What can you do in the world's fifth largest city in 24 hours?
Well, quite a lot actually.
Even with a reasonable departure time of 11 am we stuffed one day and night with a bunch of fun activities. Four of us manged to get a return group ticket for the bullet train which meant a journey the distance of London to Glasgow in 1 hour 50 minutes for only 50,000 won, that's 25 quid!!! Fantastic value and service. The train journey is always fun with plenty of banter and maybe a game of cards or two. As soon as you arrive in Seoul you can feel the buzz of activity, maybe it's just the group mentality of gearing up for a fun day or it could be the 30 story buildings which loom over the train station, the mega plasma TVs on the side of many buildings, the choca traffic which snakes away trough the myriad of twist and turns, or just the bustle and noise of one of the most densely packed cities in the world. Either ways we were ready to rock the capital.
First off was accommodation, which we hadn't booked. After a brief detour on the subway we arrived in the Sinchon area and decide to give our Korean a try and barter for a price. We manged to get a 3 bedroom deal in a pretty nice but standard motel. Yes 3 beds. One person would be on the floor and two would be in the double bed. Well that's all we need. And how much? well 25,000 each, 12 pound. So far so good.
No time for a lunch we grab a Burger King and jumped in a taxi for a 30 min drive to the race course. Built for the Olympics it is a huge racecourse divided into a family stand, a men's stand and a small but well kitted out foreigner lounge. We arrived in time for the last 3 races, however t was just enough to get s few bets on and end wanting more. we watched the first race from the comfort of the foreigner lounge and then watched the next two track side , right at the finishing line. In my opinion it adds so much more tot he excitement. I won only 54,000 but hey that is more than the train tickets so I was pretty happy with that. Unfortunately no alcohol is allowed and we made no attempt to hide our Familymart plastic bag full of cans. I think we could easily bring it in in a back pack or even just some soju mixed with coke, but we had to leave the beer at the locker and drink it after the races. We all left the races up or even which was much better than last time. Another taxi ride back to Sinchon and time for dinner.
Mexican food is something I have become a big fan of and strangely this happened in Korea. We went to an American franchise 'On the Border' which was mobbed. I have never seen so many way gooks in one place. We were told it was a 40 minute wait. Instead of sitting in the queue we thought it was time for a beer and decided to sit at the bar. Well way hey, for some reason menus were brought to us and we ordered within 10 minutes. Our luck was running good. I ate some awesome enchiladas, a few beers and polished it off with a Margarita.
We hit a bar in Hong-dae which had a huge collection of vinyls, Cds and music DVDs. We were asked to request a few songs I wrote down a list of my favourite guitar hero tracks which I had been busting a move to this week. They had all our choices an played them happily. After debating about what to do next we bought some beer from a shop. Yes, no cut off time in Korea, and jumped in a taxi to the plush Walkerhill casino. We polished off the cans over the 20 minute drive, the taxi driver didn't mind at all, and arrived pleasantly drunken. After blowing my first 100,000 at roulette I whipped out my last 100,000 and Phil decided to bet on the answers to specific questions. When is your mother's birthday? How old is your sister? When did you break your virginity? Sadly this didn't seem to work either until I asked him at what age he had his first w***. '11' he said (a bit young eh?). Bang it hits and I am 300,000 richer. I hit the number, the quad bet, and the odd. Phil shook my hand in congratulations and reminded me that it was that very hand that did that lucky deed 14 years ago. As with all good gamblers you should know when to stop. Sadly I am not one of them. I stocked up on all the free booze and left the casino an hour later exactly even. However it was excellent fun and it was all free.
Now this is where it gets interesting. We got yet another taxi back to the uni district and what do I hear from up above me. It isn't Bloc Party is it? It is. I run up the stairs to this bar which is packed with foreigners . In my excitement i somehow get served first at the bar and head to the dance floor. After bloc party was finished we did decide it was too busy so we left and headed to the shisha bar next door. Phil who has been talking about a whiskey set all day spots a bottle of Jim Bean for $50 and orders it before Harry and Alex can join us at the table. Well we are off on the hard stuff and order a shisha pipe to accompany the inebriation. About half way through however we realise it is getting late, around 3am and we should go to a club before it's dead. We fill the quarter remaining bottle of whiskey to the top with coke. Seal it up and simply carry it out of the shisha bar and into a near by club. (Witnessed in the following photos). We go to this club called FF show which has a great indie feel to it. The walls are postered with the Beatles, Franz Ferdinand, and Maximo Park. I couldn't feel more at home and the fact it was in the basement made it even better. I even met a Korean who had a Celtic tracky on. Wow! I went up to him and just started kissing the badge (yes I was that drunk) and it turned out he had been to Scotland and was a big Celtic fan. He bought me a drink and before I introduced hm to my mates.
Now this club is busy and has a good mix of Koreans and Foreigners but I don't think it was ready for what happened next. In the delirium of dancing to Maximo park Alex dragged me up on stage with his massive paws. Now he is a brilliant guy who I just got to know properly this weekend, I would say about 6 foot 6', long hair and plays the guitar amazingly. Like someone straight out of Guitar Hero. I am sure I fell backwards into the crowd at some point but we were basically going for broke. I was back up and dancing when I realised Alex's t-shirt had a gaping hole under the left arm. Instead of pointing it out however I just yanked it and in a Hulk Hogan style the whole rip went in a clean circle leaving him with a top part looking something like a boob tube. The crowd goes wild and in his testosterone fueled enthusiasm he jumps from the stage on to a speaker, lifts his hands up like a rock star and starts swinging from the ventilation shafts on the ceiling. If you ever wondered how a hairy ape, intoxicated with whiskey and let lose in a jungle gym with loud music would look like, then this was it. It wasn't until after the shafts started to give way did he return back to the speaker, at this point I was back on the dance floor, laughing like a hyena and turned around just in time for Alex to finish his performance with a stage dive on top of me and Phil. This in turn created a mosh pit which is when we decide to make and exit and head to a Norae bang.
