Making New Friends....

One of my new friends here in the K, part of the Seoul Family (a group of American's that hang out together in Seoul), named Sis Sha [pronounced Shaw] sent me an email telling me that Slum Village was going to be in concert here in Seoul. WHAT? Slum Village from Detroit? Somehow when you are away from home, no matter how good the place is that you are in..., you always gain a greater of appreciation of home & the things of home. So as I was saying, it was definite, I was going to that concert!

Just for some of you that might not know Slum Village, let me tell you a little about the group. Slum Village is a hip-hop group from Detroit, Michigan that came out strong on the music scene in the late 90's. Although the group would be considered to those unfamiliar with the hip-hop moment as mere rappers, they have a unique styling that has differientated them from the negatively charged hard-core rap music as portrayed in the media. Slum Village has a style that is frequently associated with the Neo-Soul movement. They have quite a HUGE underground following & have gained plenty of commercial success in the US and abroad.

Detroit's Own SLUM VILLAGE

ANYWHO! The fellas were coming to town to perform in Hongdae, Seoul. So we were quite stoaked to hear geniune hip-hop here in Asia, (they have it here but you know that music is never really as good as at it's place of origin.) Plus, I was really excited to see how the concert would be here in Korea, 'cause at that point I had not been to any of the hip-hop or urban clubs here in Seoul. I have seen how crowds react in the US to hip-hop, but what was Seoul gonna feel? After all, what did Seoul know about the fellas that grew up off 7 mile road in my home town? We would soon find out!

THE SHOW

When arriving at the venue, I was quite surprised by the eclectic mix of people present. We must be realistic here though, mostly Korean's were present for the performance. But, a few foreigner's were also present from different ethnic backgrounds i.e. African, European, Indian, etc., you know the mix I'm talking about. While the warm up act was performing true Korean rap at it's finest, the girls & I got settled (Lou, Ashley, Sha & I). Now let me admit something here:

Before I went to this concert, I was familiar with who Slum Village the group was, but a member of the group could have walked up to me at E-mart(Korea's version of K-mart or Walmart) and I would have never known who he was.

The concert began, and I have to be truthful, those fellas put on a GREAT SHOW!! The audience was absolutely loving them & it would have been difficult not to get caught up in the pure adrenaline coming from the stage & permeating in the place. The excitement was so thick it could have been cut with a knife. Guys & girls were jumping & dancing, yelling out Slum Village lyrics with enthusiasm. I was just geeked and caught up in the excitement of how the crowd was receiving the guys from my home town. It's kind of funny how despite the fact that you don't know someone (like Slum Village), if you share some type of commonality (like being from Detroit), there can be a sincere moment of pride that one feels just knowing that a person achieved something good.

Please excuse me as I digress for a moment:

For example, being an African American woman, I am soooooo excited about Obama Barack's potential to be the Democratic National parties choice for Presidential Candidate. (Don't get me wrong, I have researched all the candidates & their positions and have made my decision for a candidate based on policy & platform facts.) Despite that, there is just an overwelming amount of pride that I feel regarding his campaign. Think about it, ... in 2009, there is a REAL possibility that we could have an African American as President of the United States of America!!!!! The potential alone is truly a victory for African American's everywhere....to realize that we can achieve great things too, despite this countries long history of racial injustice. Good luck Obama, Keena's rooting for you here in Korea!

..... ok sorry for the distraction, I'll get off my podium now!

AFTER THE SHOW

While the guys were signing autographs & taking pictures, I felt that it just wouldn't be right if I left and did not show them any hometown love. Therefore, being the Ever-gregarious Keena, I walked up to one of the guys & shook his hand and told him how much I enjoyed the show. I also had to drop in there that I was from Detroit...immediately, that changed the WHOLE game! I was no longer a fan, I was a home girl! So we continued to chat, & I was then promptly introduced to the rest of the group. They turned out to be really nice guys who my friends & I ended up hanging out with the early hours of the morning. Even though T3 of the group wouldn't eat anything but rice at the Korean restaurant, we had a good time hanging out. For a brief moment I forgot I was away from home, until the next day when I got a chance to play tour guide (kinda).

The funny thing is, in my own world in Detroit, I never would have come across these guys. We exist in two totally different circles. I was surprised to find out that one of the group member lives less than a mile from my house. But never had our paths crossed, until one cold night in Seoul, Korea. I had to travel over 7000 miles from home, to meet some people who live around the corner from my house. Imagine that!

We had a fun time together those two days...I look forward to hooking up with those guys again when I make back to Detroit.

K!

______________________________________________________

Just in case some you may not have heard any of this groups hits, I have taken the liberty of adding a couple of their music videos below; ENJOY! Slum Village "Selfish" Video

Slum Village "Tainted" Video

Korean Basketball!!!!!

Seoul, Korea is not a town for the introverted. There are so many things to do! One can find just about anything in the entertainment realm that you are interested, from sports to theatre, history or diverse cuisine. Seoul comes alive at night with it's thriving nightclubs, casino's & Nori-bangs (these are Karaoke style bars) that stay open all night. Karaoke is taken very seriously here. In the mall attached to my apartment building there is a Nori-bang, where people go to practice for a night out on the town. It has approximately 8 private booths where you can go & practice your songs. Even though, I havent been to a Nori-bang yet,....I look forward to going & having a great time. 'Cause most of you know, in America...Karaoke is one of my favorite things to do (despite the fact that I can't sing).

Korean Basketball League (KBL)

The KBL as it is referred to, is the professional Basketball league of South Korea. It consists of 10 teams from across the region. Most of the players are Korean, but there tends to be this funny trend on each team, where there are two (2) American players [usually AA's] that obviously are in complete control of the team. Since arriving in (If you don't believe me check out the team rosters). Seoul, this tends to be one of my favorite past times & I have even started some of my American friends going to the games. Although KBL games are quite different than the FABULOUS NBA, it is quite amusing at times.

