Time for a new philosophy

During one of the mindless Facebook surfing sessions that I get sucked into, practically daily, I came across something rather profound.  The simplicity and layout of the diagram OBVIOUSLY appeals to my overly logical mind.  From now on I think that this is something I am going to apply to my life. Warning:  Don't get caught up in my feedback loop for too long ;)
Thanks to Christy for sharing this on Facebook.

Happy end of the week to you all :) 

Hookah in Seoul

Hubbly-bubbly, Hookah, shisha,물담배 (water cigarette), call it what you like I love them all.  Every now and again I get a craving to relax with good conversation, a drink and a bit of a pipe, but living in Seoul it's easier said than done.  Fret no more!! 
몽 (Mong), close to Konkuk University station (where line 2 and 7 meet)*,  is a little bohemian paradise where you can easily accomplish all of the above.  Tucked away in a backstreet this watering hole transports you to a magical new world.   


As you enter you are asked to take your shoes off, place them in a 'shoe-bag', and follow the waiter.  The seating areas are all cordoned off from each other and generously adorned with comfy cushions (and often quite bizarre ornaments).

Me and the shoe-bag

The hookah menu is quite sufficient although not limitless, and you are asked to pay for the shisha in advance.  Prices vary but hover around the              10 000won mark.
The cocktail menu on the other hand... :) 
I would suggest ordering any food as soon as you have made up your minds, as it took them an eternity to get fried potatoes to the table.  (The shisha itself too quiet some time to make its way to us too, but it was well worth the wait.)


Other than the aircon messing with my smoke rings I was pretty much in heaven. 
Happy relaxing to you all :)  


* Directions 
At Konkuk University station (건대입구역), take exit 2.  Walk down the alley next to Angel in us coffee shop (immediately as you walk out of the station make a hairpin turn).
Turn right, into the first main street and walk for about a block.  It will be on your left.

Entrance

The writings on the wall

Yesterday I was walking home after a long day's work, and I came across some graffiti on an old stone wall.  I am still not quite sure why I find this particular image so captivating, but I do.  I think it quite accurately describes the mood I was in when I happened to see it.

                      **I also like the cute little flowers creeping out of the wall.

(funny) Inappropriate signage

If you have spent any time in Korea whatsoever, you would know that it is a place rife with hilarious translations, ridiculous spelling and sometimes inappropriate signage.  All of this goes hand in hand with what is known as "Konglish"(a mixture of Korean and English within the same phrase, or sometimes even the same word).  For example:  'Thank you very kamsa' ( thank you very thanks).  Konglish seldom makes sense but often gets used along with frantic flapping of the arms and other weird body language to communicate effectively.

Last week I was walking around my neighbourhood and I came across the following restaurant/ coffee shop.  It had me giggling all the way home.

ROBOcock, the local hangout...

I will be keeping a lookout for more amusing signs to put out here for you all to see.

Save it for a rainy day

After a few months of frustration, due to some spontaneous spending and a lack of great savings,  I was very pleased to read the following headline; "Argentum Wealth Management Offers Financial Planning and Advice for Expats".  After reading the article I was even MORE pleased to know that the consult is free.If, like me, you need some help with stashing away your loot then follow this link...all the way to your riches.http://10mag.com/events/2012-06-argentum-financial-consulting-for-expats/
(Oh you should also know that the face to face meeting will be taking place from Tuesday the 26th of June to Friday the 29th of June.)
Have yourselves a happy dayx

The shocking reality, or so they say.

Ok, recently there has been so much talk and hype around a documentary style (Carte Blanche type of) report, broadcast by MBC.  The insert was titled "The shocking reality about the relationship with foreigners".  For those of you lucky enough not to have seen it yet, you may expose yourselves to some sub-par journalism at the following link,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsNHYYrvMrk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Here are my two cents, for what they're worth.
When I first saw the video clip I was very offended.  Merely because coming from a country where people have in the past been split up into groups (and occasionally still),  and get treated according to the group that you happen to fall into, this type of discrimination/racism/prejudice strikes a chord with me.  Sure, you will always have the people who are not going to accept a certain idea/movement/culture/people, and that will never change.  And people are entitled to their personal opinions.  With this I have no qualms.  I do, however, have a problem with a renowned national broadcasting company airing (and being allowed to air) such unadulterated hogwash.
I have since calmed down slightly and now just laugh at anybody who could possibly believe that all foreigners in Korea are in fact as described in the clip.  I am not for a second suggesting that the sub-group of the human race -'the dirty foreigner', that was depicted in the video clip, does not exist.  I am simply suggesting that it is a GROSS generalisation.
And if I say any more on this topic it would no longer be worth only two cents.

Feel free to watch the video clip and leave your comment.  And, if you are a foreigner (dirty or not) in Korea, take it with a pinch of salt. Otherwise sign the petition to get the head of MBC to make a formal apology. You can do that at the following site.
http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/An_apology_from_MBC_Korea_for_portraying_male_foreigners_as_predators_and_Korean_females_as_victims_ors/?fGOjhdb&pv=17

Much happiness to you all

Catch up

So seeing that it has been so long since I have posted anything I have decided to catch you all up on the highlights of my past year or so.

I had a front row seat to the mesmerizing Cirque du Soleil show.  





I discovered that I can't pull off the mustache look, but I might swallow my pride again this year in support of Movember.

I got the most adorable little puppy, named him Zach, and just keep on loving him more and more.

I had to say good bye to some awesome friends (but still have all the amazing memories...and embarrassing photos)

After one of the strangest interviews of my life, I am now lucky enough to be working at 경희고등학교.

My most beautiful little patty pan graced Korea with a visit from Taiwan, for a whirlwind of laughs and fun.

My lovely friends ,Mama-T and Papa-Morocco, tied the knot and then partied away the night! CONGRATS!

Before my new contract began I managed to sneak away to South Africa, to surprise the family and soak up some sun.

Shark cage diving with my little sis

Mama Nix had a beautiful, healthy baby girl...aren't you happy I bought those 'pee-sticks' for you??ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

Proud uncle Al with the gorgeous little Anna Sophia Kang...FGU for life!!

I got my little monster on, braved the masses and saw the AMAZING Lady Gaga, live!

At my new school I share an office with the PE teachers, not the English department, and now I play in the teachers' soccer team.

I <3 Mac

My beautiful sister (Cally) got engaged to her US boyfriend without my mom being able to explain the LABOLA system! Congrats Cal and Chad!

Last (long)weekend MyungWoo and I went to Busan for some fun in the sun.

Killing time on the ridiculously long and slow bus journey involved numerous rounds of Go-fish you bitch.

Yesterday, on our daily walk Zach and I had to wait at the train crossing.  He seems to be intrigued by the locomotive 




And now I believe that you are more-or-less up to speed in what is happening with Al in So-Ko.  

WOW~ It has been a while!

So after I don't even know how long I have (tentatively) decided to start up the blog again.
I am trying to wrap my head around how to fill you all in on what you have missed out on.
Watch this space~
x