I don't remember much of it apart from free ice cream which i just kept eating until the 10 litre tubs were completely finished. Trying to find my way back to our singing room I encounter Alex again who was also lost. We must have hit about 7 or 8 rooms continually walking in on couples singing or groups of business men. Bare in mind that Alex is wearing a denim jacket with a boob tube just covering his shoulders and nipples and my face is covered in sticky white ice cream. I wonder what they must have thought. A nice young man, taking out his girlfriend for the first time. Singing the Korean version of 'I Can Be Your Hero', setting the mood in the 'gilded candle' themed room and then we show up , mumble something about where are we and start waving.
This, in the end was too much for me and I promptly fell asleep in our rooms floor (heated, clean and cosy) before making my way home.
Well that's a lot for one trip. The next day we stumbled around the market area, seen a few interesting bonsai trees and fake football tops and headed home
Monday, 30 March 2009
Friday, 27 March 2009
Brain Strain
I was awake until 5am on Thursday morning. Wednesday is my usual poker night, which I have blogged on before. This is the 4th week in a row I've cashed out a good amount. This week finished slightly later than usual and I didn't get home till just after 4.30am. I have the strangest feelings after a long poker session.
A session usually last 5 hours and during that time I will have one or two beers, food and generally a relaxing and good time. However consistently and continuously my analysis is in hyper mode. Every hand that I play, and I play a lot more that the usual player, I run through a list of questions which have no definitive answer. What did he raise with pre-flop? Why is he betting? Should I raise? What are the pot odds? What are the implied odds? Can I bluff? Will this be profitable? Remembering all the time that your money is at risk. I find the game pretty easy to crack and I have already gained a reputation in our small game.
The problem is, however, that I just can't get out of this mode of thinking easily. It's not just poker, it happens after a long reading session on politics or philosophy. I lie down and close my eyes. My body is exhausted but my mind continues to buzz. It feels like my brain molecules are whizzing around at a hundred miles an hour, riding on an adrenalin rush that just won't go away. I replay hands in my head over and over again, smile at my victories and analyse my loses. I make plans for future games or books to read. If my mind wonders off from poker every imagination seems more vivid and runs like a video in high speed. Like an electro-chraged spark my brain jumps from one topic to the next and back again. Sometimes I feel if I just put the pedal on accelerate and went where ever my my mind wanted to take me then my head would explode in a shower of light. I have such vivid dreams after these episodes.
I think it may just be a consequence of a average active mind, running on the last of a nights excitement, in conjunction with a tired body. It makes me think that instead of a constant 5 hour poker session I should try it with a classic novel or textbook.
A session usually last 5 hours and during that time I will have one or two beers, food and generally a relaxing and good time. However consistently and continuously my analysis is in hyper mode. Every hand that I play, and I play a lot more that the usual player, I run through a list of questions which have no definitive answer. What did he raise with pre-flop? Why is he betting? Should I raise? What are the pot odds? What are the implied odds? Can I bluff? Will this be profitable? Remembering all the time that your money is at risk. I find the game pretty easy to crack and I have already gained a reputation in our small game.
The problem is, however, that I just can't get out of this mode of thinking easily. It's not just poker, it happens after a long reading session on politics or philosophy. I lie down and close my eyes. My body is exhausted but my mind continues to buzz. It feels like my brain molecules are whizzing around at a hundred miles an hour, riding on an adrenalin rush that just won't go away. I replay hands in my head over and over again, smile at my victories and analyse my loses. I make plans for future games or books to read. If my mind wonders off from poker every imagination seems more vivid and runs like a video in high speed. Like an electro-chraged spark my brain jumps from one topic to the next and back again. Sometimes I feel if I just put the pedal on accelerate and went where ever my my mind wanted to take me then my head would explode in a shower of light. I have such vivid dreams after these episodes.
I think it may just be a consequence of a average active mind, running on the last of a nights excitement, in conjunction with a tired body. It makes me think that instead of a constant 5 hour poker session I should try it with a classic novel or textbook.
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Ambassador Hughes?
I don't think Martin Ulden's blog has ever seen so much activity. I wonder how he will feel when after months of blogging with no comments, Guest bogger form DPRK Peter Hughes turns up and starts a debating chamber. I think the British Ambassador to DPRK pointed out on his second post how he wished to seperate the people from the politics. This, in my opinion, is a legitimate stance. However reading the comment by James I fear he has the wrong end of the stick aswell. I don't think anyone wants to return to gun boat diplomacy and 'grandstanding' ways, prefering brutal action over the art of diplomacy. However if you wish to engage the DPRK's regime 'based on mutual respect and understanding' then you might as well say goodbye to all your values and any freedom you have ever defended. That is why the definition of the people from the state is important, as the ambassdor notes the people are just like everyone else. The British government in the North should help to facilitate NGOs , promote sound domestic policies which will benefit the public, and work towards a favourable representation of Britain to the population. However at the political level we can not engage with the DPRK as an equal partner. Ambassadors and envoys can engage as they see fit, always courteously, often undertanding, but never can we argue that the DPRK's leaders deserve mutual respect. Not only are the regimes value systems the antipathy of our own but they also represent a parasitic and war mongering nation; a threat to Asian economics and stability and international peace. If you will not condemn a regime such as that James, at least privately, then you can not preach any morality publicly. Ambassador Hughes?
