Monkey Business

The other night Benjamin and I were reading out of his Zoobooks magazine. This month’s edition was about baby animals and we learned that when Rhesus monkeys want to play, they look at each other upside down through their legs. It was so fitting because just that morning I captured this picture of Sadie. She is definitely my little monkey. Maybe using the term feral is too harsh, but boy when others told me that no two children are alike, they were right.

When it comes to indulging children in Korea, it’s a bit of a paradox. On one hand, it’s amazing to see how the younger children are catered to. So many restaurants and most large department stores have elaborate indoor play areas. There are all kinds of cute accessories made for children. Toddlers appear to have less structure than we impose upon them. I have noticed this in Sadie’s nursery school. Korean mothers and grandmothers freely go about their business with their babies neatly tucked up and wrapped around their backs. These babies hardly seem to utter a peep and are quite content. They are constantly doted on. I need to learn some of their secrets because the Korean mothers just seem less stressed than American moms.

On the other hand, when the children are in middle school and beyond, immense academic pressure is placed upon them. There is no such thing as a summer vacation where children attend summer camp or just simply relax. Their school year begins in March, and although there is a long break that starts in December, most of the children are placed in more academies to learn English, math and science skills. Up until around 9 pm children are being dropped off and picked up and shuffled to their next class. When they return from their long day of instruction they are in their rooms doing homework until late at night. The competition to get into good universities and obtain good jobs is fierce.

I think I’ll let my little offspring be monkeys for a while.

In the Spirit of Giving!

Looks like living overseas isn't so bad after all. At least not for Benjamin and Sadie this Hanukkah. A steady flow of boxes have been arriving all month from grandparents, aunties, and friends. It's really fun and Benjamin is definitely pumped! Only 7 more nights. The first night of Hanukkah is Sunday the 21st.

Benjamin, Sadie and I will take the train up to Seoul where we will meet Steve and we're attending TWO Hanukkah parties Sunday night.

Hanukkah wrapping paper was a bit scarce so penguins and snowflakes did the job instead. However, I managed to find Hanukkah stickers, a table cloth and some other paper products at the PX. That was quite a pleasant surprise.

A few more interesting observations

The picture above is explained at the bottom of this post.

This morning I walked into a Korean bank to transfer some money. I hardly knew I was at a bank at all. Where were the bullet-proof windows? There were no ropes indicating which way to proceed. My jaw almost dropped when there were large wads of money just out in the open next to the teller behind the counter.

There are no child safety seat laws here. Or if there are, they are definitely not enforced. Many mothers drive with the infant seat in the front seat. After infancy, it seems like the the children are free to rove about the car as they please. It makes me hyperventilate a little. Safety is always my number one concern.

There is definitely a disconnect between indoor and outdoor regulations. Heaven forbid the sole of my shoe touch the floor in a restaurant, in certain shops, and living quarters, but it seems like second nature to unwrap a candy bar and toss the wrapper on the ground.

For as much talk as there is about health here, for example we are told repeatedly that Korean food is very healthy, that a certain smell is good for your health, or a certain tea is good for your health and so on, it amazes me that just about every single man here smokes. It seems like the government is just starting to come out with some anti smoking campaigns, however they don't seem very effective.

A couple of things I just can't get used to:

The spitting - it's really repulsive

Seeing raw meat everywhere. For example, in the US if a restaurant is advertising their beef or pork, they will have a photograph of the meat cooked and juicy looking. In Korea it's just the opposite. Apparently it's more enticing to see the uncooked version. The images are literally everywhere.

Now on to some fun Did ya knows?

Did you know that at the commissary the baggers bring the groceries to your car? (yes, it's like a little touch of Ukrops!!) They do work solely on tips and there is a tip box.

Did you know in a Korean restaurant you will not find a steak knife? Table scissors are used instead. You get used to this after a while and actually begin to prefer it.

Did you know they actually make chopsticks that aren't the wooden, disposable version? They are metal. It's their silverware. Something you don't think about when you are so used to metal forks and spoons and wooden chopsticks back home. Makes sense though.

And finally, did you know about this popular display? In the middle of large cities and even in the countryside are these huge multi-tiered golf driving ranges. (Picture above) It's quite a sight to take in the first time you see it, just erected between a bunch of high-rise buildings. Golf is very popular and seen as somewhat of a status symbol. I believe unless you are extremely wealthy here it is not possible to become an actual member of a real golf club. (sorry this is not such a great picture but maybe you can get an idea with the huge green net cages up in the air)

And more on Squatting . . .

