This is for Bernie.
He seems to be the only one who posts comments, so the rest of you are invited to read this 'Open Letter to Bernie'.
Bernie--
Thanks for the questions and popping up in Yahoo! Messenger to keep me abreast (hehe) on the KC sports scene. I value our time and I am glad you offer up Gramma Pat's 'Hellos' and 'kisses'.
All is well here, I have been out doing some major exploring. You see, Debby's nephew, Ben, has this school project and I volunteered to help him out. It's based on 'Flat Stanley' and it has proven to be a lot of fun. The gist of it is: Stanley is a child, who gets flattened one day and is sent through the mail to all of these cool places, sending pictures back to his family. The idea of the project is to make a 'Flat (insert name here)' and send him to friends, family, or take him everywhere and get pictures taken of him. Debby has done this for her other nephews and I came along during Ben's project. He went to Montreal, Burlington, Omaha, and has been a lot of places with Debby. So, I thought it would be cool to bring him to Seoul and have him see Korea. It's good for me, too, it gets me off my duff and I take him with me wherever I go. Today, I took him to the Olympic Stadium and the World Cup Stadium, we had a good time and he got to go on the field and see the inside of the the stadium.
I also took him to Dongdaemun and Handaemun and we had a pretty good time. He has met my students and they loved him. He will be coming to Hawai'i with all of us and he will see some pretty cool things there, too.
Oh, if you aren't Bernie, a group of us are going to Kauai next week I am flying in from Seoul to see Debby, Gavin, Susie, Stuckey, and Mike and Melissa Murphy. NONE of you are invited. I am racking up some serious miles with Northwest and I should have over 25,000 by the time I get back.
No, Pat, they won't be in kilometers, I will be Stateside and we don't subscribe to the 'Communist' way of measurement.
The subways, .80 a ride and a little 'transfer' fee sometimes, are proving to be a training ground for Offensive Tackles, Guards, and Running Backs. So, if you know someone (Reece) who will need training, send them here, first.
These people are nuts.
They love to walk against the grain of oncoming traffic. I watched a lady try to do it one day, cringing, bracing, and getting plowed into by other people. I mean, what does she expect? A couple of hundred people have just exited a train and they are running, pushing, tripping, and otherwise making sure they get to the next train or their exit. I find it very humorous. I do not initiate contact, but I cannot avoid it. If I tried, I would never get anywhere. So, if I get hit, I just keep moving, just like everyone else. I think another lady is still having headaches from my shoulder. She came around a corner as I was coming up to the last step and there was NO WAY I was falling back down those steps into a bastion of people. I would have been killed. I am sure those of you reading this (other than Bernie, but I'll never know) think I am bowling through Seoul's Subway looking for contact, but that is not the case. The Koreans are worse to each other in those circumstances, I am considered nice. But let's be honest, you have to look out for 'Number One' and in this case, that's ME.
I have seen some very cool things, met some cool people, other than Russians. Christmas Eve, Richard, another teacher, had a get together at his place. In attendance, was an artist who has worked on 'The Family Guy' and 'Futurama', I have pictures of her, which I am using as blackmail(she hates to have her picture taken). I promised not to post her picture on the web, if she drew a picture of Bender and Stewie for me. I haven't received those pictures, yet, so you may be seeing them soon.
Prior to the gathering, Chris, one of the other teachers (who teaches curse words) and I went looking for small gifts to bring to the party. We headed up to Dongdaemun, cited earlier. It's one of the world's oldest open markets. It dates back more than 500 years and it is a site to be seen. no words can do it justice. Think of The Plaza on Thanksgiving Night. Thinking? OK. Now quadruple that. Think of the size of the Plaza. Thinking? OK, multiply that times ten and it still doesn't qualify. If you cannot find what you're looking for, you don't need it.
Seriously.
They have everything you need, want, envy, or cherish. Multiple buildings. Some seven stories, crammed with inventory and people. Side-by-side, the buildings, that is. THEN, Dongdaemun Stadium has a covered Flea Market type area. It's like a trade show.
