Florida

I've been in Florida a little over 24 hours now. It's amazing here, as always. Most people here live amongst year long greenery and large houses. I don't have photos yet but those will come. Today I woke up tired, so rested some more. Then I headed to the mall to get that plug I needed, and after buying it felt like a fool for paying so much. Found out my brother might have an extra attachment that I need, and so if he finds it I will return this expensive gadget.

The rest of the day I did some shopping in the mall, and walked away with two new bags. Not sure if I will return one.

But it is great seeing Americans and their laid-backness. The casual feeling around me is soothing, and hearing English isn't making me nervous. I guess this time around I'm not really having "reverse culture-shock." Mostly I feel like I'm in a dream and know that I'll be going back to Korea eventually.

The weather here was surprisingly a little chilly when I got in yesterday, but thankfully things have warmed up a bit. When I walked outside, onto my sister's patio, I was astonished to feel warm air on my skin. It seems winter can make you forget what warm weather is like. I'm hoping when I get back to Korea it will be Spring-like.

It's great to be back here. :)

David LaChapelle @ SAC

There is an exceptional contemporary art show going on at the Seoul Arts Center featuring the photographic works of David LaChapelle. If you have ever seen the above photo at some time in your life than you might recognize other works such as:

(source) " Britney Spears: Portrait of a Young Pop Star on the Verge of Success" 1999

If not then let me reassure you that you likely have seen other works by him, as he was popular for a while creating over-the-top pop star shots.

But the show at the SAC is more like a retrospective than a showcase and through the weaving gallery path, you are taken through his most iconic works to ones that show his struggle with certain themes. Also there is a video screening room where you can see how he creates his photographs in a very artsy-video kind of way.

Overall, it is a must see show and I advise you to leave any conservative values you might have about full frontal nudity (both male and female) at home. Indeed, you are in store for some very blazon photography that is more satisfying to look at than just ordinary pictures of nudity. (Whatever those may be.. ;) 

In fact, the most enjoyable part of the show is watching other people look at the works. When I first came in there was a group of highschoolers, on a tour. After their guided introduction, they were allowed to walk around. Mostly the first set of works to see are large prints of celebreties in full nude or partially nude spreads. There were sheepish grins by boys and bugged-eyes by girls to be seen on their young faces.

But the rest of the show starts to calm down a bit from the overtly sexual and gets more into a refection of our contemporary world.

(source) "The House at the End of the World" 2005 

Clearly you start to get into his "world" and due to the large scale of each photograph start to see details and imagery that is definitely iconic and was not haphazardly placed. For the most part, his photographs, are stages that he created while using props and popular objects.  Spotting a loaf of Wonder Bread or a Taco Bell cup, is just a few examples of hidden pop-cultural items in some of his works.

For the most part you get a sense of the world as one run by popular culture and at the same time trashed by it. You leave feeling a connection to something greater but also a little bit more twisted. 

Again I highly recommend you get off your butt and get out to this show, as in my opinion, contemporary works such as these are not too often brought to Korea as they should be. Bring your date, wife or hubby and have a good thorough conversation afterwards. 

The SAC is located in the Seocho area of Seoul near the Nambu Bus Terminal or Line #3.

Take exit 5 and turn left at the nearest street crossing. Follow this uphill and slighty jeering path. You then find yourself atop a large road and across from you is the structure known as the SAC. Turn right and head towards the major crosswalk. 

The David LaChapelle show costs 13,000 won for regular adults and you buy tickets downstairs at the ticket kiosk area. Then you go upstairs to the Hangaram Design Museum, and proceed. 

There are several cafes within the SAC, some offering expensive morsels to dine on and others coffee and small sandwiches. Across the street is a Starbucks and CoffineGaru...(whatever it is called). Also along that crooked path to the SAC was spotted a cutesy cafe with a sign promising "panninis". Maybe check that out as well. 

Anyways, this cold season is good for warming up in a gallery or museum, so why not see this show? Certainly some of the more sensational photos might get you a little steamy. ;)

My iPhone Alternative

I really thought I didn't need such a thing as an iPhone, mostly because I have an iPod and a phone and really people don't call me that much. But then my friend was snazzily working away at her iPhone looking at a map and Googling something there on the street. I thought to myself, "Maybe I could use such a thing when I go to Jeju. In case I get lost."

Thus ensued a trip yesterday to the KT headquarters in Gwanghwamun with my friend and her Korean boyfriend (who was kind enough to help me.)

The question: "Can a foreigner on an E2 Visa get an iPhone in Korea?" Has a definite answer: "Yes." The issue of whether you really want the thing comes down to this:

• Are you switching carries, say from SK to KT?
• How much time left is on your current phone's plan?

