Friday, May 29, 2009
N.K Nuke scare??
Just a quick little line letting everyone know what the situation is like over here. People, media, government don't really care much about the current nuclear testing going on in Bukhan (North Korea). They have put the troops on ready alert, but the entire country is more concerned with swine flu and the repercussions that will ensue from that. This last week, 12 new American teachers infected an entire school which has been quarantined and shut down temporarily until it is resolved. This is much bigger news than anything going on in Bukhan. Just a little blurb about the state of the union. Anyway, I'll talk more later and let you know how the Sand Festival and International Dance Festival go. Ciao!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Here Comes the Sun
After a predominantly rainy month, the weather has been clear for the past two weeks and the weather is a constant 75-80 degrees. Pura vida! It's been a bit windier than usual, now if only I had some time to go rent a windsurfer to take out (can't imagine anyone wanting to check that out though). The Sand Festival and the Busan International Dance Festival start this next Friday and the timing couldn't be better.
But I digress from why I wanted to write today, I was sitting in the bar tonight and thinking about all of the cultures that converge in this city as I am surrounded by a plethora of languages. Within fifteen feet of each other I can hear groups or couples from around the world conversing about any number of topics. There are the Korean and Japanese businessmen discussing the day, behind me I can hear the Germans and Norwegians in town for the climate change conference, a group of English teachers from America, England, Scotland and Australia are playing pool and off in a booth are a couple of Russian boat captains. This is not an unusual evening here, if I see an evening without five different languages being spoken I am extremely surprised. I wish I had picked up some of the ole Sven and Ole dialects because they sure would come in handy with quite a number of regular patrons, both Norwegians and Danes that frequent this establishment (sorry grandpas, I picked Russian).
People come here for so many different reasons, whether they are here on business or just vacationing, the reasons and philosophies never cease to amaze and amuse me. I was talking to a Canadian friend of mine today and he was telling me how he met this guy from NYC who came over primarily because he felt persecuted living in the states as a smoker and wanted to be in a place where it was socially acceptable. Another friend of mine, just moved back to Korea for the third time and is some high up officer within a shoe company that has its production based out of Korea and China. The main reasons people come to Korea are desire to travel and live in another culture, lack of jobs, relatively easy way to pay off student loans, or they are running from the law, like this guy I've heard about that is here teaching in order to not give alimony to his ex (that's not gonna turn out good).
That's about all I've got to say right now, I'm pretty tired and think I'm gonna turn in for the night. I hope everyone had a phenomenal Memorial Day and are enjoying the beautiful change in season over there as well. Until we chat again. Annyong.
~c
But I digress from why I wanted to write today, I was sitting in the bar tonight and thinking about all of the cultures that converge in this city as I am surrounded by a plethora of languages. Within fifteen feet of each other I can hear groups or couples from around the world conversing about any number of topics. There are the Korean and Japanese businessmen discussing the day, behind me I can hear the Germans and Norwegians in town for the climate change conference, a group of English teachers from America, England, Scotland and Australia are playing pool and off in a booth are a couple of Russian boat captains. This is not an unusual evening here, if I see an evening without five different languages being spoken I am extremely surprised. I wish I had picked up some of the ole Sven and Ole dialects because they sure would come in handy with quite a number of regular patrons, both Norwegians and Danes that frequent this establishment (sorry grandpas, I picked Russian).
People come here for so many different reasons, whether they are here on business or just vacationing, the reasons and philosophies never cease to amaze and amuse me. I was talking to a Canadian friend of mine today and he was telling me how he met this guy from NYC who came over primarily because he felt persecuted living in the states as a smoker and wanted to be in a place where it was socially acceptable. Another friend of mine, just moved back to Korea for the third time and is some high up officer within a shoe company that has its production based out of Korea and China. The main reasons people come to Korea are desire to travel and live in another culture, lack of jobs, relatively easy way to pay off student loans, or they are running from the law, like this guy I've heard about that is here teaching in order to not give alimony to his ex (that's not gonna turn out good).
That's about all I've got to say right now, I'm pretty tired and think I'm gonna turn in for the night. I hope everyone had a phenomenal Memorial Day and are enjoying the beautiful change in season over there as well. Until we chat again. Annyong.