Every night.
Oh, and the area doesn't really start to jump until after midnight.
Namdaemun has another market, not as big, but the Flea Market idea applies. It, too, has operated for centuries. There is a place to buy American goods. I'll be back.
Namdaemun is near Seoul Station and City Hall. The City Hall area is pretty cool. One of the older palaces is located there and for 1.000 won ($1)you can go in and check it out. Pretty cool, considering the people who have been there. There's an ice-skating rink and another area of shopping. A lot of hotels are in that area. No, ice-skating was OUT OF THE QUESTION. there were well over a thousand people lacing their skates up as we walked through.
a cool area to have your picture taken was there, too. A lot of Christmas lights and decorations
Namdaemun is one of the gates in the city. You see, Seoul used to be walled in, but the Japanese took the liberty of tearing the walls down. There are a four gates in the city, Dongnimmun (EDIT: NOT a gate. Just a cool arch. Sorry to misinform, y'all), Dongdaemun, Jongno, and Namdaemun are just a few (-mun means gate). These are the Romanized names of these places and these names show up on maps and it sounds as though, the cater to the English speakers when putting the names down on paper.The architecture is amazing and the fact they are still standing, is a testament to the builders.
You have to consider the fact the Japanese, North Koreans, and Chinese have all invaded. The history here reads similar to Europe, only those of us in the US aren't exposed to it as much as European History. It's a shame, too, these citizens are proud of their history and they embrace it. I have butchered the history here, but it is the main idea.
As you can tell, I use Wikipedia as a reference. I find it to be pretty informative and it gives you outside links to help in any area and subject. Bookmark it, you will find yourself using it, if you aren't already. That goes for the rest of you eavesdroppers, too.
Today, I went back to Jongno and found myself entranced. It's another market. In a city of 23 million people, they all seem to survive. Jongno is the artsy area, a lot of jewelry stores (Debby, you will go nuts when you see it), crafts stores, and nick-nacks abound. I prefer it to any of the other markets, as it is less crowded (if that's possible) and there is a lot to see.
I have also been to Gangdum which has underground shopping. It's also a very upscale area. It is also the area where the shopping mall collapsed in the early 90's.. It has been torn down and high rise apartments have been put in it's place.
I am glad i will be here for a year. There is no way anyone could see everything in a week. We will try, Debby, but there will be some things you will miss. I have a list started, so you will get to see all of what I am talking about.
Axton wants me to tell you, he wants to add a story about what we have done to upset the balance over here, but this 'Blovel', as you so eloquently put it, has become long. He has set up another site, so we can do it there. It will be up and running, soon. His girlfriend, Alzena, will be part of those stories and I know she can't wait, either.
Well, Bernie, I am glad you have taken the time out to read this. I am glad you are enjoying my ramblings. It is also appreciated. The number of responses and people contacting me is low. Yes, I know there are people who reply by e-mail, I appreciate them, too, but I feel as though people are peeking through a window to watch me and not saying anything about it. I have been told by the few that reply to this, there are many reading this, Oh, well, I guess they can't take one more minute out of their day to say, "Hi!!"
It's funny, they take the time to read, but they won't write.
To those of you who have replied, and you know who you are, THANK YOU!!!
I don't feel so disconnected. I love seeing e-mails in my inbox and I enjoy replying to them.
Give my love to Gramma Pat and the rest of your brood!!!!
Sincerely,
Axton (and his personal secretary)
He seems to be the only one who posts comments, so the rest of you are invited to read this 'Open Letter to Bernie'.
Bernie--
Thanks for the questions and popping up in Yahoo! Messenger to keep me abreast (hehe) on the KC sports scene. I value our time and I am glad you offer up Gramma Pat's 'Hellos' and 'kisses'.
