Bunny Ears? Really?

Rex and I were out celebrating our Anniversary early since we will again be continents apart when the actual date arrives.  We chose to have dinner at a Korean BBQ and were seated at a table next to the door.  Halfway through our meal the opening door caught my eye, and I was surprised to see two young ladies enter the restaurant wearing bunny ears.  Really? I know it’s not Halloween since it’s only June and besides, Korea doesn’t really celebrate that holiday.  I watched them curiously and then whispered to Rex, “Are they wearing the shortest skirts you’ve ever seen or what?”

Given that we have been married for almost 27 years, it took me only seconds to silently read his leery, quizzical expression… “Is that a trick question? Is this a test? Are you actually asking me to look and then seriously answer your question?” 

Just as quickly he could read mine… “Yes, look and seriously answer my question!” I simply wanted to be sure that I was seeing what I thought I was seeing.

(*While prostitution is illegal in Korea, massage parlors are abundant, with their banners and barbershop-like poles discreetly advertising their services.)

He nonchalantly glanced in the girls’ direction and then somewhat cautiously confirmed my observation.

(*Apparently individuals can also advertise their services.)

One girl remained by the door as the other breezed by our table and stopped at the one behind us where three young gentlemen were seated.  To each of them she distributed a “business” card, to which a piece of candy was attached. Then without further ado she rejoined her friend and they exited the restaurant.

Hmmm…I wonder what they were selling?

Exploring Chungcheongnam-do

Greetings from Songnisan National Park!

For a change, I’m going to give “Most …” awards for parts of our latest excursion. For Korea’s Memorial Day weekend, June 6-8, Rex and I decided to explore the western province of Chungcheongnam: Mallipo Beach within the Taean Haean Maritime National Park, the city of Cheongju located mid-country, and Songnisan National Park.

The GPS said “Rest Area.” I’d call it a shopping mall!

Most frustrating…Traffic.
Because the traffic on weekends and holidays increases from heavy to downright insane, an early start is wise.  Unfortunately our 8 a.m. start was not early enough, and by 9:00 the 2-5 lane highways we were navigating were more like parking lots. Our ETA of 2 1/2 hours to the coast took 3 hours longer than expected! Thankfully, there are Most Elaborate…Rest Areas along the way. The one we visited had 80-100 women’s bathrooms, 20 massaging lounge chairs, restaurants, and a variety of convenience, clothing, and supply stores. I’ve never seen anything like it!

Mallipo beach at low tide. Still a bit chilly for swimming but I can put my feet in.

Most Surprising…a quiet beach.   What happened to the intense traffic we were in just a few miles before…where did everyone go? It’s a mystery!  We stayed at Mallipo Beach for a few hours exploring the area: The beach at low tide with its ripple-textured sand indented from the retreating waves, letter-like trails written by stranded snails, and miniature pebble-like formations created from sand discarded by tiny crabs as they

I hope this starfish will be o.k. until the tide comes back in.

The drier areas of the beach were covered with this fascinating texture created by sand crabs.

tunneled beneath the now exposed surface; the lighthouse; the restaurants that served the fresh catch of the day; and the exposed rocky areas that provided a surface for exploring, picnicking, kite flying, and fishing.

A peaceful harbor.

Rugged rock formations on the other side of the pier provided a sharp contrast to the sandy beach.

The underside of this stingray held captive in a restaurant tank caught my eye. I don’t believe he knows his fate…

Stingrays drying in the summer sun.

Following a burger lunch at the Aloha Restaurant/Surf Shop, we began our trek inland to Cheongju. Away from cities and major highways we found farm country. Small villages with single family houses, tiered and flooded rice fields, crops protected under black awnings, and plants of all shapes and sizes planted strategically to make the most of available farmland within the mountainous landscape encircling the area.

Without too much difficulty we found Hotel Jasmine.  I’ve used booking.com to find hotels here in Korea, and even though there are pictures and reviews, we’ve discovered it’s still a gamble since people’s standards, expectations, and frame of reference vary.  Choices range from very cheap hostels, to low-moderately priced Korean hotels where you can choose a bed or Korean mat and have toiletries to share, to expensive 5-star accommodations. I chose this Korean hotel and hoped for the best!