In this league, there is a height maximum, yep.... no one over 6 feet 8 inches allowed. Some of you reading might think that this height restriction is due to the small statured Koreans, but I have not recognized that to be accurate. Despite the shortage of fat Koreans, they tend to come in many different shapes and heights. Actually, I have seen some really tall Korean guys & girls now that I think about it....so enough with the stereotypes...Koreans are not short people as a whole.

Back to the basketball....

The Game The rules of the game tend to be the same, after all, basketball is basketball. But, I have noticed, that NO ONE, I mean NO ONE dunks the ball? I am not sure if they have rules against such individualized behavior, so I'll have to do some research.

Initially, watching the game took a little bit of adjustment for me. There are commentators yelling, the crowd is yelling something else back & it's all in Korean...therefore, I am none the wiser. Even in regards to the score, I was confused for a bit cause it is in Korean, which I find really strange since the print on the players uniforms is in English. How am I supposed to translate??? The Fans The fans are really into the game!!! In Korea, it appears to be a little more family orientated than in the US. This may be due to the sheer expense of tickets for NBA tickets. Here in Korea, you can get a ticket for only 8,000Won (approximately $8.30 US). For floor seats, you only need to spend 30,000Won compared to the nearly $2000 you spend for NBA tickets. That difference alone, allows for this sport to be more family friendly. Additionally, at these games, you are free to bring your own snacks & vendors are lined up around the stadium selling beverages, chestnuts, & their homemade treats at very economical prices. I'm not sure if I would care to munch on octupus or dried fish while watching the game, but IF I WANTED I certainly have that option.

The games are complete with scantily clad cheerleaders & their own hype man. Team chants, yelling & the wave are common place at KBL basketball games. They have even incorporated video screens around the stadium, where they show commercials & team promos during time outs.

At one particular game, I was quite excited that they were playing Salt & Pepa's "Push IT" during which time, the cheerleaders were performing. I was really feeling that song, so I got up & began dancing along...since I was one of about 5 Americans in the audience (the other four were in my party), I was an immediate magnet to the camera. As the song continued, I continued to do my dance, all while the camera showed me on the big screen & the Korean people cheered me on (my mother would be so embarassed of me...sorry, Mom!). But I was there to have a good time,..right?

The Players Below you will find video footage, where the Seoul SK Knights are being introduced:

I have been greatly entertained while watching KBL basketball on many occasions. It should go without saying that the players are not as good as they are in the NBA. Due to that fact, they seem to work harder, and I must appreciate their effort, but at the same time...I know why this is the KBL and not the NBA. In this league I have noticed many talented athletes, whose game is limited to prowess in one particular area. For example, there are many great Korean shooters. I mean some of those guys can really get the ball in the basket, 3 pointers for days...no effort...SWISH! Meanwhile, the American players can't seem to shoot really well, but they can make things happen in the post, but you have to pray that the ball makes it into the basket?!? It makes the game really unique and kind of predictable in a sense. Well, you never really know who is gonna win, cause the talent is definitely well distributed across the league.

In one particular game, the Seoul SK Knights were playing the Busan Orion. The SK Knights were being anilluated. They were down 28 points at the end of the 3rd quarter. To say that the 4th quarter was exciting, is an understatement. I liken it to the Bad New Bears coming back and winning the victory. It was unreal how the SK Knights came back and won the game....You just gotta love this game, NBA or not!

K

This upcoming weekend is the KBL All-Star game, I certainly plan to attend! I'll let you guys know how it compares!

Wedding Belles

Okay guys & girls, I have a lil announcement to make:

"MY COUSIN's getting Married" I know this lil announcement really doesn't have anything to do with my voyage to Korea. But since this blog is about my life...while I'm in Korea, this is what is going on in my world. Therefore, I must take the time to congratulate my cousin & her beau on their recent engagement!!! CONGRATULATIONS NATALIE & OMAR I recently had an opportunity to speak to the blushing bride and will retell her account of "How He Popped the Question"

"I actually had no idea he was going to propose," said Natalie Beaman, recently engaged this past weekend to her longtime boyfriend, Omar Hall. The two decided to take a little get-a-way for the weekend to the Windy City, the place where they first met over 5 years ago. It was his idea, but he left all the planning to Natalie. So the weekend started with massages and dinner on Friday evening. While returning to their hotel that evening they noticed the horse drawn carriages & the two decided that a little romantic ride would help complete their "perfect weekend" together. Therefore, after a nice dinner on Saturday night, the concierge arranged a carriage ride from the restaurant back to the hotel.

While riding down Lake Shore Drive, (off Lake Michigan) they talked about the wonderful time that they were having this particular weekend. Everything aligned to make this a very romantic moment, the beautiful Chicago city sklyine, the ambience at the restaurant, the stars, sounds & lights of the city. Omar remarked again how this had been just the "perfect weekend." As they gazed into the sky, Omar asked Natalie,

"You know what would make this weekend perfect?" She remarked, but was somehow distracted while trying to respond due to the sudden movement in the carriage. As she tried to figure out what was going on, she turned to see Omar on one knee,

"You know what would make this weekend perfect?" he asked again, "Well this would make it perfect...." as he pulled out the ring, "Would you marry me?" Natalie screamed, and as they say....the rest is history! Congratulations to the happy couple!

In True Jet Magazine fashion:

The groom-to-be is an engineer & graduate of the University of Michigan (GO BLUE!!!). The bride-to-be, is a Clark Atlanta University alum who is currently a sales mgr for Phillip Morris Industries.

Kickin it with Old Friends....