Since I sort of got on the subject of squatting, I thought I'd share a little more on the topic.
Specifically what is called the "Asian Squat".

In Korea, almost everywhere, you will see men and women of ALL ages, and children squatting on the ground. They do this during various activities like drying their chili peppers and working in the markets, and sometimes just during conversations. And a lot when interacting with children.

Now, I happen to be very good at the squat because I perfected it when I took prenatal yoga and find it to be quite comfortable. Most Westerners would disagree.

Here are a few pictures to exemplify my point:

Sadie, being my little Korean baby is an old pro.

The man who properly vented my dryer this morning.



And to top it off a comedic and facetious YouTube video for you on the Asian Squat:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWTmg4dHiKg

Our First Snow

Looking at the snow covered rooftops.

Wondering if the snow has any effect on those kimchi pots up there?

Happy Turkey Day!

Gobble Gobble.









Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! We were fortunate enough to be invited with some new friends to their home for a delicious Thanksgiving meal. We enjoyed turkey, ham, duck lettuce wraps and all the fixings, including of course kimchi!! Princess Sadie actually let me put a barette in her hair.

Benjamin's kindergarten class enjoyed their Thanksgiving luncheon.

Lessons in Restrooms

One thing I wanted to share with everyone is my experience with Korean restrooms.

Many restrooms for women have this squat-style urinal.

Anyhow, I came across this article which pretty much sums it up. Now there are many times since we've been here that I've said "When in Rome..." But when it comes to toilets - no thanks.

http://www.escapeartist.com/efam/52/Korea_lessons.html

Connections

Steve has been in Seoul all week - AGAIN. Basically I think his job is to analyze used equipment that comes from military bases before it is thrown out, recycled or sold. And a good thing too because the other day he found some encrypted piece of equipment that if were in the hands of an enemy would not be good. Apparently the DRMO up there is behind in their work. It's not the end of the world and travel has always been a regular part of his job even when we were back home, and it looks like he'll be making several more trips up there in the next few months. Like my mother-in-law always says, "this too shall pass".

Which leads me into something many members of my family were very concerned about before we packed up and flew all the way to Korea. "Aren't you going to be lonely?" And still today, they ask me, "aren't you lonely?, what do you do all day, are you bored?

The ironic thing is, this could be the first time in my life I've felt the least lonely. A major reason for this I believe is because I'm put in a situation where I have to reach out to people, and also, other people are reaching out because we're in the same situation. Also, I checked many of my past insecurities with my luggage and left them packed up and stowed away hopefully for good. I came out here with a new attitude, and an attitude I wish I had adopted earlier in life, but I'm always learning and growing. I'm making new friends and meeting new and interesting people all of the time. It's amazing what will happen when you put your judgements aside and greet everyone with a smile, when you stop worrying so much over how someone will perceive you, and you just take chances, try something new and put 100% into that giant leap forward.

I guess I'm also in sort of this dorky phase of my life where everything just amazes me. For example my online (distance education) American Authors class I'm taking right now. It's soooo amazing how much more I know about the 20 students and professor of my class: who lives where, how many children they have, their hobbies and interests than any face 2 face/lecture style class I've ever taken. Or learning about another culture, asking questions, becoming friends with my neighbors, learning about military life, seeing these mini US cities on military bases, observing cultural diffences. The list goes on and on.

Today was another Daegu International Women's Association luncheon. I just plopped myself down at a table where I knew not one person and had the most fabulous time talking to the women at my table, making friends with the nicest Korean woman next to me, and hearing about how the "matchmaker" set her up with her husband. Apparently this is very common to have a matchmaker here. Who knew they had Korean Yentas?

Now this is not to say that every day is just a frolic in the park. Like, when I got lost in the city of Daegu for an hour and a half last week and Steve had to leave work early to meet Benjamin at the bus stop while I was still going around in circles trying to find Rt.1. There will always be days like that. But, I'm not lonely, I don't feel that sense of void in my life like I used to. And it's not because of all my new Facebook friends either. I'm just making connections. True and honest attempts to connect with people, connect with myself and connect with my new surroundings.

School Days

Sadie's Korean Nursery School. She's the only American baby.

They do not speak English. We swear Sadie is speaking

Korean to us sometime and we have no idea what she's saying!

Sadie's school. Celebrating another student's birthday. The kids eat at tables Korean style (on the floor). I think they let Sadie do anyting she wants. They totally spoil her!

