December 30th

The other day I was out for a walk when I was approached by a dodgy local who was looking to score some drugs, or that is at what I thought he wanted. He soon realized that he chose the wrong stranger, and wanted to know if I knew anybody. After thinking about it for a minute, I told him to find Korean journalists for they are way out there and most be on something. For example, how can you write this stuff if you aren't on drugs and don't realize that Korea has all kinds of market barriers to imports and Korea is a huge part of the problem the journalist writes about. Drugs made the writer think reality was only for the rest of the world, but not the Korean market I guess. I also told him to look up the writer of this article as a source to. As I told him this his eyes lit up, he smiled and walked away quickly.



In other happier news, after surveying the hosiery stores, it seems that mostly black is sold, but one can find a few grays. Other colors need to be asked for.

Snow, December 27th

The day being so cold it's odd to see precipitation. But precipitate it did. After a good inch fell, I went outside and walked around the apartment area. Few souls were out which added a quiet to the already quiet environment that snowfall creates. Its peaceful when it snows, a time to take stock of your hearts interior. Watching snow fall on the backdrop of wisted brown leaves thinly dispersed over a tree's winter branches places one firmly into reality. Watching nature is raw, truthful and doesn't allow your heart or mind to lie to yourself. Your soul is naked, and seeks what has to be done. A few boys then ran by, enjoying themselves with sliding on the soles of their shoes down a short steep slop of road next to the apartment. A mother and daughter walked by constantly saying "It's cold, it's cold." I made a snowball just to say I did. A bench that I exposed with a sweep of my hand was now quickly being covered again and I went inside to take cover myself. It was cold, and after thirty minutes my thoughts turned cold too. Inside I continued to read my book with some honey sweetened O-mi-ja Korean tea.

December 27th

Last night I had a few boxing day beers at the pub. I was surprised at how slow the establishment was. I guess fatigue from the long holiday weekend will do that. A pleasant evening and had a bit to eat their too, but for the new year coming I plan to make the pub less of a hang out. It isn't only the beer money it's that I want to focus on a few other things in my life, such as studying, and getting better sleep.

This article, originally titled Christmas Tree Originated From Korea had me shaking my head. The Korean Times has since changed the title as you can see by checking the link. I've written before about the Korean rags, but I forgot to mention this type of article. It's the type that flies out of left field and assaults the mind with bad decorum. Masturbatory at best, these articles cheapen the newspaper, cheapen the expat discourse, and are a disservice to Korea. What drugs were they on? And don't they know they are illegal in Korea?

Work and study will begin to become quite heavy next week, and after the new year, I will have an avalanche of stuff to do. I'm looking forward to it, for it will keep my mind off more depressing issues revolving around me.

December 25th

I took a leasurly walk through Gwanghwamun, along the Cheonggyecheon and up through Myungdong early last evening to get a feel for Christmas eve in Seoul. The lights were were just coming on and lent a festive feel to this solitary stroll. Palatable was the energy vibrating off the young couples this evening. Christmas is definitely a romantic holiday in Korea, very little solemnity about it. I imagine the love hotels did a roaring trade last night. Big plans were made and even bigger mistakes probably, but I won't go there. As usually the top of the stream was used for some civic festival or promotion, staged with Emcee, dancing, singing and what not, but I didn't stay long enough to find out what. Myongdong was frantic with people and these days tourists from Japan and Taiwan. Lots of couples walking around with most young woman in this years issued choice of wear, black stockings. After walking to the Temple of Heaven by the Westin Chosun Hotel and contemplating a bit, I headed home to a Christmas eve meal.

December 24th

This past week has found me quite busy. Lots of work at the office earlier in the week kept me away from one of my new goals to write more. I did get to the center of Seoul for a look at the lights. Except for the lights the Hotel Lotte had up, most of the downtown stuff that was up was uneventful though it was festive and the locals were soaking it up like free soju. The lazer show at Gwanghwamun was weak and could hardly be seen. More information about the light show can be found here. Why did they even try? It was weak compaired to other lazer shows I have seen. The whole show there; ice rink, lights, booths, sound felt thrown together by a high school team of planners. I except a bit more from the Hub. That said, the people were using the new spaces provided to enjoy themselves. And for that, all it takes is a crowd, a camera and a backdrop for taking pictures. Dear god, everybody had a camera.

In other news, what is with the black stockings for fashion this winter? I should check the stores and see if that is the only color sold. I can complain though, they look great, and for that I'm thankful.

December 19th

At the pub earlier tonight for a few pints and an early dinner. The usually punters were there. Others were there too. Two loud business types being a little to proud that they weren’t teachers I guess. Teachers acting like amateurs at the pub, making punters wish they weren’t there is another common narrative being threaded around; though most of the punters, but not all, are teachers themselves. Have noticed staff turnover is high, and since I took to sitting at the bar, noticed lots of staff drinking while on the clock. All good I guess. I can’t complain. The beer is above average, the atmosphere too and the wait staff good looking. What more is needed?

December 18th

I have been busy at the office these last few days. Along with my Korean class, I haven't had time for much. I haven't read the newspapers, haven't been to the pub, haven't read much from a new book I recently purchased, but I'm enjoying this early season's freezing weather. Come January it will be a different story.

I don't remember the locals being this sensitive to the cold. It seems in times past they were made of sterner stuff. I could almost see a sense of indignity on their faces with having to deal with the cold. This was especially true of the twenty-ish crowd. How dare the cold get in the way of their happiness.

Though the look on their faces wasn't the most pleasant, riding the subway today did lead to some pleasant, if odd views. More than one young lass had on about twenty odd layers compiled between scarves and masks covering most of the face, coat and hooded sweatshirts on the frame, but below the waist, an exposed mini skirt with black stockings. Cold on top, but hot on the bottom? Most intriguing and who am I to judge so I will let that rest.

December 16th

It’s a quiet time of the year for work. After a leisurely morning at home, I went to Korean class, where as always the cheery perky teacher imparted her wisdom. I had a good read of the International Herald Tribune in the afternoon at a coffee shop downtown. I also enjoy the JoongAng English supplement inside. But after nearly a decade and a half in Korea, reading the Korean English rags, and it doesn’t matter if it the Times, Herald or the JoongAng, I am reminded what Thoreau wrote about the news papers and the news. That most of it is gossip, and if you are acquainted with a subject or country, you can write the news from there well before hand. As for Korea, the headlines, labor unrest, Korea seeking to become hub this and that, Korea host XYZ international conference, SNU looks to become more international, corruption scandal, a story about prostitution, Japan must atone etc, etc, etc, will suffice. Just change the names and dates and there you go.

This being my first year to live in Seoul, I’m looking forward to taking a walk around the downtown area to view the lights placed up for Christmas. The weather has turned numbingly cold as of late, but next week the forecast calls for a bit of warmer weather. That will be a good time, to go to have a look, along with all the Japanese tourists doing the same and the locals too, out on dates.

Test Post

Getting started, trying to see how this all works.