Weekend Wanderings

Seoul and its neighbouring cities offer a smorgasbord of sights, sounds, food and adventure for this Vancouver Island couple. The pace of life in Seoul is very fast; it seems this city never sleeps. From its dusk to dawn dancing neon street signs to the night shift cabs orderly in line ready to transport the 30 million here or there.

Our pace on the other hand is so much slower. Not because we are cognitively incapable; rather, navigating the subway by way of colour coding, hailing a cab and handing him our laminated cheat sheet (home address), ordering food by pointing to pictures in a restaurant and finding items in the grocery store take concentration and a tremendous amount of 'processing time'. Regardless, we have enjoyed our weekend meanderings and learning curve.

One of the many buildings at the Chang Deok Gung Palace "Queen's Palace"



funky bright colour on the roof. The special paint preserves the wood poles and brighten any dull day!

 

mirror or hole in wall???? 

We are in the Secret Garden which is not a secret any more. This massive garden area was reserved for the Royal family for various reasons. Boating, fishing, writing poetry, contemplation, studying, hosting special banquets and even 'hobby farming'; raising silk worms.

 

 

Sunny Ko, Janine Puetz, Cheryl Lloyd are the Scarf Sisters in Insadong. This part of the city is a old section of Seoul and apparently is the only place in the world where Starbucks uses the traditional characters of the country.

 

 

Korean BBQs - are an interactive eating experience! Delicious too!

 

Soju, rice beer you drink in shot glasses . . . Interesting!

 

VERY hot coals are under the wire rack. Once the delicious marinated pork is cooked, someone takes the meat scissors and cuts it into small bite size pieces. Then the fun begins. The bite sized meat piece is placed in a lettuce or sesame leaf. Add any one of a multitude of sauces, garlic (raw or cooked), pickled radishes, pickled onions or whatever you dare. Fold the leaf up like a wrap and enjoy the deliciousness! The silver piece above the meat is the exhaust fan which can be lowered to take away the smokiness of the cooking.

 

Cuties in traditional dresses heading into the Chuseok church service (Thanksgiving service)

 

 

 One of the many gifts families give to one another at Thanksgiving. Sumin tells us it is very good ham; nothing like the Spam in North America. I will take her word and try it sometime.

Food Festival in Central Park; a celebration of Harvest prior to Thanksgiving.

fresh fish anyone?

Neon Nemo; every youngster's delight

Delightful Dancing Rainbow Fountains

 

chickens, eggs, corn on the cob, Korean veggies; all the trimmings of a Thanksgiving feast.

 

Our weekends are fun with lots of variety and learning too!

 

International Shopping Woes

Have you ever heard of the question, “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” It appears this is our mantra at this time in our lives. We have experienced so many adventures and continue to look forward to many more.

We have enjoyed vacationing in historical cities and glamorous capitals; even as totally bewildered and overwhelmed travellers! We have taken pleasure in visiting and reconnecting with our families back in Canada, taken on the challenge of different work assignments, adapted to new countries and cultures, expanded our taste pallet and most recently, navigated the subway in Seoul Korea! 

sunset from 1702 Acro Tower, Anyang South Korea

 

 

Today was another first. A devastating one! I checked that I had my apartment chip card to gain access when I returned, found some comfy shoes and set off down the street to go shopping. The Lotto store would make even the best of the best overwhelmed. Although I didn’t make it to every floor, ten or more, I have never seen so many name brand stores under one roof. Lotto store has many small stores within one. The stores do not have their own walls, rather sections. I walked several floors and decided a W450,000 sweater was not in my budget.

Across the street is the New Core 5 Outlet. It too is a 10+ story building and there were more small stores within one big building. One can find grocery stores, handbags, shoes, clothes, hardware, appliances, electronics, gourmet foods, cookware, a massive food court, accessories and the list goes on.

I was actually looking for a few tops. I stayed on track, found 3 blouses but was weighted down with my experience. Apparently I am a giant at 5’3. The majority of items I held up to see if they would fit did not! I think I am a size 66 or 77 maybe even 100? Not sure, just knew that many of the delightfully sweet outfits were not fitting this body. Too bad, there was a big sale.

