Immerse in Korean culture: Playing Korean traditional music instrument

Heyo!! Yes, yet another immersing in Korea culture activity provided by my school.... In level 3, we got to learn how to play the korean traditional drum known as the Janggu (장구)... There are a varies of drums (ranges from small to big) in Korean traditional music. There is a famous piece of Korean traditional music played by all these drums known as 'Storm' as these drums produced the different sounds during a storm, for instance the big drum (sorry forgotten the name ) produced a sound that symbolise the thunder during the storm... and so on...

So on Wed, 24 Oct 07, its my class's turn to attend the traditional music class. So very early in the morning, we gathered at the lobby of our school and soon after that walked over to the center. Its really excited, everyone went into the class and each took a drum and drum sticks. Everyone sitting in position, chatting and so on.... Soon the teacher appeared and did a short self introduction. Afterwhich, he explains the different music instruments available in Korean traditional music. He uses Korean as well as Hanja (chinese characters) to explain which allows me to further understand what he meant....

So after that he taught us how to hold our drum sticks, why and how the drum is made, he also taught us how to read the music notes... Its totally different from the normal musical notes (豆芽字) that we learnt in school... In fact the korean musical notes for this drum is rather easy to understand and read.

Soon, we learnt how to hit the drum in rhythm... as in not noise but MUSIC... Soon after we got the hang of it, he introduced other music instrument like the big drum etc... However only a few of the students played the other instrument... After a few practise, we combined all the instruments and play a little tune....

Its really fun!! However as we are in an enclosed area it soon became NOISe.... hahah.... Cos of the big drum, it really hurt our eardrums once we stopped playing the music.... haha.... Though its easy to strike and read the music notes, when it comes to mind and hand coordination people get bit of messy... so part of the song, I was fighting to catch up with the rhythm....

Overall, its really fun however its really tiring and hurting to our eardrums.... But our teacher said if we were to play it in the open area it will be fine... heheh.... My korean teacher even told us most of her students suffered from muscle aches the next day... hahaa... But luckily I didnt... which meant I am quite fit ah?! hahaha

Last but not least my 3rd level class's photo:

My fengshui report: What can make me wealthy?

WHAT CAN MAKE ME WEALTHY???

Introduction

As someone with natal Sun in Aquarius, you are overly generous when it comes to money. In order for you to lead a lifestyle of privilege and opulence, you can implement some balancing cures. Try implementing these cures in the far left corner of every one of your rooms. Keep in mind that the more attractive these areas are, the easier it will be for you to build wealth. You can use these cures in your home, office, or both. Try the cure that resonates most with you, and then slowly implement others as your wealth begins to grow. Before you know it, you'll be sitting on a sizable nest egg.

Color
The color white is sure to draw wealth to you like a magnet. Use it on the walls, upholstery, curtains, or rug. Alternately, you can choose artwork with lots of white in it. Displaying beautiful pictures with white mattes in metal frames can also increase your wealth.

Texture/Material
Smooth, reflective surfaces can increase your financial prospects. A polished hardwood floor can improve your financial prospects, as can metal fixtures, shantung upholstery, or beveled mirrors.

Scents
Clarifying scents are a powerful way to activate your wealth sector. Candles, essential oils, and potpourri are all good ways to introduce a pleasing scent into your home. Choose aromas like green apple, clary sage, or rosemary, but only use these fragrances if they are pleasing to you.

Sound
Neutral, ambient music can activate your Wealth sector; if your income is stagnant; try playing some New Age pieces. Alternately, you can play a CD or tape that replicates the sound of the wind. This cure works especially well when your financial prospects grow stale.

Flowers
Violets are ideal for activating your Wealth sector. Keep a vase filled with these delicate blooms whenever conditions permit. White flowers can also increase your income.

Semiprecious stones
Placing four pieces of labradorite in the far left corner of your home is a wonderful way to attract wealth; keep these stones in a copper bowl, where they will always attract your attention.

