I forgot a title!

Church

I went to church today at Jamshil (the church that Eunices' parents are at). It was a good service, despite the fact that I couldn't understand any of it. Eunice's dad talked about how we should live lives with purpose (I don't think he's read the 40 days book) and use our gifts to further God's kingdom. Very interesting, as it doesn't line up with what I thought typical Korean theology was.

After church, Ken and Elizabeth, the two American teachers I met last week, introduced me to Mr. Lee, the conductor of the South Korean Navy band and also one of the most famous trombone players in the country. I guess he takes Ken and Elizabeth out because he wants to practice his English. Elizabeth told me that when he calls, "We have to say yes." Important guy, I guess. Anyway, we ate beef belly grilled at our table and also had some other very tasty dishes. I don't think any animal belly is "good for you", but it tastes so good.

Bartering

Today I told Elizabeth that I was going to barter in the local market, and I was going to lower the price of something, and I was going to buy it. I was through being a chump. So I strapped on the headphones, put on some Jay-Z and headed down to the Gangnam underground market. I walked into a mens' clothing store, the same one I had been to before, and I started the game.

Me: English?
Old Korean woman: Anyong!
Me: Oh.
Her: Oh! White shirt! [I had previously bough a white shirt from her.]
Me: Yeah! White shirt!
Her: Ah!
Me: Tie!
Her: Oh!
(she shows me some blue ties. I choose one.)
Me: How much?
Her: 10,000 won.
Me: Too much! [I point down] Lower!
Her: [smiles incredulously] Ah!
Me: Lower!
(she pulls out a calculator and punches in 8,000)
Her: Okay?
Me: Not great, but okay.
Her: Okay!

I then proceeded to buy another shirt and knocked off over a third of the price. Actually, she tried to sell me a shirt for 20,000 won when she had previously sold me the same shirt for 15,000 right off the bat. All in all, I got a silk shirt and a tie for 20,000 won. Victory was mine! After that, I asked her if I should wash the shirt in cold or warm water. She tried to sell me a coat. I left.

Below is a picture of me and my conquest:

Art

My friend Joe and I met for dinner last night near the Hankuuk University of Foreign Studies. We had a traditional Korean meal (with delicious soup) and caught up. I met Joe while I was in Amsterdam, and she told me call her up while I was here. I did, and it was a delight seeing her. She is such a gentle person, but very honest and full of something that is almost other-worldly in nature. Anyway, the picture below is courtesty of Joe Bok. The "Alpha" and Nandaemun market are names I needed to remember. I'm going there to look around, possibly for a new camera.

Also featured is a picture that isn't nearly as good, but I did on the subway on the way home.


I also met one of my student's older sisters. They're around 21 and 24, and they go to a local art school. We showed each other our work, and then talked about American and Korean culture. Brett, if you're reading this, they were impressed that I knew so many animes. I told them that you taught me everything I know.

Th-th-th-th-that's all folks!

---CJ