A Motherly Coup D'etat
Browsing the Clydebank Post for the address of the Editor so I could vent a few opinions through my local media I realised my mum had beat me to it.
the Oh Deer!
Now, I have spoken to her, and she does speak a lot but I don't think she could have manged to say all this is one breath with two uses of because and not a comma insight, as the report quotes.
Resident Mary McAteer told the Post: “I arrived and saw a deer running up and down beside the fence at the end of the street. I went into my neighbour’s house and we were going to leave it alone because the RSPCA say it will find its own way back because frightening it can give it heart failure."
the Oh Deer!
Now, I have spoken to her, and she does speak a lot but I don't think she could have manged to say all this is one breath with two uses of because and not a comma insight, as the report quotes.
Resident Mary McAteer told the Post: “I arrived and saw a deer running up and down beside the fence at the end of the street. I went into my neighbour’s house and we were going to leave it alone because the RSPCA say it will find its own way back because frightening it can give it heart failure."
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Mentalist
Man this kid is nuts!!! He is singing and keeps shouting 'game over' in a squeaky voice while frothing at the mouth.
And I have to teach him English.
And I have to teach him English.
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Full of it
Ah, flopping boat after boat last Wednesday actually did me some harm. Not only did I triple up in the first 10 mins of the game but I also thought I was invincible for the rest of the night. I ended up chipping and drawing away at my stack until I eventually busted. It was only after that that I started to concentrate and play again.
I have become really good at reading a few players hands at my regular game through a mix of tells and betting actions. Twice I induced big river bluffs which I could easily call and once convinced someone to check their trips on the flop which allowed me to draw to the nut straight on the turn for free. I only ended plus $50 bucks. I wish I'd left after the first 20 mins but I can to play and win and although the later of the night was a tough trip it allowed me to practice some abilities which in the end paid off. Role on next week.
I have become really good at reading a few players hands at my regular game through a mix of tells and betting actions. Twice I induced big river bluffs which I could easily call and once convinced someone to check their trips on the flop which allowed me to draw to the nut straight on the turn for free. I only ended plus $50 bucks. I wish I'd left after the first 20 mins but I can to play and win and although the later of the night was a tough trip it allowed me to practice some abilities which in the end paid off. Role on next week.
Haeinsa
Haeinsa is most noted as the home of the Tripitaka Koreana which became a UNESCO world heritage site in the 1990s. It consists of 80,000 wooden blocks engraved with ancient Chinese Buddhist scripture. It was completed in the mid 16th century and stored in a building specifically designed to avoid the rotting of wood. It was excellent to see and to catch up on a bit or Korean culture. However all of the blocks were locked in on shelves you could only glimpse through slated wooden walls. No photos are allowed either, so I've uploaded the diagram from outside the temple and a few sneaky photos I got in.
I find the walk round the temples always relaxing and interesting. They are usually built in the countryside overlooking Korea's mountainous but lush territory. This allows for fresh air, amazing scenery and an easy hike. The temples themselves allow for a little musing over religion, architecture and about the anecdotes painted on the outer and inner walls of the buildings
.
I get paid next week so time for something completely different. Seoul perhaps?
Friday, 20 March 2009
Wake-up Call
Hmmm.... the Director phoned me this morning at 10.30am. Understandable if he had something to say...but he seemed to just want to chat. Now having stayed up till 3.30am so I could talk to my mum I set my alarm for 11.30am the next day. A solid 8 hours sleep. However as you can see I was woken up early by the director. I guess he could tell ia had been sleeping but he continued the conversation anyway. 'So, what are you doing Kevin?'. Eh?! I just told him I was about to get ready for work. Then as the silence stretched he filled me in on his morning, watching baseball and going to the gym.
Being disturbed from my slumber I was stern and was ready for the usual question when an employer makes an irregular phone call,. 'Can you come in early?', 'Work Saturday?' or 'Work late?'. But nothing came, just a description about his morning and a promise to talk about my contract today; something we had already agreed to do.
It was all very weird until it dawned on me an hour later. Was he just trying to be friends? Is he lonely? Now I think that it was this. Not so weird but not altogether normal either.
Being disturbed from my slumber I was stern and was ready for the usual question when an employer makes an irregular phone call,. 'Can you come in early?', 'Work Saturday?' or 'Work late?'. But nothing came, just a description about his morning and a promise to talk about my contract today; something we had already agreed to do.
It was all very weird until it dawned on me an hour later. Was he just trying to be friends? Is he lonely? Now I think that it was this. Not so weird but not altogether normal either.
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Monday, 16 March 2009
Weekends
I've had two quiet weekends which has been good for my health. I was on the verge of destroying my liver during the first few weeks. My wii has become the main attraction and every Friday a group of the lads come round for beer, take away food and all night Mario kart or guitar hero sessions. Great fun and cheap. Which mean I'm saving for uni. Now 2 weeks left in the month and it looks like i could save (pay off) 3/4 of my pay in one month, which I am happy about. Poker is going really well too, having won almost 1 million Korean won, about 500 pound in less than 2 weeks. Although u can never count on it as saved because u are still playing with it.
The rest of the weekend I use usually go out for a slap up meal and some drinks or else descend into the debauchery of Korea clubbing and Norae bangs. Trying to save that for only once a month now though. Planning a historical day trip next week to the Trippakata Koreana, an ancient temple with one of the first sayings of Buddha ever to e scribed: onto wooden blocks.
So see how that goes.