Miss Choi and some of the kids with Sadie.



When Benjamin dreamed of taking a school bus to school I don't think
this is quite what he had in mind.



Sometimes we're not sure if he's going to school or to Kansas on the greyhound! This bus picks up the students from Waegwan K-12 and drives them to Deagu and back everyday.

There is a bus monitor who assists all of the children.

Support Those Troops

Working for the Defense Department overseas has its benefits, one being that we get an APO address. Since we have moved to Korea, our family has graciously sent us several care packages and presents for us and the kids. My mother-in-law and I always laugh because every time she goes to mail us a package the post-man says “thanks ma’am for supporting the troops!” Recently however this saying started to resonate within me.

Sometimes unless an issue has a direct impact on you or a close friend or family member, it can be hard to grasp the concept and relate to it. For example if you are not a special ed. teacher or a parent of a child with disabilities you can’t possibly know the effects on those individuals’ lives.

Over the years I’ve heard the slogan “Support our Troops”, however it never really affected me in any sort of way. If anything, my definition of supporting our troops would mean gathering at a peace rally against war. My parents were not part of the armed services, none of my friends joined the military. I’ve always been very far removed from the subject.

The first time I’d say the lives of soldiers impacted me was when I watched the recently televised PBS series "Carrier". The story behind each one of those navy soldiers really moved me. The circumstances that led them into the Navy, how they survive living on those ships for months at a time and the family in many cases that they left behind. I was glued to the tv for the 5 days and 10 hours that it aired.

Now that many of our activities evolve around or take place on a military base, the people I meet and the friends I make these days most likely have ties to the military. Their stories never cease to amaze me. Both husband and wife are in the military, their baby lives with the Mom or the sister lives with the Dad in Korea and the brother lives with their Mom in Germany. Or their husband is in the field for several days at a time. Separation appears to be a constant in their lives. So many important moments missed, birthday parties, births, holidays. The coping mechanisms that get them through all of this.

A friend last weekend had planned a birthday party for her son who was turning 5. It was a large gathering after her church service on Sunday. Unfortunately, her husband was in the field at the time and missed the party. I couldn’t help to think how sad that was after all of the effort she put into the party, the food and decorations and for the birthday boy himself. But I could see she had a community of support around her through her church members and friends. Consequently, supporting our troops may not involve directly sending support to the soldier fighting a war overseas but the lives of those affected by their service. It really is something to think about and I thought it appropriate to share as part of our experience here in Korea.

It’s odd to think that Steve has a role in our US military but he definitely is my number one hero and soldier. He has done a fabulous job supporting me, Benjamin and Sadie as well as contributing to saving our planet through his environmental efforts! Oh and by the way, we love our packages, so you can continue to “support those troops”!!

Expats and Patriotism

Never did the word "expat" have such a profound meaning for me as it did today when I mailed in my absentee ballot for the November 4th Presidential election. Throughout the day I've felt a wave of different emotions come over me.

As the trends of expats have shifted from the 19th century till now from artists, writers and musicians living in Europe, to the larger trend today of recruiting professionals globally, I believe the word "expatriate" has taken on new meaning.

When we began our journey this June, the word expat sounded so negative to me. We're expats? The word ex-something doesn't sound so flattering. I guess it's really Latin. Ex/out of and patria/country. But to me it sounded like I'm being ex-patriotic or doing something against my country. But nevertheless, in the beginning that too felt kind of good, like I was escaping our self-absorbed American lifestyles. I'm thinking, wow, we're really cool, look what we did and look at all these expats we're meeting and hanging out with (mind you - while we're gathering at Starbucks in Korea).

Then the more I've witnessed and lived life in Korea, my opinions started shifting a little to, wow - we are really really fortunate to live in the United States. We have so many luxuries at our fingertips and I thank the stars that I'm able to give my children all of the wonderful opportunities that they will benefit from being US citizens.

When I filled out my absentee ballot today, I was excited and nervous. It was so easy too. Everything was emailed to me from our local county's electoral board and I'm participating in this historic election from across the world.

I've recently become involved in the Deagu International Women's Association where expats and Korean nationals meet on a monthly basis to experience our different cultures and also participate in charitable events. It's such a nice feeling to be embraced by the Korean nationals. We want to learn so much from each other. I also recently began tutoring a neighbor's son in English. We had a lot of fun the other night looking at and reading the National Geographic magazines I brought to our tutoring session. There was an article about "green" living and I was able to explain to him what that means and the effect of our "carbon foot-print" and then he said, "look at the picture, that guy's driving a Hyundai car". And I thought, see how we've made a connection together.

