너무 너무 너무 행복에 ^^

I just wanna say I am so so so so so soooooooooooooooooo happy now ^^

初雪 First snow...

聽說首爾今天下初雪了.  一定很美吧. 

一直都很渴望能看到首爾的初雪. 卻因為怕寒冷的冬天，所以也沒勇氣去嘗試。

但我還是希望在不久的將來, 能親身體驗首爾的初雪...

I heard that the first snow has arrived in Seoul today. It should be very cold but I wish I am back home right now...

I am back...

Time flies and I am back...Zzzz...zzzz...Just got back last nite and I'm so sleepy now. If you are expecting some exciting updates from me, you will be disappointed cos this trip is supposed to be relaxing..Then again, I managed to do a few things which I always wanted to do but never have the chance to do until this trip. Nothing special to most people but simple little things which makes me very happy ^^

I woke up naturally most of the days but hmmm...my natural wake up time tends to be early too ㅎㅎㅎ  Most of the days, I was held back in my hotel room becos of "런닝맨", "아빠 어디가?" and "1박 2일".  My favourite of the three, is "아빠 어디가?" becos the kids are sooo adorable. 

The OST "Touch love 터치 러브" in "주군의 태양" was played in many shops! I thought I can finish the last episode in Spore but the downloading at Changi airport was so slow. My heart was left hanging there until my first night in Seoul. I stayed in Hongdae for this trip and I find that the sales assistants are of two extreme types. They were either very helpful or they bochap aka can't be bothered at all. Nevertheless, I still met many kind and helpful Koreans ^^ Maybe I am too used to Myeongdong. I still prefer staying in Myeongdong to Hongdae ㅋㅋㅋ

In this trip, I also notice that the drivers in Seoul were pretty scary. It could be green man for pedestrians to cross the road, but there will still be one vehicle that cross the traffic light right in front of your eyes. Sometimes, I will hear 아줌마 cursing and swearing when there's such reckless drivers. Therefore, don't assume it is safe to cross the road when you see the green man. Stop and look out first before crossing the road.

Last but not least, I thank god for the good weather. There were 2 days of rainy days which wasn't too bad. Towards the end of the stay, it was pretty chilly in the morning until about 11am. Afternoon was hot until it got cold again around 6pm. 

Bear with me for slow updates as I am still feeling kinda lazy ㅎㅎㅎ  Got to go now cos my 감자탕 Gamjatang is boiling. I brought back the essential ingredient, 깻잎 (Perilla leaves)  ㅎㅎㅎ  Cos without the leaves, the soup is just like any other pork bone soup. I also bought the seedings back for my sister to grow ㅎㅎㅎ  Yes. Not me to grow but her. Not sure whether they can grow in our weather but we shall see.

너무 그리워

                                 
                            

효린 sang this song so well that I feel like crying every time I listen to it. Omggg...tonite is the 15th episode. I felt choked and tears just welled up in my eyes when I was watching episode 14 just now. Thank goodness things started to take a turn now. I dun watch horror shows or anything to do with ghosts. NOPE!! This drama however was so funny and every story seemed to have a good moral behind it.

This caught my attention when I was casually browsing in a shop.  

It called out to me becos it means something to me.  

Yes. Unknowingly, you become the joy in my life. 

 너무 그리워.

터치 러브

                

                                                                 이 노래를좋아.

Can't wait to go home once again!

At last, I have completed the updates on my Spring trip. It took me longer than usual to update this time becos I was distracted with my research for this upcoming trip in Autumn Hahahahaa. I can now finally concentrate on my research. Can't wait to go home once again! 

Officially missing you

                    

                A twist to the original version I guess.

               I like this song and yeah, I'm officially missing you.

My 김치 베이컨 볶음밥 in Singapore

윤's 김치 베이컨 볶음밥 ㄱㄱㄱ
Yes!  I satisfied my craving for kimchi fried rice by cooking it today ^^
But it still doesn't help to cure my lovesick for my second home.....
Now, I feel the craving for 주먹밥 ㅎㅎㅎ
It is very easy to make. Maybe I will try that one day.

Haiya heck lah

Its been 5 days since I came back from my second home. My post-vacation blues seem to be more severe than ever ㅎㅎㅎ  I still cannot get used to standing on my left whenever I take the escalator. I craved so much for Korean food especially 재육 볶음 and 볶음밥.  I don't know why I am craving so much for these two dishes.  Probably becos I bought a lot of kimchi back ㄱㄱㄱ.  I think I will cook these two dishes by this weekend! 