It's kind of funny how when you are at home, it can be so difficult to make the simplest things happen. Once you get in a rut, it is really hard to get out of it. Like getting together with old friends or taking the time to get to meet new friends. Many of my friends out there reading this very blog, I have been planning to 'do lunch' for many months, but somehow have been unable to make it happen. So someone tell me, WHY oh WHY have I been able to achieve some of the very things I just mentioned here in Korea?

Many of you know that for the past three years I have owned and operated a plus sized womans clothing boutique, DANNI ROCHE (until recently actually) in Detroit. In my entreprenuerial endeavors, I have had the pleasure of meeting lots of talented and up & coming people in the fashion world. One such young lady is Dahnyelle Curtis (y'all better remember her name). She has done some stuff for Danni Roche in the past & is very talented!

But let me tell you the story of how we ended up hangin out in Seoul... I was sending out a mass email to my address book telling all my friends and family to stay tuned in to my blog. I hadn't talked to Dahnyelle in about 6 months (maybe longer actually). She got my email & quickly responded letting me know that she would be in Korea for a few days on business. Currently Dahnyelle works as the head designer for Al Wissam Designs, an urban apparel brand. I quickly called her back & gave her my contact information so that we could at least do dinner when she arrived. Somehow or another, her trip got delayed & her Skype phone couldn't work cause of the broken internet connection in her hotel room. So, oh well, sometimes you can't link up with folks, right?...wrong!

As I was walking through Itaewon on one Sunday after church, quite distracted by a text message I was trying to send one of my friends back home [Dante], I thought I heard someone call my name. Now that was strange, cause no one knew me in Korea, not yet anyway! I looked up & it was Dahnyelle walking up the street. Can you imagine that? Due to our busy schedules in Detroit we had been unable to link up recently, but here in Seoul, S Korea we run into each other walking down the street....talk about coincidences!

Now this was a very welcomed visit for me 'cause I had only been here a week myself. Dahnyelle coming here gave me someone to venture out in the city with. We promptly caught up, laughed & talked, ate & shopped, and just had a good ole time! Before we knew it, it was time for her to leave Korea and head for China and India respectively.

Thanks Dahnyelle for helping to make my transistion here THAT much easier. It was a blast kicking it here Korea!

Stay tuned to here about my new friends.....

Never Get Sick Away from Home

Okay this is my second crack at this story. Initially, I wrote some beautiful poetic verse outlining my experience with sickness in a foreign land. In an effort to format that entry, mistakenly,....it got erased!!! Therefore, it has taken me a few days to try to retell the story. I'm positive it was much better the first time around. Enjoy!

K While preparing for my trip abroad, I made a list,...and I checked it twice. I was gonna be prepared for any situation that I faced. I made sure that my medical benefits were functional in Korea, I went to Sam's Club & bought industrial sized EVERYTHING....all to ensure when I got here to Korea that I would have all the things that I might need while I was here. Don't get it wrong, we know that Korea is not a third world country where you can't find toothpaste or chewing gum, but do you honestly think I would be without Trident's Tropical Twist for months at a time? No way! So a sister made sure she was prepared. AnyWHO! In my effort to bring useful items, I packed a full bag of medicine,....just in case. Afterall, who wants to be in another country with a headache or stomache ache & be unable to find something to take care of it? Certainly not me, so I prepared for such a time. The Main Culprits of my Sickness I'm not quite sure how I got this terrible cold. But I am certain that the root cause of this condition is either (1) My apartment or (2) Seoul, S. Korea [yep, I'm blaming the WHOLE COUNTRY] My Apartment: I think all of you know by now, that I live in this really great apartment here in Seoul. It's got a lot of great amenities, including a few restaurants, fitness center, a door man, and a toilet that takes a Ph.D to know how to operate! But really, despite all these great features, I am befuddled DAILY on how to control the temperature in my unit. I'm not sure if I'm not smart enough( that celcius/farenheit conversion can be challenging yall), or if it is broken. Everyday, I take the directions to the temperature control unit & make another vain attempt at stabilizing the temperature. Incidently, what I have managed to do is either freeze, or overheat myself to the point that my P&C completely sweated out. Since I am under the weather, it could be my own body's temperature is out of control too,...so what does that mean? It has to be Korea....

Korea

Although I have had an extraordinary time since I arrived, I must tell you that it has been freezing. Despite the fact that I grew up in Michigan, and the winters can be quite gruelling, nothing compares to this particular winter in Korea. WHY? At home, despite the low temperatures & the frigid wind chill factors, I merely run from my car to my desired destination. It's that simple. In Korea, it is very different. This town is an adventurers town,.... a walking adventure. So despite whatever arrangements that have been made, I have spent a considerable amount of time outdoors being exposed to the elements. I haven't been out in the cold this much since I was a youngster playing in the snow. So, I guess my body is in shock & my antibodies just let this cold invade my whole being!

So what does one do? Yep, you guessed it...DRUGS! As this cold has plagued my body, it has been in continuous transistion. You know how it starts with the achiness, then the sore throat, headache & post nasal drip? Just when I thought I was getting over this wreched sickness, I then began to cough uncontrollable. Great! That's all I need to do is stand out as the germ carrying, infected American. My collegues are very wonderful people, but do I expect them to listen to me bark all day?

Back to the purpose of this story, unfortunately, I forgot one elixir in my medicine bag....THE COUGH SYRUP!!!! Since I was hacking pretty bad by then, I decided to ask one of my collegues if he knew where I could procure some cough syrup. He told me that I could merely go to the basement level of the building to the pharmacy & pick up some. So, off I go....

This is pretty good time to mention that since I have been here, I experience just a slight bit of anxiety when trying to accomplish new tasks. This is mainly because of the potential language barrier, although many people here THINK they speak English, often times I am quite confused by the words that they use. Armed with this bad cough though, I knew that it could be translated into any language.

