Mapping Seasons

2010-05-22T05:04:00.001-07:00

Saturday afternoon, early evening at the pub. It seemed that I was the only English teacher at the bar. Lots of 50 something, fit, an intelligent by way of their over heard conversation business type expats. Not one digression about low quality unqualified how-did-they-get-excepted-to-university type diatribes aimed at the locals.

Skin is in this summer and lots of it. Thank you, thank you, thank you....

May 20th

2010-05-20T07:32:00.000-07:00

At last the weather has got much warmer. All the hots aren't wearing stockings anymore which is a wonderful thing. Lots of cleavage this summer too. Great! I have waited 15 summers to see something like this. Wonderful.

The foliage seemed a bit later this spring than usual. I wonder if it really was or if I was influenced by the coldest April in a lifespan? Though now, viewing one of my favorite trees, the leaves seemed out and full.

Tomorrow being the holiday I hope to spend a good deal of time with Jr. I have been working so much lately that we only see each other for about an hour a day, except of course weekends.

2010-04-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

I'm still around. I got ahead of myself on the blogging front. Not really knowing what it was like or about. Lately, I have had a few inspirations about blogging, so we will see.

The weather has been extremely cold lately. April should be warm and sunny, though a little windy here in Korea, but the temps have been running below normal for most of the month so far. We shouldn't need a coat now, except at night, but even today a light jacket is needed. The flowers are out though, and that is always a beautiful and marvelous thing.

March 2nd

2010-03-03T00:17:00.000-08:00

Edited.

January 28th

2010-01-28T01:48:00.000-08:00

The light at the end of the tunnel is visible. The work load for the last four weeks has been unrelenting. I haven't been able read the news papers or do anything relaxing, except for Saturday afternoons. Sunday is a day for Jr. and family. Looking forward to just having time for extended thoughts during the day. There is something barren about my mind when all I do is work. I miss the luxury of giving thoughts time to run around. Thinking is indeed a luxury, at least for me, and I try to protect this as much as possible. I understand what Thoreau was talking about when his days were busy, and he didn't have time for his walks or reading. Busy hours lead to dull and uninteresting hours when the work has ceased for evening. Coming home the these last four weeks has lead to me having dinner, and then readings a travel book, or a guide book about China. Thinking, being in peace with thoughts of my family, politics, travel, or even women has all but vanished. Its get up and work, work, work. Once home I'm too exhausted for true relaxation, and it is about getting down for sleep for another full on day.

But to night, I'm going open a cheap bottle of Yellow Tail Merlot wine from Australia, and get back into the habit of enjoining life a bit. My deep down I'm a hedonist, but I'm also a fairly good aesthetic who enjoys living simply, much to the frustration of my wife. Regular posts should start from this weekend.

January 12th

2010-01-12T01:10:00.000-08:00

If you subscribe to the International Herald Tribune here in Korea, you got an opposing view of North Korean defectors in Monday's edition with the Joongang supplement inside and to to day to an article in the the front page. What I believe is that the Monday's article was more to the truth, though it was ruffly written, though isn't most of its pages. The IHT article was written for liberals in the states that don't want the reality or the truth of the defectors plight. I haven't personally met any in my time in Korea, though I often think it would be interesting to talk to them if the chance ever came. In other news, I went to the aquarium with Jr. on Sunday. Costly for what it is, but Jr. had a great time especially after I bought him a balloon. Then the fish didn't mater. The seal show needs work, if anybody from there finds this humble post.

January 9th

2010-01-08T20:32:00.000-08:00

Well the week's work is done, and it was a slog. Not used to putting in that many hours and with that few breaks, but it will be worth it when the pay packet comes around. The sides streets are still full with snow, and only now getting some attention. I have Mondays through Fridays IHT, unread sitting on my desk here at home. Will probably just put them into the recycling bin. That doesn't mean I haven't had some time for the news. Reading this is a twice or trice yearly accordance in the Korean rags. It's all dome and gloom for Korea if the exchange rate goes too high, or reversely its all mayhem and people selling gold rings just to eat if the exchange rate weakens and Korea uses too many dollars to buy raw materials needed to manufacture. Toddlers have better control of the pants wetting than the ricetards getting scared about how to do their jobs correctly and pissing in them. Give it a break please.

The pub last night was filled to Texans watching the Rose bowl. Watched the first half and then left. I declare we give Texas Mexico, or that was all I could think about being in the pub's environs last night.

January 4th

2010-01-04T01:20:00.000-08:00

Now that is a lot of snow. It was a beautiful quiet walk into work today. I had an early start and at a little after seven this morning, it still being dark, the evening lights turned off for the daylight that was delayed. The days hum was just getting started, and the snow promised an eventful day. Snow speaks of innocence and honesty, lots of tracks over one area disappointed my imagination at that hour. The few older buildings with light on and snow falling as fore-drop reminded my of early days of my life with untroubled hopes and a what I thought was a largess of time. Silly me. The snow also brings out a civility in people, a cheerfulness that I wish was shown at all times. With the cold air blasting down, the snow should stick around for some time too.

January 3rd

2010-01-02T18:41:00.000-08:00

The New Year season has come and went, and 2010 is off to a good start. I haven't broken any resolutions yet. This weekend has involved commuting a between Suwon and and my house in Seoul. Taking the commuter rail from Shin-gil station to Suwon seemed a lot longer than I remembered. I used to travel this route in the late 90's and I don't remember the commute taking that long. I think it has something to do with impatience on my part to get the the commute done, while long ago I used to enjoy soaking up the environment around me. I do take this route a few times a year and a few months ago when the weather was warmer I was honored by lovely lass sitting across from me. Dealing with her super short skirt in a sitting position, she decided to wear her shopping bag. That commute went fast, thankfully for me and for her.

The post times are mix up on this humble on-line diary. Have tried to fix it, but no luck so far. Hopefully soon I will fix it.

December 30th

2009-12-29T20:22:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-26T23:33:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-26T17:35:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-24T19:47:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-23T16:53:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-19T04:15:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-18T04:46:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-16T01:07:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-14T19:46:00.000-08:00

Getting started, trying to see how this all works.