Royals Prediction:

Another year, another gulp of the Royal Blue Kool-aid. And it tastes good this year. Do I think they'll win a division title? NO. Do I think they'll be fun to watch and be a spoiler? YEAH, BABY!!! (Austin Powers, not Dick Vitale)
Like everybody, I believe 2008 to be the year they step up, but we have to play through this year first. It's not like MLB 2007, where you can simulate a season and move on. I do not believe they will lose 100 games, but I have been wrong before. A lot. Especially when it comes to the Glass run Royals. This year is different. In Dayton, I trust. At least for now!!!

Looking back, Allard didn't do a bad job, at least in the scouting position players. And that's where that ends. His mismanagement on the Major League level was atrocious; his signing of pitching prospects, suspect; his signing of players to long term deals, a joke and who would have guessed Sweeney (or Swenie, as I like to really spell it) would be hurt for the rest of his career...it was a good signing at the time (29 HR, 144 RBI, what's not to like); signing Berroa to a long term deal, when Baird didn't have to be signed; and the long list of pitchers who came to KC to die. Baird did stock one of the cupboards and that was in the outfield, but I think he forgot about shortstop. Things will change with this new regime.

The following is my idea for the lineup. These choices are subject to change and if I am way off, I blame it on the dirty air in Seoul. If I am correct, I will attribute it to the wonderful air in Seoul.
I will miss the entire season, but I will be watching on MLB.TV and doing my best to stay abreast of our Kansas City Royals.

CF-DeJesus
2B-Grundzielanek (German for now)
RF-Teahan
DH-Sweeney, at least for Opening Day's 1st Inning, then put Brown at DH
1B-Shealy
3B-Gordon-you can move him and Brown back and forth, until Moore/Bell figures out what's best for Gordon
LF-Brown, until Sweeney gets hurt, then move Gload (Maybe Sanders, if he's not traded) to Left.
C-Buck, with LaRue at the ready
SS-Berroa, and hold your breath.

UTIL/Extra OF:
German
Gload
LaRue
Gonzalez--We will need a back up SS.


IF and that's a BIG IF, Gaithright can make the club, start him in CF, Move DeJesus to LF, Brown to DH and Sweeney to the Chapel.

What about the pitching and the bullpen/ Isn't it all based on Spring Training?
Tentative:
Starters
Meche
Hudson
Perez
Bannister
DeLaRosa

Bullpen
Soria
Gobble
Riske
Ray
Wellemeyer
Peralta
Dotel

that's 12 pitchers and 13 positions.

I have omitted Geinke and Butler , I think they will be in Omaha, but Greinke seems to be making a case for himself and DeLaRosa is pitching his way out of the Major Leagues, he'll probably clear waivers (Seriously, who would want him?) and end up in Omaha, too. Wellemeyer thought he wanted to start, yet, he too, hasn't proven himself worthy. Soria could be a starter, perhaps in place of DeLaRosa, but I think he should be in the pen to start. My co-worker (a big Royals' fan, too, thinks he should start in the rotation then, if he struggles, put him in the pen. I think not).

I will be attending many baseball games in Seoul, every weekend there are games. As you have read before, there are TWO teams who play at the same stadium, so the opportunity to catch a game every Saturday night and Sunday afternoon is there. The style of baseball is different, they platy small ball and the fences are closer, so I will give updates on how the season progresses.
BUT.

First and foremost: GO ROYALS!!!!!

