The first time I lived in Korea was in 2005~2006, in a small city called Yeongju, located in the South-eastern part of the country. The school I worked for at that time, Wonderland Academy (yep, I want to make t-shirts that say I SURVIVED WONDERLAND), it is now called Yale School, was the place where my love for Korea started.
Basically, my co-worker/friend for life, DoKyoung Kim, has seen me transition through the past 7 years with my life struggles and triumphs. He's the one of the few who besides my family and friends, who could tell you my personality traits. His family took me in and treated me like family. I was shocked and awed that a Korean family would be so inviting to a Westerner. While I spent my time with his family, I bought groceries, helped wash the dishes, assisted on their farmland, paid for gas, etc. since that's what members of a family do, whether you are family by blood or if you just feel that comfortable with a person to call them family instead of friend~you do not think twice, you just flat-out help or are there for them simply because. Whoever is reading this, you might be able to relate to what I'm writing.
While working at Wonderland, I stumbled across a volunteer opportunity in Daegu for orphanages. I first asked my director if I was allowed to volunteer, mostly since being on a working Visa, you are "owned" by your employer and they are the ones who call the shots, most of the time. My director said no because it might involve teaching English. Anything that involves any kind of English being taught to others can constitute as a reason for deportation. Even if it is for no money. I still thought his reasoning was wrong, and still wrong. How could volunteering be bad?
Growing-up in the suburbs of NJ, my family and I have always done volunteer work for the community. My mother used to run street fairs and flea markets in both Nyack, NY and parts of Northern NJ. My dad was president of a civics organization in Fair Lawn (the place where I'm from). My brother and I received scholarships in High School for our volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity (building houses for those in need/low-income areas), we both started a CD drive at Xmas time one year for children who can't afford to buy music, and countless other charities and volunteer trips. On top this, I was instilled with the Jewish notion of tzadakah~charity~similar to the Islam, Hindu, Christian, etc. beliefs of just genuinely doing random acts of kindness.
Despite the no, my director clearly gave, DoKyoung and I still went. I brought a Dr. Seuss book with me, "Oh The Places You'll Go," which was given to me as a present for my big adventure of moving here. Not the best Seuss book like The Great Butter Battle, The Sneetches, or the Lorax~all that I have used in lessons involving ESL adults/students in terms of understanding some social morays, but the children still enjoyed hearing it being read.
When we arrived, the orphanage was full of ex-pats from various countries (Australia, South Africa, America, Canada, UK, New Zealand, etc.). The place felt warm and inviting. All the children were really fun. We started off with the game Red light, Green light, 1-2-3 and Mother May I. Afterwards, we all sat and listened to the story being read. In my heart, I truly wanted and still want to adopt one.
Little do people realize, in Asian countries, orphans are put into an orphanage for different reasons. Some have to do with the very frowned-upon divorces. Dad's get stuck with the children and decide to put them in there in hopes that mom will some day pick them up. Some are there because they were abandoned, bastards from U.S. military soldiers, etc. When you volunteer, you start to understand how they feel and all you want to do is just play silly games to help them take their mind off of their actual reality.
My director never found out about DoKyoung and I volunteering and really it should not matter, even now. It is technically illegal to volunteer in Korea~according to laws, but honestly, who would be that jerk to report someone for simply doing an act of kindness?
After a few years of living back in NJ, working at various part time jobs all in the field of education, including a teacher's assistant with Autistic Middle School students, and an ESL teacher at a Community College, I earned for full-time employment. I started applying for jobs elsewhere, such as D.C., NY, LA, etc. I wound up working in Newark, NJ for a brief time mostly because, I emotionally could not handle the amount of unnecessary paperwork, parents, lack of administrative support, on top of students telling me on a daily basis they want to kill me, throw a chair at me, rocks, gangs, racism, you name it~it happened to not only me, but to plenty of the other teachers I was working with. The one positive to come from this experience was being for that brief time, the debate team's coach. I lead 5 girls, who had no experience whatsoever, with a coach with no experience whatsoever, to various competitions around the city. I didn't mind volunteering my time on Saturdays for these girls who were complimented on their pose, pronunciation, composure, class, and showmanship by not just the judges, but by other competitor coaches and their parents. However, the factors in the classroom took a toll on me, so my heart was leading me back to the country I grew so fond of, on top of DoKyoung and I at one point talking about opening a school.
I moved to the city of Jeonju, known for bimbibop, food, and community. During my time in the city, I did various projects, such as, designed a literary/magazine where at the release party it grossed in 75,000 won that I donated to the Neighbourly orphanage fund rather than printing for the next issue at a Fish 'n Chips fundraiser, oh yeah, cooked at that event to a massive crowd full with the assistance of a well-organized kitchen staff. David Van Minnen and his wife were the ones who initiated the start of the orphanage visits for the ex-pat community to continue to enjoy today. To find out about most of these community service projects in Jeonju~just look for the Facebook group named Jeonju Knowledge or you might meet one of the volunteers out and about in Jeonju.
Throughout Korea, there are various animal shelters to go for visits or adopt a pet. For information about animal shelters, check out the website~ http://www.animalrescuekorea.org/
After going home and traveling for a few months, I had the opportunity to come back to Korea, to a different city called Uijeongbu and volunteer at the Greater Vision School~a school geared towards teaching English to North Korean refugees. This time, my director had no problem with the volunteer work, even though, I was honest with him about it involving English. He, himself, is the type of person who delivered juices to students who were in the hospital. Even now, with not working for him and although we had a pretty big falling-out, I still respect him as a person. I am greatful that he gave me the opportunity to work at his school and to volunteer with the refugees.
The Greater Vision School follows, aside from an English curriculumn, but is also Christian based. Yes, I mentioned I am Jewish, but as I also mentioned, it does not matter what religion you are, if you are the type of person who just gives without thinking twice and appreciates people of all walks of life, then religion goes out the window. My students were adults with ages in the early 20's to 30's. Their level was intermediate, but still very basic. Granted, they knew the alphabet, but I had to break-it-down with phonetical sounds. Plus, basic conversation was out the window. The first class, I went over the different ways of saying, "Hello. How are you?" to "Hey. What's up?!" No, I did not start to break it down by country with Canadian, "Hey buddy" or German, "Goodintach!"~simply saying the basics was the first step at conquering that challenge.
