Sakura Cherry Blossoms or

벚꽃 (Beotkott) or that's how the flowers are called in Korean language. Words could not express the exhilarating feeling of being in the Flower festival at Youido. Well, apart from the main event of seeing the blooming Sakura or cherry blossoms, lots of others flowers inside the pots were 

all available to be  enjoyed. 

 The kids did love the flowers. See the balloons? They were also parts of the action.

 The purple flowers dotted the street while Sakura with all of their charms dotted the lines of the streets along the way.

 Eyra and her Mom were (of course) among the throngs of people who were flocking and queuing to take picture. waiting for your turn to get yourself exposed to the fragrance of the flowers...

 Beautiful they were! But, too bad we did not even know or let alone being ourselves aware of their names albeit the fact that we did cherish them for being so pretty.

 The streets were dotted with the line up of artists--painting artists--who would more than willingly to make a sketch and draw yourself out of it just in time while your mind wandering around elsewhere...

 Freya never failed to captivate me as the photographer^^ She's adorable, she is.!

 Another angle that we should not have taken. Had we known their names....^^ too shame...^^

This time around, Eyra seemed to have found some kind of niche on her side. She turned out to be enjoying the afternoon walk along with the Sakura lines...

Sakura or 벚꽃 (Beotkot) or Cherry Blossoms in Spring Festival at Youido, Seoul

Spring Sakura Festival in Yoido Park, Seoul- South Korea. 

Well, We got to squeeze ourselves into the throngs of people who were mingling, jammed packed at the park well known for its dazzling show of Sakura Spring. Who would not want to spend the whole day right here in the not-that-chilly outdoor activities while enjoying the magnificent and majestic blooms from Sakura in Korea. It was a great time for us, indeed. 

We were there for about 4 hours or so. We arrived at about 5 pm, two hours before sunset so we could get most of the afternoon glimpse of great sight and sound and smell of the festival. Then, for the next two hours, we could see the different atmosphere of being drenched and soaked into the midst of night-view of lighted or beamed Sakura flowers. Indeed, it was a sight not that easy to forget. Lots of clicks from the camera dotted the scene that day. 

 Look at the trees dotted along the street of Yoido. What a mesmerizing sight indeed it was.  

White Collar + GLee = awesomeness

Well, it must be no other than the new comer to Glee...White Collar's .Matt Bomer who out of the blue (but good, though) put some plot into Darren Criss' life in Glee. Well, the song "Somebody that I used to Know' seems to be a kind of weird song (well, a song dedicated to a brother^^). But, hey, still...it sounds so cool. the music, too, is so exceptionally beautiful.
Ok, Darren + Matt in Glee, what could be better than this, then...at least to the new installment of the Glee 's latest episode.
well, Glee is not so popular in Korea as it is in Southeast Asian countries.  Well...that's the downside of it. When I was back in Indonesia, I used to be able to watch it on a weekly basis thanks to Indovision, the cable TV that I used to subscribe. Now that I live in Korea, I cannot watch it at the same time as I did back home. (sigh).

But, thanks to YouTube, I could at least follow what's going on up there on the world of Glee.
Some people do find me kind of weird for being a glee-fan or GLeek^^. Well, what's not to point out: I'm married, two kids, but........I do...love the mere trivial fact of being soaked into Glee^^. Oh swell....^^

The Atlantis @ Lotte World

THis has been a presentation from the Atlantis Adventure at Lotte World. Loved the ride. One of the best rides at Lotte World. Well, the video does not show much of it. Just some parts of what we could get once we get on the ride. Lots of fun indeed. To top it off, we were on in in the midst of chilling late winter or early spring.
* The video was taken while waiting for about an hour just to get on it. ^^

GLee is backGlee again...

Yes, April 10, 2012 is the start of the new season of Glee--after Winter break. ^^ Well, after all....I am a gleek myself.-- to surprise many. Though I have not yet...checked the latest episode, yet...I think I could just let my eyes rest assured that it's gonna be here soon. For the meantime, I'm contented to be watching the clips or at least some latest videos of the series: like this one.

Spring 2012 in KOrea

It is the early week of Spring 2012.

Since we live near Kyunghee University, we might as well go there and see if Spring had arrived. It did......partially. Well, at least some flowers did spring up from its tendering buds and some were already blooooooomiiiiiing beautifully.

