Is that what a bidet is for??

Ok, I usually don't post a blog until I have a lot to write about, but today had to have been one of the funniest, McGuyverish moments of my life...you'll read why soon ;) By the way, life here at the Fund is good, classes have been good and we're going to Madrid for the weekend! Tomorrow we're taking a bus tour of the city, followed by a tour of the Palacio Real (royal palace), followed by the Museo del Jamón: thats right, the ham museum...I think we're eating comida there? Jamón is a specialty in Spain, raw ham that has been cured for some time. Sounds good, I think! Later we're going to the Museo del Prado, one of the most famous museums in the world, and then we're finding a local pub to watch España play Chile, of course it will be good to enjoy the locals! Saturday we're exploring Madrid, going to some of the main plazas and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, where Picasso's famous Guernica is housed. I studied it for about a semester in high school, so I can't wait to see it in person. There's also this seven story club here in Madrid called El Kapital, and its supposed to be really fun, so we might venture there too...I think we're just going where the wind takes us!


ANYWAY going back to the most McGuyverish moment of my life...my friend Liana waited for me to get out of class at 7:30, because we were going to plan out our weekend trips for this summer and start to book flights and trains and such, but first we said we wanted to grab some American snacks at the local grocery store - you know, Oreos, Lays potato chips, Chips Ahoy, etc. So we go and find some great buys, and also buy an avocado because the store manager thought we wanted some...hmm. When we got back, we were going to do our laundry. We collect it all together and then lug it all downstairs...to a locked laundry room. The laundry room is only open from 9AM to 8PM! Great.


So I being my genius self remember that I packed some individual tide packets used for handwashing clothes in my suitcase. Problem solved! We chose a few clothes that we needed for this weekend, and ventured to the sink...where we couldn't find a sink stopper at all. Thats right, we couldn't plug the sink up! HOWEVER, I also (being a genius) brought two clotheslines to dry clothes if the dryers were full, and they had both clips and suction cups for different hanging options. Score!


Well, we took the suction cup off and tried fitting it in the sink, but discovered that it wouldn't work to well...and then a stroke of genius from Liana - the bidet! They're SO popular here in Spain, but we don't use them at all in our bathrooms, so they just sit there. Of course! It must have been fate that the suction cup worked as a drain stopper in the bidet. Problem solved! We washed 2 dresses, 2 shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, and 2 bras in the bidet, and hung them up to dry after rinsing them in the sink. Amazing. Just amazing. Funny as ever too, we were both cracking up, especially when our friend Louis walked by and not only wanted to know what we were doing but also how, because he needed clothes for this weekend too. We also had to figure out where to hang the clothesline, and basically we took over the entire bathroom...yeah, it was amazing. Best story here in the Fund yet, I'd say :)


So, although nothing really interesting happened, something hilarious did. I just hope our clothes dry by tomorrow morning! Hope that was entertaining ;)


¡Hasta!

La vida española

So I've officially been here for one week! I can't even believe it. I've met some amazing people and have had some once-in-a-lifetime experiences already, and I've absolutely fallen in love with Spain and its culture.

The first official day in Toledo was fun, we had a group meeting and orientation, and took an exam to see what level of spanish we were at. After, we got to pick our schedules! Unfortunately, I couldn't take all of the classes I wanted, because some were at the same time, etc, but I'm very happy with my schedule. I'm taking Arte de las Tres Culturas, an art class that learns about the Christian, Muslim, and Jewish art and influence on Toledo culture. Here we have class twice a day (and the class meets for two days of the week), so for this class every morning session Tuesday and Thursday we take an excursion around Toledo to visit a mosque or synagogue or cathedral, fountain, whatever my professor wants to emphasize, and we talk about it that afternoon. Its so fun! And I love learning about the city that I live in, it really makes me feel like I'm becoming spanish because I'm learning so much about their history, culture, and life. I'm also taking a literature class (my professor's name is Nacho ;) and a phonetics class, to better my Castillian spanish (yeah, definitely need to work on that).

Wednesday and Thursday we hung around the Fund (its so much easier calling it that than school, or any other name) and I got to know my family a little bit more. Unfortunately, its been hard because I've felt obligated to go home, and haven't been able to enjoy all that Toledo offers, because the buses stop running at 11:30, which is very early here in Spain. My family is nice, but I don't think living with a host family is necessarily the experience I want to have, because I want to take full advantage of all of the opportunities here in Toledo and at the Fund (my family is a 30 minute bus ride away, plus waiting for the bus is hard). Anyways sorry about the sidetrack...

