I can't believe that it has been nine months since we left Korea and we both still miss the people, food, and lifestyle. It really was one of the best years of our lives. A lot has happened since we left Korea. We went backpacking around South East Asia and then I returned home to South Africa briefly before jetting off to Sweden to start a Masters programme. Oliver is in South Africa doing what he loves, photographing and has also started his own blog. We are still together and still happy but every now and then we both miss Korea terribly. I thought it would be nice to show you our year in pictures, or at least a glance of our year in pictures. Enjoy!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
20 Questions on our experience in Korea
1. Describe your overall Korean experience:
Claudia: Korea has been amazing! I am so happy that we decided to come here and experience a culture that is so different to our own. I have grown so much this year and I have had so many laughs and happy times. Korea has forever made an impression on my heart.
Oliver: Awesome! And nothing else.
Claudia: Korea has been amazing! I am so happy that we decided to come here and experience a culture that is so different to our own. I have grown so much this year and I have had so many laughs and happy times. Korea has forever made an impression on my heart.
Oliver: Awesome! And nothing else.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Korea...friends
First a tribute to Korea and then a tribute to the friends made in Korea!!! We love you guys!! Thanks for making our time here so special!!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Korea...a video tribute
We just made a five minute video to pay tribute to all that Korea is....hope you enjoy it!!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Korea Fuck Yeah
With just under two weeks left I watched this video again. I first watched it before we came to South Korea and I was confused. Now I have watched it as my year came to a close and it all makes SO MUCH SENSE.
Friday, April 15, 2011
A climb to the top
Phew, can you believe it, Oliver and I are into our last month in Korea and it is steaming ahead quickly.
Last weekend we headed to a place we have been meaning to go to since we arrived, Seoraksan National Park. We know that Autumn is the most beautiful time to visit but we also know that that is when prices sky rocket and there are incredible crowds, so much so that you can't take a step in front of you without someone knowing about it. Now I am no seasoned mountain climber but that doesn't sound like an ideal way to climb a mountain. When I am huffing and puffing I need time to stop and having someone cramped up just behind me just would not be great. So we lost the best scenery for a more comfortable climb and it turned out to spectacular!
Last weekend we headed to a place we have been meaning to go to since we arrived, Seoraksan National Park. We know that Autumn is the most beautiful time to visit but we also know that that is when prices sky rocket and there are incredible crowds, so much so that you can't take a step in front of you without someone knowing about it. Now I am no seasoned mountain climber but that doesn't sound like an ideal way to climb a mountain. When I am huffing and puffing I need time to stop and having someone cramped up just behind me just would not be great. So we lost the best scenery for a more comfortable climb and it turned out to spectacular!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Valentine's Day...no...White Day...no, Black Day!
What?
Everyone of us knows Valentine's Day. It's a day on which big companies and corporations get to make lots and lots and lots of money. Or is it a day on which starcrossed lovers get to express their undying devotion for one another by showering the loved one in a hailstorm of gifts and goodies? Either way, we know what it is. Here in Korea it is very similar, the big difference being that the 'showerer' is the girl, and the 'showeree' is the guy, in layman's terms, the girl gives the guy gifts.
Exactly one month after the abovementioned day comes White Day, which I have talked about in a previous entry. Read it to get up to speed if you must. Very basically it's the reverse of Valentine's...so the guy gives the girl the gifts.
Here is now the final part of this amazing trilogy, and it has been given the oh-so beautiful name of Black Day. In Korea there is no issue giving a day this name, but I am quite certain that in other parts of the world, the name might not go down quite so well.
Everyone of us knows Valentine's Day. It's a day on which big companies and corporations get to make lots and lots and lots of money. Or is it a day on which starcrossed lovers get to express their undying devotion for one another by showering the loved one in a hailstorm of gifts and goodies? Either way, we know what it is. Here in Korea it is very similar, the big difference being that the 'showerer' is the girl, and the 'showeree' is the guy, in layman's terms, the girl gives the guy gifts.
Exactly one month after the abovementioned day comes White Day, which I have talked about in a previous entry. Read it to get up to speed if you must. Very basically it's the reverse of Valentine's...so the guy gives the girl the gifts.
Here is now the final part of this amazing trilogy, and it has been given the oh-so beautiful name of Black Day. In Korea there is no issue giving a day this name, but I am quite certain that in other parts of the world, the name might not go down quite so well.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Big City Life
We have been living it up in the big cities these past two weekends. First it was Busan and then it was Seoul! I love big cities, there is something so mesmerising about them!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Horror that is Yellow
Korea has been wonderful. We have experienced beautiful people, amazing food, stunning places, and a society that is crime free and efficient. Sounds like a fantastic place, doesn't it? Well, let me tell you, it is.