Images
Images of lightning bolts, stars, and planets can dramatically increase your income. Display any such images in curvy metal frames at eye level. Pictures of your favorite humanitarians can also increase your income, but only choose images that are personally meaningful. Abstract art can also work wonderfully well here.

Handcrafted Items
Whether you sew, sculpt, paint, or make collages, it's a good idea to place examples of your handiwork in your Wealth sector. It doesn't matter whether you're an amateur or a professional; handmade items that you enjoyed making deserve a place of prominence in the far left corner of your home. The more beautifully your work is displayed, the greater your wealth will be.

Fengshui report credits to www.tarot.com

Watched International Firework displays on 13 Oct 07

Wow wow! Just last last week, me, tiff and Sueishi went to Yeoido to watch a spectacular firework displays by 3 countries namely Japan, USA and Korea!!! Not really sure what is the festival but was told by Junwoo earlier that its a International Firework show... But too bad he got to work that day so he cant join us....

So before that I gathered the people, Tomoe had plans to watch it with her other Japanese friends hence she wont b joining us, Ah Han couldnt make it last min hence its left with me, Tiff and Sueishi.

It was really an experience for me, the firework show starts at 7.30pm, hence I had make plans to meet up with Sueishi at 6.30pm (1 hr enough to travel to the place). But was told by Hwanhee that its too late... I said its fine since its fireworks we can stand anywhere to c isnt it? haha.... So at 6pm, Junwoo called me and asked me where am I, so I told him i am preparing to go out to watch the fireworks... HE said: "Wat ?! You are still at home?! There wont be b nice seats anymore if you are so late!!"

So off we went by subway.....who knws at the interchange we saw HUGE crowds...... we had to wait for 2-3 trains before we could finally SQUEEZE ourselves up the subway..... Its so squeezy that we could not even move an inch..... and after our stop there are a few more stops before we reached our destination... who knws more and more people got on the train at each stop... its really disaster!!!

Finally reached the station and I thought its a relieve..... however to my horror!! There are even more people trying to get out of the subway station........ the crowd was really CRAZY.... we spend more than 40 mins trying to get out of the subway station.... everyone squeezin each other... n u can really experience the POWER of the A-jumas and A-joshi (aunties and uncles of Korean) The journey out of the subway station seems to take forever.... escalators had to be stopped cause the crowd is simply uncontrollable!

FINALLY we gotten out of the station, so cooling!!! And wat more.... people were all trying their best to move out of the station but in a very slow manner......... And with that the firework show for Japan had already started....... I cant view anything except hearing the fireworks...... It got me so excited bt I cant see a thing....!!! So all I can do is to follow the crowd (or kind of being push by the crowd in a direction)

Finally got to watch a few mins of the Japan team's fireworks.... It really nice with lots of color blending together.... For the next thing I know, we were walking on a road meant for vehicles.... haha.... bt there were so many people so who cares?! haha.... This reminds me of watching firework displays back in Singapore at the Esplanade.... where people practically dun care about the vehicles or whether is it the road?!

So we found a comfortable location (not the best but at least I can watch the fireworks) and stayed there... Hakki was on his way to join us but we had a hard time trying to contact each other... Our mobiles simply failed on us, we had problem calling out nor receiving calls....... Sueishi told us that its because of the telecom network congestion as many of the people were trying to make calls within the same region.... Its the same in Japan too....

So off we went watching the firework displays by USA team and Korea Team.... Here are the videos I had took:

Note: Problem of 2nd video rectified, you can watch it now..... :)

Overall, the experience was great despite the squeezing and stuff... haha... I watched a total of almost 1 hr fireworks display.... Going back was another tough job... squeezing wif people etc...... a hectic yet enjoyable day...........

The handwriting Analysis Test: I am Sociable!!