The rest of the weekend I use usually go out for a slap up meal and some drinks or else descend into the debauchery of Korea clubbing and Norae bangs. Trying to save that for only once a month now though. Planning a historical day trip next week to the Trippakata Koreana, an ancient temple with one of the first sayings of Buddha ever to e scribed: onto wooden blocks.
So see how that goes.
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Drinking in Korea
Ok, this is it, a definitive video of drinking in Korea, enjoy!
Three Sheets Drinking; South Korea
hehehe
Three Sheets Drinking; South Korea
hehehe
Anglian Comment
I was planning to right a short piece about the protesters who hounded the Anglian regiment yesterday during their homecoming. However a quick look on youtube made me shudder. Was I now agreeing with far right organisations such as the BNP? Am I just adding fuel to the blatant misrepresentations propagated by neo-fascist, racist and thoroughly reprehensible hard liners?
Well I am still going to have a monologue and I hope the readers will judge that I am guilty of neither racism nor appeasement. I think we should bare in mind the context of the event first of all. There was no more than a dozen protesters. If you compare that to Glasgow's experience during the Orange Walks or the Friends of Ireland march we are talking about a very small number indeed. In fact no substantive violence broke out and no follow up vigilante activities have been reported. Which is a dam bit more civilised than inter-faith Glaswegian relationships.
I would label the men (yes all of hem were men) as anti-war protesters but I think that is being too impartial. These men are clearly Muslim and their protest is an Islamist agenda. This is not just about the war in Iraq but also the imposition of freedom and democracy over religious totalitarianism, the death of fellow Muslims and not the death of fellow human beings, and the publicising of an agenda which labels Islam as brave and courageous in the face of the decadent and morally corrupt (and lets not forget secular) west.
Where the BNP, other groups, and I depart is that I think the men have and should have the right to protest. Regardless of my opinion on the war, it is fundamental that the law protects the right to peaceful protest and to speak freely. However, if anything, this groups choosing of time, place and slogans show how utterly disgusting, base, and crude their opinion and teachings are. When the anti war movement began it was the biggest protest ever seen in the UK. Where were the anti-war protesters now? Definitely not on the side of the Islamist group. They recognise first and foremost the bravery of British soldiers and their sacrifice for the nation. There is no humanity, no decency, no moral code which sanctions turning up at a parade venomously chanting phrases such as 'Go to hell', 'Butchers' and 'Terrorists' when soldiers, having bled on the field- even died, return home. Where mothers greet their long departed sons and others mourn the loss of friends, siblings or even children, there should be time for reflection, sombreness and celebration; not drivel spouted by brainwashed youths and preachers one step away from terrorist activities. Let's not think lightly or wash away a phrase such as 'Go to hell!'. These people believe in the literal teaching of the Koran. For them hell is a real place. With torture and cruelty so unfathomed it takes the imagination of an supernatural diety to dream it up. They literally want to send soldiers who have spent what can only be approximated to hell on earth, to a real eternity of relentless torture. Who could ever or would ever want to inflict that punishment on any other human being? Their moral viciousness was exposed by their chants yesterday.
Secondly, I fundamentally believe in the freedom of speech but I do recognise that if someone is a direct threat to civil order or is indeed inciting civil order against his person then there may be the need for detainment (not arrestment) by authorities. However the right wing of the population jumped on the events of two arrests at the Anglian parade. The BNP advertised it as 'two white British men arrested for challenging Muslims'. Obviously it was not that simple. One man was detained for incitement to racial hatred because he chanted a base phrase 'no surrender to the Taliban' and 'scum'. I am sure the first phrase will be familiar to many old firm fans in Scotland. If the state must arrest someone for incitement to racial hatred then at least keep it consistent. To me the chants of the protesters were worse than that of the single man. I wonder; is this double standards or was it a tactic by the police to maintain order? Either ways it sends out a disturbing signal. An Islamic group can continue to protest in the most undignified and repulsive way, yet when another citizen (regardless of race, gender or social grouping) replies in kind then he or she may be silenced. That can not be condoned.
Lastly, related to the last point but maybe the most important thing I want to echo is a challenge to use of the phrase 'islamo-phobia'. The Muslim Council of Britain said in a statement it was appalled at reports of the abuse, stating the protesters provided "fodder for Islamophobes keen to drive a wedge between Britons". Now, yes thank you for condemning the protesters and let us hope, and I do agree, that these protesters do not represent the majority of Muslims. However this word which has found it's way into headlines, articles and conversation- islamophobia, or islamophobes- is a subtle but none the less wicked attempt at deflecting warranted criticism of an idea. How dare they make an attempt to label anyone who criticises and challenges their orthodoxy as a shameful and a Muslim hating person. Words such as homophobe are used to describe people who inherently hate someones private, individual choice which they are born with or choose. How dare they apply this to their religion. Are they seriously saying that anyone who doesn't agree with their theory which they openly propagate and recruit for, as I do, is an islamaphobe? Such wordplay cheapens the achievements of legitimate groups and seeks to silence critics and protect their own agenda. It is good to see that the British public will not stand for such treatment.
Comment? I dare you?
NB* Two viewpoints. Opposing views of the trouble that outbroke that day/
I like this one because it shows how a relatively small mob can seem intimidating and can enter and aggressive spiral on a calm day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_ygCc9qlWM
This is from the far right point of view. They use scenes from numerous other protests to blow this one out of proportion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCO963eCD5U
.
Well I am still going to have a monologue and I hope the readers will judge that I am guilty of neither racism nor appeasement. I think we should bare in mind the context of the event first of all. There was no more than a dozen protesters. If you compare that to Glasgow's experience during the Orange Walks or the Friends of Ireland march we are talking about a very small number indeed. In fact no substantive violence broke out and no follow up vigilante activities have been reported. Which is a dam bit more civilised than inter-faith Glaswegian relationships.
