Blue Hens in the house
UD Crew reunited!
I am 아름다운, right? ha ha
Orientation in Osan went well. It was a nice break from the school routine, but I was glad it didn’t last more than 2 days. And I actually missed some of my co-workers….. *SHOCK* ha ha Still, it was nice hanging out with English speakers and being totally surrounded by ENGLISH if but for 2 days; I felt like I was finally back in the know. And I could speak as quickly as I wanted to, without having to slow-it-down or re-word what I was saying. During that time, I was reunited with the UD graduates who are also participating in the GEPIK program (but living in different areas of S.K.). UD representin’ word up.
When I got back from Osan, I was surprised by a random dinner invite from three of my co-workers. They remembered I was coming back and met me in my hometown for dinner. Dinner was really nice (a stew with lava red broth)…luckily, I am a fan of spicy food. Afterwards, I went to Ilsan with one of my co-workers for an evening stroll around the lake.
The next day, Saturday, was a Korean holiday – Chusok, or the Harvest Moon festival.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chusok
It was described to me as Korean version of Thanksgiving (if you wanted to compare it). I went to Seoul with 2 UD alums and 2 of their friends to the KOREAHOUSE, which is a traditional Korean-style house where people can experience Korean culture through traditional food, performance, and goods. There was a festival going on there because of the holiday, so it was quite busy – Korean and foreign people were there eating, playing games, and taking part in crafts. I got a chance to dress-up in the traditional Korean hanbok while I was there, and although I wasn’t as cute as some of the Korean girls walking around in their own, it was a lot of fun.
Mellow in South Korea 
mom said,
October 5, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Mel, Nice photos. I like the red outfits. I hope you send these photos to the Study Abroad office to let everyone know you guys are alive and well. I was glad to see that the S.K update came through promptly – on Monday; your brother will be so impressed. He said he was sorry that he would be missing it while on vacation. Tell me again, what do the hand gestures beside the eyes and in front of people mean? I understand the heart gesture. And, are any of the other UD students doing blogs like you? I am looking forward to more photos! Love, MOM
stella321 said,
October 11, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I don’t know if the other UDers are doing blogs. I really have not advertised my own. The hand gesture is our peace sign but their victory sign. However, mostly people just do it whenever a picture is being taken – I guess it is something to do other than just smile. You will see it with two hands and the regular one hand in front of the face. When it is done on the side of the face or beside the eyes, it is seen as cute gesture – mostly girls use this one (to be cute). This might be a bit confusing but I hope it helps. 😛
I will keep doing my best to be punctual about my posts and keep adding pictures. Luv ya!
Patti Adams said,
October 6, 2009 at 12:35 am
10-5-09 8:30pm
Hi Mel,
We really enjoyed the pictures. You looked really cute in the Korean hanbok. We enjoy seeing you in the photos you post. keep them coming. Glad your orientation went well . It was nice that your co-teachers met you for dinner upon your return. The stew sounds a little too spicy for me. Read the info about the chusok. Interesting. Here in the states in the public schools now most parties for Halloween are called harvest parties. Halloween is not usually allowed now. Chusok is probably more like our Thanksgiving, even though now Halloween has becaome a harvest celebration (in the schools anyway. ) I checked with your folks and learned that our package has not reached you as of today! We mailed one day later than your folks. Hopefully, you will receive it tomorrow on your birthday! Happy Birthday,Mel. Enjoy tomorrow to the fullest. Take care. We love ya! Uncle Bill, Aunt Pat, Amy, and Molly
stella321 said,
October 11, 2009 at 12:25 pm
As you know, got the package and loved the gifts! Thank you! I don’t think you could handle the spicy food because I remember you have a sensitive stomach. I am going to miss our Thanksgiving dinner. I always enjoy pigging-out on all the turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. But, I am happy that you do not usually make macaroni and cheese on Thanksgiving – it is a Xmas dish. Because that is my favorite — thanks again for making that over the summer! 😀
Take care and keep in touch!
Laura B said,
October 6, 2009 at 3:37 am
Hey Mel! Looks like you are doing really well so far. Seems like you have a good balance between teaching and traveling! Oh! And Happy Birthday! It’s not quite your birthday here, but it is there! Have fun!
stella321 said,
October 11, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Laura!!!
So happy to hear from you! You should tell me how you are doing (if you read this.. ha ha)
tossey said,
October 6, 2009 at 5:08 pm
First things first:
Happy Biiiirrrrrtttthhhhhdddaaaaaayyyy!
Sorry we aren’t celebrating it with Smith Island cake in a tent at Trap Pond. Would’ve brought you some cake personally, if only Coast Day didn’t get in the way … hope you’re having lots of fun celebrating over there 🙂
Secondly – love the new fashion statement! Will you bring it back to S. DE? Might be a cool new trend!
Let me know if you’d like more DE pics for decorating purposes … BTW – what’s your mailing address over there?
Since it’s a little late over there by now, I’m hoping you had the happiest of days!
stella321 said,
October 11, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Thanks for the update Lisa Loo. I am sure you have been very busy with Coast Day – I know my mom was! How is work at UD going? They keeping you busy? Matthew still living up the school life – or is he bogged down with exams etc?
Next time around we’ll do the party and go kayaking in the morning. Although I may pass on the camping part; I still think I am more of an a/c, modern conveniences person than a nature, rough&tougher like yourself. Pictures are always nice, especially if they’re ones you’ve taken..lol Cause they are so pretty!!
Take it easy, hon’
KatieHall said,
October 6, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Happy Birthday to my Bday Buddy! You’ll have to let us all know what birthdays Korean-style look like:-)
stella321 said,
October 11, 2009 at 12:35 pm
They look the same as American birthdays ha ha. Just the words to the song sound slightly different. I got cake from my co-workers,several presents, and later ate dinner with three co-workers before heading home. It was a good day. I hope your own birthday was wonderful! How did you celebrate?
DAD said,
October 10, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Hi Melody. Again, great pictures; keep them coming. I’m still mystified by the peace symbol protocol. You’ll have to provide a guidebook to the different meanings! Costumes look great; definitely think you could bring that outfit to Dagsboro and start a new trend. It sounds like a neat holiday–but without the turkey and dressing? Given your cooking skills, I’m surprised you didn’t whip up your own big Thanksgiving spread! 🙂
Hope you enjoyed your trip to Seoul today (Saturday) with Heesug, and we look forward to your next posting. Love you. DAD.
stella321 said,
October 11, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Hey pops,
Thanks for comments. ❤ Answered the peace-symbol question in reply to mom's post – hopefully, it will be helpful. I have been sucked into the habit and whenever I am doing pics find my hand automatically raising to my face. I don't know whether this is good or bad, but I can't help it. Not sure how keen I am on starting new fashion trends – I will be happy to just get back to wearing bum-around, casual clothes that have lots of stains and holes!!
Me, cook? HA! That is your forte! As of now, I can continue in blissful ignorance, special thanks to the school cafeteria. I successfully conveyed to the lunch ladies how much I missed them (when I had 3 days at home) – to their general amusement.