Namdaemun Market: a colorful shopper's paradise.

Today is a huge testing day for grade 3 high school students in South Korea. So, how does this affect me? There are high school students testing at the middle school down the block from my elementary school. To keep the neighborhood quiet, my school had the day off. Like I said, huge testing day.

I needed this day off. Lately I've been feeling pretty run down and, of course, there is always someone there to remind me: "you look tired." So, I slept in until 9, laid in bed until 11, drank an unhealthy, but satisying amount of coffee until 1 and then finally took off to explore Namdaemun Market in Seoul. Namdaemun Market is one of the oldest (dating back to 1414) and largest traditional markets in the country.

Talk about a treat! You can find anything and everything within this maze of about a dozen blocks. You've got your clothes, food, candy, jewlery, paper, music, toys, etc. etc. etc. The catch? You music weave through herds of people traveling at all different speeds, many ready to use any means to get you out of their way. If you're lucky, you can trail behind a highly coordinated native going at just the right pace. And don't forget about the motorcycles rushing up from behind. Cars are not allowed on the streets, so these rather fast fellas are constantly on the go, delivering materials to all of the market street stands. So very much worth the experience. Oh yeah, and worth the prices! For girls, there are tables with enormous stacks of sweaters (5,000W), shirts (5,000W) and jackets (10,000W) all throughout. For everyone, most of the tastiest treats cost just 1,000W.

And tomorrow my BFF/vfaceypeupsexy Shannon comes to visit from Dague. We will be going to Seoul for our second dose of the Flaming Lips. It will be an Oregon reunion with another Oregonian friend teaching in Jeonju joining us. Hip, hip, HOOORAY!

Shannon and I, Sasquatch Music Festival 2008

The Flaming Lips, Sasquatch Musical Festival 2008

Seoul Lantern Festival: seoul, a source of beaming hope

A couple days ago my friend Jake and I visited the Seoul Lantern Festival along the Cheonggye River. The 15,000 lanterns (most made of paper) from 25 countries were quite the sight to see. If you're interested, it will be held until the 14th and is just off the City Hall subway exit number 4.

As I walked down the river, each lantern became my new favorite. They truly were captivating. My favorite part of the festival, though, was definitely the mini laser light show.


Seoul Lantern Festival 2010, South Korea from Lana Wright on Vimeo.
(Excited kid in the background=precious)

On a school related note, I totally have a student whose doppelganger is Velma Dinkley from the cartoon "Scooby-Doo." Today I showed her a picture of the Velma and she loved it. She, of course, giggled uncontrollably and said, "Thank you! I LOVE YOU! BELMA?" So sweet.

Mom, I miss you.

Mt. Bukhan, Seoul, Gyeonggi-do: hiking that would be banned in the U.S.

Yesterday was the Mt. Bukhan hike with my Climbing in Korea MeetUp group. When I first joined, I was very hesitant. Meeting large groups of people is always intimidating for me and then there was also the fear that they may be too advanced. My fears were quickly squashed when the leader and the regulars warmly welcomed me. This week, I was reunited with some of the pleasant individuals from last weeks hike, as well as introduced to other new and returning hikers. I see myself participating every weekend. At the end of the month, the leader, Mr. Kim, has offered to loan me some gear and teach me to rock climb. YES! I have always wanted to try. Then, next month we will be going zip lining. These trips offer opportunities that I would not otherwise be able to plan myself or direct myself to. And even more importantly, I am meeting like-minded people that always feel like friends by the end of the day.

It appears that in South Korea, it is easy to get sucked into the bar scene and tempted by constant drinking, as it is a popular pass time by both Koreans and foreigners alike. In the late night, you may spot businessmen passed out on benches, American military men causing a ruckus, and other foreigners just being plain loud and obnoxious. I don't mind some drinking. In fact, after my hike, I met two girlfriends from orientation in Itaewon for a few drinks, but it will never consume my time in South Korea and that is why I am so happy to have found this group that will get me out doing the things that I have traveled to Korea to do.

Now yesterdays hike was intense. In fact, I would hardly even call it hiking. More like rock climbing without gear and at a sliiiight angle. This hiking would never be supported in the U.S. Even if a "trail" such as this had been created in the past, it would be blocked off by now. The only way to have a similar experience in the U.S. would be to choose a mountain, find a deserted section and hike on up. It was absolutely amazing and 100% exhilarating. At higher points, there would be parts that one could look straight down a cliff on either side of them (at the same time) and then further up, you might be climbing up or down a rock at less than a 90 degree angle. I never felt unsafe, though, as people are very precautions and each step you take is carefully calculated. If you need help of any sort, there is always a hand readily available (literally, ready to help you up).


Mt. Bukhan Hike, Seoul, South Korea from Lana Wright on Vimeo.