I would label the men (yes all of hem were men) as anti-war protesters but I think that is being too impartial. These men are clearly Muslim and their protest is an Islamist agenda. This is not just about the war in Iraq but also the imposition of freedom and democracy over religious totalitarianism, the death of fellow Muslims and not the death of fellow human beings, and the publicising of an agenda which labels Islam as brave and courageous in the face of the decadent and morally corrupt (and lets not forget secular) west.
Where the BNP, other groups, and I depart is that I think the men have and should have the right to protest. Regardless of my opinion on the war, it is fundamental that the law protects the right to peaceful protest and to speak freely. However, if anything, this groups choosing of time, place and slogans show how utterly disgusting, base, and crude their opinion and teachings are. When the anti war movement began it was the biggest protest ever seen in the UK. Where were the anti-war protesters now? Definitely not on the side of the Islamist group. They recognise first and foremost the bravery of British soldiers and their sacrifice for the nation. There is no humanity, no decency, no moral code which sanctions turning up at a parade venomously chanting phrases such as 'Go to hell', 'Butchers' and 'Terrorists' when soldiers, having bled on the field- even died, return home. Where mothers greet their long departed sons and others mourn the loss of friends, siblings or even children, there should be time for reflection, sombreness and celebration; not drivel spouted by brainwashed youths and preachers one step away from terrorist activities. Let's not think lightly or wash away a phrase such as 'Go to hell!'. These people believe in the literal teaching of the Koran. For them hell is a real place. With torture and cruelty so unfathomed it takes the imagination of an supernatural diety to dream it up. They literally want to send soldiers who have spent what can only be approximated to hell on earth, to a real eternity of relentless torture. Who could ever or would ever want to inflict that punishment on any other human being? Their moral viciousness was exposed by their chants yesterday.
Secondly, I fundamentally believe in the freedom of speech but I do recognise that if someone is a direct threat to civil order or is indeed inciting civil order against his person then there may be the need for detainment (not arrestment) by authorities. However the right wing of the population jumped on the events of two arrests at the Anglian parade. The BNP advertised it as 'two white British men arrested for challenging Muslims'. Obviously it was not that simple. One man was detained for incitement to racial hatred because he chanted a base phrase 'no surrender to the Taliban' and 'scum'. I am sure the first phrase will be familiar to many old firm fans in Scotland. If the state must arrest someone for incitement to racial hatred then at least keep it consistent. To me the chants of the protesters were worse than that of the single man. I wonder; is this double standards or was it a tactic by the police to maintain order? Either ways it sends out a disturbing signal. An Islamic group can continue to protest in the most undignified and repulsive way, yet when another citizen (regardless of race, gender or social grouping) replies in kind then he or she may be silenced. That can not be condoned.
Lastly, related to the last point but maybe the most important thing I want to echo is a challenge to use of the phrase 'islamo-phobia'. The Muslim Council of Britain said in a statement it was appalled at reports of the abuse, stating the protesters provided "fodder for Islamophobes keen to drive a wedge between Britons". Now, yes thank you for condemning the protesters and let us hope, and I do agree, that these protesters do not represent the majority of Muslims. However this word which has found it's way into headlines, articles and conversation- islamophobia, or islamophobes- is a subtle but none the less wicked attempt at deflecting warranted criticism of an idea. How dare they make an attempt to label anyone who criticises and challenges their orthodoxy as a shameful and a Muslim hating person. Words such as homophobe are used to describe people who inherently hate someones private, individual choice which they are born with or choose. How dare they apply this to their religion. Are they seriously saying that anyone who doesn't agree with their theory which they openly propagate and recruit for, as I do, is an islamaphobe? Such wordplay cheapens the achievements of legitimate groups and seeks to silence critics and protect their own agenda. It is good to see that the British public will not stand for such treatment.
Comment? I dare you?
NB* Two viewpoints. Opposing views of the trouble that outbroke that day/
I like this one because it shows how a relatively small mob can seem intimidating and can enter and aggressive spiral on a calm day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_ygCc9qlWM
This is from the far right point of view. They use scenes from numerous other protests to blow this one out of proportion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCO963eCD5U
.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Response; My opinion, not expertise
In response to a friends comment left on my little piece about North Korea I would like to say one or two things.
He is completely right that N.K. is probably the most isolated part of the world with the possible exception of Burma. It is definitely the most oppressed but consequently the government has done such a good job it is relatively stable with less widespread violence than similar regimes.
'Is there such a thing as a single 'Korean' nation anymore?'.
I would say....yes. Korean 'people' if not nation most definitely. Korea has always been remote, which has allowed them almost 2000 years of unique history which, unlike Europe or American, was hardly infiltrated by outside powers until Japanese Imperialism. In the same way the Celts retained a language and culture unique to Brittany; Koreans have the same except much stronger, less diluted and only separated 80 years ago.
I guess a better comparison would be East and West Germany and all the same arguments divide Korean opinion. Is it economically viable, they have lived under a dictatorship and so on. Nostalgically I think all Koreans would go for unification but realistically a large minority would say it shouldn't be done. The possibility for democracy at root is alive in South Korea. I see women's institutes proudly taking on stuffy old politicians, young people protesting on the streets. I see nothing inherent in Korean culture which immediately stands in the way of democracy; such as monotheism, monarchy, or present conditions in the south.
Integration with the north would be difficult but surely possible. The sad fact is that the North Korean population are so oppressed that if you tell them to be democratic the will be.
