tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50688447930208745002024-03-14T15:49:11.316+09:00My Little Moments...Reminiscences of my journeykylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.comBlogger278125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-3450566826594711152014-01-12T22:11:00.004+09:002014-01-13T11:58:34.962+09:002013 and 2014: The Reminiscence<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"Oh, how about a round of applause, </i></div>
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<i>yeah a standing ovation..."</i></div>
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This year marks the <i>end </i>of my undergraduate university life. I began my education in a Chinese kindergarten (<i>near my home</i>), which was surprisingly interesting because I don't speak Chinese at home and <i>how</i> I did manage to graduate from this Chinese-speaking kindergarten still remains a <i>mystery</i>... The only collection of memories I had were being punished to stand on a chair with hands up (<i>for doing something I can't remember clearly</i>) and giving welcoming speech in English during my kindergarten's "graduation". </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eHQFgKPiW1A/UtKHqI7qvnI/AAAAAAAAC88/pmHpc_TEc6k/s1600/DSC_00511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eHQFgKPiW1A/UtKHqI7qvnI/AAAAAAAAC88/pmHpc_TEc6k/s1600/DSC_00511.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Will you... will you be my queen? my one and only soul mate?</i></td></tr>
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<i>After that</i>, I went to a good primary school where I remembered the first question asked by my classroom teacher was "<i>What do you want to be when you grow up?</i>". Trying to come out with a sophisticated English word or two to describe my dream job or career, I said "<i>An encyclopedia! Teacher!</i>" (I meant "cardiologist" <i>la</i> but I could not think of that word and accidentally spurted out my silly ambition to be a "book"). Luckily, with the exception of my teacher, I guessed no one my age understood what I had just said.<br />
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I also remember that I once sold paper cuttings of <i>Power Rangers</i> characters from old newspapers and flyers for 10 sen each. At the end of the day, my pocket jingled with shillings. Those days, we can buy a small bowl of noodle at the school canteen for only 30 sen. Business was very good... <i>Hehe...</i></div>
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I did quite well academically while at primary school and passed the<i> "express"</i> promotion examination during my standard three (<i>I was allowed to skip a year of education, standard four and go straight to standard five</i>). However, I did not take the offer and <i>continue</i> my primary education like the majority does. My secondary education was at Penang Free School, which was my dad's school and one of the oldest English school in Southeast Asia so naturally, I <i>was</i> very happy. </div>
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I only wanted to<i> become a doctor</i> when I grow up during my primary school. In secondary school, I began to participate actively in school's societies and clubs. One of the clubs that left me with many good memories was a club related to buying, making and selling things -<i> Young Enterprise</i>, as the club was called then. I was the youngest member and I happened to be among the members who sold most of our "company"'s products. </div>
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The careers I was interested in during my secondary school years were <i>doctor</i>, <i>entrepreneur</i> and <i>scientist</i>, in that order. After graduated from form five, I applied for the government's scholarship to study medicine abroad. However, since there were other better candidates than me, I was not chosen and so I went to a private college to study <i>accountancy</i> under another full scholarship. I felt the first few weeks there were quite a waste of my time because instead of learning something new, I learned things I felt to be too basic (<i>maybe I was wrong because it was still the start of the semester and I already expected much</i>).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zNWZrfbSzgE/UtKHxchakbI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/tMn95JCkSIw/s1600/DSC_07751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zNWZrfbSzgE/UtKHxchakbI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/tMn95JCkSIw/s1600/DSC_07751.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Movie: Ninja (and) Turtle: Me and Hugo</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMZa747kUs4/UN-Ns3jZDuI/AAAAAAAACc4/DBBIiGCTsc4/s1600/DSC_0891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMZa747kUs4/UN-Ns3jZDuI/AAAAAAAACc4/DBBIiGCTsc4/s1600/DSC_0891.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Undergraduate Korean Government Scholars at KNU - thanks for the memories... </i></td></tr>
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Some students there were very clueless of what they wanted to become in future - <i>no dreams, no ambitions</i>. Just like mosquito, aimlessly sucking their parents' hard-earned money dry. Nevertheless, I met quite a number of brilliant people over there. The most interesting thing here was that the male to female ratio was <i>skewed</i> towards the female. <i>Hoho!</i> One guy to five, seven girls... No competition among the guys at all! :) Sometimes, I consider myself an alumni of that college - TAR college, even though I was there for only a month. It was a <i>fun experience</i> studying at this college. </div>
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<i>Fast forward</i>, I went back to form six to try <strike>my luck</strike> to enter a local medical school or at least some biology-related courses. Unfortunately, I failed to enter to any local university for any of the courses I wanted. Neither medical school nor any biology-related course in any university in Malaysia. The irony was that I was already awarded with a full scholarship by the Korean government. Almost <i>five years</i> had since <i>passed</i> since I thought of that again<i>...</i> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmYOutOgNf4/UtKHqf43O8I/AAAAAAAAC9A/tRtnzTt7Nvg/s1600/DSC_00711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmYOutOgNf4/UtKHqf43O8I/AAAAAAAAC9A/tRtnzTt7Nvg/s1600/DSC_00711.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>DEC 2013: Daegu</i></td></tr>
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"<i>When one door closes, another opens but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us...</i>" by Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone. </div>
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My year 2013 was a very fulfilling one. I traveled to Shanghai (<i>and Taiwan</i>) solo and therefore, achieving one of my bucket list. <i>Yippee!!!</i> <u>Shanghai is a beautiful city</u>, a collection of splendid Western architectures intertwined with Eastern influence. A city where money can <i>almost</i> get you everything - <i>fake</i> friends, fame, cravings and sometimes <i>even </i>love. The memories travelling alone and making friends with complete strangers while living in a cramped dormitory to cut cost magnified the benefits of seeing the (<i>some of the</i>) world when we were young. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGqDYr3xxOk/UtKHmBBUiUI/AAAAAAAAC8w/xAxitCLhoVA/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGqDYr3xxOk/UtKHmBBUiUI/AAAAAAAAC8w/xAxitCLhoVA/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>JULY 2013 (Shanghai Solo): The downside - Not being able to take nice pic of yourself...</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQgyfWPHGd4/UtKHxIAWarI/AAAAAAAAC9U/BVjLwhxjFcc/s1600/DSC_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQgyfWPHGd4/UtKHxIAWarI/AAAAAAAAC9U/BVjLwhxjFcc/s1600/DSC_0128.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>DEC 2013: Super delicious Him Heang Tambun biscuit from Penang!</i></td></tr>
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I will definitely allow any of my children (<i>if I have one!!!</i>) to travel and see the world under a strict student budget. Without the comfort of living in hotel or anywhere overly comfortable, we learn to adapt by eating what the locals eat, experiencing local hospitality, making silly mistakes but learning from them, staying safe and experiencing life. This is what I call a true <i>"adventure"</i>.</div>
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2013 was also the year I received my first job (<i>bucket list no. 3</i>) offers before graduation. One is from <i>Samsung </i>in Malaysia and another from <i>Donghwa</i> in Korea. I have to admit that I am not looking forward to work but to continue my studies. I enjoy my student life (<i>who doesn't?</i>) - problems can mostly be solved by reading books and once the problems were solved, we can pretty much do anything we like. Working is another story. <i>Maybe...</i> I will continue my studies again after working for a couple of years. </div>
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<i>One of the things I noticed</i> about the job prospect in Malaysia for students majoring in Biotechnology or any Bio-related fields was that they have very limited choices of finding employment if they want to continue doing things related to their major. Such Bio student can either continue their education, maybe up to post-doctorate or if not, directly becoming a research assistant. Some might even work as lab technicians, drawing blood and analyzing the blood sample everyday. <i>Boring right?</i> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TpK_Al789aw/UtKH2Bcmg6I/AAAAAAAAC9o/sCfJezsXKQ8/s1600/_MG_78301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TpK_Al789aw/UtKH2Bcmg6I/AAAAAAAAC9o/sCfJezsXKQ8/s1600/_MG_78301.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Malaysians in Seoul and the Lost Boy (guy) from Daegu</i></td></tr>
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Sadly, there were Malaysian-government sponsored students (<i>who majored in Biotechnology at Ivy League Universities</i>) only received employment offer to be a lab technician at a small health clinic. A complete waste of talent. Malaysia wants to attract <i>and</i> retain talented individuals but nothing have been done to expand employment opportunities to such qualified people.<i> "Malaysia Boleh (can)"</i>! (sarcasm)<br />
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There is<i> no</i> <i>BioValley</i> - a so-called cluster of biotech industries congregating in the same location proposed by the government many years ago but nobody knows about the operation status now. <i>No </i>new research institutes. <i>Not</i> many good or renowned bio companies operating in Malaysia. More importantly, nothing had being done to educate the students about pros and cons of majoring in science especially related to biology if you do not have any interest at all. I believe student who chooses this field of study needs to be passionate, be flexible and truly know what they want to become in the future, <i>rather </i>than choosing it because this course has becoming more popular among students these days. <i>Choose your career wisely!</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz0XqA2vz0U/UtKHwBuE5EI/AAAAAAAAC9I/WXxCYzOHezE/s1600/DSC_00991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz0XqA2vz0U/UtKHwBuE5EI/AAAAAAAAC9I/WXxCYzOHezE/s1600/DSC_00991.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beautiful temple in Daegu...</i></td></tr>
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One the other hand... I am currently doing a meaningless unpaid internship (I <i>kinda</i> regretted taking this offer but even though I can quit it anytime, I <i>wanna </i>try it out first...) at a Korean fashion start-up company to spend my holidays doing something interesting or to learn something new about business. What's my job scope? I am designing accessories like <i>rings</i> and <i>bracelets</i>. I <i>was</i> a science and business student... Now, I am a fashion designer... <i>Versatile huh? ;)</i></div>
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What <i>pissed</i> me off then? Well, I felt I learn nothing much here, unpaid (<i>but helping others to earn money</i>), waste of my time, having colleagues who only complain but cannot come out with ideas or solutions (I hate it very much), a colleague who always whine about the cold weather (I even gave her my 100 bucks winter jacket and yet she still complained... <i>hmmn... </i>come on, it's winter!) or that she is hungry all the time, etc etc. <i>Sigh... </i>I hope I will never experience such things when I work in <i>a</i> real company...</div>
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My goals this year are <u>1</u>. Sleep early (<i>sleeping 2 am and waking at before 8 am everyday is not good</i>). <u>2</u>. Cook more delicious food (<i>eg. steak, cheese spaghetti, Hainanese chicken rice, etc</i>). <u>3</u>. Buy a car with my own money (in Malaysia). <u>4</u>. Learn how to ride a motorbike during free time in Malaysia. <u>5</u>. Help people especially children in need. <u>6</u>. Bungee jumping (<i>in my bucket list</i>). <u>7</u>. Try to sell off some of my text books, golf glove, tennis racket and hopefully, my old yet playable guitar (to save space and get <i>back</i> some money...) <u>8</u>. Use my Polaroid camera more (film is expensive but the after-effect is much more <i>memorable</i> than using a DSLR) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQisrbuRFtE/UtKH0deA3zI/AAAAAAAAC9g/ZjDFd7Z11j4/s1600/IMG_0598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQisrbuRFtE/UtKH0deA3zI/AAAAAAAAC9g/ZjDFd7Z11j4/s1600/IMG_0598.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's over. finally...</i></td></tr>
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<i>Even though </i>I will no longer continue with my old routine at my university, and living in the same room of over five years (<i>Whoa! Haha</i>), I am looking forward for the endless possibilities awaiting me at the end of road. Choosing to spend my five years studying at Kyungpook National University was and still is one of the best decisions I ever made. The last sentence from the final Harry Potter novel series (out of seven) was "All is well". Yes, "<i>all is well</i>" for me too. THE END.</div>
kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-91870995060331092602013-12-06T22:18:00.000+09:002013-12-06T22:20:11.230+09:00Meet me in KL! Falcon Education Fair 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_S-CoATOX74/UqHNMFI-VmI/AAAAAAAAC8c/2M-dx_oCzrI/s1600/994081_589198747796001_1562789993_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_S-CoATOX74/UqHNMFI-VmI/AAAAAAAAC8c/2M-dx_oCzrI/s1600/994081_589198747796001_1562789993_n.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
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I <i>will</i> be at PWTC in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 14 to 15 December 2013 as my university's representative during the Falcon Education Fair. If you <i>are</i> planning to continue your studies in Korea (or get my autograph. <i>hehe...</i>) and need more information about it, do visit this education fair. See you then.</div>
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<br />kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-25172938358170618852013-11-22T13:15:00.001+09:002013-11-22T13:15:28.733+09:00Music of the week: Hate you (Cover) by G.NA<div style="text-align: center;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Di0slAgyYLM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lyi5-Kgvsqk/TprKAtfMTvI/AAAAAAAAB68/yoUSRvBvadc/s1600/DSC_0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lyi5-Kgvsqk/TprKAtfMTvI/AAAAAAAAB68/yoUSRvBvadc/s1600/DSC_0785.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>G.NA during Asia Music Festival in Daegu.</i></td></tr>
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The male version is surprisingly <i>better</i> than the one sung by G.NA (지나)! Happy weekends! :)kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-45585889285162300732013-11-20T23:42:00.001+09:002013-11-21T00:02:18.754+09:00My 2013: Once upon a time in Korea... <div style="text-align: justify;">
It has been<i> almost</i> 5 years since I first set my foot on the "Land of the Morning Calm" - Korea. Come to think of it, I will miss Korea<i> very much</i> even after I have graduated and returned to Malaysia for good. I will miss waking up early under the <i>nice cool</i> weather of spring, experiencing the <i>scorching</i> summer heat wave in Daegu, listening to the sound of <i>rustling</i> leaves in the autumn, and trying to catch the <i>first</i> snowflakes of the winter. I will greatly miss my friends too.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnpYW__-AN0/UozBulSPTII/AAAAAAAAC8M/XuatkGvJkfo/s1600/DSC_0022+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnpYW__-AN0/UozBulSPTII/AAAAAAAAC8M/XuatkGvJkfo/s1600/DSC_0022+copy.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My autumn 2013.</i></td></tr>
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It was sad knowing I will leave the land I now consider <i>my</i> second home. I have so many good memories and I am sure I will never experience some of them if I am to continue my studies here in Malaysia. </div>
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Few months ago, I backpacked to China and Taiwan alone. It was really an awesome experience and if I have the chance to do this again, <i>I would</i>. Travelling alone (<i>especially when I was in Taiwan</i>) taught me a lot about life. I learned that not every things in life goes the way we want them to be - I was in Taipei when typhoon struck so I had to change some part of my trip itinerary and skipped some places. I <i>will </i>write about my trip one day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l5JzvmPU6Yg/UozAF5VjO_I/AAAAAAAAC64/JYvRtJiJk-g/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l5JzvmPU6Yg/UozAF5VjO_I/AAAAAAAAC64/JYvRtJiJk-g/s1600/1.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Bund, Shanghai 2013</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F5uzbCFEOsw/UozAF8h1OCI/AAAAAAAAC68/P8XLGHqi5dQ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F5uzbCFEOsw/UozAF8h1OCI/AAAAAAAAC68/P8XLGHqi5dQ/s1600/2.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Bund at night 2013</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b6BRfjPH0Fk/UozAGCEjU1I/AAAAAAAAC7A/B2gtusqT_Ig/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b6BRfjPH0Fk/UozAGCEjU1I/AAAAAAAAC7A/B2gtusqT_Ig/s1600/3.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Stone carving at the Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eV8ymM44evQ/UozAGiDb3YI/AAAAAAAAC7E/iroxPXL8mD4/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eV8ymM44evQ/UozAGiDb3YI/AAAAAAAAC7E/iroxPXL8mD4/s1600/4.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Outside Suzhou station</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7i5gRXygwdk/UozAHXx_HWI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/K9NO4QHJV7A/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7i5gRXygwdk/UozAHXx_HWI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/K9NO4QHJV7A/s1600/5.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>National Palace Museum in Taipei- the best museum in Asia!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fgYMDE7As8E/UozAKOvJ5YI/AAAAAAAAC8A/6QgKJo7l1kk/s1600/DSC_0680+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fgYMDE7As8E/UozAKOvJ5YI/AAAAAAAAC8A/6QgKJo7l1kk/s1600/DSC_0680+copy.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hi Taipei!!!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CIHWaA9H_Ec/UozAHkSdENI/AAAAAAAAC7g/C_kw2Wtc1-E/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CIHWaA9H_Ec/UozAHkSdENI/AAAAAAAAC7g/C_kw2Wtc1-E/s1600/6.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Life must go on...</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2YLI0vA0_iw/UozAH9aZF3I/AAAAAAAAC7c/XDosfqGp0sE/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2YLI0vA0_iw/UozAH9aZF3I/AAAAAAAAC7c/XDosfqGp0sE/s1600/7.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jeremy Lin who?</i></td></tr>
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While I was in Shanghai, I made friend with a <i>lone</i> Dutch backpacker and we traveled around Hangzhou together even though <i>neither</i> of us can speak in Chinese. Over there too, I met a friend who I had known for over 6 years when we were in Singapore for the first time in person, therefore fulfilling one of my bucket list - <i>travel to Shanghai</i>. </div>
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We visited Suzhou together and it was quite interesting to know that in Suzhou, the residents speak in their own distinct dialect like my friend with her distinct Shanghainese dialect <i>when</i> she spoke to her mum. And I was invited to her home for real Shanghai food. <i>Cool huh</i>? :)</div>
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**</div>
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Of late, I am extremely busy and sometimes, I felt <i>very</i> exhausted. Tired of finding job, stressed from juggling my time between attending classes, gym and other priorities, and worrying <i>much</i> about my future. <i>Unlike </i>my peers who already knew what they want to be in the future, in my case, I still do not know what I am suppose to do with my life. If I already knew what I wanted to do in my life, my life <i>would </i>be very easy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjDwozwYQ5s/UozAJFe3KAI/AAAAAAAAC8E/swJe42LH-Q0/s1600/DSC_0502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjDwozwYQ5s/UozAJFe3KAI/AAAAAAAAC8E/swJe42LH-Q0/s1600/DSC_0502.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>KNU Graduation Album Photo shoot</i></td></tr>
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<i>I </i>would just work hard to achieve that primary goal and everything else will fall in place. Sadly, it doesn't seems to be like that for me. I always want to find a career that I can <i>dedicate</i> my whole life on because I will love doing it. I have yet to find <i>it</i>. On the other hand, just in case you didn't know, I already got a job offer from <i>Samsung</i> in Malaysia before I have even graduated but I am still considering whether to accept it <i>or</i> not. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--DfxGGxaJXw/UozAJeP1p-I/AAAAAAAAC74/U96My8MgyPo/s1600/DSC_0512+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--DfxGGxaJXw/UozAJeP1p-I/AAAAAAAAC74/U96My8MgyPo/s1600/DSC_0512+copy.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Finally, after 5 long years... almost done...</i></td></tr>
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The main reasons are that I <i>enjoy studying more</i> than working and I would like to work elsewhere first before coming back home for good. In my case, entering a foreign university to continue my studies requires lots of money and I vow to myself not to depend on my parents after graduating. I <i>want</i> to stand on my own two feet this time. I am fortunate though that my parents are still working and not dependent on me.</div>
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In Korea, unless you are an engineering student (<i>to a smaller extent, business school student</i>) or a graduate student, the possibility of you getting a decent job in Korea is <i>quite</i> low for foreigners. I am a science major with a minor in business administration, applying for job here is horrifying difficult because they seemed to reject applicants majoring in science. Or maybe I <i>am</i> not good enough... :( </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--00cfw2hgVk/UozAJO3JwfI/AAAAAAAAC7w/ksaJ2_Xjm-A/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--00cfw2hgVk/UozAJO3JwfI/AAAAAAAAC7w/ksaJ2_Xjm-A/s1600/9.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Busan Firework Festival 2013</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqqCs30vthc/UozAImFS3RI/AAAAAAAAC7s/BZsKzY_ZOhQ/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqqCs30vthc/UozAImFS3RI/AAAAAAAAC7s/BZsKzY_ZOhQ/s1600/8.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>To see as much as I can before I leave Korea for good...</i></td></tr>
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<i>Nevertheless</i>, I am not a person who gives up quickly and moreover, going back home for good doesn't sounds so bad at all. It is just that I am quite nervous of whether I will get used to living in Malaysia and starting <i>all over</i> from the beginning again here. One more month before the end of my university life and may it be <i>a memorable</i> one.</div>
kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-53220013623440128692013-08-11T09:30:00.004+09:002013-08-11T09:39:30.403+09:00Japan 2013: Oh Tokushima.<span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Day 4:</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-3gw6JrQjI/UgXr1OP0j9I/AAAAAAAAC0A/uqinpN2KZuQ/s1600/DSC_0152+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-3gw6JrQjI/UgXr1OP0j9I/AAAAAAAAC0A/uqinpN2KZuQ/s1600/DSC_0152+copy.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Welcome to Tokushima city</i></td></tr>
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I <i>cannot remember</i> how long it took from Kyoto to Tokushima by bus, <i>maybe</i> three hours? By the time we reached Tokushima, it was already late at night. Then, our Japanese friend fetched us from the station to her home. Tokushima is a quiet city, and one can experience <i>authentic Japanese life</i> here. I think there are not many foreigners living here and during my two days in Tokushima, I saw only two foreigners. This was even at the Tokushima University and <i>no foreigners </i>were seen outside the campus. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prfyw7GW7Ng/UgXr3oQf3PI/AAAAAAAAC04/ym93cdJZYU4/s1600/DSC_0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-prfyw7GW7Ng/UgXr3oQf3PI/AAAAAAAAC04/ym93cdJZYU4/s1600/DSC_0636.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nice Japanese-style room</i></td></tr>
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<i>In comparison to my hometown</i> in Penang Malaysia, Tokushima is<i> a </i>small city - not crowded and very agriculturally-oriented. Any spare lands available here are <i>turned into </i>paddy fields and just outside my friend's house is a paddy field. After arriving at my friend's home around 10 pm, we went to her neighbor's house to greet them. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ld6F1axPsjI/UgXr9U2_BII/AAAAAAAAC2s/etTiqSLs2jc/s1600/DSC_1159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ld6F1axPsjI/UgXr9U2_BII/AAAAAAAAC2s/etTiqSLs2jc/s1600/DSC_1159.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Day 3 in Kyoto snack</i></td></tr>
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Even though we cannot speak in Japanese, we were able to communicate with them in English/Korean (<i>through our Japanese friend cum translator</i>). It was fun talking to them. Most of them already knew about Malaysia through the "<i>Malaysia, truly Asia</i>" advertisement. <i>Awesome!</i> Our Malaysian tourism campaign does <i>really</i> works.</div>
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<b>Day 5:</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vnta8Dsq2HY/UgXr0Lc3nYI/AAAAAAAACzw/ztSgIA_s-ew/s1600/DSC_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vnta8Dsq2HY/UgXr0Lc3nYI/AAAAAAAACzw/ztSgIA_s-ew/s1600/DSC_0105.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Welcome to Bizan Ropeway...</i></td></tr>
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Next day, we went to the Tokushima Station (<i>we took a train from Bunkanomori</i>) again to meet our other Japanese friend, Hitomi. She told us that she knew <i>a Malaysian</i> studying at her university and I asked her to plan for a <i>meet-up</i>. I am <i>always happy </i>to meet any Malaysians studying abroad because we generally share similar predicaments <i>while</i> living abroad.<br />
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(<i>Note: There were a number of Malaysian students sponsored by the Malaysian government at Tokushima university but I couldn't meet them because I was told they rarely mingle with outsiders... Sigh... Wouldn't it be nice if the Malaysian students living abroad mix around more often with other foreigners and Japanese... </i>우물 안에 개구리로 살지 마세요~!) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1rKnw3PrCLk/UgXrzx_mCsI/AAAAAAAACzs/unDMqzOM3EU/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1rKnw3PrCLk/UgXrzx_mCsI/AAAAAAAACzs/unDMqzOM3EU/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bizan Ropeway cable car - 1,000 Yen</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ad55Ok-76GQ/UgXr0_x325I/AAAAAAAACz8/b2Za_fNgF-I/s1600/DSC_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ad55Ok-76GQ/UgXr0_x325I/AAAAAAAACz8/b2Za_fNgF-I/s1600/DSC_0122.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beautiful Tokushima</i></td></tr>
