Farmboys Surprise Shindig :)

Thursday came on the 24th June just as every other comes to pass here in SK...but this particular thurday morning was different. Why I hear you ask? BecauseThursday 24th June was Farmboy's 24th Birthday..

So 06:00 came and saw me running madly to catch the bus  across town, to reach Farmboys house in time to surprise him...not an easy feat I'll have you know, as I am not the quickest person to get ready in the morning(this doesn't just happen you know *she says winking* ), and to get to his front door  FArmboy was still asleep the ensure the full element of drowsy/sleepy eyed surprise.

So armed with my polaroid and arms full of presents I hit the streets. Here are some pics of what went down then, as well as later that evening when I managed to surprise him again (sounds of trumpets blaring) with a dinner with our friends which included the happy snapper Jenny, our friendly Brits~ Sally & Lewis, our fellow Saffa's~Claire, Jonno & Dev, our FABULOUS American buddies~ Christina, Amy & Dan, as well the ever smiley Minnie!

Heres to many more Korean bbq's, free glasses/bottles of house wine, gifts of funny photo frames and hubbly grottos!

Farmboys Surprise Shindig :)

Thursday came on the 24th June just as every other comes to pass here in SK...but this particular thurday morning was different. Why I hear you ask? BecauseThursday 24th June was Farmboy's 24th Birthday..

So 06:00 came and saw me running madly to catch the bus  across town, to reach Farmboys house in time to surprise him...not an easy feat I'll have you know, as I am not the quickest person to get ready in the morning(this doesn't just happen you know *she says winking* ), and to get to his front door  FArmboy was still asleep the ensure the full element of drowsy/sleepy eyed surprise.

So armed with my polaroid and arms full of presents I hit the streets. Here are some pics of what went down then, as well as later that evening when I managed to surprise him again (sounds of trumpets blaring) with a dinner with our friends which included the happy snapper Jenny, our friendly Brits~ Sally & Lewis, our fellow Saffa's~Claire, Jonno & Dev, our FABULOUS American buddies~ Christina, Amy & Dan, as well the ever smiley Minnie!

Heres to many more Korean bbq's, free glasses/bottles of house wine, gifts of funny photo frames and hubbly grottos!

The Shisha House...

So our wonderings round Gungdong (the area surrounding Chugnam University) took us right onto the doorstep of The Shisha House, a very funky hubbly/hooka/shisha bar owned by the friendly Frenchman, Frederic...

Prices for hubbly range from W7 000 ~ W10 000, and they have a VAST selection of beers.
When they say that some of their flavours are *strong*, be warned...they mean *STRONG*. Farmboy and I tried the watermelon, and, well let's just say if ur looking for more of kick, this is the one to try. They also have milder flavours like peach * melon.

From Santa Claus its just a 1 min walk up the street. Here are directions from Fred :)

My bar is located in Kungdong, Yuseong-gu, near "santa Claus". The closest subway is the Yuseong Spa. Then you walk toward Chungnam university. You past the language center on your right, go through the parking lot. turn right from the university side gate then the first left. then go strait, til the end of the street. However I recommend you to take the cab from the subway station and ask for Kungdong Teigeuk ankyongwon (궁동 태극안경원)

The one side of the entrance is 'bricked up' so could be hard to spot at night, so just keep your eye open for the blue sign on the side of the building :)

The Shisha House...

So our wonderings round Gungdong (the area surrounding Chugnam University) took us right onto the doorstep of The Shisha House, a very funky hubbly/hooka/shisha bar owned by the friendly Frenchman, Frederic...

Prices for hubbly range from W7 000 ~ W10 000, and they have a VAST selection of beers.
When they say that some of their flavours are *strong*, be warned...they mean *STRONG*. Farmboy and I tried the watermelon, and, well let's just say if ur looking for more of kick, this is the one to try. They also have milder flavours like peach * melon.