"If the people prosper, how can the king not prosper with them?
And if the people do not prosper, how may the king prosper without them?"
-King Sejong, 4th Ruler of Choson Korea

1 March 1919

This is an important day in Korea.
It's a national holiday and all schools and government offices are closed.
It is a commemoration of an attempt to reclaim independence from the colonization laid forth by Japan.
Read about it HERE.
I inquired about it from several people, getting a few different answers, some saying it's Independence Day, some saying a 'Memorial' type day, others disputing both.
It an 'attempted' independence day and it's a day of remembrance for the people who perished in 1919.
The gist (and forgive me if I get the details wrong, one of the reasons I provided a link. This is for those of you who didn't click it):
The Koreans tired of Japan and laboring under their control and a couple of people set forth to write a 'Declaration of Independence' and many peaceful rallies were held, supporting the proclamation.
The Japanese, in their infinite wisdom, decided it wasn't for them to make such a claim. Many rallies were held and the Japanese took offense.
So, with this and many of the crowds not dispersing, they fired into the crowds.
7,500 people were massacred that day, many wounded, and an estimated 40,000 arrests were made.
Follow the link I provided and click the other links
please, there are some harrowing pictures, please view at your own discretion and please be present when children are viewing:

http://www.kimsoft.com/2004/Samil-2004.htm

http://www.kimsoft.com/2004/3-YuKwanSoon.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_independence_movement

Not all of the pictures are bad, but some may be considered 'graphic'.
They provide a much better explanation than I could ever hope to give.

I happened across a ceremony in Jongno-sam (3)gu today.
At this moment, I wished I was fluent in Hangul, for the ceremony was very moving, no matter what language you happen to speak.
It was in TapGol Park, a place I have been before and find to be very beautiful. I like going over there, especially on a Sunday afternoon. The park is packed with the older generations and it is their place. Singing, dancing, games, music, Soju, and a lot of other activities. It is very cool to be around, just to watch.
Today, it was for refection and remembrance.
In attendance were many older people, some dignitaries, and all of the branches of the military were represented. The military band played somber music, as well as The Korean National Anthem. A choir led the crowd in many songs, people bowing, and paying their respects. A monument was set up, with people's names being read off, as older people (I would guess them to be relatives of many of the survivors and deceased. See why I wish I was fluent?) laid flowers at the base of the monument, while the color guard handed them out and stood at attention. A 21-Gun salute preceded the events, sending chills up the spine, it would not be the last time it would happen. As the names were read, there wasn't a sound to be heard. Nothing. It sends chills up my spine and goose bumps on my body just thinking about it. It was beautiful. These are a very proud people and today it showed. I am glad I got to see this, it puts things into perspective.

The Koreans are a very proud people and they should be.
They have endured Chinese occupation, Japanese occupation, and a war, which affected everybody in this country. What we call 'A Police Action', devastated this country and as far as they are concerned, North and South Korea are still at war. A cease-fire stops any transgressions from either side.
That, and the presence of the United States Army.
The U.S. is wanted (by some) and needed (by all) to be here and insure the peace. Many believe when the United States leaves South Korea, it will open the door for the North. So it's not all that bad having our presence here, it provides a safe feeling for many South Koreans, which is worth it.

I may crack jokes and make outlandish stories about various happenings here and pick on certain groups, but I respect these people and their culture immensely. They will celebrate things, from the biggest to the smallest, Seoul seeming to be one large museum. Do they take it for granted? NO. The Koreans are quite aware of what has happened to their ancestors and celebrate the youth of this country, as to prevent them from forgetting. Their patriotism is very high, as it should be, in any country.
For example: They lost their first soldier, on foreign turf the other day. It was the first since The Vietnam War and it's big news here.
My heart goes out to these people and I now see why many foreigners choose to stay. Quirks aside, this is a pretty country and the people respect it VERY much.
As do I.

This will be a short entry, hopefully.
Maybe.
Probably.