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The first place we went in the morning was called Bizan Ropeway. This is a place where one can take a cable car (<i>1000 Yen for a round-trip ticke</i>t) up the hill and see Tokushima city from the top. Experience there was so-so as the weather there was rather hot and humid. After that, we went to our friends' university - Tokushima University (<i>moreover, Hitomi had a class</i>) for lunch. We <i>walked all the way</i> there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F0cLvGkDHPA/UgXr4Voiq8I/AAAAAAAAC1M/38pgVcsVg2c/s1600/DSC_0649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F0cLvGkDHPA/UgXr4Voiq8I/AAAAAAAAC1M/38pgVcsVg2c/s1600/DSC_0649.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our lunch at Tokushima university</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-etV1vpdEKw4/UgXr4WRXa1I/AAAAAAAAC1E/OyhZ4CMh35Y/s1600/DSC_0656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-etV1vpdEKw4/UgXr4WRXa1I/AAAAAAAAC1E/OyhZ4CMh35Y/s1600/DSC_0656.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mmmmm.... (PS. the professor was extremely nice)</i></td></tr>
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Fast forward, we were allowed to take a class with Hitomi. I cannot remember what we really learned but he touched on Business Law and we discussed <i>Abenomics</i>. The reason of Abenomics according to him is to restructure Japanese companies so they are able to be competitive again. I think Abenomics is like a two-edged sword, a populist move to increase export through currency devaluation <u><i>but</i></u> not to arrest the advancing debt problem in the country. After the class, the professor who <i>was extremely</i> kind, asked us to have dinner with him at night. <i>Okay, we agreed</i>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1iYM2aJXNLQ/UgXqQ669YRI/AAAAAAAACxA/qpe8io1S_rc/s1600/DSC_0799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1iYM2aJXNLQ/UgXqQ669YRI/AAAAAAAACxA/qpe8io1S_rc/s1600/DSC_0799.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic taken at Ikuta Shrine (Day 2)</i></td></tr>
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<i>Together</i> with the Malaysian student I just met, we went for dinner with the professor and his students. We wanted to eat Japanese food but we couldn't find a place <i>big enough</i> to accommodate all of us. Thus, we had to settle in a western food family restaurant. Another memorable occasion was when one of his students ordered two large dishes for himself. <i>I guessed he was filling his tummy for tomorrow's breakfast too</i>. </div>
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I had great experiences in Japan and today was another unforgettable one. Our Japanese professor accompanied us more than an hour even after we had all eaten, until our Japanese friend had arrived back from her part-time job to fetch us. The conversation while waiting at the restaurant was crazily dull. "<i>How to get a girlfriend?</i>" and "<i>What qualities do girls like in a man?</i>". This were among the questions asked by our "<i>interesting"</i> Japanese professor.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-phPAUr8gWp4/UgXr1I-Fy7I/AAAAAAAAC0U/kr9hYfnlre8/s1600/DSC_0216+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-phPAUr8gWp4/UgXr1I-Fy7I/AAAAAAAAC0U/kr9hYfnlre8/s1600/DSC_0216+copy.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kaori, the musician</i></td></tr>
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<i>Uhmmn...</i> so I said<i> "Sense of Humor?"</i>. And the professor came asking, <i>"How to be humorous?"</i>. <i>Haha. WTF</i>. I smiled though. Our table was colorful, in the way we spoke in many different languages - Japanese, Taiwanese, Indonesian, Korean and English. What connected us were our similar goals in life - <i>mainly to live a good and happy life</i>. </div>
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<i>Melody by Kaori</i></div>
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<i>"Try" of Asher Book (cover)</i></div>
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When our Japanese friend arrived, we went to a pub to see a live musical performance (<u><i>see the video on top</i></u>) performed by her. She was amazing. And after that, we went home and packed our bags for our departure back to Korea tomorrow.</div>
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<b>Day 6:</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0QfehWjwWF8/UgXr4ra7Z4I/AAAAAAAAC1Q/YilwhFy9moI/s1600/DSC_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0QfehWjwWF8/UgXr4ra7Z4I/AAAAAAAAC1Q/YilwhFy9moI/s1600/DSC_0668.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The dyeing process...</i></td></tr>
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On our last day in Japan, the first place we visited was the Dye museum to make our own souvenirs (1000 Yen for a face towel to be dyed later by us) to bring back to Korea. The <i>dyeing processes</i> were simple. First choose the pattern, tie the towel around the sticks with rubber bands for the patterns to appear, dip in the dyeing container, repeat the steps, wash the towel clean to remove the leftover dye and <i>voila</i>, done. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X8h5nZ3zWhY/UgXr5gqrosI/AAAAAAAAC1k/ITmbQhJhzTA/s1600/DSC_0696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X8h5nZ3zWhY/UgXr5gqrosI/AAAAAAAAC1k/ITmbQhJhzTA/s1600/DSC_0696.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
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We were encouraged to dry our towels under the hot sun instead of using hair dryer. After that, we met Hitomi again for a <i>sushi</i> lunch together. I tasted the most interesting Japanese food, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natt%C5%8D" target="_blank">Natto</a> (<i>the taste of fermented beans lingered in my mouth even after countless gulps of green tea</i>) and Uni sushi (<i>made from expensive sea urchin roe but tasted like...</i>). I will never try them again...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_j3Hq5DDVe0/UgXr1qh1tJI/AAAAAAAAC0M/3t3ip_6gB0Y/s1600/DSC_0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_j3Hq5DDVe0/UgXr1qh1tJI/AAAAAAAAC0M/3t3ip_6gB0Y/s1600/DSC_0233.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Unagi (eel) sushi</i></td></tr>
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I love the <i>unagi </i>sushi (<i>prepared from eel</i>) though. Overall, an authentic Japanese meal. As my friend will be leaving for the airport by bus an hour earlier than me, we went back to the Tokushima station. In my case, with around an hour left to spare in Tokushima, we went to the <i>Japanese Karaoke</i> room.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QfeHdH27-2A/UgXr2h9xjeI/AAAAAAAAC0g/OMEmKLahvmc/s1600/DSC_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QfeHdH27-2A/UgXr2h9xjeI/AAAAAAAAC0g/OMEmKLahvmc/s1600/DSC_0250.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Big karaoke room...</i></td></tr>
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Karaoke in Japan was another <i>whole new experience</i> for me. It was so difficult to search for songs as <u>all new songs had to be keyed in Japanese</u>. It's better to <i>have</i> a Japanese friend accompanying you in the Karaoke room when you are in Japan and can't speak Japanese.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkbPNmw1gHg/UgXr1zaTWMI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/sZUnjO8UBP0/s1600/DSC_0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkbPNmw1gHg/UgXr1zaTWMI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/sZUnjO8UBP0/s1600/DSC_0247.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Many English oldies can be searched very easily but not the latest ones...<span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></i></td></tr>
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I cannot be Elvis Presley. It will be " <i>a little less conversation</i>".</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K76VJublnMQ/UgXr3DiMXzI/AAAAAAAAC0s/eByGbRGPQ2k/s1600/DSC_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K76VJublnMQ/UgXr3DiMXzI/AAAAAAAAC0s/eByGbRGPQ2k/s1600/DSC_0254.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sayonara~</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ct_gFSd-rd0/UgXr3P2ZdxI/AAAAAAAAC0w/M6CwchZYGg0/s1600/DSC_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ct_gFSd-rd0/UgXr3P2ZdxI/AAAAAAAAC0w/M6CwchZYGg0/s1600/DSC_0256.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Journey back Korea...</i></td></tr>
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Karaoke was fun and after an hour or less, it was time to go. The bus journey from <i>Tokushima to Kansai airport</i> was frustratingly slow due heavy rains and traffic jams. Luckily, I reached the airport on time and met my friend with more than enough time to explore the airport. It was indeed <i><u>a memorable trip</u></i> to Japan. <i>Sayorana Japan...</i></div>
kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-83585819605513084612013-08-10T20:14:00.000+09:002013-08-10T20:14:06.097+09:00Discovering Shanghai and Taipei (soon)<div style="text-align: justify;">
The reason for my updates on Japan lately (<i>the last one will be posted before my departure</i>) was because I wish to get on with my next trip to China (<i>Shanghai, Hangzhou and maybe Suzhou</i>) and Taipei. </div>
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Finish writing about my trip to Japan last June has been one of my <i>main plans</i> to do this weekend. These days, I was quite busy finalizing up my trip itinerary and too many meet-ups to attend. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9AYiJUhTqQ/UgYcEPnE6rI/AAAAAAAAC48/o9iUfpBTDYk/s1600/E-ticket+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9AYiJUhTqQ/UgYcEPnE6rI/AAAAAAAAC48/o9iUfpBTDYk/s1600/E-ticket+2.JPG" height="294" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Woohoo! Very soon!</i><br /><br />BUT...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfqkW3m9vx8/UgYcq8iNwkI/AAAAAAAAC5E/Jehc3c6mt8A/s1600/Weather+Shanghai.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfqkW3m9vx8/UgYcq8iNwkI/AAAAAAAAC5E/Jehc3c6mt8A/s1600/Weather+Shanghai.JPG" height="262" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hot hot hot... :(</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2SCpk9ME5NQ/UgYfqANcluI/AAAAAAAAC5s/Tctz1vUJOTM/s1600/Hangzhou.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2SCpk9ME5NQ/UgYfqANcluI/AAAAAAAAC5s/Tctz1vUJOTM/s1600/Hangzhou.JPG" height="262" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Effects of global warming, China why you burn so much fossil fuels! ㅋㅋ </i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z6bHPxKd5zc/UgYfkEUssRI/AAAAAAAAC5k/bhSZAv7qgkA/s1600/Taipei+weather.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z6bHPxKd5zc/UgYfkEUssRI/AAAAAAAAC5k/bhSZAv7qgkA/s1600/Taipei+weather.JPG" height="263" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nice weather, hmmn...</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k2kM-Arr3e4/UgYfkHaDYhI/AAAAAAAAC5o/cl9PDcncNmU/s1600/Penang.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k2kM-Arr3e4/UgYfkHaDYhI/AAAAAAAAC5o/cl9PDcncNmU/s1600/Penang.JPG" height="266" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My hometown...</i></td></tr>
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Now, I am free as a bird!!! I will be leaving for Shanghai this coming Tuesday. <i>3 more days... Yippie!</i> Whenever I think of Taipei, I always look forward to feasting <i>delicious Taiwanese street food</i> at the numerous night markets there that is quite similar to Penang food than Korean food. <i>Happy weekends</i>!</div>
kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-84332852594822706142013-08-10T18:05:00.003+09:002013-08-11T09:36:25.388+09:00Kobe, Kyoto and Tokushima: Where East meets West <div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Day 2:</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfeqWKAr5ik/UgXqPg6oZ5I/AAAAAAAACws/O7MKj9jDY5Y/s1600/DSC_0754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfeqWKAr5ik/UgXqPg6oZ5I/AAAAAAAACws/O7MKj9jDY5Y/s1600/DSC_0754.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entrance to Ikuta Shrine</i></td></tr>
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Not feeling refreshed from my late sleep, tea provided by the inn provided enough caffeine to wake me up. Another day, another place to go. Our next destination is <i>Kobe</i>. We took a train from Osaka to <b>Sannomiya </b>Station (<i>This is where the famous Ikuta Shrine is located</i>). Then, after a short walk along Ikuta road, we reached the Ikuta Shrine.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8wUyVx3u4I/UgXqPnTwI_I/AAAAAAAACww/Rs_IU8CWgyQ/s1600/DSC_0751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8wUyVx3u4I/UgXqPnTwI_I/AAAAAAAACww/Rs_IU8CWgyQ/s1600/DSC_0751.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ikuta Road</i></td></tr>
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Ikuta shrine is one of the <i>oldest Shinto shrine</i> in Japan. According to <i>Wikipedia</i>, it was used as a base for a festival welcoming back warriors from the latest attempt to invade Korea. The shrine is quite small and I don't think it can <i>even</i> accommodate more than a hundred warriors comfortably. Unless they squeezed like a sardin can, <i>it is plausible</i>... </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-neP1lv4m5rw/UgXqQOAdUrI/AAAAAAAACw4/cJr5c2NQD04/s1600/DSC_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-neP1lv4m5rw/UgXqQOAdUrI/AAAAAAAACw4/cJr5c2NQD04/s1600/DSC_0777.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The lady in red...</i></td></tr>
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By the time we reached Kobe, it was already raining heavily. <i>I love rain</i>. Rain reminds me of my hometown. The <i>smell </i>of freshly mown grass after drizzle <i>is</i> my favorite smell. I always hope one day, when I am successful, I can afford to have a big garden beside my house. Every time when it drizzles, I would be sitting on the bench, looking outwards while drinking hot cocoa. <i>Peaceful and relaxing</i>. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vInEUMzOvQ/UgXqRYiHplI/AAAAAAAACxM/OwrAfA9Povk/s1600/DSC_08011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vInEUMzOvQ/UgXqRYiHplI/AAAAAAAACxM/OwrAfA9Povk/s1600/DSC_08011.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shinto wedding ceremony</i></td></tr>
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At the Ikuta Shrine, we were lucky to witness a wedding ceremony. Shinto is one of the very beautiful beliefs still practiced by Japanese. During the wedding ceremony, we saw dances performed by two young performers.<i> The were graceful</i>. After Ikuta Shrine, we visited the <i>Kobe mosque</i>. My friend performed his Friday prayer while I waited for him. Kobe mosque is one of the very few Islamic buildings in Japan that survived the World War II allied bombing in June 1945. Somehow, the mosque was eerily quiet and <i>nobody</i> was around after my friend finished his prayer. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Em1bG5pzt-Y/UgXqSNfhciI/AAAAAAAACxY/1LLr9FFOvKk/s1600/DSC_0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Em1bG5pzt-Y/UgXqSNfhciI/AAAAAAAACxY/1LLr9FFOvKk/s1600/DSC_0825.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At the Kobe Mosque</i></td></tr>
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Kobe is <i>not really</i> an ideal destination for people looking to save money. It resembles more like the affluent Gangnam <i><u>minus</u></i> the hostess bar than anything. This is a place where expensive <i>Kobe beef</i> restaurants and high fashion boutiques located side by side. <i>Louis Vuitton </i>retail shop in Kobe was fantastic even <i>from</i> the outside. The interior resembled a glittering palace with lots of helpers serving the customer. Anyway, I am a practical guy and I don't like spending thousands of dollars for<i> an</i> identical bag. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dcqkpx__LwA/UgXqVXLeg4I/AAAAAAAACyg/1Ta-_wLwM98/s1600/Kobe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dcqkpx__LwA/UgXqVXLeg4I/AAAAAAAACyg/1Ta-_wLwM98/s1600/Kobe.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our Day 2, Kobe City Route</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fx0a6uVT-eg/UgXqS8zuIVI/AAAAAAAACxs/8w9oR2e7vKQ/s1600/DSC_0855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fx0a6uVT-eg/UgXqS8zuIVI/AAAAAAAACxs/8w9oR2e7vKQ/s1600/DSC_0855.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Getting to Kobe Tower...</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a61F9u_6-9A/UgXqS8E50PI/AAAAAAAACxk/FgrpfzdHDxc/s1600/DSC_0865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a61F9u_6-9A/UgXqS8E50PI/AAAAAAAACxk/FgrpfzdHDxc/s1600/DSC_0865.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Here we are... Kobe Tower!</i></td></tr>
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Our next destination was the Kobe Tower. To recap, we walked from Ikuta Shrine to Kobe mosque to Kyu-kyoryuchi (<i>the up-class fashion district</i>) to Kobe Tower. Taking taxi in Japan was a big no-no for us. We preferred spending money on good food than on transportation. Transportation expenses in Japan can be exorbitantly <u>high</u> if compared to Korea.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJCrX6U46p8/UgXqTAD5BvI/AAAAAAAACx0/RLXe-R2gAyk/s1600/DSC_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJCrX6U46p8/UgXqTAD5BvI/AAAAAAAACx0/RLXe-R2gAyk/s1600/DSC_0868.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The admission fee at Kobe Tower</i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7IIU-o06_0/UgXqTrebvFI/AAAAAAAACx4/iR6KjBtSMCI/s1600/DSC_0869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D7IIU-o06_0/UgXqTrebvFI/AAAAAAAACx4/iR6KjBtSMCI/s1600/DSC_0869.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kobe Tower is <i>one of the must-visit spots </i>in Kobe. The entrance fee is either 600 Yen or 800 Yen that also<i> includes an entrance</i> to the Maritime Museum. We chose the 800 Yen ticket. However, I do not recommend the Maritime Museum! It was really boring! <i>Better save your 200 Yen and buy me a drink</i>. After around an hour indoor in both the tower and museum to avoid the rain, we went on with our main plan of the day - meeting our Japanese friend and her friend from Kuwait.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWzaQAYzTKY/UgXqT9Rb2MI/AAAAAAAACyE/MgYcoBSqp-0/s1600/DSC_0886+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWzaQAYzTKY/UgXqT9Rb2MI/AAAAAAAACyE/MgYcoBSqp-0/s1600/DSC_0886+copy.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At the Kobe Tower</i></td></tr>
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We were to overnight at his house today. Our host was kind and extremely friendly, we had a small party at his house (<i>he cooked some nice looking Kuwaiti food for all of us</i>) that night! I even learned from him an interesting Japanese phrase sure to make heads turn. "<i>Hitome boresteh shi mai masta</i>". It means "I fell for you on my first sight".<br />
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<i>Yesterday by Kaori</i></div>
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<i>Before</i> we slept, we went to Sento /Onsen (<i>a public bathhouse</i>). I was very reluctant to go there but left without any choices, I merely obliged them. It was my first and will probably be my last in Japan. The water was either burning hot or freezing cold. <i>Not good... not good...</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-71S_oaKb-eg/UgXqU6LIeUI/AAAAAAAACyc/3kWcc71Ow1I/s1600/DSC_0965+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-71S_oaKb-eg/UgXqU6LIeUI/AAAAAAAACyc/3kWcc71Ow1I/s1600/DSC_0965+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Small gathering</i></td></tr>
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<b>Day 3:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iEd8UKunuNU/UgXr5qMdPjI/AAAAAAAAC1s/P70A7QH9Ah4/s1600/DSC_0999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iEd8UKunuNU/UgXr5qMdPjI/AAAAAAAAC1s/P70A7QH9Ah4/s1600/DSC_0999.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hi Kyoto!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMseaWKstfA/UgXr570Xg_I/AAAAAAAAC1g/pA-2Da4kSrQ/s1600/DSC_1004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMseaWKstfA/UgXr570Xg_I/AAAAAAAAC1g/pA-2Da4kSrQ/s1600/DSC_1004.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of Kyoto's landmark</i></td></tr>
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<i>Kyoto</i>. From Kobe, we took a train to Kyoto. Kyoto is the <u>eighth largest city in Japan</u>. Kyoto is a very traditional city due to its influence as the Japanese capital for almost a thousand years. Spared from heavy bombings by the Allied forces during World War II, Kyoto <i>continues </i>to be main city in Japan to experience Japanese culture.<br />
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Kyoto is <i><u>highly recommended</u> </i>and I love how the city balances modernity while at the same time preserving its heritage. A convenient way of getting around Kyoto? <i>Use the city buses</i>. A one-day pass costs 500 Yen which is cheap considering the bus route covers most places here and a <i>one-way journey by bus is already 220 Yen</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4lztDqLmlsc/UgXr7Of2KVI/AAAAAAAAC2A/3jF6et3qBYE/s1600/DSC_1023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4lztDqLmlsc/UgXr7Of2KVI/AAAAAAAAC2A/3jF6et3qBYE/s1600/DSC_1023.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Day Pass - 500 Yen</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DDMWmXGflE8/UgXr6RMGCSI/AAAAAAAAC1w/-FAVCrMbFik/s1600/DSC_1014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DDMWmXGflE8/UgXr6RMGCSI/AAAAAAAAC1w/-FAVCrMbFik/s1600/DSC_1014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hmmn.... what to eat for lunch..</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wmNAD6Ap2k/UgXr6_m_sZI/AAAAAAAAC18/moEAKr5ytOk/s1600/DSC_1020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4wmNAD6Ap2k/UgXr6_m_sZI/AAAAAAAAC18/moEAKr5ytOk/s1600/DSC_1020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tempura (1,050 Yen)...</i></td></tr>
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<i>Toei </i>Kyoto Studio Park or <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3934.html" target="_blank">Toei Uzumasa Eigamura</a> (<i>entrance fee is rather steep: 2,200 Yen</i>) was the first place we visited in the morning. It is a theme park catering for tourist interested in traditional Japanese streets and buildings. The main highlights of our trip there were the ninja performance (<i>all in Japanese, <strike>Damn</strike>... cannot understand a thing!</i>) and the ninja maze (<i>It was really fun but sadly, the time needed to complete the maze was too short</i>). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--7QjvnuR5pc/UgXr7cTTDFI/AAAAAAAAC2I/hVOWOtP9RwQ/s1600/DSC_1030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--7QjvnuR5pc/UgXr7cTTDFI/AAAAAAAAC2I/hVOWOtP9RwQ/s1600/DSC_1030.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Toei Kyoto Studio Park!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jj_hwxcHWDY/UgXr8Ad7AuI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/1wyav-DO_VM/s1600/DSC_1112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jj_hwxcHWDY/UgXr8Ad7AuI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/1wyav-DO_VM/s1600/DSC_1112.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sayoranna... yawn...</i></td></tr>
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We spent some time over there. Then in the evening, our friend (<i>the Kuwaiti and my Japanese friend</i>) went back to Kobe and Tokushima respectively. Our next destinations are the <i>Shinkyogoku</i> (<u><i>a good place to buy Japanese souvenirs</i></u>) and the <i>Kamo</i> river (to see the crowds lazing around at night). At Shinkyogoku, there is a long stretch of street catering for tourists buying Japanese souvenirs. <i>My observation</i>: shops located at the middle of the street somehow sold <i>similar</i> souvenirs <u>cheaper</u> than the rest. <i>Hmmn...</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8nWgJaNOsQ/UgXtO4WiPKI/AAAAAAAAC4g/zX7ILLZHLtw/s1600/DSC_0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8nWgJaNOsQ/UgXtO4WiPKI/AAAAAAAAC4g/zX7ILLZHLtw/s1600/DSC_0395.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Shinkyogoku - for Japanese souvenirs!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmMtIqgeT3I/UgXr9qgD8oI/AAAAAAAAC20/_2qkQYl_PjM/s1600/DSC_1185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NmMtIqgeT3I/UgXr9qgD8oI/AAAAAAAAC20/_2qkQYl_PjM/s1600/DSC_1185.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kamo River</i></td></tr>
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With the <i>Pachinko</i> shops still buzzing with people, we strolled along the Kamo river. Kamo river at night was literally occupied by young couples looking to <i>escape the city heat</i> or <i>hide from their parents' prying eyes</i>. Along the river, there were many high-end restaurants serving foreign cuisines. Our accommodation for the night was at <a href="http://www.khaosan-tokyo.com/en/kyoto/access/index.html" target="_blank">Khaosan Kyoto</a> - the <i><u>best dormitory</u></i> I've ever been! Clean, comfortable and the bed even comes with a curtain to block the lights.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zOBCW2-KtN8/UgXr-ghAuXI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/4jqBsxbgoP0/s1600/DSC_1195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zOBCW2-KtN8/UgXr-ghAuXI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/4jqBsxbgoP0/s1600/DSC_1195.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Highly recommended dorm in Kyoto!</i></td></tr>
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As my dorm was located on the fifth floor, <i>unfortunately</i>, it has only a shower place and a toilet. Imagine sharing the same shower place and toilet with <u><i>all</i></u> the residents of fifth floor. Luckily no two people had diarrhea at the same time... The dorm located on the second floor <i><u>is much better</u></i>. It has more toilets and shower places. <br />
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<b>Day 4:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KoIiq0e58c/UgXr-_suYJI/AAAAAAAAC3M/Qhf32HjsbOg/s1600/DSC_1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KoIiq0e58c/UgXr-_suYJI/AAAAAAAAC3M/Qhf32HjsbOg/s1600/DSC_1219.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kinkaku-ji - Temple of Golden Pavilion</i></td></tr>
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The first destination of the day was the Kyoto station. As I was carrying a large backpack, and my friend had a hand luggage filled with souvenirs. We had to find some place to <i>store</i> our bags and Kyoto station was also a <i>good place to start our journey</i>. After storing our belongings, we purchased the one-day bus pass again.<br />
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First tourist attraction we visited? It was none other than the famous <i>Kinkaku-ji</i> or the Temple of Golden Pavilion (<i>Entrance fee: 400 Yen</i>), an <u><i>UNESCO World Heritage Site</i></u>. You can read all the history <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinkaku-ji" target="_blank">here</a>. What I like about this place was the beauty of the garden. It was <i>so </i>picture perfect. After Kinkaku-ji, we went to <i>Kiyomizu-dera</i> (300 Yen), a very famous Buddhist temple in Kyoto. This is <i>my favorite</i> and most memorable place in Kyoto.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lw1tPczzb7U/UgXsCZGoeLI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/2NuAvXBk7GM/s1600/DSC_1330+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lw1tPczzb7U/UgXsCZGoeLI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/2NuAvXBk7GM/s1600/DSC_1330+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Japanese students at Kiyomizu-dera</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1p3TfRUSOKM/UgXsBmEX56I/AAAAAAAAC4A/rKBrWyrmMJ0/s1600/DSC_1298+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1p3TfRUSOKM/UgXsBmEX56I/AAAAAAAAC4A/rKBrWyrmMJ0/s1600/DSC_1298+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beautiful...</i></td></tr>
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There's also an interesting story to be told. <i>Hehe...</i> While we were going up the steep road to reach the entrance of the temple, I saw some girls wearing Yukata (<i>another type of Japanese traditional attire</i>). Thinking it was another great opportunity to get my first photograph with Yukata ladies. I politely asked them for permission to take a picture of them and us with them. They <i>happily</i> obliged. <strike>I think, to them, we were irresistibly good looking</strike>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbtUnZ0S834/UgXsAusQuCI/AAAAAAAAC3w/g5nbyFHi8GQ/s1600/DSC_1288+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbtUnZ0S834/UgXsAusQuCI/AAAAAAAAC3w/g5nbyFHi8GQ/s1600/DSC_1288+copy.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Japanese in Yukatas</i></td></tr>