From Santa Claus its just a 1 min walk up the street. Here are directions from Fred :)

My bar is located in Kungdong, Yuseong-gu, near "santa Claus". The closest subway is the Yuseong Spa. Then you walk toward Chungnam university. You past the language center on your right, go through the parking lot. turn right from the university side gate then the first left. then go strait, til the end of the street. However I recommend you to take the cab from the subway station and ask for Kungdong Teigeuk ankyongwon (궁동 태극안경원)

The one side of the entrance is 'bricked up' so could be hard to spot at night, so just keep your eye open for the blue sign on the side of the building :)

Subway Maps & Transport Cards

If your already here in Daejeon, I'm sure you know your way around the subway like the back of your own hand, but for those who are thinking of heading over here, or any one who wants to check them all out, here are the subway maps for Daejeon, Seoul and Busan :) all in one convenient place...
Click here for earlier post on booking the KTX and other trains!

 Above is Daejeon's subway line. There is only one line, and is therefore very easy to use!

Seoul Subway: click here for the link to enlarge the above image

Below is Busan's Subway Lines: click here to enlarge the image
 
Within each city, you will need to purchase a different transport card (or cell phone charm~which works in the same way as the card but hangs on your cellphone).

Daejeon: Hankumi Card & Cell Phone charm (below)

Seoul: T-Money Card

Busan: 1-Day travel passes for W3 000 (valid for the whole day~this works out as the cheapest option for

traveling if you plan on being there for longer than and hour)

All of the above travel cards can be recharded at every Subway Station (either by machines or tellers), or GS 25 (convenience store).

Santa Claus Pub...

Nestled in the heart of Yuseoung, a short walk from Chugnam University lies Santa Claus ~ pub/bar/restaurant/pool lounge/chill spot.

It doesnt claim to be anything fancy, as it's not...but it's a great place to watch soccer games, have a beer, hang out and play pool with your friends.

The owner is really friendly, and they serve yummy Western food (a bit pricey~ W10 000 for my burger and tiny coke) but good nonetheless. They also have loads of Western alcoholic drinks, so you dont have to fork out for a whole bottle of vodka when u just want a double and coke :). There are 2 for 1 specials on most nights ~till 11pm for guys and till closing for girls.

Santa Claus is near Chugnam University,but is not that close a walk. So the best way to get there is to go by bus, bus# 105, 109, 115 all stop right outside Santa Claus, the stop is called Hanbit Apartment (it's announced in English). We actually walked all the way from Yuseoung Spa Subway station (it took us about 30 mins) so if you come by subway, get out at exit no#7 and then transfer to bus 105, 109 or 115, as it goes

straight past...its about a 5 min bus ride from there.

Santa Claus Pub...

Nestled in the heart of Yuseoung, a short walk from Chugnam University lies Santa Claus ~ pub/bar/restaurant/pool lounge/chill spot.

It doesnt claim to be anything fancy, as it's not...but it's a great place to watch soccer games, have a beer, hang out and play pool with your friends.

The owner is really friendly, and they serve yummy Western food (a bit pricey~ W10 000 for my burger and tiny coke) but good nonetheless. They also have loads of Western alcoholic drinks, so you dont have to fork out for a whole bottle of vodka when u just want a double and coke :). There are 2 for 1 specials on most nights ~till 11pm for guys and till closing for girls.

Santa Claus is near Chugnam University,but is not that close a walk. So the best way to get there is to go by bus, bus# 105, 109, 115 all stop right outside Santa Claus, the stop is called Hanbit Apartment (it's announced in English). We actually walked all the way from Yuseoung Spa Subway station (it took us about 30 mins) so if you come by subway, get out at exit no#7 and then transfer to bus 105, 109 or 115, as it goes

straight past...its about a 5 min bus ride from there.

Japanese noodles in Korea!

So after much deliberation and "decision making" Citygirl and I decided to jump on a random bus and see where it took us. We had a fun adventure for about three minutes, but the age old atrological rule of all roads leading to one, eventually spat us out in Yuseong area. This didnt really bother us as we are the liesurely type and are very rarely surprised. We went for a light stroll and after a few minutes we decided to head to our favourite Japanese noodle bar and have some light lunchies. Its high time that we posted about another restuarant and it might as well be this one. The food is awesome. The noodles come in a thick and healthily fresh broth and  is ridiculously well priced considering how full you feel after every meal. Its nice and homely inside and the waiters are always uber friendly with a light grasp on the english language so they can answer basic questions about the menu. I recommend this place to anyone who has just come from a long walk in the surrounding mountains and wants to full their tummy before a jimjilbang session.