On Wednesday we all went to the local Irish pub to watch Spain play Switzerland...yeah it didn't turn out the way we wanted it to (they lost). However, it was great to just chill out, have a beer, and watch the game with new friends. I have no idea why we chose the Irish bar, I think its just because they can speak English and its almost a Fund hangout...but I digress. We also did the same for the USA game on Friday, and although we ALL know that we should have won, the US also tied...but hey, the bars a good place to chill ;)

Friday morning I got up early for a guided tour of Toledo! Our program offers plenty of day excursions, and this was the first :) It was so amazing! The bus drove us around the wall and then across the river for a view of the entire city, it was breathtaking...there is just no other way to describe it. Toledo has been a city since before 700 AD, and its gorgeous. There are old ruins, and it seems so small because the houses and streets are small. But when you look at the entire city, its amazing! I could definitely get lost in the view, not to mention the streets themselves :)

Toledo

Liana, Emily, and I :)

All the doors are enormous!

Classic Mediterranean Architecture

La Plaza Zocodover

Besides getting a grandiose view of the city, we also walked around and saw some of the sights, like the wall (muralla) and other mosques and cathedrals. We ventured to the main plaza (Plaza Zocodover) and eventually we ended up back at the Fund for comida (lunch). Here in Spain, lunch is the biggest meal. For breakfast they usually have some type of coffee, a muffin, and galletas (cookies) but not to much else...then for comida the food is hot, like a usual dinner would be. For example, yesterday we had Spanish pasta (almost like manicotti) with chicken and a soup. Salad and desserts are always offered as well. For cena (dinner) you usually just have a little something, and fruit. The hardest part? Cena isn't until 10! Definitely hard to get used to.

Friday we explored a little and then I went home, I had to get up early the next morning! We had heard about a hike to Pride Rock that was a must do, so we figured Saturday morning before it got too hot was the best time...and it was, but it was still very very hot. We followed the road for a long time, and eventually ventured up the hill to Pride Rock...and no kidding, it looks exactly like Pride Rock from the Lion King! The view of the city here was even better than where we went on Friday, because you were above the city...just absolutely picturesque. It was cooler up there too, because of the wind, so naturally we chilled and explored. Just amazing, and it was fabulous getting to know everyone better!

The group at the top :)

After Pride Rock, we tried taking a ferry to cross the river, but there wasn't anyone operating it from the other side...it must have been siesta time. So we had to trek back up the path we just came down, and walk all the way back to the Fund, or near it. Did I mention how hilly Toledo is? Yeah, it was a pain, and we were all VERY tired at the end. At least I'll have good looking legs at the end! haha

Anyways...after reaching our goal (the top!) we stopped at an outdoor cafe that luckily had water misters to cool ourselves down. On the menu we saw milkshakes, and immediately ordered that with chicken and pineapple kabobs. YUM! The only thing was the milkshakes were literally that, frothy cold milk with chocolate...no ice cream! I guess they like things a little creamier here ;)

Later that night we went out for sangria and then went to a local bar, hanging out and having a fun time, but I left around 2:30 because I had to get up early the next morning. We had heard from someone that noon mass at the Cathedral was a must to go to, so thats what we did. Oh my gosh! Mass was one of the most sacred, amazing experiences I've had. Granted, it was in Spanish so I understood the homily and the prayers, but I couldn't respond or sing because I didn't know the words, but it was still amazing. The cathedral here is "La Catedral Primera", or the first cathedral of Spain, so its a pretty big deal. We couldn't take pictures for obvious reasons, but here's a general picture just to give you an idea:

La Catedral Primera

Amazing! The cathedral is the largest in Spain, and the 5th largest in the world. I get to come back for class too! Maybe I'll be able to take pictures then, when its not Sunday and there isn't Mass...

I guess thats pretty much what I've been doing, hanging out, starting classes, watching fútbol, and exploring. I've decided to move back to the Fund and not live with a host family. I enjoyed my experience, but it was hard being without internet and having such a long commute back home, so I'm moving later today. Wish me luck! I feel bad for disappointing my family, but I want to take full advantage of the opportunities here at school, and I still need to do well in school...plus I need a place to siesta! One thing we definitely need to adopt in the US is the concept of siesta, and taking 2 hours out of your day to relax, nap, just enjoy some alone time.

Hasta, and go USA!!

Los primeros días

If you didn't already know, I've made it to España! After a very long Monday, June 14 (31 hours!) and two long plane rides, Spain was officially my home for the next 7 weeks! I can't believe it! Here's a recount of my trip, plus my first days :)


After my Mom and siblings left Korea on Wednesday, my Dad and I hung out around Osan and relaxed for a bit. We even went golfing! I went shopping a few more times and my Dad played in a golf tournament, which I didn't caddy but drove a cart to follow along :) It was so nice to enjoy some alone time with him! I had a really nice time, and as the weekend came to an end I started to get REALLY excited and REALLY nervous haha!