Next I tried shoes. Although not on the list, a lady can always use another pair, right? I appreciated my sense of humour as I looked down and saw that the 245 size was just a tad tight on my Cinderella like foot. They didn’t even have any 250s. No shoes for Cheryl.

Well I could be disheartened as my shopping days in Korea may be challenging. Instead, I will head to the gym on floor 4 more often. Although not a new adventure, nor a new experience, I will shave off a few more kilos and hope for better shopping days!

 

Destination Korea!

 

Annyeonghaseyo!

Lloyd’s Arabian Adventure has morphed into a Far East Adventure! We are now living near Seoul, in the Pyungchon Area. Our community is called Anyang-Si, one of 5 satellite cities of Seoul. Our work is opening a BC offshore school; Westminster Canadian Academy (WCA). Our new school is located in the Gwecheon area, is a K – 8 International School offering full BC curriculum and Dogwood diplomas. WCA has ambition plans to add a high school next year and another high school/boarding school the year after.

It was an opportunity, late in the year, which required serious consideration. We thought our International days and travel were over. We were planning on returning to Canada, settling into our comfortable home in Campbell River, and thought I would return to the education system, back in the familiar community and school at Miracle Beach Elementary. God had different plans for us!

We are enjoying the new, the different, the unexpected and some familiars. There are Starbucks on every street corner, many 7-11 shops and even some Costco stores. Peanut butter, Canadian Maple Syrup and bagels too . . . . ahhhh.

 

My first impressions are one of respect for the progressive planners of this city. It is apparent that the quality of life is important for the citizens. In Anyang-Si, we live in the tallest apartment. We are on the 17^th floor and it goes up to 38 floors. It offers quite an amazing view for us! We see city below us and green mountains a couple of kms away. Within one minute, outside the front doors, is Central Park. There is a skate park, tennis court, basketball, walking, running track, croquet, roller skate park, beer gardens and restaurants, soccer field, public amphitheatre and I am sure other things I have missed.  Within our building, on floors 2 – 4 are all kinds of conveniences. Some include hairdresser, Thai massage, dental clinic, restaurants, Starbucks, indoor child’s sandbox play store, dry cleaners, electronics and accessories, bakery, golf practice range, huge gym, Palates classes, study areas, banks; really, a small community in one building! Evidence of city planning at its best!

Our school is different and interesting in so many ways. We have a basement for parking, and 3 more floors. Our reception, library, KG/grade one classroom, kitchen, outdoor picnic and eating area and my office are on the ground floor. Our second floor has 3 classrooms and one staff room. The third floor has 2 more classrooms and a computer lab. Above that, we have an amazing rooftop garden! The garden sports picnic tables with umbrellas, grassed areas, flowers, fountains and statues too. I expect both teachers and students will enjoy this space throughout the year!

various businesses send plants with colourful and long bows as a way of congratulations! In our foyer.

 

School opens Monday September 3^rd, 2012. I have interviewed each student along with their mom and dad. What a dedicated delighted bunch of students; focused and looking for an alternative education system. The Canadian system is a revered educational system around the world. This comment may raise the hackles of some of my colleagues back home; however, think of our philosophy and optimal learning conditions. At WCA, our class size will never exceed 16/17 students so we can deliver the type of Canadian education each child deserves and each teacher warrants.

We look forward to meeting new people and reuniting with others. Sumin and Emily, and their families in particular!

 

Stay tuned, look up and East, to send your prayers and greetings our way. We will look up and West, to reciprocate.

Intoxicating India

Leaving Canada to live abroad, we knew there would be amazing opportunities to travel and broaden our perspective of our world. We were clear we did not have any desire to travel to Africa or India. One of the blessings of living abroad, are our minds continue to be opened! We are grateful for that.

Hence, our travel adventure in January was a ten day trip to Goa, India. Goa is a small province in south western India. It was liberated in 1961 after a long battle with the Portuguese, Hindu and Muslim people. As a result, the evidence of Christianity, Hinduism and some Muslims intermingle freely. Goa is nestled next to the Arabian Sea and offers natural greenery and scenic beauty. Its abundant long luscious beaches, silky smooth sand, temples and churches, hospitable and friendly locals are a trump card for all those that visit.

