More on holidays in Korea

  Korean holidays are a little different than I have been used to.  First, Christmas.  It's just not that big of a deal here.  Christmas is more like a "couples" holiday- one of the many they have here.  So, on Christmas, you don't see families out doing things - you see boyfriends taking their girlfriends out for coffee or dinner.  Flowers are given.  It's like a date day, somewhere in there is "love" all mixed in - but not like I think of love and Christmas with going home and special food and all.

  Before I moved here, my friend warned me that I wouldn't see Christmas trees or decorations, just to brace myself.  Then December came  - and we saw some decorations.  She claimed it was about an 85% increase from what she saw here last year; but it still didn't seem like all that much.  (You can see from older posts, we still had trees and wreaths, etc.)

  Downtown Gwangju, there was a Christmas tree, sortof.  It was made from strands of lights.  There was a giant lighted globe at the top of the tree, then a cross.  You can see it pictured with me below.  (This picture was taken in mid December, I think.)  They left this tree up well into January.

  In my neighborhood/dong, they had tons of white lights decorating the tree/park/median area in the middle of the street.  These were left up until just a week or so ago - I'm guessing they leave them up through the Lunar New Year?  

  Lunar New Year - this is the beginning of February - that will be in a separate posting.

  Valentine's Day - one of the 5 or 6 "couple holidays" here.  This is where people have dates and mainly give each other chocolate.  It is for people in relationships.  However, many of my students brought me chocolate (well, what they call chocolate here).  They do not make or give cards.  

   The next "holiday" off from school will be March 1st.  No one at work could explain why we have this day off, just that it is a holiday - no classes.  Someone else explained it better - that is the day that Korea decided to become independent.  It's not the day they did it, just the day they decided.  So we get that one day, Tuesday this year I think, off from school.  

  There are no other Korean holidays in March, except that over the next few months -- there are a few more "couple holidays" - there is a Black Day and a White Day and something else.  One of these is for the boy to give the girl a gift; the other is for the girl to give the boy a gift.  Then, interestingly enough, another day is for people who are not in relationships - but just friends to give each other gifts.  

  In May, we have both Children's Day (they actually get a day off from school to just rest/play - ONE day a year!) and buddah's birthday.  There are no school holidays in June or July.

  The other thing I noticed was about cookie decorating.  At Christmas, I decorated Christmas cookies with some of my classes because this was exposing them to some American traditions and they had NEVER done this before.  It was quite a challenge to find even ingredients for frosting - they don't frost or decorate cakes or cookies like that here.  (Most of the bakeries use something like whipped cream and fruit; all the cakes are either white or brown, chocolate.)  Remember that most Koreans do not have ovens in their homes.

  So, we figured out how to make powdered sugar.  I did find some sprinkles - for a crazy exorbitant price; but then I used chocolate covered sunflower seeds and just regular white frosting.  I did not have food coloring.

  In January, I did get food coloring from the US.  In February, I noticed that all the "stationary" stores had a whole section of cake/cookie decorating items.  They still don't have food coloring readily available, but they do have tubes of colored frosting - and sprinkles galore - and more.  I guess it's all out for Valentine's Day because there are candy molds or hearts and large heart cake pans; but it seemed odd to me that these wouldn't be out in December.  Which I guess isn't that odd since Christmas isn't that big here, but I'm just not used to it all yet.

  My students had never heard of Groundhog's day.  For some reason, I always liked it, even though I know it is a bit silly.  At the end of January, I  had some of my reading classes read a book about Groundhog Day (by Margaret McNamara) - and they loved it.  They thought it was so silly.  Well, until they had to fill out the worksheet I made to go with it - then they thought it was just work.  Fun work, but nonetheless work.  Ha.

  There are more holidays here, which I will talk about as they get closer.  As a teacher, I find myself always aware of when the next holiday/break is.  For now, there's a start.  Here's a picture from a few months ago.  Happy Valentine's Day!  Happy Groundhog Day!  Happy Lunar new Year!  Merry Christmas!

Because I can...

  While recently in Hawaii, one of the things on my "wish list" was tights.  I like the sweater tights because it is quite cold here in Korea.  I cannot purchase tights here, because well, the "one size fits all" here actually means it fits all Koreans, NOT six feet tall girls from Indiana.  I was looking through the black tights and brown tights when I came across these striped tights.  Generally, I steer clear of horizontal stripes for my clothing; but a part of me just liked these.  (I also have some argyle tights; super fun.)  