The pharmacy was open for business and to my delight, the pharmist was there and spoke moderately well.

"I have just what you need!"she tells me with enthusiasm as she pulls out this green box from under the counter. She then opens the box that contain, three seperate vials of potion(medicine). She instructs me to take this medicine 3 times a day & take the whole vial. With my simple self, I asked her the most obvious question,

"Well, if I take all 3 bottles today, what am I gonna do about tommorrow?"

"Tomorrow, you will be fine," she assures me.

Huh? Alright,...Okay, at about this time I begin to rub my eyes & scratch my neck. I was confused. Surely something had gotten lost in translation because Vicks 44D has NEVER cured me in 24 hours! As I often find myself doing in this foreign land, I pretended to understand & took the medicine to my office wondering if this potent mixture would do as the pharmacist promised. Hopefully, one of my collegues would be merciful enough to explain this medicine to me.

Upon arrival, I grabbed one of the gentlemen and asked him how I was to administer this medicine. He took one look at the bottle & said,

"Is this Chinese medicine you picked up?"

WHAT? Chinese medicine? I'm in KOREA, aren't those Korean letters on the box? I wanted to scream, but instead I just told him what the pharmacist told me. He shook his head a few times & said,

"Yeah, okay...take it like she told you."

I don't know what you are thinking right now, but his response didn't convince me to take this potion. Then, I got a great idea, I picked up one of the bottles & smelled it! What did I do that for?

WWWHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAA!

It smelled like sweat from a baboons hind parts. There was NO WAY, I mean NO WAY I was ingesting that stuff. What? Were they trying to kill me over here? Furthermore, with the recent media reports regarding Chinese manufacturing facilities, I was in no hurry to put my life on the line to prove their credibility with medicine. Oh No! First, there was the lead in the children's toys & then the poisonous toothpaste, I thought it would be better if I just took my chances with my anti-bodies & let them fight this out.

As the day marched on, and the bottle sat on my desk, I continued to stare at it & cough. It couldn't be that bad right? I mean if they are selling it in the pharmacy, right? What if it can cure my cough? Well, right about that time, I received a phone call. It was Sister Gloria from WOF Church. She was calling to check up on me since I missed the previous Sunday service (wasn't that sweet?). I told her that I had slept in because I was under the weather with a cold. At which point she tells me to get better, talks a little about the healing power of Jesus & admonishes me to stay away from the CHINESE MEDICINE! It can cause more harm than good she claimed. What? How did she know? Well, for those of you that don't really understand what I am trying to explain. I believe that she was sent by God to give me that message on that particular day. Some of you might not believe that is the case, but if you want...I can send you this elixir that still sits on my desk. I'll put my trust in the healing power of God and his ability to keep us safe over this medicine ANY DAY!

My First AUTHENTIC Korean Meal

Since I am here in Korea, I made a mental decision, not just to view the culture, but attempt to embrace & experience the culture. One can discover many things about a nation's culture through its food. Before coming to Korea, I thought I was gonna face another dillema--What was I gonna eat? For certainly this Black girl from Detroit, whose family roots stem from the South, is not used to experimenting with her palate. But I'm only here for a short while, right? So I might as well dig in. BON APPETIT!

Kimchi- The flavor of Korea

Whenever one thinks of Korean cuisine, one of the first things that comes to mind is Kimchi. I had never tasted Kimchi before, but the basic premise of the ingredients reminds me of the southern "Chaw-chaw" that I have often heard about (I know I spelled that incorrectly, but,...I mean, it's not like they sell it in the store. Give a sister a break on that one!). Kimchi is a fermented mix of cabbage, radishes, peppers & seasonings. This "concotion" is served with most traditional Korean meals. Not only does it have a unique flavor, but it has a slightly pungent aroma likened to nothing I can describe.

Amazingly enough though, I cannot say that it is "nasty," nor can I say that it is "good." FLAVORFUL is how I would describe this staple in the Korean diet. One thing I must note: it can be awfully HOT! I believe I will enjoy it more as my palate matures. Preparing Kimchi is an ardenous process that has been around for over 3000 years! It is often said that, 'Necessity is the mother of invention?' Well, that is kind of how Kimchi got it's start in Korea history. During the winter months, it was impossible to get fresh vegetables. Preparing Kimchi was a way to provide essential nutrients to the Korean diet during this time of year. Large Kimchi pots can still be found on the roofs of many Korean homes.

Did I tell you that Koreans live in a very health conscious society? Actually, I think I have seen only a handful of fat people since I been here! Despite what you might think about this dish, it has all kinds of nutritional benefits like lowering blood pressure & cholesterol. If you don't believe me, check out this link (Kimchi Nutrition). I think a few of us in the US might need to add it to our own diets!

The "REAL" First Korean Meal

Korean BBQ

Some of you have been reading for a minute & might be wondering what happened during my first meal here in Korea. Well I have to tell you, it was quite different! First of all, I had been in Korea for almost a week when I had to leave Seoul on a business trip. No biggie right? I was kinda of nervous about it...after all, I had been in town less than a week and NEVER had tasted authentic Korean food.

As many of you know, my apartment building is absolutely great. It is attached to the COEX mall. This mall is huge & has no less than 3 food courts, & I am talking about some pretty large ones. Unfortunately, I walk past these mini-restauranteers most times on my way in & out of the building . Some of the aromas that can be found in these food courts can be quite tantalizing while others,....they just make me wanna up-chuck! So of course, in reference to eating with true Koreans, well,...we will just say that nervousness abounded.