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One of my favorite question to ask any locals and foreigners is "<i>Can you guess which country you think I come from?</i>". They answered....... <i>"China"</i>..... I was like "<i>What? Chinese?</i>". <i>Ah never mind...</i> Nevertheless, I spoke a little basic Japanese and this was how our <i>friendships</i> with Japanese strangers began. We accompanied them to take photos (<i>they helped to take our pics while we reciprocated by becoming their part-time photographers</i>). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKqzULjSKKk/UgXsCD0AbbI/AAAAAAAAC4M/7dC0BoExMCk/s1600/DSC_1314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKqzULjSKKk/UgXsCD0AbbI/AAAAAAAAC4M/7dC0BoExMCk/s1600/DSC_1314.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh really, drinking from all three streams no good?</i></td></tr>
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After sometime with them, we hurried off to the Otowa waterfall. <i>"...The Otowa Waterfall is located at the base of Kiyomizudera's main hall. Its waters are divided into three separate streams, and visitors use cups attached to long poles to drink from them. Each stream's water is said to have a different benefit, namely to cause longevity, success at school and a fortunate love life. However, drinking from all three streams is considered greedy..."</i> I <u>never knew</u> drinking from all three streams were considered greedy.<br />
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As there was nothing much to do further up the temple, we returned to the <i>main temple</i> and we met the Yukata ladies <i>again</i>. We exchanged our greetings and I (and my friend) took a Polaroid picture with them. While walking downhill, we went around the traditional streets and we even saw ladies wearing Kimono. <i>Awesome!</i> I bought several packets of <i>Yatsuhashi</i>, a traditional Japanese snack (<i>250 Yen each</i>), for my department staffs and Professors. The taste was <i>so-so</i> but I regretted not buying one for myself.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bVgLHwNbR80/UgXrx7UBxuI/AAAAAAAACzA/zDXrnJoY3Rw/s1600/DSC_0003+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bVgLHwNbR80/UgXrx7UBxuI/AAAAAAAACzA/zDXrnJoY3Rw/s1600/DSC_0003+copy.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ladies in Kimono</i></td></tr>
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At the bus stop after the end of our trip to the temple, we saw the Yukata ladies (at<i> the opposite direction</i>) again. They waved at us <i>and </i>instinctively, we waved at them back. Meeting them was one of my most unforgettable moments in Japan. Sadly, our bus came too soon after and we did not manage to get their phone number or Facebook. Inside the bus, I saw them trying to look for us at their bus stand. <i>It was nice knowing them though we don't even know their names</i>. <i>Very interesting huh?</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQo4otz0esY/UgXsBAKvxwI/AAAAAAAAC38/1NU2HURG2M4/s1600/DSC_1291+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQo4otz0esY/UgXsBAKvxwI/AAAAAAAAC38/1NU2HURG2M4/s1600/DSC_1291+copy.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ladies in Yukata</i></td></tr>
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<i>Thanks for the memories... ladies in Yukata...</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fushimi Inari</i></td></tr>
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Our final destination in Kyoto was the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fushimi_Inari-taisha" target="_blank">Fushimi Inari-taisha</a> (<i>entrance is free</i>). A shrine famous for the wooden blocks along the gates. Since we did not have enough time to hike all the way up, we spent our time taking pictures along the gates. This shrine like the many shrines and temples we visited, it was <i>equally beautiful</i>. Statues of foxes were found in many places in the shrine. I was curious but so little time to know and see more. From <i>Fushimi Inari Shrine</i>, we took a bus back to Kyoto station. We were to take an express bus to Tokushima, a small city to meet our Japanese friends. <i>Another city to cover... another adventure...</i><br />
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<i>To be continued....</i><br />
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kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-64816393257480582942013-08-01T09:05:00.001+09:002013-08-01T09:34:02.915+09:00A Moment to Remember : Japan (DAY I)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Travelling really opens up your perspective on Life and People</i>. Sometimes, I felt blessed to have some money and travel to places without even start working. Some people who have leftover money uses it as future investment, <i>saving every penny </i>so that one day, they are able to fund their dream home or car. On the other hand, there are also people who spend whatever earnings they have without sparing a thought on their future.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I see you</i></td></tr>
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I believe <i>both ways</i> are unreasonable. Of course saving money when you are young sounds great but this means you will not have spare money to travel. (<i>It's just I felt that the feel of travelling when young is somehow different from travelling when you're old...</i>) Meanwhile, spending all your money provides instant gratification but in the long run, you will run into debt.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Life is like reviewing journals, you'll never know when you'll finish reviewing...</i></td></tr>
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It has now been <i>exactly</i> four years four months since I arrived in Korea, I felt great and everything is going on <i>well</i>. That feelings when I first arrived to Korea (<i>nervousness and loneliness</i>) were a stark contrast as of what I am feeling right now. It is good to make lots of friends when you are young. </div>
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<i>Personally</i>, I felt university life is generally a time when you really grow up, not void of the responsibility as a young adult and more emotionally stable. <i>Am I right</i>? Of course there is always <u>the outlier</u>! That is <i>another </i>story. In university, we have more freedom and in my case, the decision to score well or not is totally in my hands. During high school, I was pressured to achieve successes sometimes... <i>Sigh...</i> </div>
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<b>(Get a 5 minutes break)</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6SrxzBuIWRM/Ufk6qrhd0NI/AAAAAAAACvk/RwkZhG0E8gA/s1600/DSC_0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6SrxzBuIWRM/Ufk6qrhd0NI/AAAAAAAACvk/RwkZhG0E8gA/s320/DSC_0688.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Osaka</i></td></tr>
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Last month, just directly <i>after my finals</i>, I went to Japan. I figured out that since one of my university friends will be meeting my Japanese friends, I thought to myself, why not pay them a visit as well. We booked the flight three days before our departure and the return ticket was 440,700 Won (<i>around 400 US dollar for a two hour trip</i>)! This is almost similar to the plane ticket price for both Shanghai and Taipei (<i>will write that soon</i>). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bye Korea, Hello Japan :)<!--3--><!--3--><!--3--></i></td></tr>
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Like everyone, I am <i>always</i> excited to go to new places. After countless trips back to my hometown in Penang, Malaysia, this has became a ritual I am so accustomed to. Thus, I do not have any feeling of an adventure awaiting. <i>However... This is my first trip to Japan... </i>Before going to Japan, I did my visa (30,000 Won) at the Japanese consulate in Busan. (Malaysians <u>do not need </u>a travel visa to Japan from July 1st onward)</div>
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We departed from Busan to Kansai Airport in Osaka on 14th of June 2013. When we reached the airport, our adventure had begun. Not trying to be <i>stereotypical</i> or not, I felt Japanese are more orderly and less "noisy" than Korean and Chinese in that order. <i>Sigh...</i> Our plane arrived to Kansai with a majority of the lady passengers clutching Louise Vuitton handbags. I felt Koreans appreciate luxury goods much more than any other Asians I met which is sadly <u>not</u> a pleasant thing to see. Expensive handbags are <i>great </i>but if the purpose of having one is just to <i>flaunt </i>your wealth, then, it's a <i>shame</i>. </div>
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Kansai is a modern, spacious and clean airport. The wide alleys and bright atmosphere invoked a sense of security that I had finally landed into a nice not-located-in-the-capital airport. Penang International Airport and Busan Airport are small in comparison with Kansai. After arriving at the airport, we hurriedly bought bus tickets to Umeda Station (<i>automatic ticket vending machine located outside the airport</i>). Osaka here we come!</div>
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<i>"Watashi wa Jin Soon dez, Nihhon-goh Tanaka dez, Malaysia jin dez"</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHxAY8lkqog/Ufk6qGCs6NI/AAAAAAAACvU/HiMUjdADc4I/s1600/DSC_0676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHxAY8lkqog/Ufk6qGCs6NI/AAAAAAAACvU/HiMUjdADc4I/s320/DSC_0676.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>OSAKA!!!</i></td></tr>
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Osaka is the <u>third largest </u>cities in Japan and is ranked as the <i>world's second most expensive cities</i> to live. Osaka is one of the key economic centers in Japan where it's GDP alone surpasses many countries. On the contrary, I felt Osaka is not that expensive when it comes to purchasing basic goods and foodstuffs. Transportation and housing rentals in Osaka are <u>very</u> expensive and that were the reasons why I felt it can sometimes be costly here. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpIrgsyyrLU/Ufk6tPcHz7I/AAAAAAAACwM/WEbQH112D8k/s1600/DSC_0746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpIrgsyyrLU/Ufk6tPcHz7I/AAAAAAAACwM/WEbQH112D8k/s320/DSC_0746.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My 5000 yen per night room...</i></td></tr>
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Our hostel (or the "luxurious inn") is called <i>Chisun Inn </i>located near <i>Esaka Station </i>(after transfering to <i>Senri-chuo station</i>). The room was clean and comfortable but was quite expensive (5000 Yen per night for single room) and rather small. <i>Nevertheless, it was okay</i>. The problem was the "hotel" management was very stringent with the check-in time, around after 2 pm if not mistaken. Most hotels/guesthouses I've been to do not have late check-in time. With no time to spare waiting for our rooms, we hand-in our bags for safekeeping. </div>
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The receptionist was <i>sooooo</i> strong because she can carry both my travel backpack and my friend's hand luggage all by herself. I offered my help instead of her to carry our bags to the safe-keeping room but to no avail. Arming with passport, money, and camera, we began our travel to <i>Osaka</i>. The first thing we did was to find a place to eat! Walking around Osaka in June was surprisingly <i>hot and humid</i>. I observed that the people here dressed conservatively and unlike Korea, there were not many people wearing miniskirts or short pants. <i>Ahem. Or maybe I'll have to wait until night time...</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>First meal in Japan</i></td></tr>
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The<i> first place</i> we entered was an Udon restaurant. Generally, eating out at such restaurant cost around 450-500 Yen (<i>5 US dollar</i>). Unlike Korea, shops catering for people eating alone are everywhere. <i>I mean everywhere!!!</i> I have to admit that sometimes, I felt a little uncomfortable eating alone especially in McDonald's whenever I travel to Seoul by myself. <i>Strangely</i>, I do not have that feeling when I am in Daegu.</div>
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My Muslim friend had prepared a note on what to ask the waiter. It was whether the food contains pork or not in Japanese. Well, with no preparation in Japanese language prior to the trip, I tried to imagine what I will do if I were to ask the waiter. <i>"Oink Oink No No (With a little pork-ish facial expression), Mooo Mooo Yes Yes!".</i> It was funny to think about that sometimes.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Getting to Osaka Castle</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Osaka Castle</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ET9SgRlKMU4/Ufk6mePP0aI/AAAAAAAACt4/EnPrKepp_jE/s1600/DSC_0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ET9SgRlKMU4/Ufk6mePP0aI/AAAAAAAACt4/EnPrKepp_jE/s320/DSC_0433.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entrance ticket, a very expensive "bookmark"...</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zCTDI6xsm74/Ufk6m1713jI/AAAAAAAACuM/_TdHfHIdoYY/s1600/DSC_0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zCTDI6xsm74/Ufk6m1713jI/AAAAAAAACuM/_TdHfHIdoYY/s320/DSC_0438.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hi cannon!</i></td></tr>
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<i>After lunch</i>, we went to Osaka Castle (<i>Entry 600 Yen</i>). In my opinion, unless you have a liking for Japanese castles, calligraphy and fluent in Japanese, <i>you will not really enjoy it</i>. Osaka castle was so-so. It was not as big as I had expected. The only highlight was us wearing <i>Japanese Samurai</i> costume (<i>300 Yen</i>). It was fun and hilarious. I saw many Indonesian Chinese, Taiwanese and Koreans. Spoke to the Taiwanese and Indonesian Chinese in the Hokkien dialect and was quite surprise to know that they can understand it. <i>Hokkien dialect is indeed very similar to Taiwanese</i>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I smell blood...</i></td></tr>
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As expected, I felt that Korean tourists (<i>not those people under school trips</i>) are generally fashionable even under hot weather... :P</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Viewed from Umeda Sky Building</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nice!</i></td></tr>
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From Osaka Castle, we continued our journey to the Umeda Sky Building (<i>called "umeda sukai biru" in Japanese</i>). This building to us was <u>extremely difficult </u>to get to from the subway station. After walking around the area located in the crowded city center and asking countless people, we finally made it. </div>
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<i>Because of the heat</i>, I bought various unique ice cream sold at Family Mart (<i>a convenience stor</i>e). Initially, I had already decided to try out the so-called "<i>Condom ice cream</i>" (<i>I was just curious!</i>) after watching it on YouTube about the <i>strange things</i> you can find in Japan, but I couldn't find one either in Osaka. <i>Sigh. </i></div>
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Umeda Sky Building was located some distance away from the main city center. <i>Admission is 700 Yen but you can get a discount if you show your international student ID card</i>. Umeda Sky Building is <u>Highly recommended</u> to see the vast expanses of Osaka's concrete jungle. If only we had <i>more time</i>, we would sit, observe and wait for the sun to set, from the top of the building.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bP7jDgBjO38/Ufk6qaH0XRI/AAAAAAAACvY/0jHSjGflWPA/s1600/DSC_0684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bP7jDgBjO38/Ufk6qaH0XRI/AAAAAAAACvY/0jHSjGflWPA/s320/DSC_0684.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dotonbori</i></td></tr>
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After Umeda, we went to Dotonbori.<i> Dotonbori is <u>a must-visit </u>for everyone coming to Osaka</i>. One sentence to describe it - <i>Crowded, colorful and memorable</i>. To get to Dotonbori, we got off from the <i>Namba station</i>. While walking towards Dotonbori, we stopped by at a curry restaurant where I ordered curry rice. I wanted the beef curry rice but somehow, I accidentally chose pork curry rice (<i>580 Yen</i>). The curry was <i>very</i> delicious!!! I felt like I was back home in Malaysia eating Indian curry!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aixnYNnFX10/Ufk6p0Jy-ZI/AAAAAAAACvE/Oa-05-dSQQU/s1600/DSC_0657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aixnYNnFX10/Ufk6p0Jy-ZI/AAAAAAAACvE/Oa-05-dSQQU/s320/DSC_0657.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Love you curry</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gD9fQyT_X38/Ufk6o0PxmQI/AAAAAAAACu0/AqCK8Kub_Gk/s1600/DSC_0651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gD9fQyT_X38/Ufk6o0PxmQI/AAAAAAAACu0/AqCK8Kub_Gk/s320/DSC_0651.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>580 Yen Yummy Curry</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GO2ZeJC6bis/Ufk6pTXWgaI/AAAAAAAACvI/uL_tY-XVtdg/s1600/DSC_0654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GO2ZeJC6bis/Ufk6pTXWgaI/AAAAAAAACvI/uL_tY-XVtdg/s320/DSC_0654.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I love you curry...</i></td></tr>
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Osaka. It quickly <i>became evident to me</i> that I am now in the<u> food capital of Japan</u> (<i>Tears of joy</i>). If my hometown, Penang is <i>the food capital of Malaysia</i>, I am happy to be in Osaka. The food from both cities are <u>equally</u> great. After taking pictures at the <i>Glico Man </i>signboard landmark, we wandered around. A-must to buy in Osaka is the <u>various Kit Kat chocolates</u>. I regretted not buying most of the Kit Kat here because compared to Kyoto, <i>it was cheaper here</i>. I purchased packs of Green Tea Kit Kat and a pack of Dark chocolate Kit Kat. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmzfjgWz5n8/Ufk6rV0oDSI/AAAAAAAACvw/cY1yYCyZmpY/s1600/DSC_0704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmzfjgWz5n8/Ufk6rV0oDSI/AAAAAAAACvw/cY1yYCyZmpY/s320/DSC_0704.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The famous crab...</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--X-gTaD2-QE/Ufk6rzXfl4I/AAAAAAAACwE/B6dx-lfUy7I/s1600/DSC_0722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--X-gTaD2-QE/Ufk6rzXfl4I/AAAAAAAACwE/B6dx-lfUy7I/s320/DSC_0722.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Okonomiyaki - Osaka Pancake</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4Cb3hIUIjU/Ufk6sP4xOxI/AAAAAAAACv8/O0AZFo_Zu2c/s1600/DSC_0738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4Cb3hIUIjU/Ufk6sP4xOxI/AAAAAAAACv8/O0AZFo_Zu2c/s320/DSC_0738.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Spreading the special sauce....</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hxLAngP4K1c/Ufk6jfveL9I/AAAAAAAACtE/CTYezyAOOdM/s1600/DSC_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hxLAngP4K1c/Ufk6jfveL9I/AAAAAAAACtE/CTYezyAOOdM/s320/DSC_0129.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Okonomiyaki, the hardest Japanese food name to remember...</i></td></tr>
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Then, we <i>walked further up</i> to a place where you can see the <i>Kani Doraku Crab</i>. Since we were able to eat some more, I ordered <i>Okonomiyaki (500 Yen)</i> but due to Okonomiyaki containing slices of pork, my friend had to settle for <i>Takoyaki. </i>Okonomiyaki is a pancake containing mainly shredded cabbage and topped with various sauces. <i>It was so-so</i>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdB0RsTzwQs/Ufk6oApDiEI/AAAAAAAACuo/pY5N6WwV7LM/s1600/DSC_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdB0RsTzwQs/Ufk6oApDiEI/AAAAAAAACuo/pY5N6WwV7LM/s320/DSC_0612.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Don't be deceived... it's worth more than you think...</i></td></tr>
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That's all for our first day in Osaka. I realized that because most of the meals in Japan are around 500 Yen and 500 Yen (<i>around 5 US dollar</i>) is in the form of <u>a small coin</u>. I had the tendency to overspend here... In Korea, the 500 Won coin, similar in size with the 500 Yen coin, can only buy you a small can drink. Here you can get reasonable meal! </div>
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<i>To be continued...</i></div>
kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-55076482826020101732013-07-12T14:12:00.006+09:002013-07-12T14:28:42.641+09:00The Story Behind a Temple: Yongjusa (용주사)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Buddhism is <i>one</i> of the oldest religions arriving in South Korea circa 300 AD. During the Shila Dynasty, Buddhism became popular and it was the national religion of Shila in the 5th century. Yongjusa was a <i>well-known temple</i> located in Hwaseong City, just over an hour drive from the center of Seoul.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lod_ZqCw7l0/Ud-F43k8gnI/AAAAAAAACrc/Lottm4oDW4g/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lod_ZqCw7l0/Ud-F43k8gnI/AAAAAAAACrc/Lottm4oDW4g/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Getting there: </i></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qndfIUuBPWU/Ud-F45dT-pI/AAAAAAAACrk/wQGUYKAQViI/s1600/DSC_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qndfIUuBPWU/Ud-F45dT-pI/AAAAAAAACrk/wQGUYKAQViI/s320/DSC_0135.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Get down at <i>Byeongjeom Station</i>, 병점역 (use Seoul Subway Line 1), this journey will take approximately an hour plus from <i>Seoul Station</i> (서울역). This journey by subway will cost you around 1,850 Won (if paid by cash). Then, take Bus 34-1 to <i>Yongjusa Temple</i> (용주사).<br />
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<i>Entrance fee</i> is 1,500 Won for adult or 1,000 Won for youth. Group entry (if more than 30 people) discount is available here. Opens <i>from</i> 8 am to 7 pm. </div>
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<b><i>The Story:</i></b></div>
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Some <i>distance</i> from this temple, we can find the royal tombs of Crown Prince Sado and his son King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. According to history, Prince Sado was condemned to death by his own father, King Yeongjo.<br />
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<i>He</i> was locked in a rice chest during the hot summer day and after eight days, he <i>died</i> of suffocation. Prince Sado was wrongly prosecuted and died at 27 years old while his son, Jeongjo was still 11 years old. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--sztqRjzFQM/Ud-F42hjsBI/AAAAAAAACrs/tiDZgZPOhTY/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--sztqRjzFQM/Ud-F42hjsBI/AAAAAAAACrs/tiDZgZPOhTY/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once his son, Jeongjo <i>became the king</i>, he moved his father's grave site from <i>Mt. Baebong</i> in Yangju to <i>Hwasan</i> in Suwon. Hwasan was regarded as the most auspicious site at that time. This was because he was touched by a Dharma from a monk named <i>Bok-yeong</i> about how great parents' love and sacrifices were.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CJARYHn8nMk/Ud-F6bghZoI/AAAAAAAACsE/-8k8-wvGlMA/s1600/DSC_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CJARYHn8nMk/Ud-F6bghZoI/AAAAAAAACsE/-8k8-wvGlMA/s320/DSC_0152.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entrance to the temple housing Buddha statues</i></td></tr>
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The night before the celebration for the completion of temple in 1790 to protect his father's tomb. King Jeongjo dreamt of a dragon flying in the sky with a magic ball in his mouth. After his dream, he named the temple <i>Yongjusa</i> meaning "<i>Temple of Dragon with a Magic Ball</i>".</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j64lib6VM2k/Ud-F68ZX7_I/AAAAAAAACsU/0q0-c953DbE/s1600/DSC_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j64lib6VM2k/Ud-F68ZX7_I/AAAAAAAACsU/0q0-c953DbE/s320/DSC_0161.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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Based on old records, the temple housed the mortuary tablet of Prince Sado and Princess Gyeongui (<i>Sado's wife</i>) as well as his son, King Jeongjo and Queen Hyoeui. Religious services in commemoration of the four were offered six times a year until the services <i>were</i> forcibly stopped during the Japanese occupation of Korea. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdGe5vkEcpo/Ud-F5uo-2qI/AAAAAAAACr0/spi4pAuwPR4/s1600/DSC_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdGe5vkEcpo/Ud-F5uo-2qI/AAAAAAAACr0/spi4pAuwPR4/s320/DSC_0139.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our temple guide</i></td></tr>
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Yongjusa is a temple widely equated with <i>filial piety </i>as well as to honor King Jeongjo's love for his father, which continued long after his passing. My trip there was quite interesting because we were fortunate to have a local guide explaining various "<i>national treasure</i>" around the site. Temples in Korea are generally the <i>same</i> but Yongjusa is different in that sense, because it is<i><u> larger</u></i> than most temples I've been.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uv_9frnB0cs/Ud-F7VlezSI/AAAAAAAACsc/a88s4gx0zxI/s1600/DSC_0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uv_9frnB0cs/Ud-F7VlezSI/AAAAAAAACsc/a88s4gx0zxI/s320/DSC_0166.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The story of Buddha</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uol3XxRhOIU/Ud-F7Fb_I7I/AAAAAAAACsY/6NH_eKzjJdk/s1600/DSC_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uol3XxRhOIU/Ud-F7Fb_I7I/AAAAAAAACsY/6NH_eKzjJdk/s320/DSC_0162.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Temple stay</i></td></tr>
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I <i>felt</i> it would be much nicer to visit this place during the autumn when the foliage around the temple changes its color. Overall: <i>An educational trip</i>! On a side note, this temple also offers temple stay program for anyone interested in understanding the meaning of filial piety in Buddhism point of view.</div>
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"<i>... the gentleman devotes his efforts to the roots, for once the roots are established, the way will grow therefrom. Being good as a son and obedient as a young man is, perhaps, the root of a man’s character...</i>" Confucius.</div>
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kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-53283045666045458622013-05-25T18:43:00.004+09:002013-05-25T19:08:57.032+09:00Just.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZuEV-YwWfk/UaCNfs8BLtI/AAAAAAAACrA/5hja_wbrDZA/s1600/DSC_0355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZuEV-YwWfk/UaCNfs8BLtI/AAAAAAAACrA/5hja_wbrDZA/s320/DSC_0355.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>KNU Times, after 4 years writing.</i></td></tr>
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나는 한국에 방학 빼고 4년 동안 계속 있었다.<br />
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한국에선 오랫동안 살았죠?<br />
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나는 내 친구 만나고 난 내 한국어 실력이 항상 비교하고..<br />
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아직도 부족한다고 느꼈어</div>
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왜 한국사람처럼 한국어 잘할수없니?</div>
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난 빨리 잘하고</div>
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빨리 배우고</div>
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빨리 한국어로 원벽하게 얘기하고</div>
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이거저것 다 잘하고 싶어</div>
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언어, 생활, 생애, 등 등</div>
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원벽</div>
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원벽</div>
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행복</div>
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행복</div>
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꼭.</div>
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우선 내 한국어 많이 많이 늘려</div>
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이후에 중국어</div>
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그담은..? 나 충분했어.</div>
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언어 더 배우는 이유 없어... </div>
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그때 내 꿈 하나 이루어졌어.</div>
kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-71112549715295269192013-05-15T21:41:00.001+09:002013-05-15T21:41:33.886+09:00A Moment Back in Time: Gyeongju<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gyeongju (경주) is <i>one of the most</i> historical places in Korea. During the <i>Shila</i> Dynasty, Gyeongju is the capital city and this area encompasses almost two thirds of the Korean Peninsula. Therefore, due to its cultural and archaeological importance in relation to the history of Korea, it <i>has</i> one of the most historical sites and is the most-visited place outside major cities. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R5o_S8QxCxA/UZN-PtnB2fI/AAAAAAAACqs/ZQgYpp2T888/s1600/DSC_0753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R5o_S8QxCxA/UZN-PtnB2fI/AAAAAAAACqs/ZQgYpp2T888/s320/DSC_0753.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At Seokguram</i></td></tr>
