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 It was originally made for an adult, but it was easy enough to make it for Jensen.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.

So Korea! - Part 2

To continue with Christian's phrase "So Korea!", here is part 2 of the on-going list of things that we have observed while living in Daegu.

5. Kimchi fridge and freezers - Most people know that kimchi is a regular staple in Korea's diet. What I didn't expect is the sheer fondness for this culinary side dish that it is common to have a dedicated set of fridge and freezers to store the plethora of kimchi so that it may be readily available at all times. That hideous pink monstrosity is the main fridge and the 4 built-in located on the left and right side are the kimchi fridge and freezers.

Has anyone seen a fridge in pink before?

Here are some of the containers that are used to store kimchi.

6. Cars in mainly white, black or silver - I've already mention that when we first moved in to the our apartment, the 2nd floor garage was filled with mainly those colors types. I thought it was a coincidence, but as a country, Korea prefers these colors. I wonder if it's because as a homogeneous culture, they also gravitate toward that type of color scheme for their cars. Check out the short video clip below and see how many cars pass by on a busy intersection.

Can you guess which one is my car?

7. Spam gift sets - Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) starts next week and these gift boxes have been for sale at Homeplus. Coming from the Philippines, I'm used to eating Spam, but I have never seen these before.

The price is roughly $24. The conversion rate is usually 1000 won to $1.

8. Personality according to Blood types - Instead of Zodiac signs, most not all Koreans believe that your blood type has a great deal to do with your personality traits and all the other things that go with your horoscopes. Here is a link that better explains this superstition:  http://beyondhallyu.com/culture/its-in-your-blood-the-link-between-blood-types-and-personalities/

Here are some pens I found in Homeplus that are geared towards blood types.

Labor Day Weekend - Sunday Bodypainting Festival

To finish off our Labor Day Weekend, we went to the Bodypainting Festival at Duryu Park. The park is about a 20 minute drive from our place and we were fortunate enough to find a parking spot. We didn't realize that it was the other side of the park where Koron Concert Hall was located. We got a little bit of exercise since we had to walk through the park. The track was pretty hilly and again Jensen was getting a lot of attention. There was a nice view of the city from the top of the mountain.

Finally, we found the concert hall where they had booths set up for all the artists and models that were being painted. There were also food and vendor booths set up. Some booths were set up as art activities for the children. After walking around and watching the artists work, there wasn't much to do while waiting for the awards ceremony and fireworks later that night. 

Most of the models were ladies, but I was able to find these 2 gentlemen.

There were backdrops set up to have your photo taken with the models. We were able to get one with this lady painted all while. A friend posted on FB that she looked like the Pillsbury lady.  I guess she does look like a female version of the dough boy. Jensen was little scared of her, but luckily he didn't cry until after Christian was able get this shot.

Anything to do with art, I always enjoy. This was especially amazing since I have never been to such an event. I was a bit surprised that there were no US artists. I saw a booth for Russia, China and even Ukraine. Of course there were numerous from Korea, but no one from the US. Hopefully, the International Daegu Bodypainting Festival will live up to its name next year.

Labor Day Weekend - Saturday at Busan

We decided to go to Busan, for part of the Labor Day Weekend and spend some time at the beach and take Jensen to the aquarium. Since he seems to love it as much as I do, we wanted to check out the nearest one that was worth the trip from Daegu (about a 2 hour drive).

Unfortunately, Novotel (a well known hotel chain) was booked and I took a chance on a locally owned hotel. I figured a 3 start hotel would be alright, but I was so wrong. The photos on line were deceptively appealing. The beds were hard as a rock (later I was told that Koreans prefer a "firmer" bed) and the room was extremely small, I barely had enough space to set up our luggage to open it. Christian was so uncomfortable, he went out to the car to sleep in the back seat. Not only did the uncomfortable bed kept us up, but also the noisy, partying/drunk people. Thankfully, little man didn't seem to mind and he slept just fine. Also, we were located about 2 blocks away from the beach which made it very convenient.

We decided to take a walk on Haeundae Beach and catch the sunrise. Since it was so early, the beach was practically deserted. The only people on the beach were either up from the previous night partying or early morning risers out walking or jogging. Apparently, this beach is popular and they use this location for films and tv. There was already a film crew busy recording that morning.

Film crew on the beach.

It was nice to walk on the beach and watch the businesses start their day setting up the large umbrellas and lounge chairs. Jensen enjoyed playing in the sand and running around the beach.

     
                 

Beach lockers

After walking around the beach, we explored the neighborhood and ended up at the Haeundae Market. I find it interesting that street food is appropriate no matter what time of the day. I guess some people who party all night or work the graveyard shift would rather have that instead of breakfast type food.

The aquarium was located right on the beach and occupied 3 floors underground. We have been at both the GA aquarium in Atlanta and the one in Charleston, SC. This location's size was in between, a bit larger than SC, but smaller than GA. They had about half a dozen sharks and dolphins as the main attraction. The jellyfish was my favorite.

I tried to take a better photo of the jellyfish, but a video did a better job of capturing them. Since it was my favorite part of the aquarium, I took a few videos.

Celebrating Independence Day

Happy 4th of July! I know it's early for those back in the States, but since Korea is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard time zone, we are able to celebrate earlier. We are off from work and plan on going to Costco today.  The last time we went it was a Saturday and it was jam packed! It was so difficult to navigate thru the store so we decided to try again on a weekday when we hope it isn't so busy.  Luckily, today is an American holiday and most of the Korean population will be at work while we are off.

Today is going to be a busy day for us.  We are meeting Song at Home Plus at 10:30  for brunch.  I'm glad she invited me since I have so many questions about some of the things that are in the store. Meeting Kylie at 17:00 for tea or coffee.  She suggested meeting at Suseong Lake which is a great venue. Fireworks at Camp Walker tonight.  Hopefully, Jensen will not be startled because this will be his first viewing.

Yesterday I had my Occupational Health physical for my EEC status.  I had to get an anthrax shot and will need to get small pox next Friday.  Also some blood work next Tuesday for DNA, blood type, and cholesterol check. Feeling like a pin cushion again.  Oh well..........makes me wonder why the heck I took this job.

I was feeling very homesick yesterday.  I haven't missed home so intensely since we arrived.  I know it will take some time to acclimate to a new country, job, apartment, and just about everything! It feels like this past year has been full of life changing decisions which included having our son Jensen and now moving to Korea. I've decided that since we are not going to be able to go home this coming holiday season, I asked Christian what he thought about going to the Philippines to be with my family.  He agreed and I'm looking forward to going back to my original home.  I haven't been back since I left in 1986 and I'm sure it will be very different from what I remember. I'm excited that Jensen will be finally meeting his grandfather and also Christian will be able to visit my country of origin and the rest of my family.

One of my favorite spots back home, Jekyll Island.

Only beach that allowed pets, of course we brought the fur babies.