We had a long layover in Mumbai after a red-eye from Jeddah. After delayed flights we finally arrived in Goa. Roi, our pre-arranged driver met us at the airport. Wanting to capture my first impressions, I tried to take a few shots at the airport. Opps! No photos allowed! Outside the airport were these bright and cheery welcoming flags. Those flags were indicative of how bright colours are central to the Indian culture. Homes, traditional dress, bangles, spices, buildings, and fingernails painted on the beach, all displayed vibrant colour.

Welcome to cheery Goa!

We made our way north to Baga Beach, about 1 hour from the airport on windy, narrow, busy and chaotic roads. And yes, they drive on the opposite side of the road.

 Our first stop was at Zeal Resort. This is a cluster of apartment buildings with a refreshing pool and friendly workers. The location was away from the noisy party strip at Baga Beach and yet close enough to walk to the beach.

Our long time and dear friends Bob and Dawn Pomponio joined us the next day in the morning. Actually, they had the desk clerk break into our apartment, we were so tired from our travel we missed the pounding on the door!

Off we went to explore with Roi to Old Goa. Here we saw several ancient churches; including St. Francis Xavier. We got out of the van and before we knew it, we had 8 long slim white candles. Dawn was trying to tell us to give them back; I was paying the man a few meagre rupees. Making our way to the church, we wondered what we would do with the candles. It did make for a great laugh. The people are very clever, hard working and make a few rupees in various ways!

 St. Francis Xavier alter - laiden with gold

On our Old Goa trip, we stopped at the ruins of the Church of St. Augustine. Left standing is a tall tower and several arches where people would go to pray. Across the street is The Museum of Christian Art. The artifacts in this museum are old, rare and drip with history. We saw old bibles, figurines, brass candlestick holders, porcelain figures, art pieces and paintings of the Holy Trinity, replicas of Jesus and Mary, crosses and many worthy pieces.

Following the Old Goa tour, Roi took us to the capital of Goa, Panjim. Here we lunched at Delidelbar. Our first taste of yummy garlic cheese nan bread. Every meal following consisted of a standing order of garlic cheese nan bread! Following our delicious spicy lunch, we went to the local market and bought everything from glass bangles to fresh grapes. Dawn and I had fun and chatted with a couple of ladies who were helping us pick from the thousands of colours and styles of bangles! We asked them about the red dot on their forehead and they told us that meant they were Hindu. Ladies like to wear ‘fashion jewellery’ to indicate their faith choice, beyond the washable red dye.

Dim lights in Delidelbar restaurant are compensated by 'reading lights'!

Given we had been ‘dry’ in the sandbox of Saudi Arabia, we enjoyed beverages at a local open-air restaurant and bar called Liquid Lounge. Unfortunately, there was a small impromptu garbage dump on the same corner and we had our first glimpse at ‘garbage cows’.

Baga Beach was about a 15 minute walk away and we toasted in the Indian sun the next day. Every type of vendor comes along asking if we wanted to purchase their wares. I indulged with a manicure. One woman had an incredibly strong back and neck. In her basket, which she needed a local to help her lift and perch it on her head, she carried watermelons, mangos, coconuts, pineapples; not the lightest of fruits! After the beach we went for a massage which is always interesting how different cultures fine-tune a massage. Filling our tummys once again, I would highly recommend Indian Spice Restaurant if you are ever in Baga Beach. More delicious foods, more thirst quenching beverages!

Little further north, at Arpora, just north of Baga Beach, we went to the Saturday night market. Wow! It reminded me of a blast from the past. Displaced hippies along with locals offered quite a shopping experience. Dawn was a little stressed out with the bartering and given I had been in Jeddah for the past 1 ½ years, I think she had several opportunities for one on one mentoring! The market was fun but really crowded. The live music was enjoyable and we finished the evening with a nan-bread pizza.

delicious crunch snacks that look like cheesies, are sweet with sesame seeds

Heading south to Benallim Beach took us about one hour on a bumpy twisty crowded road. When we arrived at the Royal Goan Beach Club it was a castle compared to many of the Indian hotels and resorts. The swim up bar was convenient and the restaurant served us a tasty breakfast. We enjoyed several pots of masala tea throughout our stay.

The long white beach of Benallim was about a 10 minute walk away and we met the vendors along the way. Tina, Lol, Sylvia, Preema all wanted us to ‘remember me’ when we walked by. These ladies were not locals, rather were from other parts of India and came to Goa during the high season to make their incomes. They were sweet and we chatted with them daily.