First:
How many of you have seen "Die Hard"?
Not the second, third, fourth, fifth, the ORIGINAL?
Now.
How many of you remember the scene when the 'tank' comes up to Nakatomi Tower and the German 'Terrorists' are screwing the rocket launcher into the floor?
Well.
One of my favorite lines from that movie (and there are PLENTY) is from said scene.
One of the Germans screams, "I SEE HEEM!!! I SEE HEEM!!!!" And promptly blows the tank away.
The point:
"I SEE YOU!!! I SEE YOU!!!!"
I have added a site meter to the site, people. Last week.
I now know how many 'hits' this site actually gets.
I know where you're from:
Marco Island, Fla.---I know this person.
Omaha, NE---I know this person (probably too well) and there might be a few others, too.
Eden Prairie, MN---No clue.
Syracuse, NY---Are you using this on how NOT to write for Broadcast Journalism?
Chicago, IL---Dunno, but there is a lot of 'hits' from that area. Who knew Axton was so popular in the 'Windy City'?
Broomfield, CO---I didn't even know there was a town named that in Colorado.
Dallas, TX---I might know that person, maybe not. Could be a nursing home who uses it to put the residents to sleep.
San Diego, CA---Go to the dang beach, will ya?
Middletown, NJ---I think I know, but I am not sure. I hope it's not Pauly Walnuts.
Minneapolis, MN---Um, don't Minnesotans go outside in the winter?
Albuquerque,NM---I know YOU. I had to use spell check, though to spell it.
Fort Worth, TX---Hmmm, one of the better things to come out of Texas is I-35 NORTH. And The Chiefs (bless OUR hearts)
Valley Park, MO---Where in the name of all things holy, is THAT?
Lee's Summit, MO---HI, DYLAN!!!!! Uncle Sunday can't wait to see you!!!! HI, TIM!!!!!
Denver, CO---I might know, but then again, I might NOT know.
Urbandale, IA---I could make a lot of jokes about Urbandale, having grown up in the better suburb of Des Moines, WEST Des Moines. Although, it was a good short cut.
Riyadh, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia---My guess, an accidental 'hit'.
Herrington, KS---I have family there, of the same name, but not all of them.
Wichita, KS---I have adopted family there.....I wonder?
Frstenfeldbruck, Germany--Spellcheck couldn't help with that. Probably another mistake.
Malvern, AR--GO TO DAVE'S PIZZA AND SUBS IN SPRINGDALE!!!!!!
Overland Park, KS---My mom HAS to click here, I don't call enough. Sorry, Mama.
Kansas City, MO---A lot of 'hits' from there, I don't know who you are, though.
Now.
I also know what your internet provider is, too. Nothing more, though.
Just a fun way for me to find out IF anyone is visiting.
So , now you know. I know you're here.
I find it fun and I thought about keeping it a secret, but what's the fun in that?

A friend and I are heading to Incheon this weekend. It's the site of Korea's biggest Chinatown. It's the Lunar New Year. Seoullal, for those who are Korean dumb (like me).
It is also where Gen. Macarthur landed.
Now, I will, too.
God Save The Koreans.

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)

For those of you who thought this was going to be a daily journal of my life and what I see, I apologize.
I tend to look at the world a little different and have all of these thoughts racing through my mind.
So, I write these outlandish stories, with a *twinge* of truth. Mostly untrue, but they make me laugh.
If you have been offended, sorry about that.
If you have stopped your kids from reading, sorry about that, too.
So, gather the kiddies, it's a 'non-story' time.