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I happen to visit this place a few months ago as Gyeongju is very near to Daegu (<i>my city</i>). Gyeongju resembles a small city, trying to balance its modern development while at the same time, preserving its heritage. Due to the distance of this city<i> far </i>from other major cities, it is not well connected by major railways or does it has an airport.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RXSxJzdUp5A/UZN-Is_YqPI/AAAAAAAACpI/p4MFrTUpStE/s1600/DSC_0538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RXSxJzdUp5A/UZN-Is_YqPI/AAAAAAAACpI/p4MFrTUpStE/s320/DSC_0538.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Map of Gyeongju</i></td></tr>
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Nevertheless, the city's charm lies in its thousand-long years of Korean history and the relative ease of travel by bus. It is recommended to travel to Daegu (from Seoul <i>or</i> anywhere else) if planning to visit Gyeongju, as you can just take a bus (very frequent) from Daegu directly there. Although Gyeongju is also directly accessible by train (albeit taking only the slowest train) from Seoul, it can take almost 5 hours because of the <i>numerous stops </i>along the way. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0v2MwrO1Tic/UZN-IPRp5_I/AAAAAAAACpE/jQFg6iM_dIo/s1600/DSC_0531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0v2MwrO1Tic/UZN-IPRp5_I/AAAAAAAACpE/jQFg6iM_dIo/s320/DSC_0531.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From Daegu to Gyeongju</i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqLNGamZ0Is/UZN-IMBR0fI/AAAAAAAACpA/NfHHGxEBzXA/s1600/DSC_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqLNGamZ0Is/UZN-IMBR0fI/AAAAAAAACpA/NfHHGxEBzXA/s320/DSC_0534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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From Daegu Station (if from <i>Dongdaegu</i> Station, 동대구역, the bus station is located outside the station), take a cab to <i>Dongdaegu</i> Express Bus Terminal (동대구 고속버스터미널), after alighting from the cab, walk across the road to the <i>opposite direction</i> to the other bus terminal. Buy your ticket (4,200 Won) and the journey begins.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIeXbbK_DHA/UZN-M2fruFI/AAAAAAAACqQ/v3wnV_AQxak/s1600/DSC_0578+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIeXbbK_DHA/UZN-M2fruFI/AAAAAAAACqQ/v3wnV_AQxak/s320/DSC_0578+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bulguksa Temple</i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzCAo4wodis/UZN-KkfGYuI/AAAAAAAACps/wmJqoGbPvTM/s1600/DSC_0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzCAo4wodis/UZN-KkfGYuI/AAAAAAAACps/wmJqoGbPvTM/s320/DSC_0557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In my case, I chose a morning trip (more time <i>to</i> explore this place). My destinations: Bulguksa Temple (불국사) and Seokguram (석굴암) Grotto (both <i>are</i> UNESCO World Heritage Sites). After getting off the bus at the Gyeongju bus terminal, I crossed the road (to the small bus stop) and took a city bus (<i>either Bus no. 10 or 11</i>) to Bulguksa Temple. Cost: 1500 Won.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyQBC2ip4As/UZN-KTTCZWI/AAAAAAAACpo/KzGB6cXR7x0/s1600/DSC_0550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyQBC2ip4As/UZN-KTTCZWI/AAAAAAAACpo/KzGB6cXR7x0/s320/DSC_0550.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gyeongju city bus routes</i></td></tr>
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The bus I took: Bus no. 10 also passes by Gyeongju World (<i>a water park</i>). After that, I took another bus to reach Bulguksa Temple. According to many websites, Bulguksa Temple is one of the most impressive temple in Korea and is the masterpiece of Buddhist art. In my opinion, it was just <i>so-so</i>. Seokguram <i>was</i> interesting. After alighting from the bus, I had to walk a distance to reach this temple. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPwDX3YjDjo/UZN-MU5RVCI/AAAAAAAACqE/g19dGmHfPt8/s1600/DSC_0654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPwDX3YjDjo/UZN-MU5RVCI/AAAAAAAACqE/g19dGmHfPt8/s320/DSC_0654.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The entrance to Seokguram</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WKaBjHUvs7Q/UZN-N7pcgzI/AAAAAAAACqg/Al0Kemmdx5I/s1600/DSC_0739+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WKaBjHUvs7Q/UZN-N7pcgzI/AAAAAAAACqg/Al0Kemmdx5I/s320/DSC_0739+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Seokguram located at the top</i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mp9_KoBlYC0/UZN-PBbmPkI/AAAAAAAACqo/-33TVbAXsuo/s1600/DSC_0740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mp9_KoBlYC0/UZN-PBbmPkI/AAAAAAAACqo/-33TVbAXsuo/s320/DSC_0740.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Even though, then, the weather was quite hot and humid, the lush trees around the area provided a shady respite. One has to climb up the steps to get inside the temple housing the grotto (<i>behind the panel of glass</i>). Unfortunately, <u>no photography</u> is allowed there. </div>
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Summary of <i>my</i> trip: </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PqkaaH9Z4a0/UZN-NUcvptI/AAAAAAAACqY/iqfm3bDHkYU/s1600/DSC_0735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PqkaaH9Z4a0/UZN-NUcvptI/AAAAAAAACqY/iqfm3bDHkYU/s320/DSC_0735.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bus schedule for Bulguksa - Seokguram - Bulguksa</i></td></tr>
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Gyeongju Bus Terminal (Bus no. 10 or 11) --> Bulguksa Temple (<i>Entrance: 4,000 Won</i>) --> Seokguram Grotto (take another bus outside the exit of the Bulguksa Temple). Trip back is the same.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ak6UVoy95lw/UZN-Jn-iTTI/AAAAAAAACpc/Czm0N6Vra20/s1600/DSC_0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ak6UVoy95lw/UZN-Jn-iTTI/AAAAAAAACpc/Czm0N6Vra20/s320/DSC_0543.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9oDjBZbeRBY/UZN-JYsb7YI/AAAAAAAACpY/Gc_uewW6f1E/s1600/DSC_0547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9oDjBZbeRBY/UZN-JYsb7YI/AAAAAAAACpY/Gc_uewW6f1E/s320/DSC_0547.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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On the way back by Bus no. 10, you can get off at the <i>Anapji</i> (a lotus pond) or the National Museum. Before leaving, <i>don't miss out</i> tasting the delicious 찰보리빵 (<i>Glutinous barley bread</i>, a red bean paste filled pancake and is a <i>little chewier</i> than the ubiquitous Gyeongju bread) and the 경주빵 (Gyeongju bread, a red bean paste bread). </div>
kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-17703110526501241402013-05-04T02:16:00.001+09:002013-05-04T02:20:26.460+09:00The Great Gatsby and my Malaysia's Election.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Great Gatsby: An Unfair End</b></div>
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The Great Gatsby character of Jay Gatsby epitomizes the ideal goals (<i>although partially</i>) of what most guys dream living- successful, wealthy, famous, and so forth. With determination to prove his self worth and hard work, Gatsby focused relentlessly on his goal to achieve his dreams.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yix4GyCeRyI/UYPsjN3ML8I/AAAAAAAACoU/ppwyB_g4N1Y/s1600/leonardo-dicaprio-plays-the-strenuously-polished-trove-of-secrets-that-is-jay-gatsby-in-baz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yix4GyCeRyI/UYPsjN3ML8I/AAAAAAAACoU/ppwyB_g4N1Y/s320/leonardo-dicaprio-plays-the-strenuously-polished-trove-of-secrets-that-is-jay-gatsby-in-baz.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"No amount of fire can challenge the fairytale he had stored up in his heart..."</i></td></tr>
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After having read the novel by Scott Fitzgerald many years ago, I am really looking forward for the upcoming movie starred by Leonardo DiCaprio (<i>my favorite actor</i>). Jay Gatsby, although very successful, like some people, he is still obsessed with his lover, Daisy, and this led to his downfall. He cannot let go of loving people, people of his past and get over with it.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ozkOhXmijtk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<i>My favorite song in this movie (below)... "Will you still love me when I got nothing but my aching soul..."</i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Te11UaHOHMQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I hate the ending. I always wonder why an innocent person like Jay will be killed at the end of the story but not the guilty ones - Daisy for killing Tom's mistress, and Tom for accusing Jay as the killer of his mistress to the real husband, Wilson. </div>
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**</div>
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My mid term exams ended yesterday. I never really had the chance to enjoy what a normal university student back home would be doing: Hanging out with a group of Malaysians (There's only 2 Malaysians in my university), going home or vote for the first time in my country's general election. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpomHgLN0Io/UYPsiN9SfyI/AAAAAAAACoI/aPnwmO4QMoA/s1600/DSC_0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpomHgLN0Io/UYPsiN9SfyI/AAAAAAAACoI/aPnwmO4QMoA/s320/DSC_0356.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My exam preparation "sidekick": Prawn Roll!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j6Bwbi7LVXM/UYPshnOZpXI/AAAAAAAACoA/Dac_GIbA6bo/s1600/DSC_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j6Bwbi7LVXM/UYPshnOZpXI/AAAAAAAACoA/Dac_GIbA6bo/s320/DSC_0360.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>All gone in less than two days...</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wd43blTzDX0/UYPsigEOtXI/AAAAAAAACoQ/blfA5HZY6TE/s1600/DSC_03671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wd43blTzDX0/UYPsigEOtXI/AAAAAAAACoQ/blfA5HZY6TE/s320/DSC_03671.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Blueberries with yogurt, can add as much as I want. Heavenly...</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lf4vXsooBgI/UYPsjcgvT2I/AAAAAAAACog/cV4KiAR9PUM/s1600/DSC_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lf4vXsooBgI/UYPsjcgvT2I/AAAAAAAACog/cV4KiAR9PUM/s320/DSC_0370.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gooooodddddd.....</i></td></tr>
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These days, we heard so much about "Changes" in the country. To change our government with big expectation for a better governance under the current opposition or to continue retaining a government who had done so much in terms of development after being in power for more than 50 years, it is a difficult decision.</div>
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Penang has developed so much. These days, traffic jams here are a menace and housing prices are skyrocketing without any means of halting them. During my parents time, if we can save enough, we can already afford a decent home. Nowadays, buying a landed property in Penang with earnings as a fresh graduate would be like a far-fetched dream. </div>
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It is simply impossible for young people<i> like us</i> to afford a home. </div>
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As an observer in this upcoming election, it's hard for me to judge both the opposition and the governing party. I am against the free education system proposed by the opposition. Education, I believe should not be free but it should be affordable for all people. If education is free, will we <i>value</i> what we learn? If university education is free, who's going to foot the bill? Borrowing money from the bank and letting our children pay for it one day? </div>
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Next is the abolishment of government loans. Loans are agreement signed and agreed upon by both the borrower and the lender. Of course it is a very noble intention to scrap off the loans still owed by the borrower but what about the ones who had paid off the loans faithfully and on time. The defaulters and borrowers will get reprieve but the ones who had paid off their debt get nothing.<i> Is it fair?</i> The system will encourage more people to default their loans. Moreover, the government loans can be converted into scholarships if we meet a certain academic criteria. </div>
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Next is the lowering of petrol price. It is a good news to some but again, who will be benefiting from it? Will they be the poor uncles and aunties riding motorbikes who use little fuel to make a living, or will it be the ones driving petrol guzzling expensive cars? If the fuel is overly subsidized, rampant smuggling of our resources (<i>and it is still happening now</i>) to other countries will definitely happen. </div>
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Will the bakeries or all businesses reduce their price due to savings derived from fuel cost? It's just that I felt nobody will ever want to reduce their profits. Prices of goods rarely decrease. I felt it would be better if the money can be instead channeled towards improving public transportation like those in Korea or funneled directly to the people. </div>
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The government is no less better. For over 50 years, we have allowed corruption and racial intolerance to be deeply entrenched in our society. Then, our ethnicity is a factor in university admissions, to certain schools (like MARA, Matriculation Colleges, etc) and that some ethnic group not benefiting from the special privileges given to them. I have to admit that I am sometimes envious of friends who scored lesser than me, from wealthy families and were given scholarships or admission to courses selected not based on capabilities but based on the color of the skin. I am just a mere human, not perfect at all. I do envy people, sometimes.</div>
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Government is selected by the people and they ought to be making fair and wise decisions: ones that will influence our long term interests. A government change will encourage better transparency because every party will soon realize that bad governance cannot be swept under the carpet anymore. </div>
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At the same time, government change may lead to deadlocks and instability if not handled correctly. In the states, legislation cannot be passed because of disagreement between both the Republican and Democrats. In Egypt, we have the Muslim Brotherhood's government facing constant administrative problems, advisers resigning, and arrest. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nn37CA65ZRo/Tl400qm5UcI/AAAAAAAAB0s/oyv9Ssthbpo/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nn37CA65ZRo/Tl400qm5UcI/AAAAAAAAB0s/oyv9Ssthbpo/s320/DSC_0121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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What have our government of the day been doing after over 50 years? We see more racial polarization day after day. Most people see each other based on ethnicity first than as a Malaysian first. What and how can the oppositions guarantee that they can be better than the present government? I do not know. What I knew was that being given the power to lead is sweet but sometimes, it can lead us astray. Even if the opposition is in power, can the coalitions with so much differences in ideology work together. Or can the present government with a track record of stability but with a tinge of corruption retains its seat at Putrajaya. This election coming Sunday (tomorrow) shall be a close and exciting one. </div>
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<i>God bless Malaysia.</i></div>
kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-7911917274969663212013-04-13T17:34:00.002+09:002013-04-13T17:41:56.543+09:00The Spring Trip 2013: Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival<div style="text-align: justify;">
It always happen this way. I tend to blog during exams preparation week. Honestly, I don't care really much about getting good results as I believe taking lectures should be more about learning <i>than</i> regurgitating facts during exams. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHAX5xqV7ZI/UWkNRvIFXKI/AAAAAAAACls/PRz0lr2YQCE/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHAX5xqV7ZI/UWkNRvIFXKI/AAAAAAAACls/PRz0lr2YQCE/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Where is my Rose? (Me alone? ahhh!!!)</i></td></tr>
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Nevertheless, I <i>want</i> to achieve well. Unlike in the past where my goals were to get excellent results and obtain admission to good university, now, I work hard solely to learn as much as I can and indirectly, <i>achieving </i>my small set of short-term goals.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vMWsbZYOFPQ/UWkTPxQf8aI/AAAAAAAACnk/-YOftwDhE5o/s1600/DSC_01261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vMWsbZYOFPQ/UWkTPxQf8aI/AAAAAAAACnk/-YOftwDhE5o/s320/DSC_01261.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Little Moments" fashion mag~</i></td></tr>
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These days, I felt my time in Korea passes by so fast because in less than a year, I will be graduating and then, a new dilemma begins: <i>What's next for me</i>. So instead of worrying about the next phase in life, I began an adventure of travelling to places I missed during my past four years in Korea. I started off at Jinhae.</div>
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<i>Jinhae</i> (진해) is a beautiful port town located in the south of Korea. Travelling there is not a problem especially during non-peak months but come spring, you will come across huge crowds of visitors to the <i>Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival </i>(진해군항제). This festival is usually held on <u>early April for a week</u>. This is also the time where you can see traders increasing their prices on every goods/food they sell.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PyCfBlK1OIY/UWkNR9aKEHI/AAAAAAAACl4/ZaxXYWcmsb0/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PyCfBlK1OIY/UWkNR9aKEHI/AAAAAAAACl4/ZaxXYWcmsb0/s320/2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jinhae 2013</i></td></tr>
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I am very <i>kiamsiap</i> (stingy) when it comes to paying for below-average food. I don't mind paying good money for a haute cuisine but if you asked me to pay double for a kimbap with so little ingredients, I wouldn't like paying for that <strike>crap</strike>. </div>
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It happened when I was outside the Changwon station buying a cheese kimbap (<i>a plain roll of kimbap</i>: rice and seaweed with some garnishing, <i>topped with only a slice of cheap chees</i>e), it was 3,000 Won! <i>Damn!</i> I can get <i>bulgogi</i> kimbap for less than 2,000 Won at the nearby convenience store. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hdl-XKtQK_M/UWkNZaZkVhI/AAAAAAAACmo/KN8crVz_eas/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hdl-XKtQK_M/UWkNZaZkVhI/AAAAAAAACmo/KN8crVz_eas/s320/DSC_0144.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Changwon Station, out from the train</i></td></tr>
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<b><i>Getting to Jinhae from Seoul/Daegu</i></b>: Just take a train (KTX or <i>Mugunghwa</i>, the slow train) to Changwon (창원) and transfer to Jinhae using the Mugunghwa. Going back is the same. However, if you prefer to visit <i>more</i> places, you can travel to Masan, 마산 (<i>most Koreans do it anyway</i> if they found out that train tickets were all sold out) from Jinhae and take an express bus or train back. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kG3U21GCEiU/UWkNWFkWbdI/AAAAAAAACmU/61RD0NQrsAc/s1600/DSC_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kG3U21GCEiU/UWkNWFkWbdI/AAAAAAAACmU/61RD0NQrsAc/s320/DSC_0138.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Going there: Dongdaegu - Changwon (KTX) - Jinhae (Mugunghwa)</i></td></tr>
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From Masan to Daegu/Seoul by bus, you need to walk to 마산시외버스터미널 or the Masan Inter City Bus Terminal (<i>around 1000 m from the station</i>). It costs less than 7,000 Won, from Masan to Daegu/Dongdaegu Station by either bus or train.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQiwvGMsd04/UWkNbzFVlZI/AAAAAAAACnA/2jDTaG62r8w/s1600/DSC_0334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQiwvGMsd04/UWkNbzFVlZI/AAAAAAAACnA/2jDTaG62r8w/s320/DSC_0334.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jinhae to Masan (you can get a ticket to Changwon too...)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya7inK4YAH8/UWkNf8HQ_gI/AAAAAAAACnY/XuMxTRA1KTw/s1600/DSC_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya7inK4YAH8/UWkNf8HQ_gI/AAAAAAAACnY/XuMxTRA1KTw/s320/DSC_0352.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Masan to Daegu (but we took off at Dongdaegu Station)</i></td></tr>
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The <i>key attraction spot</i> in Jinhae during spring is the <i>Yeojwa</i> Stream (여좌천). This is where most travel brochures and flyers prominently display this place as a "must-visit" place. Fear not the countless touts waiting for you outside the Jinhae station telling you they are willing to fetch you there, you can, in fact, walk there by yourself! </div>
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Outside the Jinhae station, walk a little further up until you reach the road and turn to your right. Keep walking until you can see an underpass on your right. <i>This is it</i>. You are already there.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jU7DYuOfjLE/UWkNc2ZFDJI/AAAAAAAACnI/29e0xIj1dP4/s1600/DSC_0335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jU7DYuOfjLE/UWkNc2ZFDJI/AAAAAAAACnI/29e0xIj1dP4/s320/DSC_0335.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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As we walked pass the stream, flower petals were showering down on us whenever the wind gusted. Instead of snow during winter, this was petal showers during spring. <i>Wouldn't it be nice if we can have two seasons in Malaysia, spring and autumn</i>? </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NB-IPhALTug/UWkNahOd44I/AAAAAAAACm4/JxvcCL_2WEA/s1600/DSC_0228+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NB-IPhALTug/UWkNahOd44I/AAAAAAAACm4/JxvcCL_2WEA/s320/DSC_0228+copy.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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My only complain was the <i>overpriced food </i>sold around the area. I really have serious issue with the food price here. There were a lot of kebab stalls (<i>each is 4,000 Won</i>) operated by Turkish and since I am bringing my Muslim friends, the vendors hesitated when I asked them whether they were <i>halal</i> or not. They simply said that the meat was halal, whether to believe or not, I don't know. <i>I chose not to believe..</i>. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRQuSs2WxWE/UWkNTPpCxcI/AAAAAAAACmA/4E19vtIzJLo/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRQuSs2WxWE/UWkNTPpCxcI/AAAAAAAACmA/4E19vtIzJLo/s320/3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Most snacks were <i>above</i> the 3,000 Won price range. You can get more delicious, cheaper and better alternatives in Seoul (especially in <i>Itaewon</i> for the Kebab), Daegu or anywhere else. If you come for food, I would not recommend it at all. This is also true for photography if you are there on weekends. I intentionally traveled to Jinhae on a weekday (Wednesday) just to <i>avoid the crowds</i>. And I don't have classes on Wed. <i>Even better</i>!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m8LmlMuRZFM/UWkNalIQQmI/AAAAAAAACm0/WuBzjK9B56k/s1600/DSC_0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m8LmlMuRZFM/UWkNalIQQmI/AAAAAAAACm0/WuBzjK9B56k/s320/DSC_0179.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Side Trip: Jinhae Tower</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EcoFExY7kJM/UWkNWYjJMEI/AAAAAAAACmY/X1YbQ54NMhI/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EcoFExY7kJM/UWkNWYjJMEI/AAAAAAAACmY/X1YbQ54NMhI/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lovely.</i></td></tr>
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As Jinhae is also the home of Korea's naval academy, they will be military parades during this festival (<i>exact time not sure</i>). According to a Korean I met over there, he said that the <i>Yeojwa</i> Stream looks better at night as the whole will be colorfully lit up.</div>
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**</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-F9hEAHw5Q/UWkNUwhxmXI/AAAAAAAACmI/80loicxLZMM/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-F9hEAHw5Q/UWkNUwhxmXI/AAAAAAAACmI/80loicxLZMM/s320/5.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Say "Gangnam"!</i></td></tr>
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With over a year left, I intend to travel to as many places (<i>yet to be visited by me</i>) as I can in Korea. It's quite amusing to see people studying over five years in Korea but have yet to visit <i>Busan or Gyeongju</i> (경주). My next trip would most probably be Busan, it is so near to Daegu. Happy weekend. </div>
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kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-19806043993437382102013-03-14T23:42:00.004+09:002013-03-14T23:58:25.229+09:00My Bucket List, 내 생각<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Sometimes</i>, I always wonder what were my goals in life. I am undecided due to the lack of opportunity to make mistakes because it was risky if I fail or maybe, I was <i>too</i> ignorant in what to do in the future.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnKN8S1tLcU/T4QeYBAP_mI/AAAAAAAACDY/uNE5SNzg6rw/s1600/DSC_0457+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnKN8S1tLcU/T4QeYBAP_mI/AAAAAAAACDY/uNE5SNzg6rw/s320/DSC_0457+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Spring 2012</i></td></tr>
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As one of the final year undergraduate students, I started to worry a lot about my future: the next phase of my life after graduation. Well, my life <i>until</i> now was already set up when I received this scholarship to continue my studies here. Every paths had already been decided: <i>graduate</i> with a degree and <i>leave</i> the university with good memories.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-998hvrXreqs/UUHW8XvtBpI/AAAAAAAACkc/jurzgUaw1aE/s1600/DSC_0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-998hvrXreqs/UUHW8XvtBpI/AAAAAAAACkc/jurzgUaw1aE/s320/DSC_0785.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My turn is coming soon</i></td></tr>
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<i>Is that all?</i></div>
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As imperfect as I always am, I always try to be the best. Ambitions, successes, wealth and positions used to be my main goals when I was young. Of course they still do now, but I do not crave for them anymore. Successes <i>always</i> equate happiness? <i>Aren't they</i>? </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgjWEwT4A74/UUHXawWf0OI/AAAAAAAACkw/SkEArFp1X-c/s1600/DSC_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgjWEwT4A74/UUHXawWf0OI/AAAAAAAACkw/SkEArFp1X-c/s320/DSC_0477.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As we were all taught from young that getting good grades, awards result in better future and these were reinforced by movies where the victors are often portrayed as the happiest persons on earth.</div>
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<i>So</i>,<i> I competed</i>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7lTvH2HbzyU/UUHXKlgNdzI/AAAAAAAACkk/0yw0NGB5Y_o/s1600/DSC_0883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7lTvH2HbzyU/UUHXKlgNdzI/AAAAAAAACkk/0yw0NGB5Y_o/s320/DSC_0883.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Puff your face and let's eat curry puff</i></td></tr>
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Now as a young adult, the <i>meaning</i> of successes started to be redefined. It is more to achieving your goals and be contented with what we have. <i>Living</i> within our means, be humble and grateful with what we have is not easy. However, easy or not, nothing is impossible. These days, I am trying to connect the dots, dots that have meanings to me. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kFQRIn47VkM/UUHXeZkojmI/AAAAAAAACk0/57C-j-N6l-8/s1600/DSC_0765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kFQRIn47VkM/UUHXeZkojmI/AAAAAAAACk0/57C-j-N6l-8/s320/DSC_0765.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dragonfly at Gyeongju</i></td></tr>