Now I'm sore. Probably because I turn 25 this week. I'm already 26 Korean age, eeek.

Dreaming Korea

Lately, a large portion of my dreams take place in South Korea. It doesn't seem all that weird considering this is the place I see and experience on a daily basis, but it came as quite the shocker to me. The best thing would be if the language of my dreams was Korean, but that just isn't possible quite yet. Although, I did begin learning the Hangul consonants and vowels today.

I wont type too much because I'd prefer to simply post visuals of all that has been happening. It's certainly been a busy past couple weeks. Not photographed:

• Learning the game "Rock, scissors, paper," from students (same game, but slightly tweeked) + My students are totally opening up to me and so, we are all able to have a little fun while learning. In return I taught them high five, pound, explosion. They love it.
• Students beginning to recognize and talk to me outside of school throughout the city + Enough said.
• The bowing throughout the hallways disappearing and turning into "Lana, teacher, Lana!" :) + The bowing is very respectful, but it always feels like an end to the encounter.When they call me name, they are ready to talk. In the hallway is where I get to have casual conversations with them and really get to know who they are.
• Finding a place to purchase books written in English and discovering the book "Immortal Unicorn,"S. Beagle compiled by Peter + If you are looking for used books in English in Anyang, you can find them at Beomgye station. Sure they are mostly romance novels, but if you looks close enough, you will find something good. There must be better places for books, but I have not yet found them.
  
• Witnessing a man on the sidewalk that had been hit on his bike by a car - I stepped out of school and heard the yelling and the crash. After walking a block away from school, there the man way laying on the sidewalk. Just as I walked up, an ambulance arrived. Some of my nearby students hardly seemed phased and said that this happens all the time. I guess I'm not surprised because the driving situation around here is anything but safe.
• Being smooched (without consent) by native men on two different occasions - I don't think either of the incidents were dangerous, but it was definitely a wake up call. I feel really safe where I am, but I think I need to make sure that I am still setting boundaries when talking to strangers. And perhaps stay away from those that have drank to much soju.
• Being added to the Cool Messenger (similar to AIM) list at my school + Made me feel accepted.
• Learning to ride the subway + Now I can go ANYWHERE
• EATING tasty foods +
• Getting the computer back up and running +++ 

OK, so I typed a lot. Time for some pictures:

Ate Vietnamese food for dinner one night in
Pyeongchong. The Pho was absolutely amazing.

Came across the Anyang Festival. Here a young
girl sticking money to a donation board. Clever technique! 

At the festival, my friend Jake and I were offered a chance to try on
some traditional Korean clothing. We also signed something in Korean,
so I wouldn't be surprised if we spot ourselves on a bus somewhere...

Took a trip to Myeong-dong, Seoul in search of computer parts.
Can'twait to return for some shopping.

Also traveled to Yongsan, Seoul to explore the 9 story electronics i-Mall
and eat some lunch.

There was a yoga extravaganza taking place in the area. Wish I could
be a part.

Last night of the Anyang Festival- a whole lot of good music
and dancing.

That, of course, ended with fireworks.

Out with the new friend.

I asked him to surprise me with a new food and he ordered us
Beondegi (silkworm pupae). Even the Native Koreans that
I share this story with cringe, but it really was not bad.

I don't think there is such thing as a boring night in Beomgye.
When do people sleep?

Dear PC Bangs, Thanks for the assistance when my laptop was
out of service, but to be honest, I ABSOLUTELY DESPISE YOU.
FYI, Microsoft Word > World of Warcraft.

Sometimes when I am high above ground level in building,
I creep. This guy caught me. Oops!

A Sunny Day in Anyang

And the Birds Came Out to Play

Just when I thought the sun was gone for good, the thunder, lightening, rain and clouds gave way to a beautiful sunny day. Holiday break is quickly dwindling and so Jake and I decided to trek the Anyang-Seoul trail. We didn't figure we would make it all the way to Seoul (it's about 30 miles), but set out anyway. After enjoying the trail for about two hours, we passed by a man that encouraged us to travel off the trail and visit an art show. We looked for the show, but couldn't find it. Instead, we started seeing signs for Anyang Art Park, a popular park housing tons of beautiful artistic structures. We ate and walked to the park, which was very much worth the detour.

I really love this city because all you need to do is be willing to get out and explore and you are destined to find something exciting and more than likely, totally unexpected. The Anyang-Seoul trail is amazing. This is where all of the bikers and joggers are. I cannot wait to get my first pay check and also find a used bike shop. I will be joining them very soon.

White Heron Along the Trail

Hopping along Han River Stream Stones

Kids feed fish like they are ducks.

We pointed to two items (in Korean) on the menu and
this is what we got. Good technique.

Around the Art Park