The Handwriting Analysis Test

My Result: Sociable

People who are sociable have a writing style reflects that they tend to feel connected to others, and that they help to facilitate that connection through their clear written communication. Their writing tends to be particularly legible, which is a sign that they're trying to be communicative and make it easy for others to read their writing. Of all of the personality characteristics that are projected in their writing, sociability is the one that predominates.

Take this test >

Happy Birthday to Ah Han on 11 Oct 07

hehe... a friend I met through Wangbo last semester, Ah Han. An innocent boy from Guangzhou, China. Why do I say he is innocent? Simply because of the way he talks etc... He always tell me and Tiff this "我真得很高兴认识你门。。。。。 你们人真好。。。。" A boy who simply dun know how to tell lies.... haha :)

He is just like a younger brother we have in Korea.... WE taught him korean during the sch holidays for his sub-test.... n glad to say he made it to the 3 level like us on the re-test....

So wat happen.... on 10 Oct 07 (Wed), I was on my way to Myeongdong to meet up with Junwoo, Sueishi and Hwanhee. My hp rang while I was on the bus... I answered it and on the other side was Ah Han.... This is our conversation (for the benefits of all who read my blog i will translate it in english):

Me: Hello....

Ah-Han: Hellow...Hey Miyi (my korean name)! Where are you now?

Me: me?! I am now on my way to Myeongdong. Why?

Ah-Han: Myeongdong?!! I am going there later too! Where will you be? Who are you with, Tiff?

Me: Is it? No, Tiff is at home, I meeting my boyfriend and other friends. Why are you at Myeongdong then?

Ah-Han: Orh... I going to buy present.

Me: Present? What occasion? Your friend's birthday?

Ah-Han: No lah... Just buy present for myself

Me: Yourself? FOr wat? To celebrate you made it to level 3? (suddenly remember Han's bday is in Oct)

Ah-Han: No lah.... just shopping for something

Me: oh SHIT! OH YAH UR BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Ah Han: heheh... no lah not today, its tomorrow... :)

Me: erm... tell u what, after you finish shopping you call me okay? I will celebrate it for u TODAY!

Ah-Han: ah.... erm... okay...

After hanging the phone, I felt so bad for not remember his bday... So I called up Tiff (who is lazying at hm) and told her.... She was totally surprize too and without a second thought we agreed to meet up awhile later to celebrate for Ah-Han.

So after that I met up with Junwoo and told him about it. Thinking that after our meeting perhaps I will stay a little while more to celebrate for Ah-Han. He said okay and that we can all celebrate it together... So we went for our dinner after which I bought a cake from Dunkin Donuts and off we went to meet up with Tiff. Hakki was coincidentally in Myeongdong with Young geon and Suk Yoon.... So in the end, a whole gig gang of ppl were there!

A BIG gathering AT MYEONGDONG (okay.... our frequent hangout area). After meeting Ah-Han whom didnt really know how we are celebrating his bday (his cake was supposed to be a surprize hence Hwanhee helped to hide it from him.... a very well-done job by Hwan hee who really hide it well *applause*).

After the big meeting, we went to KTV... Probably the best option to hang out cos everyone has something to do, we can serve the cake, we have our own room which we can play in.... Went to a few KTV simply cos most of the KTVs in Myeongdong cant accomodate us (big group)...Finally managed to find one that is okay and cheap... hehe....

So off we went, at first its kind of weird cos most of them dunno each other...... So me n Tiff had to act like CRAZY GALS (xiao cha bos) singing so high to relieve the tension.... Soon after that Junwoo sang a song and I gt him to stand up....

So me and tiff were like cheering for him as though he is a superstar.... Younggeon then got off his seat and picked up the fire extinguisher (I tot he is going to pull it to make the dry ice effect on Junwoo)... Who knws he put it over his shoulder and pretend to be a cameraman shootin... I guess this is his job instinct (职业病). Its really funny!! We were screaming, Tiff even pretended to get Junwoo's autograph...