Our room was similar to our previous hotel experiences; clean and tidy, slippers at the door, shower shoes (because without shower curtains the floor tends to get wet), no wash cloths, three hand towels

(we knew to bring our own bath towels this time!), and community toiletries including soap, aftershave, moisturizer, hair products, and toothpaste. Most Ostentatious…The 70’s flower motif, spa tub, and red mood light!

The customer service at the hotel was Most Commendable.  Saturday morning a Most Unexpected…phone call came from the front desk reminding us “It’s time for  breakfast.” The breakfast bar had both Western and Asian items and was quite tasty.  As we left the hotel for a day of sightseeing we were given maps of local attractions, and as we were about to drive away, the front desk clerk came running out to our car with two bottles of nearly frozen water. How thoughtful!

Legend and history note that this tree was given a honorary title because it lifted its boughs in respect one day as Kind Sejo passed by.

Along the way we saw the Most Well-Preserved … 700-year-old Jeongipum Pine. Although it has sustained some damage in the last 10 years which necessitated the cane-like supports under its ancient limbs, one can still marvel at the pine’s age and splendor.

A 27m (88 ft) Mireul Buddha of the Future is the biggest Buddha in Korea.

Twin Lion Stone Lantern. 3.3 m tall. Built in 720.

Four Guardian Kings Stone Lantern. 3.9 m tall. Built late 780’s

 

We had some vigorous vertical climbing.

 

Songnisan National Park is frequented not only for its mountain hiking and views, but also for its numerous temples.  Just inside the park is Beopju-sa, a large temple complex whose origins date back to the 6th century “shortly after Buddhism had been carried into Korea from China.” This complex, with its natural, peaceful surroundings seems a good choice for a temple stay.

A mountain hiking “Rest Area.”

Most Excellent…hiking weather; low 70’s with a slight breeze. Hiking is quite a Korean obsession and we have found some difference when compared to our hiking experiences in the U.S. First, Koreans are the Most Color-coordinated and Best equipped hikers I have seen and I always feel underdressed.  Nearly everyone has backpacks, walking sticks, gloves, hats, sunglasses, etc. and look like they have hiked straight out of an REI catalogue.

Second, there are more people, paved paths for the easier and more popular routes, areas that have been enhanced with stones strategically arranged to blend in with the natural environment while assisting hikers with their climb, and Most Awesome…mountain Rest Areas.  These are truly a marvel;  after hiking about an hour up some fairly steep terrain, there one was, like an oasis in the desert. We marveled at the man-power it no doubt took to bring materials and supplies up the mountain. One could simply relax at the picnic tables, or purchase hot food (prepared right there!),

Even thought it was not a perfectly clear day, the views were still worth the climb.

What is Rex pointing at?

A favorite hiking destination, Munjangdae has legendary significance.

We made it to Munjangdae!

cold snacks and beverages, ice cream, souvenirs, and hiking supplies.

Third, hikers are very friendly and willing to share what they have.  In passing, we were offered crackers, gum, water, a vegetable pancake,  and rice wine.

Rex and I had a great time enjoying the mountain hike and ended up traveling just over 11 miles!

Delicious Korean Beef BBQ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was 8pm before we arrived back to our hotel and we were famished. So we walked across the street to a Korean beef BBQ. Their menu was only in Korean and there were no pictures, so we looked around at what others were eating, pointed (hopefully) politely and said “We’ll have that!”  It was delicious and because food varies from one geographic location to another, there were different sides to try.
Most Unexpected…Sunday morning breakfast. Saturday evening we were asked what time we wanted breakfast in the morning. I said 8:00, even though I was confused since we were told breakfast was served between 7:30-9 a.m. The next morning we were in the lobby at 8, only to find a “closed” sign on the dining room door. The manager motioned us back to our room saying “room service.” Thoroughly confused now, we went back and waited.  About 20 minutes later the phone rang; “Breakfast is ready.”  We again went to the lobby and this time he took us into the dining room. We were the only guests and a table had been set just for the two of us.  He said he had prepared the food himself, wished us a pleasant breakfast, and went back to the front desk.  We were dumbfounded!  It was quite a spread; cereal and milk,  fresh fruit, cold cuts and vegetables, fried eggs, toast, sweet rolls, juice and coffee!

