A Beautiful Winter

Unlike the most unnatural winter the Pacific Northwest is currently experiencing, Korea is as cold as winter should be: the lovely range from the single Fahrenheit digits to the 40s. Beautifully, the cold does not deter the clear skies (blue) from shining and the sunlight from gently warming. And along the streets, older ladies sell bags of light pink and purple sweet potatoes, and older men make and sell fresh popped rice.

Incheon (인천) has changed so much - from what I have been accustomed to. The last time I made the trip to Korea was in 2012.. Korea never fails to amaze me with the speed of its industrialization. Huge apartment complexes have sprung up all across the lands where only golf courses reigned.

Upon arriving, the family and I made our way to the hospital to greet our newest family member, little Howl (하울). Just watching a little baby squirm around in his tightly wrapped blanket (like a kimbab), waiting for him to open his eyes... cheerful, simple surprises.

The baby hospitals in Korea are incredible; the mother is carefully watched over and cared for (heated floors.. oh the envy), and regulations are quite strict (baby watching visits are until 9:30pm, and the momma undergoes a period of strict rehabilitation after birthing - only one visitor; husband). So goodbye, my dear cousin! For some weeks.

6 different cake slices put into one!

What is it with delicious fruits in Korea? I had some Japanese strawberries, for the first time, and the taste was unlike any strawberry I had before. Very sweet, but a light type of sweetness different from the North American berries. And the Jeju tangerines were as delicious as ever! For anyone who hasn't had Jeju tangerines before, they are on a completely different level of rich sweetness compared to the tangerines we are used to in the US (Costco and the Asian markets).

Some jet lag, but surprisingly, my body got up some past 6am. And here I am, 12 hours later, experiencing Korean industrialism at its finest: at a factory. I did forget that the old buildings in Korea don't have the same restrooms like elsewhere. I panicked for a little bit when I saw that I forgot to carry tissues, but thankfully, there was a dispenser right outside the stall. And yes, that toilet. It's a good thing that I've been practicing squats.

Yet to decide on what dinner will be, but we're going to drop by E-Mart for some goodies. I'm craving some red bean pastries... (the fish shaped ones!) and pumpkin porridge sounds so good right now.

Cracking the Egg

A few more days remain until I will be flying to the Land of the Morning Calm (Korea).. at long last. The preparation has, unsurprisingly, been the most tiring because I can depart only if the other responds, appropriately (study abroad office, Korean Consulate General, hospital, bank - to name a few). Thus I was stymied until such matters were processed, and the thumbs up was given. Now, the pieces have been crawling together. Finally, my visa! 

Visa for S. Korea

It took about two weeks because of my circumstance (since my parents were formerly Korean citizens) and the unorganized manner of the overseers, but it is finished! Until, or if, I want to renew it. With the F-4 visa I can stay in S. Korea for up to five years. If I had gone with the typical D-2 visa, it would have only been an year. (Korean descent perks)

What left?

I can recall only one trip when I didn't forget something (aw yeah). And this adventure will be lasting for about 1/2 an year (February to June/July is the plan) so I should be confident in packing.. However, my history hasn't been consistent with me being "perfectly" prepared. 

Immunization records are still needed, gifts for those in Korea, a 110V to 220V converter (I'm sure I can find this in Korea), the bank affairs, meeting people and saying my "I'll be back"s, 2015 Super Bowl XLIX, and of course, mental training. Korean overtake of the American mind? Who knows what will happen. I think it quite true to say that many Korean-Americans (the first wave to be born and raised in the US Koreans) are especially conflicted with their identities. In particular those whose parents fully experienced the overwhelming awareness of Korean nationalism. Plus, Korean Confucianism is hardcore.

As I do have time... I would like to finish writing a basic composition for my version of 추격자 (Chaser). If anyone wants the sheet music after I'm done, let me know. I am comfortable with improvising, but actually writing out a composition is different.

The next time I write is probably when I am in Korea. Until then!