Thursday, May 24, 2012
melody of magic
Korean Emoticons
Living in Korea you meet Korean people who will text you and facebook you. You read Korean websites and see Korean everywhere so it kind of comes in handy to know what on earth the meaning of the emoticons are.
I personally think they are spectacular and superior to the western emoticons. Maybe this is because I like cute things, so here is a quick key to the main ones used.
(^_^) = smile
(^o^) = laughing out loud
d(^_^)b = thumbs up (not ears)
(T_T) = sad (it's a crying face)
(-.-)Zzz = sleeping
(Z.Z) = sleepy person
\(^_^)/ = cheers, hurrah
(*^^*) = shyness
(-_-); = sweating (as in ashamed)
(^_^);; = sorry! my mistake
(?_?) = nonsense, I don't know
(^_~) = wink
(o.O) = surprise
-(O_O)- = shocked
v(^_^)v = victory
(>^_^)> = hugging
(>^_^)> <(^_^<) = hugging each other
ㅅ or ㅗ = middle finger
>))))'> = a fish
>))))'><'((((< = kissing fish
<')++++< = a fish bone
Vm~ = a fox
() () = a rabbit
(^.^)
(^(oo)^) = a pig
('v')
(( )) = a bird
-"-"-
()()() ()()()
(-(-(-.-)-)-) = rabbit gang
= = = = :} = a snake
@}-;--`-- = a rose
>(/////)< = a candy
=]::::::> = a sword
---E = a fork
______|\____\o/_____ = Shark attack.
||||||////////////////### = Cigarette break
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Used to make a statement more friendly, especially at the end of conversation.
MY FAVOURITE
OTL or ORZ = FML
Shape of a person fallen on the floor in representation of a failure or mistake.
(O - head, T - torso and arms, L - legs)
요TL = someone in a similar position throwing up
I personally think they are spectacular and superior to the western emoticons. Maybe this is because I like cute things, so here is a quick key to the main ones used.
(^_^) = smile
(^o^) = laughing out loud
d(^_^)b = thumbs up (not ears)
(T_T) = sad (it's a crying face)
(-.-)Zzz = sleeping
(Z.Z) = sleepy person
\(^_^)/ = cheers, hurrah
(*^^*) = shyness
(-_-); = sweating (as in ashamed)
(^_^);; = sorry! my mistake
(?_?) = nonsense, I don't know
(^_~) = wink
(o.O) = surprise
-(O_O)- = shocked
v(^_^)v = victory
(>^_^)> = hugging
(>^_^)> <(^_^<) = hugging each other
ㅅ or ㅗ = middle finger
>))))'> = a fish
>))))'><'((((< = kissing fish
<')++++< = a fish bone
Vm~ = a fox
() () = a rabbit
(^.^)
(^(oo)^) = a pig
('v')
(( )) = a bird
-"-"-
()()() ()()()
(-(-(-.-)-)-) = rabbit gang
= = = = :} = a snake
@}-;--`-- = a rose
>(/////)< = a candy
=]::::::> = a sword
---E = a fork
______|\____\o/_____ = Shark attack.
||||||////////////////### = Cigarette break
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Used to make a statement more friendly, especially at the end of conversation.
MY FAVOURITE
OTL or ORZ = FML
Shape of a person fallen on the floor in representation of a failure or mistake.
(O - head, T - torso and arms, L - legs)
요TL = someone in a similar position throwing up
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Thinking about moving to Korea?
You must check out this brand new website
http://www.thearrivalstore.com/
When abroad, some things are difficult - or simply impossible! - to find. We work with hundreds of teachers every year to make sure that the "must haves" are easily accessible. These are the "must haves," according to our teachers and friends currently living in Korea. Sure, with a lot of time, energy and money, youmight be able to track them down. But why sweat the small stuff? Have the following items waiting in a consolidated package upon your arrival, and turn what has been an aggravating transition for most people into a pleasant transition for you!
If only this had been around when I was making the move!!!!!
http://www.thearrivalstore.com/
When abroad, some things are difficult - or simply impossible! - to find. We work with hundreds of teachers every year to make sure that the "must haves" are easily accessible. These are the "must haves," according to our teachers and friends currently living in Korea. Sure, with a lot of time, energy and money, youmight be able to track them down. But why sweat the small stuff? Have the following items waiting in a consolidated package upon your arrival, and turn what has been an aggravating transition for most people into a pleasant transition for you!
If only this had been around when I was making the move!!!!!
To put your trust in someone you will never see again
Visited Techno mart again today and it was just as spectacular as the last time. We took a lift up to the top and gorged on burgers and fries before we attempted to find what we were looking for in the 8 stories of shops selling technology. The restaurant we went to was called Popeyes and the fries were amazing, they were coated in a cajun seasoning and went well with the juicy burger. I still do not know what exactly the meat in my burger was but it was good so I don't really care. I've stopped questioning what I am eating and just enjoy the flavours hoping it is not something too foul.
I ordered a set (combo) with an iced tea (my new obsession) and got a soft drink as well. Turns out I paid for an extra drink. That's the trouble with not being able to speak Korean but it is just something I have got used to.