My souvenir trays and bowls from Icheon Pottery Village.

Heading home, we decided to stop at Icheon’s Ceramic Village. Reportedly having over 300 kilns, it is one of the largest in Korea. Here you will find pottery that is mass-produced as well as unique pieces created by potters and artists on site. We spent about an hour in one particular store, chatting with the proprietor whose husband was the artist.  We really liked his creative designs.

The remainder of our road trip went surprisingly fast and we were home by 3 p.m. Still enough time for a nap and a relaxing game of cribbage in the park. What a delightful mini vacation. 🙂

Learning to Play the Cello

I strongly believe that one is never too old to learn to play a musical instrument.  And I am loving learning to play the cello!

I thoroughly enjoyed playing the saxophone from sixth grade through college, and wouldn’t trade the experiences that stemmed from that for anything…solo and ensemble, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Blue Lake in Bavaria (my one European experience), WMU marching band, making friends, and meeting my husband.  But I have always, in my heart of hearts, wanted to play a string instrument.  Fifteen or so years ago I purchased a used cello. I started lessons with gusto.  Unfortunately, I already had many family, work, and social commitments and simply didn’t put the time needed into practicing.  So that venture lasted only three months. Two years ago I tried lessons again. I was committed to practicing and all went well until my teacher, a music major at a local university, left to do her student teaching.  Good for her, but I just wasn’t motivated to find another teacher.

Then the Korea opportunity materialized. This is it! I thought to myself. I’ll find a cello, an instructor, and try again to learn to play this fabulous instrument!  I’ve heard that it takes 21 days to create a habit.  So if I put in the time and got “hooked” on playing, this skill would be something I could take back with me to the U.S.

Deciding that it would be too costly to transport my cello, I figured I would purchase one in Korea and then sell it when our stay was over. Having two cellos would also enable me to practice during my visits home. It didn’t occur to me that finding the right cello and an instructor could be a challenge given the language barrier.

A package deal: cello, bow, T, rosin, and case.

Fortunately, as it turns out, my teaching connection with Chadwick was the catalyst that got me to where I am today. While subbing I met, and of course struck up a conversation with, the instrumental music teacher. Interested in promoting music and possibly purchasing my cello when I was finished, Sonya offered to contact her instrument salesman about bringing cellos to the school for me to try. She also offered to connect me with Haglyun, the cello instructor who assisted with the school orchestras as well as taught students privately. Sonya’s assistance, advice, and Korean-English translating skills were invaluable. Then one memorable mid-January day I met with the instrument salesman, purchased a cello, and met the cello teacher.  I started lessons the next day. 🙂

During the past four months I have learned a tremendous amount, but I am the first to admit that a beginning cellist does not make beautiful music.  Thankfully there have been no complaints from our neighbors; either our apartment walls, floor and ceiling are more sound proof than I think or they are just very tolerant people!

The cello is such a challenging instrument…I get a mental and physical workout every time I sit down to practice! And I am exhausted after my 45-minute lessons, which usually run closer to 90 minutes.  Fortunately I already know music theory, terms, scales, etc. so I can focus on cello technique and training my ear.  That is the hardest part – building muscle memory and finding notes on a fingerboard with no markings. To help, I’m cheating a bit by using a piece of tape to mark first position,  a pad for thumb placement, and a wonderful I-phone app called insTuner.  It’s a delicate balance; using these tools to learn correctly without becoming dependent upon them.

We had a delicious lunch at the elegant LUKA 511 in Gangnam, Seoul.

