Sunday, March 31, 2013

300313

two hundred and nineteen

First post in over a month... Amazed at the title... 200+ days I've been here... 200 rollercoaster days to say, at the least.

Where do I begin... How do I even start talking about what my absence entailed.. 

SECRECY.

Probably the best word to describe what I've gone through the past few weeks... Unannounced life events... My yesterdays, todays and tomorrows being of an unknown nature.. No one needs to know.. No one should know.

Let's start slowly... From after the day I parted ways with my family and moved back into the dorms.

Excitement was probably the right word.. Excited to find out what the new semester had in plan.. To see what kind of room mates I would get and if I would really enjoy the last few months of being in this country.

DISAPPOINTMENT.

Probably the best word to describe what I felt.... My new room mates are nothing close to what I'd call the ideal room mates and I'm finding it hard to love them. They have very unhelpful sleeping patterns and it has become rare to see a good night's rest these days... To resolve this issue, I had a chat with them, but to no avail. Therefore I had no other choice than to sleep on the floor in the kitchen section of our room. I bought a second blanket to shield my back from the cold floor, but apart from that, it's a cosy shift and one that helped minimise any sort of conflict between us. Although I am forced to adopt new sleeping positions, it is an acceptable price to pay for a good night's rest. 
This semester isn't what I'd call fun. If anything, it has been busy and full of academic troubles. I've picked up classes that demand a lot of my attention and time... And especially since I opted for a Teaching Assistant role in one of the classes - International Marketing. It is a tough job sometimes, but I feel like I am learning a lot - discipline, leadership and responsibility - thus this effort that I am exerting I feel is going towards a valuable cause.


However...

Besides these...

This semester has already seen great reminders that there are countless other things to be thankful for...


Nina came to visit Korea and I had arguably one of the best times with her and Selina basically touring around Seoul. It reminded me of when Tim visited and combined with re-visiting places I took my family meant that I was all the more excited to finish things up here and head home - where my heart truly is.

Of course, after Nina left, it was back to studying and room mate troubles... But things really aren't that bad anymore... I now have Selina, Sami and Jo who I can rely 100% on if I ever feel like a taste of Aussie and having such faithful friends as they are, is truly a blessing. 
Although last semester was more 'fun' in the sense that almost every night I'd be out with Eero, Lyna and Nicole doing whatever... This semester is more 'fun' in the sense that I am able to get to know my Sydney friends on a lot deeper level and it has been awesome so far.

Today, I had a checkup for my post-surgery eyes with Jo... My eyes are now 1.0 (20/20 in Aussie terms) and the recovery process has been highly successful.. There are no complications regarding the flap and my problematic night vision will continue to improve as I approach 3-6 months from now. Very thankful for the results.

After the checkup, Selina hosted a house warming party where she cooked us a lovely tomato based stew. I do envy her having a kitchen to cook in (I would be cooking everyday if I had a stove equipped kitchen) but having a home cooked meal was most definitely refreshing. I was privileged to be able to chop onions once again and to prepare tomatoes, mushrooms, garlic and capsicum. I tested what I learnt from Gordon Ramsay in regard to cutting skills and (I apologise for my pride) am pleased to say that I learnt well. I am more and more excited to come back now so I can continue cooking... But Selina said that I am always welcome to come over and cook - a tempting offer that I will definitely consider.
The biggest and most fun event today however, was meeting with Kenzi.
A good man and a truly encouraging brother in Christ.. It was the first time that I was able to have a deep and fruitful conversation with him about things that really mattered, and further having Selina present meant an even more fruitful time. It was most definitely one of the best conversations I've had during my time in Korea and not realising that time inside that cafe had passed from 10.30pm to 2am is testimony for a much enjoyed time.
We also went to Karaoke and Kenzi is an awesome singer.. Although I wished Selina would release her inner singer and not be shy singing at K =[. Perhaps her sister needs to be present so that Selina would replicate her so called karaoke sessions in the car. =P.
Anyway... really awesome conversations were had tonight and I am immensely excited to come home and catch up with everyone.