Expat life is fun - but I know that there is a termination date. I get to go home. And that too is a really good feeling. Something I never would have experienced if I didn't get this opportunity to live abroad. We're really fortunate to have this experience. It's given us a lot of eye opening and "aha" moments so far. Even our dog Ajax has become an expatriate in Canada! I might be "out of country" but I don't feel like an "Ex". More like an Exponent.

Creepy Cupcakes, Costco Comforts

Well this weekend I'd hardly know I was in Korea. Our best friends here, the Hamiltons, Kris, Cliff and their three daughters MacKenzie, Madison and Kira came up from Busan and stayed with us. It was a fun American pastimes filled slumber party.

We ate on-post, took the kids bowling and decorated cupcakes in the spirit of Halloween.

Sunday morning Kris and I snuck out on a field trip to Costco!! But for the addition of Korean products, it's pretty indistinguishable from Costco back home; samples to taste, organized in the same layout. Getting there Sunday morning we avoided any large crowds. You can even buy hot dogs and pizza at the concession stand just like at home! My exciting purchase of the day was a large box of Rice Krispy Treats.

The weather here is still warm in the upper 70's. A neighbor delivered a large bag of crispy apples to us last night, just when I was missing our traditional apple picking this time of year. The leaves are beginning to change colors. Benjamin's school just wrapped up Homecoming festivities. Sometimes things don't seem so different, at least for instance this past weekend.

Our Trip to Seoul

From prostrations to repentance, we've really been on the run lately. Our most recent adventure was our trip to Seoul. We headed north (about 3 hours) in our car for Yom Kippur services, our first real Jewish experience in Korea. We spent two nights at the military's religious retreat center. The retreat ended with break the fast and we were even served bagels and lox! It's like the Jewish kimchi. The service was intimate, almost like Passover because the Rabbi called on almost everyone in attendance to participate, read or open the Ark.

After we left the retreat center we headed on post (military base) where we stayed at the Dragon Hill Lodge for an additional night. We took the kids to the Korean War Memorial and Museum. It was quite impressive as far as war memorials go. It made for a fantastic day. To top off our day, coincidentally, some new friends from Waegwan were also staying at the lodge with their two children so we met up for dinner at a Brazilian restaurant. It was a lot of fun and ALL of the kids gave us a special treat with their good behavior. It can't get any better than that!

Kwaneum Sa - Temple Stay Program

Last weekend Steve, Benjamin and I spent a night at a Buddhist Temple called Kwan Eum Sa, Sa meaning temple in Korean. This was yet another trip offered through the army's activity center. Despite my agony of a terrible sinus infection, this was a cool and divine experience for all of us. It was like camping at the temple and most of you know how much we enjoy camping under the stars. However, at the temple we did have a private room and bath.

Here are just some of the activities that were packed into a two day stay: walking meditation, tea drinking ceremony, threading 108 beads, practicing prostrations, formal monastic meal, chanting, meditating and making lotus lanterns. At the end of the trip we took a tour of the Korea Buddhist University in Daegu city.

Benjamin made friends with many monks. I think he has become "enlightened" now. The different ceremonies and rituals were alluring. It was a really fun family activity surrounded by a breathtaking and stunning scenery in the mountains.

Happy New Year!!

Our first Jewish Holiday in Korea. I made matzoh ball soup and kugel for everyone and Benjamin dipped apples in honey. Thanks Mom for sending the matzoh meal! We lit the holiday candles and talked about having a sweet new, happy and healthy year for our family and relatives and friends. Not to mention we wish for some big changes in the White House!! Benjamin wishes for Sadie to be healthy and not have to go to the doctor. Next week we will travel to Seoul and stay at the military's religious retreat center for Yom Kippur. We've already received our information and memos (unclassified) from the Lt. Colonel Rabbi in Seoul. We're really looking forward to meeting other Jews in Korea. I think it will be quite an experience and can't wait to write about it. Shana Tova!

Bongmu Butterfly Park

My new friend Cassie told us about this great park in Daegu. So we packed our lunches and headed out. There is a butterfly museum and conservatory. There is also a lake where you can rent these great duck motor boats. Benjamin had a blast riding and steering the boat. Sadie had a fun time trying to catch butterflies. It's really great now that she's walking around and able to explore things on her own. Steve was fascinated by the butterfly fossil because butterflies don't have any hard parts so apparently it's a rare find. The weather was perfect and it turned out to be a fabulous day for everyone.

