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