Shincheon

Hello again,

Seoul is a vibrant place full of lights and smells and tastes. But these guys can´t drive to save their lives. Their motto is ´bali bali´ which means hurry, hurry, quick, quick. No time to wait or take your time when you work six or seven days a week or study six days a week and have extra classes after school. I have to admit the Koreans work hard and play just as hard. I honestly don´t know where they find the energy. I finally received my hanbok ´bad picture below´ and have been keeping busy the last few weeks. Mainly eating assorted animals and drowning in soju.

Also, managed to catch my first baseball game. The Doosan Bears versus the Samsung Lions. We sat in the Samsung section so we had to support them, but I left my heart in Doosan. Of course, Doosan whooped them. At least the cheerleaders provided some respite for our morale and of course the US servicemen in front of us were just as entertaining as the game. ´Hey over here, more beer man, Hoorah!´



After the game, it was off to a restaurant with a nove animal theme. We ate Korean seafood BBQ like kings. Very nice-

To the Noraebang!

Yesterday was a fun day. I attended a wedding exhibition. We wanted to look for photography deals. Man did they try to put the hard sell on us. After that we went to meet some friends at an art exhibition for one of their mothers. Terrible day, pouring rain and soaked feet.

But then the real fun began. We went to a dodgy little back alley pub and got some food, but the speciality was the Korean rice wine served in these big pots.

It kind of resembles dirty dishwater, but tastes a bit sweeter. We drank about 6 of these bad boys. Let me tell you, the hangover actually precedes inebriation. Great stuff.

Next we were off to the Noraebang or literally translated, 'song room' That's right folks, Karaoke!!

However, we did first take a little a detour up to Namsan. I think this translates to 'South Mountain'. It has the tallest tower in Korea or something like that (I'll do some research later). We took the cable car through the clouds up to the base of the tower, which hosts the Seoul's television emitting doo-hickies. Nice view of the city.

Before leaving, Tae Wook decided I should try a national delicacy. In his words 'butterfly baby'
I think they are silk worm larvae. So, not one to be a stick in the mud, I ate as many as I could stomach. Plus, word on the street is, that they imbibe the consumer with ancient sexual powers.

We headed back to Jamsil in taxis and stopped in another bar just to prepare us for Noraebang.
A few three litre jugs of Cass later and some chicken, we were ready to rock.
To the Noraebang! As usual I hogged the mike and am hoarse today as a result. But a jolly good evening.

Park Namsu

My Excursion

So, yesterday I went on a little excursion to visit the graves of my girlfriends ancestors in North-East Seoul.

Very interesting, but a very long day and very humid. It was about a fifty minute drive from Jamsil to the cemetery, which, I must admit, was pretty impressive. The grave sites are tiered and you must climb a very steep mountain to reach some of the more expensive plots. From what I have learnt, families purchase their plot or plots at exorbitant prices, but the government stepped in not so long ago and prevented certain families from monopolizing huge tracts of land.


Despite the intense heat and face-melting humidity, I ventured to the peak. This proved to be a worthwhile trek, once I could behold the breathtaking views. So, after meditating in the aura of that other-worldly place, I took a leak and returned to the family unit. We drank some rice wine and kimbap (basically, California rolls) and enjoyed the serenity.

Next, it was off to meet my girlfriend's aunties for the first time. I was greeted by a woman who I presumed to be June's cousins, but was to soon find she was in fact her age-defying auntie. I then met her other, older but equally age-defying auntie. I couldn't believe they were in their fifties and I hope the same genes have somehow carried on and mutated my beautiful June's blood.

We drank some beer and ate some noodle and then continued onto the other auntie's home. And, unbeknownst to me, her father and his sisters planned our wedding (oh crap!). Another twenty minute drive later we arrived to a quaint little house in a back alley and were greeted by the terrifying bark of three wild dogs. All, however, turned out to be more frightened of their own shadows. Then more beer drinking and much more eating of Korean delicacies and sushi (and more damn wedding chatter).
Finally we called it a day and Tae Wook (June's younger brother) drove us home in the taxi.

It was a delightful day.

My Life as a Gimp

This page is dedicated to the constant struggle. I hope to provide insightful prose and quirky observation. Being the artist that I am, I hope to encourage a breeding ground for thought and artistic integrity. Failing that, a meeting point for like-minded individuals.

Today I arose early to a magical sunrise, veiled by the fog of industry and creativity. I looked out upon the landscape and did at once think, 'Is there any real cheese in this mousetrap of existence?'

I migrated to the kitchen and poured a fresh cup of enlightenment, in the form of coffee.
However, I at once realised, this cup was but filled with the bitter granules of solitude and desperation. It needed milk. Don't we all?


As I set forward on my daily lope around the theurgical lake of Lotte World, I hope to find that inner sense of purpose. Through the excretion of a salty discharge the lather of achievement, I will find peace.

For today I blog as a free man, not a slave.

from the study of Stephen A Kemp