Foreigners code of conduct April 9, 2008

I don’t know why there is so much debate over this.  To handle the occasions where we may run into other foreigners, we should treat them like our comrades rather than germs we can’t wait to wash our hands of.

So in honour of that sentiment, I propose a foreigner code of conduct for just this situation.

If you meet another foreigner on the street, you can choose to make eye contact, nod in acknowledgment or smile.  If they dont’ acknowledge you,  don’t take offence.  However if someone does do any of these things in your direction and you are aware of it, acknowledge it somehow.  It does not mean you have to have a conversation. 

 

UPara Foreva! April 9, 2008

So today was election day in South Korea, and i had the day off. So this afternoon it was rainy and I met up with some friends. I had seen Upara and looked from afar but never been in. It was quite an adventure.

It had all the activities I had not done in a while. Ping pong, bowling, massage chairs, pool, noraebang (singing room) and even a room you could jam to music in.

So we ventured up there in Haeundae, and found out we could get this great deal. For the equivalent of 10 USD, you could get a movie ticket and 3 hours at UPARA. Movie tickets are usually 7 as are passes to UPARA. It was a great deal.

We went inside and played ping pong. I fell asleep on the massage chairs, which were amazing. Then we went to the singing room and sang for an hour. Followed by 20 min jam session where I improvised lyrics, as cheesy as they were.

I didn’t go to the movie today because I had a previous appointment. But thats ok, you have 1 month to use the movie pass.

What a great cheap date. To top it off, Upara is open 24 hours. I so want to go there late at night..only problem is…there are other activities at night i prefer to bowling..such as sleeping or

Bathrooms I have been impressed with. April 2, 2008

In an earlier post,  I discussed bathrooms.  I forgot to mentioned those I have been impressed with.  Besides the fancy gadget at outback and bennigans, I found one that surprised me in the strangest of places.

If you have never been to Taejongdae, you definitely must go.  The hike is invigorating, the views of the sea are breathtaking and in general, just a lovely place.  Half way through your walk you will encounter a circular restaurant.  Depending on which direction you are coming from, there is a bathroom before it or just after it.  This bathroom is a bathroom with a view.  I am not sure if all stalls offer it.  But the stall I had offered me a great view of the sea while I was doing my business.  It is one of those…I never expected that moments.  Must be seen. 

Why drinking soju is a good way to get exercise… April 1, 2008

So I was up late last night..and I went for a walk.  Coming home..I met a drunk Korean man, attempting to climb a hill.  Attempting is the key word because the way he was trying to accomplish it was like doing a country western line dance.  He would start on the right side, side step over diagnolly until he was at the left side.  Then he would take a step or two back to regain his balance. Finally he would repeat these moves to get to the right side.  But he never seemed to be going anywhere, like walking a really weird treadmill.

North Korea punching a gift horse in the mouth…. March 30, 2008

It amazes me the arrogance of North Korea.   First off, it amazes me that North Korea has arrogance.  What does it have to be arrogant about?  Ok, so it has nuclear weapons. But it certainly does not have a robust economy.  Nor doesi t have world presence.

So it astounds me that North Korea continues to make threats against South Korea.  Especially after the recent aid South korea gave North Korea to help with flooding in the north.  South Korea appearrs to be quite charitable to North Korea and yet that is not enough for North Korea to mellow out.

It would not be in North Korea’s best interest to annihilate South Korea.  To do that, would cut off any money they are receiving and it would come back to hurt them more.  Furthermore, South Korea really shouldn’t give any more money to North Korea.  THe north appears to be so foolish as to spend the aid money on nuclear weapons rather than on food for its people.

If North Korea was a relative of mine that I kept inviting for dinner out of the goodness of my heart, and not only did it keep declining my offer but threatening violence, not only would I stop issuing invitations, I would ignore them all together.

Foreigner hangout ideas… March 30, 2008

I know the city was trying to come up with way to improve it for foreigners.  I didn’t do the survey because I didn’t have any ideas until now.  The culture for foreigners here is to meet at bars and clubs.  What about 24 hour coffee shops?  So people that like to stay out late can hang out without getting drunk.  Or even a coffeehouse?  With a stage, and desserts and coffee and no alcohol, where there could be noraebang nights and open mic nights and book clubs and movie events.  Or even social mixers, board game nights….  There are some of us that just like to hang out.  This would be perfect.    What other ideas do you have? 