So I woke up early on Monday morning to finish packing my bags and to say goodbye to my Dad, he dropped me off at the bus stop and then had to venture on to work...then followed a 2 hour bus ride from Osan Air Base to Incheon International Airport. I have to say, I'm glad Minneapolis isn't bigger than it is, traffic stinks in a city of 12 million! To get to Incheon you have to cross part of the ocean, which I totally didn't know until after the fact. All of a sudden the bus gets on this humongous bridge crossing a bay, and I couldn't see the other side! It must have been at least 3 to 4 miles. Needless to say, I was a bit worried that I was on the wrong bus and wouldn't make it to the airport.


Eventually I did make it to the airport, and that was an adventure in itself. Good thing I don't mind asking people for help! Although the people at the information desks spoke some english, it took me five tries before I found the right counter to check in to. Oops! My flight wasn't until 1:20, and I checked in at 10, so I had plenty of time to spare, wandering around the airport and such. Basically from 10 to 12:30 I walked around, I bought a water for the plane and a doughnut to tide me over before going to KFC for lunch - healthy, right? I went to one of the internet cafes they had in the airport, and discovered that my adapter didn't work - great. After borrowing one from the airport and rushing around, I found out that it actually DID work, and that the plug was the thing that didn't work, so major crisis averted. I skyped my Mom and Eric to let them know what was going on, and then it was time to wait for the plane! I'd never flown in a 747 before, it was so massive! Just waiting in line to board the plane took forever.

The plane (dorky I know)

As soon as we got on the plane, the pilot came on. He spoke in Korean first, so I had no idea why so many people around me were sighing, until I heard the news in English - we were delayed 45 minutes because there was too much air traffic in China! Great, I only had an hour and a half in between my connecting flights in Paris! Uh oh...We finally took off an hour after we were supposed to, and by this time I was freaking out. Of course, me being me, told one of the flight attendants right away, and throughout the flight she kept updating me on our status and what time we would be landing. She was very nice, but definitely could tell I was anxious. 


Other than trying to waste 12 hours on a plane by sleeping and watching movies (Invictus and Its Complicated) the flight was pretty uneventful. I had a really annoying lady behind me who would literally punch my seat when I reclined, and finally I had to have the flight attendant to ask her to stop. If I wanted to recline, I was going to recline! Especially because I needed my sleep. OH and (how cool is this) when my lunch and dinner were served, I was given wine! No extra charge, so I took full advantage ;)


With about an hour to go, the pilot came on and gave us our final landing time - 7:30! That meant by the time we taxied, we wouldn't get to the gate until around 7:45, and my next flight left at 7:40! I was pretty devastated, and was hoping and praying that there would be another flight to Madrid later that night, because I had a deadline! I had to be in Madrid by 11:00 the next day, Tuesday, to get to Toledo on time. Needless to say, I was ready to go as soon as the captain turned off the seatbelt sign, and I sprinted the entire length of the plane to be the first to de-board. Of course, my bad luck kept following me. We were literally at the last gate in the terminal, and I had to sprint down the entire concourse to get to immigration...where there was a line (did you know you had to go through immigration to leave the terminal in Paris, and then go back through security? I didn't, until right then). I pushed and shoved my way to the front, not caring who was griping at me, because when I got to the window the customs people all understood. I literally flew through the entire airport, sprinting the entire way. When I got to the next security checkpoint, I rushed through, not caring what was in my pockets or anything. Of course, my flight to Madrid was at the very end of the terminal too, go figure. Well, I FINALLY got to the end of the terminal, and guess what? My flight was delayed...by an HOUR! I sprinted the entire airport in like, 10 minutes for nothing, and was sweating TONS because of it (plus, I wore jeans and a sweatshirt...hmm). However, I'm not complaining, that delay was a Godsend, saving me from having to book a hotel, stressing about other flights...etc. 


My flight from Paris to Madrid was quite uneventful compared to the other one. I was a little worried about my luggage getting to Madrid with me because of the short connection, but it was one of the first ones off the carousel. On the flight a Portuguese couple sat next to me, and although the language barrier was somewhat difficult, it was fun to try and utilize my Spanish, even though Portuguese is almost closer to French than Spanish.


Needless to say because of my delays I got into Madrid about 2 hours after I was supposed to (around midnight), and I was dead tired. I was able to make it to the information desk to call the hotel shuttle, have the shuttle pick me up, and check in to my hotel. After that, all I remember is sending a quick email to Mom and Dad letting them know I was OK, and Skyping Eric to tell him the same, then boom, as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out.


When I woke up the next morning, I had to quick get ready to go BACK to the airport to meet up with my bus to Toledo. As I was packing up, I realized I didn't have my favorite blue fleece zip-up that I wore on the plane yesterday! Uh oh...where could I have left it? Its still a mystery, and I'm mourning my loss :( I guess this means I have to buy one in España!

