AndongFeb.26.11

Yesterday we had a great time on a field trip with the staff and family of DIS. We went to one of the oldest villages and temples in Korea. Our first stop on our field trip was to the cliff that stood on the other side of the rive from the main historical village. It was a great way to see everything at once. I got a great photo of a 600 year old tree. We tried to find it while walking around but missed it.
Our next stop was around the little village near the cliffs. There were a few homes there and some good photo ops. Tyson was begging to go down to the beach, but we were on a time limit. Maybe if we go there again we can spend more time in the sand.
Next we went to the village that we saw from the cliffs. Andong village is over 600 years old and is still thriving. It was a bit strange looking at houses that have stood the test of time, with a BMW parked in the driveway. Tyson got tired of walking around so I stuck him in my backpack straps and carried him around for a bit. One of my favorite photos from the day was Tyson and I inside this amazing tree we found on our walk. I wish I knew how old it was, but there were no signs near it. After we left the tree, we came to a place with huge swings and other fun things to do. I didn't participate in the balance-beam thing, but it was lots of fun watching everyone else. They had sticks with rubber arrows on the ends and you had to throw them into these vase looking things. I was so proud of myself that I got it in TWICE, in a row!!! After some more walking around and a quick stop at the little museum to show Queen Elizabeth's visit, we all piled back into the bus to enjoy a great lunch!! It was our Tyson and I's first time at a Korean BBQ and it was so good! Tyson enjoyed seeing the food cook on our table. I am proud to say that I ate my first entire meal with CHOPSTICKS!! I can't say that I am a pro by any means, but it was still fun.
After our lunch we went to our last stop of the day. We walked up quite a steep road to visit the oldest temple in Korea. The temple was build 1,400 years ago and is still in great condition. The paint has long since faded, but that only adds to the charm. I wish we could have stayed longer to get more photos, but if we were going to get back to DIS in time for supper we had to leave. I really hope if my family comes to visit next year, we can take them back here. Overall we all had a great time and I know I am looking forward to our next field trip with everyone.

Seomun Market

This past Saturday we all took a trip to Seomun Market. I have been wanting to go there for some time, but knew that it would take some time to get Tyson ready for everything he would see. I spend a long time talking about the difference between pet fish and eating fish, along with chickens, cows, pigs and other animals we might encounter while there. He was sad to know that there would be live animals waiting to be killed, but he seemed ready enough to go. I know that he needs to learn where his food comes from sooner or later, but this is still a really hard thing for a little boy who cries over dead bugs to see.
Anyway, the market was not as far away as I imagined. Only a short bus ride, a few stops on the subway and one change of trains. As soon as we came up the stairs from the subway, I could already see how crowded the streets were. I guess going on a Saturday was pushing it a bit. Because of the crowds, there was a lot of pushing and bumping, but for as many people as there were, I never once felt unsafe. Tyson was free to walk around, for the most part. I was more afraid of him wondering off and not being able to see him due to his size rather then someone actually walking off with him.

Here are a few pictures of our trip. I only wish I could even begin to show just how large this place was. We were there for well over 5 hours and never even saw half of it!He was making cinnamon and sugar pancakes. They were good, but I wish they came without the peanuts.It was the pancakes or boiled entrails. Doesn't that look yummy!!Tyson was still hungry and asked for a Waffle. I just love the little dragon ones!!unrefrigerated chicken anyone?Fresh Feet.REALLY fresh!YummThe lady that owned this booth slapped my hand right in the center of this octopus! Thank gooness for hand sanitizer!! I bought some dried pineapple and mango and it was SOOO good!!!SpicesLittle, smelly fishOr bugs if you likeTyson warm and happyCookie cart being made fresh right behind the stand.I am sure these would make any hunter jullisThese on the other hand, the dead frog skeletons, were just scary!

I really am excited about going back and seeing what else this amazing place has to offer. When I do, you can be sure there will be lost of new pictures for you to enjoy.

Valentine's Day vers White Day

So I found out some more information about Valentine's Day and White Day. I hope you enjoy.

In South Korea

White Day is also observed in South Korea with the men paying back women who have given them chocolate on Valentine's Day with candy instead of chocolate, with an additional later Black day observed for those sharing singleness.

Origin

White Day was first celebrated in 1978 in Japan. It was started by the National Confectionery Industry Association (全国飴菓子工業協同組合) as an "answer day" to Valentine's Day on the grounds that men should pay back the women who gave them chocolate and other gifts on Valentine's Day. In 1977, a Fukuoka-based confectionery company, Ishimura Manseido (石村萬盛堂), marketed marshmallows to men on March 14, calling it Marshmallow Day.

Soon thereafter, confectionery companies began marketing white chocolate . Now, men give both white and dark chocolate, as well as other edible and non-edible gifts, such as jewelry or objects of sentimental value, or white clothing like lingerie, to women from whom they received chocolate on Valentine's Day one month earlier. If the chocolate given to him was giri-choco, the man, likewise, may not be expressing actual romantic interest, but rather a social obligation .

I have always said it would be a cold day in He!! when Jeff remembered me on Valentine's Day and actually got me more than a last minuet card. Well, this year he remembered and it snowed all day. Hrm, guess I was right.