Look out for 'The Crossing' on DVD. It won a few awards internationally. The fictional story of a father trying to escape the north.
He is completely right that N.K. is probably the most isolated part of the world with the possible exception of Burma. It is definitely the most oppressed but consequently the government has done such a good job it is relatively stable with less widespread violence than similar regimes.
'Is there such a thing as a single 'Korean' nation anymore?'.
I would say....yes. Korean 'people' if not nation most definitely. Korea has always been remote, which has allowed them almost 2000 years of unique history which, unlike Europe or American, was hardly infiltrated by outside powers until Japanese Imperialism. In the same way the Celts retained a language and culture unique to Brittany; Koreans have the same except much stronger, less diluted and only separated 80 years ago.
I guess a better comparison would be East and West Germany and all the same arguments divide Korean opinion. Is it economically viable, they have lived under a dictatorship and so on. Nostalgically I think all Koreans would go for unification but realistically a large minority would say it shouldn't be done. The possibility for democracy at root is alive in South Korea. I see women's institutes proudly taking on stuffy old politicians, young people protesting on the streets. I see nothing inherent in Korean culture which immediately stands in the way of democracy; such as monotheism, monarchy, or present conditions in the south.
Integration with the north would be difficult but surely possible. The sad fact is that the North Korean population are so oppressed that if you tell them to be democratic the will be.
Look out for 'The Crossing' on DVD. It won a few awards internationally. The fictional story of a father trying to escape the north.
Yesterday's post
I decided i was too harsh yesterday and I don't want to come off as selfish hermit. I love traveling and meeting new people. Some of the best and most original nights I have had grew from a chance meeting in a hostel or a group get together. Obviously when in a different country an active effort can be required to meet new people. So all I want to say is that I understand why foreigners huddle together when they first arrive.
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Passing waygooks,
Foreigners in Korea are known as waygook in Korean. I see so much more white faces living in this area, Ji-san, compared to my first area Ansim. The weird thing is that when you see a foreigner in Korea who you don't know their is a whole expected ritual of introduction. I totally don't buy into it and I find the encounters erroneous and repetitive.
Let me give you the usual scenario. I am on my way to work and I stop at the traffic lights. To my right another foreigner looks at me and is quite obviously hoping i will say hi to them. I don't know them and probably would never converse with them if the crossing was in the UK, Australia or France. However out of mutual respect for professions and immigration I will dutifully nod my head, lift my eyebrows or say hi. What I wait for in return is either the reciprocal action or a barrage of question that I really don't want to get into. Usually it goes 'hi', and they jostle abut for a few minutes before asking 'Are you an English teacher?' , followed by 'Where you from?' When did you get here?''Where do you work?' 'Why Korea?'. Five minutes later hey seem to be running out of conversation and out of pity I'll throw in a few questions or opinions about Korea which usually go down well. Drawing close to my school I offer my good byes and try to scurry of before they ask for my phone number Which inevitably they always do. Lets meet again! Strangely the last question is often , as if forgotten, what's your name (again)? The whole process is so predictable it's frustrating.
Now don't get me wrong I completely understand the need for them. If I moved here to a school which had no other foreigners and I had no other waygook friends then I would pretty much latch on to the first friendly white face I seen. But that's what puts me off the whole thing. It's the whole latching onto someone for no other reason than you need them. I'm not embarrassed by the whole awkward introductions and familiar questions; actually I think I am quite good at it. It's just the whole 'let's be best friends' thing that makes me cringe.
For example, the mates I have now are a good mix f people I worked with, people who worked for the same company, guys I have met playing poker, and a few who I happened to meet in bars or friends of friends. Not one of the people I have met walking on the street have I encountered in a social setting and rarely have I met them again.
Maybe, I'm just in a cynical mood today- sorry.
Let me give you the usual scenario. I am on my way to work and I stop at the traffic lights. To my right another foreigner looks at me and is quite obviously hoping i will say hi to them. I don't know them and probably would never converse with them if the crossing was in the UK, Australia or France. However out of mutual respect for professions and immigration I will dutifully nod my head, lift my eyebrows or say hi. What I wait for in return is either the reciprocal action or a barrage of question that I really don't want to get into. Usually it goes 'hi', and they jostle abut for a few minutes before asking 'Are you an English teacher?' , followed by 'Where you from?' When did you get here?''Where do you work?' 'Why Korea?'. Five minutes later hey seem to be running out of conversation and out of pity I'll throw in a few questions or opinions about Korea which usually go down well. Drawing close to my school I offer my good byes and try to scurry of before they ask for my phone number Which inevitably they always do. Lets meet again! Strangely the last question is often , as if forgotten, what's your name (again)? The whole process is so predictable it's frustrating.
Now don't get me wrong I completely understand the need for them. If I moved here to a school which had no other foreigners and I had no other waygook friends then I would pretty much latch on to the first friendly white face I seen. But that's what puts me off the whole thing. It's the whole latching onto someone for no other reason than you need them. I'm not embarrassed by the whole awkward introductions and familiar questions; actually I think I am quite good at it. It's just the whole 'let's be best friends' thing that makes me cringe.
For example, the mates I have now are a good mix f people I worked with, people who worked for the same company, guys I have met playing poker, and a few who I happened to meet in bars or friends of friends. Not one of the people I have met walking on the street have I encountered in a social setting and rarely have I met them again.
Maybe, I'm just in a cynical mood today- sorry.