The view of Madrid outside my hotel

I got to my group right on time, and met some great people on the bus...ALL from either Notre Dame or Ohio State! Where were all my Minnesota people??? It was a great time, and the ride was gorgeous. There were so many furniture stores along the way we laughed that Spaniards buy couches like we buy cars, needing an upgrade every 2-3 years ;) 


Once we got to the Fundación, we hung around, waiting to meet our host families at 3. Of course this meant exploring! We walked literally around the block and saw so many amazing things, little streets (all cobblestone) some shops, the entrance to the Cathedral here in Toledo, and of course tapas restaurants...even a McDonalds! It was all so much to take in, and I've been exploring ever since.

The very mediterranean buildings...

La Catedral

At 4 we had a meeting to discuss living in a host family, and then it was time to meet them. However, my family wasn't there! I, along with two other girls, had to take a taxi to my host house. I didn't know exactly why, and I was a little let down to discover that my family had children, but all in their 30s, so I would be the only one living in the house with my host parents. When I got there, my host mom Marci met me at the door, and then showed me Gorca, her nieto (grandson) that she watches everyday - thus she couldn't pick me up. At least it was a good reason! I was worried that they just didn't want me there.


The rest of the night was uneventful, I unpacked and then hung out, and watched some TV with Marci until Pablo came home. It was very uncomfortable at first, because I tried talking and it didn't really get anywhere, but when she would talk I couldn't understand her Castillian! Here in Spain the spanish is very different from the spanish I've learned, so it has been somewhat difficult trying to communicate. Luckily, it getting much easier to understand everyone now :)


For cena (dinner) we had tortilla, but not tortilla like you would think. Tortilla here is sliced potato and egg, and is VERY delicious...I'm learning how to cook it in school! Then, I went to bed muy temprano (very early) because I had an early morning, and the seven hour time difference was catching up with me. 


---


OK, I'm going to cut this one off here because it seems like a good break, and I don't want this post to be muy muy largo (too long) 


¡Hasta!

So Apparently North Koreans Find Open-Toed Shoes Offensive...

So clearly I need to be more motivated to write this blog - OK mainly just to post the blogs I write haha, this is from two weeks ago when we went to the demilitarized zone (DMZ) in North Korea. There is a tour every Saturday to the DMZ offered through the base. The cool thing is that because we have military IDs, we were allowed in Camp Bonifas, and to the Joint Security Area, or JSA. Not many people get to do what we did, so it was extremely cool :)

The day started off EARLY, like 7:30 departure time early. The bus ride took about an hour and a half, and along the way we watched a History Channel documentary on the Korean War, Panmunjeom (the JSA) and the history of the DMZ. So interesting! Lets just say though that I'm glad we resolved our civil war - a 60 year war really stinks. Just sayin. There is all this tension! 

Once we finished the movie, we arrived at Imjingak, which is the closest place to North Korea most people can get to. Its almost too touristy for me, but it was a nice place to start our tour. At Imjingak there was a train engine that was destroyed in the Korean War, and tons of peace prayer ribbons along a fence - very moving. I found that throughout the day the theme in South Korea was hoping for peace, and there were many places dedicated to families that were divided after the war. Imjingak was a great place to start, because it was a good transition into thinking about how people in Korea have been affected by the war, even 60 years later.

A peace ribbon wall - what a contrasting image!

After the short stop at Imjingak, it was back to the bus to go to Mt. Odu Observation Point, an overlook over a river that looks north to North Korea, and allows visitors to "observe" life in North Korea. Basically, they have those telescope things that you put change in and can see to North Korea and watch farmers work and "see the life of North Koreans". They had a video explaining what we were looking at, and a map. Then downstairs they had displays of typical North Korean dress, goods, exports and imports, etc. They also had a display of a typical classroom and living room. Can you say 1950!???? Literally, everything looked like it was from 1950. Crazy, but probably true. They don't even have internet access! We had lunch here, and it was another tasty one :) A Korean buffet! I had everything, and it was all superb. The only bad thing about Mt. Odu was the gift shop. It said that all of the goods were made in North Korea. Now, I know that we want peace, but I have a problem with this because they clearly violate hundreds of international law with arms dealing and nuclear testing/possession of nuclear weapons, and I don't like that we want to support that...but hey I guess if other people do its their business. I just thought it was a little much.

Our first view of North Korea

Typical North Korean dress

After Mt. Odu, it was again a bus ride, this time to Dorasan Train Station. In 2002, President Bush visited it, so I guess it is kind of a big deal. The train station was built by the South Korean president back in 2002 to show North Korea its move toward peace. South Korea extended its rail from Seoul, its capital, all the way to the DMZ. Their hope is that North Korea will eventually connect the line and travel between Seoul and Pyongyang, North Korea's capital. Then, they could connect to the trans-Asian railroad, and you could theoretically travel all the way from South Korea to Europe by train - no thank you (it would take like, 10 days!) This was another kind of touristy spot, because it doesn't really serve a purpose yet. I guess the main point is that South Korea continues to work for peace, and keeps putting the ball in North Korea's court...