If you're taking the bus, then take the 704, 706, 115 towards Yuseoung, get off at HongIn Hotel (the name is announced in English). Hop off and walk about 200m towards the big bridge, cross the road and turn right just before the bridge. Its next door to the music shop!
If you're taking the subway, get out at Yuseoung Spa, headings towards the Chugnam University (i think its exit 1). Once you get to the big bridge (its about 500m) cross the road and turn right. Its next to the music shop, with red lanterns hanging outside.
It does look a bit suspect from the outside...but it truely worth the mission once you taste their noodles!

Japanese noodles in Korea!

So after much deliberation and "decision making" Citygirl and I decided to jump on a random bus and see where it took us. We had a fun adventure for about three minutes, but the age old atrological rule of all roads leading to one, eventually spat us out in Yuseong area. This didnt really bother us as we are the liesurely type and are very rarely surprised. We went for a light stroll and after a few minutes we decided to head to our favourite Japanese noodle bar and have some light lunchies. Its high time that we posted about another restuarant and it might as well be this one. The food is awesome. The noodles come in a thick and healthily fresh broth and  is ridiculously well priced considering how full you feel after every meal. Its nice and homely inside and the waiters are always uber friendly with a light grasp on the english language so they can answer basic questions about the menu. I recommend this place to anyone who has just come from a long walk in the surrounding mountains and wants to full their tummy before a jimjilbang session.

If you're taking the bus, then take the 704, 706, 115 towards Yuseoung, get off at HongIn Hotel (the name is announced in English). Hop off and walk about 200m towards the big bridge, cross the road and turn right just before the bridge. Its next door to the music shop!
If you're taking the subway, get out at Yuseoung Spa, headings towards the Chugnam University (i think its exit 1). Once you get to the big bridge (its about 500m) cross the road and turn right. Its next to the music shop, with red lanterns hanging outside.
It does look a bit suspect from the outside...but it truely worth the mission once you taste their noodles!

*4 months in...*

So today (or maybe its tomorrow) marks our 4 month anniversary here in Korea...at the moment im not sure whether to laugh or cry~and the weather is not helping.
We had been warned about this 4 month hump, but to be honest we had also been warned about the 1 month honeymoon period, the 2 month crazy spending spree's, and the 3 month culture shock. And now here we are at 4 months, plodding along, singing a song (which for us South Africans has got to be Waving Flag~*below*)

So what are we going to do with our general mood and attitudes, well lets think about what we have to be grateful for...we don't have a very strenous job, we get to interact with cute little kiddies all day, we earn a very decent salary, we are surrounded by friends all going through the same thing, we have a great home country that is hosting a world class event and of course we get to travel all over this dynamic country we now call home. Yes the weather is getting a bit too hot to handle, yes the schools won't let us put the aircon on, yes we all feel like we need a holiday, and yes we are all a bit tired of the staring, but i mean hells bells...

This is my 2cents to add about most peoples (including myself up until about 5 minutes ago) general dismal attitude.

Life is what you make it, so now that we feeling like we have been handed 10 trees of lemons~lets get to making that lemonade!

*4 months in...*

So today (or maybe its tomorrow) marks our 4 month anniversary here in Korea...at the moment im not sure whether to laugh or cry~and the weather is not helping.
We had been warned about this 4 month hump, but to be honest we had also been warned about the 1 month honeymoon period, the 2 month crazy spending spree's, and the 3 month culture shock. And now here we are at 4 months, plodding along, singing a song (which for us South Africans has got to be Waving Flag~*below*)

So what are we going to do with our general mood and attitudes, well lets think about what we have to be grateful for...we don't have a very strenous job, we get to interact with cute little kiddies all day, we earn a very decent salary, we are surrounded by friends all going through the same thing, we have a great home country that is hosting a world class event and of course we get to travel all over this dynamic country we now call home. Yes the weather is getting a bit too hot to handle, yes the schools won't let us put the aircon on, yes we all feel like we need a holiday, and yes we are all a bit tired of the staring, but i mean hells bells...

This is my 2cents to add about most peoples (including myself up until about 5 minutes ago) general dismal attitude.

Life is what you make it, so now that we feeling like we have been handed 10 trees of lemons~lets get to making that lemonade!

Some crazy letters to me from my kids…

So my school has this awesome website where the kids in the school get to send me their attempts at english letters. I thought it would be funny to post one or two of them...