Monday, 9 March 2009
Short analysis
Today the South Korean and American military have a joint training session which will last for 12 days. It's the biggest exercise of the year and is usually met with animosity from the North. The strange thing is that I only heard about the news from the bbc website. After checking The Korean Herald website sure enough there is a report, but not headline news.
It's a strange feeling living on the door step of a rogue state. Most of the time you never think about it and then you here they are threatening to immanently destroy Seoul because South Korea elected the 'wrong' president. The recent warning comes before the latest military training by the South and the Yanks. Incitements to hatred and fear out pore like a 1970s cold war propaganda video. Threats of instant invasion by the North or the barbaric and hostile outsiders threatening North Korea's enlightened path. However, as far as I can see the average person on the street is either completely aware of the North's bitter utterances and treats them as an annoyance rather than a threat, or is completely disinterested.
Kim Jung Ill has begun grooming his third son for power now that he can see his health is failing. I wonder what will happen to the North once he is gone. The contrast between the freedom of Seoul and that of Pyongyang is striking and saddening. In my view if there ever were a people who could embrace democracy and freedom, yet are held back by a dictator it must be the Koreans.
Over the last two years I have think the North has gradually increased its rhetoric against the South. Growing ever more venomous and spiteful towards it's southern kin. As the Republic grows prosperous, its people become well fed, and its young enjoy ever more integration with the international system, North Korea starves. Its encirclement ever more evident and ever more unified. Its traditional ally is departing on ideological grounds and lacking any need to continue trading. Its outbursts become ever more synonymous with the thrashings of an ignored child. Screaming louder to be heard and threatening to use violence if it is not acknowledged as the great nation it thinks it is. Sadly North Korea continues in its delirium to think itself an international power worth listening to; while in reality it is little more than a thorn in Asian unity. \Meanwhile North Koreans suffer under its theocracy.
One local man I spoke to put the military training in a better perspective.
'about time the US troops do something aside from hitting on girls in frog'
It's 6:35pm and no bombs have fallen yet. Fingers crossed.
It's a strange feeling living on the door step of a rogue state. Most of the time you never think about it and then you here they are threatening to immanently destroy Seoul because South Korea elected the 'wrong' president. The recent warning comes before the latest military training by the South and the Yanks. Incitements to hatred and fear out pore like a 1970s cold war propaganda video. Threats of instant invasion by the North or the barbaric and hostile outsiders threatening North Korea's enlightened path. However, as far as I can see the average person on the street is either completely aware of the North's bitter utterances and treats them as an annoyance rather than a threat, or is completely disinterested.
Kim Jung Ill has begun grooming his third son for power now that he can see his health is failing. I wonder what will happen to the North once he is gone. The contrast between the freedom of Seoul and that of Pyongyang is striking and saddening. In my view if there ever were a people who could embrace democracy and freedom, yet are held back by a dictator it must be the Koreans.
Over the last two years I have think the North has gradually increased its rhetoric against the South. Growing ever more venomous and spiteful towards it's southern kin. As the Republic grows prosperous, its people become well fed, and its young enjoy ever more integration with the international system, North Korea starves. Its encirclement ever more evident and ever more unified. Its traditional ally is departing on ideological grounds and lacking any need to continue trading. Its outbursts become ever more synonymous with the thrashings of an ignored child. Screaming louder to be heard and threatening to use violence if it is not acknowledged as the great nation it thinks it is. Sadly North Korea continues in its delirium to think itself an international power worth listening to; while in reality it is little more than a thorn in Asian unity. \Meanwhile North Koreans suffer under its theocracy.
One local man I spoke to put the military training in a better perspective.
'about time the US troops do something aside from hitting on girls in frog'
It's 6:35pm and no bombs have fallen yet. Fingers crossed.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Plagerism
Well they say imitation is the best form of flattery.
Check these out.
P.P.P. from 14c.
P.P.P. Pick up a pemguin from shops, not zoos.
Check these out.
P.P.P. from 14c.
P.P.P. Pick up a pemguin from shops, not zoos.
Friday, 6 March 2009
Back at the Table
Having just been paid on Friday I decide to return to the old bar where I used to play poker last year. The games are never that big but excellent for making a few new contacts and even friends in a city where you're the minority. It was good to see the same guys playing and back in Korea, not simply because I know how to take their money, but because a midweek break from work with a few beers and some familiar faces makes the week fly by. As a bonus the bar is clean, cheap and serves good food. The only place I can find that does chips 'n' curry and it tastes just like back home. The owner is a lanky Korean who has a massive smile and googly eyes. A really nice guy who keeps the bar opened late for us, sometimes pushing for 5 or 6am.
As one of the players said in the taxi home '4 o'clock in the morning seems to come so quickly in Korea'. Never been so true. Working from two in the afternoon till nine means there is no rush to sleep. By 4 o'clock I had turned my $50 into $200. It's good to start a new bankroll positively. I made a few errors, such as moving in when I should of value bet after hitting the nut flush on the river(maybe an error), and I lost an all-in for a $120 pot even though I was 60-40 favourite. Walking away with a profit still, made the night a good one.
NB*If anyone wants an invite to the cash game leave a comment.
As one of the players said in the taxi home '4 o'clock in the morning seems to come so quickly in Korea'. Never been so true. Working from two in the afternoon till nine means there is no rush to sleep. By 4 o'clock I had turned my $50 into $200. It's good to start a new bankroll positively. I made a few errors, such as moving in when I should of value bet after hitting the nut flush on the river(maybe an error), and I lost an all-in for a $120 pot even though I was 60-40 favourite. Walking away with a profit still, made the night a good one.
NB*If anyone wants an invite to the cash game leave a comment.