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I also learned that as <i>we grow older</i>, the friendship circles around us will <i>start to shrink</i>. Facebook is the opposite though. <i>On the flip side</i>, the friends we have when we grew older are the closest, the ones we can rely most. Anyway, I am always inspired when I watched some classic <i>ol' </i>movies. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXoqTnISeoQ/UUHYC3VPRJI/AAAAAAAACk8/-JLFzDjwQGI/s1600/Forrest_Gump_1080p_www_YIFY_TORRENTS_com_3_large.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXoqTnISeoQ/UUHYC3VPRJI/AAAAAAAACk8/-JLFzDjwQGI/s320/Forrest_Gump_1080p_www_YIFY_TORRENTS_com_3_large.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vanilla or vanilla?? Nom nom..</i></td></tr>
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<i>Forrest Gump </i>is my all time favorite. It tells the life of a young boy growing up with clutches who never fails to work hard and achieve his goals. Along his journey to adulthood, he began to walk unassisted, help his friends, serve his country and meet the love of his life. <i>lalalala</i> :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xtLlaRqpVPA/UUHYzqkzK2I/AAAAAAAAClY/Zhu8PPAUKoI/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xtLlaRqpVPA/UUHYzqkzK2I/AAAAAAAAClY/Zhu8PPAUKoI/s320/DSC_0117.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hi Kid, can you pleaseeeee stand still? -_-"</i></td></tr>
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Then comes the "<i>bucket list</i>". I wrote down a list of things I would love to see and make them happen before the time comes. Honestly, I have no idea how or when I would be able to accomplish them but I will try my best to cross the list out <i>one by one</i>. </div>
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<i>1.</i> Help the orphans (<i>or</i> anyone in need)</div>
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<i>2.</i> Be proficient in Korean (<i>Take and pass the Korean proficiency test</i>)</div>
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<i>3.</i> Get a job</div>
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<i>4.</i> Travel to Shanghai solo</div>
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<i>5.</i> Travel to Europe</div>
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<i>6. </i>Start my own business</div>
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<i>7.</i> Speaking to the public in an important event</div>
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<i>8.</i> Lean more about other religions</div>
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<i>9.</i> Contribute to an orphanage</div>
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<i>10.</i> Waking up with the feeling that I have accomplished my goals in life </div>
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<i>11.</i> Publish my own book</div>
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<i>12.</i> Try bungee jumping <i>or</i> sky diving</div>
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<i>13.</i> Play chess against a complete stranger in an unexpected place</div>
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<i>14.</i> Say "<i>hello</i>" to Taj Mahal</div>
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<i>15.</i> Nap under a tree peacefully with <u>no one</u> bothering me at my high school</div>
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<i>16.</i> Witness the most beautiful thing in the world</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-78iXGL_qBLE/UUHYwG9TEpI/AAAAAAAAClM/tUlBj_SyG4M/s1600/DSC_0166+copy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-78iXGL_qBLE/UUHYwG9TEpI/AAAAAAAAClM/tUlBj_SyG4M/s320/DSC_0166+copy1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A never ending journey with my Lala-land military ration (milk)</i></td></tr>
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I felt, it's better to live with <i>goals and dreams</i> than to live just for the sake of living.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qP557kkLhSE/UUHYwAlZ8dI/AAAAAAAAClQ/uD8wZbIqAg4/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qP557kkLhSE/UUHYwAlZ8dI/AAAAAAAAClQ/uD8wZbIqAg4/s320/DSC_0029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's a female cat without even looking at the "ahem ahem", wanna know why? Search for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calico_cat" target="_blank">Calico cat</a>! NEVER MESS WITH A SCIENCE STUDENT!!! RAWR!</i></td></tr>
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어제 신문 읽었다가 내가 앞으로 뭐 될지 갑자기 생각했어.. 사실 난 부자 아녀서 기회를 누구나 주시면 난 어쩔수없이 받아야해죠. 이땜에 원하는 길 미리 못찾고 그냥 일반사람들처럼 살기 위해서 내 운명 감수했어. 진심으로 난 좋은 인간처럼 살고 싶어.. 그런데 우리 인간의 마음을 아무거도 추측못하잖아. 오늘은 이렇게 되지만 내일 다른거 생겨도 됨. 인강 살기가 참 힘든데 우리 항상 무시했나봐~ 아무튼 난 꼭 열심히 살아~ 꼭 행복해~ </div>
kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-35916428786765781272013-03-09T17:58:00.002+09:002013-03-09T18:21:46.878+09:00Journey to the "East" (Penang) and Life...?<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a short trip back to my home state, Penang, for Chinese New Year- finally, my real holiday began for 2 weeks. It's easy to imagine the life of a foreign student in Korea, life practically revolves around academics, work, going home for holidays or outing with friends.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XPewvWz5tEk/T6e-a_cSbAI/AAAAAAAACKQ/Z9cazZdgmyM/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XPewvWz5tEk/T6e-a_cSbAI/AAAAAAAACKQ/Z9cazZdgmyM/s320/DSC_0075.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pic from the Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang</i></td></tr>
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Fast forward, my winter vacation is now over and life as a student officially <i>begins</i>...</div>
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Last December up to the last week year 2012, I was quite busy. 12/12/12 (<i>12th December 2012</i>) was a memorable one for me because I remembered not sleeping revising for my end term exam. While others were celebrating the once-in-a lifetime occasion, I was preparing for an exam. It was not because I hadn't done any revision beforehand. (Nevertheless, some of my Koreans friends I knew rarely sleep during the exam weeks.)</div>
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I dislike obtaining average results in the subjects I <i>love</i> very much. I remembered very well that day because I drank 4 mugs of tea and 2 cups of coffee that night for the first time, and I had a huge headache afterwards. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eF0SQte_l3s/UTrtuGiHkHI/AAAAAAAACkM/Fe-DmLx5o8s/s1600/buya-hamka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eF0SQte_l3s/UTrtuGiHkHI/AAAAAAAACkM/Fe-DmLx5o8s/s320/buya-hamka.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Translation: "<i>If living is just for the sake of living, the pigs in the forest are also living. If working for the sake of working, even the monkeys work</i>". A very inspiring quote by an Indonesian writer and let's all live a meaningful life.</td></tr>
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University life is about learning to set your goals (<i>achieve good results, etc</i>), time management, and most importantly, learn as many as you can. I set my short term goals to obtain good results in these papers.</div>
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In the end, I came out top of my class (I was quite surprised too!) for the subjects of immunology and molecular biology. <i>Hehe.</i> Ambition can make the impossible possible. In other words, my late-night "sacrifice" works.<br />
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My <i>third year</i> in university was more about choosing courses I like or something which I am able to learn. I also took golf lessons last semester and it was <i>really </i>fun. (In this final year, I will <i>most </i>likely be taking tests required for either graduate school admission or employment and travel.) </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ijxJfzDIbQ4/UTdlX_Gd02I/AAAAAAAACh8/AqExbXPhhL4/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ijxJfzDIbQ4/UTdlX_Gd02I/AAAAAAAACh8/AqExbXPhhL4/s320/DSC_0353.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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The following week, winter lectures began. I took 2 lectures (<i>the max </i>ㅠㅠ) from noon till evening everyday. Here, our university offered classes conducted by foreign professors and I took a lecture (<i>Organizational Behavior</i>) conducted by a professor from Luxembourg.<br />
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The other <i>was</i> chemistry. I always have problems in chemistry since coming to Korea... <i>Chemistry I, II, Biochemistry and Analytical Chemistry</i>. 화학이 있으면 내 세상에 참 어둡다... ㅋㅋ</div>
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Like <i>most first year</i> science lectures in Korea, the classes, exams, books and lecture materials were all in Korean. It was my battlefield again and I felt I have only myself to blame. </div>
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Winter classes were extremely exhausting, it <i>sucked</i> the life out of me. With little time I had after squeezing in assignments, home works, KNU Times, gym and other commitments, what's left was for sleeping.</div>
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Even though, I had struggled a lot, life as a student is very rewarding. As students, we <i>can afford</i> to make mistakes and failure is not something to be frowned upon. Failing when we start working seems to be another story. MORAL: ENJOY YOUR LIFE IN UNIVERSITY!!!</div>
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**</div>
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After my winter lectures and never ending KNU Times meetings (<i>my uni's English magazine and I work there</i>), it was my trip back home for Chinese New Year. For convenience sake, I chose MAS (<i>Malaysia Airlines System</i>) over the legendary Air Asia because it delivers my luggage <i>directly </i>to Penang without having to claim the luggage at KL.</div>
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<i>Suggestions on things to bring back:</i> Seaweeds, Korean rice wine (<i>more variety here</i>), ginseng (<i>only if you like it</i>), Korean cosmetics (<i>imported ones are EXPENSIVE!</i>), face masks (CHEAP!), and<i> all</i> the girly stuffs.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_-lig3_Bxc/UTdlSLUYfdI/AAAAAAAAChs/-rBXaozESK0/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_-lig3_Bxc/UTdlSLUYfdI/AAAAAAAAChs/-rBXaozESK0/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>WTH! How can my luggage be misplaced?</i> </td></tr>
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The trip <i>back home</i> was not without any drama. My luggage was misplaced on the flight back home. With nothing but only the clothing on my back, I had to shop around for some clothing. <i>Most </i>of my clothing in Penang were either given away or thrown. They were either too worn out or too big for me now. Cannot be naked <i>lah</i>... have pride... have pride... ㅋㅋㅋ</div>
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**</div>
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<i>I'm home. At last... I'm home...</i></div>
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Penang is one of the <i>most live-able cities</i> in Asia and coupled with its best food, friendly people and nice weather, this little state is one of the <i>best places</i> to live and work.<br />
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<i>Starved</i> from the delicious Malay <i>sambal</i> and Indian curry in Korea, without fail I would eat them almost everyday when I was back in Penang. Maybe, just maybe... I may have Indian or Malay blood. Malay and Indian food are really <i>sedapppp! </i>(delicious)...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nn37CA65ZRo/Tl400qm5UcI/AAAAAAAAB0s/oyv9Ssthbpo/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nn37CA65ZRo/Tl400qm5UcI/AAAAAAAAB0s/oyv9Ssthbpo/s320/DSC_0121.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Malaysia....</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QKfLgdwl-9w/UTdlnjxCBYI/AAAAAAAACiY/1Nz3OUCXuf8/s1600/DSC_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QKfLgdwl-9w/UTdlnjxCBYI/AAAAAAAACiY/1Nz3OUCXuf8/s320/DSC_0441.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>(Halfway eating the) Black Pepper Venison. Yummy!</i></td></tr>
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I can never not enjoy eating Malay or Indian food from morning till night. The smell of the <i>spices and curry powder</i>, in a cacophony of sound as customers shouted for their orders, such experience was indeed a memorable one. Penang food or Malaysian food generally, <i>is</i> world class, <i>far more</i> varied and <i>delicious</i> than Korea. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mi9us1uPdqo/UTdlh_jp88I/AAAAAAAACiQ/UF3ouw4Thz4/s1600/DSC_0411.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mi9us1uPdqo/UTdlh_jp88I/AAAAAAAACiQ/UF3ouw4Thz4/s320/DSC_0411.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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Nevertheless, <i>to be fair</i>, Malaysia is a multicultural society so comparing to an almost mono-ethnic Korea is like comparing apples and oranges. I like Korean food too :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-slaN1lrQV4M/UTdldus3jhI/AAAAAAAACiE/xjQef3atp4k/s1600/DSC_0382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-slaN1lrQV4M/UTdldus3jhI/AAAAAAAACiE/xjQef3atp4k/s320/DSC_0382.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Piping hot Indian Samosas...</i></td></tr>
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If you<i> happen</i> to visit Penang, one of the tastiest Indian Samosa can be found at a small stall located in Little India. Located on the block right opposite of the <i>Kuan Yin</i> (<i>Goddess of Mercy</i>) Temple along the <i>Masjid Kapitan Keling Road</i>. During my numerous visit there, the vendor was constantly frying pieces after pieces of samosas.</div>
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To my surprise, the piping hot samosas were almost never left to cool down. Customers were already lining up the moment the samosas touched the tray to purchase a bag of delicious Indian snack.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4pC0U6gFXrI/UTdltOE205I/AAAAAAAACio/gIsQzyk7N5k/s1600/DSC_0466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4pC0U6gFXrI/UTdltOE205I/AAAAAAAACio/gIsQzyk7N5k/s320/DSC_0466.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>RM 75 to spend, paltry sum but it's free! :)</i></td></tr>
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Another highlight of my winter vacation in my home was my first casino visit on a cruise ship! I was quite excited when I was given some free chips (<i>RM 75 for first time player to the casino</i>) to "gamble". Maybe I might even ended up with enough money for a brand new <i>Tissot </i>watch. :P</div>
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I had unrealistic goal but gambling at a casino changes your perception about money and the game of chance. Money does indeed doubled at the <i>baccarat</i> table but frankly, beginner's luck won't last long.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y84isT3qqOw/UTdlyoZTjII/AAAAAAAACiw/v-Ot23I3KMg/s1600/DSC_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y84isT3qqOw/UTdlyoZTjII/AAAAAAAACiw/v-Ot23I3KMg/s320/DSC_0490.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Breakfast on a ship.</i></td></tr>
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Even though, the money I bet was <i>not</i> my money, having grandmother at my side was equally annoying (and entertaining at some point). She will say... "<i>Come on, stop being a gambler like.... Let's go home... (Home to where? Am I have to jump over the ship and swim back? Ah...)</i>"... So I stopped. No more free tissot watch for me... <i>Huhuhu</i>...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptIpWtN72RY/UTdlomFtgHI/AAAAAAAACig/psYvLD5aQVs/s1600/DSC_0427+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptIpWtN72RY/UTdlomFtgHI/AAAAAAAACig/psYvLD5aQVs/s320/DSC_0427+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I will never be a gambler (touch wood). I don't believe in the game of luck like lottery but I believe there's no harm playing (with the free chips given) after paying <i>so much</i> money to be on the cruise ship. That's what most people on a cruise ship do anyway. Mathematically speaking, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc3i-VDUVQA" target="_blank">baccarat</a> is the only game where the player and banker have<i> equal</i> chance of winning.</div>
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The <i>probability of winning</i> at other tables in a casino is low because there are too many choices when placing a bet. In baccarat, you bet either for the banker or the player (betting for draw<i> is</i> another option though). If you place the winning bet, your bet will be doubled. Simple as that.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R5Ycgjn-J40/UTdl0r2jPwI/AAAAAAAACi4/0J1mYPY2u8k/s1600/DSC_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R5Ycgjn-J40/UTdl0r2jPwI/AAAAAAAACi4/0J1mYPY2u8k/s320/DSC_0476.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Un-break my heart...?</i></td></tr>
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My grandma likes song especially the <i>oldies</i>. Instead of playing at the casino, she would be strolling around the hall listening to musicians and bands playing their songs. I am not a fan of oldies so... casino seemed to be more fun. <i>Sigh...</i> This was how I spent my first night of CNY in the ship.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6a7TrCW3Pg/UTdl3hR8v-I/AAAAAAAACjA/FH6H4ZTvYi0/s1600/DSC_0502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6a7TrCW3Pg/UTdl3hR8v-I/AAAAAAAACjA/FH6H4ZTvYi0/s320/DSC_0502.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Liqueur chocolate - I prefer Anthon Berg's but couldn't find it at the airport.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, I was in Penang for only around two weeks. On the fifth day of CNY, I was already on the plane flying back to Korea. <i>On a side note</i>, I was so fortunate because MAS allows the passengers to carry additional 10 kilos of luggage starting from the day of my departure.<br />
<br />
Due to it, my luggage was filled to the brim weighing around 28.5 kilos. Most of it was filled with food. Typical Malaysian <i>mah</i>... :) </div>
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**<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nIcMzgAvTiM/UTdmta3NVdI/AAAAAAAACjY/GJzKNEC1t_c/s1600/Combined+process+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nIcMzgAvTiM/UTdmta3NVdI/AAAAAAAACjY/GJzKNEC1t_c/s320/Combined+process+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Before and after</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TfiFKqL92-o/UTdl_uRRBQI/AAAAAAAACjI/Uf_zF-OWGOY/s1600/pic+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TfiFKqL92-o/UTdl_uRRBQI/AAAAAAAACjI/Uf_zF-OWGOY/s320/pic+food.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Clockwise from top left: Tuna and eggs, Broccoli, Almond pudding with lychees, Curry chicken</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last week in Korea, I happened to be motivated to cook some dishes. For the <i>first time</i> in my adult life, I managed to churn up stir-fry broccoli with mock duck, tuna and eggs, curry chicken (<i>it was too complex so had to rely on curry in can</i> ^^) and almond pudding with lychees for desert. This was how I spent my free time during the vacation.</div>
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**<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hV7NPBIFdw8/UTdmFTNSRXI/AAAAAAAACjQ/LNhTgQU2gPg/s1600/DSC_0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hV7NPBIFdw8/UTdmFTNSRXI/AAAAAAAACjQ/LNhTgQU2gPg/s320/DSC_0530.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Polvoron!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My favorite snack from the Philippines- Goldilocks Polvoron. I received it from my Filipino friend every time he is back from his hometown. It is one of the best snack I've ever eaten from the Philippines. (If you happen to find it here in Korea, I would really appreciate if you can tell me where it is.) </div>
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**</div>
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An intrusion by more than two hundred of people on the East Coast of Sabah recently sparked a debate on whether the state Sabah belongs to the Sultanate of Sulu or the Federation of Malaysia. Resource-rich Sabah has for long been a land of envy among many Malaysians living in the peninsula. However, because it is located away from the capital, many West Malaysians tend not to care much about it.</div>
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Generally speaking, states in the Borneo island like Sabah and Serawak have one of the lowest population density in Malaysia. Due to the vastness of the land unlike in the peninsula, development cannot be spread out benefiting all people. Hence, discontentment can arise.</div>
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Before sounding like an arm-chair general or strategist, like most peace-loving Malaysians, the "invasion" by the so-called followers of the Sulu "Sultan" is unjustified. Any sane Malaysians will always agree if the use of arms against her citizens by any groups, it must be responded back severely. Even if the land is your property, how can you barge into someone's house with a gun and evicting/threatening them?</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x_JnFWDgyhw/UToKLVvee-I/AAAAAAAACjk/zac4KEndumc/s1600/manila+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x_JnFWDgyhw/UToKLVvee-I/AAAAAAAACjk/zac4KEndumc/s320/manila+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Interesting" comments in <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/04/world/asia/malaysia-philippines-standoff/index.html" target="_blank">CNN</a></i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42yTs3FPoVg/UToKL1cEB3I/AAAAAAAACjs/9YqwKbrhs18/s1600/manila.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42yTs3FPoVg/UToKL1cEB3I/AAAAAAAACjs/9YqwKbrhs18/s320/manila.JPG" width="307" /></a></div>
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Relying on history was not always the means of the creation of a country. The decision lies with the citizens living in the area, in this case, the Sabahans. In compliance with the principle of self determination, <i>Cobbold</i> Commission was created to hear the views of the people of Sabah and Serawak on whether they wish to join the Federation of Malaysia in 1963. An overwhelming majority wanted to be part of the federation.</div>
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Nevertheless, regardless whether there was a referendum or not (<i>like reported on most Philippines medias</i>), if a referendum was to be held now, I am pretty sure they would most likely be part of Malaysia than to be under the Sulu "Sultanate". A country is viable only if the citizens agree to be under your administration. By mere claims and sending of an armed group, it was an intrusion to the national sovereignty.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iTqTci9LLy8/UTroR9YqSZI/AAAAAAAACj8/jLcArHPO1ek/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iTqTci9LLy8/UTroR9YqSZI/AAAAAAAACj8/jLcArHPO1ek/s320/DSC_0035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Life of Pi</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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And what is the best way to deal if negotiation with the armed men to leave peacefully failed (<i>even after three weeks</i>)? You guess. 새학기 새시작~! Have a<i> great</i> weekend aight!</div>
</div>
kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-16949318818811590822013-01-06T12:27:00.003+09:002013-01-06T12:35:58.801+09:00Fantastique Les Miserables!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>A beautiful movie</i>. </div>
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It tells a story of a man (<i>Valjean</i>) who has repented his sins and trying to turn over a new leaf. He became very successful in his career but his past continues to haunt him. One day, after rescuing his dying worker (Fantine), he promised to do whatever necessary to help her daughter - <i>Cosette</i>. She dies beside him. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T-00thZyUV0/UOjsv4GdSsI/AAAAAAAACgo/GyJJNo8Yvn0/s1600/les_miserables_ver11_xlg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T-00thZyUV0/UOjsv4GdSsI/AAAAAAAACgo/GyJJNo8Yvn0/s320/les_miserables_ver11_xlg.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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Keeping to his <i>promise</i>, he raised Cosette well. From being a despised girl living in a place we wouldn't call home, with the love and tender care from Valjean, she grown up into a beautiful lady after several years. What bothers her daughter so much was that he still couldn't bear to tell her his past. </div>
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One day, lonely and still a single lady, she caught the eye of a gentleman, <i>Marius</i>. Both fell in love at the first sight. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RG9MabbKiJ4/UOjw_6M7M8I/AAAAAAAAChI/81viafxdmwQ/s1600/les-miserables-cosette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RG9MabbKiJ4/UOjw_6M7M8I/AAAAAAAAChI/81viafxdmwQ/s320/les-miserables-cosette.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cosette...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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Fast forward, revolution has now begun by the students at the inn. Javert (<i>the police inspector posing as a spy</i>) was caught but he was secretly freed by Valjean (<i>who was secretly with the revolutionaries</i>) because he believe in second chance and that people can change for a better. With odds stacked against the revolutionaries, the students fought to death with no one joining their cause but themselves.</div>
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Marius who was among the crowd- unconscious and injured, was rescued by Valjean because he (<i>Valjean</i>) knew his daughter loves him and he couldn't bear with any more loss of life. He dragged Marius into the sewers but was confronted by Javert at the end. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4wJ-yzL6MFs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
"I dreamed a dream"<br />
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Javert unconsciously allowed him- Valjean, the <i>parole breaker</i>, <i>thief</i>, <i>prisoner no. 24601</i>, to pass and escape. Inside him, he became confused, to allow him to run away was akin to allowing a criminal to escape and breaking his vow of duty. However, if he arrested or shot him, he would have make no good to his savior and conflicted his moral values.</div>
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Unable to decide what is right or wrong, he <i>ended his life </i>by jumping over a bridge.</div>
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Marius and Cosette finally marries. (<i>Fast forward again</i>) When the greedy Thenardiers tried to blackmail Marius, he finally realized Valjean was the person who saved him at the barricade when he saw the ring stolen from him but worn by the blackmailer. </div>
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He together with Cosette, rushes to find Valjean sitting at a convent and awaiting death. Valjean dies peacefully with both Marius and Cosette <i>by his side</i>. </div>
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(and I watched this musical a day <i>before</i> my mid-term exam)<br />
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오늘 꼭 밤새 공부해야하겠네 ㅠㅠ 어제 정말 재미있었는데 더 중요하는 것 걍 무시했어.. 참~ 이런 성격 계속하면.. 공부할거도 많아질수도록.. 혹시 공부 다 할수있니? 나.. 힘내라! kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-40970799277590073412013-01-01T02:18:00.002+09:002013-01-01T02:23:56.299+09:00Ushering 2013: A New Year Letter<div>
<i>Dear ...,</i></div>
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Happy New Year! Have you made your New Year resolutions? How are things going on? There are just so many things I want to know from you!</div>
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This year, I think I rather not be overly ambitious making unrealistic goals. Have you ever heard of the story of the<i> hare and tortoise</i>? Of course you might have heard of the ending- the hare loses the race.</div>