My collegues are really nice gentlemen (bless their hearts) and they go out of their way to make me feel comfortable. Knowing that I am from America, they understand that my diet is quite different. Also, they understand that Korean traditions are quite foreign to me. So, they decided to take me to a Korean BBQ restaurant. BBQ, I can do that....right? I had been in Seoul for a minute, I was ready. However, I knew it was a bad sign when I saw a COW on the top of the building...most of you know, I really dont like red meat that much...Oh Joy! My collegues were so excited to take me on my first meal, I couldnt burst their bubbles by acting ungrateful and telling them that I wasnt pleased. Therefore, Academy Award Winner Keena made her arrival.

I have to admit though, I was blown off my circle when I realized that I had to TAKE OFF MY SHOES!! I thought that was a Japanese thing...guess not. Of course I didnt have on any shoes that were simple to remove like loafers or pumps....NO I had to have on boots, with heels no mind! Trying to take those off while standing was real treat! It was touch & go for a minute, but Praise be unto GOD! I did not fall :) My collegues did me a favor by requesting a "western style" table & chairs..Thanks guys. I guess they saw the trouble I had just removing my boots & knew that getting on the floor would present even greater challenges.

As with most ladies, it is pretty common to head to the ladies room before a meal to get your world together. Since we had been riding for a while, it was paramount that I take a trek to the bathroom....BUT WAIT! I had taken off my shoes, was I supposed to go in a BATHROOM with my shoes off? Yuck! Much to my delight, there were slippers at the entryway.

Now this part is gonna get a little PG-13 for some of you:

I immediately walked into a stall to relieve myself, I immediately walked back out...that stall didnt have a toilet. So I just went into the next one...ummmh....it didnt have a toilet either? I was totally confused, what was I supposed to do? But then it hit me, there was a hole in the floor, YES A HOLE IN THE FLOOR....well I NEVER!!!!! What was I supposed to do with that hole? I had to use my imagination, much like you are right now -------> After having this much fun before the meal, I had not clue of the adventure before me.....

That day for lunch we had a traditional Korean BBQ. For those of us that don't understand, let me explain a lil further. There were no ribs, not BBQ sauce, nor any pulled pork sandwiches. In the middle of our table there was a big opening, (kind of like the one in the bathroom actually :) and a big pan is placed over the whole. It similar to going to a modern fondue restaurant. Only on this adventure, we were not dipping bread in cheese, or strawberries in chocolate sauce. The waitress turned on the grill and added a bit of oil, she returned to the table moments later with a big tray of meat, yeah, red meat. Of course I was full of questions, they told me that it was similar to steak (tell me anything right?) She put some of these half dollar sized pieces of meat on the grill to begin cooking. Another trip to the table for her, and I was inundated with various dishes all over the table. The sad thing about all these dishes, I couldn't identify not one! Even the supposed western style tossed salad!

After a short time, the meat began to sizzle & surprisingly my dinner mates began to turn the meat over...with their chopsticks (Are u serious? they were just in your mouth) I was certain at the point that I was gonna be sick. First the bathroom, now this? That day, I tasted all kinds of things(after much inquiry)...surpisingly, most of the items were quite tasty (minus the steak...but that is just cause I dont like it). This meal consisted of so many courses, I didnt know if the meal would ever end. There was the meat (the waitress came back numerous times), then rice, and side dishes galore. Of course there was Kimchi. Soup came shortly after those & then tea to top it off. That meal taught me a few things, just cause it doesnt look good, or smell good, or just cause it is very different than what I am accustomed to, does not mean that the meal should be intimidating. And guess what...I didn't even get sick, I just syked myself out for nothing!

Western Cuisine -- All foods are not Created Equal in Korea

Although Seoul is filled with plenty of McDonalds, Burger King & even Popeye's Chicken fast food restaurants, their interpretation of our food is quite different. Many years ago during my first trip to Mexico, I was rather surprised to realize the Mexican food that I was eating in the US was TOTALLY different than the actual cuisine of the country. Even my favorite dishes were somehow infused with a different flavor. Unfortunately for me, that did not allow me to enjoy some of those dishes with the same fervor as I do at home. KOREA is no exception!

While in the office last week, I figured out that I was rather hungry & decided to go to the lower levels of my office building to the food court to gather some vittles. Since I had suddenly developed this ravenous appetite, I decided to get the first familiar thing that I saw. You know how you feel when you are "really" hungry, you don't want to try something that you MIGHT not like. So what did I decide? Mickey D's of course!!!

When I walked into the restaurant, I knew something was wrong immediately. All of you know that your McDonald's experience is usually one in which you enjoy sensory overload. First you see the Golden Arches, then.......you smell the fries, right? WRONG, not in Korea. My brain kept telling me that I was in the wrong place. But that is just a small thing. So, I took a look at the menu....Most of the writing was in Hangul (Korean Script), but they had English words posted up as well.....where is it though? My MOST FAVORITE sandwich in the world...it's not on the menu. I begin to panic, where is the filet of fish??? Apparently in this region it is replaced with the every popular "Shrimp Burger!!!"

McDonald's Shrimp Burger Combo

Kind of looks like a fish sandwich without the tartar sauce...Right???? There are other menu items that one can find uniquely in Korea, they include:

• The Bulgogi Burger (Pork patty with Bulgogi marinade)
• McBingsoo (Korean Shaved Ice)
• Corn Salad (as a side selection in place of fries)
• The 100 Won deposit on drinking cups if they leave the restaurant.

These unique menu items are rather common at fast-food chains and are based on the local tastes. So next time you are traveling around the world, check out McDonald's and see how they compare!

Korean Food Courts There was a brief mention of the Korean food courts in my building. Since I can't identify many things on the menu, I steer clear of these places. In them I have seen numerous unidentifiable foods. I consider myself a brave soul, but I have my limits. In an environment where they really eat cats & dogs, I have to be careful. Perhaps I just need a native Korean to explain some of the stuff to me so that I feel more comfortable.

PS I have only seen 3 dogs since I have been here!!!!TOTAL! Why do you think that is?