On the beach, were open air restaurants which also served as ‘homes’ after hours. The owners would push the tables together; wrap up in a blanket and drape a mosquito net over their table/bed. It was in one of these restaurants I got brave and tried fresh tandoori fish. It was spicy, piping hot and is a common spice for Indian food.

The next day we took a day trip to Ponda to see the Temple of Peace and to Curti to visit the spice plantation. We enjoyed ginger and lemon grass tea upon arrival and toured some of their grounds. Big elephants were bathing in the river, one popping giant kaka! After our tour, we were served lunch complete with spices from their farm. We asked our driver to take us to a carpet store. Of course we fell in love with the best quality silk run, smooth golden brown which provided a kaleidoscope of colours from all three sides. We decided to sleep on the decision to purchase it and in the end we didn’t acquire it.

cashew nut

one shot of cashew 'juice'

Martin’s Corner, a restaurant with a history, was a few minutes drive from our resort and offered us an amazing meal. Martin who has now passed, had a dream to open a restaurant. He started with a few tables and today the restaurant is a vibrant and fun dining experience, complete with live music. Glenn had fresh lobster and Bob and I shared Pomfret fish. We all had too many drinks, so many laughs and a wonderful evening with extraordinary friendly and fun Indian service.

Another mini road trip took us to Adil Shah’s Fort, Anjuma Flea Market and to the capital of Goa, Panaji. Adil Shah’s Fort is perked high upon the bluff and offered protection for would be invaders in years gone by. We walked around on the inner edges of the high walls and enjoyed spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. The flea market stretched for kilometers and offered every type of item you could possibly imagine. Even the cows liked to shop as they wandered freely through the venue! I purchased tandoori spice, bryannie spice, masala tea leaves, shoes, tops, bangles, handmade woden mind twisters and more.

As we finished up our trip, we were privy to witness the patriotical hearts of Indians. It was National Day and flags were flying and one Indian woman sang Acapulco, belting out India’s National Anthem. It was a special moment and there was not a dry eye in the house.

Today we still enjoy the memories and photos of Intoxicating India. We are so grateful to those that travelled before us and encouraged us to try India too!

offerings; even the bird likes them!

World Standards

Most days I do my best to remind myself my Western expectations and standards are waiting patiently for me west of the International Date Line . Often I repeat a mantra such as, “Just be patient, This person’s English is much better than my Arabic/Indonesian/Pilipino/Pakistani; I am grateful this person understands me; This ain’t Kansas Glenn; This too shall pass, and the list goes on. Some days my actual actions of my desired attitude and behaviour are better than others.

This past week has been particularly challenging and tonight when I was walking around our walled compound, I was motivated to record two experiences. I was thinking ahead to the days when I could independently drive to do my errands, perhaps stopping for a Timmy’s coffee and wondering if I might be impatient because the drive through line is longer than I want. On those occasions, I hope to remember my tests and trials in Jeddah.

The hospital trip six days ago required tenacity. Because we are still waiting for Glenn’s medical to be activated, I went to get some medicine for him. With ointment bottle in hand, I was dropped at the Emergency. Given it wasn’t an emergency I inquired where to go to make a Doctor’s appointment. Across the street and into the other building I hiked.  The sun glasses on the receptionist who sat behind the desk were interesting; he asked another person to help him with my request. After being fingerprinted and invoice in hand, up to the 5^th floor I went. The English sign of Dermatology helped me navigate to the correct reception office. There I was told to go to reception.  “No,” I say, “I was just there.”After a few exchanges, I realized it was the reception on the 5^th floor she wanted me to go to.

I paid my 12 SAR to visit the doctor and the receptionist sent me in a different direction than Dermatology. Off I went. Thankfully, common sense kicked in. I returned to the reception desk and told her I needed Dermatology, not Ophthalmology. She respectfully requested why I asked for ophthalmology when I wanted dermatology. Well, it’s another classic example of language and enunciation.

Back to the Dermatology office I went. A lovely little touch that the hospital offers while one waits, is an offering of tea or coffee. Although I thought I was pouring Arabic coffee, I enjoyed a teeny cup of hot sugared tea.  Clearly it wasn’t going to be the first surprise of the day. Before I opened my book, I am called into the Doctor’s office. I asked for the prescription and without batting an eye or an examination, I am given it.