Hello Dale!
My name is Won Seok.
I heard you had backache.
That's too bad.
I hope you get well soon!
I think you're very popular bacause when you go to ground, many people crowd to(for?) you.
Qestion.
How do you think about Korea?

Its alot of fun trying spot which kids wrote which letters, you must understand their names do very little bell ringing.

Dear Dale,Hi, I'm a KoreaTeacherYou remember We ?gave you on the playground every day to teach the Korean language.But on Tuesday, June 8 to come out on a business trip I tried to call you for letting us no what's not.

Give us more accurate numbers, please. ........At this point, so bye-bye

(That was from my un-official 3rd grade Korean language teacher)

Hello, teacher. My name is Yun Ji Lee in 6-1 class. I have some question to you.Answer to me please~
1. How did you know Korea?
2. What is your favorite sports?
3. How many time are you visits Korea?
4. Do you like singing?
*How are you?
I like your class very much~! It is very fun.
Teacher, please answer me~! I want your answer~!

Good bye, teacher~! See you later!

(A little stalker sounding but kind of cute).

Hello mt lovely Dale.
Your my best teacher.
I love oy Dale bey~~~.

ps. I love you~~

Roxy you have nothing to worry about this kid is in the 4th grade and could even be a boy. No threat I promise.

One of the
little punks keeps sending me this edited pic of himself.

Some crazy letters to me from my kids...

So my school has this awesome website where the kids in the school get to send me their attempts at english letters. I thought it would be funny to post one or two of them...

Hello Dale!
My name is Won Seok.
I heard you had backache.
That's too bad.
I hope you get well soon!
I think you're very popular bacause when you go to ground, many people crowd to(for?) you.
Qestion.
How do you think about Korea?

Its alot of fun trying spot which kids wrote which letters, you must understand their names do very little bell ringing.

Dear Dale,Hi, I'm a KoreaTeacherYou remember We ?gave you on the playground every day to teach the Korean language.But on Tuesday, June 8 to come out on a business trip I tried to call you for letting us no what's not.

Give us more accurate numbers, please. ........At this point, so bye-bye

(That was from my un-official 3rd grade Korean language teacher)

Hello, teacher. My name is Yun Ji Lee in 6-1 class. I have some question to you.Answer to me please~
1. How did you know Korea?
2. What is your favorite sports?
3. How many time are you visits Korea?
4. Do you like singing?
*How are you?
I like your class very much~! It is very fun.
Teacher, please answer me~! I want your answer~!

Good bye, teacher~! See you later!

(A little stalker sounding but kind of cute).

Hello mt lovely Dale.
Your my best teacher.
I love oy Dale bey~~~.

ps. I love you~~

Roxy you have nothing to worry about this kid is in the 4th grade and could even be a boy. No threat I promise.

One of the
little punks keeps sending me this edited pic of himself.

Wedding ~ Korean Style

This Sunday saw Farmboy and myself hitting the alter...to watch my Principle's daughter getting married (had you all there for a second hehe), in what turned out to be the strangest and most bizarre experience.

So I will try and give you a very detailed discription of what went down, because I have no pictures you see, well there was no time to take pictures is probably the best excuse...so here goes!

I had been warned to bring an envelope of cash ~W30 000 if you dont know the bride/groom, up to 100 000 if you are friends with either of them~ before hand by my co-teacher (and luckily I did because no cash=no lunch here in the land of Kimchi). Basically each guest brings with him/her an envelope of money to give to the wedding party, and it's all very business like...2 desks, one for friends of the bride, and one for friends of the groom. Once the money has been grabbed, it is counted and the amount is recorded next to your name, which you then sign. Upon receiving your 'gift', you are issued with a lunch coupon. Aparantly the money is counted up at the end of the ceremony and used to pay the buffet costs.



Coupons in hand, Farmboy and I walked to the actual wedding hall, well, the wedding was over before we even had time to raise our eyes to the alter, and then had to push and shove our way into the que for lunch. Which as it turns out was full on that floor, so we had to go and have our lunch with another wedding party on the second floor!