  Almost anything goes in Korea - not really, but the fashion here is a bit different.  (more on that later) So one day last week, I laughed as I put on these tights.  Of course I paired them with a sensible gray skirt and a blue sweater that would pop against it all.  I was warm and these tights make me happy.  I know I should think I am too old for such things, but I am in Korea... and I can wear tights like this.  So I do.

 Hey, I think my knee is look'n a bit better these days, as well.  Hooray!  (and 'bout time!)

Hoola Hoop This?

  As a child, I loved hoola hooping.  I was younger then and like to hoola on my ankle, my wrist, even my neck.  In college, we occasionally ended up in the 2AM at Walmart hoola hoop contests...

  When I moved into my apartment in Korea, the previous teacher had left a few items.  One of them looked like a hoola hoop, with a twist.  Well, not so much a twist as some nodules around the interior.  I tried to use it one day, OUCHIE!!!  Notice that the "bumps" are all around the inside - so the person using the hoop cannot avoid coming into contact with them.  It is painful.  I guess these are used for exercising, and have seen them for as much as $55 at the store here in Korea; but it almost seems like a form of self-torture.  I see them in the store, but I never see anyone buying them.  I haven't seen Koreans using them.  Of course, I have NO intention of using this one.  I shall probably put it out on the street one of these days and see if anyone wants it.  Ouchie!  It does appear to come apart, so if you really want one, I could ship it to you.  Of course, you'd have to really be mad at someone to give them this.  No thank you.  This does not need to be part of my Korean experience.

What Goes Up... Must Come Down

No video up yet.

I can't get the video to load and will have to have someone help me with it later... 

for now, either check the video on my FaceBook or this picture will have to suffice.

Best view of Hawaii yet...

     Hannah skydives, finally!  This is something that I've been wanting to do for about 20 years now, but I haven't been able to go yet.  My wonderful boyfriend surprised me with this as part of my Christmas present.  He had gone once before in Germany and knew I wanted to go.  I loved skydiving, and I really enjoyed sharing this adventure with Eric.  

     It seems slightly unnatural to want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.  I would think anyone "should" be a bit scared.  I was surprised though, mostly I wasn't really that freaked out.  When we were going up in the plane, and I looked out the window to my left, it was just "Ooo, pretty.  Water.  Hawaii.  Nice."  Then it would hit me, oh wait, I'm about to jump out in a minute.  It was just exciting though.  When the camera guys would open the "door" on the right side, well, I did catch a glimpse and for a spilt second I was like, "Ohmygasarangee, have I lost my mind?"

    I was to jump second.  All the way up, Eric's Instructor kept teasing me - they would pull on my harness and say, "Oh, this isn't supposed to be this loose, is it?" (um, it is, at that point, your instructor tightens it when he locks in later)  Or they would say, "Hannah, does it bother you more that your Instructor is illegal or that this is his first jump, too?"  Oh yes, great help guys.  It actually helped keep me laughing and relaxed though.

  Elio, my Instructor, actually had jumped 8200 times before.  He was very nice and very helpful, so I was confident.  I think one of the funniest things from the day was right before I jumped.  I had been sitting in front of Eric (which you can see from the video) because we were a bit smooshed into the plane and Elio sat on the floor so I could have the bench by Eric.  Then Elio had to move behind me so he could connect in (one's instructor is connected at both shoulders and the hips) and tighten up the straps and all.  I was so excited to be jumping, just looking around and smiling.  Eric (who was behind Elio) reached around to hold my hand - but he couldn't reach and just touched my neck.  I knew it was Eric, but Elio saw the hand there and put both of his hands in front of me and said, "That's not me.  Here are my hands."   Ha.  It was hilarious.

   So then it was my time to jump.  I was second.  The camera guy got ready and Elio and I moved towards the open door.  It was odd - once I stood up, actually facing the open door and looking out, I was not nervous at all.  There was no hesitation, no fear.  Just a "Let's do this!" attitude like I had in my youth.

  There are not really words to adequately describe my skydiving experience.  It was AMAZING.  The view was great.  I kept my eyes open.  (you wear goggles)  I could not have asked for a better Instructor or a better camera flyer.  The only thing I didn't really expect, it wasn't even that bad.  (the first tug pulls on your chest and it HURTS...) I didn't really understand when I could let my hands go from the straps - I was a bit confused but thoroughly enjoying it all - but we figured it out.  (Hey, I was just trying to follow instructions.  If there is any time one should def. follow instructions, I would think it would be when skydiving.)

