together at last

What a happy marriage this is.

for Casey

Some swords.

History, Mountain Climbing, Seoul

On Saturday, 4/11, Mr. Lee from our church asked Lewis and I if we wanted to go mountain climbing. We agreed, and it turned out to be a lot more than just mountain climbing. First, we visited the Memorial Hall of Korean patriot Ahn Choong-Keun (neither my spelling or the Wiki article's is incorrect; the transliteration is just a bit arbitrary). The museum was located in a park at the foot of the mountain. As you can see, the cherry blossoms were out in force.

At the top of the mountain we found a great view of Seoul (though hazed by
the 황사) and a little surprise:

But that wasn't all. We followed Mr. Lee around downtown Seoul for the rest of the day, and he gave us all kinds of interesting insights into Korean history, politics, and theology. I was thrilled to finally see some interesting architecture.

The night photos aren't very good, but you can at least see a bit of the downtown area. There's a lot of "downtown" in Seoul, but this is the cool looking part.

Everland (2)

The biggest deal at Everland is the T-express.



Above is a Youtube video for your reference. For coaster-newbies Lewis and self, it was possibly the most horrifyingly frightening experience ever. Here is the before and after commentary from Lewis, his co-teacher Hyelim and me.

Everland (1)

Wednesday was a day off in lieu of elections in the Gyeonggi Province and Lewis and I went with some of his fellow teachers to Everland.

More too come...

I-talian cafe

For those of you who care about such things: it tasted like a fairly long shot (as though the barista took a bathroom break at some point during the pull). It had the barest impression of crema - more like the faint Socratic recollection of crema wanting for maieutic assistance. The flavor profile successfully recreated a "Nyquil and vinegar" sensation, and the mouth feel was predominantly "orthodontic." Lingering in the finish were notes of cardboard, anxiety, and fermented Ramen.

downtown

this was too ethnic not to catch on tape.

seoul

downtown uijeongbu

This big shop center of Uijeongbu. Many shoppings in Uijeongbu. We take cab vere cheap for two person, just 4000 KRW , go many kilometers. Lewis buy french press at Home Plus for his Happy Moshu Palace.

Home Plus like five-story tall Wal-Mart with more things. We dream more better.

chopsticks

agency

When your spirit writhes in angst and you lack the will to live...

education2

Twice a week the kids get to watch Mr. Rose forget song motions on the school's CC TV. Is this appropriate for children? We report, you decide.

Notably neglected was a proper address of the racial inappropriateness of this particular song.

I edited this way down because the whole thing is really long and horribly boring (ten minutes). That's my trusty and adorable co-teacher Ji-Hyun speaking Korean. Note her growing but tempered annoyance at my bungling. I've made her life exactly fourteen times more difficult.

education

Lest anyone question that there is actual education happening here, behold. My kids are learning some pretty serious stuff. Please note the subtly unfolded story arc.




Naturally, this opens the field to much profound discourse. In what way does the existential release of the robot affect Mr. Rose's later (and greater) confrontation of the monkeys? The weaknesses in the plot (e.g. could the sleepless and played out Mr. Rose really chase down a presumably well-rested crazy monkey?) simply direct attention more fully to the overarching metaphysical concerns being presented.

Unfortunately, the crazy monkeys had to be edited out of the final cut. But believe me, that's how it really happened.

mnemonics

http://www.lewisknundrum.com/move.mp3

bacon

it was good.

coffee

This is a bit old, but why not post it? (not much happens here)

...the inaugural voyage of our dear Duplex coffee maker. This is before we got the adaptor to use the grinder, so we had to choke down some narsty SBC French roast. We have since obtained an adaptor, and are being spoiled silly by some of Chicago's finest. Thanks Kristin.

underground mall, etc.

At Lewis' apartment, in the midst of creativity.



At the underground mall coffee shop, DaVinci's.




We learned several Korean words here.

fan mail

after church

breakdown of the ecclesiastical festivities (not actually that interesting)

after church

Brief commentary on the world's largest church located in Seoul. CLARIFICATION: The service itself was not HUGE (a several thousand people, give or take), but they have tons of affiliate churches that are included in membership. Plus, the main campus alone has seven services on Sunday.