I feel very fortunate, for Haglyun is not only a gifted cellist and teacher, but we have also become friends.  We are about the same age, and talk and laugh a lot together.  In March we had a delightful time window-shopping and trying on very expensive jewelry in the Gangnam area of Seoul.  Then in May she took my children and I to Seoul Art Center to view the Kusama Yayoi exhibit. Fun Times!

The price of this 6+ carat diamond I am wearing? Just over $1 million!

 

Lauren, me, Haglyun, and Ethan enjoying the Kusama Yayoi exhibit at Seoul Art Center.

Wanting to show Haglyun my support and appreciation for her teaching, I attended (as an audience member) Chadwick’s student music recital, and the Elementary School Orchestra’s portion of the Spring Concert. All I can say is “Wow!”  I was blown away! Students starting lessons in Kg using the smallest of cellos which are still taller than they are, an upper-el cello quartet that made my jaw drop, and the orchestra’s playing that brought tears to my eyes. Talk about differentiated instruction! She teaches students from age 6 to….well, my age. 🙂

Sadly, I am afraid I won’t be successful in convincing Haglyun that she needs to move to the U.S. when my time in Korea is over so that we can continue lessons. I wonder if lessons via Skype would work? In the meantime, I’m just going to practice like crazy and be thankful for this opportunity!!!

Cat Cafe’

The Cat Café in Songdo.

Bucket List – Visit a Cat Café – Check!

Located on the 3^rd floor of Dream City building in Songdo, you will find the Cat Café.  Given that we have always owned cats, it seemed silly to pay money to simply pet them.  My family thought this was quite hilarious…so of course we had to visit!

My initial feeling that 9,000KRW (just under $9 US) per person was a bit pricy changed after the experience.  It’s actually quite a bargain, for you get:

• A beverage – a variety of teas, coffees, sodas, and juices are available. A 4,500-6,500KRW value.
• Slippers to borrow, and an area to put your shoes, coats and valuables.
• Unlimited time with 14 cats of various sizes and breeds. Priceless!
• Use of soap and water, lint roller, and Febreze clothing/air freshener when you are ready to leave.

So actually, that’s only about 4,000KRW for the cat time.  That’s waaaayyy less than I spend on our cat at home, and it includes none of the mental anguish she creates…Bonus!

The cats were very friendly!

Immediately upon entering the Café, we were greeted enthusiastically and affectionately by the feline residents. The whole lot were friendly and good-natured; except for one who had to have a “time-out” for antagonizing three other cats! They were well-groomed and, with the exception of two that appeared to be battling eye-infections, appeared to be in good health.  After the novelty of new humans wore off, most behaved as typical cats do – affectionate yet independent and somewhat aloof, while patiently allowing us to share their space and pet or pick them up.  🙂

Ethan, Lauren, and I each found a cat that we would have gladly taken home.  Not usually a fan of short-haired cats, I was surprised to find my favorite a bengal.  Her beautifully patterned coat was super-soft, and she had an energetic yet regal presence.  A fluffy, playful gray kitten adored Ethan, and the feeling was quite mutual. Lauren became pals with a gentle white cat with two different colored eyes.

Love this Bengal cat!

Will he fit in my carry-on?

 

 

 

 

She and Violet would get along great!

Although we kept laughing and saying, “I can’t believe we are doing this. It feels so silly!”, we stayed for about an hour and had a lovely time.  Another memory created!

Cake decorating lesson

During my first week of exploring in Songdo I came upon a smart-looking shop called Sugar Posh.  Beautifully decorated cakes and baked goods were on display, along with the headline “Sugarcraft Cake & Class.” Unfortunately, those were the only words in English and the shop was closed, so I could not read and understand the printed flier or inquire about the cake decorating classes.  I put this shop on my mental list of places to visit again.

I have enjoyed decorating cakes since I was quite young. I loved the beautiful doll cakes that my mom made my sisters and me for our birthdays, and how as she decorated, she taught me this skill. I later took two Wilton Cake Decorating courses, and over the years have created many cakes for birthdays and special events for my family.  I have always used butter-cream icing and like its flavor, flexibility, and possibilities.  However, I have also been intrigued by the”perfectness” of fondant and wondered how to use it.