Basically these wedding halls have a wedding venue and a buffet room on each floor, if I'm not mistaken, there were 10 floors at the venue we were at, and each party gets 20 mins to say their "I do's" and then make like a tree and leaf, to join the other guests at the buffet. Its the stranges thing. Each floor has a different name, "Serenity", "Romantic", "Harmony", "Tranquility" etc and the 'flowers' and decorations are suited to each 'theme'...I say 'flowers' becasue they are all plastic and fake, which means less mess, and I guess less hasstle to organise and arrange for each wedding.

So think of it like a production line, one bride in, other bride out, next bride in, next bride out, and most of the guests dont even see the bride. I mean I have never met my Principle's daughter, I barely know my Principle, and I didnt even get to see the bride to say congratulations...oh but I did get to have lunch with about 4 wedding parties...each of us borrowing the bottle opener (and no, not for beers or any sort of alcohol, for coke and pepsi), and leaning over one another to grap our plastic cups and napkins

On the plus, the buffet was quiet yummy..but definately not worth R180 a pop!
All in all we were out of there in 55 minutes flat...hows that for efficiency :)

If you are living in Korea, you will undoubtably have to attend at least one wedding, its quiet an experience...just dont forget your envelope...and of course an open mind.

Wedding ~ Korean Style

This Sunday saw Farmboy and myself hitting the alter...to watch my Principle's daughter getting married (had you all there for a second hehe), in what turned out to be the strangest and most bizarre experience.

So I will try and give you a very detailed discription of what went down, because I have no pictures you see, well there was no time to take pictures is probably the best excuse...so here goes!

I had been warned to bring an envelope of cash ~W30 000 if you dont know the bride/groom, up to 100 000 if you are friends with either of them~ before hand by my co-teacher (and luckily I did because no cash=no lunch here in the land of Kimchi). Basically each guest brings with him/her an envelope of money to give to the wedding party, and it's all very business like...2 desks, one for friends of the bride, and one for friends of the groom. Once the money has been grabbed, it is counted and the amount is recorded next to your name, which you then sign. Upon receiving your 'gift', you are issued with a lunch coupon. Aparantly the money is counted up at the end of the ceremony and used to pay the buffet costs.

Diski Dance!

After watching this short clip my heart swelled with pride for South Africa and all thats happening back home with the up and coming World Cup! I think I speak for all of us Saffa's abroad when I say that I'm really sorry I'm missing this benchmark in SA's history. But alas :) Here is the clip so all of you can enjoy it wherever you are...maybe even incorporate it into one of your classes?!

Diski Dance!

After watching this short clip my heart swelled with pride for South Africa and all thats happening back home with the up and coming World Cup! I think I speak for all of us Saffa's abroad when I say that I'm really sorry I'm missing this benchmark in SA's history. But alas :) Here is the clip so all of you can enjoy it wherever you are...maybe even incorporate it into one of your classes?!

Cool Places to go~ #5 SeOuL

Seoul (again...)

Backpackers: If your looking for a really fantastic and affordable place to stay then look no further than Blu Guest House (click here ). Run by the very friendly Jay Lee, Blu Guest House is a 5 min walk from the subway station. Funky architecture and immaculately clean, with very comfy duvets all for the incredibly affordable price of W15 000 pp per night...you can't go wrong!

Pre~ World Cup Braai in Seoul!

Saturday morning saw us up bright and early to catch the train into Seoul...2 hours later and we were negotiating our way round the Seoul Subway system like pro's...on the hunt for our backpackers.

Now Blu Guesthouse is far from your average backpackers, with a very impressive entrance, a very friendly host, and immaculately clean rooms with your own bathroom and shower for the very affordable rate of W15 000!
After dumping our bags and catching our breath we marched off to join the other 346 South Africans who we would be braaing with at Naanjin Park to celebrate the World Cup!

What a sight awaited us when we arrived....vuvuzella's, green, yellow, flags, Zakumi's, and the cherry on the cake..the smells of borewors, lamb chops and BILTONG!

What a great way to spend a Saturday, surrounded by friends, eating delicious homely food, and listening to the sounds of hundreds of other South Africans having a great partykie :)

Then it was off to Itaewon with Claire to explore 'What the Book!', the only stand alone English Book shop in South Korea, as well as some other interesting sights (which included an eye popping moment outside a transgender club and a delicious Curry as well  as look around at the world food market!)
All in all a top weekend!
~even got home early enough on Sunday to finish off the first season of FlashForward~now what are FarmBoy and I gonna watch??