I don't know how the days and weeks go by so quickly. I have these great intentions to keep updating this blog, yet I have continued to disappoint myself because, besides the 'time-to-update-people' part of me, I ask "Is this randomness blog-worthy?"
As such, I have to confess to my (few) readers and come to grips with my 'blogging' experience. Future entries probably won't be as culturally interesting as I had initially endured in my first few weeks. Now, I'm re-approaching this blog as a Document of My Journey--well, some of the journey. In other words, I'm permitting myself to write about silly things like squid-flavored Cheetos and GIVE ME FIVE with my Kindergartners.
The summer is here and the humidity from being surrounded by water is also creeping alongside it. Three months in and only two months until our big week-long vacation. Mongolia is a for-sure go. The ticket has been purchased and now I spend an embarrassing amount of hours Googling ger camps, tour highlights and learning about their food--which consists of milk and cheese...(if you don't know me too well, I don't like either of those). It's not the typical TOURIST country, and for the most part, the people I talk to say that we should know what we're doing when we arrive. (Can I hear a shout out for the trusty 'ol Lonely Planet?) Granted, it is the "land of the nomads" and they don't boast of grandeur transportation, but exploring is in my blood. As great as it would be to see the Gobi desert and climb sand dunes for a day, I fear we may not have the time--but my fingers are crossed for it. Currently, there are five people going (Lauren, Collin, Scott, Lindsey, and me). Lauren and Lindsey don't get Monday off of school, so we will leave on Tuesday. I'm going to be scouting out for camel rides and some of their clothing, which looks like a sheet hanging from the shoulders and tightened with a belt around the waist....such style!
In my readings, I have found that the Mongols are very hospitable people and if we can spend time with them, it will MAKE the trip rich in remembrance. It is a country home to a history of nomadic empires, dynasties and influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Not until post WWII did Mongolia, really gain international recognition and hold de-facto independence. Similar to the Soviet politics of the time, Mongolia had been influenced by its communist neighbors and only in 1990, did it become a multi-party, democracy--still influenced by communism though.
Speaking of Democracy and politics, how many people keep up with international news? Did you hear, my good 'ol communist neighbor decided he'd like to shoot off some nuclear weapons. Despite the fear-induced phone calls from the family, its an 'out of sight, out of mind' thing for most people. We go on, in daily activity and in the back of our minds, we think, "what if...?" So, I registered with the US Embassy in Seoul--not that that will solve problems if I'm in a pickle, but it is good for the US to know I'm here (at least that's what I like to tell myself). I'm most interested in how South Koreans feel about the likelihood of war. In fact, last week in debate, I came up with the resolution (topic) saying "The North and South Korea's should become a unified state". They split themselves by personal preference and yesterday both sides presented some good arguments. I decided to not point out N. Korea's oppressive dictator who would die before raising a white flag. (Nor did I mention the animosity of the US towards the North due to the situation with the US Journalists being convicted to 12 years in their labor camps!)
Here's a little background on the Korean conflict: Since the Korean War (1950 - 1953), N. Korea has been very impoverished. They have the 4th largest military in the world - but also some of the oldest machinery - decrepit, etc. Because they are so poor, they also are short on fuel - so firing up some of the old stuff is going to be financially difficult. The Leader of North, Kim Jong Il, is getting ready to retire and may just be trying to provoke fear in the world so people will back off while he turns power over to his son. It's also possible, knowing how isolated the country is, he wants the US and other countries in the UN to make an offer, which would include materials and some humanitarian assistance. The sanctions from the world have left them quite alienated (kind of like "if you don't give us X, then we'll keep building"). This dangerous situation leads to the possibility of an Asian arms race across S. Korea, Japan, Taiwan, etc.
If they did declare war, there would be lots of military and civilian casualties - but they would most likely lose, as the UN, USA, and Japan fight back with the South. Also, the US has heavy military in the Sea of Japan as well as stealth fighters and 80,000 military in Japan that could cross the sea in less than 1/2 hour. Furthermore, during the Korean war, the North was aided by their communist neighbors China and Russia. This time, however, Korean news/experts believe that China and Russia will not come to N. Korea's aid (not that they'd help the South, either, of course).
In some discussions, I hear people they say that if Kim Jong Il were to send off a nuclear weapon, then it would be at the USA. However, mixed reviews are out - I don't think he really has the military power to do so. Ergo, South Korea (possibly the US Embassy?) becomes a target. Especially, a few weeks ago North Korea's military warned that it no longer considers itself bound by the terms of the 1953 ceasefire. Cause being - South Korea's decision to join a US-led initiative to track and search ships suspected of carrying weapons of mass destruction. It was only May 25 that N. Korea conducted a the underground nuclear test, and last month, it launched a long-range rocket over Japanese airspace (both acts in defiance of widespread international condemnation!!)
I was happy to when I heard that China harshly rebuked N. Korea though. Let's just say, I've been reading up on my BBC and Korean Herald News. If you're interested, check these links out - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/8075075.stm
In reality, it's not as if this is out of the blue where the North just woke up on the wrong side of the bed. The tension has been on and off for years. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1132268.stm The DMZ (the border between N/S Korea) is one of the most heavily militarized zones in the world. For me, I think I could do without seeing these fireworks. So, I officially registered with the US Embassy in Seoul, just in case there is an emergency and I need out of the country.