One day this might be true...

When we got back on the bus, we were on our way to the best part of the day - the JSA! You could tell right away when we got there because we were on a military base, and the mood suddenly changed too. We had to switch buses because our tour bus wasn't allowed past the gate, and of course we had our military IDs checked to make sure we were legit. When we got on the bus, they reminded us of the dress code that we had been informed of before the trip. Because we were going to be visible to North Koreans, they wanted us to look respectable - no t-shirts or flip-flops and such. However, open toed shoes were fine, so Mom, Katie, and I all wore skirts with sandals, while Dad and Matt wore polos with jeans and tennis shoes. Well, when we got on the bus they said that anyone with open toed shoes had to stay on the bus and couldn't go to the JSA area, and into T2, the building where all armistice talks are. Basically, we couldn't do what we were all so excited to do. Well, after hearing that we all got really down, literally our mood deflated. We were so confused! Why would the sheet of paper say that open toed shoes were OK if it was a violation of the armistice agreement?? Needless to say, we went into the visit briefing upset, and we tried everything we could to see what could be done. 

My official badge - I passed the security clearance ;)

When we got on the bus to go to the JSA from Camp Bonifas (we were allowed to go on the bus, just not get off it) Dad gave Mom his shoes and then Katie and I borrowed the tour guides shoes...OK so problem somewhat solved, now that Mom and Katie and I had shoes, but Dad did not. Unfortunately, Dad wasn't able to join us, he sat in the bus while we went into T2, where they have the armistice talks, and thus where we ventured into North Korea. His reasoning was that he was going to do the tour again because he was there and could, so we all made sure to enjoy it for him :) 

Let me tell you - it was intense going to the JSA. First they have you divide into two groups and line up in two lines. Then, both groups go up the stairs and to the "patio". Then, one group gets to cross the road into T2. Through all of this, you're surrounded on all sides (literally) by Republic of Korea (ROK) soldiers. Inside T2, there are even more ROK soldiers. Our guide (one of the soldiers stationed at Camp Bonifas) went through the shpiel on the armistice talks, and how if you go past the microphones (which divide the table in the exact middle of the room into two sections) you are officially in North Korea. Of course, we all crossed over to that side of the room and got pictures of us in North Korea - and I totally broke a rule with the Learning Abroad center that day. I signed a sheet saying I wouldn't go to a country that is on the US's "no travel" list...I guess because I was escorted I was OK ;) 

Crossing into North Korea - notice the microphones and the ROK soldier!

In North Korea - only protected by the soldier behind us!

Just a side note - North Korea apparently gives tours of T2 as well, and the soldier told us that when they do, their tour guides take their shoes off and stand on top of South Korea's table, almost mocking them. You can even see the footprint! No joke, he was serious, but the picture didn't turn out too well.

After our group was finished inside T2, the other group got to go in, and we were allowed to stand outside and face North Korea, and take pictures. There was a soldier across the way that kept pacing pack and forth and watching us, and our guide told us that there was a tower they used to monitor us. We had to make sure not to make any gestures or do anything that might possibly provoke the North Koreans - yeah, not going to lie it was intimidating.

The blue buildings are owned by the UN, the silver by North Korea

When we ventured back to the bus (OK marched) we rejoined my Dad and then the bus drove around the road to T2, so Dad could see what we did as well. We then did a bus tour of the DMZ, and the JSA specifically, showing us the spots of the axe murder incident, the bridge of no return, and the city that is allowed to be in the DMZ according to the armistice agreement. A funny side story about North Korea's city that is in the DMZ (they're each allowed one). ROK soldiers and most people call the town in the DMZ that North Korea has "Propaganda Village" because the "residents" of the village don't actually live there - they get bussed in and out every day. Also, When Freedom Village (South Korea's town in the DMZ) started flying a South Korean flag, a twice as tall flag pole was constructed in Propaganda Village...this is apparently a trend at the DMZ. They had to edit the armistice agreement so that all of the buildings owned by North and South Korea were the same height, because it was a continuous building fiasco ;) All in all, this was my favorite part of the trip by far. How many people in the world can say they've been to the JSA? Not many.

