I'm in Hong Kong. It is hot and humid and wonderful! All at the same time. I want to write more and detail my experience, but I'm off to do fun things and don't have a whole lot of time.
So, just believe me when I say... Great city. Great times.
Oh... and I have about 5 posts that are in the "draft" stages that I've never actually finished. So, I'm hoping to drop some knowledge in the next few days when I finish and post the posts. But, just to give you a taste of the good stuff to come... I was on a Korean game show! No, really.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Digression...
"Digression is the soul of wit."
My father often asks for the “reader's digest version” of my stories. My long-winded nature and tendency to digress and pursue tangents is well-known in my family. My father's request for a "reader's digest version" is an (often futile) attempt to keep me on track.
But, I was reading Bradbury’s afterward to Fahrenheit 451 and he beautifully defended digressions. Claiming that digressions are not only the soul of wit, but they are the sunshine, the life and the soul of reading. I couldn't agree more.
I remember reading Salinger's The Catcher In The Rye and being entirely bored by the “crumbly” Holden Caulfield as he wandered the streets on New York complaining about every person he met. But, I reached Chapter 22 and my heart stopped, my lungs were void of air and I cried. It was as though I was meeting Holden Caulfield for the first time and the pain of the character was overwhelming. I realized the digressions of the book, the conversation with the nuns, the phone calls to old girlfriends, the writing in the bathroom stalls, were more than just “excessive” descriptions of a young boy’s adventure. They were manifestations of emptiness, confusion, and a longing to return to unaltered happiness and innocence. And most importantly, in Holden's mind, they were what waited for any child who Holden couldn't save from the cliff's edge.
The digressions of the book were the soul and sunshine of the novel.
Wow. I really do love that book.
My father often asks for the “reader's digest version” of my stories. My long-winded nature and tendency to digress and pursue tangents is well-known in my family. My father's request for a "reader's digest version" is an (often futile) attempt to keep me on track.
But, I was reading Bradbury’s afterward to Fahrenheit 451 and he beautifully defended digressions. Claiming that digressions are not only the soul of wit, but they are the sunshine, the life and the soul of reading. I couldn't agree more.
I remember reading Salinger's The Catcher In The Rye and being entirely bored by the “crumbly” Holden Caulfield as he wandered the streets on New York complaining about every person he met. But, I reached Chapter 22 and my heart stopped, my lungs were void of air and I cried. It was as though I was meeting Holden Caulfield for the first time and the pain of the character was overwhelming. I realized the digressions of the book, the conversation with the nuns, the phone calls to old girlfriends, the writing in the bathroom stalls, were more than just “excessive” descriptions of a young boy’s adventure. They were manifestations of emptiness, confusion, and a longing to return to unaltered happiness and innocence. And most importantly, in Holden's mind, they were what waited for any child who Holden couldn't save from the cliff's edge.
The digressions of the book were the soul and sunshine of the novel.
Wow. I really do love that book.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Car Wash...
You've heard the story of the country folk who decide to go to town. They get up early, bathe and brush their hair. They put on their Sunday best and try to look their most presentable. They say "please" and "thank you" and do their best to be respectful.
Today I went to the bank to make an international transfer. I got up early, showered and curled my hair. I ironed my prettiest dress and put on make-up. I didn't consciously plan all this out, but it felt like I should look presentable and respectable today. However, now that I think about it, I know why. I didn't want to give anyone a reason to judge me. I could just as easily wear jeans and my Reefs, but if I wear a dress and curl my hair, maybe I'll be less likely to be labeled, "just another stupid foreigner." Of course, I realize how silly this is, but I am the ONLY white person in the entire building. I have never transferred money internationally and even if I had, I am entirely helpless unless someone can speak my language. It's like I'm a country bumbkin in a big city!