It was during the day off due to Election Day in Korea. The weather was quite nice that it was too nice to just stay indoor. 

 So, we might as well spend the afternoon strolling around the neighborhood, and since we live near Kyunghee University--famous for its Spring and Autumn color foliage.....we came there on purpose.
the kids did love it.

an eye-catching tree in front of the main building...

 Eyra and Freya....being dragged ....^^ no...we were walking hand in hand...^^

 We did not know that there was a small pond just behind the main building of Kyunghee University. So we stopped by to check how it was. It's nice. Could be much better when all trees were blooming with flowers--as we'd expected, though.

Eyra and her Daddy

 I think the backdrop does imbue the picture itself...in term of how it delivers the depth..

gosh....what a ride to the top...

Freya drenched in a shimmering warm afternoon sunlight...

another landmark of Kyunghee University

Reminiscent from the electionKOrean Election ? Pmeilu di Korea

ㄲeminiscent of the election day in Korea.
It had passed. it was last week on 11 of April 2012 that the election for the house of representatives took place throughout Korea. This is a newspaper on April 11, 2012 (since it was raining, the paper was draped in plastic cover so as to keep in dry)

Of course, I just noticed and witnessed the roaring attention that the people of Korea had been pouring into for the last few weeks to date.

I learned that Saenuri party or새누리당 (ㅅthe new name for incumbent president's party)took another majority  at the house of representative.
 Did I know anything about it? not that much. But what I do know was that....the spirit of what Koreans wanted to do with its democratic practices was clearly envisioned and envisaged in every corner of Korean society---in Seoul in particular, where I live for sure.

 So, I took one last snapshot of the banners bearing the historical proof of this election.

I took it at the Hoegi station intersection, just about 400 meters from where I live.
Here are what they say:
꼭! 투표 해 주십시오!  Make sure you vote!
11일에 우리 미래를 위해 꼭 투표해 주십시오!  Make sure you vote on April 11 for the sake of our future!

INternational food fista

 Fiesta? Indeed it was.

I should have posted these pictures in my previous blog about the Purun Community Center's anniversary today. But, at least I could point out that Korean food, Indian food, Vietnamese Food, Indonesian food , and others could come on one table and we simply mixed everything up so as to make it like a bibimbap^^: the true essence of multicultural community that the Purun organization supports.  We have tteok and tteokpukki with all of their variants, of course. then Biryani rice! hmm  I love Indian Biryani rice. Then we have tahu isi, tempe goreng, tahu campur, and krupuk!!!

gosh...what am I doing?

The prolonged lunch had finally arrived. DiG iN!!!!

방과후 After Class Learning

방과후  or After-class learning in Korea has been the so-called pre-destined kind of life order for school kids in Korea. This activities have been dubbed one of the social unavoidable norms. It may have been too exaggerating--but not that much actually.
I mean....kids in Korea have been so accustomed to get themselves pumped up with competition even when they are still in their  kindergartens. That's the consequences of human-resources dependent economy that Korea highly praises and needs most.


So, early education comes with a price. Lots of children must vigorously be prepared to go through long-learning education even after school time is over. That means: as soon as classes are over at around 2 pm, they are NOT going straight back home. Instead, most of them ( almost all) go to either hakgwon or private courses to get more lessons: be it those related to what they just learn at school or those unrelated such as: art, music, sports, or any other activities that might or may distinctively differentiate them from others--through capabilities.
But just like what I said earlier: it is relatively expensive to do so, especially if one has to cater the varied after-class learning. Being the most fave of all is notably: English classes.
Now comes the story of my daughter who happens to entering the life of a Korean elementary school this very year. Lots of offers to do and participate in the after-class lessons do come and go. Some are free and some are not.
--
This is where....a great idea of combining ingenuity and skills from staying-at-home mommies set in.
The moms of Eyra's friends at class have a great idea of asking the kids together (about 6 of them) to stay and learn together with their moms as their teachers and mentors at a so-called 방과 후  수업 at very own house--well, at one of the moms' apartment.
It has been executed for its second time now. The class comprises of art, drawing, math, and English. Some programs are on the tracks....following.
--
Hey, I think this is great....considering the costly prices of having to send the kids to hakgwon. ^^
The kids do love the activities we  (the moms) design together.
Eyra and Freya (her sister) could mingle and make friends along the way.