In January I went back to Sugar Posh, found it open, and entered with the hopes of enrolling in a class.  I’m wondering if I am the first foreigner to inquire about lessons? Trying to get information about the classes was a language challenge to say the least, so this sweet owner called a friend to serve as our translator over the phone. We passed the phone back and forth and eventually set a cake decorating lesson date for March 🙂

On the day of my class, arriving with the apron specifically purchased for this event in hand, I discovered that I was the only one in the class.  Wow – one on one instruction – you can’t beat that! And bonus “small world” story: The instructor and owner of the shop is the mom of one of the boys I have worked with at Chadwick School, so he was there to serve as our translator! I was given a cup of tea and a just-out-o-the-oven scone with delicious homemade apple jelly. All tools necessary for the class were set up, as well as the four cake designs I could choose from.  I liked the “Will You Marry Me” design best, but since I am already married, I simply modified the words to “I Love You.”

Because this was for practice, foam molds served as the cake.  We used a prepared white fondant whose texture reminded me of taffy.  In fact, to blend color into it, you kneed and pull and twist the fondant just like the taffy making machines I have seen in candy stores.  Working with this material was easier than I had imagined; rolling it out like pie crust, shaping and trimming it to desired shapes and sizes, and using cutters, punches, stamps, and brushes to create designs. And like any craft, having the proper tools makes all the difference. I thoroughly enjoyed the process and after three hours, I had in front of me a finished “cake.” I feel confident that I can now try this at home:)

I am thankful that Mrs. Jeong, despite the difficulties that could result given our language barrier, was willing to open her kitchen and class to me.  And I am really indebted to her son, whom I am sure, would have rather been somewhere else on a Saturday morning. Being 10, I am doubtful that he fully understands how his translating enriched this experience for me.  Without it, not only would the instruction have taken longer, but I believe explanations, descriptions, and small talk would have been missing or lost in translation. Having him there was truly a gift!

“Why, Why, Why…”

Today I was taken back in time to the wonderful “Why?” years. Now rotating between three different classroom at the Korean Nursery School, today I was with the 5-6 year-olds. While the amount of English that the children can speak varies – and I realize that they often understand more than they can verbalize – my conversations with the children thus far have generally centered around counting, colors,and names of animals, people and things.

But today, one little girl knew a bit more English and was a bit more inquisitive than those I’d previously met.  I sat down at the breakfast table and as soon as introductions were made, the questions started…

“Why do you have that color on your eyes?” (I’m not exactly sure if she meant the dark circles under my eyes or my eye shadow and eyeliner…I went with the make-up!)

“Why do you have those things (earrings) in your ears?”

“Why are you so big?” (As she says this she is holding her hands far apart while pointing at the level of my hips!)

“Why are you here?”

“Do you speak Korean? Do you speak Filipino?”

All excellent questions…and if I’m totally honest, I’m a bit envious of her innocence and ability to ask questions simply because she wants to know the answers…without worrying whether she will be understood or misunderstood, offending someone, being politically correct,or feeling stupid because maybe she should already know the answer.

I thought carefully before I answered; the recent articles and opinions I have read dealing with girls’ and women’s self-perception issues at the forefront of my mind.  I smiled and began: I like green. I like jewelry and the gold color matches my necklace. Because that’s me! To play, and talk with you:)  No, I only speak English:(

Thankfully, she seemed satisfied with my answers as other children joined us at the table.  Time for more introductions and giggling as we hear and try to pronounce each others names!

March 16…New Wheels!

So this is why we have an extra bedroom…bicycle storage:)

One more blessing that has stemmed from my “Coffee” group…  Bikes!!!

Last fall Rex and I talked about the possibility of buying bicycles in the spring; for transportation, exercise, and exploration.  Just as we started seriously exploring the possibility, I discovered that one of my coffee- group friends had two bikes she wanted to sell. And not just bikes, but all the accessories we would need: helmets, locks, water bottle cages, bike racks and bags, tools, and a tire pump!