The Saudi hospitals have in-house pharmacies.  When I find the pharmacy, I am told I need to go to the other building for the prescription. Back across the street I find the second pharmacy. Luck would have it, no line up or waiting was required. Unfortunately, the pharmacist tells me I have to go back to the other building to get my prescription approved.

The six or seven agents make it a challenge to find the one to approve my medical plan.  He takes my information and now I wait for the company to get back to him. I am told that the medical insurance has declined both prescriptions.

By this time, I am grinding my teeth, biting my tongue and remembering to curl my lips upwards because this person is just the messenger. Off to the pharmacy I go again . . . . The pharmacist tells me they cannot deny the cream because it is a medicine which heals.

I tell him that I don’t mind, I will just pay. He tells me if I change my mind to come back and he will reimburse my money. Now, I should have just picked up the medicine, grabbed a cappuccino before I exited the building, and headed home. Nope, the basic idea of a standard and principle began to percolate in me.

Back to the approval desk I go. After standing to wait my turn, I inform the messenger the company cannot refuse this medication. He asked me to talk to the supervisor, I asked him to look after it for me. I thought that would be more respectful for everyone!

Halas, off I go; one more trek back to the pharmacy with the approval in hand. The competent pharmacist cheerfully refunded my money and three hours later, I am home again home again.

Now Goa ing to Goa, India, has required persistence and planning backwards by design! A couple of highlights are worthy of recording. Canadians need a visitor’s visa prior to arriving in India. Given most things are very low tech here in Jeddah, I started getting our documents in order back in early December. After finding the Indian Embassy in the maze of Jeddah’s oldest section, I am told that I need a letter of permission from my Employer to say that I am allowed to travel! Really? Ok, no problem. I write the letter, have the HR manager stamp and sign it and the driver and I return the following day to deliver the Goa-head letter. I asked my driver to come into the building and introduced him to the person who would issue our passports to him the following day. Three trips on three different days and our India visas are a Goa.

Paying for our accommodations required Goa ing to banks a total of six times. After Goa ing to the wrong bank two times, it only took four other trips to the correct bank; my bank! Wrong forms incorrectly filled out returned our SAR into our Jeddah bank account. Oops. Incorrectly printing SAR instead of Indian Rupees on the top line, slipped by the three men who were helping me with the International transaction. Two times the bank’s systems were down. Of course this required a trip back at a later time, often the next day. Consistent persistent determination, all-the-while keeping my eye on the goal, helped me hurtle the numerous speed bumps, literally and figuratively. 

The last hiccup was one week prior to flying, Air India informed us that the entire flight had been cancelled. I should have seen this coming. Although we booked in September 2011, the flight time had been changed four times. As a result of the cancellation, they put us on a different flight; unfortunately, the connecting flights were all a day too early! When I phoned to request compensation for the accommodation which had already been paid for, or reassign us to first class, they quickly found us an alternative flight leaving at the same time as our cancelled flight.

Goa ing to remind myself that hanging with our dear friends Bob and Dawn from Campbell River will only require the worldly standard of laughter and love.

Bangkok, Malaysia and Island Hopping

Bangkok is a bustling big city. Rapid transit was fairly easy to figure out, baring knowing north, south, east and west. Oh well, we saw more of the city than was planned! Given we were in Bangkok less than 48 hours and getting lost more times than digits on one hand, didn't establish a rock solid faith for Glenn. Hallas, cabs were cheap, so what if we only went two blocks!

buying chicken on a stick!

Our hotel, the Bangkok Loft Inn, was very comfortable and not in a tourist area. Our walking adventures were interesting, very little English was spoken and several wrong turns were made given all the hand gestures. Lunch was purchasing giant BBQ chicken wing on a stick, a bag of sticky rice and 4 steaming hot spring rolls with delicious sauce given to us in a small plastic bag. It seems many people eat and walk there. For supper, sharing an outside street table with a local over a bowl of chicken and egg noodles seemed to be the norm. By the time we finally found the night market, Glenn was not interested in more adventure!

simple and effective ferry to Koh Lanta

ferry landing - a little different than BC Ferries!

we are not in Saudi now honey - yummers sweet & sour . . . .