By this time, the day was wearing on, and after the JSA we drove to our final destination - DMZ tunnel #3. It was a tunnel discovered by South Korea that North Korea had dug to attack South Korea, and was one of several tunnels South Korea discovered by water holes. Don't ask me how that worked, its confusing but very cool :) The tunnel was fun, to get down we had to walk down a steep ramp about 500m...and at the end we had to walk back up it! Once we got to the tunnel we just walked it for a while, it had interesting facts posted about the tunnel and showed where the dynamite marks in the wall were, proving that North Korea dug the tunnel. At the end there was a HUGE door, obviously they didn't want anyone getting out of the tunnel in North Korea ;)

At the start of the descent down - hard hats and all!

All in all, it was a GREAT experience that I'll never forget. Being around the DMZ really put the Korean War into perspective for me, and I really appreciate how lucky we are in the US to be able to solve things diplomatically...or at least without a lot of bloodshed! 

Hasta luego....

Taking the Time to Remember You All :)

So its been a while since I last blogged, but hey, I've been busy! I'll be posting a few blogs at once here, to get all caught up :) Pictures are coming as soon as I get my own computer connected to the internet, but I have no idea how long that'll be! Don't worry, I didn't forget about blogging, you'll see when I post next :) ¡Hasta luego!

Seoul Searching ;)

So we finally made it to Korea, yay! It has been very eventful these past couple of days, and I've really enjoyed seeing where my dad has been living since Christmas. We left Japan around 9:00, and got here around 10:30 on Wednesday (its now Sunday). Wednesday we hung out, walking around base and getting a feel for things. Wednesday night we went to the Officers Club for a Mongolian Beef dinner, and it was yummy! You could make your own meal by choosing your meat and what to put in it, so naturally we had leftovers! Our eyes must be too large for our stomaches! 

On Thursday, we had another relaxing day. I was able to sleep in, which was glorious! Later that day, my mom, Katie, and I went shopping in Songton, the city right outside of Osan Air Base. Man did we find deals! Shopping in Korea is how I would imagine bartering for goods was, way back when. Our main mission was to find purses, and mink blankets that everyone keeps raving about. The first purse store we stopped in, the guy was so pushy! There were Coach purses for $50, and he SO wanted me to purchase one! After that experience, trying to tell him no ten times and he not listening, I understood that you have to be pushy with the salespeople here. If you don't want something, you don't want something! And, when you want something, you ALWAYS have to lowball the price, by like 25000 won (1 US dollar = about 11,000 Korean won). That way, you can buy the product at a good price! At one of the other purse stores, we tried to go in but the door was locked. Then, a man appeared and ushered us inside. Once we were inside (and the door locked behind us) he opened a secret door behind a row of purses, with stairs leading down (we didn't really know what was going on, but we talked with one of the generals the night before, so I had my suspicions!) and the stairs led to the real purses, hidden away from the inspectors! There were like, 10 other people down there, so we were pretty confident that the purses were good quality. Just goes to show that you never know when something is as it seems!

Calling dad to send more money! :)

We shopped and shopped that day, and both my mom and Katie made purchases. My mom bought a Louis Vuitton purse and wallet, and Katie bought a Jimmy Choo :) We also bought some mink blankets, because after touching them, we understood just how soft they were! I also found a messenger bag that I liked, to hold my computer and be my "backpack" this summer in Spain! 

After a successful day, we went back and hung out with dad and Matt, and then went to bed, preparing for an early morning - we were headed to Seoul the next day!

It was a LONG ride to Seoul the next day, by train of course. On the train, there was a woman carrying vegetables to a market (I'm assuming). There was also a man, almost like a street vender, selling a shammy cloth. I'd never seen that before, but I guess they could do OK as long as they're good salespeople! When we got to our destination station, we were in the heart of Seoul, the capitol of South Korea (also known as the Republic of Korea). We were headed to Gyeongbokgung Palace, where the king lived. On our way, we passed the US Embassy, and we also passed a TON of policemen! Since the incident in February when the Cheonan sank, tensions between North and South Korea have been heightened, and you can feel that there is still a war going on. Technically since the armistice, there has been a cease-fire, but the Korean War is still ongoing.

When we first go to the palace, there was a change of guard (we think) occurring. We're not exactly sure if that is what was happening, but it was a very intricate ceremony, and was very cool! The palace was amazing, we saw the throne room and many other buildings. The palace isn't what I would necessarily think the first time I heard the word "palace". Normally, I would associate that with palaces in England or France, very intricate and one large building, usually. However, this palace had many different buildings for different purposes, and was much more sprawling. On our tour, the woman showed us both the kings bedroom and the queens bedroom, and informed us that the concubines bedrooms were farther away. My sister, not knowing what concubines were, didn't catch on at first, until we told her about the mistresses! ;) Unlike England, if the queen couldn't produce and heir, she could adopt one of the concubine's sons as her own, and thus still remain queen. The king's mother also had quite a lot of power, and her own building in the palace. The only downside to being a queen or the king's mother? You could never leave the palace once you arrived. I don't know if I could do it!