You might want to consider these because it deeply affected my ability to choose the iPhone. We got to the store, which was like an Apple store accept full of KT people and a cafe. An employee took us behind a black painted door into a tiny room where my options were presented to me. At first he wanted to give me the plan that cost 55,000 a month, but I knew there was a cheaper one.  So after some wrangling we managed to get a hold of the 45,000 plan.

But then came the extra fees. Since I still have a year left on my old phone contract I would have to pay it up on the new phone. That tacked on an extra 100,000 right there. Then came a small fee for the phone and taxes. So the first bill was going to be about 120,000 won and my regular bill around 65,000. Apparently, there were 20,000 won extra in taxes and phone fee. The look on my face was one of disgust and anguish. For my friend had an iPhone and from what I knew wasn't paying that much. Plus I read on a few forums online that people managed to get a decent plan. It felt like the guy was going to milk me for every English teaching won I had.

In those moments I realized that I didn't really need an iPhone. I figured that all I really need is a smart phone that can do the Google maps thing and help me out in a pinch. I decided to get a regular Android phone, which my boyfriend helped me get later that day.

My monthly bill is going to go up but not as much as it would if I were to get the iPhone. Plus they didn't charge me all that extra stuff for switching carriers. The phone I got is called the SKY Vega, and it does the requested job of mapping and other such stuff.

For those who really must have an iPhone I would do my darnedest to try and get a cheap plan and without all those extra fees. But really it wasn't too hard to show up at that store, ask for an iPhone, go through the plans and get one. Also they do have English staff available, just in case.

Good luck!

Hair & Joy = Best Place to get a Hair Cut

When it comes to getting your hair cut in Korea I have been here and there trying to find the best place. My needs are a bit different as I have naturally curly hair and don't want someone to style it up after the cut. I just want someone who knows what they are doing and enjoys it too. Places I have had my haircut include: EunhaBNC in Gangnam, Zen Art (cut it way too short), and EunhaBNC in Ewha. All of which got the job done but I never really went back or felt that confident in the hairdresser.

From recommendations and a little research I heard about Hair&Joy in Hongdae, and so figured why not give them a shot.

The Review:

• Feel of the Salon: The place was very modern and clean. It looked like the kind of salon that is hip but also relaxing to sit in. JH and I arrived a little early and were seated and offered juice to drink. The place seems highly outfitted for doing hair-dying so if you need that done looks like they are ones to do it. 
• English: The English website and the exchanged English words on the phone were enough to convince me that this place wasn't new to serving foreign clientele. Inside they even had English language popular magazines for you to browse and most of the staff spoke English, including my hairdresser.
• Haircut Experience: I was seated down for my consultation, which was brief but the hairdresser seemed to get what I was requesting (long layers and try to thin out the hair in the back of my head). Next I got the usual hair wash treatment, but this came with an extra scalp massage which was quite refreshing. After being sat back down for the hair cut I watched as the hairdresser (a guy) carefully and with precision cut my hair. After awhile we finally chit-chatted with each other. He asked me about how I style my hair, and wanted to know if I usually straighten it, which I don't. He dried my hair and then checked it again to see if it was allright cutting here and there. I have to say I think he might have been too cautious, but the haircut did come out allright and satisfying. 
• Will I go back? Yes! The place had many other foreign clientele, including a kid and an older lady. In other words, I could tell this was the hidden secret of hair salons in Seoul to go to. My hairdresser gave me his business card so I now know who to go to when I return. Also the price of everything was VERY reasonable and so much cheaper than back home.
• Should you go? Yes again! I would say just go straight to this place and don't mess with one that may or may not speak English. From what I hear JunoHair has a good reputation, as illustrated by EatYourKimchi. But that is a franchise, and who knows if the JunoHair in your neighborhood will be hit or miss. I saw men at the salon too, so guys you can look forward to a good cut at this place. Ladies! ... My hairdresser was pretty hot, I have to say, and I did my best to clamp down on my blushing since JH was a breath away. But for you single gals...you will definitely get a kick out of the cute male-staff at the salon. haha

How do you get there?? You can check the website for more details or just read below:

Take exit 8 from Hongik University Station
(located on both subway line 2 and the new AREX Airport Express Line).

Cross the street, turn right and walk to the intersection.
Turn left. On your left is the colorful Lotte Cinema.
We are located on the right side of the street.
Follow the pink “HAIR & JOY” sign to the 3rd floor.