And...most importantly, I miss Korea and a friend a lot. Someone whom I cherish very much.  When I tell you I miss you, it means I really do cos "I miss you" doesn't come easy from me.  

Looking forward to dinner tomorrow with my friends at 왕대박 ^^ Yeah...my friends asked me out for dinner and I said,"Only Korean food." ㅎㅎㅎ   I think they have expected me to say this!

Left my heart and soul in Seoul.

I am back and still in a daze. Mum asked what I want for breakfast but all that surfaced in my head was only Korean food.  So I am really back in Spore but I left my heart behind in Seoul.  I don't like the feeling of saying good bye but I cherish every moment being there, and being there with someone whom I miss badly. 

Anyway, this trip turns out to be more tiring than my previous trips.  I thought it will be a relaxing trip for shopping and revisiting some of the places in Seoul but it turns out to be a disaster to my pocket!  Hahahahaaa..

Yeah..I love "Made in Korea" hahahahahaahaa....I am very happy with all my purchases. Told myself I must go cycling along the Han river in my next trip this year  ^^

Every oversea trips make me feel that I am blessed and we are really pampered by our government.

I was at the tax refund counter at Incheon airport yesterday and witnessed something so familiar back home...

There was a long queue at the counter for tax refund and many people did not fill up their addresses on the receipts or forms. A Korean lady came out to check each individual documents as so to prevent unnecessary waiting time. She requested a man to show her the documents but the man said,"Where is Mr______?"  He repeated himself twice at least. The Korean lady did not replied him and only requested him for the documents. That man did not want to show his documents and demanded,"Where is your boss/manager?". She did not reply him and he told her that she was very rude...blah blah blah...*If you find this familiar

That man did not give up in lodging a complaint. He asked for the name of that Korean lady when he was being attended by the counter staff, and said he wanted to complaint about her becos she was very rude. My goodness.....must he be so persistent???  As if he was being polite in the first place...

I might be biased towards Koreans but seriously speaking, she wasn't rude in my opinion. Sometimes, we must understand that the Koreans do not mean to be rude but they just do not know how to express themselves in English.  At times, you may need to repeat a few times or use gestures etc to get your message across. Koreans are very helpful and friendly people. They will be most happy to help you when they know you are a foreigner.

Put yourself in their shoes. How does it feel when you want to express yourself but unable to communicate what you want.  I don't know about you but I will feel so helpless and lousy.

On many occasions, I will feel so helpless whenever a Korean especially an elderly approached me for directions in Korea.  I really wanted to help but it was either I'm not sure or I can't communicate.  It was the same for this trip. I encountered some elderly approaching me for directions.  I felt so bad becos they approached me with a smiling face but I can only apologise for not being able to communicate with them.

One regret for this trip, I did not manage to visit my favourite place in Seoul ie 반포대교 Banpo Bridge cos it holds a special meaning in my heart. Sigh....it was raining that night and it happened to be my last night in Seoul.  Morale of the story, never wait till last minute.  

Give me some time to update my trip cos I am still feeling kinda lost in momentum. Sob...I miss my second home ㅠㅠ

형식 & 지현 ^^

                               

아... 지현 of 4Minute and 형식 of ZE:A look so good together as a couple, 그렇죠?  I like this couple so much and I really wish their relationship will work out well. "The Romantic & Idol"(I wonder how they come up with this name) is such a cruel yet funny show. There were so many embarrassing cruel moments but I am so glad that this couple has each other in their heart till the final stage ^^ 

I was hoping that they will chose each other in every round and they did except for one round. This video clip was one of the funny scene. Omgg...I was like, "형식!! What are you waiting for??? Its so obvious that the song is from 지현!"  I was really worried that the song will finish before he decided to go out!

Of the 4 guys, I like 형식 becos I like guys who have single eyelid, thin and gentle looking guy! Ermmm...Gentle looking but not gentle personality. Hahahaaaa

Hmmm...the program was filmed on the romantic island, Jeju Island, where I will be  heading to this April! 

Yup!!  I have booked my air tickets and accommodations  ^^  Wish me luck!

6th April 2013 till 24th April 2013: 

제주 - 7th April - 12th April (늘송파크텔)
여수/순천/남해 - 12th April ~ 15th April  (B&Beach Tourist Hotel)
서울 - 15th April ~ 24th April (Nana Residence@Myeongdong)

 

온유 - In Your Eyes

                           
       

This is my favourite OST from this drama,"아름다운 그대에게". Also known as "To the beautiful you" or "For you in full blossom". I did not watch the Taiwanese or the Japanese version but this Korean version is obviously so nice and funny!  This song,"In your eyes" is sang by 온유 ^^ OMg I love his voice so much!!