Koh Lanta, and island southwest of Bangkok, was quiet and relaxing. The Moonlight Resort and Spa was mid Island, away from the crowded beaches, was serene and quaint. Each guest had their own little stilted cabin. Ours was right on the river which proved to be a very interesting ecosystem. Various fish, mud skippers, frogs, birds, BIG lizards, small lizards, geckos, honey bugs and no snakes!

Having dinner on the beach, we saw the biggest beetle we had ever seen. The kitten wanted to play and the beetle actually hissed at it!

grinning like the Chestier Cat but not batting the big bug!

Moonlight Resort and Spa - Ahhhhhh  . . . . . . .

Driving on Koh Lanta was interesting. Left hand side, passing wherever they want, scooters, tuk tuks, dogs, cows, big trucks, vans, buses, motorcycles and pedal bikes. We did get brave and rent a scooter for two days. Stupid or daring, we even drove at night! Motorcycle Man, aka Glenn, skilfully manoeuvred around one darting dog and one local who was coming straight for us in our lane. Whew!

Old Lanta Town, built on stilts. This was the port for trade in years gone past.

Our kayaking trip through the Mangrove forest was one of a kind.  It was really hot and sunny and the inlets of forest were thick, with roots interwoven like multiple fingers gnarled together. It was lush and green. Signs were posted - no cutting! Stopping at "Monkey Point" was scary and overwhelming! Our guide told us monkeys love people with bananas. Boy do they ever! Paddling up to the site, the monkeys started chattering and jumping from tree to tree. Our guide threw a piece of banana into the water and the action was fast and furious. They literally dove from the high branches of the trees, swam to the boat and jumped aboard. I wish I had been more prepared to get it on video. I think we were lucky not to capsize! It was fun but a bit overpowering too. With wet monkeys jumping all over us, Glenn claims I screamed too much and scared the crap out of one. Poor guy, he needed to clean the "outhouse".

Come aboard, enjoy the banana and the ride too!

Although our days in Thailand were few, we enjoyed the variety of the spicy delicious food and the friendly and helpful people. The Thai massage was a retreat from the tropical rainstorm,  intense, and similar to the massages in Indonesian.

Next we travelled to the northwest island of Langkawi, Malaysia. This is a quiet resort island with tourist sites and activities. We rode up the mountain in a cable car but it was so cloudy we didn't get a clear view of the surrounding islands. Langkawi is one of 99 islands in the area. Local folklore has it that Langkawi derived its name from the eagle or 'helang' as it is know in the Malay language. The story goes an eagle flew over, dropped the piece of limestone it was carrying and the island was formed. We hiked up to the seven falls, a natural waterside made from the rocks and water, tickled our toes in the black sand and Cheryl went on an Island Hopping trip. The motor boat stopped at Pregnant Maiden Lake, the eagle feeding area and a snorkeling spot with beautiful white beaches.

tropical jungle, riding the cable car up the mountain

black sand beach - north end of Langkawi Island

start of the MAJOR hike up to the 7 Wells - looking strong

thankful for the benches and little houses for resting periods - We think we can, we think we can . . .

7 Wells - brave people waterslide down through the wells.

long beautiful sandy beaches on Langkawi

Thunder and lightning storms brought short bursts of warm tropical rain. Fortunately, we were not caught in any of these downpours. The resident frogs in our motel bathroom obviously didn't like too much water either and surfaced each time we showered!

morning shopping in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur was not so crowded

Staying in the heart of Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur was a highlight of our trip. Noisy, hustling, bustling vendors and hawkers were friendly, fun, and tried every trick they had to lure us into their rickety mobile store or restaurant. Knock offs of every kind were available for "very cheap". We ate mystery and delicious foods, strolled through the tranquil bird sanctuary, shopped, walked, and appreciated the history of Chinatown. We knew we were the minority when we were the only Caucasians in the subway car. The lone rooster which crowed when the doors closed probably felt the same way!  We really could not look at each other without bursting into fits of laughter.

simply stunning

never can resist a photo op of cute school kids - little ones in the bird sanctuary

Too much fun - foot fishing!

Our trip to the Far East offered us another adventure of fun, new attitudes and memories to store away.