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Nevertheless, I think it would be quite impossible if both were to really compete face to face in <i>real life</i>. It is just that fairy tales may seem believable for kids but at my age, there's no such thing as that. I cannot comprehend why would the tortoise dare to challenge the hare in the first place. I admire his guts though. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Iol3RqGbnM/UOG3vtCpCVI/AAAAAAAACfY/-13Zsbydhtk/s1600/Kyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Iol3RqGbnM/UOG3vtCpCVI/AAAAAAAACfY/-13Zsbydhtk/s320/Kyle.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My birthday last year, it was really unexpected...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My New Year resolutions this year is quite simple. <i>Simple as it may seems</i>, I am still a little doubtful on whether I can achieve all of it this year or not. I have only a very few things I would like to achieve this year, after countless of unaccomplished goals set at the beginning of every year.</div>
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I would love to sleep early, I slept very late almost everyday last year. I know it is unhealthy but I don't really have any choice. Hopefully, this year, I <i>can</i> achieve this goal. My guitar is lying at the corner of my room, it seems to have a better year many many years ago than now. I will start playing it. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UvYJpEUwgKo/UOHFPbtwA0I/AAAAAAAACf4/kpZXLkU_Stw/s1600/DSC_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UvYJpEUwgKo/UOHFPbtwA0I/AAAAAAAACf4/kpZXLkU_Stw/s320/DSC_0064.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I wish I can see ducks everyday, swimming around so freely. If I get bored, I can always have roast duck for dinner.</i></td></tr>
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New year is <i>not</i> about self accomplishments too, I would like to make someone happy. Academic achievements was my focus last year and<i> I did very well</i>. However, academic achievements are <i>not</i> a measure of one successes. They are just to prove that we have mastered the theories and foundation of our field. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mm3rltyF9Jw/UOHFYHLfyMI/AAAAAAAACgI/jevuyIZ9s2A/s1600/DSC_0491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mm3rltyF9Jw/UOHFYHLfyMI/AAAAAAAACgI/jevuyIZ9s2A/s320/DSC_0491.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vision Korea 2012. It was tough making presentations in Korean but we succeeded.</i> </td></tr>
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Frankly, at this point of my life, I <i>am</i> getting sick of studying. <i>Sigh</i>.</div>
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Do you love <i>traveling</i> to foreign countries <i>such as</i> visiting France and seeing the beauty of <i>Eiffel</i> Tower? Tasting the delicious dumplings in China? I really love to travel and experience many things. Don't you agree with me that travelling abroad is the <i>best lesson</i> we can ever receive?</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R8ANX4hhEfc/UOHFUPcUKcI/AAAAAAAACgA/FgTCCyaKEtc/s1600/DSC_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R8ANX4hhEfc/UOHFUPcUKcI/AAAAAAAACgA/FgTCCyaKEtc/s320/DSC_0222.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I didn't find posing in the toilet like most girls do sounds cool... but I can also do it! Woohoo -_-"</i></td></tr>
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If you are with me, lets do bungee jump too. It is not really expensive to try one here in Korea. Looking forward to hearing from you. </div>
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Warm Regards,</div>
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<div>
<i>Kyle</i><br />
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kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-74713101153586878232012-12-30T12:02:00.000+09:002012-12-30T12:51:54.127+09:00A Guide to Studying in Korea II<div style="text-align: justify;">
Somehow, I believe there are still many new things to see and experience even if we have stayed in a country for quite some time. This is now my <i>fourth year</i> in Korea and I have yet to visit the little Korean island called <i>Jeju (</i>제주도), a little less than an hour ride by plane from<em> Daegu</em>. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjEMKG7A4cg/UN-M9yL4kHI/AAAAAAAACcQ/c45AUMN72LQ/s1600/DSC_0503+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjEMKG7A4cg/UN-M9yL4kHI/AAAAAAAACcQ/c45AUMN72LQ/s320/DSC_0503+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Hangang River Cruise in Seoul</em></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VAm8fyG6PyE/UN-NMwkAV8I/AAAAAAAACcg/GVe8Ql4yu5o/s1600/DSC_0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VAm8fyG6PyE/UN-NMwkAV8I/AAAAAAAACcg/GVe8Ql4yu5o/s320/DSC_0613.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have seen many friends graduating one after another and it is always a bitter sweet moment. I am happy to see them graduating but I do not know what is next for me after my graduation.<br />
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There is <em>so many possibilitie</em>s and frankly, I am quite reluctant to make a firm decision on what's next after the hard mortar board placed over my head. One more year and I'm taking it one step at a time.</div>
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**</div>
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These days, Korea attracts a lot of students around the world for its decent and affordable education. A small minority of them are sponsored by the Korean government, and the rest are self paying students (<i>mostly from the mainland China</i>). Malaysia, as far as I know, is the only country sending students to Korea under the <i>Public Service Department</i> (JPA) or the<em> MARA</em> scholarships.</div>
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In my case, I am the Korean government scholar and when I first arrived to Korea, I was pretty clueless because I was never a fan of Korean dramas or songs. I was <i>literally</i> "lost" in Korea for a couple of weeks because I can't speak Korean, no buddy, couldn't use my laptop and I did not meet any foreigners (I was wrong though, after a few weeks, I met <i>four</i> helpful Malaysians) living in my university. </div>
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<i>The moral of the story</i>- Some basic Korean language proficiency does helps but what's more important is your sense of adventure, never be afraid to try new things.</div>
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<b>Living Cost</b></div>
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This is very subjective and it varies from city to city. In Seoul, a normal meal at the university cafeteria will be around 4000 Won (1200 Won for a roll of Kimbap but <i>eating Kimbap </i>everyday is just too much). In Daegu, it ranges from 2500 Won (<i>A rarity these days unless at the cafeteria</i>) to 4000 Won.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJv4X6ZApwM/T50boxBj1XI/AAAAAAAACGA/dnKjujWoI6w/s1600/Combined+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJv4X6ZApwM/T50boxBj1XI/AAAAAAAACGA/dnKjujWoI6w/s320/Combined+food.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Nevertheless, living in the dormitory is much better because some dormitories (<i>like mine</i>) provide 3 complete meals a day at a lower cost (You have to pay for it in advance and the fee will be already included in the dormitory housing fee).</div>
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The Fee for the dormitory (<i>at Kyungpook National University</i>) is around 1,100,000 Won (or approximately 1,000 USD) per semester and this includes the food. Staying outside will cost you around 250,000 Won per month (<i>excluding food</i>) in Daegu but it can be more costly in Seoul. </div>
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Most of the time, the 집주인 (landlord) will ask for a deposit (at least 1,000,000 Won but it is refundable at the end of the contract) as a guarantee.</div>
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For <i>Malaysians</i>, treat 1,000 Won as RM 1. This makes life easier if we do not convert the currency. OMG! One watermelon for 60 Ringgit (20,000 Won)? <i>This is crazy</i>! Well, some fruits in Korea can be very expensive.<br />
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The strawberries (spring), the persimmons (fall) and the sweet yellowish honeydew (summer) are <i>very</i> cheap depending on the seasons.</div>
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<i>Housing: 150,000 Won to 300,000 Won per month</i></div>
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<i>Food: +-200,000 Won </i></div>
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<i>Telephone bill: 15,000 Won (a normal phone) to 80,000 Won+ (smartphone)</i></div>
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<b>Lifestyle/Fashion</b></div>
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Koreans generally <i>love coffees</i>. Hence, coffee shops are found all over the places. A minute walk from my dormitory, I can find at least 6 cafes. Although, I am not very fond of coffees, I wouldn't mind if people were to treat me with Starbucks coffee- I love it. <br />
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However, I would always order Hot Chocolate or Blueberry smoothie if I am with my friends. In a normal cafe, it will be around 3000 to 4000 Won. <i>Yummy</i>.</div>
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During exam weeks, it is also not uncommon to see students staying the whole day in the cafe revising. I find most Koreans especially those living in Seoul are very fashionable. Somehow most Asian clothing fit them perfectly. <br />
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Nevertheless, most overseas brands are <i>very expensive</i> because it is usually only one distributor monopolizing the business. ZARA, Guess and GAP are <i>mark-up</i> around 20-30% more than the usual price.</div>
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Sometimes, I have to wait for sales to afford one. </div>
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However, you can get cheaper ones if you are to shop at hypermarkets (<i>like E-Mart, Homeplus</i>). Jeans is around 20 USD+ and shirts are affordable (<i>maybe around 15 USD each?</i>). You wouldn't be able find such price if you are to shop at Uniqlo (A pair of jeans is around 50 dollars+). <br />
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If you can, do not buy any winter clothing from Malaysia (unless if you are coming during winter) because you can get one in Korea <i>similar</i> in price, <i>more</i> variety and of course, <i>better</i> looking. :)</div>
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If can, buy the "<i>Heattech</i>" clothing by <i>Uniqlo</i> or equivalent (I am using one from <i>Giordano</i>). It does keep you a little warm as long as it is snugged tightly (fit) around your body. On the other hand, a jacket will be fine during spring and autumn. For first timer to a four season country, adjusting to the temperature can be a bit problematic so bring a thick jacket or sweater if you couldn't bear with the cold.</div>
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My city, Daegu, is the <i>third largest city</i> in Korea. There are many places to enjoy and experience the culture, but being a student, like everyone, I have to watch over my spending. Korea has many cheap places to play sports (ex baseball), snooker, karaoke (노래방), and drinking.</div>
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Karaoke or Norabang is only around 20,000 Won for 2 hours (<i>depending on the hours</i>) but you can get a smaller room for 1,000 Won per 4 songs. Cheap huh? Besides Korean and English songs, there are plenty of Filipino (very <i>old songs</i> according to my Filipino friend), Vietnamese, Chinese and Indonesian (old songs too) songs available too.</div>
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Cinemas are everywhere. A ticket here is around 7 dollars which is almost double than to Malaysia. (TIPS: If you purchase a ticket for the first screening of the day, there is a discount, a ticket costs only 5,000 Won/less than 5 dollars, but you have to wake up early to watch the maybe 9 am movie!). I did that only once though (because of <i>Milla Jovovich</i>- the <i>sexay</i> Resident Evil zombie slayer. hehe).</div>
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<b>Transportation</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uVD2fUEFSJQ/UN-Szle1O2I/AAAAAAAACdw/1SXBWWW6ZUU/s1600/DSC_0562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uVD2fUEFSJQ/UN-Szle1O2I/AAAAAAAACdw/1SXBWWW6ZUU/s320/DSC_0562.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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One word - <u>Awesome</u>! In cities like Seoul, Daegu and Busan, public transportation there are very efficient, convenient and fast. Understandably, public transportation to places located at the outskirts are hard to find but overall, good. If you are staying in Korea (<i>eg Seoul</i>) for a week plus, it's better to use the transportation card (Seoul T-Money: 3,000 Won). </div>
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<b>Studies</b></div>
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Korean language is (depending on people, some find learning Korean easy in the beginning but in my case) difficult when you start but once you have mastered level 2, learning level 3 is surprisingly easier. I went out with many friends even though we can converse in only level 2 Korean.<br />
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In Seoul, it is more common to find more Japanese students at the language institutes than other nationalities but in Daegu, the majority of the students are from China.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Agiy2_1c8A/UN-LdtI14jI/AAAAAAAACbY/vcJKYIqofyo/s1600/DSC_0139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Agiy2_1c8A/UN-LdtI14jI/AAAAAAAACbY/vcJKYIqofyo/s320/DSC_0139.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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Level 1 is about the Korean characters and <i>very basic</i> conversations. Level 2, 3 and 4 are all about commonly used grammar and vocabulary. Level 5 and 6 delve into more serious topics like opinions on politics, etc hence, expanding your vocabulary.</div>
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Frankly speaking, science subjects during the first year will be very difficult no matter which level you are in. My first year was tough because all scientific terms, books, lectures are all in Korean. And I did not learn any scientific terms (<i>not even one</i>) in Korean during my time at the language institute. I was starting all over again from scratch.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0BIsz98XWk8/UN-L0_dsIFI/AAAAAAAACbo/NQoJePo-Jnw/s1600/DSC_0160+copy1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0BIsz98XWk8/UN-L0_dsIFI/AAAAAAAACbo/NQoJePo-Jnw/s320/DSC_0160+copy1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Time passes, and from second year onwards, English books are widely used. Koreans still use translated books (depending on the professor's permission) but most exams are in English. <i>Alright... I chose classes that give English exams paper!</i> Life was easier from then on... 3.77... then to almost 4... You just need to work a little harder and smarter than the Koreans. Nothing is that simple <i>lah</i>.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3k9PZiu8ofI/UN-fPD8uBZI/AAAAAAAACe4/3lSxi9JdCwY/s1600/Korean+Comic+Strip.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3k9PZiu8ofI/UN-fPD8uBZI/AAAAAAAACe4/3lSxi9JdCwY/s320/Korean+Comic+Strip.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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Depending on the professors, you are allowed to use electronic dictionary to translate the Korean terms during the classes or examinations. Some scientific terms cannot be translated by the dictionary. :( My phone's dictionary perform the <i>same task</i> in translating but the only difference is that you are not allowed to bring your phone into the exam hall. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zr52PF0T3bE/UN-NX3dZQMI/AAAAAAAACco/JTEyMB_puLY/s1600/DSC_0621+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zr52PF0T3bE/UN-NX3dZQMI/AAAAAAAACco/JTEyMB_puLY/s320/DSC_0621+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vision Korea 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgyUa12-ZMo/UN-NjnlUweI/AAAAAAAACcw/DeIKUtHRyqs/s1600/DSC_0647+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgyUa12-ZMo/UN-NjnlUweI/AAAAAAAACcw/DeIKUtHRyqs/s320/DSC_0647+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teammates</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I have almost fulfilled the prerequisites to graduate from my major. Hence, I am now trying to minor in Business Admin. To minor in a particular field of study at my university, you need to complete more than 22 credit hours. I am not sure whether the same applies to other universities in Korea.</div>
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Internet is super fast in Korea. Streaming movies, downloading, etc are a breeze but there are many sites that are <i>censored</i> by the Korean Government. Anything to do with pro North Korea is censored. Try searching for "<i>North Korea official website</i>" if you are in Korea and you will know why when you click on that North Korean homepage.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aRup7wgUO9g/UN-OaHjAgQI/AAAAAAAACdQ/F1f8UeIuPmY/s1600/IMG_4030+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aRup7wgUO9g/UN-OaHjAgQI/AAAAAAAACdQ/F1f8UeIuPmY/s320/IMG_4030+copy.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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The best part of your life <i>begins</i> during language institute (lots of field trips, free time), drops drastically during your first year, and improve as time passes. I believe as long as you have the perseverance, never give up easily and be optimistic in life, everything <i>will </i>be fine.</div>
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<b>Scholarship</b></div>
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Scholarships are not easy to get in Korea. It is like a hit or miss, either you get it or not. A few Koreans I know work as tutors, waitress and even as convenient store employee. Some Koreans too work as staffs in their university department offices to pay for their education.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLdQ4h-ckbE/UN-LSC4onOI/AAAAAAAACbQ/QaamWyrV7e8/s1600/DSC_0113+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLdQ4h-ckbE/UN-LSC4onOI/AAAAAAAACbQ/QaamWyrV7e8/s320/DSC_0113+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To obtain a scholarship from any university, you need to have good results. According to my university's scholarship guide, you need to be the top 7% of all international students to receive an 80% (<i>80 percent deduction from your tuition fees</i>) scholarship for the following semester (Top 30% only entitled a 20% scholarship).</div>
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My university's link (<i>scholarship, admission info, application, etc</i>): Click <a href="http://en.knu.ac.kr/" target="_blank"><i>here</i></a></div>
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Study in Korea (<i>Korean Government Scholarship, etc</i>): Click <a href="http://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/en/main.do" target="_blank"><i>here</i></a></div>
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<em>Tip</em>: If you love writing, try to apply to be a reporter at your university's English magazine. You might receive an additional 75% scholarship. If your academic results <i>are good</i> too, you need not pay any tuition fees.<br />
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My studies are already sponsored by the government so I am not entitled for the 75% scholarship but this is a good way to get free education in Korea for students without any scholarship. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6p6wOAUrkPY/T8MuJGR8VpI/AAAAAAAACNg/VKw1V1E9PKo/s1600/KNU+Times.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6p6wOAUrkPY/T8MuJGR8VpI/AAAAAAAACNg/VKw1V1E9PKo/s320/KNU+Times.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Korean government has <i>strict regulations</i> on working part-time for the foreign students and since I haven't work part time before, I cannot comment on this. For some Malaysian students sponsored by the Malaysian government, a handful of them are doing the "Halal" Tour (<i>a tour catering for Malaysian Muslims to Korea, a niche market</i>). All I can say is that they are earning huge sum of money from it.</div>
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It is very easy to succumb to the temptation of getting easy money, but as a student, I believe that if you can juggle between both work and your academic obligations, then, go for it, as long as it is legal and within the boundaries of law.<br />
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If you want to work but is not so fortunate to get a job, try to apply for part time job at your university's lab, department, etc. The minimum hourly wage is <a href="http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2012/08/182_116393.html" target="_blank">4,860 Won</a> per hour. (However, if you are working at some restaurants, you might be paid less. Sadly, some employers <i>do not follow</i> the government's directive.)</div>
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<b>Weather</b></div>
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Spring is cool and refreshing and if you are allergic to pollen, it can be a big inconvenience. Summer is hot and humid (very similar to Malaysia but Daegu is <i>hotter</i> than Malaysia during summer) and yes, we have typhoon in Korea (occurring almost every summer). Autumn is similar to spring. In between seasons, it will rain <i>quite frequently</i>, so be prepared with an umbrella. </div>
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Winter is dry and freezing. What makes winter unbearable is the wind factor. The chilly wind does make your ears "numb" so it's good to have <i>ear muffs</i> and <i>muffler</i> to cover your neck but I felt beanie is optional. </div>
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<b>Getting a Job/Graduate Studies</b></div>
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To get a job in Korea, it is <i>advisable</i> to graduate from a Korean university. Many companies in Korea require their foreign employees to be <i>at least proficient</i> with conversational Korean. From my conversation with my friends working in Korea, landing a job here without any Korean proficiency is quite difficult. Unless you plan to work as an English teacher, the probability to get a job here is low.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5G_UPciqqZc/UN-NC06TZbI/AAAAAAAACcY/WTQGI6NNyxM/s1600/DSC_0591+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5G_UPciqqZc/UN-NC06TZbI/AAAAAAAACcY/WTQGI6NNyxM/s320/DSC_0591+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you are graduating from Korean university, every year (around early October) in Seoul, they will be a career fair for foreign students in Korea. Students can also try applying for internships (and this may lead to full employment after graduation) at every semester.</div>
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Link for the 2012 International Student Career fair <a href="http://jobfair.contactkorea.go.kr/jobfair/main.do?paramVo.boardType=14&paramVo.language=1" target="_blank">here</a> (<i>Note: many companies' job offers have already been removed from this homepage</i>). If you plan to further your graduate studies here, you can refer to any Korean university's homepage and find their graduate admission procedures. Scholarships are available but the most rewarding scholarship is from the Korean government.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OLC0nmgC3-8/Tz_NX1qu4vI/AAAAAAAAB90/6Ohwc6Ybwb8/s1600/DSC_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OLC0nmgC3-8/Tz_NX1qu4vI/AAAAAAAAB90/6Ohwc6Ybwb8/s320/DSC_0476.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The <i>merits</i> of graduating in Korea lie not in the strength in their education (not perfect in my opinion), but in the chances of working for a numbers of well known companies headquartered here, learning to adapt in a homogeneous, hierarchical society and experience living in one of the <i>most successful</i> Asian Tiger economies.</div>
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<b>Conclusion</b></div>
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In between my free time, I contribute articles for the Korean food (Check them out at the <em>koreataste.org</em> link <a href="http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/category/en/blogging-en/?blogging_editor=2679" target="_blank">here</a>) blog. For half-a-year too, I worked as the ASEAN-Korea weblog correspondent, writing articles about my country. I have to admit due to deadline constraint and my other commitments, they were not as perfect as I wanted them to be.</div>
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The poem "<i>If</i>" by Robert Frost still holds true to this day and it is one of my favorite poems till this day. I am neither the first to step foot on this Land of Morning Calm nor I am regretting my decision to study in Korea.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wVK1M1qMwi0/UN-MUr3DA0I/AAAAAAAACb4/Nque9OTo6Lo/s1600/DSC_0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wVK1M1qMwi0/UN-MUr3DA0I/AAAAAAAACb4/Nque9OTo6Lo/s320/DSC_0239.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Honestly, Korea is still not a preferred destination for education to most people, and I can understand the many reasons behind it. In my case, I love to walk on any untrodden path (the path people rarely take) and enjoy the nice scenery along the way.</div>
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<i>"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,</i></div>
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<i>And sorry I could not travel both</i></div>
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<i>And be one traveler, long I stood</i></div>
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<i>And looked down one as far as I could</i></div>
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<i>To where it bent in the undergrowth</i></div>
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<i>Then took the other, as just as fair,</i></div>
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<i>And having perhaps the better claim,</i></div>
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<i>Because it was grassy and wanted wear;</i></div>
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<i>Though as for that the passing there</i></div>
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<i>Had worn them really about the same</i></div>
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<i>And both that morning equally lay</i></div>
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<i>In leaves no step had trodden black.</i></div>
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<i>Oh, I kept the first for another day!</i></div>
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<i>Yet knowing how way leads on to way,</i></div>
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<i>I doubted if I should ever come back</i></div>
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<i>I shall be telling this with a sigh</i></div>
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<i>Somewhere ages and ages hence:</i></div>
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<i>Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--</i></div>
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<i>I took the one less traveled by,</i></div>
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<i>And that has made all the difference."</i></div>
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<i>"If" by Robert Frost</i></div>
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May you have a <em>fantastic</em> 2013 and best of luck!</div>
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kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-78595755947883066652012-12-07T18:23:00.002+09:002012-12-07T18:26:57.086+09:00Of Snow and My Thoughts<div style="text-align: justify;">
During my<i> first year</i> in Korea, every time it snows, I would stop all my work and look outside for a while. The following year, snowing became so common, I ignored it and continue on with my life. The last time it snowed was during the new year's day this year, and the timing was really memorable. <i>New year</i> = <i>First snow</i> of the winter season.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At first it snows like this...</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>After some time...</i></td></tr>
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This year was a bit different. It snowed <i>just now</i>, during my exam week (less than 3 more days before the D-Day). Snows reminds me of many things- that some things just don't last long, just like snows, they melt as soon as the weather turns a little warmer. So I am never easily be disappointed with many failures.<i> I take life easily (and positively)</i>. :) </div>