In my next classes, we consistently reviewed. Then, we started going into more than basic conversation by attaching the phrase, "Where are you from?" All of them replied Korea. Not North or South. Korea. This rang in my ears. A country has been divided since the early 1950's, and still no peace treaty, families have been misplaced, displaced, replaced, etc., and the people who come for the North see with hopeful eyes, such as myself and others that someday these two countries will unite and everyone can join my students in calling it Korea. There is not that much doubt behind it these days. Tourism has started to boom up there a long with various sporting, arts, and other events. Peace is possible. There is also the PSCORE organization in Seoul that I have been in contact with. At one point, I was considering starting a branch in Jeonju, but that ceased when I had no help or support from some members in the community. Stubborn thinkers. Not to mention, all the research that was involved with starting such a group~figuring out if there are even refugees in the community. Its not one of those things where you go door-to-door asking, "Are you from North Korea," throughout the peninsula. Imagine that though.
Volunteering with the refugees has opened my eyes more, aside from various hiking events and adventures that I recently have been on. You start to see things differently and appreciate the life you have, even if some people around you might not think you are worthy of being apart of a community no matter how much of your heart you give because that is just how some people are, I just keep on keeping on and I know who to turn to for support or for a laugh. Usually, I offer both to whoever wants it. I don't need to list here the things I have helped people with in terms of advice from love to saving a life. Mostly, it stems from my own personal experience of seeing some really good people and pets close to me die and always lending my hand to those in need of support. People do turn to me for help or advice just because they know they can always count on me even if I might not be on a friend's list or out at the bar, I know where my help is needed and I have been complimented on it and even, do I dare say, trusted.
There is also a group on FB for people living in Seoul who want to get involved with giving back to the homeless in the big city called PLUR~(Peace, Love, Unity, Respect). Recently, I had the opportunity to walk around the subway tunnels in the Seoul station area with the group during the cold winter nights distributing bags of food to those living in card-board boxes, sleeping on the floor, or underneath bridges.
If you would like to find out more information about volunteering in Korea, feel free to drop me an email: lorimich7@gmail.com. Or if you need advice about working in Korea, I do know some friendly folks who would be more than willing to help with job placement that I can put you in contact with.
In light of the holiday spirit~Happy Chanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza, Happy New Year, and to those who are Atheist or Agnostic~have an awesome season! I'm glad to be donating my time to people who need to stay in good spirits and smiles. I am poor, not just saying that, to donate money.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
This All Might Sound like BS but it Actually Happened!! Way!
"Life is an Adventure," tends to be the philosophy of my life these days wherever I am in the world. Whether I'm back at home or abroad, I try to seek-out the more than the usual sit on a beach and get wasted option. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that if that's what you like to do and well sometimes its fine to do that, but when it comes to seeing or experiencing something new, if there's an alternative, I'd rather pick that.
When there was the invite through the tour group WINK (formerly Discover Korea) to go Rafting, Bungee jumping, and River Trekking, I had to pass this knowledge to a friend of mine. There had to be someone/some people who wanted to experience some nature vs. human activities for the weekend. At Mud Fest, I passed the info. on to others. I text my friend Michelle (met at Judo~Juplish) who I know is always up for an adventure. So the group was formed.
The night before the trip, I could not sleep. I wound up getting maybe 3 hours sleep, if that. I hopped on my subways to the Apujeong terminal. I saw another expat with a back-pack (we sometimes tend to wear those when our heart is on constant travel). Turns out his name is Owen and he too was headed to the same direction I was. Right outside the bus, I was greeted by some other friends. Little did we know what we were about to get ourselves into. :)
On the bus, it was nothing but a friendly, funny bunch who came from all over the U.S., Canada, Laos, England, South Africa, Ireland, Austria, Korea, pretty cool melting pot. Some were vocalizing their experiences at their schools, current US politics because well, us Americans we like to talk~and talk a great deal about anything/everything/nothing~ foreign politics, Korea, etc. Nothing more than friendly banter and laughter, a great way to start the trip.
After some bumper-to-bumper Seoul traffic and a rest stop, we pulled into the bungee place in Inje~Gangwan-do province. That's when the heart started to pound. There's no way I was second-guessing myself. I definitely was going to try this since I have done skydiving before and well, this definitely is different in that with sky-diving you jump tandem with someone on your back; this is just you, a chord, and the ground.
After getting the straps and harnesses, we were all ready to go (or at least the ones who were doing this). While waiting on-line, Barun, Diana, and I were talking about what it is we were about to do. I read the bright yellow instructions that were mounted on the metal wall. What caught my eye was, "Look out at the mountains and think of a place." Easier said than done of course. After I gave Diana some positive reinforcement before she boarded the huge construction-crane, I was next. Once I was in the gigantic-construction-worker crane, there was no turning back. When I went skydiving, my pilot pointed out the rain clouds to me, and it felt almost rushed since we had to beat a storm to get in two more jumps from the group I went with. The weather was gorgeous and sunny. The time came to stand on the platform, which was holy-god scary. I listened to the bungee instructor when he said, "Stand at the yellow line." I hesitated for a bit and held onto the metal bars near the entrance of the crane. "No, no, no. Stand on the yellow line." I looked down for a bit and got my feet lined-up.
"Ready," said the guy wearing an awesome beach-style hat.
"Uh huh," I said with a shakey voice.
"Put your hands up, stare at the mountains and think of a place."
My hands were up and closed my eyes to calm the nerves a bit and to think of my place.
"Ready. 1, 2, 3 jump!"
That's when I screamed my head off. After the first bounce the only words to come out of my mouth was, "ROCK 'N ROLL" and then more screaming (revert to video). It turned-out to not be so bad (of course). Every bad feeling I've had about anything was gone. Living the moment. The perfect present.
After jumping, I cheered on some others and high-five the fellow bunjee-ers. We all had a look of relief on our faces once it was done. Hunger started to kick in and it was time to head to the Yellow Restaurant (that wasn't the name, but the description). Our offerings were 돈가스 (Dongas)~fried pork cutlet or 회덮밥 (hoedeopbap)~raw fish and rice. There was also kim chi (the national staple dish served at every meal~pickled/fermented cabbage), soup, and a few other side dishes. Everything was great and hit the spot. The next destination was Rafting.
Back onto the yellow school bus we went. It almost was as magical as the books are. hehe. We split into groups of 7-7-6. I wound-up in a group of 7. Our lifeguard's name was Mr. Dong. The first thing that came to mind was "The Donger" and just about every other quote involving the Donger from "16 Candles." Before getting on the raft, we all had to do rowing, floating (incase we fell out of the boat), and rocking practices. Mr. Dong took his oar and proceeded to splash us with it. Nick and I looked at each other and on the count of 3, we splashed him back after our training session. Yep, this was going to be an awesome rafting experience.