TTYL (Talk to you later)

K

Black History Month

So far during my time here in Korea, I have had an opportunity to travel around the country a bit for business. This gives me a chance to see many aspects of Korean life. Oftentimes when traveling to other nations, we only get to witness the lifestyle that is set before us in the tourist attractions. I have been given the unique option to see the various faces that define Korea.

On one particular trip, a collegue & I traveled to a town in the Southern region of Korea, called Yangsan, located in Kyongsangnam-do. This is a small industrial town that is trying to contribute to the growth of Korea through industrialization.

While visiting a manufacturing facility in Yongsan, to review their process, we experienced a small delay. Therefore, we were left with a little free time to talk with the management team. Many of them were very anxious to speak to us, as our customers are often excited when they know that you are helping to get them more business. Needless to say, many conversations commenced. However, there was one particular young man, that seemed to stare at me for a little while before coming over to start a conversation.

As we talked, sometimes during the conversation we would struggle. Although his thoughts were concise, his english pronunciation at times was a little challenged. Therefore, most times I would have to deduce what he was saying. But we perserved on through our conversation. He started to tell me about a great man that he really respected & looked up to. I understood the good things about the man, but did not understand who he was talking about. So I had to ask him who he was talking about.

"Ge-wash Carverator" he said.

"Who?..please say it slower," I said.

"Ge-wash-car-va-ra-tor"

I had no clue who he was talking about. So we just continued to talk...but then, he made a reference to the peanut.

"OH! George Washington Carver!" I screamed

"Yes, yes yes, he was a great man. All the things that he acheived despite the problems for black people....I admire him so much, 'cause I came from poor family. He inspired me," he said.

For me that was a great moment of truth. During the cultural training that my company sends employees to before an overseas assignment, I was told that during my voyage, that the Koreans would appreciate the fact that I had done much research on their country finding out about it's people and history. I never did imagine that I too would feel some much pride when discussing the history of my people on that day. To think a young Korean man from the small industrial town of Yangae was so motivated by the struggle of blacks in America, specifically George Washington Carver that it inspired him to realize his dreams. I know I might sound a little patriotic, but at that point I was so proud to be a Black American, I could have burst.

For those of you that might need to brush up on your American history, George Washington Carver was an inventor & scholar. He recognized the need for blacks to be educated, which drove him to start Tuskeegee Institute[College] for blacks. Furthermore, through his zeal for knowledge many blacks were educated during a time, where college was not available to many blacks (incidently he graduated from two top schools; the University of Chicago & Harvard University). He was quite brilliant & he alone discovered over 100 uses for the peanut!

[Please see link for more info ---> George Washington Carver]

Since this is Black history month, I only find it fitting that I challenge each of you out there. Please find a child, any child and share with them the story of George Washington Carver and hopefully it will inspire them to pursue excellence like it did for Tony in Yangae, S Korea.

Religion in Korea

Religion plays a key component in the lifestyle of many Koreans. Many of you probably think that because Korea is situated in the East that it would be mainly a Buddhist or Confusionist environment. In the US media, Buddhist monks complete with bare feet & shaven heads are commonly portrayed as the dominate religion in Eastern cultures. After a closer inspection of this subject, I learned that this is not necessarily the case here in Korea. Actually, Christianity is the leading religion in the nation. (WOW!) Approximately 50% of Koreans are Christian, and the remaining population is either Buddhist, Confusionist, or a mix of both religions. Now isn't that an interesting factoid? Half of this country believes in the risen savior, Jesus! The largest Christian Church in the world is located in Seoul, Korea. Youido Full Gospel Church boasts a membership of over 800,000 members. Although their main service is held in Korean, they also have English, Chinese, French, Thai & numerous other languaged services to accomodate the diverse church body. The main sanctuary only holds 12,000 people but there are 10 different services (along with 10 seperate choirs) each Sunday. The church belongs to the Assemblies of God fellowship. Youido Full Gospel Church (pictured above) Photo of main sanctuary of Youido Full Gospel Church Please see the church website for more interesting information regarding this great church and it's founding pastor. It also shares the pastor's testimony regarding salvation & the mega-growth of this church (for those of you that might be interested) My Christian Experience I make it no secret to anyone that I meet that I live for Jesus Christ, and believe him to be the risen savior that died for the sins of the world. Growing up in a christian household, I have been introduced to many aspects of the christian lifestyle. Being from a full gospel, pentecostal background I thought coming to Korea would present me with a church worship experience dilemma. NOT SO!!! Not only is the Youido Church in Seoul but, many other thriving spirit-filled ministries are here as well. My own christian experience has been in the fellowship of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). The Grand 'Ole The Church of God in Christ is the largest Holiness-Pentecostal and African-American Christian denomination in the US. Having been a life-long member of this denomination, I am very familiar with our history as a church. The organization in which the largest church in the world is affliated, the Assemblies of God, separated from the Church of God in Christ in 1913 due to race relations during that time. It was not adviseable for other nationalities to fellowship or take advise from an African-American lead organization. Although the fellowships parted, the same belief system is followed by both groups. (Click on this link for brief history --> COGIC, Inc) Despite the fact that the COGIC is mainly an African-American attended church, there are church locations worldwide. A few of them even exist here in South Korea. One such church, The Word of Faith Mission COGIC is located in Yongsan, Seoul Korea. I have had the pleasure of attending their worship services since I arrived. Founding Pastor Woodrow Givens has been in ministry for over 22 years in Korea.

