Korean Wake

Yesterday, my executive director's husband passed away, and fourteen hours later, I was attending his wake. The funeral home is attached to the hospital, but reminded me more of a fancy department store. There were escalators, spotless tiled floors, and attendants on each floor in spiffy uniforms directing you where to go. The flat screen TVs on the wall listed the deceased names, dates, and where the services were being held. They look vaguely like the airport screens listing arrivals and departures. This made me think, "What do Korean maternity wards look like?"

Upon entering the room, I gifted money in an envelope (the Korean tradition), signed the guest book, then was led into a side room. Here is where my executive director was (with her children). She was in a black hanbok. The room was full of flowers, and on the far side was a picture of her husband. I wasn't exactly sure what to do. This was a delicate situation. I didn't want to be culturally insensitive. Thankfully, the other women from the office were there too. I followed their lead.

We all picked up a beautiful white flower. (I'm still trying to discover the English name.) We placed the flower under the photo, lit incense, then bowed twice all the way to the floor. Then we turned to the grieving family and bowed to them. This was the tough part. She thanked me for coming. Though she's Korean, I felt I should do what I felt was right at the time, and I gave her a hug. A hug is not a traditional act of condolence in Korea, but I think she appreciated it nonetheless.

After leaving the side room, I sat down at the tables and ate dinner. Food is always involved in important Korean events. The soup was so good, I ate a second bowl, or perhaps I was still a bit nervous. I was definitely a bit sad. Friday, I catch a bus early in the morning to go to the burial.

How much is that doggy in the window?

Every day on my way home from school, I walk by a pet hospital. As far as I can tell, it's more like a doggy motel with a guy who wears a lab coat manning the counter. I've never been inside because, obviously, I have no reason to go in. I've got neither a pet, nor the need to enter a hospital.

However, I always look forward to passing by. Why?

This little guy.
Could a puppy be any cuter?

Wait, yes it can. Check out this photo.And now everyone's day is better. ^^

Winter arrives

The weather's flipped over night here. It's FREEZING! Last week the leaves were golden and the breeze was crisp, and now walking to the subway gives me an ice cream headache. I am incredibly impressed with my high school girls who wear uniform short skirts every day. Some of them don't even wear leggings underneath. I wore my long underwear under my jeans today, and I've come to the conclusion that my students simply have lost all feeling below the waist. You should see how they walk. :)

It snowed everywhere in Korea except Seoul last night. Though snow is fun, pretty, and muffles the sound of traffic, I really shouldn't be wishing for it as I've been known to slide AWAY from my school while walking up the hill; it's located on the summit. Snow is scary, and it melts, leaving you even more cold. And yet...I really wanted to chase a snowflake down with my tongue this morning.

Gatbawi (outside Daegu)

An average of 6 million people visit Gatbawi each year.
This Buddha was carved in 638 AD.
Pilgrims come to pray in front of the stone Buddha especially for good health.
It's mystically located on top of the mountain.

What shall we call it?

Introducing "Fonus," FamilyMart's Bonus. Bonus what? Savings, food, an extra polite employee? It remains a mystery. Yet, somehow I'm already sold on the idea. Now THAT'S clever marketing.

Hope

Yes we can.

Yes we will.

"Waffle Fish"

Bungeobbang

This is my favorite Korean street food. I like to call them waffle fish because they're made out of waffle batter and cutely shaped like fish. Inside, however, is sweet red bean paste. For those of you who've never tried red bean, you're missing out.

Bungeobbang stands pop up in the late fall and continue serving until the spring.

I stroll down the brick sidewalks of Seoul, golden leaves falling, the crisp air filling my lungs, hot bungeobbang warming my fingers...I'm happy.