Korean Toast

Sometimes all it takes to bridge the language gap is French toast.
I was a Home Plus staring off into space in the pots and pans aisle when a Korean man excuses himself for grabbing my attention. His English was fairly good, but it was clearly not his first language. His simple, but interesting question was, "How do you make French toast?" I was taken aback, but I understood his question and proceeded to inform him of the minimal bread, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon recipe including hand gestures to bring it all together. I loved after how simply I explained the ingredients and process, he just stared at me blankly with a "Now tell me the secret step" stare. He just couldn't believe that such a "fancy" dish could be conjured up so easily. He even elaborated that he has indeed tried and enjoyed French toast before when he had worked with the U.S. Army as if letting me know that he couldn't be fooled and that he knows what he is talking about. I reassured him the simplicity and we parted ways, but I think he will still Naver his inquiry just to be certain.

With a Cherry on Top

The 2009 cherry blossom festival on Yeoido island was better than sitting at home all day. After learning that these cherry blossom are not that same ones that come from trees that produce cherries, I was slightly discouraged. Luckily, it still worked out for the best. The best news from this glorious message from the gods is that winter has ended and spring is starting/right around the corner. Namely, after the horrible cold with windy conditions, anything different is welcome.
Heading out to Yeoido is the normal excursion that is required when you set sail from Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon. After the obligatory 1.5 hours subway tour we were greeted to a nice Han River walk from Dangsan Station surrounded by tons of other people on the same pilgrimage. The throngs of people aside, there were vendors, performances and cherry trees for everyone. I head out with several coworkers and I believe everyone had an enjoyable time. It was nice to see the Korean National Assembly and business area. Given it was a Saturday, there were only really tourists around, but it was great to be out and about with other people.

The Status of Immigration 10 Years Later

One of the books that my academy teaches is about the Elián González affair, Elian Gonzalez: Caught Between Two Countries (it's out of print, so don't waste your time).
Not only is it difficult to explain such a complex, international relations issue to elementary students that are learning to comprehend English, but the book is just boring and a non-topic for the kids... Until now:

President Obama's improved ties for the U.S. and Cuba
Immigration: Teen vs. Japan

These current events don't make the book anymore fun or the topic more interesting to young Korean children. It is just nice to see that the world keeps spinning when you aren't thinking about it.

Seoul Music

It seems there is a serious lack of popular western-artists concerts in Korea. It is well know that most popular bands seem to shun this peninsula to play in Japan or for any number of other reasons. Now, I know Oasis visited April 1, but playing on Wednesday night is not a way to attract the working class, especially when the weekend dates are clearly saved for Japanese shows.

Luckily there is not a lack of lesser-know artists from the west or Koreans that have embraced the western-style music that want to play. Last Saturday's Club DGBD concert was a fun frolic into Korean-punk mix, Western-electronic, and some combination of the two.

The bands:

• PORNOTORIUM

This was not my favorite band by a long shot. It just wasn't my type of music, so no knock to their ability. Their MySpace page has some well edited and enjoyable tracks. It just seems the songs that I heard were just screaming. I couldn't stand more than a few songs from their set before I had to leave and give my ears a break.

• VIDULGI OOYOO

Ambient rock band from Korea. They all seem to be very skilled with their own instruments, but the group lacked harmony and came off as a collection of noise. Great potential for the future.

• sssighborgggg

These guys were a great instrumental band. The duo did a great job of incorporating the drums, guitar, and synthesizer. They had great harmony and I would definitely have bought their CD if I had seen it. I'll be honest, I was debating leaving the show early until one of their wives told me to wait and hear them; a great tip well headed.

• CLERKS

A trio of girls that knew how to play. I won't lie, this was the group that I wanted to see at the show. Their uploaded tracks sounded good and I'm kind a sucker for all-girl groups that play well. I came into their set halfway through, but everything I heard was very good.

• ANKLE ATTACK

A great punk-rock group from Korea. This band was most like the kind of music that I thought the whole show would be like. All the members were skilled at their instruments and they all seemed to be having fun. They played well as a group, but they all had their own sound. I would definitely try and hear them again.