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And so... despite the secrecy... the darkness and the uncertainty that brooded over me in the past few weeks... Things are now looking up.. Skies are clearing and I can say that I will most likely enjoy the last few months of being here... The last 90 days of this rollercoaster ride... And although there were a lot of times I felt I would not be able to hold up against the forces, I have not derailed... 

Why?

Because the One who operates this rollercoaster knows what He is doing.. Sure, He will speed things up sometimes, or put me through a rush going down a slope, or make me climb up steep ascents.. But whatever He does, it's all about the experience... The learning journey and having the courage to persevere despite the fear inside. Just like how you would feel near-death experiences going on a scary rollercoaster, you know that the ride operator or the ride itself isn't designed to kill you... It will test you, stretch you and make you scream.... But all you can really do is sit back, buckle up and get through it.

When you trust God with all your heart... You know you can confidently jump off any cliff of a struggle because He will either catch you ... or teach you how to soar.

"He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 1:8


I've gotten better at my British accent.
Interesting.


Thankful: The sunshine in between storms.. The blessings of true friends and clean leisure in between busy-ness and difficult circumstances.

Prayerful: A truly fruitful last 90 days... For the sake of growth and maturity, may I be a sponge that will soak up God's overflowing cup of grace.

Dangers: Not being loving... Not being patient enough and not being wise with how I act, talk and treat others.

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Saturday, February 23, 2013

230213

"We need to talk" messages are never good.

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Friday, February 8, 2013

070213

one hundred and sixty nine

So bored.....

So very bored.....

Hahaha...


Mmmm..... It is a very different atmosphere and has been since Eero left..

Eero was like the last remnant of the Exchange semester One phase and with him gone, there isn't much left that resembles those times as well....

Sure.. When the family came, that was probably the best 10-13 days I've had so far during my exchange and no doubt, I had so much fun mucking around, shopping, eating, going crazy without worrying about how people see me. It was great...

But now that they're gone, I'm back to a confused state... Who are my friends? Who am I supposed to call out to meet when I have nothing to do?
Usually if Eero doesn't call me/contact me within 2 days, he's either dead or kidnapped.... But now I'm finding it hard to do stuff... Haha....

And that's where Heejin comes in.

Heejin is the girl that I met last Friday. She is a friend of a friend but we have gotten quite close lately. She lives in my neighbourhood (kinda) and I think we get along to an extent... She and the others that I hung out with on Friday are probably the closest 'friends' I have right now... <<< Wow that sounded so sad... But yeah.. No joke, if my phone rings, it is most likely from one of those people.

But............... a fight broke out between two of them and I'm stuck in the firing line because he's put my name up and she's saying I don't stand up for her and yada yada yada.. I feel like I'm in charge of a daycare or something.... Mmm......

BUT.

It is February and as soon as it hits February 20, people will then start to leave again...

My room mates (both) are leaving on the 20th, Carolyn, Jasmine and George mid 20s... leaving me behind with the Korean local friends I've made...
Quite a sad thought really... And scary...



I am definitely anxious about who my new room mates will be and what kind of people they will be... I sure hope they are easy to live with..... Perhaps an Indonesian would be nice =].. I haven't been in contact with one for months (except for family).

Moreover... the semester will also start in March... I wonder what kind of people I'll be hanging around for my last 5 months.... Will I find another Eero.. Lyna.. Nicole.. Darren? Mmm... I wonder.........

In other news, the dorm cleaners are cleaning the room on the 25th Feb.... Wooo!!! New start =D.

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Tuesday, February 5, 2013

040213

one hundred and sixty six


BIGGGG UPDATE/CATCHUP

Yeah... So I haven't updated for the past 19 days.... Mainly because my family spent a good 13 days with me and the nights before their arrival were spent with Eero and sleeping urgently for early morning airport runs....

Both a sad and happy time... But for now, the pictures will tell the story =].