All is well here, I have been out doing some major exploring. You see, Debby's nephew, Ben, has this school project and I volunteered to help him out. It's based on 'Flat Stanley' and it has proven to be a lot of fun. The gist of it is: Stanley is a child, who gets flattened one day and is sent through the mail to all of these cool places, sending pictures back to his family. The idea of the project is to make a 'Flat (insert name here)' and send him to friends, family, or take him everywhere and get pictures taken of him. Debby has done this for her other nephews and I came along during Ben's project. He went to Montreal, Burlington, Omaha, and has been a lot of places with Debby. So, I thought it would be cool to bring him to Seoul and have him see Korea. It's good for me, too, it gets me off my duff and I take him with me wherever I go. Today, I took him to the Olympic Stadium and the World Cup Stadium, we had a good time and he got to go on the field and see the inside of the the stadium.
I also took him to Dongdaemun and Handaemun and we had a pretty good time. He has met my students and they loved him. He will be coming to Hawai'i with all of us and he will see some pretty cool things there, too.
Oh, if you aren't Bernie, a group of us are going to Kauai next week I am flying in from Seoul to see Debby, Gavin, Susie, Stuckey, and Mike and Melissa Murphy. NONE of you are invited. I am racking up some serious miles with Northwest and I should have over 25,000 by the time I get back.
No, Pat, they won't be in kilometers, I will be Stateside and we don't subscribe to the 'Communist' way of measurement.
The subways, .80 a ride and a little 'transfer' fee sometimes, are proving to be a training ground for Offensive Tackles, Guards, and Running Backs. So, if you know someone (Reece) who will need training, send them here, first.
These people are nuts.
They love to walk against the grain of oncoming traffic. I watched a lady try to do it one day, cringing, bracing, and getting plowed into by other people. I mean, what does she expect? A couple of hundred people have just exited a train and they are running, pushing, tripping, and otherwise making sure they get to the next train or their exit. I find it very humorous. I do not initiate contact, but I cannot avoid it. If I tried, I would never get anywhere. So, if I get hit, I just keep moving, just like everyone else. I think another lady is still having headaches from my shoulder. She came around a corner as I was coming up to the last step and there was NO WAY I was falling back down those steps into a bastion of people. I would have been killed. I am sure those of you reading this (other than Bernie, but I'll never know) think I am bowling through Seoul's Subway looking for contact, but that is not the case. The Koreans are worse to each other in those circumstances, I am considered nice. But let's be honest, you have to look out for 'Number One' and in this case, that's ME.
I have seen some very cool things, met some cool people, other than Russians. Christmas Eve, Richard, another teacher, had a get together at his place. In attendance, was an artist who has worked on 'The Family Guy' and 'Futurama', I have pictures of her, which I am using as blackmail(she hates to have her picture taken). I promised not to post her picture on the web, if she drew a picture of Bender and Stewie for me. I haven't received those pictures, yet, so you may be seeing them soon.
Prior to the gathering, Chris, one of the other teachers (who teaches curse words) and I went looking for small gifts to bring to the party. We headed up to Dongdaemun, cited earlier. It's one of the world's oldest open markets. It dates back more than 500 years and it is a site to be seen. no words can do it justice. Think of The Plaza on Thanksgiving Night. Thinking? OK. Now quadruple that. Think of the size of the Plaza. Thinking? OK, multiply that times ten and it still doesn't qualify. If you cannot find what you're looking for, you don't need it.
Seriously.
They have everything you need, want, envy, or cherish. Multiple buildings. Some seven stories, crammed with inventory and people. Side-by-side, the buildings, that is. THEN, Dongdaemun Stadium has a covered Flea Market type area. It's like a trade show.
Every night.
Oh, and the area doesn't really start to jump until after midnight.
Namdaemun has another market, not as big, but the Flea Market idea applies. It, too, has operated for centuries. There is a place to buy American goods. I'll be back.
