“Just Like Daddy Hit Mommy at the Dinner Table.”

I’m not a huge fan of Dane Cook, but the above line from his stand-up wonderfully explains the vibe I’ve gotten at specific times while in Korea. It’s a feeling that leaves one speechless when certain acts reach a level of intensity that, from where I’m coming from, don’t compute. A couple weeks ago, I [...]

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It’s Gotta Be the Shoes

It’s rare when I take time to examine the significance of daily rituals unless, of course, the ritual irritates or confounds me. Then endless deconstruction is necessary to understand or uncover a reason to disregard it. In Korea I’ve had a hard time with the footwear policies. It seams like every time I pass through [...]

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형님-hyeongnim (older brother-in-law)

Back home I rarely accept a ride from strangers, but in South Korea I’m learning to recalibrate my “stranger danger” sensor. Everyday I commute via ferry to my school on Soan-do (Soan Island). Being 1 of 2 foreigners (my girlfriend, the other) in the area I’ve gotten used to occasionally hitching a ride with more-than-willing [...]

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How I Spent My Chuseok Pt. II

Saturday arrived with a vibe of exhilaration amongst Nohwa-eup. The town swelled from visiting families and young people returning home. Down the street the new “Nohwa Mart” opened its doors and the clink of metal bats rung out from the grand opening of the nearby batting cages/fun center. The town itself felt relaxed as groups [...]

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How I Spent My Chuseok Pt. I

During this time of year Oregon‘s leaves turn, the weather mellows, and folks make postgraduate excursions to their choice tailgate mecca. When I think about it I can almost smell the Pabst and pumpkin guts. In speaking with South Koreans it’s practically unanimous that the favorite season is Fall. Just like Oregon, Korea’s forests turn [...]

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