Soon after that Young Geon joined in the fun to pretend as another super star... he even used the clothes stand as his mike stand.... while Suk Yoon pulling his clothes pretendin that there is wind blowing him below... (if u can picture it haha). It was really fun until Ah-Han said he has to rush off for the last subway...

That was at 11.30pm which I have totally forgotten the time.... so I gt tiff to drag onto Ah-Han while I get hwanhee n Sueishi to get out the cake n candless.... Young Geon helped to cover Ah-Han's eyes while we busy preparing the cake.... While Hakki, Suk Yoon and Junwoo busy flipping the KTV bks for "Happy birthday" song............ EVERYTHING CHAOS.... bt its so cute that everyone did their part even though we didnt assign who to do wat.....

After singing the song and eating cake...a cream fight.... n tat's the end of the celebration.... So after that we went back home.... even though everyone was reluctant to leave for home.... but we have no choice... some of us has classes, some have exams, some have to work the following day.........

AFTERall, I just hope Ah-Han really enjoyed this make-shift birthday party we put together for him..... :)

Comic strips: Push her down the stairs..........

haha... as i mentioned something funny that we did after we exited frm the Shogen restaurant.... This is wat happened:

Background: We exited frm Shogen and decided to take a group photo.... while Hakki prepares the camera for a self-shot. Junwoo saw a shopping cart and push it over saying let's take it with this.... and Tiff had the urged to sit in it and the next thing I know Tiff is already in the cart!

THE STORY BEGINS LIKE THIS...........

Hippey!! WOoohh.... turn round n round.....

erm.... come with me.... i tink its more fun in here (stairways)....

hehehe..... in here........

ok let's go! I have pushed her down....... its all settled nw.... (>_<)

-THE END-

The adventure of Little piggy 1-Korean Folk Village (小猪流浪记1之民俗村)

Little piggy and friend little monki visited the Korean Folk Village.....

Little Piggy and little monki saw the dried chili and decided to take a photo as memorial.

Little piggy taking photo infront of the Korean traditional house.

After a tired day at the Korean Folk Village, little piggy settled down for her dinner....

Who knows, little piggy had been awarded the "Ms Minsookchon" title!!

Accompanying her is her friend little monki....

Little monki was so happy for little piggy that they went for a drink.... little monki and her favourite soju...

Due to the happy occasion, little monki drank alot and had to be dragged home...........

-THE END-

My third visit to the Korean Folk Village on 7 Oct 07

Chapter 1: The beginning....

heyo...more updates... Just last Sunday, I went to the Korean Folk Village... Yes this is my third time visiting this place... WHY?! Not that I have alot of money and no where to go but simply because Tiff have never been to the KFV and would like to visit it since Hakki suggested that he will bring us there since its very near his house.....

So being so busy, Hakki called on Sat night to say that he will be free on Sun so we can visit the Korean Folk Village together.... So with that I called Junwoo to check if he will be free and able to join us? And the answer was a straight YES... thanks...... hehe... >_<

Chapter 2: The long wait.....

So all the way, we set off at 11am in the morning reaching the Korean Folk Village only at 2plus... Got off the wrong bus stop (just one stop away) and have to walk over.... hehehe.... So wat we reached the main entrance and yet the 2 other guys who were supposed to be earlier than us (simply becos they lived near the area) were late... ok nvm.... so we waited...

Hakki gt stucked at hm so wont b coming that early, he told us to go ahead while he will join us soon... While Junwoo got off the wrong bus stop (like us) bt is worst cos he got off at somewhere FAR away..... so he had to hop on a cab to rush over....

So finally Junwoo arrived at 3plus.... Weird right?? Those who lived nearby arrived the lasT?! Anyway we bought our tickets and went in.... Surprisely out of the 3 of us, I was the most experienced one who had visited the KFV for thrice!! Not even a korean..... So in the end, I was kind of like a mini-tour guide... ushering them to the performance areas.......