So Sunday Rex and I went to try them out and they fit us perfectly:) And just in time, for although it isn’t officially Spring until March 21st, Spring arrived in Songdo this weekend. With temperatures in the 50’s, people were out enjoying the sunshine…walking and running, biking, skateboarding, in-line skating, playing soccer and catch, and pedal boating and kayaking down the river in Central Park.

We set out on our “new” bikes, following trails around the perimeter of Songdo. It was so freeing to go exploring and see new areas of the city. The 11.5 miles we biked on pavement, dirt, rocks, up and over curbs, etc, was quite a workout, especially since these are commuter bikes rather than the road bikes we are used to! It felt great…what an awesome day!

A New Obsession

Do I like garage sales and flea markets? Generally.  Do I like antique stores?  Sometimes.  Do I like trying to find bargains and awesome deals?  Of course!  But have I ever been obsessed with any of these things?  NO!  Recently, however, I was introduced to a Facebook group, and alas a world I didn’t realize existed.  So now…

I check the Facebook group “Incheon Flea Market” several times a day. I get the group’s notifications on my timeline.  As I search the page I think to myself, “I’m sure I will discover a marvelous find… something I need that I simply didn’t realize I needed until now!” This searching often leads me to check out e-bay-Korea to see what I can find there. When I do find an item that calls my name, I check my subway app and consider whether the time I will spend on the subway to get to the item will be worth the trip, if I can fit the trip into my schedule, and if I will actually be able to carry the item all the way home.

I think I am obsessed!  This is what I have found and purchased so far 🙂

Rex’s “new” recliner.

Just a bit more assembly required and it’ll be ready for guests.

A bit of a style change for me, but this sofa fits my bedroom space perfectly. Since the TV is in our open living room-dining room- kitchen space, this is where I go when Rex has his video conference calls for work.

For me, plants = sunshine = happiness:)

A portable chair that I can leave set up in my practice room instead of hauling my dining room chair back and forth. My $3 bargain:)

A recliner! Our couch is comfortable, but it was the only seating we had, and too small for both of us to really stretch out on. Recliners seem to be a rare commodity here; so I couldn’t be overly concerned (as I usually am) with color-matching.  Thanks to e-bay and someone at work who was able to arrange the delivery, Rex now has a recliner. After the long days he puts in at work, he definitely needs a place to relax!

In Korea, February is the end of the school year, so contracts are up for many international teachers. E-bay and flea market sites are loaded with items people are trying to sell before leaving the country…cars, bikes, phones/phone plans, electronics, furniture, clothing, plants, and even food.

That’s how I happened upon the bed and couch.  They were a good price and came with delivery…a real bonus.

I took the subway, however, to get three plants. The challenge was the weight, for they came as pictured – pots, bases and soil.  Two in one bag and one in another, I’m estimating 12-15 pounds/bag.  Carrying them through two stations, four flights of stairs, and the 15 minute walk home proved to be quite a workout! But the color and life they add to my living room was well worth the effort:)

My latest find, a small, lightweight, fold-able stool was much easier to transport on the subway.  I’m so excited to have a space where I can leave everything set up for practicing my cello:)

So are my flea market days over? Someday…But for now, I really need a floor lamp or end table with table lamp.  So the obsession and searching continues…

Nursery School and Library Card

Wishing to add a bit more purpose to my days, I ventured to the Global Center to inquire about volunteer opportunities in my area.  As luck would have it, the staff at a Korean nursery school had recently expressed interest in having English-speaking foreigners interact with their 60 children.  The GC assistant manager introduced me to the Director and two teachers at the school, and within half an hour I had an appointment to return the following day to complete necessary paperwork, and bring verification of my teaching credentials and back ground check!  That I did and my start date was scheduled.  Alternating between the 3-4 and 5-6-year-old’s classrooms for 2 1/2 hours one day a week, I would assist with and participate in classroom activities; giving the children the opportunity to hear and hopefully speak English while interacting with someone from another culture. Sounded lovely to me!