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This may be the second last winter of me living in Korea. My clock now<i> resets</i> whereby I have <i>another year</i> to go before seeing my last snow here. This means time is running up! :( It was an irony because when I <i>first</i> came to Korea, I never even thought of staying in Korea this long even though I was awarded the government scholarship. </div>
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Reason is that I was still awaiting the result for the admission to local university. I applied for medicine. Of course my result was not an "excellent" one but well, who cares? <i>Hehe... </i>After almost 4 years in Korea, when I think of my final year, next year, I feel a little sentimental to be leaving the place I have known for so long, friends I have met and the<i> memories</i> this soon. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My KNU Times juniors</i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYPMVEt_BSQ/UMGuNeYPzsI/AAAAAAAACaA/ivEz-Dc8-uM/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYPMVEt_BSQ/UMGuNeYPzsI/AAAAAAAACaA/ivEz-Dc8-uM/s320/DSC_0041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Like you and me, we <i>may have many</i> dreams. Dreams of what <i>we want</i> to see or <i>become</i> in the future. Some hope to become wealthy, others may want to get a job in well-known companies. <i>Who doesn't?</i> What I am worrying is whether I will love or enjoy what I am doing in the future. I am afraid of putting the importance of money before my interest. </div>
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Not to offend anyone, but after living in Korea and mingling with the foreigners. I found that <i>most </i>Filipinos communities in Korea (of all the other foreigners) prefer living permanently in Korea. Many if not all Filipinos I met hope to settle down in Korea after they graduate, etc. <i>In my humble opinion</i>, this is <i>not</i> wrong but it will exacerbate further brain drain in Philippines. </div>
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**</div>
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Malaysia is facing a big problem too. Everyday is about politics and every news here revolve around politics. What saddens me most is that "<i>ethnic race</i>" is always part of the main discussion. I know it is tough to govern a multicultural country but isn't ethic minorities or majority are citizens too? </div>
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Such negative impressions of the "injustice" from the ethnic minorities, as well as the dissatisfaction of the country's unequal wealth pie felt by the ethnic-majority are detrimental to the nation growth. Then what is the solutions? Malaysia <i>needs to</i> tackle the root cause of it- too much racial elements that were allowed to permeate here and there.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FTSaxZXnC7Q/UMGvKIljF7I/AAAAAAAACag/fiFsBVmIFlg/s1600/DSC_0969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FTSaxZXnC7Q/UMGvKIljF7I/AAAAAAAACag/fiFsBVmIFlg/s320/DSC_0969.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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We have a race (<i>and politically</i>) based newspapers, multiple education systems (<i>National, Chinese, Indian, etc</i>), race-based political parties, a race-based armed regiment (<i>e.g. Royal Malay Regiment</i>), different admission processes for certain races, <i>ethnic based</i> quotas, and so forth. Wouldn't it be great if we are matured enough to see the benefits of uniting all Malaysians regardless of ethnicity? Let's start with the overhauling our education system first.</div>
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It would be nice to see a <i>single</i> unifying schooling system that all races can be uniquely interested in- classes that are taught fairly and admission to the universities are based <i>on one's own merits</i>. As expected, weak/poor students ought to be given better opportunity to attend additional classes and if needed, other supporting measures in the form of small allowances were given to ensure that they are able to buy books, uniforms, decent meals and attend classes. </div>
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Teachers <i>need</i> to be trained as professionally as possible. Instead of allowing good but retiring teachers to retire, the government can recruit them to train the new teachers. Since the public perception of teaching is not <i>glamorous</i>, attracting bright students to become teachers is difficult. Government can give more overseas scholarships to bright students (<i>interested to become a teacher</i>) on the condition that they will come back and teach the students.</div>
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Once in a while, government scholars like from the JPA (<i>Public Service Department</i>) should be given the chance to teach temporarily so as to inspire the younger generations to <i>dream big</i>. Public universities and government's pre-universities that have admission based on ethnic backgrounds needs to be abolished or lowered (albeit temporarily) to ensure students are able to compete academically with each other. <i>Admittedly</i>, weak students need to be given <i>additional</i> support to improve themselves and they should not be penalized if they failed to meet the expectation for the first time. </div>
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When fairness prevails, more Malaysians regardless of ethnicity will consider this country as <i>an </i>ideal place to settle down. This means no more infighting, more local investments, better opportunity for self improvement and the country prospers.</div>
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Nevertheless, I also knew such things are difficult to achieve. When the time comes, not necessarily with better education, but with<i> more maturity and experience</i>, Malaysians can live in a better place than before. I know we are not living in an idealistic world but I always hope for the best.</div>
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** </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some of the "supplies" from home</i></td></tr>
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Snowing makes me miss home but I know I have unfinished tasks to achieve. What I need now are self motivation, strong determination and a <i>good cup of hot</i> chocolate. I usually prepared months before the exams when I was in high school, weeks before I took the pre-university examination but last minute during my university life. <i>Sometimes when I think of it, life in university can be so fun</i> :) </div>
kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-21108923696493048692012-12-01T11:48:00.004+09:002012-12-01T11:48:51.777+09:00Getting ready for exams...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
My exam is just around the corner. I have lots more to cover but hopefully, I would be able to complete all my revisions before end of next week :) <i>Procrastination</i> is my biggest enemy. Distraction is second. </div>
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Favorite soundtracks during exam week.<br />
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<i>Chevaliers de Sangreal</i> from the Da Vinci Code<br />
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<i>Keep Holding On</i> by Avril Lavigne<br />
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<i>Time</i> (from the movie Inception) by Hans Zimmer<br />
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<i>Brothers</i> (from the movie Pearl Harbor) by Hans Zimmer<br />
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<i>Tennessee </i>(from the movie Pearl Harbor) by Hans Zimmer<br />
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Autumn is now over and in less than 3 weeks, my forth year in Korea will be almost over. When I looked back at all the resolutions I made last year, I didn't achieve them all- I <i>sleep late</i> everyday. I am grateful I am able to sleep at 2 something am and wake up at 8 am everyday without fail. Hope to change this after exam. One more year to go here in Korea and after this, what's next for me? </div>
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kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-21233889503197882822012-11-19T13:27:00.003+09:002012-11-19T13:27:47.461+09:00DMZ - Past Connecting Present<br />
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<i><span style="color: red;">“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” (George Santayana, a poet, philosopher and cultural critic) </span></i><span style="color: red;">The DMZ or the Demilitarized Zone is </span><i style="color: red;">one of the few places </i><span style="color: red;">where people are unable to go, so the natural flora and fauna is able to flourish. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">This place remains untouched and unharmed despite the fact that it is the most heavily guarded and militarized places in the world. </span><span style="color: red;">The DMZ is also the site where Korean Peninsula is divided into two. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peaceful...</td></tr>
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During the Korean War, <i>a stalemate occurred</i> and a demarcation line was drawn along the 38th parallel north as part of the Armistice Agreement of July 27, 1953. Owing to the fact that a Peace Treaty has yet to be signed, South Korea and North Korea are technically <i>still at war</i>. </div>
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Landmines and many unexploded ordnances are scattered at the DMZ, making it uninhabitable. It is pitifully sad that after so many years, both nations, though similar in language and race, are nevertheless still tragically separated due only to differences in ideology. </div>
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<b>Inje (인제군)</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QBXJtLR3ZMU/UKms3EjVukI/AAAAAAAACU8/SOgqnubNFAc/s1600/DSC_0813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QBXJtLR3ZMU/UKms3EjVukI/AAAAAAAACU8/SOgqnubNFAc/s320/DSC_0813.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This place is located in Gangwon Province. Due to its proximity to North Korea, Inje has the lowest population density in South Korea. Hence, unpolluted air combined with fresh clear water can be found in this underdeveloped area. </div>
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This region provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. For drinkers, this is also the best place to enjoy the delicious traditional <i>Makgeolli</i> made from the freshest ingredients (<i><span style="color: blue;">Dang! I did not take any pics!</span></i>). </div>
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<i><b>Getting There</b>: A five-hour express bus ride from Daegu</i></div>
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<i><b>Accommodation</b>: 50,000 Won per night for double room or 80,000 won per night for 10-person dormitory </i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67xgwQNCIyI/UKmt7jDFXPI/AAAAAAAACVc/Pq20UeCUfsQ/s1600/DSC_0916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67xgwQNCIyI/UKmt7jDFXPI/AAAAAAAACVc/Pq20UeCUfsQ/s320/DSC_0916.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did you see my name?</td></tr>
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Our lodging was a sparse, yet comfortable, <i>Korea DMZ Peace-Life Valley Education and Training Center</i> (한국DMZ평화생명동산교육마을). <span style="color: blue;"><i>Long name huh?</i></span> Located between two main tourist attraction sites, it is a strategic spot for further exploration of the area. </div>
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Each meal is around 4,500 Won and most of the ingredients from the dishes are from the region or from the farm outside the center. The first place I visited was the Eulji Observation Platform.</div>
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<b>Eulji Observation Platform (을지전망대)</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-riaQWsIs4e4/UKmpxfzogGI/AAAAAAAACUI/xo51BYpo9FI/s1600/DSC_0749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-riaQWsIs4e4/UKmpxfzogGI/AAAAAAAACUI/xo51BYpo9FI/s320/DSC_0749.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eulji Observation Platform</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mCa_fF4TOOU/UKmqTnZi33I/AAAAAAAACUY/WMmvzX7ZelA/s1600/DSC_0758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mCa_fF4TOOU/UKmqTnZi33I/AAAAAAAACUY/WMmvzX7ZelA/s320/DSC_0758.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No GPS signal!</td></tr>
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<i><b>Entry Fee</b>: 2,500 won per adult (Fee for Fourth Incursion Tunnel included) and registration at the Yanggu Unification Center is needed prior to visit. Visit <a href="http://www.ygtour.kr/">http://www.ygtour.kr/</a> for more info</i></blockquote>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H09_ZEemlJw/UKmqY_enzFI/AAAAAAAACUg/-u3wBHCjkCk/s1600/DSC_0810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H09_ZEemlJw/UKmqY_enzFI/AAAAAAAACUg/-u3wBHCjkCk/s320/DSC_0810.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the most tightly guarded area in this region. Positioned just over 1 km from the North Korean side, we had to pass through several military checkpoints. This platform was built on the ridge of <i>Gachilbong </i>Peak, which is over 1,049m above sea level. </div>
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Directly beside it, is the “Punch Bowl”, a fertile valley aptly named as it resembles a punch bowl. Innocent as it may sound, this is the site where many lives were lost during the tragic Korean War. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Kz-briGMUw/UKmqAypxpBI/AAAAAAAACUQ/BNdlueuJjdo/s1600/DSC_0756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Kz-briGMUw/UKmqAypxpBI/AAAAAAAACUQ/BNdlueuJjdo/s320/DSC_0756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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On a clear day, the North Korean army can be seen from here. Unfortunately, during my trip, the weather was very misty and visibility was extremely poor. I had to make do with listening to the video presentation followed by a brief explanation about the area. Telescopes are also available. </div>
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Due to the relative isolation from the city, the air is cool and fresh as it is located at the peak of the mountain. The rules there are simple—no photographing and strict adherence to guidelines stipulated by the army. It was an exhilarating experience for me to be in the DMZ zone.</div>
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<b>Fourth Incursion tunnel (제4땅굴)</b></div>
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This tunnel was discovered on the 3rd of March 1990. It measures over 2km in length and is buried 145m below the ground. For the <i>claustrophobics</i>, this is not a place to venture because the tunnel at the end is very narrow. The height of the tunnel is a mere 1.7m high and it measures 1.7m in width. </div>
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As it was raining outside, we were wet in the tunnel from droplets of water falling on our heads. After a walk in the tunnel, I decided to take a ride in a mini train as we approached the deeper end of the tunnel. <i><span style="color: blue;">My butt got wet sitting on the damp train.... wth...</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBvOEVGCo7k/UKmtN22QrVI/AAAAAAAACVE/rciIE2ZMo9I/s1600/DSC_0817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBvOEVGCo7k/UKmtN22QrVI/AAAAAAAACVE/rciIE2ZMo9I/s320/DSC_0817.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SHO5MdSrLHE/UKmtaNHRYwI/AAAAAAAACVM/kNNsoUiemCU/s1600/DSC_0818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SHO5MdSrLHE/UKmtaNHRYwI/AAAAAAAACVM/kNNsoUiemCU/s320/DSC_0818.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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An army personnel was assigned to guide our group. He explained the intention and strategic values behind the construction of the tunnel by the North Korean army. The tunnel was built manually, using spades and explosives to bore through the hard rocks. </div>
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What is so astounding was that after so many years of blasting rocks on South Korean territory, a railway line was also built— unnoticed and undetected by South Korea! Outside the tunnel are relics left behind from the Korean War. </div>
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There are tanks, armored personnel carriers and rusting reconnaissance planes, located side by side, as a reminder of the many lives lost during this tragic war. There, I posed for pictures, pretending to be a pilot, an army officer and tourist with crazy posing ideas.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6LeiH3BJCRc/UKmtmJ48vEI/AAAAAAAACVU/EaRer26w6H0/s1600/DSC_0880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6LeiH3BJCRc/UKmtmJ48vEI/AAAAAAAACVU/EaRer26w6H0/s320/DSC_0880.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice place for countryside experience...</td></tr>
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Due to time constraints, we had to call it a day after the visit to both sites. The trip back was accompanied by military personnel who checked our cameras to ascertain whether we had taken any prohibited photos. We had dinner at the <i>Korea DMZ Peace-Life Valley Education and Training Center</i>. </div>
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There was a joke among our group that as the DMZ is <i>devoid </i>of female presence, <i><span style="color: blue;">(No kidding!)</span></i> it is therefore appropriate for soldiers, retirees and wild animals. I observed that the entertainment places for the army are PC rooms, restaurants and billiard centers. </div>
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<b>Dutayeon Falls (두타연)</b></div>
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<i><b>Getting there</b>: Since the pond is located north of the Civilian Control Line, application to the military authorities must be submitted two days ahead of your planned visit and requisite approval must be obtained. No personal trip is allowed and only a group of four persons or more can enter the site. Admission fee is 2,000 won per adult</i></blockquote>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f14_qy8CIkk/UKmuYx4g0MI/AAAAAAAACVs/RZlO354e2hI/s1600/DSC_0999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f14_qy8CIkk/UKmuYx4g0MI/AAAAAAAACVs/RZlO354e2hI/s320/DSC_0999.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<i>Dutayeon Valley</i> is said to be the area where freshwater lenok fish thrive in the crystal clear valley streams. Because of its isolation, the ecological habitat of its flora and fauna around the valley is well preserved. Duta means living in peace and self-control without worrying about daily affairs such as which clothes to wear, food to eat and other<i> nitty-gritty issues</i>. Therefore, the name fits very well with the beauty and serenity of this uncontaminated mountain valley. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMWvLP7zqCQ/UKmunWMph1I/AAAAAAAACV0/UFMI-k_RWGU/s1600/DSC_1013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMWvLP7zqCQ/UKmunWMph1I/AAAAAAAACV0/UFMI-k_RWGU/s320/DSC_1013.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Dutayeon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XKaqYEGukc/UKmuyReJZgI/AAAAAAAACV8/QfBwM5KmfZU/s1600/DSC_1129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XKaqYEGukc/UKmuyReJZgI/AAAAAAAACV8/QfBwM5KmfZU/s320/DSC_1129.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side Trip: Pyeonghwa (Peace) Dam</td></tr>
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The Dutayeon Pond is fed by water from the Dutayeon Falls, a 10-meter high and 60-meter wide cascading waterfall that channels the water of the <i>Suip Stream</i> (수입천) into the pond. To reach the Dutayeon pond, I had to walk over a stream via the suspension bridge. It was a <i>chilling experience</i> as the bridge swung precariously with every step I took.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cbvgn0LGIsw/UKmpPTROm_I/AAAAAAAACTc/TF85ujasr6U/s1600/1234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cbvgn0LGIsw/UKmpPTROm_I/AAAAAAAACTc/TF85ujasr6U/s320/1234.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Inje is the <i>perfect destination </i>for adventure seekers, history enthusiasts and tourists seeking to escape the busy city life. I always believe life is full of uncertainties. As a foreigner, the DMZ is one of the places in Korea I yearned to go to for a long time. Hence I felt a sense of accomplishment that I had been to this place and witnessed the splendor of this historic location. It is my hope that the DMZ will always remain as it is— ecologically diverse, pristine and untainted. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Rv_qd8zM5g/UKmpT7-ax_I/AAAAAAAACTk/JLD2uLhO4-s/s1600/297115_520664107961346_444619817_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Rv_qd8zM5g/UKmpT7-ax_I/AAAAAAAACTk/JLD2uLhO4-s/s320/297115_520664107961346_444619817_n.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KNU Times!</td></tr>
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<i>(This was written for KNU Times, my university's English magazine. I am currently working since last semester there so life is pretty hectic at the moment. It was some sort of an achievement to me because I am the first foreigner since its first publication in 1963.)</i></div>
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kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-11190919180719486462012-07-08T23:13:00.000+09:002012-07-08T23:13:20.511+09:00Korea.. A Hierarchical Society..<br />
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I do not deny that I have not been in Korea that long comparable to the likes of many people I knew. Up to now, I have stayed in Korea for <i>around 4 years</i>. However, from the moment I arrived to Korea, the first people I met was a Korean. </div>
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<i>At the beginning</i>, I do not know there were any foreigners living in my university so my friends were mostly Koreans. It was tough but with time, I matured and now, I take each challenges as if I have another puzzle to be solved.</div>
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I <i>like</i> to observe people too.<br />
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So far, there's one thing I cannot adapt here-It is the Korean culture of hierarchy in almost every environment. Elders are always respected no matter they are right or wrong, sometimes even juniors kowtowing to them so as to obtain good impression from the superiors. </div>
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I think I am exposed to more Westernized environment. I questioned seniors/elders if I felt I am right, I ask when am curious, I follow orders but not blindly. In Korea, it's very rare to see students asking questions in class, students questioning professors' conducts were unheard of and promotion based on ability is not as widely practiced as promotion based on age.</div>
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Of course, I still have Asian values in me.</div>
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The other day, while having dinner with Koreans and a Chinese- Everyone were older than me, so I used honorific like "저는 (<i>jorh nen</i>)" instead of a more friendly term like "나는 (<i>nah nen</i>)" and ended my sentence with a "-요 (<i>yo</i>)" as to comply with the Korean style of speaking to the elders. </div>
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Bulgogi (불고기)<br />
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So after a while, the chief of the organization entered and like they were been struck by a lightning bolt on their asses, immediately everyone rises. I was already halfway munching my beloved 15,000 Won (13 USD) 불고기 (<i>Bulgogi</i>) and have no choice but to stand up so as not to be the odd ones out. Then, the other Koreans began to act like as if a King had just arrived. Drinks were ordered and the rest, well, I don't really care.</div>
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<i>When I am old</i>, I do not want people to agree with me if I am wrong. I do not want people to hesitate and give me a vague answer rather than a Yes or No. I do not want my junior to act and pretend to be nice when any seniors or me are around.</div>
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Respect I felt, is not a God given right and it has no relation with the age of a person. It <i>has</i> to be earned. It's just that I felt Korean's culture of hierarchy will be huge impediment for its future growth in a long run. </div>
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I hope in years to come, Koreans will be true to themselves and not be pretending to be nice just because the elders are around. <i>Not all</i> Koreans were like that but unfortunately they are the minority. </div>
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<br />kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-77252576161909934452012-07-05T01:36:00.003+09:002012-07-05T01:37:49.248+09:00Adventures at Yeosu - Yeosu Expo 2012<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yeosu Expo is being held in Korea from May 12 to August 12 this year. This exposition is aimed to allow the international community to understand the importance of conservation and the proper use of the ocean and coast resources. </div>
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Not to forget, this exposition is also held to showcase the different cultures of the world and to strengthens Korean's international image as the host country.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7bQQr85ZY4/T_RnmNLyYpI/AAAAAAAACRE/zy7IhJfw7nU/s1600/DSC_0253a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7bQQr85ZY4/T_RnmNLyYpI/AAAAAAAACRE/zy7IhJfw7nU/s400/DSC_0253a.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Welcome to Yeosu Expo! </i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">With a huge numbers of pavilions being set up in a short time, it was a remarkable achievement for Korea. As a </span><i>student</i><span style="background-color: white;"> staying in Korea, it would be a wasted opportunity if I did not attend this expo. So like most cash-strapped students, we try to go on budget (It is</span><i> impossible </i><span style="background-color: white;">though...). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Unpredictable as my friends were, we decided to go to the exposition after deciding only two days </span><span style="background-color: white;">before.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCJhAzhVYVI/T_RmbLuxIZI/AAAAAAAACQE/454X1UilTmU/s1600/DSC_0099a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCJhAzhVYVI/T_RmbLuxIZI/AAAAAAAACQE/454X1UilTmU/s400/DSC_0099a.jpg" width="265" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>This is me! </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I love adventure and going to places with <i>little</i> planning. Usually, most of my trips were not planned but we have </span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>a list</i> </span><span style="background-color: white;">of where to go and what to try. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Getting to Yeosu from Daegu is not difficult as it seems. Yeosu is located at the Southernmost of Korea and it takes less time (<i>and cheaper</i>) to travel from Daegu (<i>in the middle of South Korea</i>) to Yeosu than Seoul (<i>northern part of South Korea</i>) to Yeosu.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g-cb-IkYQlQ/T_RlajZl0QI/AAAAAAAACOk/Zq2slQJaptQ/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g-cb-IkYQlQ/T_RlajZl0QI/AAAAAAAACOk/Zq2slQJaptQ/s400/DSC_0031.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>First, get off at Seongdangmot </i>(성당못)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lv37oUxP_MI/T_Rla3UKA4I/AAAAAAAACOw/AiQ8iiNqnig/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lv37oUxP_MI/T_Rla3UKA4I/AAAAAAAACOw/AiQ8iiNqnig/s400/DSC_0032.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Exit here - Exit number 3</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X9gm9HuUMh4/T_RlbP663FI/AAAAAAAACO8/a4l0UklKTLY/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X9gm9HuUMh4/T_RlbP663FI/AAAAAAAACO8/a4l0UklKTLY/s400/DSC_0034.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>The bus station is directly next to the exit </i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">From my university, we took a taxi to Banwoldang Station (반월당), the only station where Line 1 and Line 2 of the Daegu subway intersects. Then, we took Line 1 to Seongdangmot (성당못) and exited the station at Gate 3 (Sobu Bus Terminal - 서부정류장). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">There, bus ticket to Yeosu can be bought (Less than 20,000 Won one way).