Chapter 3: Finally into KFV

In my previous blog, I have already mentioned that I would definitely show whoever I bring to the KFV the horse-riding performance.... so off I zoomed like no time to waste... While Junwoo seems to be more like a tourist himself who insisted that we take more photos... (I guess its his job instinct...职业病） But also thanks to him we have gotten nice photos.....

After the performance, Junwoo and I went on to try the skipping rope meanwhile waiting for Hakki to arrive.... .... haha... fun bt tiring guess i need to exercise more... Poor Hakki got out of his hse at 4pm, went to the bus stop bt the bus dun seem to arrive hence he got impatient and decided to walk to KFV instead....

Finally Hakki arrived and all of us rush over to the haunted hse.... KOREAN HAUNTED HOUSE.... haha its nt really scary bt without knowing wat's in it makes me more scare while Junwoo pulling me through the dark path which I could hardly see the path ..... screaming my head off.... last bt nt least kena scare by the stupid gas that goes off at the exit.... however after exiting we were laughing like crazy. I think haunted hse owner can hire me for their commercial...cos my screams can definitely attract ppl to visit the haunted hse thinkin that it mus be EXTREME scary hahahah!!!

So after the haunted house, we proceeded to the KFV amusement park at an extreme fast speed... cos its already 5pm and the KFV closes at 6.30pm.... Hence we had no choice bt to use the short cut and cross this scary bridge... I was scare bt managed to move slowly over while Junwoo tried to scare me.... with Hakki behind me... I was practically SCREAMING like nobody's business!! Tiff didnt managed to cross the bridge together with us, hence Hakki had to cross over to bring Tiff over... children were running up and down the bridge.... making the scene even more hilarious....

Afterwhich, we went into the amusement park.... The guys were so excited and pull us over to the viking (my greatest fear of amusement park's game. I maybe able to conquer the roller coaster bt viking I CANT!) So what we did.... Both Tiff and I were forced up the viking.... however we insisted that we will be sitting in the center while the guys went to the last seats.... Just before the start of the viking we hopped off over the other side and exit the ride!! hahaha..... leaving the guys on the ride on their own... ^_^

They were really COOL, no scream, no sound smiling throughout the ride and can even release their hands and waved in the air!!!!

Afterwhich, went over to the bumper car, simulator (nothing much so boring that i felt as though we were like Mr Bean taking the roller coaster ride with no facial expression), some turning rides and finally I WAS forced up the viking again....... oh YES FORCE....

This time tiff ran away to the restroom hence I was left with the 2 guys and so wat happened?! Kena force up the viking and WAT the last row!!!!! OK the ride starts and I was already screaming like mad....... I believed anyone at any corner of the whole amusement park can hear my screams.......... ~phew...... I SURVIVED....


Chapter 4: Dinner Time!

So after that we make our way to have our dinner, some ginseng chicken porridge.... YUMMY!!! Had a sumptuous meal and Junwoo helped me checked my homework.... Afterwhich we proceeded to a billiard game.... cause tiff had the crave for a game...

Chapter 5: Billiard TIME!

OKay I dun play billiard and DUNNO hw to play so just act as an extra there when seeing these experts enjoy their games.... Sorry to the experts who had taught me, I am still really lousy with this game!! Truly speaking being able to hit the ball into the pocket was really fulfilling! hahaha....

Chapter6: Shogun (THE END)

Yes after a game, we went to chill out at a fusion restaurant called the Shogen (General in Japanese).... Nice ambience nice food though expensive... and something really funny happened after we exit from this restaurant (will be illustrated in the next entry, last picture is a trailer to wat stupid acts we were up to so stay tune) Afterwhich took the bus back to Seoul...

A fruitful and fun day we had.... Really enjoy the company and hopefully we do have another chance to play together again....

It's like we are sent back to our childhood time by the time machine, we played like we were children.....