~c
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Busan Summer Lineup
Since Busan is an international port city, there are always festivals of some sort happening here, with most of them occuring on or around Haeundae Beach, home sweet home. There are 21 international shows, 20 cultural events and hundreds of smaller festivals and sporting events through the year. The most popular festivals in Busan are The Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF), The Sea Festival, Rock Fest, The Fireworks Festival, and Jagalchi Sea Food Cultural Festival.
Although May is nearly over Busan Men's Open Tennis Championships and the 19th Arirang Yaching Championships are currently underway and at least one of them is enjoying the particularly windy weather that we've been having lately. Although its past, May 1-10 was the 6th Annual Busan International Performing Arts Festival (BIPAF)with plays from around the world including Russia, Germany, U.S., and many others. More information can be found at www.bipaf.org.
June starts off with a couple of fun festivals with the International Dance Festival which will be on a floating stage on Haeundae Beach. Check out more info at www.bidf.or.kr. Dad needs to make it over before June 5th to catch out the first Nakdong River Windsurfing Championships held on Eulsuk Island at the mouth of river. There is also a World Health Organization conference on Children's Health and Environment, the Mayor's Cup Canoeing Championship, a College Dragon Boat Racing Meet and the Jang-Bo Rowing Championships.
Once we hit July and summer kicks into overdrive so do the sports. July 3-10 are the first Busan International Surfing Championships and the 27th-29th are the World Women's Beach Volleyball Championships. Like most of these events they are free to the public. While the waves may not be the biggest, there is nothing like sitting on the beach and enjoying the beautiful weather and gorgeous view.
August brings us The Sea Festival and Rock Fest. Rock Fest brings us bands from around the world playing free shows on Dadaepo Beach for a weekend filled with free beer, fireworks and even a kiteboarding competition. Check out more info at www.rockfestival.co.kr. This year Rock Fest will be held during the weeklong Sea Festival from August 1-9. The events haven't been finalized yet, but last year there was a Guiness drinking competition, a magic show and competition, several fireworks shows, numerous sporting events(skateboarding, kiteboarding, boat races, and swimming), a two day hip-hop show, a dance festival and an ultimate frisbee tournament. They are held on Busan's five major beaches, yach clubs and hte Nakdong River. You can read more about this must see event at www.seafestival.co.kr.
Most of Busan's festivals are held during the summer and fall while the weather is the most favorable. Later on, I'll have to tell you about the Pusan International Film Festival and The Fireworks Festival, both of which draw tourists from around the world for these famed events. The Fireworks Festival makes any North American show look like child's play as there are more than 100,000 fireworks expoded during this festival. It is renowned throughout Asia and so popular that Japanese and Chinese tourists will book the hotels and all tours months in advance. If you want to learn more about what is going on in "Dynamic Busan", check out www.dynamicbusan.co.kr.
Hopefully, I won't be so busy with work that I get some time to take in most of these wonderful events, and maybe, just maybe it will help some of you plan your vacations to come over and visit me. I look forward to talking to you all again soon.
Although May is nearly over Busan Men's Open Tennis Championships and the 19th Arirang Yaching Championships are currently underway and at least one of them is enjoying the particularly windy weather that we've been having lately. Although its past, May 1-10 was the 6th Annual Busan International Performing Arts Festival (BIPAF)with plays from around the world including Russia, Germany, U.S., and many others. More information can be found at www.bipaf.org.
June starts off with a couple of fun festivals with the International Dance Festival which will be on a floating stage on Haeundae Beach. Check out more info at www.bidf.or.kr. Dad needs to make it over before June 5th to catch out the first Nakdong River Windsurfing Championships held on Eulsuk Island at the mouth of river. There is also a World Health Organization conference on Children's Health and Environment, the Mayor's Cup Canoeing Championship, a College Dragon Boat Racing Meet and the Jang-Bo Rowing Championships.
Once we hit July and summer kicks into overdrive so do the sports. July 3-10 are the first Busan International Surfing Championships and the 27th-29th are the World Women's Beach Volleyball Championships. Like most of these events they are free to the public. While the waves may not be the biggest, there is nothing like sitting on the beach and enjoying the beautiful weather and gorgeous view.