Before our shopping adventure we went out onto the roof top to take in the incredible view of our new home town.
Breathtaking!
Kiwis on top of the world
After exploring for a while Robert found what he was after and we went on a search to locate a new battery and charger for my camera which has been out of action for far too long. Not such an easy task in a building that has a total of more than 2,000 electronic stores under one roof. We went to the floor dedicated to cameras and I went to the first counter that had a Panasonic sign visible. I passed over my battery and charger and the shop owner had quite a good grasp of English and was able to understand what I wanted. After a few minutes of him calling various other stores he told me there were none in stock but there would be a delivery in 2 days. Disappointed I said "ok, thank you I will come back" he quickly responded with "No I will send it to your house in 2 days." How's that for service. So I handed over the cash, gave him my address and walked away with his business card. "Um, Rob what just happened there? Do you think I just lost my money?" We both shrugged and had a laugh. I guess I will just see if my package arrives on Tuesday!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Bong's Noodles
Today was a day dedicated to rest and I didn't want to go far for dinner. I noticed that this place opened up yesterday so I decided to give it a try. It is a small dinky little noodle bar and was really good.
The only menu available was in Korean so I pointed to the first optioin and hoped that I would like it
I did like it. It was noodles in a vegetable broth and the guy indicated that I should mix the kimchi into the broth. It was great, very light and refreshing and for less then $3.50 I will be coming back here.
Tonight I am going to try my best at translating the menu so that next time I can say what I would like. Wish me luck
The sights I see
After leaving the bulgolgi Restaurant we went for a stroll through the alleys of the French District and came across this site. I have seen clothes for dogs, even shoes but never in my life have I seen or heard about doggie diapers and this seriously made me feel all weird inside.
Video courtesy of Noe http://www.no-kancho.net/ check him out.
Music that speaks to me #2
Life sure hasn't gone to plan, but for this I am great full, I will set out on my way and take one day at a time.
"Our Story (One Day At A Time)"
♫♫♫
So it didn't go to plan
It's hard to understand
But now I know this is just our story
I will set out on my way
You're never in one place
And now I can learn to walk before we,
Run away to the sin,
It's just me
It's just you
One day at a time
When nothing's for sure
We can throw the past away now
Cause we don't need it anymore
One day at a time
Cause I still believe that it's ours for the taking
I know that we can make it one day
At a time
Yeah, we hear it from our friends
They tell us how this ends
But they don't know this is not their story
I know we will find a way
We're gonna be okay
Cause I'm here
You don't need to worry
Now all we should be
Is just you and me
One day at a time
When nothings for sure
We can throw the past away
Cause we don't need it anymore
One day at a time
Cause I still believe that it's ours for the taking
And I know that we can make it
One day, One day at a time
We'll flee the memories like the dark, the in between
I want everything
And love I know will carry us
With you I'll always have enough
We'll work together through this life
One day at a time
So It didn't go to plan
It's hard to understand
But now I know this is just our story
One day at a time
When nothings for sure
We can throw the past away now
Cause we don't need it anymore
We've got the rest of our lives
and I still believe that it's ours for the taking
and I know we're gonna make it
one day, one day at a time
one day at a time
It's hard to understand
But now I know this is just our story
I will set out on my way
You're never in one place
And now I can learn to walk before we,
Run away to the sin,
It's just me
It's just you
One day at a time
When nothing's for sure
We can throw the past away now
Cause we don't need it anymore
One day at a time
Cause I still believe that it's ours for the taking
I know that we can make it one day
At a time
Yeah, we hear it from our friends
They tell us how this ends
But they don't know this is not their story
I know we will find a way
We're gonna be okay
Cause I'm here
You don't need to worry
Now all we should be
Is just you and me
One day at a time
When nothings for sure
We can throw the past away
Cause we don't need it anymore
One day at a time
Cause I still believe that it's ours for the taking
And I know that we can make it
One day, One day at a time
We'll flee the memories like the dark, the in between
I want everything
And love I know will carry us
With you I'll always have enough
We'll work together through this life
One day at a time
So It didn't go to plan
It's hard to understand
But now I know this is just our story
One day at a time
When nothings for sure
We can throw the past away now
Cause we don't need it anymore
We've got the rest of our lives
and I still believe that it's ours for the taking
and I know we're gonna make it
one day, one day at a time
one day at a time
♫♫♫
Food Glorious Food
Yesterday I set off to meet up with a friend and to grab
some Bulgolgi for dinner in the French District of Seoul. I never imagined that
the night would turn out to be as magical as it did and it reminded me to
appreciate the little things. Finding myself fully immersed in the culture and
history of this crazy land of Seoul did wonders for the Seoul.
The group I went with are seriously into their food and I
later found out that one has his own Food App available on I tunes and the
other has his own website where he video blogs about all the food he tries and
all that he experiences in Korea.
I want to give both of these guys credit because I think
they are both amazing people and so passionate about their work. I also am
overwhelmed with the number of brilliant people that I am meeting while
travelling around, this is living the dream.