The Beginning of Fall

Every weekend is a little bit like summer camp for us. There is so much to do and see and take advantage of while we are here. At many parks you see these rock paths. The idea is to take off your shoes and walk along these rocks that hit acupressure points in your feet; believed to have health benefits. Benjamin and I tried it. It really hurts!!! The rocks are pointy and jab right into your feet. I guess I'll need more practice. Benjamin was able to make it further than I was. I've been seeing these rock paths all over since we moved here and just thought they were for decorative reasons until a friend mentioned it to me at a park one day. And then this day, we saw other Koreans walking along them.

Trash Talk

Let's talk about trash. I've never trash-talked so much in my life. I'm literally talking about trash! It kind of reminds me of Car Talk on public radio. Everyone calls in to Click and Clack and describes their car problems by imitating the sounds the car makes when it pushes 60 mph. However, in Korea we've encountered a whole new world of trash. I wish there was a radio station I could call into and ask my trash questions. Let me explain further. In Korea, garbage disposals are illegal, there are very few public trash cans that line the street and recycling is basically mandatory.

Everything must be separated. It's not like back home when you get your nice blue bin and stick your newspapers and bottles inside it and then place it on the corner. You need to buy special government stamped trash bags for the trash that gets burned. The rest gets recycled. This includes any scraps of food that would normally go down a garbage disposal. The trash shed behind our building basically has three rooms: one for the food (which I think gets used for compost or fertilizer), one for plastics, glass and cans, and one for card boards and paper. And not to worry if you think you are putting something into the wrong bin because the trash policeman whose job is to patrol the trash house will straighten you out. Frankly, I avoid this all together and make it Steve's job. But it's pretty disgusting to have to scrape all of your food into one container or clean out the special traps placed in your sink. And sometimes it's just confusing as to what trash is considered recyclable and what is burnable. Hence my many conversations about and complaining about the trash come up with my other American friends. It just always seems to pop up in a conversation.

So next time you turn on that garbage disposal or throw some trash into your Hefty Glad bags, please think about us separating our trash, going down twelve flights and about 250 feet to our fly infested and who knows what else, smelly trash shed.

Hanbit Apartments

Here are some shots of the apartment complex we live in. Each section has almost 20 floors. We live on the 12th floor. There is a covered parking garage and right at the bottom of the apartments is a small strip of shops and take out restaurants. You can get pizza, Chinese, fried chicken or Korean food. They deliver by motorcycle. There is also a dry cleaners and small market for when you run out of milk or ice cream. Towards the bottom of the apartment complex is the Hanbit Children's House where Sadie goes to school. The main street we live off of is lined with little markets, and shops to buy ice cream, candy and toys.

What we love is the convenience. We can walk to town where the open market is to buy fresh produce. Also, many farmers drive trucks around with a loud speaker and sell their produce. The other day a truck filled with fresh picked garlic drove by. It's too expensive to own a store front so this is how many Koreans sell their goods.

Children ride their bikes all over the complex and play. Space is so limited here. It's amazing the things we take for granted back in the States. Backyards, grassy areas, open fields and parks. They just really don't exist here. I'm craving a green lawn for the kids to run around in. However, Steve's enjoying not mowing a lawn or taking care of home maintenance in general.

We've met some really nice neighbors, Korean and American, in our building. We're really finding apartment living to be fun and convenient and easy with the kids!
The best part is we don't have to worry about Steve losing his keys again, since all we have to do is punch in a code and the door magically opens!!

Some Facts

National Flower - Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon, can withstand insects and disease and blossoms around the country from July - October. Reflects the perserverance and determination of the people.

Country Name - Republic of Korea
Capital City - Seoul (10 million people)
Currency - Won
Language - Korean, written form - Hangeul
Location - between Japan, Russisan Far East and China
Population - 49,044,790
Calling Code +82

Taegeukgi

The above title is the name of the Korean flag. It symbolizes thought, philosophy and mysticism of the Far East.
Symbols: The circle is the essential unity of being.
Yang being positive, Yin being negative - together they represent duality.
For example; heaven and hell, night and day, fire and water.
The 4 trigrams represent duality of opposites and balances.
Top left - heaven. It's opposite, lower right - earth.
Top right - water. It's opposite, lower left - fire.
The circle represents the people, the trigrams the goverment and the white background land/peace/unity. All 3 elements represent the nation.