Lyrics : 

단 한번도 말한 적 없지만
사실 말야 난 그날에 이 심장이 뛰는걸 느꼈어

처음부터 난 알 수 있었어
확신할 순 없었지만 이미 우린 정해진 운명 같았어

사랑은 내게로 와
너를 이끄는 시간으로
영원히 깨지 않는
꿈만 같았어 정말 꿈만 같아서

처음 만난 그날을 기억해
눈이 부시게 빛나던 그런 날에 내게 와줬던
고마워 니가 내게 와줘서

처음부터 난 알 수 있었어
확신할 순 없었지만 이미 우린 정해진 운명 같았어

사랑은 내게로 와
너를 이끄는 시간으로
영원히 깨지 않는
꿈만 같았어 정말 꿈만 같아서

날 보며 웃는 너
이렇게 좋은 날
왜 눈물이 날까
내 눈에는

영원히 깨지 않을
꿈 이길 바래 늘 변치 않기를

사랑이 머무는 곳
우리 함께 할 시간으로
영원히 변치 않을
꿈만 같았어 내겐 꿈만 같아서

처음 만난 그날을 기억해
눈이 부시게 빛나던 그런 날에 니가 와줘서
고마워 정말

Lyrics from : oneochand.blogspot

Beautiful islands in Korea

OMgggg....I wanna visit beautiful islands in Korea or rather stay in Korea!!!  There are so many beautiful places in Korea and I really hope I can stay in Korea......!!!!  Just booked my KR pass for 3 days.  What's left to do is to go through my research materials and pack my luggage.  Well, I dread packing luggage but unpacking is worse cos its more tiring!  I usually pack my luggage a day before my flight or on the day of departure, but I have to pack earlier for this trip becos I will be attending Jo's wedding lunch on the same day of my departure to kimchi land. Jo told me to bring my luggage along and leave it in his hotel room as the lunch banquet will be held at Crowne Plaza, Changi Airport.  Hahahaa...Thanks Jo but I don't think I will do that since Changi Airport is not far from where I stay. Looking forward to attend his wedding ^^  14 days to my beloved second home. I miss Korea and I miss my Korean friends a lot.  

21 days to my second home ^^

I have no idea what tree is this but it reminds me of cherry blossom in Korea.  Went to Parkway Parade yesterday to change my money.  The exchange rate was good, SGD$1 to KRW895. Better than my previous trips to Korea. I managed to change my currency at the rate of KRW897. My colleague changed her money at the same money changer last week but the rate was KRW893. 
My planning is almost done, except for some minor details.  This upcoming trip involves a lot of travelling out of Seoul but most of them are not long distance travelling and its only a day trip.  The website of Korail mentioned that KR pass includes the general seats for KTX, Mugunghwa and Saemaeul, so I sent an email to Korail and KTO(Korea) to ask if ITX is included in KR Pass.  Sad to say, I did not hear any reply from them despite sending a second email.  Therefore, I emailed to KTO(Singapore) who told me KR Pass allows one to travel on all rail train types including the ITX.  That is good news to me ^^
However, I think it is not worth it as I am only taking one or two way trip per day. On second thought, KR pass is good because there's no limit to the numbers of trips made within the day.  This is useful to me because I am worried that I may not be able to wake up early everyday!  Hahahaa...cos if I am using the KR pass for the day and I happened to arrive late, I need not top up any payment for the next available train.  Anyway, I'm still contemplating whether to get the KR pass for 1 day, 3 days or perhaps 5 days.  Well, 5 days is probably out.  

What I learnt from my Spring trip 2012

I learnt and gained a lot in this trip.  How can I ever repay the kindness from people whom I never knew.  I thank them from the bottom of my heart and I wish them well in their lives.  One very important lesson that I learnt in this trip. Never ever assume the people beside you do not understand what you said. 

I was on a very jam-packed subway.  Two young Korean girls were standing beside me.  At a certain station, a group of young foreigners entered the train. This group of young foreigners consisted of 5 guys and 2 girls.  Suddenly, one of the guy said to his friend,"Wooo...I could feel her butt rubbing against mine." His friend laughed at his remarks and both of them continued with their obscene conversation about the girl's butt.  They spoke English especially the chap who initiated the conversation spoke loud and clear in the train.  Apparently, the Korean girl did not understand what they said because she was still happily chatting with her friend.  I stared hard at the young chaps but they thought I did not hear or understand them since I had my earpiece in my ears.  I felt the urge to tell the Korean girl but how should I tell her?  There wasn't much space for her to shift her position.  If she has understood what he said, she would have reacted.  I really felt like telling off the chap but would he hit me?  They have 5 guys. I felt extremely pissed off and lousy for not doing anything. 