So far (and were down to our last month here) we have had no major complaints. Sure there has been the odd Korean man or woman, who seems to have been suffering from xenophobia, and has treated us differently, but these could also have simply been horrible individuals, and let's be quite honest here, they exist everywhere.
I now have a major complaint. And the horrible thing is that it's not actually a complaint that I can share with anyone for the hope of it being remedied. It's a complaint that bothers me every morning, and no matter how much I complain and throw my toys, this complaint will arise every year for the forseable future. The complaint: Yellow Dust.
So far (and were down to our last month here) we have had no major complaints. Sure there has been the odd Korean man or woman, who seems to have been suffering from xenophobia, and has treated us differently, but these could also have simply been horrible individuals, and let's be quite honest here, they exist everywhere.
I now have a major complaint. And the horrible thing is that it's not actually a complaint that I can share with anyone for the hope of it being remedied. It's a complaint that bothers me every morning, and no matter how much I complain and throw my toys, this complaint will arise every year for the forseable future. The complaint: Yellow Dust.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Jangdari Sikdang
We sit down, starved after a day of sightseeing and ready to taste something new. We get the menu, pricey, hmmm. The hunger growls in my belly and I realise I don't care about the price, I just want food and I want it to be something I have never tried before.
Turns out where were at the right place. Danyang is famous for garlic and this restaurant (Jangdari Sikdang) specialises in Garlic rice. Yum. 20,000Won for Garlic Rice. What? Oh well, we are here now and the waitress assures us it is amazing. We nod.
Outside the restaurant
Turns out where were at the right place. Danyang is famous for garlic and this restaurant (Jangdari Sikdang) specialises in Garlic rice. Yum. 20,000Won for Garlic Rice. What? Oh well, we are here now and the waitress assures us it is amazing. We nod.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Won Cashing Girls 원캐싱
Everytime we spot an advert by the "Won Cashing Girls" Oliver gets very excited. I am not sure if it because they are pretty or it is because their music borders on iritating/awesome (a definite earworm). Or maybe, maybe, it is their very bizarre way of moving.
Here is one of their best and it was the first we ever saw
I love the guy...so weird!
Hope its stuck in you head...good and proper!!!
Here is one of their best and it was the first we ever saw
I love the guy...so weird!
Hope its stuck in you head...good and proper!!!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Happy Valentine's Day...no White Day...wait, what day...?
Confused by the title? So am I. Let me explain.
I believe that most people that read this blog (the whole handful of you ;) know all about Valentine's Day. It is a 'traditional day of love' on which to be-gift your partner, or nowadays basically anyone, with chocolates and gifts and anything else that may symbolise your love for them, or that you simply care, even if just a little. Still with me? Good. It's pretty simple.
I believe that most people that read this blog (the whole handful of you ;) know all about Valentine's Day. It is a 'traditional day of love' on which to be-gift your partner, or nowadays basically anyone, with chocolates and gifts and anything else that may symbolise your love for them, or that you simply care, even if just a little. Still with me? Good. It's pretty simple.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Mallipo Beach
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Pushing boundaries: Student's in South Korea
I recently wrote an article for Go Overseas about how hard children work in South Korea.
I looked at both sides of the argument and put together my opinion!
You can see the argument, which is very much my opinion, here.
Let me know what you think!!!
Claudia
I looked at both sides of the argument and put together my opinion!
You can see the argument, which is very much my opinion, here.
Let me know what you think!!!
Claudia
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Standing on a River
The very first thing I am going to do is get a reason, or an excuse out of the way. If you believe what I say, then to you it's a reason, if you don't it's an excuse. Either way, this is the story:
As anyone who reads this blog knows, we have been pretty good at doing updates on the blog, which given schedules and happenings is not always an easy thing to do. The last month or so has been particularly bad with regards to any news from the ROK. As Claudia mentioned in a previous post, she had to rush back to South Africa, due to medical issues in her family. Luckily though, things have taken a sharp turn for the better, and Claudia will be returning to me here in Korea in a couple of days. YAY!