August brings us The Sea Festival and Rock Fest. Rock Fest brings us bands from around the world playing free shows on Dadaepo Beach for a weekend filled with free beer, fireworks and even a kiteboarding competition. Check out more info at www.rockfestival.co.kr. This year Rock Fest will be held during the weeklong Sea Festival from August 1-9. The events haven't been finalized yet, but last year there was a Guiness drinking competition, a magic show and competition, several fireworks shows, numerous sporting events(skateboarding, kiteboarding, boat races, and swimming), a two day hip-hop show, a dance festival and an ultimate frisbee tournament. They are held on Busan's five major beaches, yach clubs and hte Nakdong River. You can read more about this must see event at www.seafestival.co.kr.
Most of Busan's festivals are held during the summer and fall while the weather is the most favorable. Later on, I'll have to tell you about the Pusan International Film Festival and The Fireworks Festival, both of which draw tourists from around the world for these famed events. The Fireworks Festival makes any North American show look like child's play as there are more than 100,000 fireworks expoded during this festival. It is renowned throughout Asia and so popular that Japanese and Chinese tourists will book the hotels and all tours months in advance. If you want to learn more about what is going on in "Dynamic Busan", check out www.dynamicbusan.co.kr.
Hopefully, I won't be so busy with work that I get some time to take in most of these wonderful events, and maybe, just maybe it will help some of you plan your vacations to come over and visit me. I look forward to talking to you all again soon.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Bachata Rosa
Since my family can't be with me, I brought a piece of them to Korea as I introduced Busan to a little family favorite. Juan Luis Guerra and 4.40 made their debut at the bar today as well mom's favorite Luis Miguel ballad Sin Ti, my favorite play on words in a song. XOXO mommasita! Just thinking of everyone back home and hoping everyone is well. I'll drop a little more later, just wanted to drop a quick line now that I'm getting ready for bed. Talk to you soon.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Mmmm Mexican Food!!
So, I've been torn between giving Won Tae, our resident Mexican chef, suggestions on how to improve his food and make it more Arizonan or keeping them to myself for the inevitable day, a year from now of whenever it is, that he decides to open up his own restaurant again. But in the meantime, I am staying very happy and getting fat eating my daily dose of Rosarito refried beans. I'll have to send you some pictures, but I just wanted to drop a quick line and say hey! Thinking of you all as I sit under the full moon here.
And for those who won't read this until Sunday... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!
And for those who won't read this until Sunday... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Long Overdue
As I'm sure most of you know, I just spent a couple of great weeks back home seeing family and friends, I have a newed and inspired perspective. I intend to use my blog to make us close - bridge the gap, if you will - to share the fabulous experiences, people, places and events that make korea - and esp Busan Such an amazing place! Though I am far away, you are all very close in my heart and by sharing this place, hopefully you'll feel a little closer too!
Alot has happened in the past few months and my lack of blogging has been perhaps in efforts not to jinx the somewhat clandestine business that I have been trying to transact over here. At long last I have succeeded, thanks mom and dad, and I have become a business owner, in the unlikely field of the alcohol industry. I am now the proud co-owner of a bar. The paperwork was completed on Wednesday of this last week and we took over full ownership of the bar. It has been a hectic period of time during which we have had many battles we have fought and overcome. The most exciting news of the last week is that we have added a full Mexican menu to our repertoire, from which I am eating fajitas right now as I type this out. Anyway, I will keep in better touch as I get back on to a more regulated schedule... Jet lag is crazy especially when combined with an ugly cold. I miss you all and I will talk to you soon.
~c
P.s. - Pictures will be forthcoming
Alot has happened in the past few months and my lack of blogging has been perhaps in efforts not to jinx the somewhat clandestine business that I have been trying to transact over here. At long last I have succeeded, thanks mom and dad, and I have become a business owner, in the unlikely field of the alcohol industry. I am now the proud co-owner of a bar. The paperwork was completed on Wednesday of this last week and we took over full ownership of the bar. It has been a hectic period of time during which we have had many battles we have fought and overcome. The most exciting news of the last week is that we have added a full Mexican menu to our repertoire, from which I am eating fajitas right now as I type this out. Anyway, I will keep in better touch as I get back on to a more regulated schedule... Jet lag is crazy especially when combined with an ugly cold. I miss you all and I will talk to you soon.
~c
P.s. - Pictures will be forthcoming
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