The group I was with was nothing more than the most spirited bunch. Rather than chant the usual 1, 2, thanks to Annie, we started chanting KIM CHI. Then, came the other brilliant idea of SO JU and FIGH TING by yours truly. Koreans on the river were totally enjoying our chants and spirit. Naturally, we had to get into splash fights, too. It was just the nature of the beast.
After we hit the first set of rapids, Andy, Nick, Stephanie, and everyone else got wet. I flew out of my seat and landed in the floor of the raft. We were then in some calm water. Mr. Dong said we can go in. Stephanie and I both have life-guarding experience, which of course meant we swam the farthest out than everyone else. However, another batch of rapids was approaching, so we all had to swim back to the raft on top speed. Mr. Dong lifted each of us up onto the raft just seconds before we hit the next batch of rapids. Seriously.
About mid-way, was when we caught-up with the other two rafts with our group. Splash fights ensued before reaching shore. The life-guards/instructors, put the rafts together to create a huge slide. Each of us took turns running and jumping on the adult slip-n-slide (that didn't require any alcohol or nudity). We all cheered each other on no matter how fast, slow, careful, we did our tricks. Some did tricks like rolling-dive-jumping, rolling, cannon ball, flips etc. Too much fun and unfortunately, we had to stop and get back into our rafts.
Afterwards, it was time to hit the freezing cold showers, still not as cold Jisan Valley Rock Festival showers, but just as shivering. Time came to check-into the Pension. We pulled in to the gorgeous, scenic pension with penis statues out in-front of it. Korea is a very penis-envy society. They pride for the first son, very similar to other cultures in Asia and well, in the world. At Jeju Island they have statues all over the island called Harubongs, when you rub their nose, you're supposed to have a boy. There's other penis sites all over the country like Penis Park, Penis Museum, and there used to be a Penis carving festival. Of course, if you have an immature mind or you do not mind the occasional perverted joke, you will laugh at any and all of these. However, the penis statues do mean more than well PENIS! They also represent fertility and good luck. The story behind Penis Park is quite unique, look it up!
Before dinner, some of us enjoyed a nice siesta, while some others hung-out at the gazebos. Dinner was spicy pork with lettuce wraps, rice, soup, and a bunch of other side dishes. Everything was fine-tasting and great. Some partook in soju (the national drink of Korea that is 30 proof, but goes down like moonshine~tastes like battery acid and its bottle looks like rubbing alcohol~same with the smell) with the bus driver. I was listening to this guy Ryan talk about Louisiana and New Orleans in particular. I wound up asking him questions about Katrina aftermath, etc. The culture in that particular state is quite unique since each section of the city are called wards, some people speak Creole, the food is phenomenal, and even though they were plagued with one of the worst disasters in North America in the last ten years, the city remains strong.
Afterwards, some people hung out in the pension while others chilled by a bond fire. There we were talking about life, the universe, and everything in-between. Just enjoying each other's company. Some of the Koreans that were also staying in the pension invited us to dance around the bond fire with them. This was definitely something new. We held hands in a circle and did a dance similar to the hora (Jewish dance used for celebrations). After we circled the fire a couple of times, we clapped our hands and chanted, "We are the World." This continued for a couple more times. Then, the Koreans went to their gazebo, while our fire party continued with fireworks, drinks and fun moments.
The fun started to creep away when our bus driver decided to smack some girl's ass in our group. Ahyoung and Younga~the ones in charge of our tour~and a couple of other people from the group walked the bus driver back to his room. We were all hoping for a safe drive in the morning, since we had to be up for 9AM. Once he was in bed, the fun started with rebuilding our fire, more laughter, and dancing.
Gradually, we all woke-up to muffins and sandwich making. Little did we know, what we were about to embark on, and how our limits were going to get tested. Before we started the hike, we split-up. About four people and our bus driver decided not to embark on the river trek for whatever reasons. However, they still got to enjoy the exquisite, clear water and hang with some Korean families.
The forty-five minute hike was a grueling up-hill. We constantly had to avoid SUV's and pick-up trucks from the lazy Koreans. One guy in the group, Michael, had a pair of water shoes that he recently bought. He decided to leave the label on his shoes. His reasoning was he wanted to return them after the trip. We could not stop laughing because, he did realize we were about to do a river trek and the only way he can return them was on a rainy day. ^^
After we made it to some flat-terrain, we came to a bridge with some clear-deep water. All 18 of us realized, this was going to be the starting point for our river trek. However, before we started any of that, it was time to jump off the bridge. Now, I have no idea how high this bridge was, it was not anything like the GWB, but one that you would come to on hikes. It was high enough that yes, you can injure yourself. Not to mention, there were plenty of rocks and a wall that if you knocked into them, ouch. The water was also pretty cold since, well, it was natural~only heated by the sun. There was also a platform on the side, which was a 1/4 shorter than the bridge. I decided to give that a try first. When I was starting my preps, Younga came up behind and scared me. I gave myself a count-down and boom-boom splash. The first thought I had from coming up from the water was, I have to try the bridge, which was not bad either. I lent some help to a few people in the group who are not strong swimmers and gladly brought them ashore. This was again, another moment, where we all kept cheering each other on. There was no pressure to do any of this. It was all by choice.
In some of the calmer part of the river, and while we were taking a rest, I noticed, in the water, there was a woman in another group struggling. Stephanie was there helping. I zoned-in and swam to assist on the other side of the woman. She clearly was going to drown because she could not swim. The gentleman she was with was not helping the situation by keeping her head in the water. Stephanie and I were gently keeping her head up as we brought her to shore. The guy, shooed us away when we wanted to try to help further. Thankfully, the woman was conscious and coughing. However, it was important that she avoided going into shock. She could not stop shivering and shaking. But we were shooed. I doubt it had to do with the fact that we were not Korean, but that it was his way of saying, "We got this." Although, at the time, I felt annoyed in that, how can you shoo someone/anyone away who is trying to help, especially if it has to do with life or death. Sometimes you just have to let that pride go!!
After munching on some of our sandwiches, it was time to start our what was supposed to be six hour river trek. It was a perfect example of nature vs. human as we battled our way with currents, waterfalls, rocks, and a river. Some in the group, Michael and Ryan decided to ride the current like how Owen pointed out as Salmon. However, we got to a cliff with a powerful current and waterfall. That's when we were flagging them down and telling them to stop. Ryan pulled himself out of the water before the falls. Michael, on the other hand, just barely made it to the side. If he took the turn and the fall, no idea if he would have been pulled under or not. The current was THAT strong.