The group of young foreigners got off after two stations. Till now, I still regret not doing anything for the girl.  If I were to encounter such incident again(I hope not), I hope I can deal with it tactfully. This incident is not to penalise any nationality but don't you think such behaviour brings shame to themselves and the country they came from?  When we are overseas, what we do reflects not only on ourselves but also our own country. 

Finally, I completed my posts for Spring trip 2012. I can now devote my time and concentrate on my planning for the upcoming trip ^^  Its 53 days to my next trip but I haven't start my research!!  *sweat  

Back in Spore....

I'm back.  Yes, back with a heart of gratitude and felt truely blessed to met so many kind Koreans and good weather for this trip.  No words can express how grateful I am but I was deeply touched by their kindness.  Maybe I am a person who is easily touched, but I can really feel the sincerity, kindness and warm from them.   Actually, I was also worried that I might encounter the rainy season but fortunately for me, there was only one day of drizzling for my whole trip.  The weather was either cloudy or sunny but of course, it was darn cold.  It gets warmer towards the last few days of my trip.
I'm still feeling groggy and having difficulties to switch over my mindset.  "Good news" is my weekends for these two weeks will be burnt because I have to OT.  Shit...


Gonna take some time to update my experience for this trip in this blog, so bear with me ^^ 

Back home ㅋㅋㅋ

I can't believe I am heading back home tonight.  Yeah, back to my second home  ^^   Somehow, I can't felt the excitement yet...probably because I am not feeling well for the past one week..
My friends asked why am I going back Korea again within 6 months.  The reply that came naturally to me, "What's wrong with going home within 6 months?"   They buay tahan me ㅋㅋㅋ
Actually, its not surprising to call Korea as my home because I knew there are many people who love Korea and called Korea their second home.  
Still many things to do, got to finish packing my luggage...

회이팅!

Tomorrow 1st Mar is a national holiday in Korea...It is Independence Movement Day, known as 삼일절 Samil-jeol in Korea.  
How I wish tomorrow is a holiday in Singapore as well! Hahahahaaa...yeah...although its 32 days away but I have no mood to work already..!!  March is a busy month for me at work but that's ok!  I can see my beloved Seoul very soon!  회이팅!

Kkottongnae - "Flower Village" in Korea

Korea was featured in the first episode of "The Activist Journey II".  Click here Big Heart; Big Love at Kkotongnae to view this local program.

I missed this program as I was doing overtime over the weekends.  Fortunately, I can view the program at "Catch-Up TV" from xinmsn...    Its heart wrenching to see people suffering in different parts of the world, but at the same time, there are also people wasting resources in some other parts of the world...

Last month, I visited my friend during Chinese New Year.  All the lighting, air conditioning and fans were switched on but nobody was using them.  Her parents were around, otherwise I would have told her off.

We are too fortunate and take things for granted easily....I must also constantly remind myself not to take things for granted..

Although those vagrants in the video did not have a place where they can call home, and can barely feed themselves but they are not stingy in giving some money to those who are worse off than them.   This spirit of giving touch my heart.   It is indeed a great blessing to be able to give and share.   

I notice the founder of Kkottongnae cultivates loving kindness to all, regardless of who the person is.   It doesn't matter who you are, where you are from and what religion you believe in.  All it takes, is a big heart to give unconditional love to all, and see everyone as an equal individual with no judgements involved.   However, this is not easy at all.   People who needs help does not need people to pity them.  All they need is a helping hand and respect to get them back on their feet. 

Website of Kkottongnae

雲

No, this was not taken in Seoul...but from my kitchen window in Singapore ㅋㅋㅋ   It was about 6.30pm when I took this picture... Korea would be 7.30pm when I took this picture but the sky in Korea would not be like this at 6.30pm in Autumn. The sky in Korea at 6.30pm in Autumn will look like 9pm in Singapore ㅎㅎㅎ 

It took me a lot of courage to take the pictures because I was terrified of heights...I tried not to look down and that helps a lot...

Today is a good day for making wishes...Om....

Looking at the clouds but my heart is in Seoul...같은 푸른 하늘 아래에서 Under the same blue sky but Seoul is far away...I really miss Seoul a lot a lot a lot...