Yesterday, the new teacher and I headed out for Jamsil. The COEX is there and it's one of the biggest shopping malls you are ever going to see. It's surrounded by hotels, department stores, and convention space. It's a pretty modern area, south of the Han River. On our way over there, we saw the sign for the Baseball Stadium, so we decided to get off the subway and check it out. The LG Twins and the Doosan Bears play there, it's a nice stadium from the outside. We were unable to go in, as it was Sunday and there was not anybody around. So, we head around it, seeing what else there was to it and what did we happen upon? The Olympic Stadium and complex. The 1988 Seoul Games were held there and it is an impressive set-up. The baseball stadium is in the front, with the main stadium directly behind it. To the left was the basketball arena and a multi-purpose building. Quite the scene, considering, we weren't even trying to get to there yesterday. The stadium looks more than 20 years old and from what we could see from the outside, the seats go straight up, there seems to be no incline. I am going to see about a tour and see for myself, but that will come at another time.
The pictures will posted on the web album soon, so hold your horses!!!!!!
So we head towards the COEX after spending a good hour around the stadium walking around. On our way we find Montana's, an alpine feeling bar right in the 'Uptown' area, or that's what two ladies told us when we were standing on the corner across from the COEX.
From there, we went to COEX and I am here to tell you, The Plaza, Town Center, and The Mall of America (NOT The Great Plains Mall (?)) have NOTHING on this place. It's underground and it blows all THREE combined, away.
Ladies.
You would loooooooooove it.
Guys.
A-V-O-I-D it.
I have never seen anything like it. It was crazy in there, people everywhere, going all different directions at once, signs leading to nowhere (or at least seemed to be) and food courts, every hundred feet.
You name it, they have it.
I did come across a pretty cool bookstore, Bandi & Lunis, but it did not have the 'feel' of a bookstore, too much activity, but it did have a good English section, so I will be going back, soon.
The best place I have been to, yet, was the computer area in Yangsul. It is a Microcenter/CompUSA/B.E.Tek/Circuit City/Best Buy all rolled into one HUGE market.
Inside, outside, below, above, beside, and across the street. If you cannot find it, you don't need it.
The prices are dirt cheap, but you have to shop around and compare, it's worth the time. And I didn't even make it across the street to see the E-Mart. This place was crazy for the do-it-yourselfers of the computer world, fans, motherboards, RAM (which i bought 2 Gig for less than $240), pirated software, pirated DVDs/CDs, and everything else under the sun.
If I was so inclined, I could build a tower for less than $200, but I don't want to.......maybe......NO!!!!
I have to be strong. There were a ton of sellers and buyers, there is nothing to compare it to in the USA. The closest thing would be a Flea Market and it still wouldn't explain it.
On Monday, I was introduced to Jongo 3(sam)-ga. An artsy area which is pretty cool. We went the back way in and it opened up in front of me and the site was comparable to Weston, only 50 times bigger and a heckuva lot cheaper. Paper is the big thing here, quality paper to wrap gifts in and hang on the wall.
Tuesday, I went to Gwanghwamun, as I was informed they have a pretty good bookstore. Yes, they do. For Koreans. Who knew so many books were in Korean or translated into Korean. The English section was small, but I found "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by Ernest Hemingway (former Crime reporter for The Star) and "Palm Sunday" by Kurt Vonnegut (yeah, I know, another Vonnegut book?? I love him, try him, you will too).
I am doing my best to take as many pictures as I can, before the battery runs down. I have drained it twice, so far, but never in a bad spot. I will be updating Seoul Shots, soon, I PROMISE. Too many pictures to upload, it is quite crazy. I look like a tourist and I feel like one at times.
Yes.
There are many signs, you should all know that by now. But I am trying to get Cityscapes and any other things interesting.
I will keep everyone updated as to my adventures and keep an eye out, I will be starting a new blog, which will consist of nothing but my far-fetched ramblings. If you want to read them, do. If not, DON'T.
The mailbag is coming soon, but not too soon, not too many of you ask questions.
Libby?
Alexis?
Emily?
Abbey?
Katie?
Mrs. Burns? (you e-mail and reply, I just wanted to put your name here to make you feel important. I know you feel bad, since my lousy Fantasy Football team kept yours out of the playoffs.)
I am calling some of you out.
Just drop a line and I will reply.
Just ask the inquisitive Bernie and Gramma Pat, it only takes a minute of your time and I actually reply.
Gramma Cathy, I will add you question to the next go 'round.
I would answer Grampa Ed's questions, but I am not even sure he knows I exist.
As for my 'blood' Gramma, she is blown away at the fact I put my pictures on the Internet.
I Love You, Gramma, I will see you soon.

