc. In fact, it's become so convoluted that Eat Your Kimchi did a sketch on it.

Most of the girls that use the term oppa in regular conversation are of a similar disposition. They're flowery, bubbly, puffy-cheeked women who successfully look like/are high school girls. Their hair is pigtailed and curled at the end, their eyes are big and doe-like. These girls have wrote the book on how to look young and adorable.

Additionally, when women actually say the word oppa, it's with this distinct, whiny voice that seems out of place for anyone over the age of 7. It's also accompanied by some sort of request or demand. For example: "Oppa~~~ buy me an ice cream!" "Oppa~~~ I want that designer purse!" "Oppa~~~ carry me!". And it works! 99% of the time (numbers!) these girls get exactly what they want from this guy.

Interested? I was curious to say the least. How exactly does one go about finding this oppa character? In school, I've already acquired several Noonas (the femal equivalent of an oppa for all intents and purposes). Yet, I haven't been in a situation yet that would make an oppa relationship possible. I have a few foreign males who I use the term on, despite their protests, but no one that takes on the caring responsibilities that really defines what an oppa is. 

So while I can't really help you find an oppa, I can tell you what not to do.

You shouldn't:

1. Wear pigtails out in public. Not everything transcends language boundaries, and being a 6 foot black woman with pigtails just doesn't work.
2. Use an aeygo (eh-yeg-gyo-which means cute) voice. Again, not everything translates. Speaking already broken Korean in an insanely high crackly voice is NOT CUTE.
3. Stalk potentials. This should be pretty self-explanatory.
4. Wear school girl-like outfits. I received tons of compliments when I did, but I'm still going to advise against it purely on the grounds that grown women should not wear short skirts.
5. Don't stalk potentials. Again.
6. Definitely don't repeatedly mention the phrase "you're like a brother to me" in an attempt to elicit the response "oh, like an oppa!".
7. Do not imitate the way the Korean girls say the word oppa while they can still hear you. Not that I've done it, I just feel like it would be awkward. 
8. Don't ask your Korean teachers for help. They'll be amused at your optimism, but that's about it.
9. Again, don't stalk potentials.
10. Lastly, try not to make intense eye contact with every oppa-looking boy that passes your way. You're gonna scare someone.

the original oppa

I wish I could be of more help. Hopefully this will at least familiarize everyone with the term oppa. Feel free to use this term in everyday conversations or with loved ones. Not everyone will understand, but it's the thought that counts, right? 

xoxo

Imani

On holidays in Korea: Black day strikes again!

Today is April 14th, also known as "black day" in Korea. This is the day where all those unable to participate in Valentine's day (Feb.14th) and white day (March 14th) meet up with their similarly solo friends and celebrate (?) being uncoupled. People usually celebrate "black day" by eating a Chinese-Korean dish named Jjajamyeon. 

Before we got into it.

Why eat Jjajamyeon? There are tons of theories floating around but the most popular one I've heard is that the gooey, blackish brown paste that covers the noodles is known for getting stuck on your teeth. This unappealing side effect makes Jjajamyeon the perfect anti-date food. It's like saying "hey I'm not getting kissed anyways so I might as well eat these garlic sticks!". Mmm, garlic sticks.

Mmm...MSG!

For the blog, not because of crushing loneliness, I decided to go to my local Chinese restaurant with my beloved co-teacher. She's married, but took one for the team in the name of solidarity. The food was delicious, although very oily, as Jjajamyeon is want to be. 

Ah Bang Gung...My local Chinese joint

After saying goodbye, I ran into some of my 6th grade girls walking down the road. 

"Have ya'll eaten?" I asked, my lazy southern drawl coming forth.

"No, teacher!" they replied, innocently enough.

"I just at Jjajamyeon!" I said with a smile.

"Oh." that didn't sound good.

"Oh?"

"Teacher is solo?" why are they being so hesitant?!

"Yes...?"

The look of pity that flashed across their faces made me feel like I was some sort of lost puppy drenched in rain.

"Imani Teacher...FIGHTING!!!" which, in a sense, means "Good luck finding a man. We're rooting for you!"

'

Not knowing how to respond, I walked away with a silent agreement that the next time I celebrate "black day", I'll keep it a secret. 

For all the "solos" out there today, keep your head up, order a big bowl of 'myeon and relish the fact that you don't have to share with anyone.

xoxo,

Imani 

On spring on Korea: to Gyeongju and back again Part 2

My friends and I recently traveled to Gyeongju one cool, rainy weekend. Here's the rest of the photos we took while riding our bikes and exploring the park.

walking to the park 

it seems that there are no people here. this is a lie.

the park

an ajumma planting something in the field 

I'm in a tree!

The water wheel! You'll find this on most maps of the area.

Have you been to Gyeongju? What would you recommend people to do there?

Much love,

xoxo Imani