Airport at night... Whole different atmosphere...


Eero and Wonjoo.. Check-in counter



He wasn't actually all that happy..


Should've gotten the whopper... Grr....






Goodbye friend =[.

=]. Eero was definitely a Godsend.. From the very first day until the last, he was a loyal friend.. Considerate, selfless and always pursued whatever outcome that benefited the whole group. He was funny at the same time as he was mature. When he's drunk however, he's a completely different person, but still as entertaining (if not more) than when he's sober. All in all, he's a good person. Genuine intentions and a genuine heart. I know that he wanted to spend a lot of time with other exchange students, but I ended up taking most of his time and so I am thankful to this day. 
I do miss his presence now... Along with the other exchange friends I had who are now back in their home countries.


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Oei Family Trip Day 1.

After coming back from Eero's farewell at around 9pm or so... I packed my bags ready for the family arrival the next morning... It wasn't until 1 or 2am that I slept and a few hours later, I left my dormitory to go to the airport at 6am.


Sleepy but excited face. Lovely.

Waiting at 8am.

They were scheduled to arrive at 8.30am.. But was delayed.

Finally, at 9, they arrived =]. Waited very impatiently at the front of the crowd to see them come through the doors.. Felt like a little kid.


THERE THEY ARE FINALLY. Dad saw me from a mile away...

Celebrities don't get this treatment from me.

We hugged, mother took photos, I gave them coffee, taught them how to use the transport cards and we caught up in the train. SOOOO refreshing to see their faces... I wish I was back to that day... 

After dropping our luggage at our motel, we headed out for lunch and mother's consultation at Apgujeong.

It wasn't even 20 minutes and this guy is sound asleep... They were rather tired though... A long transit and practically little sleep on the plane.

And the other.

To lift their spirits and get them excited, we took a teaser trip to Myeongdong to show them the kind of shopping they will be expecting.... We ended up buying lots of stuff, but it was just the beginning of our craziness.


Blush for sister and her friend (bought two).

Dinner.. Eating Boodaejjigae.



WOOOOOO. Yum.

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Day 2.


I woke up rather early because I was really excited for what the day would bring... Oh and I had to make sure that we were on time for the planned 12pm Church service.

So at 8am, I was awake and in high spirits.


Got you.

And you two.

Listening to music in the early hours. Nothing quite like it.

Evan getting ready.

Ivan still in his bed.

Hemi getting ready.

After the Church service, we walked around Gangnam and took in the metropolitan scenery as we headed for lunch.

Flashy.

Love em... But missing my sister =[. She should have come again -_-.

We went to Brick Oven; a New York style pizza restaurant in Gangnam.. I had looked at this restaurant online and the reviews were rather positive so I had to check it out.



Garlic chips. Mmmmm good appetisers.


FRIGGIN AWESOME PIZZAS.

Seriously craving some now...
We had 4 flavours.. Big sizes and big slices.. The way NY does it.


Crispy and thin crust... Stretchy and chewy cheese... Mmmmm....

Being spastics in the train station... Yeah we caught a lot of attention.

Because it was a rather lazy day, I decided to take them to the city stream... We ended up walking quite a fair bit, but I'm sure we all enjoyed the company and the ridiculousness of the twins.





Changed my mind... They're all ridiculous.


For dinner, we went to Oppa Chicken =]. Baked crispy chicken and good stuff all around. 

Baked chicken on a bed of shallots and onions. YUM.

Baked crumbed chicken.

Now... what makes baked chicken so different from deep fried chicken?
Baked chicken avoids excess oil... And takes longer to cook because the heat isn't as intense as oil... Now this makes it juicier because oil dries up the chicken. When it's juicier, it is also more flavoursome and you just can't stop eating it. Yum.


Nuff said.

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Day 3



On our third day, we decided to head over to my university... Mainly to pick up the travel adaptor that I left behind... and to show them around.

But lunch first....

BUFFET 1 - $18 pp


Sushi sushi sushi and sashimi. Mmmm...