HELLO, from Seoul.
Today was a big day for me. It started with me not being able to sleep. I was up too late and I am reading, The Count of Monte Cristo, I know, I know, I go to the East and I am reading a French Author. What can I say? So, anyway, I spent my time not being able to sleep, reading.
I woke up at a late time, 11:30, Seoul time. I can't even do that when I am in Kansas City. Then the cool things begin to happen:

• As some of you may know, I have Yahoo! Messenger. I am using it quite a bit, chatting with my girlfriend, Debby; my brother, Blair; and two of my closest friends, Gavin and Susie. I have chatted with Dylan, Zigs' son, as well. It keeps me close to home and I am able to relate my day and add my thoughts to the days' happenings in Kansas City and the U.S.A. for instance, the elections. I have never missed an election and this was first on the sidelines. I could have done an absentee ballot, but I ran out of time. I am pleased with some of the happenings, but I digress. I won't go into politics, because I don't want this blog to turn into something Arianna Huffington would link to.
  
• So, I am chatting with Gavin and he is watching the K-State-Texas game on ABC, I have the scoreboard up from ESPN and we are chatting about that and other things. When Susie gets home, I get to chat with her, too. Pretty cool if you ask me.
  
• Then my mom pops up on gmail and we are chatting. I forgot to add her to the e-mail list I got from everybody. SORRY MOM!!!!!!! She is telling me about her day, she, too, is watching the K-State-Texas game. So, I have multiple windows up and am chatting along.
• THEN my brother pops up in Yahoo! (if you want my screen name, e-mail me and I'll get it to you) and he is playing with his headset, trying to hook up so we can talk through the messenger. Next thing I know, I HEAR HIS VOICE!!!!! I about dropped. I haven't heard anyone's voice, yet, so I was blown away. I couldn't talk back, because dummy here didn't have a microphone ( I do now).
• Blair, then does the coolest thing. He calls my mom and puts her on speaker phone, it's kind of archaic, but HEY, whatever works. I get to hear my mom's voice.
  
• THEN. Blair calls Debby and does the SAME thing. I get to hear Debby's voice. I am overjoyed!!!!!! I get to hear her voice, but alas, she cannot hear mine. That changes tomorrow.
• While this is going on, the K-State game ends and Blair's phone is going nuts, I can hear it in the background. He then tells someone on the phone to speak up. It's my dad!!!! I get to hear his voice, too!!!!!
  
• So, I get to everyone in my families voice in one day!!! I was verklempt!!!! All in all it was pretty cool, thanks to Blair!!! Sorry for pushing you into the pool that time, Blair. I really am!!!