While at the bank I experienced one of my least favorite elements of being a helpless foreigner. I call it, "The Crowd." I started speaking to one clerk, then another came over to assist. These two clerks were followed by another. By the end I had between three and five clerks helping me and speaking Korean around me. There are a few reasons I dislike this. First, I feel guilty to trouble all these people. FIVE people had to stop what they were doing to help the ONE person who came to their country and doesn't speak the language! Every other person in the bank requires one person to help them. I require FIVE! It feels selfish and arrogant. Second, I don't know what any of these people are saying. They are speaking around me and I don't know how to respond. Sometimes they will throw in a few English words and look at me, but I miss the English words because I am so lost in the Korean. I don't know how to be polite. Do I pay attention to the speaker despite having no idea what he is saying? Do I look at the listener and try to discern if he understands the instructions and will be able to help? Or, do I sit quietly, examine the ground and try and wait until they need me for something? I just don't know and usually do a combination of all three; my gaze drifting from speaker to listener to the chipped nail polish on my toes. The last reason why I dislike this is that I have to rely on body language. The vocal tone of the Korean language is so different from English that there is no way for my discern emotion in the volume and tone of the words. So, instead I rely on body language to gauge the attitude of the people around me. One woman looked so helpful. She sat forward and smiled and pointed at things I needed. Another man slouched in his chair, would speak Korean/English at me and then look away and slightly roll his eyes if I didn't understand him the first time. The original clerk didn't smile, worked diligently and just pointing at places I needed to sign or fill in account numbers. And the mixture of attitudes puzzled me. Should I be apologetic? Friendly? Quiet and professional? Most often when I am unable to discern the proper response to a situation, I simply follow the lead of the other people in the situation. But, in these "crowd" moments... WHO DO I FOLLOW?
In the end, I was successful at the bank. I transferred the money and all ended well. There was one more funny moment. At the bank, instead of being able to electronically transfer the money, I had to actually go over to the ATM and withdraw the cash and give it to the clerk. So, I had to withdraw 5 million won, which is about $5000. However, the largest bill they have is a 10 thousand won bill, which is about $10. So, I had to walk across the bank lobby with 500 bills. There was a little part of me that wanted to throw it in the air like confetti, start ghetto dancing and singing Jim Jones... "We fly high. No lie. You know this. BALLIN'. Foreign Rides. Outside. Just like showbiz." But that was one of the many urges I chose to ignore. Nonetheless, 500 bills in your hand, even 500 $1 bills still feels pretty good.
For your viewing pleasure, I've decided to share the video. Jim Jones "We Fly High."
Onto other subjects...
Wow... I am weak sauce. All flavors of weak sauce. I was at tap class today and am learning a new move. I hop from foot to foot, but have to do a double tap (called a "slap") when I hop. This doesn't sound hard, but I have to keep my knees bent and together, my feet have to be controlled by my ankles (and not my knees) and unless I can get my toe to point upward (which I still can't!) I'm not able to get the double tap. I end up kicking the floor instead of slapping it. Not to mention, my heels aren't allowed to touch the ground, so it is all on my toes. There are so many little parts to this simple move... toe up, back straight, ankles together, no heels, stay balances, keep the rhythm, hands on hips. And this is the only move I did for two hours. My calves and butt burned! And all I could think was "PULL IT TOGETHER, JACKI!" So, I just kept hopping and slapping, hopping and slapping.
Last week I learned another move I like a lot more! It is a flap-ball-change, but it includes a turn. So I do a 360 flap-ball-change while moving forward. It is a really fun move because my feet get to twist and stomp in fancy looking patterns. That move was so fun to learn that I didn't even realize two hours had passed. Of course, fun moves that don't hurt are rare. However, on days like today when the new steps burn and I think about how I'd rather be taking a nap on my Sat afternoon instead of hopping from left foot to right, I hear Christina Aguillera's song "Carwash." That song will be the song for my tap routine! And the faster I learn all these smaller steps, the quicker I'll get to put them together into a routine! Now, that will be FUN FUN FUN!
And for further viewing pleasure... Christina Aguillera "Carwash."
Today I went to the bank to make an international transfer. I got up early, showered and curled my hair. I ironed my prettiest dress and put on make-up. I didn't consciously plan all this out, but it felt like I should look presentable and respectable today. However, now that I think about it, I know why. I didn't want to give anyone a reason to judge me. I could just as easily wear jeans and my Reefs, but if I wear a dress and curl my hair, maybe I'll be less likely to be labeled, "just another stupid foreigner." Of course, I realize how silly this is, but I am the ONLY white person in the entire building. I have never transferred money internationally and even if I had, I am entirely helpless unless someone can speak my language. It's like I'm a country bumbkin in a big city!