Namdaemun is near Seoul Station and City Hall. The City Hall area is pretty cool. One of the older palaces is located there and for 1.000 won ($1)you can go in and check it out. Pretty cool, considering the people who have been there. There's an ice-skating rink and another area of shopping. A lot of hotels are in that area. No, ice-skating was OUT OF THE QUESTION. there were well over a thousand people lacing their skates up as we walked through.
a cool area to have your picture taken was there, too. A lot of Christmas lights and decorations
Namdaemun is one of the gates in the city. You see, Seoul used to be walled in, but the Japanese took the liberty of tearing the walls down. There are a four gates in the city, Dongnimmun (EDIT: NOT a gate. Just a cool arch. Sorry to misinform, y'all), Dongdaemun, Jongno, and Namdaemun are just a few (-mun means gate). These are the Romanized names of these places and these names show up on maps and it sounds as though, the cater to the English speakers when putting the names down on paper.The architecture is amazing and the fact they are still standing, is a testament to the builders.
You have to consider the fact the Japanese, North Koreans, and Chinese have all invaded. The history here reads similar to Europe, only those of us in the US aren't exposed to it as much as European History. It's a shame, too, these citizens are proud of their history and they embrace it. I have butchered the history here, but it is the main idea.
As you can tell, I use Wikipedia as a reference. I find it to be pretty informative and it gives you outside links to help in any area and subject. Bookmark it, you will find yourself using it, if you aren't already. That goes for the rest of you eavesdroppers, too.
Today, I went back to Jongno and found myself entranced. It's another market. In a city of 23 million people, they all seem to survive. Jongno is the artsy area, a lot of jewelry stores (Debby, you will go nuts when you see it), crafts stores, and nick-nacks abound. I prefer it to any of the other markets, as it is less crowded (if that's possible) and there is a lot to see.
I have also been to Gangdum which has underground shopping. It's also a very upscale area. It is also the area where the shopping mall collapsed in the early 90's.. It has been torn down and high rise apartments have been put in it's place.
I am glad i will be here for a year. There is no way anyone could see everything in a week. We will try, Debby, but there will be some things you will miss. I have a list started, so you will get to see all of what I am talking about.
Axton wants me to tell you, he wants to add a story about what we have done to upset the balance over here, but this 'Blovel', as you so eloquently put it, has become long. He has set up another site, so we can do it there. It will be up and running, soon. His girlfriend, Alzena, will be part of those stories and I know she can't wait, either.
Well, Bernie, I am glad you have taken the time out to read this. I am glad you are enjoying my ramblings. It is also appreciated. The number of responses and people contacting me is low. Yes, I know there are people who reply by e-mail, I appreciate them, too, but I feel as though people are peeking through a window to watch me and not saying anything about it. I have been told by the few that reply to this, there are many reading this, Oh, well, I guess they can't take one more minute out of their day to say, "Hi!!"
It's funny, they take the time to read, but they won't write.
To those of you who have replied, and you know who you are, THANK YOU!!!
I don't feel so disconnected. I love seeing e-mails in my inbox and I enjoy replying to them.
Give my love to Gramma Pat and the rest of your brood!!!!
Sincerely,
Axton (and his personal secretary)
Labels: A Few Thoughts
posted by Axton & friends | 1/14/2007 08:29:00 PM
8 Comments:
Alright, Bradley, er, Axton, I'll post some questions. After looking through your pictures, I have some querries:
1. Is it just me or is Flat Ben like a rock star? He's so cool.
2. What is up with the monkey on the Beer & Coffee Whiskey sign?
3. What goes on in the Grass and Field Experiencing Room?
4. What constitues American Sushi?
5. It looks cold there, is it? You know where it's not cold? Kauai.
I think those are all of my current questions, but it would be nice if you could list some of the things I LET you do on that last trip to Hawaii. You make me sound like a real kill-joy. Like, remember when I let you eat 108 shrimp? Remember when I was encouraging you to sacrifice a chicken so Gavin could get over his "phobia?"
Let's see what kind of trouble we can get into this time...
See you Saturday!