Fresh udon anyone? ;D

More sushi... I swear I had 3 plates... Probably didn't take a picture of the other one.
Mother said that I organise my sushi very neatly... Hehe...

Rambutan, lychee, passionfruit and apricot. Yum.

It was wet and rainy though... So we rushed through the university and sought shelter in the dorm.. XD.

The rest of the day was spent in Konkuk University for street food.. But the family was way too full still O_o.

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Day 4

Getting more and more tired/lazy as each day goes by.. Old habits die hard.

But a buffet-loving stomach never grows tired after a sleep.

BUFFET 2 - $10 pp
One of the best fried chickens I've ever had.....

The pizza doesnt compare to the Brick Oven pizza.. But it'll do.

The fried rice had crab. Don't judge me.

We were at Myeongdong again this day... And Ivan was on the hunt for a Frozen Yoghurt cafe called Red Mango.

AND WE FOUND IT.

Original flavour. Ivan was slightly pleased.

I heard news that a certain someone was visiting Korea... I really really wanted to take her to this cafe... Simply because of the snowman ice cream..

After this, we went up to the Seoul Tower to catch a glimpse of the city at night time.

Attractive right?

Love these guys...


Mother and Father enjoying themselves.


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 Day 5

Day 5 was spent in Dongdaemun for shopping.. Today was meant to be low activity because the plan was to go snowboarding the next day... Haha.... Turned out to be rather busy but still not too harsh.


Lunch at one of my favourite bbq places.

Family photo Korean style.

Yum.

We went back early from Dongdaemun because father and mother bought a suitcase and we weren't too intent on hauling it all over the place until dinner. So we headed home to rest before dinnertime... But Hemi, Ivan and I agreed to go out exploring the neighbourhood while we have the time and freedom.

Ivan was really curious what the Dunkin' Donuts tasted like here.. I was more shocked at how cheap it was and so was he.

Yum.

CHATIME IN KOREA. LAWL.

Bananas are good. =].

We picked up the family to go for dinner around our motel... We stayed near Insa-dong so I knew there were lots of places to go to.. We went to Myeongdong Gyoza (Insa-dong chain).

I had these noodles in the original Myeongdong restaurant and I liked it.. So BAM I was back here.

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 Day 6


SNOW TRIP.

Woke up at 4am.

Ugh.

Slept at 11pm or 12am... Forgot.. But we were rather tired... I was wide awake though because I had to make sure nothing went wrong =X.
I thought there would be an empty bus.. But we were just ridiculously early... The bus started getting filled up 10 minutes before departure. Love the punctuality of Korean young'ns.

Sleepy, excited and hot... The bus driver thought it was comfortable to have the heater on 30 degrees inside a humid bus.


After a rather torturous two hours, we arrived!!!

Warming up to the craziness that was ahead of us by taking in the sights.
Beginner snowboarders.. Here we go! This was their first time.. Horrible at first (as with all) but we improved so much by the end of the day. Such naturals they are.


Father and mother skiing XD.



Easy course.

Chairlift craziness.

I think still easy...



Intermediate course... It's a little higher.

Happy chappy boys. Thoroughly enjoyed it and they wished they were back here a second time.. .Sorry boys!

Snow trip costed $60~ for all day.

For dinner, we had our third buffet... All you can eat meat bbq... Same one I took Tim and his family so $13 and we ate until we could not move.

Lovely feeling when we went to sleep.


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 Day 7

Palace visit!

Frozen pond.


Now for this day's lunch, the family wanted a detox meal.. Something healthy to balance out the ridiculous meat buffet that we had the previous night.... So I took them to the vegetarian/traditional Korean restaurant.


It was a cold day.. So father was lazing around on the floor heater. (It was a Korean traditional table so we sat on the floor.. Quite an experience for them).


The food comes out!


Evan  really enjoyed the tea. I think it was barley tea.

OI COME TO MYC. I'm here already.


For the evening, we went to COEX mall to again see the more Western-influenced parts of Seoul... Gangnam area.