K food is available through
This is a beautiful app which shows you how to prepare and enjoy
Korean Cuisine. Recipes and methods are
shown through magnificent HD videos and photos.
Noe’s website is
Noe, the sole creator of this blog inspires me to see more
of this country. His video blogs are both informative and funny and I found myself
getting lost in his videos for most of this morning. I invite you all to check
out his work and soon I will publish his video of this night. Yep as Noe said “I’m
going to be famous on you tube.”
The Restaurant we went to was called Seorae
Bulgogi 서래 불고기 From what I understand from the conversation last night,
this Restaurant is one a kind and serves two varieties of Bulgogi, which is
simply thin cuts of beef marinated in a variety of spices and herbs.
Photo courtesy of Noe http://www.no-kancho.net/
The food was amazing . We tried the two types of bulgogi,
one that was grilled over an open flame see left and the other which is Seoul
style that was cooked over an inverted metal dish on top of coals. We also had
a dish of Yuk Hoe (the middle bowl with the radish and cucumbers) which is a
seasoned raw beef dish, I guess it is similar
to what we would call tartare. On the table were a selection of side dishes
that complimented the meat. The lettuce and perilla ( thanks Julia for
repeating that name over and over so that I finally remembered it ) leaves are
used to wrap up the meat , noodles , veges and sauces to be eaten as one. The
green peppers are dipped in the sauces and eaten as is. The black bowl to the
right is ox blood soup. This is the only dish that I didn’t try as it was just congealed
pieces of blood in a broth. Noe tried it and said it tasted like old pennies. I
had to get him to explain this to me and realised he was referring to old copper
coins. On the grill next to the bulgogi you can see a sliced mushroom, I
noticed that it has been stamped with some kind of mark and found out that it
was the name of the restaurant scorched into the flesh of the mushroom. I
thought this was really a really neat and unique idea.
All of this was washed down with Makgeolli and cider. Makgeolli
is a Korean rice wine and cider is actually what they call lemonade here! I
know it’s weird when I heard we were having cider I got all excited until I
remembered that cider is not that magical crisp alcoholic drink that we have at
home. So the Makgeolli and cider are mixed together in a tall teapot with a
long spout and is poured into cute little wooden bowls. It was fantastic to cheers this local drink
with new friends over a magnificent feast.
Music that speaks to me #1
Music has
become my savior as I continue on this journey through the unknown.
When I find myself over thinking things or stressing or becoming obsessed
with an idea I turn to music.
Lately I have been exploring new radio
stations, new albums and listening to songs that I never even knew existed. I
am going to share a few of these songs with you as I know that the lyrics of
these songs will be meaning full to others just as they are to me.
I feel that music can be interpreted how ever the person who is listening feels. For me the main thing is the lyrics (even just a part of the lyrics).
This song speaks to me
“The Sudden Passion (Everybody
wants somethin)”
♫♫♫
everybody
wants somethin
this i
know for sure
everybody
wants somethin
i just want a little more
i dont do it for the fame, no
and i dont do it for the kids
and i dont do it for the money
cause you know i aint gettin paid shit
get in the van i'll take you there
to the roads that i declare my own
my home is between point a and b
no days off and no sick pay
hungover but im on my way
gotta get the guarantee so i can eat
everybody's
feelin somethin
and
everyone's had their heart broke
and in a world of 7 billion
you'll sometimes still feel all alone
you and can blame it on your sign, doll,
now can't you?
or your god who's so divine
i dont believe in much of nothin
you take the stars i'll take real life
i'll be home on tuesday night
tonight im up here on stage right
a bottle and a mic up in my face
dont get me wrong im having fun
this is me, old, or young
i cant escape, i cant escape i'm free
keep
up
slow
down
take it back
say what you want
keep up
slow down
take it back
just dont give up
everybody
wants somethin
this i
know for sure
everybody wants somethin
i just want a little more
everybody wants somethin
this i know for sure
everybody wants somethin
i just want a little more
♫♫♫
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Damn girl your'e getting old
So I'm officially 26 but in Korea I am 27 ahhhhhhhhhhh!
Beautiful card from Mum and Paul
Presents! Got this package over a week ago and was so hard keeping it wrapped up till now. But it was worth the wait! Thank you
Designer head band from Boss!
Awesome cupcakes from my work mate Betty! I had to eat the teddy bear today it was sooooo good.
Present from my fav student Sean. He was so cute, the whole class I could see he was eager to say something and then after I finished he raced to his bag to pull out this. He said Happy Birthday Teacher Sam I Love you!!!!!!
Every single one of my students gave me a bear hug and a kiss on the check it was great. I love them all.
My work mate Samina. Today she told me I was her first white friend and she was very happy.
Ice cream cake from the boss
Seafood Pizza with kumara stuffed crust
New York Classic pizza
Best ice cream cake ever
I still can't believe how much these tiny girls can eat.
They thought this pose was hilarious
The end.
Thank you too all my family and friends who wished me a happy birthday xxxxx
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