Wasn`t that a party…. March 29, 2008

Its never a question of having fun.  I clearly had a lot of fun last night.  But..when you wake up….have you ever knew a charleyhorse was coming, before it did?

Usually I wake up with a charleyhorse.  That is bad enough.  But this morning, I went to stretch my leg which was fine.  And then I felt the first cramp, tried to move my leg and whoaaaaaaaaaaaa.  Full on charleyhorse.

Next time I dance as crazy as i did last night, I think i should warm up first.

My night out on the town.. March 29, 2008

After a long trip to Jinju, made longer by the fact that I got on the wrong subway going in the wrong direction, I decided to head out for a night of fun and fantasy.

I’m pretty conservative so I don’t generally let loose.  But the last few weeks, I have gone the way of the average foreigner and imbibed my share of alcohol.  But tonight was exceptional.  The dj played music i loved and so i danced for what seemed like days.  I felt all the stress leave me.  The stress of foolish mistakes and missed chances…is now gone.  In its place is again hope for the future and fun :)  I am smiling, my loneliness put into its little box once again.

I definitely suggest you frequent ole ‘55 if you are a. from the 80s generation, b. not into hip hop music c. generally prefer music from past decades.  The live band was great and so was the music and company.  Thank you Bill for making me  laugh and smile again.

Busan…a big city or a small town? March 29, 2008

Busan, city of over 3 million people.  Big city right?  Or is it?

Yes there are many subway stops and suburbs and lots of people.  Yes, there are hundreds of apartment buildings, shops, restaurants and countless cars.   Yes there are numerous noraebangs, bars and movie theatres.

But…

there is also a small town aspect to Busan if you are daring.

I walk Gwangali beach every morning.  It is very popular with some Koreans for exercise.  To me, the views are breathtaking.  I can’t get enough.  I remember one morning, one of the two times we had any resemblance of snow here, and the snow was falling in big clumps, the bridge disappeared.  It was so awe-inspiring when as the snow slowed, the bridge appeared like a mirage in a desert.  Anyways..I digress.

Every morning, and some nights i walk the beach.  Now my presence is a bit awkward for some because of course, I am a foreigner.  Some Koreans pretend I don’t exist, some just stare, some try to speak english.  I smile.  I bow my head to them in respect for their culture.  And you know what happens?  Most of the time they will smile and nod back or even say hello or anneyo haseyo.  This is not something you read in Lonely Planet.  This is something I have discovered on my own.  It brings me such joy to be acknowledged in a country dominated by Koreans.   So many people have written about being ignored.  You’re only ignored if you ignore back.

On the subway, nod and smile at any Korean that looks at you, instead of saying some snide english remark or just staring back.

In big city North America, we have become accustomed to not acknowledging each other.  But in small towns, where everyone knows your name, its expected for you to acknowledge each other.  It is not such a bad thing.  Try it, and see how it feels. 

Funniest thing happened while at the sauna…. March 28, 2008

well maybe not funny as so much as typical for the foreigner experience.  Some are bothered by this…myself I figure it comes with the territory.  In a previous blog I did mention that I had been naked in front of other women on a number of occasions and this is why.

Anyways, to my story.  I am sitting and relaxing in a hot tub.  Not thinking about anything.  I have an overactive imagination so sometimes I appreciate it being tamed, even for a short time.  I opened my eyes and saw this senior Korean lady step into the hot tub.  I didn’t think anything of it.  But then i noticed her watching at me, analyzing me with her eyes.  I wasn’t sure what she was thinking,  But then….

I saw her walk in my direction.  And i knew what was coming next….I am not sure how I knew, I could just sense it.  She stopped in front of me….and reached out and felt my right breast and said ‘Very good!’.  Now many would have panicked.  for an example of this..see sixteen candles when Samantha is grabbed by her grandmother.  But I breathed a sigh of relief followed by silent laughter.  I had anticipated a korean comment or not a good english comment but instead I was complimented on it. 

I have heard from my male friends, that this has occurred to them as well.  These are the stories that cause some men to become uncomfortable and so they won’t ever try the experience.  Get over yourself.  It is wonderful, relaxing and definitely the korean way.

I am starting to believe it is not just Koreans that need to lighten up.