While at the bank I experienced one of my least favorite elements of being a helpless foreigner. I call it, "The Crowd." I started speaking to one clerk, then another came over to assist. These two clerks were followed by another. By the end I had between three and five clerks helping me and speaking Korean around me. There are a few reasons I dislike this. First, I feel guilty to trouble all these people. FIVE people had to stop what they were doing to help the ONE person who came to their country and doesn't speak the language! Every other person in the bank requires one person to help them. I require FIVE! It feels selfish and arrogant. Second, I don't know what any of these people are saying. They are speaking around me and I don't know how to respond. Sometimes they will throw in a few English words and look at me, but I miss the English words because I am so lost in the Korean. I don't know how to be polite. Do I pay attention to the speaker despite having no idea what he is saying? Do I look at the listener and try to discern if he understands the instructions and will be able to help? Or, do I sit quietly, examine the ground and try and wait until they need me for something? I just don't know and usually do a combination of all three; my gaze drifting from speaker to listener to the chipped nail polish on my toes. The last reason why I dislike this is that I have to rely on body language. The vocal tone of the Korean language is so different from English that there is no way for my discern emotion in the volume and tone of the words. So, instead I rely on body language to gauge the attitude of the people around me. One woman looked so helpful. She sat forward and smiled and pointed at things I needed. Another man slouched in his chair, would speak Korean/English at me and then look away and slightly roll his eyes if I didn't understand him the first time. The original clerk didn't smile, worked diligently and just pointing at places I needed to sign or fill in account numbers. And the mixture of attitudes puzzled me. Should I be apologetic? Friendly? Quiet and professional? Most often when I am unable to discern the proper response to a situation, I simply follow the lead of the other people in the situation. But, in these "crowd" moments... WHO DO I FOLLOW?
In the end, I was successful at the bank. I transferred the money and all ended well. There was one more funny moment. At the bank, instead of being able to electronically transfer the money, I had to actually go over to the ATM and withdraw the cash and give it to the clerk. So, I had to withdraw 5 million won, which is about $5000. However, the largest bill they have is a 10 thousand won bill, which is about $10. So, I had to walk across the bank lobby with 500 bills. There was a little part of me that wanted to throw it in the air like confetti, start ghetto dancing and singing Jim Jones... "We fly high. No lie. You know this. BALLIN'. Foreign Rides. Outside. Just like showbiz." But that was one of the many urges I chose to ignore. Nonetheless, 500 bills in your hand, even 500 $1 bills still feels pretty good.
For your viewing pleasure, I've decided to share the video. Jim Jones "We Fly High."
Onto other subjects...
Wow... I am weak sauce. All flavors of weak sauce. I was at tap class today and am learning a new move. I hop from foot to foot, but have to do a double tap (called a "slap") when I hop. This doesn't sound hard, but I have to keep my knees bent and together, my feet have to be controlled by my ankles (and not my knees) and unless I can get my toe to point upward (which I still can't!) I'm not able to get the double tap. I end up kicking the floor instead of slapping it. Not to mention, my heels aren't allowed to touch the ground, so it is all on my toes. There are so many little parts to this simple move... toe up, back straight, ankles together, no heels, stay balances, keep the rhythm, hands on hips. And this is the only move I did for two hours. My calves and butt burned! And all I could think was "PULL IT TOGETHER, JACKI!" So, I just kept hopping and slapping, hopping and slapping.
Last week I learned another move I like a lot more! It is a flap-ball-change, but it includes a turn. So I do a 360 flap-ball-change while moving forward. It is a really fun move because my feet get to twist and stomp in fancy looking patterns. That move was so fun to learn that I didn't even realize two hours had passed. Of course, fun moves that don't hurt are rare. However, on days like today when the new steps burn and I think about how I'd rather be taking a nap on my Sat afternoon instead of hopping from left foot to right, I hear Christina Aguillera's song "Carwash." That song will be the song for my tap routine! And the faster I learn all these smaller steps, the quicker I'll get to put them together into a routine! Now, that will be FUN FUN FUN!