Gyeonbokgung Palace

After touring Gyeonbokgung Palace, we walked around Seoul for a little while, and went to one of the major shopping districts, Myeong-dong. It was crowded! We were stopped by one of the advertising groups for the Korean soccer team playing in the World Cup, and voted on our favorite poster design. They also videotaped us cheering "Go, Korea, Go!" in Korean :) Very cool experience!

Cheering for Korea in the World Cup!

We stopped for lunch at a local restaurant and enjoyed the noodles, ramen to be exact. Not the cheap ramen from Cub Foods, either. Authentic, deliciousness. Mine even had octopus, but it was a little chewy for me!

After exploring the shopping area for a little while longer, we went to the Seoul Tower, so we could see all of Seoul. We had to take a tram to the tower, and at the base of the tower there was a martial arts demonstration. It was really interesting! After watching for a few weapons demonstrations, we ascended the tower. At the top, you could see all of Seoul! I think that Seoul is bigger than Tokyo, or at least thats how it appeared from the tower. High rises stretched for miles! A cool thing about the tower was that each windowpane had a city in that direction, and how far away it was. It even had Madrid on there! Naturally, I had to get a picture under it :) They even showed Anchorage, Alaska, so we took a family picture there! I have to say, the bathrooms in the tower were pretty fancy too, each sink was its own blown-glass bowl, and there was a vanity room and everything. The one thing I noticed from the tower was how every building was similar in appearance. If there was a cluster of 5 buildings, most of them would be alike. Who knows the reason, but it must be cheaper to build the same building over and over! 

That's where I'm going! What a coincidence

Seoul Tower

After the Seoul Tower, we took a taxi to Itaewon, another shopping district. Here, there were venders all over selling octopus and squid on the street! I'm not sure if I would buy it as a snack haha. 

EEewwww octopus (on the cart, the red thing in the bag)

After heading back to Songton, the city outside of base, we stopped at a local restaurant and one of dad's favorites for a bulgogi dinner. A bulgogi dinner is a traditional Korean dinner, with very thin meat as the main source of protein. I ordered chicken, and they cooked it right in front of us! To eat bulgogi, you take one of the bite sized pieces of chicken and dip it in soy sauce. You place this bite in a lettuce leaf, and then top it with an assortment of vegetables, whatever you want. You can have seaweed, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, even kimchi (a pickled cabbage, like sauerkraut, very spicy and very good!). After you've topped it with everything you want, you roll the lettuce leaf up into a ball, and eat it in one bite. I rarely could eat it in one bite, usually I had to split it up into two, but it was still very tasty! 

Bulgogi Dinner

It was a very successful day in Seoul, and I love this country! I think its becoming a common trend :) The next day we explored North Korea, and I'll have to dedicate a new post to that, because its a very interesting, and intense, journey. 

Hasta luego! 

You Tall - You Breathe Clean Air

These last few days in Japan have been absolutely mesmerizing. If I were to talk about everything, this post would be miles long. I don't know if it is because this was an unexpected "bonus" vacation, but I have fallen in love with Japanese culture. If you asked me two months ago if I would ever go to Japan, I probably would've said "maybe, but I want to go other places first." Now, I'm glad this has been my first truly international experience (Canada doesn't really count, they speak our language).

Here are a few memories of the trip:

On our first day herein Japan with my Dad, we went down to Kamakura, a coastal city famous for a large Buddha statue and some shrines. When we were on the first of many train rides into Tokyo we were chatting, and a Japanese woman asked us "Are you American? May I ask question?" She was very cute, and her english was good, although sometimes hard to understand. We chatted with her, asking about Japan and she asked us about the US. We were all sitting, but when my brother got up to stretch she said "Oh!! You tall! Breathe clean air, I breathe other people air." We cracked up at this! Yes, we were all somewhat tall compared to the Japanese, but I don't think I ever would've associated that with clean air! 

On another train down to Kamakura, we met a woman and her parents from San Francisco. She teaches english here, and her parents came to visit. We asked her what was best, and she said to try a sweet potato/green tea swirl ice cream at one of the local shops. We all were like "um, that doesn't sound to great" but kept an open mind. After visiting the Great Buddha (see picture) we stumbled upon the stand that sold the ice cream! It was only 295 yen (about 3 bucks) so we got it. I liked it, and so did mom, but the other three weren't really game. One of our next stops was a local pottery store, where they had a bowl - vase type thing that looked like a candle holder but actually was big enough for 1-2 flowers to sit in. Mom is a sucker for pottery, so naturally we went in. They were making the vases right there in the shop behind the register! We bought one, of course, and headed on our way.

The Great Buddha of Kamakura

mmm sweet potato/green tea ice cream!