We kept trekking, jumping off of cliffs into the water, resting, laughing, talking, helping each other up if we were struggling with the current. I taught Younga how to ride the current. All it took was keeping your feet in front of you and floating/keeping the butt up. At one of our rest areas, there was this guy Darryl in the group, who we all nicknamed Obama. He was swimming underwater and so was a Korean. When their faces met, they startled each other. Another funny rest-stop moment was when Barun decided to take a nap on the rock. A Korean hiker started talking to him while he was sleeping. We all observed and laughed. The Korean guy walked over to Jae, Channey, Diana, and I and said in Korean that he should eat something before he sleeps. We just laughed and were sure to deliver Barun the message when he woke-up.
Now starts the part of the experience where it took a turn for what could have been the worst~and I don't mean that for dramatic effect and not like bungee jumping, rafting, or bridge jumping was not pushing a limit~, but what happened next was something unplanned and that the 18 of us will never ever forget nor do we blame ANYONE for what happened. No complaints. We later on found out that the original path was flooded from the rain the week before our trip. I was walking a bit ahead of the group and we were consistently following the other Korean trekkers. I noticed the group veered to the left into a mountainous-hilly region. I did not hear anyone say, stop, turn around, this is the wrong way. Barun and I kept going after we asked Ahyoung and Younga if this was the way to go.
Then, we no longer heard the river and that's when the questions of, "Are we going the right way" started. Our guides were not 100%, however, the Korean hikers that we were passing seemed pretty sure of themselves, so onward and upward. But upward was getting steeper and steeper as we were still able to hike. At one point, we had to walk individually in-between a tree root to get to the other side. The Koreans were starting to get skeptical. Then, it got so steep that the only option was to start climbing. We all had no idea how high of a mountain we were on, how far up was the top, will the weather hold-up, no idea. At this point, neither did the Koreans.
We started the muddy-rocky climb. While I was in-between two trees catching my breath and keeping my balance---or else (seriously), my muscles in my arms were starting to spasm. I went from being in the front to now the one lagging behind. Thankfully, Jae and Andy lagged back to help me. I knew my spasms were happening because I was feeling weak and hungry. I was really trying not to focus on this and only on the climb. The two of them, pushed me and pretty much said, we have to go on for the only reason: survival. After Jae gave me some of his sandwich, and I started to focus on the fact, I can't stay in-between two trees for the rest of my life, it was time to go up.
Andy was digging his feet into the muddy areas, so it was easier for me to climb onto or drag myself. There were still my stubborn moments of please get me off this already~I want to go to bed. But Jae was keeping me up from behind when I was slipping when the terrain got so steep that if you didn't grab onto roots or rocks you would be dead. Andy kept motivating and pushing me from the front. We stayed together and got more and more excited once we heard Ryan's voice on the top calling himself God.
Now that we were on top, the only way to go is down. I was looking around at our amazing scenery. We were stuck in part of the Taebaek Mountains. It had to be over 3,000 ft. On the trek downward, and since we split-up from the group, we did not know where to go. Ryan decided to stand on a boulder to see if he can get a better glimpse. The boulder fell from underneath his feet. Andy, Ryan, and I just stared at each other in WTF shock as the boulder knocked down baby trees and thankfully no one was hurt. The three of us were still in a state of shock, but we had to make it down. Now started the battle of, aside from survival, but sunlight.
Going down this mountain was not any different than the hike up. One false move and that's it. I really did not mean to be the lagging one, but fear was starting to creep in. I started singing songs to ignore it ranging from Led Zeppelin, John Mellencamp, Tom Petty, Rent, anything to keep my mind away from the fact that we had to get off this mountain before dark. "She'll be Coming Around the Mountain" was also one of the favorites of the day. Thankfully, Diana had a lot of orange peels from earlier in the day and tied them around tree leaves, so we could find our way down~thanks group that was ahead.
While most people were walking, I did mostly sliding down the mountain. At this point, from the hike up, I was covered in dirt and well, what more could a little dirt do. Plus, my ankle was starting to bother me~not the left one, which I broke a few years ago on black ice. It started to get darker once we reached the last leg of the excruciating, unplanned mountain. Darryl was resting on a rock with an injury. He did not want us to help him, he just wanted to stay there. We all said, no, let's go, while I was telling the Koreans behind us to wait. This whole part was nothing but mud. All of a sudden, I saw a flashlight and heard a South African accent, it was Annie~she was in the group that made it to the end of the mountain hours before us. I was so happy to hear her voice. She said we did not have further to go. We could hear the river. I pushed and pulled myself to that river. All of us were thrilled to have reached it. However, we still had some more to do. Another person came-up and surprised us, our bus driver. We were thrilled to see him. I gave him a huge hug. Nick was there, too with a flash-light. Owen handed me a stick to help walk up another mini cliff near the river and Annie gave me the flashlight. We were all thrilled to see each other!
WE DID IT! WE MADE IT!! NOTHING IN LIFE MATTERS EXCEPT FOR THAT MOMENT WHEN YOU MAKE IT OVER A MOUNTAIN!! I exchanged hugs with everyone once we made it to the end of this. Koreans that were camping in the area offered us some sandwiches and snack. Life, from this moment onward is nothing but easy. The 22 of us on this trip have a bond. We are stuck to each other like glue. Until the next trip full of even more memories. ^^ So to you reading this, you know have no idea how much it means to be typing this for you. Life is precious. Sarang-hay-o (I love you)!
When there was the invite through the tour group WINK (formerly Discover Korea) to go Rafting, Bungee jumping, and River Trekking, I had to pass this knowledge to a friend of mine. There had to be someone/some people who wanted to experience some nature vs. human activities for the weekend. At Mud Fest, I passed the info. on to others. I text my friend Michelle (met at Judo~Juplish) who I know is always up for an adventure. So the group was formed.
The night before the trip, I could not sleep. I wound up getting maybe 3 hours sleep, if that. I hopped on my subways to the Apujeong terminal. I saw another expat with a back-pack (we sometimes tend to wear those when our heart is on constant travel). Turns out his name is Owen and he too was headed to the same direction I was. Right outside the bus, I was greeted by some other friends. Little did we know what we were about to get ourselves into. :)
On the bus, it was nothing but a friendly, funny bunch who came from all over the U.S., Canada, Laos, England, South Africa, Ireland, Austria, Korea, pretty cool melting pot. Some were vocalizing their experiences at their schools, current US politics because well, us Americans we like to talk~and talk a great deal about anything/everything/nothing~ foreign politics, Korea, etc. Nothing more than friendly banter and laughter, a great way to start the trip.
