Jedi Costume

Halloween is right around the corner and I still wanted to make Jensen's costume. I originally wanted him to be Gizmo from the movie Gremlins, but I wasn't able to get the pattern for the costume in time and the stitching looks like it would take longer than I had to finish in time.

I scoured the internet for some simple instructions on how to make a cute but easy costume for a little boy. I found this step-by-step instructions here http://www.degraeve.com/jedirobe/ on how to make a Jedi outfit. It was so simple to follow. It was originally made for an adult, but it was easy enough to make it for Jensen.

Since I wasn't really sure where to go and buy fabric in Daegu, I opted to use some brown bed sheets I already had.

I took one of Jensen's hoodie sweater and used it as a template for the main part of the robe. This was easier to do instead of actually measuring his arm span. What 19 month old child do you know who would have stood still enough for me to take measurements?

Folded it length-wise and cut the arms and body according to the instructions. 

This is what it should look like once you have finished cutting the robe.

After sewing the sides together, I measured the hod and made sure to cut the collar to attach it to the main part of the robe.

Then I took a pillow case and used it for the V collar portion of the costume. 

Here is the finished product. Unfortunately, Jensen was not in the mood to model his new Jedi outfit. Hopefully, he will be more cooperative when we go trick or treating next week.

Lantern Festival at Jinju

A friend invited us to go to the Lantern Festival in Jinju which was about an hour and a half drive from Daegu. We decided to go for the day instead of spending the night.

Walking through a tunnel of lanterns.

We went early in the afternoon so of course the lanterns were not lit up yet. Even so, the festival still offered a lot of things to do. Not to mention it was still quite impressive to see the massive displays of lanterns on and off the water.

Notice that Superman has blond hair, but in fact his character had dark hair.

There was a section of superheroes. 

Our friend Lena who is an English teacher I met at my Korean language class.

This next photo was a field of the Chinese zodiac. Each wire form was covered with notes from well wishers that were hoping to have their hopes and dreams come true once they posted it on the statue.

Jensen found an area full of rocks. Of course, he was mostly interested in playing there and throwing the rocks around.

This fortress was accessible by crossing the river on a make shift bridge. Here is an excerpt from a tourism site about the history of this festival:

"Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival originates from the lantern lighting custom used during the Jinjuseong Fortress Battle of the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese invasion, 1592) as a military strategy to prevent Japanese troops from wading the Namgang River. The highlights of the festival are the floating of lanterns carrying personal wishes of the citizens along the Namgang River, and the parade of lanterns created by the students themselves. In addition, the festival features gaejesik (lighting of lanterns in remembrance of the Jinjuseong Fortress Battle veterans), an exhibition of the world’s traditional lanterns."

Here is the bridge we used to cross the river.

Here are the ambulances that were parked near one of the tunnel of lanterns. Notice the number used for emergency calls is just our 911 backwards. At least it's easy to remember. 

Since my Chinese zodiac sign is the Tiger, had to get a photo near this lantern. Wish I had seen it after dark. 

One of the many things I wanted to get before leaving Korea, was a stamp of my name in Korean. I noticed that when my landlady signed our lease agreement, she used a stamp in addition to her signature. This gentleman had a booth that custom made each stamp. He even carved my English name on the side of the stamp. 

He requested a photos of us with him and showing off his work.

There was a booth where you can make your own lanterns and write your wishes on it before launching it out on the river. I wished for long life, health and prosperity for my family.

Here we are with our lanterns and wishes.

Finally, after grabbing some dinner the sun started to set and the lanterns were slowly turning the fortress into a beautiful wonderland of lights.

Entrance to the fortress.

Line of soldier lanterns leading up to a summit.

They also held a competition for artists to show their skills at making their own lanterns. These two were my favorites. 

Suseong Lake Festival

This past weekend we were able to attend Suseong Lake Festival. I walk/jog there every morning, weather permitting, with Jensen. It's nice to see the lake in a different setting.

The food vendors were abundantly stocked with the usual fair of corn dogs and french fries, but also a few food items I wasn't used to seeing. Even growing up in the Philippines where we serve and eat quite a bit of strange and unusual food, I have never eaten or nor will I try silk worms.

Silk worms along side with hot dogs and fish cake patties.

Can you see the tentacles?

Vendor roasting chestnuts.

Cotton candy

The festival not only had Korean singers and dancers, but also had other cultures perform their native dance and song. We caught an Australian Aboriganie group on one of the four entertainment stages.

There was a mascot, but I can't for the life of me recognize what it is suppose to be. Does anyone recognize what type of animal or force of nature the mascot is suppose to be? It looks like some type of water creature which would make sense since it is a lake that is being represented. 

I tried to get a photo with Jensen, but he was too scared of the mascot.

This gentleman in traditional clothes is sitting in front of what looks like a formal tea setting. There were old and modern Korean traditions that were represented in the festival.

These ladies are wearing traditioanl Korean dress called hanbok.

We decided to go back the following day after sunset to see the lights and possible the fireworks. Unfortunately, they only had it for Saturday night. We could hear them setting them off, but since we are only on the 9th floor and facing away from the lake, we weren't able to see it. These two photos of our apartment building was taken by Christian. 

View of our apartment building from the lake.

Repurposed plane converted into a restaurant located right next to the lake.