So Claudia had some big issues, which is why she has been struggling to do any updates on the blog. But why have I not done anything...? Quite simple and straightforward really. About 3 days after Claudia left, I fractured two bones in my wrist while snowboarding. Joy of joys. So for the last 3 1/2 weeks I have been stuck with a massive splint on my arm, which was kindly dubbed 'the claw' by my friends. The 'Claw' made it incredibly difficult to sit at a keyboard properly, and aside from the pain, made typing anything near substantial a very difficult and tedious event. Happily for me, the Claw has been retired and will now be serving duty as...well, nothing really. My hand feels 100 times better, although not 100% yet, and I am able to type again. Another YAY!
Buy it or not, that is the reason for lack of updates from my side. So here is a new update.
About 2 weeks ago, I was invited by my co-teacher and friend Sunny to go fishing in Jinbu. Fishing is not something I'm crazy about, and in my eyes it is an activity best performed wearing no t-shirt, having a cold beer in my hand and sitting on a riverbank in the South African summer sun. This was a little different.
In the clothing department, I had to don more than just a pair of shorts. The extra itmes included a pair of long thermal underwear, long jeans, thick socks, a long thermal vest, a long sleeved t-shirt, a t-shirt, another t-shirt, a jersey, and a thick winter jacket. So the attire was a little different, OK.
Was I holding a cold beer in my hand? Nope, the ice cold beer was replaced with a very rapidly cooling cup of hot....oh wait, no it was hot, now it's gone cold, coffee.
Was I standing on a river bank? No. I was standing on a river, a frozen river.
So it's a little different. Was it awesome. Hell yes.
The technique involved holding a little 'fishing rod' (more of a little metal rod with some fishing line) above a pre made hole, and bobbing it up and down, in an attempt to convince the fish that the lure is indeed a living creature. Did it work? In my case, no, I obviously do not have the motion down to a T yet, but there was definitely no shortage of fish being caught all around us. Sunny and her friend Veronica didn't catch anything either, but it was all made up for by a boy from Sunny's church that was with us, who caught 4 fish! It felt like he didn't stop pulling them out.
After the fish had been caught, people had the option of simply taking them home, or going to a nearby restaurant, that sells all manner of fish related dishes, or for a very minimal fee (3000 Won or about R20) they would cut up the fish for you, so you can enjoy it raw, with some veggies on the side and some dipping sauces. Our mind was made up...the latter choice was ours, and what a good choice it was. Pieces of raw Trout dipped in a mixture of Soy Sauce and Sesame seed oil...heaven.
As anyone who reads this blog knows, we have been pretty good at doing updates on the blog, which given schedules and happenings is not always an easy thing to do. The last month or so has been particularly bad with regards to any news from the ROK. As Claudia mentioned in a previous post, she had to rush back to South Africa, due to medical issues in her family. Luckily though, things have taken a sharp turn for the better, and Claudia will be returning to me here in Korea in a couple of days. YAY!
So Claudia had some big issues, which is why she has been struggling to do any updates on the blog. But why have I not done anything...? Quite simple and straightforward really. About 3 days after Claudia left, I fractured two bones in my wrist while snowboarding. Joy of joys. So for the last 3 1/2 weeks I have been stuck with a massive splint on my arm, which was kindly dubbed 'the claw' by my friends. The 'Claw' made it incredibly difficult to sit at a keyboard properly, and aside from the pain, made typing anything near substantial a very difficult and tedious event. Happily for me, the Claw has been retired and will now be serving duty as...well, nothing really. My hand feels 100 times better, although not 100% yet, and I am able to type again. Another YAY!
Buy it or not, that is the reason for lack of updates from my side. So here is a new update.
About 2 weeks ago, I was invited by my co-teacher and friend Sunny to go fishing in Jinbu. Fishing is not something I'm crazy about, and in my eyes it is an activity best performed wearing no t-shirt, having a cold beer in my hand and sitting on a riverbank in the South African summer sun. This was a little different.
A view of the river
In the clothing department, I had to don more than just a pair of shorts. The extra itmes included a pair of long thermal underwear, long jeans, thick socks, a long thermal vest, a long sleeved t-shirt, a t-shirt, another t-shirt, a jersey, and a thick winter jacket. So the attire was a little different, OK.
Was I holding a cold beer in my hand? Nope, the ice cold beer was replaced with a very rapidly cooling cup of hot....oh wait, no it was hot, now it's gone cold, coffee.
Was I standing on a river bank? No. I was standing on a river, a frozen river.
So it's a little different. Was it awesome. Hell yes.
