Experience What the Locals Do in Seoul

Sunday, July 14, 2013

There is so much to tell, I hope that I can remember everything.  Yesterday morning I had my appointment at the fertility hospital.  We were supposed to be there at ten, but had some mishaps before we got there. In the morning, the lever to the toilet decided to not work.  Reagan and I lifted the back of it up.  Reagan has been on me about "being aware of my surroundings."  I accidently knocked over the cover to the toilet and it shattered into pieces. Everyone in the family was gone and I did not want them to come back to a toilet that did not work and part of it broken.  I was so upset with myself.  But we had to hurry to make it to the appointment on time, so there was little that we could do.

When we got to the hospital, the nurse told me I would have to get a shot to make the pain go away of what was to come next.  She lead me into a room and a nurse came in and gave me a shot.  I didn't know that I was done with that part of the appointment so I stayed in the room for a very long time.  Finally, a lady speaking English came and asked me if I was alright.  I said I was and came out, while all of the nurses giggled. 

Someone lead me into another room where I was to put on a skirt instead of the nightgowns I am used to back at home.  I had an ultrasound, they drew more blood, and did something else that was painful.  The doctor said it will help in the process of getting pregnant.  It didn't take too long.  Thank goodness. I am supposed to give myself a shot each day for four days and return back to the hospital next, Thursday. 

Maria Fertility Hospital

After we left the hospital, I convinced Reagan that I could find a lid to the toilet at the Dongdaemun Market.  When we got there we ended up walking for hours and hours outside while it poured rain.  They had every shop that I could imagine, but not what we were looking for.

We wanted to watch Junggi teach so we headed over to Kookmin University.  He is a professor of Exercise and Rehabilitation.  When we arrived all of his students applauded us for finally arriving.  Junggi is a very good at being a professor.  All of his students were engaged and I could tell they were enjoying themselves.  Here is a short video of him teaching. 

Professor Hong  Click on the link to watch the video. 

After leaving we went to dinner at a Korean restaurant.  I had bibimbap, which means mixed rice, and Reagan had short rib soup. On the way home, I sat on the subway next to a man from Massachusetes.  He told me I spoke good English.  I told him I didn't speak Korean and he said, "Aren't you Korean?" Well, yes, but I don't speak it.  Yuna knows more Korean than I do and she is a toddler.   

Bibimbap

Short Rib Soup

This morning, Jenna, took Reagan and I to the park behind the apartments.  (Most everyone lives in apartments here in Seoul because it is so populated and expensive to live here.)  It was beautifully covered in trees and flowing streams. There were hammocks to lay on and covered shelves with books to read, in the middle of the park.  Walking further, we saw an outdoor gym.  Apparently, they are all around Korea.   

We thought of Keller running around the dirt trails and stopping to work out at gyms like these. 

When we got back to the apartment, we went out to lunch at a galbi restaurant with the Hong family.  We had pork galbi, which is marinted pork that is barbequed.  It was so good!  In the front of the restaurant on a high ledge we saw the garden where the restaurant gets all of its vegetables. Junggi and Soo think Reagan might be Korean.  He has devoured all of the food he has tried so far. 

Galbi Restaurant

Complimentary Dessert After Dinner - Orange Slushy Freshly Squeezed

 On the way home, we stopped at a cafe for another round of dessert. There are cafes and bakeries scattered everywhere in Seoul.  We all shared two buckets (really huge bowls) of patsingbu.  It is shaved ice with Korean condensed mik, sorbet, and a variety of fruit on top. For dessert at Junggi and Soo's, Soo cuts up fresh fruit each night.  Soo said that fruit is eaten as dessert amongst a lot of Koreans.  I need to take a picture of this Korean melon that is so delicious.  It tastes like melon, but it is crisp.   

Dessert after dessert

Red Bean Patsingbu - it sounds weird, but it is really good.  They are sweet beans.  Reagan liked this one the most.

Berry Patsingbu with chewy rice cake, cookie pieces, raspberry sorbet, and fresh fruit. This one was my favorite.

On the way home, I sat next to Yuna.  She was so darn cute that I had to take a video of her. 

Yuna Singing

Tomorrow we might go to the North Korean border.  I had NO intentions of ever going near that place, but Junggi said it is a must for visitors.  Apparently, it is really interesting.  Reagan might get to watch the professional men's basketball team practice.  Along with all of the work Junggi does at the college he is also a scout for the basketball team here in Seoul. 

On Tuesday, Reagan and I are taking a train to Busan.  I am so excited!  I guess the atmosphere is very different there.  The citizens of Seoul are hard workers who are always on the go.  Whereas, in Busan, it is more relaxed and the people are very friendly there.  I haven't met anyone really unfriendly, except for the two conartists.  Actually, I have gotten some bad looks for showing too much shoulder.  I knew that in Korea, showing too much skin on top was looked down upon.  But I have been so hot here, that I thought it might not be as offensive then I thought. Then the looks started coming from the ajusshis (older men) and ajummas (older women). You can wear short shorts here, but showing your shoulders is a no no to some.  Unfortunately, I brought a lot of maxi dresses which are long with thins shoulder straps. 

We have eaten so much good food while we have been here.  If you enjoy the food you are eating you might say, "mashiso or mashitah" (very good) or "joah" (good).

I hope everyone is well!  We love and miss you all!