Travelling by bus was a "butt-wrecking" experience. One <i>Ahjumma</i> (old lady) entered the bus even though all the seats were filled and she pretended to arrange her belongings on the top rack of the bus. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">When the bus driver was halfway on the road, she asked the bus driver whether or not it is possible for her to sit on the floor of the bus. Left with no choice, the bus driver relented. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfK5uugFc0k/T_RpNtECiFI/AAAAAAAACSA/Jzk0Roi5bv0/s1600/DSC_0444a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfK5uugFc0k/T_RpNtECiFI/AAAAAAAACSA/Jzk0Roi5bv0/s400/DSC_0444a.jpg" width="265" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">I felt like giving her my seat but the 3 hours plus journey scares me off. Along the way, I remembered we stopped at a rest stop and during the rest of the journey, I was sleeping. We arrived at Yeosu around 6 pm and we took a bus (</span><i style="text-align: justify;">Free!</i><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">) to the exposition site. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">There will be guides (<i>around bus stops</i>) so it is very easy for tourists visiting the town. My first impression of the town/city (I can't call it a city) was this is a countryside (진짜 시골처럼 ㅋㅋ). Facilities there were bare minimum but food and accommodations were as expensive as in Seoul (maybe because of the exposition).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWXRQW-O7YI/T_Rlba-J4qI/AAAAAAAACPI/FN3uEcdvS14/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWXRQW-O7YI/T_Rlba-J4qI/AAAAAAAACPI/FN3uEcdvS14/s400/DSC_0059.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPlRgbJsv0Q/T_RlbkmtplI/AAAAAAAACPU/kS1l2eNEWIY/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPlRgbJsv0Q/T_RlbkmtplI/AAAAAAAACPU/kS1l2eNEWIY/s400/DSC_0062.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Evening Pass </i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OgZY45u4r9A/T_RmamH1wLI/AAAAAAAACPg/hYvwvbyxT44/s1600/DSC_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OgZY45u4r9A/T_RmamH1wLI/AAAAAAAACPg/hYvwvbyxT44/s400/DSC_0064.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Standard Day Pass </i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7CS03bz1xoY/T_Rma3Dmy2I/AAAAAAAACPs/11osWAB46Ls/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7CS03bz1xoY/T_Rma3Dmy2I/AAAAAAAACPs/11osWAB46Ls/s400/DSC_0081.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Sight from the main entrance gate</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">We knew beforehand that visiting the Expo for a day was not enough, we quickly bought the entry passes as soon as we reached Yeosu Expo site (2 tickets - 1 for the standard day pass, 33,000 Won and the other is Evening pass, 16,000 Won). So, the journey began. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">As a souvenir, we also bought the "Yeosu Passport" at 5,000 Won each.
At every pavilion visited, we can obtain a stamp to be stamped/pasted on the "Passport".</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JABiU_D2ss4/T_Rma024c0I/AAAAAAAACP4/GNrwDJ9netg/s1600/DSC_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JABiU_D2ss4/T_Rma024c0I/AAAAAAAACP4/GNrwDJ9netg/s400/DSC_0096.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Yeosu "Passport"</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sFZozwCga_g/T_RmbkZfUWI/AAAAAAAACQQ/4xeQbxOK7A4/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sFZozwCga_g/T_RmbkZfUWI/AAAAAAAACQQ/4xeQbxOK7A4/s400/DSC_0117.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Singapore Pavilion</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PtgSWrgrtE/T_RnlG5-r4I/AAAAAAAACQg/xfqwGrVLw8E/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PtgSWrgrtE/T_RnlG5-r4I/AAAAAAAACQg/xfqwGrVLw8E/s400/DSC_0175.JPG" width="265" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Australia Pavilion! </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">On the first day, I visited Singapore, Peru, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Brunei, Australia (<i>Had my dinner there too</i>), Malaysia (<i>Roti Canai at 7 Dollars</i>? <i>Come on!!! I can get it for less than 0.50 Dollars if I am in Malaysia!!!</i>), Philippines and finally, Russia (Food here is so expensive, more than 20 Dollars for a decent meal). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IWjYwW7qW5E/T_RnlYfoP1I/AAAAAAAACQs/fg_mj3B_S5Q/s1600/DSC_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IWjYwW7qW5E/T_RnlYfoP1I/AAAAAAAACQs/fg_mj3B_S5Q/s400/DSC_0181.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>My Dinner @ Australian Pavilion</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSlLI1V_nXs/T_RnmELnyHI/AAAAAAAACQ4/sBkB0CH76ao/s1600/DSC_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSlLI1V_nXs/T_RnmELnyHI/AAAAAAAACQ4/sBkB0CH76ao/s400/DSC_0199.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Malaysian Pavilion </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">As it was already late at night, we watched the fountain performance and light-play at the "Big-O". That was the end of our Day 1. After we exited from the site, we searched for place to overnight. Most cheap rooms were already taken and it cost upwards 100 Dollars for a normal room. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">So we bargained and we managed to <i>reduce</i> the it to less than 70 Dollars.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWa1-FMqUXo/T_Rnmc-3MsI/AAAAAAAACRQ/e_nUHPJ7zSY/s1600/DSC_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWa1-FMqUXo/T_Rnmc-3MsI/AAAAAAAACRQ/e_nUHPJ7zSY/s400/DSC_0287.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>"Big-O" fountain show </i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHNlbD3IKDw/T_RpMRXsxPI/AAAAAAAACRc/VHtpSlj-Rr0/s1600/DSC_0300a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHNlbD3IKDw/T_RpMRXsxPI/AAAAAAAACRc/VHtpSlj-Rr0/s400/DSC_0300a.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Look at the crowd! </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">My Day 2 was about waking up early and getting to the theme pavilions. As I was the earliest to wake up, (the rest were still sleeping) I managed to visit the aquarium (Lots of people!!! Honestly, if lining up for hours is a cup of tea for you, go for it but if not - skip it! I started to line up at the entrance at 8.00 am and entered the aquarium only at around 9 am.). </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-517UoDSEFO4/T_RpM38ie-I/AAAAAAAACR4/FszF5She2GI/s1600/DSC_0389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-517UoDSEFO4/T_RpM38ie-I/AAAAAAAACR4/FszF5She2GI/s400/DSC_0389.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EHulKzEyr6E/T_RpMhzgbPI/AAAAAAAACRo/0b5FcU2gpik/s1600/DSC_0376a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EHulKzEyr6E/T_RpMhzgbPI/AAAAAAAACRo/0b5FcU2gpik/s400/DSC_0376a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">
</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8XQMTqbgxs/T_RqFV46SLI/AAAAAAAACSY/DYfkBZ7m2U4/s1600/DSC_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8XQMTqbgxs/T_RqFV46SLI/AAAAAAAACSY/DYfkBZ7m2U4/s400/DSC_0477.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Hyundai Pavilion</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a6GvvJcHgRs/T_RqFnla_sI/AAAAAAAACSk/oG2P_IvalXM/s1600/DSC_0487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a6GvvJcHgRs/T_RqFnla_sI/AAAAAAAACSk/oG2P_IvalXM/s400/DSC_0487.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Bus ticket back to Daegu </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Other pavilions I visited worth mentioning were the Climate and Environment Pavilion and the Korean Pavilion. I visited almost all the international pavilions but had to give few European countries' pavilions a miss. 2 days is certainly </span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>not</i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i> </i>enough to visit all of them. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Going back was the same and the bus journey (18,200 Won) back was better, everyone was tired so most of us slept until we reached Daegu. Dinner was a miserable Cheese Kim bap (2,000 Won) and red (or black?) bean buns. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtXfB1TQtTM/T_RpN9R_JEI/AAAAAAAACSM/D0TSVvrm9AI/s1600/DSC_0466%2B%25282%2529a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtXfB1TQtTM/T_RpN9R_JEI/AAAAAAAACSM/D0TSVvrm9AI/s400/DSC_0466%2B%25282%2529a.jpg" width="265" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">The expo was so-so and personally, I witnessed many people cutting in line (luckily not the younger ones) and it pissed me off at certain point. As an Asian with Asian values, I maintained my calm and respect for elders <i>but</i>...</span></div>kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-78328946761956218742012-05-28T17:39:00.002+09:002012-05-28T18:08:21.547+09:00Daegu: Of Summer, Life, Happiness, Korean Photo Studio and KNU Festival<div style="text-align: justify;">
This will be <i>my last post of the month</i>, exam's nearing and early preparations are essential to achieve my desired results. Now, it is summer in Korea, there aren’t any cherry blossoms to be seen blooming or cool weather to be felt anymore. It is also highly unlikely that I can wear my favourite outer every time I am outdoors.
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mUnQxzOrduY/T8MuJeIjMpI/AAAAAAAACNo/wGtJrRcIYmA/s1600/Spring%2BKorea%2BKNU.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mUnQxzOrduY/T8MuJeIjMpI/AAAAAAAACNo/wGtJrRcIYmA/s400/Spring%2BKorea%2BKNU.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Goodbye Spring...</i><br />
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Exercising under humid and warm summer weather has become a physically demanding routine. I felt I am now at my peak of physical capability. I used to run 12 km every day. <i>My love</i> for sports and running began after I realized I had grown a lot fatter since arriving to Korea in 2009. </div>
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My weight was 76 kilos and <i>in just less</i> than 2 months, I <i>ballooned</i> to 82 kilos (<i>Argghh</i>)! Then, I felt I need to do something about myself. I started walking, and walking, and finally running. Now, I am 67 kilos but I used to be 64 kilos. What <i>about</i> you? There's nothing to be embarrassed talking about weight. ^^ </div>
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<i>The worst thing</i> about losing weight was I couldn't wear most of my cloths. Every cloth I have now is either new ones or bought after I shed kilos. In Korea, the most common concern for the men was height issue. The taller you are, the better your "<i>status</i>" is. </div>
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However, it's very amusing to see some people who purchased elevator shoe just to look taller. When I see short guys wearing basketball sneakers, high heeled boots or shoes with padding, just to look taller, I can only wish for them to <i>be contented</i> with whatever features they have.
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FeyaAt39Brw/T8Ms2bxQJSI/AAAAAAAACMw/mzQ128kqSJE/s1600/platform-elevator-shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FeyaAt39Brw/T8Ms2bxQJSI/AAAAAAAACMw/mzQ128kqSJE/s400/platform-elevator-shoes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Platform shoe</i><br />
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I am taller than the Korean national height average of 1.74 m but <i>even if I am shorter</i>, I couldn't care less. My height? <i>Ahem</i>, secret. When I was in high school, I always dread going to the school assembly because I felt teachers are always looking at the tall guys first before looking at others. <i>Come on! Isn’t it so obvious?</i> </div>
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So, I learned to discipline myself by paying attention during assembly, this leads to paying full attention in classes and somehow, not liking to be distracted while focusing on a task. Frankly, I am also not very tall but during my "formative" high school years in Malaysia, I was among the "above-average" or "tall" in height. I never knew height was such an important issue <i>until </i>I was in Korea.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RyZxtTFRPms/T8Ms27yTbrI/AAAAAAAACM8/6Q6oGlKxbrg/s1600/Snacks.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RyZxtTFRPms/T8Ms27yTbrI/AAAAAAAACM8/6Q6oGlKxbrg/s400/Snacks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>The Spiciest bun ever eaten in Korea! </i><br />
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After living and mingling with the Koreans, I discovered that most of them are generally more sensitive and more concerned about how they present themselves to others - Are they good enough? Are they comparable with others?, etc. This is why Koreans are <i>very</i> obsessed with rankings. </div>
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Rankings among the OECD (<i>Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development</i>) countries as the most technologically advanced country, ranking on YouTube on the latest pop culture (<i>The K –pop</i>), and the nomination of Jeju Island as the <i>seven natural wonders of the world</i> and so forth. They are very proud and happy.</div>
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However, by being too engrossed in the chasing after rankings and material wealth, they do not know how and when to be satisfied with what they had. Not many Koreans would like to be farmer because they always assume farmers earn very little. However, once they obtained high paying jobs, they are still dissatisfied because of the unending monotony of their job. They also work long hours. </div>
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But they <i>are never happy</i>. Yet, <i>they want</i> their children to get high paying jobs like they themselves. How ironic <i>isn’t it</i>?
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Recently, I attended a class but instead of normal lesson, we watched a video on a lecture about “<i>Happiness</i>” conducted at Harvard and a short slide on happiness. I was attracted to the slide presentation more than the video. It was about “What is Happiness?”. There <i>are </i>3 types of happiness. </div>
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The first one is “<i>The Pleasant Life</i>”, it is about being in a place and spending your time doing things you like. The second is “<i>The Good Life</i>”. This means doing something you are good at and when you lose track of time such as spending time with the people you love or your job. Finally, it is “<i>The Meaningful life</i>”.
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ckEBy0t2ihw/T8Mws2SzV2I/AAAAAAAACOI/c1jsJZMR7Lg/s1600/DSC_0407%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ckEBy0t2ihw/T8Mws2SzV2I/AAAAAAAACOI/c1jsJZMR7Lg/s400/DSC_0407%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Lets have a meaningful life... </i><br />
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This means knowing your strength and <i>using them</i> in the service of <i>something higher than yourself</i> such as volunteer service. There are many occasions whereby <i>I am happy </i>because I am doing things I like, being on special place and helping people. </div>
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When I think of “<i>The Pleasant Life</i>”, I felt I am always happy when I am inside my room, looking at the greenery outside the window just after it rains and eating a variety of cakes - <i>fruitcakes, layer cakes and chocolate cakes. </i>Yummy<i>..</i>. </div>
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**</div>
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<i>In Korea</i>, taking photos is an essential activity for many occasions. 100-day <i>boyfriend-girlfriend</i> anniversary, class picture and even a plain-looking group shot are all taken in a photo studio. In Daegu, I would suggest going to a photo studio at <i>Banwoldang Subway Station (</i>반월당역<i>)</i>. It is located at W427 near the Hyundai Departmental Store and opens from 10 am till 9 pm.
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<i>PhotoFun - Taking photos is fun? I don't think so..</i></div>
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<i>"Hey, remove that ugly pimples!!!"..</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYrz6VEp9GY/T8Ms2CG8OKI/AAAAAAAACMk/xuPG5RElpr0/s1600/Photoshot%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYrz6VEp9GY/T8Ms2CG8OKI/AAAAAAAACMk/xuPG5RElpr0/s400/Photoshot%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>What's next? Photoshop!</i></div>
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This studio is <i>highly recommended </i>because the price is affordable and for around 4~5,000 Won each person, you can get a set of photos. However, my only problem with Korean studios is that they <i>photo shopped</i> most photos all the time! </div>
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Most of the time, they <i>will make</i> a fat guy appearing thinner on photo, a chubby lady suddenly having a <i>coca cola</i> bottle looking slender waist, dark skinned to a fairer skin (<i>Sigh…</i>), and some other basic retouching like removing wrinkles and pimples.
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6p6wOAUrkPY/T8MuJGR8VpI/AAAAAAAACNg/VKw1V1E9PKo/s1600/KNU%2BTimes.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6p6wOAUrkPY/T8MuJGR8VpI/AAAAAAAACNg/VKw1V1E9PKo/s400/KNU%2BTimes.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Tadaaa!!! (Don't ask why I had to pose this way... -_-") </i><br />
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I love and very contented with <i>everything</i> I have. <br />
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**
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-urgXr7AtbeE/T8MuIagjdDI/AAAAAAAACNI/Gy0yAR2A_pY/s1600/Jumak.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-urgXr7AtbeE/T8MuIagjdDI/AAAAAAAACNI/Gy0yAR2A_pY/s400/Jumak.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Stalls (주막) selling <i>you-can-get-them-cheaper-elsewhere</i> alcohols and food
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1KnJXxWSDM/T8MuIk7yj_I/AAAAAAAACNU/qGASZ3LuumU/s1600/Fireworks.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1KnJXxWSDM/T8MuIk7yj_I/AAAAAAAACNU/qGASZ3LuumU/s400/Fireworks.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>From the top of my dormitory, wow! </i><br />
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KNU festival was held from last Wednesday to Friday, I attended on Wednesday but fell ill on Thursday and was too exhausted for Friday. I slept early but I watched the fireworks display on <i>the most</i> romantic spot in my dormitory. The open space on the highest spot is where <i>you can see</i> stars, moon and sun, if only the girls <i>can enter the guys dormitory…</i> </div>kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5068844793020874500.post-41581261926175660012012-05-17T22:53:00.002+09:002012-05-17T22:55:13.313+09:0017 May 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fvps3cFtUCY/T7T-qShotuI/AAAAAAAACL8/DuzIZ41eJfc/s1600/ed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fvps3cFtUCY/T7T-qShotuI/AAAAAAAACL8/DuzIZ41eJfc/s400/ed.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Ed Sheeran</i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="239" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/11258773" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="425"></iframe> </div>
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<i>The A Team</i> by Ed Sheeran</div>
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<i>"Stuck in... daydream.." </i></div>
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LOVE THIS SONG!</div>kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11262862914072282057noreply@blogger.com2