  Then we were just flying.  Floating.  It's falling, but not really.  The camera guy took some more pictures and then waved, and off he went.  (They then take video of their ride down - which is similar to mine; and wait at the bottom so they can film my landing.)  Rather peaceful ride down actually.  Very smooth, excellent view.  Elio was good about saying, "We are now about --- feet, looking good."  At one point he moved my hands down and asked if I was okay, if we could just take our time getting down.  I was like, oh yeah!  So we weren't in any hurry.

   The main concern I had starting out was the potential impact on my knee.  However, with tandem sky diving (two people), the student is to put their feet up and the impact all goes to the Instructor.  We didn't have much wind, so we mainly came in smoothly and then slid on our bums.  (He is shorter than I am.)  So, with the harness and all, it's like a little seat and then you just put your feet up and you are there.  Suddenly on the ground.

   My first thought was, "I want to do it again!"  I couldn't believe that I actually (finally) go to go - but it was incredible.  I saw Eric (already on the ground, though he jumped after I did) - and gave him a hug.  I  still couldn't believe that I actually got to do this; but it was super fun.  Exhilerating.  Amazing.  Incredible.  Fantastic.  Unmatched.  Spectacular. Something to do again, if possible.  Delightful.

   Just last week I was thinking that I might be old enough now where I should really get a career.  If I thought that my knee could take the impact of solo landings, I would totally be a Camera Flyer.  I mean, come on, get paid to jump out of planes and take video or pictures of other people, many for their first time, also jumping out of planes?  It would be fantastic.

   Of course, since this was my first time jumping (of which I would like to think will be more - except you almost have to get into working with this if you are addicted because of the cost) - I got the video.  This way, you can share a little in my adventure.  The other fun part was that I didn't really tell anyone I was going skydiving - I just posted footage of it later.  Surprise!  (Well, I didn't even know myself until Saturday afternoon.)  AFTER the fact, I called my mother to give her a heads up.  She was fine with that (not much I do now could phase my parents), as long as I didn't tell her before I went.  Ha ha.

    I am in Hawaii this week and got to skydive here - so the scenery is even more incredible.  Of course, I HIGHLY recommend skydiving to anyone who has seriously thought about it.  Clearly, I really enjoyed it.  Thanks to Eric (who shared this adventure with me), Elio (who didn't let me die and actually let me "fly" as long as possible), and Zach (a great camera guy)!

    Warning for my mother and small children - there is some kissing on this video; but here is the video of my skydiving adventure.  Enjoy.

Warm Winter Gear!

Though I do have a pair of ear warmers (which are a constant reminder of my running days) and a lovely little blue hat from a dear friend (thanks, Leah, you are amazing!), I decided it was also time to break down and get some good 'ol ear muffs.  So reminiscent of my childhood days... I remember a vanilla cream colored pair that my sister had when we lived in Ohio.  I was about 7 years old and was often trying to "borrow" them - which didn't work because they were too big and she would always take them back.  Well, I have my own pair now and they fit well (yes, there is a difference between the 1000 won pair and the 7000 won pair).  The guy at the street market said they look, "very beautiful warm", but then again, he was selling them so who knows.  I like them. They are warm.  Do I look like a mouse?  I don't care.  I love my new ear muffs.

 Hooray for new boots!  These were not an option - as I was getting concerned about falling (mainly for my knee) and I can't seem to get better (yeah, still a bit sick again) when my feet are wet all day.  Plus, I didn't want to ruin my other shoes.  Now, finding boots in my size is no small task in Korea.  Many sales people giggled.  I had a friend helping me.  It took us two days to hunt.  These are the best choice, though a smidgen small and twice what my tentative budget was for boots. 

My new boots are black, so they will work with my blue coat or my red coat, my blue hat or my new ear muffs, and all my scarfs...  Fun.  I shall wear them to and from work, and then probably change my shoes.  They are VERY warm.  I'm thankful that I could find something that would work.  I have to rough them up a bit to increase the traction, but it's better than my other shoes.  I tried to get some of the nifty "shoe chains" to also put over my boots (Hey, I've nearly wiped out multiple times in the last few weeks.), but they are apparently only made for shoes, not giant boots for the big-footed giant from America.  Hey, "a big tree has gotta have big roots."