You're right, perfect description...I feel like I've been a dirty old man peeking through a window at your blogging, and while I have been getting my kicks eavesdropping I could atleast leave you a piece of candy on the window sill.
The Flat Ben travels are amusing and will certainly elevate him in social ranking among his classmates, although I was under the impression you hated all that is Cornhusker. I have to assume walls come tumbling down when love invades. The day you start dancing around in your underwear to Linda Ronstadt I will know the transformation is complete.
Observations from your latest photo album:
Your students look adorable and do not appear to be frightened by you.
They all seem to be dressed in pastel colors in an attempt to resemble Easter eggs.
That Taco Chili Chili burrito thing looks really really good.
Even in Seoul, the number for Pizza Hut has a bunch of 8's in it.
The nice man on the bus holding Flat Ben appears to have a germ phobia yet is not afraid to interact with you.
The soccer team photo only serves to further perpetuate soccer player stereotypes. Cough Cough.
1800cc of beer. I don't know how much that is but that's what I would order.
The very first pic, which must have been your dinner that evening and has to be either squid or octopus, at first looked like the tail of an Alien face sucker.
When you go out with someone and have your camera you should have them take more photos with you in them!
That's all my friend, have fun in Hawai'i, keep blogging and I promise to write more here...
Jason-
You are one of the few to post comments and reply to my e-mailing list and you chat with me on Yahoo!
I knew some of the people who reply would let me know they DO reply.
You, sir ARE one of those people.
I KNOW those people and you are one of them.
Susie-
I added an EDIT. Please refer to the Mailbag, Part Deux.
I enjoy your blog, Bradley, when I have time, or remember to read it.
I really think it is cool that you are living in Korea and teaching. I always wanted to live in another country for a period of time. I almost got to in 2000!
I would love to go the flea markets there, I bet it's better than the ones in Kansas!
You have fun in Hawaii and BECAREFUL! (I say that to all my kids and grandkids, ask Gavin)
"Grandma Cathy"
Geez, Louise, Brad. Would you like a little bread and cheese with your whine??? :) I just now figured out how to post a comment, okay? So here's my comment: I actually was just thinking about you the other day, when we got lots of snow and ice, and I wondered what the weather is like there. I have literally no idea what parallel or whatever Korea is situated on, as I flunked geography twice in college (I forgot to go to class, believe it or not). Soooo, is it winter there? Looks like it from your photos. And thanks for the photos! Seems as if the people there are pretty friendly. And aren't your little students just the cutest??
So there. I'll send you more comments now that I know how to do it. In the meantime, have a fun in Hawaii!!
Veronica
Okay, I tried to post a comment. Did you get it? I am so computer illiterate. I feel like the unfrozen cave(wo)man paralegal. "What is this picture here that keeps changing? What are these buttons with the strange markings? I do not understand your modern world with its strange beeps and clicks. I am just a humble woman, unfrozen by your scientists after falling while trying to pick berries, thousands of years ago...."
Brad,
We don't want to get in trouble so we are commenting.
First, thanks for providing us with an entertaining read. You always manage to update your blog when I really need a laugh.
Second, update more often. We eagerly wait for each installment. And, keep picking on mom. She likes it.
Here are a couple of questions for you:
1. You said that you teach adults too. Where are there pictures?
2. The classroom doesn't look much bigger than your apartment. Is the classroom really that small? And cold? All of the kids seemed to be in their winter coats.
3. How cold does it get there? Probably not as cold as it has been here lately.
4. What was Xmas like? Is it celebrated there like it is in the states?
Enjoy Hawaii. Those of us freezing our you know whats off will be jealous. You can send the warm air this way for us.
Take care and update soon. We look forward to them.
Love,
Jennifer and Ken
Axton:
From the gist of the responses on your blog, it appears that you have additional photo work available for viewing. Is this true? Could you please post the URL for accessing this latest group of pictures? Did sacrificing the chicken work at all? You might also try to sacrifice some peas. Those seem to be a problem, too.
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