I have now been in each classroom once. The staff is so welcoming and the children are simply adorable. Upon arriving, each child was prompted to bow, say “Good Morning” in Korean, and then “My name is…” (in English). They smiled and nodded at my feeble attempts to repeat their names. Child’s play is pretty universal… I have played in the kitchen, made pizza, read books, played catch, and sang songs. And we talk…I just wish subtitles could float in the air above our heads so that we could each understand what the other is saying. It’s quite comical at times:)

I was so proud when I was able to sing along a bit as the children were taught a new song. And then I discovered that the repetitive words I was picking up on were “BOW-WOW” and “MEOW, MEOW.”  Oh well, you have to start somewhere, right?!

Children’s chopsticks with finger placement guides. I could have used these in adult size!

I look forward to returning next week, and when I do, it will be with English picture books in hand. For I am now the proud owner of a library card from the Songdo International Children’s Library! The Nursery school has a very limited selection of English books, so I thought I’d take a few of my favorites. Reading to children is definitely one of life’s simple pleasures!

Cooking demonstration

A recent lunch brought to mind a conversation from the movie Kate and Leopold (2001) where Leopold says, “Where I come from the meal is the result of reflection and study. Menus are prepared in advance, timed to perfection. It is said that without the culinary arts, the crudeness of reality would be unbearable.”

I am thrilled that Yunsoo has offered to replace one weekly Korean language lesson per month with a Korean cooking demonstration.She has had culinary training and loves to cook… and it shows! I am so excited that she is willing to share her talents…what a fun way to learn about and experience the Korean language and culture:)

Three weeks ago we were treated to Beef Bulgogi, one of Korea’s most popular marinated beef dishes and one “often served to non-Koreans as a first taste of Korean cuisine.” (See http://www.trifood.com/bulgogi.asp for some pics and a recipe.  She didn’t use this exact recipe but I liked the description).                                     Yunsoo first marinated the beef in creamed Korean pears and onion.  Next the soy sauce, garlic and other spices were added to the mixture to marinate some more. The beef was then stir-fried with mushrooms and onions.

Once cooked, a piece or two of beef is laid in a leaf (middle) along with rice, spinach (rt), and other sides, and then folded or rolled     to eat altogether.

I     think  the beauty of bulgogi is that you can choose only the sides you like, use the same combination every time, or vary it with each piece of beef. You get many flavorful combinations in one meal. Absolutely delicious! This is one you can definitely try at home!

This week Yunsoo made Bibimbap.  I love the vocabulary used in this description from (http://globetrotterdiaries.com/recipes/bibimbap):  “Bibimbap is one of those dishes that makes that adage about eating with your eyes entirely true.  This classic Korean dish is a beautiful mélange of colorful fresh vegetables, a little bit of meat, and often topped with a bright runny fried egg and then mixed together with rice and deep red gochujang, a spicy red chili paste.  The result is a dynamic mess of a dish that is somehow gorgeous.”

Above: Clockwise from the 12:00 position, the dishes contain tomato kabob, wild greens, mushrooms, a 2nd wild green, radish, zucchini, spinach, beef w/mushrooms, fried eggs (to the left of the beef) carrots, bean sprouts, a 3rd wild green, and onions.

Yunsoo had cut, chopped, or sliced the vegetables, began marinating those that required it, and prepared the soup and salmon rolls before we arrived.

She then demonstrated how to fully prepare and cook each of the sides.  After each was finished and the table set, she modeled how to create a bowl of bibimbap, for thoughtfully and carefully placing the sides over the rice creates a truly artistic presentation!

Once the sides have been arranged, an egg is traditionally placed on top. The historical reason for the egg is that if beef was unavailable, scarce,  or expensive, the egg provided an alternative source of protein.  (Dried seaweed is on top of the egg in the picture to the left.)

It is then time to mix everything together! (No picture – you’ll have to use your imagination!) Your taste buds experience a multitude of flavors in every bite…and every bite is different.  Truly Delightfully Delicious!

And yes, all the pictures are of Yunsoo’s cooking, not from the websites I included 🙂