MUlticultural Center in Korea

There are lots of multicultural center in Korea. what I mean by multicultural center or in Korean 다문화센터 or sometimes 다문화가정센터 ( multicultural family center) is a place usually set up by non-profit organization to arrange and organize all-purpose center for every foreigners residing in Korea--especially those who are either working or living in Korea. They may come from different backgrounds and reasons as to why they come to Korea in the first place. First, of course, is that..they are simply migrant workers, the others could be simply because they are married to Koreans, which thus...either make them Korean by nationalities (after several years) or simply  (still, yet) foreigners who happen to marry Korean nationals. That's the simple way of putting down what a center is and who the members are.
..My wife who happens to be living in Korea accompanying me while I am studying here is also taking the best of her time here by joining or at least participating in this center.
She takes Korean class three times a day. That is supposed to be her prior motive of joining the activities right here. But then..as more friends come and we got to know each other, it turns out that lots of activities are laid out for all of us.
Both Koreans and other nationalities are the hosts of the center. None is higher or lower in status. We come and stand in equal. That's the beauty of it all.

Friends from Indonesia: United.

Today is the anniversary of Purun Citizen Community which orientates itself as a local community for volunteering participation of local residents. I think it works best since this Purun Community aims to build a healthier democratic society as well. I could feel ( the first impression) how freedom, justice, human rights, and welfare are fully guaranteed right here. Well, I do hope that it goes on and on.
--

Friends from Vietnam: Splendid!

So, today..I witnessed an anniversary where lots of friends from Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Japan, and America blended in together celebrating today's occasion, Of course, what an anniversary would it be without singing and dancing.
So here comes the the parade of national songs: Gebyar Merah Putih from Indonesia, then came along friends from Vietnam with their Vietnamese songs, then friends from India highlighted the day with their rendering of 3 Idiot's theme-song: All is Well, then Kuch-Kuchi Hota Hai, then the most favorite of them all is....Chaya-Chaya song. All of them are (still) very much popular in Indonesia.

Friends from India: hilarious!

So, I guess .....today's fiesta did show off our unity in diversity. It is true that song is a universal language where people of different languages and races could easily overcome their language barrier and simply got themselves mesmerized by the sheer audacity of a song as simple as "Chaya-Chaya"
--
then...the fiesta of its true-ness: Food of all nationalities attending today's fiesta.
Gosh..so many things to choose and eat...that we just could not get enough. ^^
What a splendid day to spend the day. ^^
*oh, for anyone interested in learning more about Purun: just go to  www.epurun.org

TOPIK

TOPIK or Test of Proficiency in Korean Language was like a nightmarish-type of thing these days--at least for me. OK, to start with. I got to get through this lots-o-fun test.  (the good part: I got my intermediate level already). Done that. (check!).
NOw..comes the most boldly daring part of me: trying to beat it for its higher ground--that is to say---I got to get my advanced level. (Did that today) (Check!).

a so-called forced-courtesy smile on my face.....^^

what seems to be the problem, then????
I felt like I blew it.
Gosh....I got to admit that Korean language is so .........difficult.  (ok.....couldn't describe it literally right here).
I started the test at around 9.30 this morning.
Got up early and got a ride by subway to Sungsil University in Seoul where the test took place.
Got my classmate by my side, well...we were on the same mission--so to speak.
Did I study and prepare well? I think I pretty much did. Well, not that much I guess. but the thing was that.....no matter how long I've been trying to ram it up myself .....hook myself up.....with all the twists and tricks....it seemed to me..that I need more and a looooooot to learn again.
Gosh, vocabularies and grammar in Korean did give me a blow on my head (read: brain)!!!
I felt like what I've been learning up to now....is not yet complete or sufficient enough to get me prepared for the test.
I felt like I need more than just.....books. I need to squander myself on more real Korean news: be it those on the newspaper or TV or books. I need to learn and read more and more.
OK...what a great day today...it was indeed......to spend it on a hot-seat like TOPIK test^^
a good lesson worth-remembering, Suray? You beT!