So I am flying pretty high and wanting to get my started (at 2:00 in the afternoon) and out I head. I go up around the bend from my place and have lunch. Deep-fried pork cutlet stuffed with cheese. (Pics to follow in a day or two). So I am out and about and I decide to give the subway a try. It's very daunting as there are 400 stops on the Seoul Subway. I had all intentions of heading to The Korean National Museum, but I get off the train at Iteawon. This is a huge shopping district, which has crap, crap, and more crap. The streets are packed with people and I head in one direction. Now, I have told some of you about the coffee here (they have coffee packets in the grocery. Packed with instant coffee and cream and sugar, not too good, not too bad, all you have to do is add hot water). It's pretty non-existent, there are coffee shops, but I haven't found one yet. The, out of the bastion of people there it is!!!!! Starbucks!!!!!!! I haven't had a good cup of coffee, well, a decent cup of coffee since I left. 130 Starbucks in and around Seoul and I hadn't found ONE. But, today was different. I went in and ordered the basic cup of coffee. My senses expanded, the touch of the hot liquid, my lips quivering, my legs shaking, my hair on end and it happened: The first taste. I could have died right then and there!!! I was having a cup of coffee.
Having my coffee in hand, I walk. There are street vendors selling everything from Jackass 2 to Black Dahlia, on DVD, to many leather goods, knock off Gucci and Louis Vitton, to every color of the rainbow New York Yankees hats, but no Royals hats!!!! I have been warned about the street vendors gouging you, so I kept my wallet in my pocket. However, I did not take any pictures. That will be for another day, when I go back, I was too overwhelmed by all of the people. ALL nationalities: Americans, Nigerians, Germans, Arabs, and many more. There were too many foreigners for me. Who would have thought I would find TOO many foreigners??? There is a large Nigerian sect here. they come for the jobs, showing up in their religious dress and a week later, they are all in Hip-Hop clothes, not wanting to go home---so I have been told. The shops ranged from Burger King (of which I was on a quest last weekend, but didn't find one), McDonald's, KFC (again), Dunkin' Donuts, Soul Train Clothing store, to Nike town, to a Reebok Store, to many other stores I can't even begin to describe!!!
But , NOW, I know where to go for my American tastes and it's only a $.80 subway ride.
From there, I walked to Yaksu station and wanted to find a microphone, so I could TALK to my people back home. I had a gentleman on the subway approach me and ask if I needed help. I was shocked, because the actual subway guy wouldn't even help, until I reached through the window and pulled him close, threatening his life every way imaginable--OK, not really, but that would have been funny. I was looking for a particular station, Singeumho, but got off at Geumho. Um, I wasn't sure where I was and I thought, "Great, long walk and I have to go down to the subway and get on again. Then I realized, I was at the corner where I ate my pizza with Corn and Pickles (there ya go, Susie), so I started to walk. I began to recognize my surroundings and found out I knew the neighborhood. What a relief!!!! I was a couple of miles, which is NOTHING in this town, from my school. I impress myself sometimes.
I stopped to buy some milk, bread, and bananas on my way to my apartment and here I sit. Relaying my day.
My review of the Seoul Subway:
Clean. VERY clean. Quiet. VERY quiet. It must go down 3 stories, with tracks on top of each other, going every which way possible. Once I get the hang of it, it will be a breeze. Today, I jumped in with both feet without testing the waters. Map in hand, I navigated my way to a new place in the city. Should I have gone farther, YES!! But that's for another day.
Iteawon:
Whoever visits, will be taken there, if not just to people watch.
Yaksu Station:
Amazing. Just amazing, just whe you don't think there's more stairs down, there is.
All-in-all, It was a good day!!!!!!!

Building I sat in front of to eat my pizza with corn and pickles.










The intersection where the bus and scooter brawled.










Ate lunch sitting near these two.











I hung out with this guy, too.











Right next door to the school.
And NO, I will not be eating there.















The steps to my place,
now do you see why I almost died?














The sidewalk I talked about:














My School:

OK.
I have made it five days and I haven't had a yearning for anything from home, except the obvious. My pictures are still loaded on my camera and they will be up, soon, I promise.
I have made some observations:
1.) I am out of shape and old. There is a lot of walking involved, as I haven't ventured to the subway or taken a cab. The steps to my apartment almost killed me last night. I had dinner with my fellow teachers and my boss.
2.) There are a lot of similar shops in the same block, selling the same stuff. I can't believe they all survive. There are a lot of little cafes and restaurants along my walk, it will take a year to try them all. But I will do my best.
3.) People don't use car seats for their children. With all of the traffic, you would think the parents would want to strap their kids in, but the don't. Numerous times I have seen youngsters on their mom's laps as the cars go blowing by me.
4.) Older people LOVE to say, "Hi!!" in English, then they giggle. I sat and watch the crowds with a couple of old guys the other day, they were funny.
5.) The pizza here is served with corn on it. Before you think that's gross, it's not too bad. AND they serve it with Bread and Butter style pickles. The sauce was similar to back home, but not like Waldo, that's for sure. Is Papa Keno's open at Gregory and Rockhill, yet? Darn good pie, if you ask me. also, there's a Pizza Hut right next to my school. and I have seen Papa John's scooters all over the place.
6.) Everyone is on their Hand phones. And they are E-X-P-E-N-S-I-V-E. So, no, y'all ain't getting any from me.
7.) All the kids where school uniforms and it makes the girls look like Gogo Yubari in "Kill Bill Vol. 1.".
8.) Scooters are everywhere. They keep prices down, because the haul everything from rugs and clothes to pizza and take out. They drive everywhere, sidewalks, back alleys, people's feet. Which takes me to another observation:
I saw my first accident the other day. It involved a
bus and a scooter. Guess who won? The bus was turning
left at the four-way intersection by the school, and it
had the green light, so it starts to turn. Out of NOWHERE,
a scooter comes flying through (he had the RED light) and
the bus slammed right into him. The guy goes flying off
scooter, his load staying intact. Bus driver gets out
to check on him and the guy stands up, shaking his head.
Meanwhile, traffic is backing up and people start honking.
So. The bus pulls over to the side of the road and makes
sure the Scooter Guy is O.K., he is. People are still
honking and trying to get around. The sound the bus made
was pretty funny and there were no squealing tires. All
I could do was laugh and I didn't get my camera out fast
enough.
9.) The city workers replacing the sidewalks, with molded green bricks no less, dress nicely. Meaning they wear a polo shirt or a buttoned-down, with slacks. Not like the KC workers who wear the uniform. AND they accomplish things. The sidewalk on my street was torn up and replaced in ONE day. And they are continuing to clean it and recheck their work. Try THAT Kansas City. Also, the sand underneath is covered by fabric, while they work on other parts of the sidewalk.
10.) Everybody drives Hyundais.
I have seen some Kias. i will not be getting behind the wheel here. I value my life too much.

Thanks to Alexa Cole for my journal. I write in it to help me remember what I have seen. Thanks to The Collins, for my pen to write in my journal, still can't read what I write, but at least the pen and pencil work. And thanks to Libby Frye, the Baby Ruth candy bars saved my life on the flight over to Tokyo.

Hello to all!!!
I sent out the mass e-mail and I got some e-mails back. Most of those were Hotmail accounts, MSN must not like my Korean server. So, if you know of someone who did not get the e-mail, pass it on, the rules stated in the first e-mail apply. We don't want someone receiving tons of SPAM in their inbox.
I am exploring more and more each time I step out my front door. Taking my adventures a few more blocks each time. It is a stacked city, meaning, everything is on top of everything else. Apartments above apartments, stores on top of stores, etcetera etcetera.
The sidewalks are covered with vendors selling everything from shoes to fruit to veggies to fish. Lots of fish, so if you don't like fish (Debby), you may have problems with the scents permeating the air. Within all of this is the traffic. No one yielding to anyone. Honking galore, and scooters blasting right by you, on the sidewalk. So much for walking around with my iPod, huh? Being alert has paid off, so far.
The smells coming out of the storefronts are amazing. I use storefronts, because they don't resemble the restaurants we know. There are some similar to The Plaza and Brookside, but more often, they look like Foo's (Sticky Hickey, anyone?), only smaller.
My first night, I was picked up by a young couple and they brought me to the school, where I will be teaching. From there, I went with the owner of the school to the bar around the corner to meet two other teachers. One is from southern Missouri. Go figure, huh? I go half-way around the world and have a few beers with a fellow Missourian.
That made the walk home, a little tough, as I found out, there a ton of steps getting to my apartment.
I will start teaching on the 7th of November, Don Pruessner (the owner and another fellow Missourian--WHAT IS IT ABOUT PEOPLE FROM MISSOURI IN KOREA???), has been gracious enough to let me get acclimated and explore before I step into a classroom.
More exploring to come today and I will probably go for a couple more beers tonight.
Feel free to post a comment or if that doesn't work, e-mail me and I will answer all questions (within reason, GAVIN!!!!)on the site.
I am starting to feel like Arianna Huffington with all this blogging!!! And there is more to come.