I'd like to know where Summer went, and why the heck Fall is soooo cold! This is the forecast for the next 7 days in Pusan! I'm not used to this kind of weather! Can someone please send me a down coat and some rainboots?!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Dogs on the Black Market
Yesterday, my friend Aaron and I took a trip to Gupo Market, a well known market where dogs and cats are sold and slaughtered on the black market. I had heard about this market, and Aaron had actually been there before. He told me he would take me to see it because I was really intrigued by the idea of Koreans eating dogs (and no, I was not interested in trying). Needless to say, the experience was devastating...
It's believed, among Koreans, that the consumptions of dog meat enhances men's sexual stamina, and for that reason, many of the older men eat it. It's also believed that cats and dogs can be consumed for medicinal purposes, and that the more severe the animal suffers during death, the more medicinal powers the meat will have. Isn't that sooo crazy?!
Contrary to popular belief, the sale and consumption of dogs is actually illegal in Korea... but unfortunately, no one seems to enforce the law. Below are some pictures of the market. It's nearly impossible to take pictures here, because the Korean shop owners get unbelievably angry, and will sometimes hit your camera away, terrified that you are an animal rights activist, or a news reporter, coming to report them to the authorities. The owners are extremely rude and uninviting... It's definitely not a place where the shop owners smile at you or strike up conversations.
When we were walking down the dimly lit street, I saw one of the shop owners dragging an 80+ lb dog into the back, by a rope that was wrapped around his neck. It was horrible! I saw another shop owner throwing a skinned dog around like it was a rag doll, which was equally as disturbing. Most of the shops had coolers infront of the store, where skinned dogs were sliced down their stomachs and laying on their backs, ready for purchase. It was disgusting!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Making Rice Cakes!
I decided to take a nice little walk to the outdoor market by my place this afternoon. It's one of my favorite things to do, especially on the weekends. As I was walking by the rice cake store, I noticed that there were 2 women in the back, making them on a large steel table. I've always been intrigued with the process, and have wanted to learn to make them, but have never had the chance to do it... Today was my LUCKY DAY though! As I was standing there, outside the store, watching them add ingredients and smoosh them together with their hands, one of the ladies motioned for me to come over! I was shocked, but super excited at the invitation.
As soon as I walked over, I stood over her shoulder and began to watch. Before even 3 seconds passed, she motioned for me to get my hands dirty and make some along side her! She also yelled for her 7 years old son to come over and help (and practice his English with me!) The 4 of us made rice cakes together for at least 30 minutes! Noah, her son, was one of the most adorable little Korean kids I've met to date.
Me and Noah!
As soon as I walked over, I stood over her shoulder and began to watch. Before even 3 seconds passed, she motioned for me to get my hands dirty and make some along side her! She also yelled for her 7 years old son to come over and help (and practice his English with me!) The 4 of us made rice cakes together for at least 30 minutes! Noah, her son, was one of the most adorable little Korean kids I've met to date.
The rice cakes on the tray were the ones WE made! :)
Me and Noah!
*** As a side note... She never asked me, or Noah to wash our hands before we started making them... Kinda made me think!!! I wonder how many other places don't care about having clean hands before touching food! eeehhhh
Thursday, October 29, 2009
So Sweet
I walked by the Library this afternoon and peaked my head in to say "hello" to Susan, our school librarian. Susan is a really sweet single mom of 3 children at Gamjung School. Her 6th graders are twins: Travis and Jenny, and her youngest son, Scott, is in 3rd grade. She is an avid attender of my English for Parents Class, and in the past 8 months we have become good friends... Well as good of friends as you can become with a substantial language barrier between you. Anyway, all that to say, she motioned for me to come over to her desk. She humbly handed me this pencil carrier, and said "Everyday, everyday, thank you! I make for you Alexis. I love you!"
Everyday I am reminded of how loved and supported I am here... and how lucky I am to work with such wonderful, giving, and appreciative people. I am blessed beyond what I deserve!
Korean Pupps... All Dressed Up!
If you live in Korea and you own a small dog, chances are, your small dog has it's own personal wardrobe!! Don't believe me.... just look! FYI: The pictures below are pictures I personally took of dogs on the street with their owners. These are my neighbors...
"Does this green shirt make my muscles look bigger?"
"Isn't my sundress soooo cute?! I got it on sale last weekend!"
"Do I look like the bunny on my sweatshirt? I think so!"
"How cute are my new shoes?!"
"I'm a poodle... We are bread to walk around looking prissy and wearing cute pink outfits! Why are you so surprised?!"
"I'm a straight A student... I follow the rules... and I always wake up early to iron my dresses!"
"Yea, I'm wearing a raincoat!"
"I was hoping this cute outfit would takes people's focus off of the nasty brown circles under my eyes! What do you think? Did it work?"
"Don't be jealous of my 9.25 silver Tiffany necklace and flower barrette! I'm a DIVA."
"I'm not walking... are you kidding me?! I'm not a dog... I'm a princess!"
"I went to the salon this weekend... What do you think?"
"I didn't think the dogs should have ALL the fun... So I convinced my mom to let me dye my tail! I think I look hot!"
I was able to get these dogs pictures by saying, "Aaahhhh geeyupta" (oooh, cute!) Their owners love, love, love that, and always stop to make sure I get a good picture of their little prized possessions pupps!
This is one of the greatest videos ever... (Thanks to Aaron for taking it!)
**** I LOVE MY MOM! This was what she wrote me after she read this blog "Isn't it funny how some Koreans revere their dogs and others eat them?!" Touche, touche mom!
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