HUFS in Spring

Walking down my campus last week. Around 9.30 am on Sunday. Despite its being warm, no one was visible. The main building stood majestically facing the other buildings in front of it; on the street of Imundong I could barely see any activities at all. Indeed, Sunday it was. But, what got my mind tingled was the fact that the huge banner welcoming Mr. Barack Obama's visit to our campus was still on its place in tact. It's been like two weeks since Mr. Obama visited our campus (last week on March); still the campus still adorned itself with the banner hanging on the main building. I came to think that there must be some reasons as to why it is still there at least up until last week. Yes, once again, the visit of Mr. Obama to this campus meant something.  

 Then, another reminiscent of what had changed or beautifully transformed in my campus was the specially designed flowers that created 'HUFS' sign with these. Nice touch. I thought it was gonna be used during Mr. Obama's visit only. But, I was wrong. I think the campus look cool with it in all seasons. Be it Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, should there be any chance of making the campus look cool and warm (like this one), I am all for it. Hope the flowers will live to the test of time. As HUFS-ers, the student alike must keep and preserve them, right?

The bright blue sky in one Sunday morning in the early Winter (imbued by the rendering flowers) did give me some warmth that day.

ㅖㅐ개개Pororo

뽀로로 'Pororo' and his friends come to Paris Baguette. A smart combination of two indispensable brands in Korea. One of the biggest chain store of bread, cookies, cakes shops in Korea + One of the most lovable characters in Korean modern history...have come up with one mission and a bright vision. Why not...!

 Any kid in Korea would love to be with or be spending their time with the lovable Pororo, a little penguin. the funny thing was that..I could never say No to the kids' request whenever they got what they want...especially when it comes to have something to do with Pororo. true^^

Ok, another story: this pic. was taken in front of Paris Baguette bakeshop at Wanghshimni station. The kids love Pororo so much that even  Eyra is planning on ordering a birthday cake from the shop...with a very small Pororo and his friends as chocolate garnish or adornment.

E-Mart Wangshimni

confused? perplexed? amazed? amused? excited? pondering over what to choose from the seemingly endless arrays of toys at E-Mart. 

The kids love going to the store simply to check out the toys available. Of course, I do not always let them buy or buy them thing they ask for granted. They got to save some of their pocket money first in order to buy toys. They learned their lessons.
Whenever they are in the toys kingdom, they never miss the chance of going to Tayo, Pororo, and Poli Robocar sectios. The three characters and their friends have found a warm place inside the kids' hearts. Or should I say..the kids have something to tell their parents of what to buy.
Up to now: Pororo, Tayo, and Poli Robocar have been the central theme of their lifestyle^^in Korea.

Enter 6 @ Wangshimni Enter 6

Still @ Wangshimni station where Enter 6 is located. We did not go for shopping, though. Well, since we thought that this place was cool, we might as well spend some time taking pictures right here. 

With my wife. Oh, Eyra, my daughter, took the picture. well, she should've lowered the camera a bit. No, I guess she should've been on a higher spot so that the lower part of the atrium was visible. Anyhow...she did a good job of taking picture of her parents.

 The green emerald water in the fountain was a dispersed reflection of the water enhanced by the green colored of its porcelain. *still it's my guess*. The cozy place to sip a coffee or so.

My wife did a pose for a moment. The contrast between the black coat she was wearing and the apparent background was strikingly imbued the nuance of Enter  6 blue sky rooftop.
Wanna go there?
Just take line 2 or line 5 or jungang line of Seoul subway and get off at Wangshimni station. 

Enter 6 at Wangshimni Enter 6

Enter 6? 

                                                                     Enter 6? 

Yes, that's how people call it. and...it's the official name of the chain store of branded clothing in Korea. I did not know it until I spent an hour or so walking around the complex.  This Enter 6 complex occupies 3 floors of elegantly stylish themed floors. The European? Baroque style? One thing for sure, once we got of at Wangshimni station from Subway ine 2 (green line), 

we could barely see that this place is distinctively visible. 

But, when we were walking into the stream of people lining up into the store, there started our curiosity as to what it was.

 Look at the porcelain or marble fountain right in the middle of the intersection where most folks would run or bump into each other. I think this is a hip place for those who like to shop till they drop. I mean....the stuffs being sold here are those of brand and famous brand names. So, mind you...you got to make yourself pretty much competitively upscale to be in the market: Enter 6. Worth-visiting? yes..if you are into something else to see and feel.

 The corridor or pavement was interestingly illuminated and clean. The lighting also did justice to the ornaments and decorative artworks carved onto the walls of the buildings. I think this is a pretty impressive place to look around.