~~~~~
To some brighter news, I (finally) made it up to Seoul. I went t visit Jessica Christianson, who is also from Idaho, and ended up meeting another Boise native (it's a small world after all...). Jess and I didn't get to tour too much because we were both sick. (Korea-sick = yellow-dust mucus.) Did I mention that before? The yellow dust from China? Some of it is mixed with the pollen, but the pollution from China floats south and we get the muggy, polluted and humid air. Besides the sick part, we had fun hanging out. She made me a hearty list of to-dos for the next time I head to Seoul.
One adventure after another has kept me from getting to play much Frisbee. But, it's worth it.
Here's a little background on the Korean conflict: Since the Korean War (1950 - 1953), N. Korea has been very impoverished. They have the 4th largest military in the world - but also some of the oldest machinery - decrepit, etc. Because they are so poor, they also are short on fuel - so firing up some of the old stuff is going to be financially difficult. The Leader of North, Kim Jong Il, is getting ready to retire and may just be trying to provoke fear in the world so people will back off while he turns power over to his son. It's also possible, knowing how isolated the country is, he wants the US and other countries in the UN to make an offer, which would include materials and some humanitarian assistance. The sanctions from the world have left them quite alienated (kind of like "if you don't give us X, then we'll keep building"). This dangerous situation leads to the possibility of an Asian arms race across S. Korea, Japan, Taiwan, etc.
If they did declare war, there would be lots of military and civilian casualties - but they would most likely lose, as the UN, USA, and Japan fight back with the South. Also, the US has heavy military in the Sea of Japan as well as stealth fighters and 80,000 military in Japan that could cross the sea in less than 1/2 hour. Furthermore, during the Korean war, the North was aided by their communist neighbors China and Russia. This time, however, Korean news/experts believe that China and Russia will not come to N. Korea's aid (not that they'd help the South, either, of course).
In some discussions, I hear people they say that if Kim Jong Il were to send off a nuclear weapon, then it would be at the USA. However, mixed reviews are out - I don't think he really has the military power to do so. Ergo, South Korea (possibly the US Embassy?) becomes a target. Especially, a few weeks ago North Korea's military warned that it no longer considers itself bound by the terms of the 1953 ceasefire. Cause being - South Korea's decision to join a US-led initiative to track and search ships suspected of carrying weapons of mass destruction. It was only May 25 that N. Korea conducted a the underground nuclear test, and last month, it launched a long-range rocket over Japanese airspace (both acts in defiance of widespread international condemnation!!)
I was happy to when I heard that China harshly rebuked N. Korea though. Let's just say, I've been reading up on my BBC and Korean Herald News. If you're interested, check these links out - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/8075075.stm
In reality, it's not as if this is out of the blue where the North just woke up on the wrong side of the bed. The tension has been on and off for years. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1132268.stm The DMZ (the border between N/S Korea) is one of the most heavily militarized zones in the world. For me, I think I could do without seeing these fireworks. So, I officially registered with the US Embassy in Seoul, just in case there is an emergency and I need out of the country.
~~~~~
To some brighter news, I (finally) made it up to Seoul. I went t visit Jessica Christianson, who is also from Idaho, and ended up meeting another Boise native (it's a small world after all...). Jess and I didn't get to tour too much because we were both sick. (Korea-sick = yellow-dust mucus.) Did I mention that before? The yellow dust from China? Some of it is mixed with the pollen, but the pollution from China floats south and we get the muggy, polluted and humid air. Besides the sick part, we had fun hanging out. She made me a hearty list of to-dos for the next time I head to Seoul.
One adventure after another has kept me from getting to play much Frisbee. But, it's worth it.
Two weeks ago, some friends and I went up to go cave-hiking. It wasn't quite spelunking, but it was fun. After descending below ground, we felt the chill of the cold air and it was much more crisp than any I have experienced i
n Korea. The walls and 
ceilings looked fake! Some of the stalagmite looked like the big ant hills I saw in Namibia. The massive icicle shaped stalactite was the best though. They were thick, thin, wide, multi-colored, and some likened pieces of wavy bacon! This was a planned adventure where we went with a friend's Korean neighbor. It was OK--organized and pleasant accommodation. In fact, probably the best place I've ever stayed at in Korea. The Korean's brother has a 'membership' at a certain number of these hotels in the country. So, we got a great deal. 
(Picture: Scott and I on the bus to Daecheon Beach)
This past weekend, I went to an island for a friend's birthday. I believe it was called Sabsido Island. My friend, Lindsey, had organized it 
with her Korean co-teacher and she brought two other Korean co-teachers went with us, so we had quite the group!
with her Korean co-teacher and she brought two other Korean co-teachers went with us, so we had quite the group! Thinking that we were in good, indigenous hands, I made a poor assumption that any kinks that may come up would be workable--I mean hey, we had the language component, what's better than communication? Well, when we finally got to Daecheon beach (just west of Daejeon - 2 hrs in car), we tried to get the soonest ferry...which was full. So, the next one? Nope. Full. And there we sat - thinking about what to do. The ferry ticket-ers (who probably have a better label than that) said we could charter a private boat, so we called the reference number. Guess what? He was busy. Grrrr.... In a second call to him, we asked if there was another person we could call. It just so happened, he gave us a name for a fisherman.