After some bumper-to-bumper Seoul traffic and a rest stop, we pulled into the bungee place in Inje~Gangwan-do province. That's when the heart started to pound. There's no way I was second-guessing myself. I definitely was going to try this since I have done skydiving before and well, this definitely is different in that with sky-diving you jump tandem with someone on your back; this is just you, a chord, and the ground.
After getting the straps and harnesses, we were all ready to go (or at least the ones who were doing this). While waiting on-line, Barun, Diana, and I were talking about what it is we were about to do. I read the bright yellow instructions that were mounted on the metal wall. What caught my eye was, "Look out at the mountains and think of a place." Easier said than done of course. After I gave Diana some positive reinforcement before she boarded the huge construction-crane, I was next. Once I was in the gigantic-construction-worker crane, there was no turning back. When I went skydiving, my pilot pointed out the rain clouds to me, and it felt almost rushed since we had to beat a storm to get in two more jumps from the group I went with. The weather was gorgeous and sunny. The time came to stand on the platform, which was holy-god scary. I listened to the bungee instructor when he said, "Stand at the yellow line." I hesitated for a bit and held onto the metal bars near the entrance of the crane. "No, no, no. Stand on the yellow line." I looked down for a bit and got my feet lined-up.
"Ready," said the guy wearing an awesome beach-style hat.
"Uh huh," I said with a shakey voice.
"Put your hands up, stare at the mountains and think of a place."
My hands were up and closed my eyes to calm the nerves a bit and to think of my place.
"Ready. 1, 2, 3 jump!"
That's when I screamed my head off. After the first bounce the only words to come out of my mouth was, "ROCK 'N ROLL" and then more screaming (revert to video). It turned-out to not be so bad (of course). Every bad feeling I've had about anything was gone. Living the moment. The perfect present.
After jumping, I cheered on some others and high-five the fellow bunjee-ers. We all had a look of relief on our faces once it was done. Hunger started to kick in and it was time to head to the Yellow Restaurant (that wasn't the name, but the description). Our offerings were 돈가스 (Dongas)~fried pork cutlet or 회덮밥 (hoedeopbap)~raw fish and rice. There was also kim chi (the national staple dish served at every meal~pickled/fermented cabbage), soup, and a few other side dishes. Everything was great and hit the spot. The next destination was Rafting.
Back onto the yellow school bus we went. It almost was as magical as the books are. hehe. We split into groups of 7-7-6. I wound-up in a group of 7. Our lifeguard's name was Mr. Dong. The first thing that came to mind was "The Donger" and just about every other quote involving the Donger from "16 Candles." Before getting on the raft, we all had to do rowing, floating (incase we fell out of the boat), and rocking practices. Mr. Dong took his oar and proceeded to splash us with it. Nick and I looked at each other and on the count of 3, we splashed him back after our training session. Yep, this was going to be an awesome rafting experience.
The group I was with was nothing more than the most spirited bunch. Rather than chant the usual 1, 2, thanks to Annie, we started chanting KIM CHI. Then, came the other brilliant idea of SO JU and FIGH TING by yours truly. Koreans on the river were totally enjoying our chants and spirit. Naturally, we had to get into splash fights, too. It was just the nature of the beast.
After we hit the first set of rapids, Andy, Nick, Stephanie, and everyone else got wet. I flew out of my seat and landed in the floor of the raft. We were then in some calm water. Mr. Dong said we can go in. Stephanie and I both have life-guarding experience, which of course meant we swam the farthest out than everyone else. However, another batch of rapids was approaching, so we all had to swim back to the raft on top speed. Mr. Dong lifted each of us up onto the raft just seconds before we hit the next batch of rapids. Seriously.
About mid-way, was when we caught-up with the other two rafts with our group. Splash fights ensued before reaching shore. The life-guards/instructors, put the rafts together to create a huge slide. Each of us took turns running and jumping on the adult slip-n-slide (that didn't require any alcohol or nudity). We all cheered each other on no matter how fast, slow, careful, we did our tricks. Some did tricks like rolling-dive-jumping, rolling, cannon ball, flips etc. Too much fun and unfortunately, we had to stop and get back into our rafts.
Afterwards, it was time to hit the freezing cold showers, still not as cold Jisan Valley Rock Festival showers, but just as shivering. Time came to check-into the Pension. We pulled in to the gorgeous, scenic pension with penis statues out in-front of it. Korea is a very penis-envy society. They pride for the first son, very similar to other cultures in Asia and well, in the world. At Jeju Island they have statues all over the island called Harubongs, when you rub their nose, you're supposed to have a boy. There's other penis sites all over the country like Penis Park, Penis Museum, and there used to be a Penis carving festival. Of course, if you have an immature mind or you do not mind the occasional perverted joke, you will laugh at any and all of these. However, the penis statues do mean more than well PENIS! They also represent fertility and good luck. The story behind Penis Park is quite unique, look it up!
Before dinner, some of us enjoyed a nice siesta, while some others hung-out at the gazebos. Dinner was spicy pork with lettuce wraps, rice, soup, and a bunch of other side dishes. Everything was fine-tasting and great. Some partook in soju (the national drink of Korea that is 30 proof, but goes down like moonshine~tastes like battery acid and its bottle looks like rubbing alcohol~same with the smell) with the bus driver. I was listening to this guy Ryan talk about Louisiana and New Orleans in particular. I wound up asking him questions about Katrina aftermath, etc. The culture in that particular state is quite unique since each section of the city are called wards, some people speak Creole, the food is phenomenal, and even though they were plagued with one of the worst disasters in North America in the last ten years, the city remains strong.
Afterwards, some people hung out in the pension while others chilled by a bond fire. There we were talking about life, the universe, and everything in-between. Just enjoying each other's company. Some of the Koreans that were also staying in the pension invited us to dance around the bond fire with them. This was definitely something new. We held hands in a circle and did a dance similar to the hora (Jewish dance used for celebrations). After we circled the fire a couple of times, we clapped our hands and chanted, "We are the World." This continued for a couple more times. Then, the Koreans went to their gazebo, while our fire party continued with fireworks, drinks and fun moments.
The fun started to creep away when our bus driver decided to smack some girl's ass in our group. Ahyoung and Younga~the ones in charge of our tour~and a couple of other people from the group walked the bus driver back to his room. We were all hoping for a safe drive in the morning, since we had to be up for 9AM. Once he was in bed, the fun started with rebuilding our fire, more laughter, and dancing.