For more info, call Johnny
Mobile: 010-5586.0243

Phone: 02-363.4253

**Sorry I didn't get pictures as the camera was left at home.**
However! I took one before my shower this evening....here is what I look like...

Seoul's Garage Sale: Ttukseom Resort Flea Market

 

That is a picture of my lunch that I had at a Vietnamese restaurant near the Tteokssom Resort in Seoul. But before I take you into this weekend's adventure I first want to remind you of one of the best parts of modern culture, and that is the garage sale.

I have always enjoyed going to garage sales as a kid. It gave me great pleasure to look at other people's stuff and wonder why they were giving it away and if it could have a special place in my life. Along with garage sales I also was very fond of thrift stores. I lived off of clothing finds from thrift stores all the way through college until the trend caught on and things started to get more expensive. Even when I go back home to visit family, I find myself at a garage sale or thrift store taking in those musky smells and used items. 

After coming to Korea I wondered where people sell their used and unwanted items since no one seems to have "garages" or "yards" here. I have been to the Folk Flea Market but that seemed more like an antique's shop than an actual flea market. 

I have heard from others that apartment complexes usually hold little flea markets now and then, but never really found one. 

That is why to my pleasant surprise I found myself at a genuine market of used goods yesterday at the Ttukseom Resort Station. You will see later what I am talking about, but for now let's go back to lunch.

It was a nice spring day, except for a strong river wind blowing down the park. Families and couples were out with picnic gear and bicycles. 

 The cherry blossoms have already come and gone, but there remained full flower boxes among the path.

I always try to get a picture of JH but the guy is camera shy and often does the following gesture.

However, I don't mind my picture being taken.

That second one is me nagging JH to ride the paddle boats, but we both decided that with the wind it was a bad idea. 

 It might be hard to tell, but in the picture below the boat #47 was being bad since the folks (kids) inside were leaning to one side and making it nearly capsize.

 On our way, to the area under the bridge, the wind was pretty fierce but I managed to get some pics.

 Once up the stairs we made it to the flea market, where people were busy selling and buying. Mostly there was for sale clothing and shoes, but there was a good mix of random household items, electronics and jewelry. It seemed people were mostly trying to sell off things unwanted from their homes, but there were a few that looked like they had collected odd stuff from here and there.

 Not settling for the spoken price was common as people haggled down items that only cost 3,000 or 1,000 won to begin with. JH and I found a nice little tote bag, an English study book and a cat toy.

It was a lot of fun and after looking around we headed over to a sunny spot to soak in some rays.

Lastly, of course, a trip to the park wouldn't be complete without a stop at the public restroom.

I highly recommend you get out to the flea market one of these Saturdays and see if you can find a great treasure. I hope to someday sign up and sell a few unwanted things from my own home.

I leave you with this video I made of the market:

My New Toy: GH2

source 

Trust me, I am not one of those people who brag about their new cameras in public. In fact I find it really tacky when folks do this and wish they would check their egos. But today I am going to go against my own pet-peeve and brag about my new camera.

Through some miracle of America's credit institution I was able to find my next bright and shiny new camera. Turns out to be the Panasonic Lumix GH2. A snazzy new camera that features high-end HD recording, a set of interchangeable lens and a whole load of features I have yet to even figure out.

It's not a DSLR but a camera part of the micro-four thirds generation. Meaning it has no mirror inside, which is great because this reduces the size and weight of it. Although, for years I was tempted to get an actual DSLR I never could do it due to their huge bulky sizes and their heavy lenses. A year I ago I got the Canon G11 as a way to break the middle ground between point-and-shoots and DSLRs. But it didn't really do everything I thought it would.

I am really excited to have the GH2 and feel it is going to inspire me to make more videos and take great shots.

However, I am kind of new to these bigger camera's operations. The photography courses I took back in high school are helping a little with understanding shutter speed and aperture, but I am doing some reading on high-end digital photography to get a better grasp of it all.

The following are my test shots.

Test shots:

Using the 14 - 140 mm lens I went around the house and outside getting a feel for the camera.

Then I switched to my macro lens to see what that was like, and boy was it fun.

When it became nightfall I took the camera outside, again with the 14 - 140 mm lens, and experimented with night shots.

I even got into the black-and-white function a little.

In my room, I put the camera on a tripod and experimented with its different focusing options. A lot of which you can do with the touch-screen panel. A product of this is a picture of my eyes...I know cheesy.

Don't worry I got out last night and went to an event where I tested the camera out in the field and did some video recording. Hopefully I will get to editing all that soon.

In the meantime, enjoy this video which introduces the camera and talks about its specifications.