After pacing the doc for about 45 minutes, looking all over for a Korean, he told us he'd find us. After about 3 minutes, he came walking up in his old stiff red cap and
old, stained, water boots. He was old. His boat was old. And there it was - our option. Well, actually it wasn't as if we opted for it from a selection, it was the selection. We took a picture of the moment (and our facial expressions) and hopped on. It was actually a remarkable experience. Even the typical Asian boat full of rust and lights that probably don't light, made us appreciate the moment. 
Alas, we got to the island. We were picked up by the owner of a pension (which is like a big house we could order food and rent out their upstairs). This had been reserved by the Koreans and we were given one choice for dinner, because the soup was gone. So, it was raw fish - for $20 bucks a pla
te (an outlandish price for any food in Korea). While deciding we'd rather just go walk around with the hope we'd find a place to eat, we just wanted to play on the beach. Like 7 year-olds, we played in the sand and water.
When enjoying the not-so-cold water, we looked across the shore and saw these odd straw-like things sticking out ALL over the sand. We would try to pull them out, dig them up, or drop sand down them, they would always break (because they are really just made of sand). Our pension lady told a few others that had gone back to get their pails and kiddy shovels, that these 'straws' were clam-breathing holes. With a shovel in hand, Collin scooped mounds of sand out of the way and we would follow him - hands full of SALT. Why salt? Apparently, the clams love it. When there was
a hole where he had scooped the sand, we put salt on it. The clams would proceed to come out of the sand and we'd have to snatch whatever part of them we could. We did this for hours. It was pure childhood delight. And, oh, were they hideous looking! Their shells were a bit bigger in width and shorter in height of a pencil. But, we had a kickin' time doing it!
After finding a cheap Korean BBQ for dinner, we had a fire on the beach. Yes, I said it: beach and all the sounds of it. Waves. Guitar strums. Singing.
After pacing the doc for about 45 minutes, looking all over for a Korean, he told us he'd find us. After about 3 minutes, he came walking up in his old stiff red cap and
old, stained, water boots. He was old. His boat was old. And there it was - our option. Well, actually it wasn't as if we opted for it from a selection, it was the selection. We took a picture of the moment (and our facial expressions) and hopped on. It was actually a remarkable experience. Even the typical Asian boat full of rust and lights that probably don't light, made us appreciate the moment. 
Alas, we got to the island. We were picked up by the owner of a pension (which is like a big house we could order food and rent out their upstairs). This had been reserved by the Koreans and we were given one choice for dinner, because the soup was gone. So, it was raw fish - for $20 bucks a pla
te (an outlandish price for any food in Korea). While deciding we'd rather just go walk around with the hope we'd find a place to eat, we just wanted to play on the beach. Like 7 year-olds, we played in the sand and water.When enjoying the not-so-cold water, we looked across the shore and saw these odd straw-like things sticking out ALL over the sand. We would try to pull them out, dig them up, or drop sand down them, they would always break (because they are really just made of sand). Our pension lady told a few others that had gone back to get their pails and kiddy shovels, that these 'straws' were clam-breathing holes. With a shovel in hand, Collin scooped mounds of sand out of the way and we would follow him - hands full of SALT. Why salt? Apparently, the clams love it. When there was
a hole where he had scooped the sand, we put salt on it. The clams would proceed to come out of the sand and we'd have to snatch whatever part of them we could. We did this for hours. It was pure childhood delight. And, oh, were they hideous looking! Their shells were a bit bigger in width and shorter in height of a pencil. But, we had a kickin' time doing it!After finding a cheap Korean BBQ for dinner, we had a fire on the beach. Yes, I said it: beach and all the sounds of it. Waves. Guitar strums. Singing.
The 
Korean teachers boiled the cla
ms and brought them down to us. I tried to hold back my elated feeling, but it burst out with, "Whoa!? Are WE eating these?" Because we had taken their lives three hours prior to this, I had to justify myself as a clam-killer and eat some. They weren't so bad! Yet, I was a bit grossed out when I looked at the body because the live-image was still in my mind...all movin' and stuff. ugh. (These clams were only partly covered by their shell).
Korean teachers boiled the cla
ms and brought them down to us. I tried to hold back my elated feeling, but it burst out with, "Whoa!? Are WE eating these?" Because we had taken their lives three hours prior to this, I had to justify myself as a clam-killer and eat some. They weren't so bad! Yet, I was a bit grossed out when I looked at the body because the live-image was still in my mind...all movin' and stuff. ugh. (These clams were only partly covered by their shell).
All in all, I've been quite busy. Oh, I can't believe it's JUNE! I have lots of preparation for Mongolia (i.e. Ger shopping!) and--I'm sure--more unexpected riots still waiting to happen. Pray that we don't get bombed!
Warm regards,
C
Warm regards,
C