Gradually, we all woke-up to muffins and sandwich making. Little did we know, what we were about to embark on, and how our limits were going to get tested. Before we started the hike, we split-up. About four people and our bus driver decided not to embark on the river trek for whatever reasons. However, they still got to enjoy the exquisite, clear water and hang with some Korean families.
The forty-five minute hike was a grueling up-hill. We constantly had to avoid SUV's and pick-up trucks from the lazy Koreans. One guy in the group, Michael, had a pair of water shoes that he recently bought. He decided to leave the label on his shoes. His reasoning was he wanted to return them after the trip. We could not stop laughing because, he did realize we were about to do a river trek and the only way he can return them was on a rainy day. ^^
After we made it to some flat-terrain, we came to a bridge with some clear-deep water. All 18 of us realized, this was going to be the starting point for our river trek. However, before we started any of that, it was time to jump off the bridge. Now, I have no idea how high this bridge was, it was not anything like the GWB, but one that you would come to on hikes. It was high enough that yes, you can injure yourself. Not to mention, there were plenty of rocks and a wall that if you knocked into them, ouch. The water was also pretty cold since, well, it was natural~only heated by the sun. There was also a platform on the side, which was a 1/4 shorter than the bridge. I decided to give that a try first. When I was starting my preps, Younga came up behind and scared me. I gave myself a count-down and boom-boom splash. The first thought I had from coming up from the water was, I have to try the bridge, which was not bad either. I lent some help to a few people in the group who are not strong swimmers and gladly brought them ashore. This was again, another moment, where we all kept cheering each other on. There was no pressure to do any of this. It was all by choice.
In some of the calmer part of the river, and while we were taking a rest, I noticed, in the water, there was a woman in another group struggling. Stephanie was there helping. I zoned-in and swam to assist on the other side of the woman. She clearly was going to drown because she could not swim. The gentleman she was with was not helping the situation by keeping her head in the water. Stephanie and I were gently keeping her head up as we brought her to shore. The guy, shooed us away when we wanted to try to help further. Thankfully, the woman was conscious and coughing. However, it was important that she avoided going into shock. She could not stop shivering and shaking. But we were shooed. I doubt it had to do with the fact that we were not Korean, but that it was his way of saying, "We got this." Although, at the time, I felt annoyed in that, how can you shoo someone/anyone away who is trying to help, especially if it has to do with life or death. Sometimes you just have to let that pride go!!
After munching on some of our sandwiches, it was time to start our what was supposed to be six hour river trek. It was a perfect example of nature vs. human as we battled our way with currents, waterfalls, rocks, and a river. Some in the group, Michael and Ryan decided to ride the current like how Owen pointed out as Salmon. However, we got to a cliff with a powerful current and waterfall. That's when we were flagging them down and telling them to stop. Ryan pulled himself out of the water before the falls. Michael, on the other hand, just barely made it to the side. If he took the turn and the fall, no idea if he would have been pulled under or not. The current was THAT strong.
We kept trekking, jumping off of cliffs into the water, resting, laughing, talking, helping each other up if we were struggling with the current. I taught Younga how to ride the current. All it took was keeping your feet in front of you and floating/keeping the butt up. At one of our rest areas, there was this guy Darryl in the group, who we all nicknamed Obama. He was swimming underwater and so was a Korean. When their faces met, they startled each other. Another funny rest-stop moment was when Barun decided to take a nap on the rock. A Korean hiker started talking to him while he was sleeping. We all observed and laughed. The Korean guy walked over to Jae, Channey, Diana, and I and said in Korean that he should eat something before he sleeps. We just laughed and were sure to deliver Barun the message when he woke-up.
Now starts the part of the experience where it took a turn for what could have been the worst~and I don't mean that for dramatic effect and not like bungee jumping, rafting, or bridge jumping was not pushing a limit~, but what happened next was something unplanned and that the 18 of us will never ever forget nor do we blame ANYONE for what happened. No complaints. We later on found out that the original path was flooded from the rain the week before our trip. I was walking a bit ahead of the group and we were consistently following the other Korean trekkers. I noticed the group veered to the left into a mountainous-hilly region. I did not hear anyone say, stop, turn around, this is the wrong way. Barun and I kept going after we asked Ahyoung and Younga if this was the way to go.
Then, we no longer heard the river and that's when the questions of, "Are we going the right way" started. Our guides were not 100%, however, the Korean hikers that we were passing seemed pretty sure of themselves, so onward and upward. But upward was getting steeper and steeper as we were still able to hike. At one point, we had to walk individually in-between a tree root to get to the other side. The Koreans were starting to get skeptical. Then, it got so steep that the only option was to start climbing. We all had no idea how high of a mountain we were on, how far up was the top, will the weather hold-up, no idea. At this point, neither did the Koreans.
We started the muddy-rocky climb. While I was in-between two trees catching my breath and keeping my balance---or else (seriously), my muscles in my arms were starting to spasm. I went from being in the front to now the one lagging behind. Thankfully, Jae and Andy lagged back to help me. I knew my spasms were happening because I was feeling weak and hungry. I was really trying not to focus on this and only on the climb. The two of them, pushed me and pretty much said, we have to go on for the only reason: survival. After Jae gave me some of his sandwich, and I started to focus on the fact, I can't stay in-between two trees for the rest of my life, it was time to go up.
Andy was digging his feet into the muddy areas, so it was easier for me to climb onto or drag myself. There were still my stubborn moments of please get me off this already~I want to go to bed. But Jae was keeping me up from behind when I was slipping when the terrain got so steep that if you didn't grab onto roots or rocks you would be dead. Andy kept motivating and pushing me from the front. We stayed together and got more and more excited once we heard Ryan's voice on the top calling himself God.
Now that we were on top, the only way to go is down. I was looking around at our amazing scenery. We were stuck in part of the Taebaek Mountains. It had to be over 3,000 ft. On the trek downward, and since we split-up from the group, we did not know where to go. Ryan decided to stand on a boulder to see if he can get a better glimpse. The boulder fell from underneath his feet. Andy, Ryan, and I just stared at each other in WTF shock as the boulder knocked down baby trees and thankfully no one was hurt. The three of us were still in a state of shock, but we had to make it down. Now started the battle of, aside from survival, but sunlight.
Going down this mountain was not any different than the hike up. One false move and that's it. I really did not mean to be the lagging one, but fear was starting to creep in. I started singing songs to ignore it ranging from Led Zeppelin, John Mellencamp, Tom Petty, Rent, anything to keep my mind away from the fact that we had to get off this mountain before dark. "She'll be Coming Around the Mountain" was also one of the favorites of the day. Thankfully, Diana had a lot of orange peels from earlier in the day and tied them around tree leaves, so we could find our way down~thanks group that was ahead.