And for further viewing pleasure... Christina Aguillera "Carwash."
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Ipods...
My ipod has become an intregal part of my daily life. I don't go anywhere without it. I listen to it constantly. I'm always downloading entire new albums and putting my ipod on shuffle, never really knowing what I'm going to hear next. Of course, I've got all my classic favorites... The entire discography of Jackson Browne, Billy Joel, New Found Glory, Panic at the Disco and Rolling Stone's collection of the 500 greatest songs of all time which includes everything from The Clash, Lynard Skynyrd, The Police, and Prince, to The Shangri-Las, The Sex Pistols and Simon and Garfunkle. It is quite an eclectic mix.
But, last night I took my ipod to a new level!
It was the last night out with the Austrian and he wanted to go to B1... I hate B1! It's a kinda lame bar that has almost no room to dance and bad techno music. But, the European guys wanted to go so I tagged along! After a couple drinks and a sincere attempt at enjoying myself, I started getting annoyed. Not just tired, but annoyed! The whole scene was lame and contrived. I was in uncomfortable shoes. It was hot and the music felt like I was pounding my head into the wall... over and over and over. And then, I had a brilliant idea! I pulled out my ipod, turned up the volume and started rocking to my own tunes! It was awesome! It was like my own private dance party... I had the lights, the drinks, and with enough elbowing and pushing I was able to make my own mini dance floor. AND... I could sing along to my own music! Amazingly, my feet suddenly stopped hurting, the heat seemed inconsequential and my mood improved dramatically! Not to mention, the ipod became a catalyst for attracting new dancing partners! People would do a double take. It would take them a second to realize... wait, why is she listening to an ipod when there is already music playing? So, then I'd share my ipod with them and we'd dance to my music for awhile.
Like I said, taking my ipod to a new level!
In other news...
This was the last weekend with the Austrian. He was here for about two months and we dated pretty consistently for the two months. It was a nice time. And the best part was the laid back, casual nature of the entire thing. It was easy, probably because there was always a set expiration date. No worries about the future. No false expectations. No concern for "where is this going?" Just good company, lots of good food and wine and some pretty interesting conversations. And so today with a kiss goodbye, we parted ways. Another friend from another part of the world. Here are a couple pictures from this past weekend.
However, there are parts of my life that aren't changing... I still LOVE my tap class. Wow! It is great. I am getting a little better every time I practice, I can see it. It doesn't seem like tap would be that hard, but most people don't attempt to move their feet in such a specific and controlled manner. Tap is all about moving your feet using your ankles, not your knees. So, tap dancers have to move the toe, heel and ball of their foot in quick and calculated succession in order to make distinct sounds and movements. It is a really fun feeling when you can hear the beat of the music and get your feet to make just the right sound. I've started a new movement where I tap backwards and I'm having some trouble... but I'll get it! Oh, I'll get it!
Speaking of dance, I think I am going to sign up for another dance class. There is a dance studio in Itaewon that caters to foreigners and it has all sorts of Latin classes, and swing lessons. The swing lessons are on Saturdays, so I could go to my tap class from 1-2:30 and then to the swing class from 3:30-5:00. Awesome!
And finally... the weather. Oh, dear god! It is hot and humid. It is so hot that if I just stand outside I sweat through my clothes. In fact, it is about 10:00pm here and it is 80 degrees with 80% humidity. There are glass doors on the front of my school and the air conditioned room and the hot exterior are causing the windows to fog up! During my dance class, the room gets so hot that sweat drips off my face and body as I dance. The glass mirrors get fog all around the top and we drink gallons of water! In short... It is hot!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Cars...
Did you know...?
Did you know that in Korea all the cars have small phone number stickers in the front windshield?
Since people park so tightly and in such strange locations, the phone number is on the car so you can call and ask the person to move their car if it is blocking you in or is parked in an inappropriate location.
Did you know that in Korea all the cars have small phone number stickers in the front windshield?
Since people park so tightly and in such strange locations, the phone number is on the car so you can call and ask the person to move their car if it is blocking you in or is parked in an inappropriate location.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