Hasedera Temple

After wandering around Kamakura looking for a famous shrine, we got turned around. Luckily, there was a nice Japanese gentleman who stopped what he was doing to take us to the street that would get us there! When we got to the shrine, a traditional Japanese wedding was taking place, and while the bride and groom didn't look too happy (uh oh!) I enjoyed watching the intricacies and attention to detail that went along with it. Her kimono was also gorgeous! There were also several baptisms taking place.

The wedding

After the long day of travel we were famished, and stopped at Shinjuku (a local district) for some authentic Japanese. Let me tell you, I have never had a more attentive waiter. We were given warm towels to freshen up before the meal, and although the language barrier was somewhat difficult, we all ordered Japanese noodles. I, along with my noodles, ordered my first legal alcoholic beverage - a beer. MMmmm it was very good, and hit the spot after a busy day! When our meal was served the waiter also brought forks, but I'm proud to say we're all handy at using chopsticks (no pun intended ;)

Mmm noodles!

And my drink :)

The next day we took a bus from our hotel on base to the New Sanno Hotel in downtown Tokyo (a four-star hotel!). After dropping our bags off we ventured to the Tokyo Tower. Basically, it's Japan's version of the Eiffel Tower, although its bright orange. It was a little hazy, but definitely worth the trip up there to get a bird's eye view of Tokyo! We were able to see how the city was laid out, and how BIG it really is. Its hard to picture 12 million people, let me tell you! To put in in perspective, from where we stayed in Fussa (the Air Base) to all the way down in Kamakura, it took us 4 hours by train. During that time, we NEVER saw more than 1 acre of green space. All we saw were buildings!

The Tokyo Tower

After the Tokyo Tower we walked back to our hotel. You know when your parents estimate something and you trust them? Well, I did, but it stunk! The walk was waaayyy longer than I thought it would be. However, it was nice to be in the city itself, away from the touristy things, and experience authentic Tokyo. One thing I've noticed is that all Japanese are very respectful and quiet. I also understand and have more respect for the ideas of balance and feng shui, because it really does help to keep everything in a balance! Maybe I'll start a zen garden when I get back...

That night for dinner we went to the hotel's Japanese restaurant for a Teppanyaki dinner (where they make it on the grill right in front of you). I love being adventurous when it comes to food, so I was really excited! We sat at the grill and right away were attended to with drinks and food. We ordered some sashimi (sushi without the rice) and shrimp tempura (fried shrimp) right away, and once we ordered our meals the chef got underway! I don't think I've ever eaten that much food in one setting, but it was all delicious. I ordered swordfish, something I've never had before, and all I can say is MMMMMMM. Its a white fish that is still hearty, and very flavorful - I definitely recommend it. Here's what we had for the meal: the appetizers, then sushi, then fried vegetables (onion, stuffed pepper, and shiitake mushroom), then a salad with ginger dressing and Japanese pickles. This was followed by a garlic rice, with the swordfish and bean sprouts. To top it all off, we ordered chocolate mousse and a cheesecake. Not very Japanese (I don't think) but delicious nonetheless! Mom and Dad ordered Tuna, and Katie had teriyaki chicken for her main course. All in all, the best meal I've had in Japan yet! (I'll post pictures once I get them from Katie's camera)

The next morning we ordered room-service (another first!) and headed on our way. This time, we went to see the Imperial Palace East Gardens. GORGEOUS! If I had to describe it in one word - lush. Teeming with trees, flowers, a calming lake, it was serene. There were people lounging around and relaxing, enjoying the beautiful weather. I've never been to Central Park, but if I had to guess, I'd guess it'd be similar. 

Imperial Palace East Garden

For the last sightseeing trip of Tokyo, we went back to Shinjuku and went to Big Camera. Sounds fun, right? Big camera is a HUGE electronics store, 5 floors huge! Every floor had a theme. The 1st floor was cameras, the 2nd was TVs/mp3 players, the 3rd was computers, etc. It was overwhelming. I had no idea how someone could go in there and select something to buy, because there were so many options! Good thing everything was expensive, and I wasn't tempted :)

The electronics store

As I'm looking through my pictures, I've found two that I think are unique to Japan. One is how they store their cars. If you look, there isn't a ramp leading from the ones stacked above the base cars, so how do they drive those cars down and access them? The second is a good way to describe the modern architecture in Tokyo - tall and skinny! The buildings aren't very wide and there is hardly any space between them, but they know how to build them high! :)

How does this work!??

The local buildings :)

So that about sums up our journey here in Japan. In about 6 hours (4:00 am), I will be getting up to venture down to the passenger terminal to hopefully get on a plane to Osan Air Base, Korea. This won't be a C-17, it'll be a passenger plane (757 I think), so a little bit more comfortable seating-wise, but not leg-room wise. At least its only a 2 hour flight! Cross your fingers for me, and I'll post more on my summer of international travels soon!

Chao!