While most people were walking, I did mostly sliding down the mountain. At this point, from the hike up, I was covered in dirt and well, what more could a little dirt do. Plus, my ankle was starting to bother me~not the left one, which I broke a few years ago on black ice. It started to get darker once we reached the last leg of the excruciating, unplanned mountain. Darryl was resting on a rock with an injury. He did not want us to help him, he just wanted to stay there. We all said, no, let's go, while I was telling the Koreans behind us to wait. This whole part was nothing but mud. All of a sudden, I saw a flashlight and heard a South African accent, it was Annie~she was in the group that made it to the end of the mountain hours before us. I was so happy to hear her voice. She said we did not have further to go. We could hear the river. I pushed and pulled myself to that river. All of us were thrilled to have reached it. However, we still had some more to do. Another person came-up and surprised us, our bus driver. We were thrilled to see him. I gave him a huge hug. Nick was there, too with a flash-light. Owen handed me a stick to help walk up another mini cliff near the river and Annie gave me the flashlight. We were all thrilled to see each other!
WE DID IT! WE MADE IT!! NOTHING IN LIFE MATTERS EXCEPT FOR THAT MOMENT WHEN YOU MAKE IT OVER A MOUNTAIN!! I exchanged hugs with everyone once we made it to the end of this. Koreans that were camping in the area offered us some sandwiches and snack. Life, from this moment onward is nothing but easy. The 22 of us on this trip have a bond. We are stuck to each other like glue. Until the next trip full of even more memories. ^^ So to you reading this, you know have no idea how much it means to be typing this for you. Life is precious. Sarang-hay-o (I love you)!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Reflections and Resolutions
As this year is reaching the end and a new one is about to begin, I sit here reflecting about how this was a year of reunions. I got reunited with some old friends from the good ol' days of John A. Forrest School (elementary school) all thanks to Facebook. Some were people I haven't seen since I was 10 or 20. Regardless, it left the rest of year open to bond with some old/new friends and make it feel like the years never passed, just another chapter to write.
After three years of being home, and sending my resume out to a bazillion schools and school systems, I landed a job at the only school system willing to take me. Unfortunately, I learned a harsh lesson on how much I can tolerate in my capacity when it comes to doing my job and fulfilling my other duties as a teacher in Newark. Though my end is coming soon, I do not regret any of my decisions. If people choose to judge this decision, then they should be in my shoes and face what I face on a daily basis or deal with what I deal with, with no administrative support. It might be strange of me to say, but my heart goes out to these kids because some of them will never know what its like to see the world outside their surroundings (even the ones that have threatened me). Few will take their strides to change. If anything, I am happy that I got a few students curious and inspired. I am also thrilled that I took an academic club (Debate Team) and allowed my team of 5 to see a talent they never knew they possessed. It was not even easy scheduling meetings when people make comments because Debate Team is not basketball (no exaggeration). Some of my students won't make it to 21 because they are already in gangs. I blame the school system for not adequately giving these students a safe haven; rather they took it away from them. Most of these boys were involved in after school program last year, but since the funding was cut, they made the program more selective. This was the first time I worked where my life was threatened almost on a daily basis. I had rocks thrown at me. Two students attempting to assault me. Verbal threats to the point where it was a student wanted to "blow my brains out." Stuff that would make a person not want to go to work, or wind up in the doctor's office almost on a weekly basis (has happened). It did not stop there. I ask students to open their books, and I'm told to "shut up." I am very proud to say that I never ever cried in front of the kids, and I only cried after school (in the beginning). It is soon ending and I can proudly wear a t-shirt saying that I survived as much as I could in probably one of the worst school systems in the country.
What stands out a lot for me this year is music, particularly local music. The first band Stephanie White and the Philth Harmonic has come a long way. I first saw them on a rainy night, about a year ago, in a basement lounge of a VFW in Bayonne. Now they revamped their sound and find themselves selling out local hot-spots in the city. White's range can resonate through a crowded room. The songs on their album "This is Why we Can't Have Nice Things" can make you feel like you want to get up and jam dance or sit on your couch with a pint of Ben and Jerry's. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/swatnjph2 Another local favorite of mine is Echofission. Even though their album "The Straights" came out about a year ago, it rocked my year. http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/Echofission1 I like how they can open for a well-known cover band at the Starland Ballroom, yet, still have the same rockability for sets at the local watering hole The Thirsty Toad. Lastly, singer/songwriter Jaymie Gerard either as solo or with Echofission guitarist Geb Zehrburg for their duo group Twice is nothing but sweet music for the ears. Their matched harmonies or her genuine songwriting can leave you wanting more and more. The "mainstream" band that I really got into this year was Airbourne Toxic Event. This band is more like a symphony. I advise to give a listen to their hit single, "After Midnight" to hear why I dub them symphonic rock.
Currently, I am getting a jump-start on my resolutions. I decided to take part in the 29-Day Giving Challenge on Jan. 17-Feb.14. Since, the dating world is rather bleak, I'd rather devote my love towards others in a different way. http://www.29gifts.org/ Another resolution that I've been working on for a while is diet/health. The day after Xmas, I started my day with an hours worth of pilates. Each day, I plan on doing some form of exercise, even if it is walking around somewhere. My target weight loss goal is 30 pounds. I have toyed with the notion of joining weight-watchers since it has shown worthiness towards some extended family members. But I have another diet in mind.
That leads me to my big news, I am going back to Korea at the end of February. 1) To work as an English teacher again, but this time in a totally different area and a totally different school (more money). 2) My friend and I have been talking about, since the beginning of our friendship, opening our own school in Korea. We both have the strive and drive for success, since we both know what "the bad" looks like. The future is wide open.
After three years of being home, and sending my resume out to a bazillion schools and school systems, I landed a job at the only school system willing to take me. Unfortunately, I learned a harsh lesson on how much I can tolerate in my capacity when it comes to doing my job and fulfilling my other duties as a teacher in Newark. Though my end is coming soon, I do not regret any of my decisions. If people choose to judge this decision, then they should be in my shoes and face what I face on a daily basis or deal with what I deal with, with no administrative support. It might be strange of me to say, but my heart goes out to these kids because some of them will never know what its like to see the world outside their surroundings (even the ones that have threatened me). Few will take their strides to change. If anything, I am happy that I got a few students curious and inspired. I am also thrilled that I took an academic club (Debate Team) and allowed my team of 5 to see a talent they never knew they possessed. It was not even easy scheduling meetings when people make comments because Debate Team is not basketball (no exaggeration). Some of my students won't make it to 21 because they are already in gangs. I blame the school system for not adequately giving these students a safe haven; rather they took it away from them. Most of these boys were involved in after school program last year, but since the funding was cut, they made the program more selective. This was the first time I worked where my life was threatened almost on a daily basis. I had rocks thrown at me. Two students attempting to assault me. Verbal threats to the point where it was a student wanted to "blow my brains out." Stuff that would make a person not want to go to work, or wind up in the doctor's office almost on a weekly basis (has happened). It did not stop there. I ask students to open their books, and I'm told to "shut up." I am very proud to say that I never ever cried in front of the kids, and I only cried after school (in the beginning). It is soon ending and I can proudly wear a t-shirt saying that I survived as much as I could in probably one of the worst school systems in the country.