Some of my fellow COGIC buddies have asked me if I had found a COGIC church, I have indeed. Please see the live video feed from service on Sunday: Wherever You Go...You Have a Friend in Jesus The congregation is a diverse lot of mainly African Americans (from military base), Africans (from Nigeria), and Korean nationals. I was very impressed with their sincere worship & desire to please the Lord. I also noticed that they were very excited to have me worship with them. They were very friendly, and showed me true Christian love. During my first visit, I was introduced to many of the congregants who seemed really intrigued with the fact that I had only been in Korea a few days and had found their church. Only they did not realize that before I left the US, I had sought out their congregation. I was very happy to be in their presence as well, no matter how far I am away from home, away from my friends & family, I don't have to worry cause I always have a friend in Jesus. Does Church=Chicken? I had to ask myself this question after attending services at the local Korean congregation. As the membership body was very friendly & welcoming, I could not help but laugh when I was offered a plate of chicken...Yes, chicken! Many of you out there that are reading this blog have grown up in churches around the US where "Chicken" has always been the main staple of many Sunday dinners. I always thought that Chicken on Sundays was a "black thing" or a "southern" thing, but apparently ladies & gentleman, I was mistaken....'cause CHICKEN is a CHURCH THANG WORLDWIDE!!! Stay tuned, K

Asia's Version of Hip Hop

Che'Nelle "Hurray Up" While talking to some members of my family upon my arrival, I told them about a young Asian Hip-Hop artist that is very popular here in Asia. She is often seen on V-Music Channel (the Asian version of MTV). I wish I could have located a video of her speaking because you would not believe that she did not grow up in the ghettos of the US if you heard her talk. ANYWHO!...since my family seemed very interested in seeing her video, I thought I would share with the rest of you. Check out her video and tell me what you think! Asian Hip-Hop at its finest.

Why Are You Here?

Before I set out on my adventure here in the Orient, I was asked many times why I was making the journey to Korea by family members, friends & collegues . I would often answer the question with the most obvious reason,

"I am going to be working in our[Chrysler] Korean office."

On several occasions it was quite obvious that some individuals did not quite understand my excitement behind this statement. Rather, they felt quite uncomfortable with my desire to not just travel but to live & work abroad.

"But why Korea?...You actually want to go there?"they asked.

Unwilling to let them impact my joyful anticipation, I responded with a simple question,

"How many times in your life do you get to go on an adventure and live in another country?????"

Often they would just shrug their shoulders, or shake their heads in disbelief.

"But that is sooo far away," they said as if I had not thought through my decision.

"I KNOW, that's the point!" I replied unable to hide my excitement.

Before making the decision to come to Korea, I knew that traveling over 7,000 miles away from home was going to provide me with some unique experiences not available in Michigan, or the US for that matter. Hopefully, life changing experiences. Hence, I traveled here with the spirit of adventure on my mind. For many years I have worked in corporate America, gone a few places, seen a few things, BUT, never have I placed myself in such an interesting position. Here in Korea, I am totally out of my comfort circle, and I'm loving it! Many of you that know me, know how close I am with my family & how interactive we are within each others lives. Additionally, at home I know the full lay of the land, where to go, what to do, & who to do it with. Making this trek abroad, I have none of the traditonal security of home, but somehow, I find the challenge of establishing a life for myself (albeit it temporary) very exciting.

Americans in Korea

During my researching stage, I recognized that Korean is a mostly homogeneous society, where Korean faces dawn nearly every street corner. However, with the recent years of growth & prosperity witnessed in the Korean economy, Seoul has become a fierce player in the global marketplace. Surely with all this growth, Seoul has seen other black Americans...right? Of course they have! I have found that many Black & non-black Americans reside within the South Korean borders.

Soldiers in the US Military account for the greatest number of Americans in Korea. The US Military has had a very strong presence here in Korea, since the days of the Korean War(Anyone remember MASH 4077?). Securing the borders between North & South Korea and other governmental assignments attribute to the various military posts here in Korea. Amazingly, in all the years since the official cease fire of the Korean War (July 1953), there is still no peace treaty between North & South Korea. Therefore, a strong US military presence continues to keep the borders safe.

Korea's emphasis on global economic expansion with increased US business has opened up opportunities for many Americans to teach English. As a result, Korea has succumbed to strong western influences and many Koreans desire to speak English. Hence, we have another group of brazen Americans (various nationalities). These two sectors of Americans represented in the Korean population have created a unique subset of Black American culture.

Since my arrival, I have been asked many times which of the former two professions I represent. People tend to be quite shocked when I tell them I neither teach English or arrived here through some type of military assignment. Even while traveling, one of the Black flight attendants asked me if I was in the military. Is it so hard to think that a Black woman from the US can be in Korea chasing a different path? Apparently so...but they will just have to get over it!

K

The Sleep - Walking

I have to first start out this entry by apologizing for not updating sooner, but as many of you may have experienced from time to time, JETLAG is no joke. As a result, although I have loads to share with my family & friends, I have been soooo wiped out that I have not been able to keep my head up two minutes after getting back to my apartment at night! On average, I tend to wake up somewhere between midnight & three AM in the morning, and then I’m up….yep for the rest of the day. Hopefully this weekend I will be able to readjust my body clock…please pray ‘cause this part is not fun!!!

Things to Buy in Korea

Due to SEVERE sleep deprivation & trying to function in an environment that is fourteen hours ahead of what my body says, I am gonna cheat a little today. I came across this listing on one of the Korean tourist websites that might be interest some of you. Since not many people from the U.S. have had the opportunity or reason to travel to the Orient, I thought I would share with you some things that are available in Korea. Some of them are obvious selections, but I'm sure there will be a few items that you didn't know about. Enjoy, K

Alcohol & Liquors

Korea has a long tradition of drinking. As part of an agrarian society, many farmers developed grain alcohols from their local specialties. Korea's most famous drinks are all made from rice: soju, dong-dong-ju, and makkolli. The different regions of Korea each have their own distinctive methods for making drinks, with some local residents achieving Intangible Cultural Asset status.