The technique involved holding a little 'fishing rod' (more of a little metal rod with some fishing line) above a pre made hole, and bobbing it up and down, in an attempt to convince the fish that the lure is indeed a living creature. Did it work? In my case, no, I obviously do not have the motion down to a T yet, but there was definitely no shortage of fish being caught all around us. Sunny and her friend Veronica didn't catch anything either, but it was all made up for by a boy from Sunny's church that was with us, who caught 4 fish! It felt like he didn't stop pulling them out.
Sunny and Veronica showing off their technique
The champion fisherman
After the fish had been caught, people had the option of simply taking them home, or going to a nearby restaurant, that sells all manner of fish related dishes, or for a very minimal fee (3000 Won or about R20) they would cut up the fish for you, so you can enjoy it raw, with some veggies on the side and some dipping sauces. Our mind was made up...the latter choice was ours, and what a good choice it was. Pieces of raw Trout dipped in a mixture of Soy Sauce and Sesame seed oil...heaven.
The raw fish...mmmmm
A spicy fish soup
Anyone coming to or living in Korea should really do this. The joy of spending a day in the cold (dressed appropriately, of course), enjoy the Korean winter sun, and tasting a fish you yourself (or a friend) caught is fantastic. Definitely worth the time and effort and a highly recommended winter activity!
Somebody's catch of the day
Veronica doing her best!
Veronica and Sunny in beautiful Jinbu
Heading back
Today I am heading back to the land of morning calm to finish what I started.
The month in South Africa has had its fair share of ups and downs...thank you friends and family for trying to help me where possible!
You will be happy to know that my mother is doing much better. She is still a little sore but you can't compare her to what she looked like a month ago. So now that things are OK on this side I am going back to Korea.
It will only be for a short bit (another two months before our contract ends) but I am so grateful that I get to go back and so good bye to my kids, my friends, the food and the country in general.
When I left in January I was disraught because I did get to do any of these things and I felt as though I was not done in Korea so I am thrilled I get to go back!!!
So..instead of being sad that I only have two months I am over the moon that I have two more months and I am going to live it up Korea like crazy!!!
So you will be seeing a lot more activity on the blog once I am back!
Cheers,
Claudia
The month in South Africa has had its fair share of ups and downs...thank you friends and family for trying to help me where possible!
You will be happy to know that my mother is doing much better. She is still a little sore but you can't compare her to what she looked like a month ago. So now that things are OK on this side I am going back to Korea.
It will only be for a short bit (another two months before our contract ends) but I am so grateful that I get to go back and so good bye to my kids, my friends, the food and the country in general.
When I left in January I was disraught because I did get to do any of these things and I felt as though I was not done in Korea so I am thrilled I get to go back!!!
So..instead of being sad that I only have two months I am over the moon that I have two more months and I am going to live it up Korea like crazy!!!
So you will be seeing a lot more activity on the blog once I am back!
Cheers,
Claudia
Friday, February 25, 2011
Kitsch Korean Art
Modern day Korea is kitsch and much of the art in Korea is also kitsch yet I wouldn't have it any other way.
Any attraction on Korea is bound to have photo opportunities, places where you can stand by hearts and be cute. Being cute is a very important quality in Korea.....its something I struggle with; I have never been good at batting my eyes. There are also bounds of abstract art things I don't quite understand.
Any attraction on Korea is bound to have photo opportunities, places where you can stand by hearts and be cute. Being cute is a very important quality in Korea.....its something I struggle with; I have never been good at batting my eyes. There are also bounds of abstract art things I don't quite understand.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Gangneung Unification park
A couple of weeks ago we headed down to Gangneung. A little coastal city that may Wonju residents love to visit. We prepared ourselves for a array of seafood and a look at some of Gangneung's best attractions. One of the most impressive was Unification Park.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Some Fabulous Pics
Just some fabulous and random shots from around Korea. To see some more of Oliver's magic have a look at our galleries (above) or join his Facebook Page or Tumblr Page.
I have put our blog into a manuscript with amazing pictures and cool sub-categories. We are thinking of publishing. What do you think? Could you think of a publisher that would be interested in our sort of material?
We look forward to your feedback
Enjoy the pics....
Monday, February 7, 2011
What to check when checking in
One of the greatest things about travelling in Korea is the abundant supply of affordable accommodation. If you don't understand Korean then it is best to not book in advance.
Often online accommodation that is in English is overpriced. What you pay online is still cheap but you can get similar accommodation for a better price if you scout out places while on foot.
Often online accommodation that is in English is overpriced. What you pay online is still cheap but you can get similar accommodation for a better price if you scout out places while on foot.
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