Could not resist.

For dinner, we decided to have bento boxes so they could experience what I go through if my cafeteria is closed and I was feeling hungry at night. Hehehe... 

$2.50 bento boxes? Sure thing!

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Day 8

Second church day.. This time I took a shortcut so even if we left the house a little later than the previous week, we got there on time.. =D.

Again, another freezing day.. So we just went into the first restaurant we could see for lunch.


HOTPOT.  That's cheese on top.


They liked it.. So did I. =D. $7 each person~

Ice skating at night.. =D.


Family photo... It was literally freezing... For the 5 or 10 seconds I had my phone out to take this picture, I felt like it was going to fall off... =X.

For dinner, we had Ginseng Chicken soup... Perfect meal to seal the cold night. Warm, delicious and healthy. Shame I didn't take any photos.... =[.

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 Day 9


Parents' last day in Korea... Sad.... =[

We did some last minute shopping because they needed to.. And just salvaged as much family time as we could.


Ivan enjoying his chicken curry ramen.
While Hemi, mother, father and I ordered the Kimbab platter. Yum.

Also the snack platter.. These are what you'd normally find on the streets.. The restaurant we went to is called School Food... It's meant to bring a little more class to street food (the foods poor high school/uni students tend to eat) without a ridiculous price tag.

Yum. Definitely inspiration for when I get back and need a picnic food idea.

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 Day 10

Bye mother and father.. =[ It was way too short....


Airport. Wooooooooot. I swear I've been here like 7 times..

BYE. SEE YOU IN 5 MONTHS! <3 font="">

This was around 9-10am.. So we had the whole day to do something... And we went to Lotte World!

WE. FOUND. SELF-SERVE. FROYO.
Ivan saw it and he instantly went spastic.... For good reason. He and Evan have been going on about swirling techniques and criticising peoples' dessert swirling ever since they were hired at Noggi.

This is my swirl.. Not bad for a beginner aye? The top was messed up because the machine had a little more oomph than I thought.. (It didn't want to stop)

We spent $70 on Froyo that day.... Yeah... =D. My second swirl was better.. But no pic because the place was packed.

Indoor themepark.

Outdoor section reserved for more.. thrilling rides.


Monkeys.

The big ice rink in the middle =D.

Lunch at Taco Bell? =D. 

IT'S MAKING ME HUNGRY NOW DAMN IT.

Yum.

Getting late.. But getting prettier!



The indoor section doesn't wanna lose either.

We then took a trip to Lotte Mart to see what interesting stuff they had..

And yes.. It was definitely interesting...

20 Yakults for $1.50? Brilliant.
Yeah.

Look at him.

We had 5 shots each... Good stuff! =D.

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Day 11

Pleased with our trip to Lotte Mart.. We went to the Seoul Station Lotte Mart branch for round 2.

Oooooh yeah.

IT'S A FRIGGIN HAMSTER. I WANT ONE.

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Day 12

No pictures were taken on Day 12... But it was basically a day spent at the arcades................ Blowing all our spare change/money on car games... It was good. Hahaha. I wish I recorded our excitement when we finally found an arcade that had Maximum Tune........ No other arcades had it!!! FRUSTRATING.

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Day 13 

Goodbye =[.

This day marked the end of the Oei ridiculousness.... sad... very very sad...

=[.







See you in 5 months!!!

I am really really looking forward to being picked up in Hemi's car that I haven't seen in person yet... Also eating the sausage roll Ivan will be buying me from 7-11 on the way to the airport.... Also cruising with the newcomer Evan and his EF9.

5 MONTHS COME QUICKLY. 144 days to go!!!!!!!!

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The days more recent.

Met a very nice girl. A very pretty, cute and interesting girl.
Dangerously attractive in all ways...



Back to bentos... Yum.

Shame the family didn't get to see snowfall..... It really is a sight to behold....... 


Thanks Ivan for leaving me with an almost full box of Chocopies.......... =D



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