Antiques

Popular antique items include Silla (668 - 935) paintings, ceramics, pottery, and metal craft work; Goryeo (918-1392) ceramics; and Joseon (1392-1910) wooden chests, furniture, and white celadon (pottery). Remember that the Korean Cultural Properties Preservation Law forbids the exporting of designated "important cultural properties." Take care when purchasing genuine antiques.

Bamboo

Koreans turn bamboo into a number of products, including beds, chairs, pillows, blinds, and ladders. Bamboo mats create a small pocket of air between the person and ground, offering a cooler environment from sitting directly on the ground.

Brush Paintings & Supplies

Calligraphy and brush painting are popular hobbies among the young and old. Brushes of all different sizes, inks of various colors, and traditional paper of many types of textures can be found at specialty shops, especially in Seoul's Insadong area.

Cloth & Clothing

Many different types of tailor-made and off-the-rack clothes can be bought in Korea. Korean tailors can custom make a suit and set of hand-made shirts in a couple of days. Korean sizes tend to be a little small for Westerners. That "large" T-shirt you buy in Namdaemun Market may not be large enough! Korea has a wide selection of fine silks and other fabrics. You can also buy hand made traditional clothes .

Electronics

As one of Korea's major exports, many types of electronics good are available, from computers and computer chips to TVs to microwave ovens to stereo equipment. Department stores, specialty markets, and brand name stores all carry a wide selection, but the prices tend to be higher than back home (due to heavy government subsidies of exported products). Prices at discount stores and the Yongsan electronics market can be as much as 30% cheaper. Domestic products use 220 volts, while most U.S. appliances use 120. Transformers from 220 to 110 and 110 to 220 can be found at most electronics stores. In Seoul, visit the Yongsan Electronics Market for the best buys.

Furs

With the deeply discounted price of fur products in Korea, you can almost save the price of your plane ticket by coming to Korea and making a purchase. Specialty fur shops and and duty-free stores usually have the best bargains. Most department stores also have off-season sales during the summer months.

Garlic

As one of the staple ingredients in many types of Korean food, garlic can be found at any market or food store. Koreans buy it whole, chopped, and powdered. Several areas are famous for their garlic yields.

Ginseng

The Greek words pan (all) and Axos (medical drug) combine to form panax ("cure all"), part of the scientific name for ginseng. A staple of Chinese herb medicine, ginseng is used as preventative treatment for a number of ailments. Because of the personal attention given by individual farmers and close government supervision of the process, Korean ginseng has a world-wide reputation for high quality.

Handbags and Suitcases

Korean shops carry a wide choice of purses, hand bags, back packs, travel bags, suitcases, and briefcases. Prices vary depending on the quality of the items, the types of store, and your bargaining skills. The items are made from cowhide, alligator, or eel skin, as well as a variety of synthetic. Handbags follow international fashion trends, and the latest styles from Europe are quickly copied by domestic makers.

Handicrafts and Traditional Goods

In addition to bamboo, brush painting supplies, and pottery, Korea produces many different types of traditional handicrafts. Lacquerware tables, chairs, wardrobes, and chests can be found in many homes. Brass is fashioned into vases, lamps, and tables. Wooden masks used for generations in plays and dances are also popular collectibles. Many women enjoy macrame and embroidery, and many shops can be found specializing in these items.

Jade

To Koreans, jade symbolizes purity. You can find a wide selection of necklaces, bracelets, hair pins, and statues made from this material. Ch'unch'on in Kangwon Province is rich in nephrite jade and many craftsmen work in the area.

Jewelry

Korean jewelers have a wide variety of rings, necklaces, earings, and bracelets made from local amethyst, topaz, and jade. Gold and silver are also popular materials, and diamonds are a girl's best friend in any country. Jewelers should be able to provide a certificate of authenticity for all items they sell.

Kimch'i

What would Korea be without kimch'i? There are over 40 different variations of spiced radishes or cabbage fermented with hot peppers, onions, salt, and garlic. Each family has their own way of making it, giving theirs a unique flavor. Not all kimch'i is hot, but some types do require some getting used to. However, once you get used to it, you will probably find yourself getting urges for it! There are even kimch'i museums showing the main types and the process of making it.

Leather and Eel Skin Products

Korea has great prices for all sorts of leather products. Find the coats, jackets, belts, gloves, shoes, and wallets you want in a multitude of designs and colors. Many of these products can also be found made from eel skin and other unusual materials.

Shoes

In addition to the numerous real and imitation Nikes, Reeboks, and Addidas sports shoes for sale, leather and suede dress shoes are also a good bargain. Like clothing, Korean sizes tend to be small, so you may have trouble finding larger sizes unless you go to It'aewon. Many places can also custom make shoes and boots.

Sporting Goods

In addition to shoes and sports clothes, Korea makes a wide selection of other sporting goods, such as tennis rackets, ski equipment, fishing rods, and baseball gloves. Famous makers like Nike and Reebok, as well as many Korea brands, have outlets in most major shopping areas.

Tea

Like other Asian societies, Korea has a long history of a tea culture. Many people enjoy drinking nok-ch'a (green tae) or insam-ch'a (tea with ginseng). Although many traditional tea houses have been replaced by coffee shops and bars, a few still thrive in Seoul's Insa-dong area. You can order tea online from the Life in Korea Food and Drink Store.

Watches

Watches in a wide range of prices can be had in Korea. Well-known name brands are on sale here, as well as many cheap imitations. Although some prices may be outrageously cheap, be sure you know the customs regulations for bringing counterfeit items into your home country. As any any country, beware of people selling $50 Rolexes!Korean jewelers have a wide variety of rings, necklaces, earings, and bracelets made from local amethyst, topaz, and jade. Gold and silver are also popular materials, and diamonds are a girl's best friend in any country. Jewelers should be able to provide a certificate of authenticity for all items they sell.