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Herald NIE
Well I received my first pay-check last Friday and also had a staff night out. Another foray into the dark side of Korean drinking culture. Was good night but unfortunately my director wasn't allowed into the club because he was wearing a suit. So we nipped round the corner and he took of his tie and swapped his jacket with mine. Unfortunately it was about 3 sizes to small so i looked like someone out of a 1980s pop video. We tried again but unfortunately it was his age that was the problem so we had to ditch him and I met up with some friends inside.
The relationship at work is going well actually.We are starting to understand each other more and they even printed my name on their new books. They have not altogether stopped but the enquiry into my religion no longer feels like an issue. However they still keep asking me to get married and live in Korea. I don't want to say outright no to them. However, as much as I enjoy living and learning in Korea staying isn't an option. My director even offered a salary of $80,000 a year if I worked with him for the next 5 to 10 years. That would be great but my ambitions lie elsewhere.
I'll up load some more photos tonight.
Monday, 2 March 2009
Two Things.
Two things that happened last week inspired very opposite feelings about Korea.
On Thursday I was walking home from work when I seen a group of 5 or 6 police officers congregating around the traffic lights. At first I thought they were controlling traffic or maybe looking for someone. They were shouting in Korean to each other and a couple were even eyeing me suspiciously. Not wanting to jump the lights with the police there (j-walking in Korea), I stood wondering what the cops were doing. Suddenly, as the light turned green, two officers started piggy back riding their partners across the road in a pre-planned dash for victory. The funniest part was the 5th officer was chasing the other two trying to stick his fingers up their arse, ceremonially known in Korea as 'ddong chim'.
I laughed to myself thinking about he comparison with back home. I don't think you would ever see that. It is heartening to think Korea is such a safe place to live and the fear of crime is so low that police officers can have some fun on duty. Looking back I think the group were a little young and maybe on their first patrol or in training. However I felt no less safe with a group of law enforcement officers who were clearly relaxed in their work.
On Saturday I decided to have a afternoon coffee downtown. A habit which I am beginning to enjoy more and more. I sat down in a antique style coffee house and before I could open the menu an old man started hassling me for money. Now, I occasionally give money to beggars but usually if they appear to be free from drugs or alcohol. Otherwise I'd prefer to give the money to a charity. My compassion for suffering is deep but it is also short. Anyways I shook my head and turned back to the menu. However the beggar refused to go away. Thrusting his palms forward, he drawled "money give me". The waitress came over, two in fact, and gave him some money and I imagine tried to ask hm to leave. He didn't even acknowledge the 500 won they just gave him and now just mumbled in comprehensively while shaking his palms at me. I said no and even in Korean I said 'I don't have money here'. This farce continued and I was starting to get annoyed. I could feel a real scene developing as I was about to stand up and tell the guy to get the hell out of my face. I think the glance from me, the movement of my shoulders to offensive and the offer of more money from another customer eventually changed his demeanour. 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry' he said as he scuttled over to his next victim. I was told that the reason he could get away with coming in was because there was no man on duty. If a Waiter had asked him to leave he would have to oblige; but being an older male he could disregard the protestations of the younger females at will. The idea that foreigners have lots of money and that they occasionally leave a tip, made me the prime target for begging.
On the bright side, beggars happen all over the world but low crime rates are much harder to come by. I'd rather have an occasional beggar because of my white skin than be a target of criminals.
On Thursday I was walking home from work when I seen a group of 5 or 6 police officers congregating around the traffic lights. At first I thought they were controlling traffic or maybe looking for someone. They were shouting in Korean to each other and a couple were even eyeing me suspiciously. Not wanting to jump the lights with the police there (j-walking in Korea), I stood wondering what the cops were doing. Suddenly, as the light turned green, two officers started piggy back riding their partners across the road in a pre-planned dash for victory. The funniest part was the 5th officer was chasing the other two trying to stick his fingers up their arse, ceremonially known in Korea as 'ddong chim'.
I laughed to myself thinking about he comparison with back home. I don't think you would ever see that. It is heartening to think Korea is such a safe place to live and the fear of crime is so low that police officers can have some fun on duty. Looking back I think the group were a little young and maybe on their first patrol or in training. However I felt no less safe with a group of law enforcement officers who were clearly relaxed in their work.
On Saturday I decided to have a afternoon coffee downtown. A habit which I am beginning to enjoy more and more. I sat down in a antique style coffee house and before I could open the menu an old man started hassling me for money. Now, I occasionally give money to beggars but usually if they appear to be free from drugs or alcohol. Otherwise I'd prefer to give the money to a charity. My compassion for suffering is deep but it is also short. Anyways I shook my head and turned back to the menu. However the beggar refused to go away. Thrusting his palms forward, he drawled "money give me". The waitress came over, two in fact, and gave him some money and I imagine tried to ask hm to leave. He didn't even acknowledge the 500 won they just gave him and now just mumbled in comprehensively while shaking his palms at me. I said no and even in Korean I said 'I don't have money here'. This farce continued and I was starting to get annoyed. I could feel a real scene developing as I was about to stand up and tell the guy to get the hell out of my face. I think the glance from me, the movement of my shoulders to offensive and the offer of more money from another customer eventually changed his demeanour. 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry' he said as he scuttled over to his next victim. I was told that the reason he could get away with coming in was because there was no man on duty. If a Waiter had asked him to leave he would have to oblige; but being an older male he could disregard the protestations of the younger females at will. The idea that foreigners have lots of money and that they occasionally leave a tip, made me the prime target for begging.
On the bright side, beggars happen all over the world but low crime rates are much harder to come by. I'd rather have an occasional beggar because of my white skin than be a target of criminals.
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