pictures from jeonju 07:27

This is a catholic church and school that my aunt used to attend. A stark contrast to all the traditional Korean buildings and houses that surround it. Built in 1910 and designated National Treasure Number 288. 

White and red plum blossoms blooming in Jeonju.

unearthing roots 04:59

After more than six months, I finally got to meet my extended family on my mother's side in Korea. I got a phone call Sunday morning from an aunt saying that it was my grandmother's birthday and that I should come to her house. (One thing about Koreans is that they don't plan in advance. They just expect one to be able to come.) At the time, I was with my aunt and uncle from my dad's side who were visiting Korea. Being the flexible person I am, I left immediately to go meet the family.

I found out that I have two aunts, three uncles, and six or seven cousins. (I actually wasn't sure who was a cousin or not. A little bit of miscommunication I suppose. I might actually have more cousins.) One of my cousins did not talk to me, presumably because he didn't feel confident about his English. The funny thing is I was speaking Korean the whole time. Two others were either seniors in high school or just out of high school. They were extremely shy and after subsequent conversations with my uncle, I found out that they were the rebellious type and had been giving him a hard time. 

That night, I rode the bus back to my aunt and uncle from my dad's side who were in the city of Jeonju. The following day, I took a tour of Jeonju and got to see the places  that my dad saw as a young boy. In Korea, clans are based out of towns, and I was told growing up that I descended from the Jeonju Lee clan. (This clan was the last royal family of Korea and apparently, our family descends from one of the first king's concubines.) Things began to make sense when I got to see the monuments and palaces that this family had made throughout its history. Everytime we saw tablets and old portraits of former kings, my aunt kept referring to them as great-grandfathers. A strange feeling. Really. 

spring is here 10:06

Finally, it has warmed up and flowers are BLOOMING!

korean proverbs 09:54

원숭이도 나무에서 떨어질 때가 있다. [Monkeys occasionally fall off trees] Meaning everyone makes mistakes.

둘이 먹다가 하나가 죽어도 모른다. [If two people are eating, one will not know if the other dies] When food is so good to the extent that if one were to die, no one would notice.

개구리가 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다. [The frog does not remember his tadpole days] Remember where you come from.

my favorite 4 character proverbs 09:32

竜頭蛇尾 - Literally meaning "dragon head snake tail." This describes someone who starts something off with much enthusiasm, rigor, and energy but fails to "finish the race." Pretty much one has pooped out.

山戦水戦 - One has battled the mountains and rivers. Thus, one has seen and experienced the world.

道成肉身 - Truth changes into flesh and body. In biblical terms, the Word became Flesh.

a new word 06:38

Kachilhada (까칠하다) - to be strict and boring. To be like one of those old, bitter teachers who watched your every move so that they could bust you for doing something.

Well, that's how I felt about my boss for the longest time. It turns out though, she actually likes me. She even brought up the idea of me staying another year! I'm pretty sure I won't take her up on that deal, but it's such a relief to know that she wasn't holding a grudge.