Mid-Autumn Festival in Korea....

hehee.... sorry ah a post-dated entry again...

Thanks to all those who had send their "HAPPY MOONCAKE FEstival" messages to me on Mid-Autumn Festival (25 Sep 07).... Just want to emphasis again it is call the MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL nt MOONCAKE festival.... hahaha..... >_<

Thanks to Tiff's friend Wendy, who flew over to visit Tiff during these period of time... I had the chance to taste a slice of Sg mooncake... (nt trying to sound so pathetic bt that u guys should knw i m not a sweet tooth person so i dun really fancy mooncake....) nevertheless, just had a slice to be in the mood of Mid-Autumn Festival! :)

In Korea, Koreans also celebrate on the same day however they dun celebrate it like us in Singapore or the chinese in China... In korea, they dun have mooncakes nor do they carry lanterns... They dun call it ""Mid-Autumn Festival" either.... they call it 추석 (Chusook) a time when almost all the Koreans will travel back to their hometown to pay their respects to their ancestors (sounded more like Qing Ming festival in Sg). Hence the Seoul will be practically QUIET.... which I was a bit skeptical abt it when my teacher n friends told me abt it... i mean come on.... how can SEOUL b quiet...?!

However after experiencing it myself, I must say SEOUL was really QUIET during this period of time... It's just like Sg's streets during Chinese New Year whereby most of the shops r closed... its the same here in Korea too... most of the shops were closed and some big shopping centers were closed too... Its a BIG festival in Korea and they have 3 continuous holidays.... n HUGE traffic jams at all highways out of Seoul... Normally it takes abt 5 hrs to travel to Pusan frm Seoul by car however during Chusook it took 13 hrs to travel to Pusan becos of the jam!! Can u imagine tat?!

So back to how i had spent my Mid-Autumn festival here in Korea....FOR that 1 week, I was practically SO BUSY!!!! I had visited my boyfriend's neighbourhood.... a place called Bundang slightly outskirts of Seoul... I must say this is a better place to live in compared to Seoul... (Sam: coincidentally Jeff staying here too!!) I was told Bundang was developed in 1990s hence its consider NEW developing city... Therefore the population here is nt as many compared to Seoul... furthermore vehicles r lesser too, lesser pollution... the streets are cleaner, more even.... haha... the land here is consider expensive... it is consider second in place after Kangnam in Korea.

Met up with Tiff's friend Wendy and her brother, spent a belated Mid-Autumn Festival on 26 Sep 07 carrying lanterns flew frm Sg, star-shaped sparklers (nothing special..) , fireworks at the Hangang (Han river). HAhaha... i must say we looked like some weirdos carrying lanterns at Hangang... practically all Koreans who walked past us turned and looked at us....

Afterwhich, we went on to Su jib (korean kind of alcohol restaurants)... Wendy n brother wans to experience the Korean-style of living hence I had suggested that we hang out the whole nite... just like wat we always do... (cos taxi fare so expensive we jus wait the whole nite until the next morning for the 1st subway back hm :P)

WEnt to KTV too... of cos I am sure we have to introduce to them the Korean-way of KTV..... haha... Glad that they had enjoyed themselves despite nt sleeping the whole nite...hehehe....

Last but not least, finally met up with Sam's Jeff.... Whom he brought along his friends from Taiwan... Met up with these 2 Taiwanese gals... REally cute... one of them same as me, had the dream of studying in Korea... I guess I am the senior （过来人） hence Jeff asked me to advise her on things about Korea and studying here.... I gave my advise and even encourage her to step out for her dreams like how the others who had encouraged me... I hope i do help in a way.... :) Coincidentally, her name is Meiyin, english name IRENE!!! Can you imagine how 巧 to be able to meet someone who had the same name as you (chinese n english) and shared the same dream as u?!

A really busy and fast week........... however really enjoyable... ^_^ 都说了，快乐的时光总是过得那么快。。。。More updates coming up soon....