What stands out a lot for me this year is music, particularly local music. The first band Stephanie White and the Philth Harmonic has come a long way. I first saw them on a rainy night, about a year ago, in a basement lounge of a VFW in Bayonne. Now they revamped their sound and find themselves selling out local hot-spots in the city. White's range can resonate through a crowded room. The songs on their album "This is Why we Can't Have Nice Things" can make you feel like you want to get up and jam dance or sit on your couch with a pint of Ben and Jerry's. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/swatnjph2 Another local favorite of mine is Echofission. Even though their album "The Straights" came out about a year ago, it rocked my year. http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/Echofission1 I like how they can open for a well-known cover band at the Starland Ballroom, yet, still have the same rockability for sets at the local watering hole The Thirsty Toad. Lastly, singer/songwriter Jaymie Gerard either as solo or with Echofission guitarist Geb Zehrburg for their duo group Twice is nothing but sweet music for the ears. Their matched harmonies or her genuine songwriting can leave you wanting more and more. The "mainstream" band that I really got into this year was Airbourne Toxic Event. This band is more like a symphony. I advise to give a listen to their hit single, "After Midnight" to hear why I dub them symphonic rock.
Currently, I am getting a jump-start on my resolutions. I decided to take part in the 29-Day Giving Challenge on Jan. 17-Feb.14. Since, the dating world is rather bleak, I'd rather devote my love towards others in a different way. http://www.29gifts.org/ Another resolution that I've been working on for a while is diet/health. The day after Xmas, I started my day with an hours worth of pilates. Each day, I plan on doing some form of exercise, even if it is walking around somewhere. My target weight loss goal is 30 pounds. I have toyed with the notion of joining weight-watchers since it has shown worthiness towards some extended family members. But I have another diet in mind.
That leads me to my big news, I am going back to Korea at the end of February. 1) To work as an English teacher again, but this time in a totally different area and a totally different school (more money). 2) My friend and I have been talking about, since the beginning of our friendship, opening our own school in Korea. We both have the strive and drive for success, since we both know what "the bad" looks like. The future is wide open.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Some Poems to Past the Day
Manhattan
A sweet succulent fantasy
or a syncopated misery
drunks, goons, clowns
wander down Times Square,
a neon Floyd laser show,
seeking a prayer
desperate for anyone
to hear,
Jay with the
homeless sign outside Roseland saying
“I need money for:
Alcohol and drugs.
Hey at least I’m being honest."
An insomniatic city.
Down the stairs to a urination
sweat hole to go uptown or down.
Executives, techies and assistants
fear not from staining their suits
with Gray’s Papaya’s recession
specials, protesters gather
at Union Square,
a man takes our picture with
empty Poland Spring bottles, a daily
occurrence outside the Elbow Room,
wandering through Central Park to
the Imagine spot, singing, humming
to our favorite tunes
while a guy with a dog named Mary Jane
offered me chocolate covered ‘shrooms
I had to decline
so I could meet my friend at
the corner of
Joey Ramone Place.
Up to 14th, only to figure out which
way to go to the Path back to the Jersey
side. Vagabond visions echo off
the skyscrapers as we say good-bye
to the free ride.
Burning
Yearning for an ungrounded
desire, needless of gospels
where the mountain riches plunder
and the sloths seek the meek.
She sought out salvation on the trinket
facets of the rocky source,
following prey. The sweet
splendor moans within her
to the marrow of bones and
bounty plentiful of trees and scriptures.
She sprinkles aphrodisiac scents,
succumbing for a playful and joyful
feature. Engaging into the discrete
fantasies ease
needless to escape
into melancholies wake.
Failure pours from his opening and lies,
leaving her mind to pass-out
for delirium’s sake as she says good-bye
to another phony.
Forgotten Women of War
Dedicated to those women who are fighting for forgiveness and truth.
Wednesday gatherings
hope to ensue
justice, truth, money
battered-tattered women
left clothe less, hungered,
used for sex.
the Emperor of the Sun
did not expect them to have a brain.
Plucked from homes
mostly fourteen,
mom and dad did not tell them
they were born to fuck
for the government.
All will become
normal again,
sixty years later.
Slated souls chant in Seoul
for fixing and teaching
the past to children that
History books and Prime Ministers refuse to hear.
Visit the house of sharing or stand near them
at Junghak-dong Jongro-gu
on Wednesdays before the
Embassy of the Sun.
A sweet succulent fantasy
or a syncopated misery
drunks, goons, clowns
wander down Times Square,
a neon Floyd laser show,
seeking a prayer
desperate for anyone
to hear,
Jay with the
homeless sign outside Roseland saying
“I need money for:
Alcohol and drugs.
Hey at least I’m being honest."
An insomniatic city.
Down the stairs to a urination
sweat hole to go uptown or down.
Executives, techies and assistants
fear not from staining their suits
with Gray’s Papaya’s recession
specials, protesters gather
at Union Square,
a man takes our picture with
empty Poland Spring bottles, a daily
occurrence outside the Elbow Room,
wandering through Central Park to
the Imagine spot, singing, humming
to our favorite tunes
while a guy with a dog named Mary Jane
offered me chocolate covered ‘shrooms
I had to decline
so I could meet my friend at
the corner of
Joey Ramone Place.
Up to 14th, only to figure out which
way to go to the Path back to the Jersey
side. Vagabond visions echo off
the skyscrapers as we say good-bye
to the free ride.
Burning
Yearning for an ungrounded
desire, needless of gospels
where the mountain riches plunder
and the sloths seek the meek.
She sought out salvation on the trinket
facets of the rocky source,
following prey. The sweet
splendor moans within her
to the marrow of bones and
bounty plentiful of trees and scriptures.
She sprinkles aphrodisiac scents,
succumbing for a playful and joyful
feature. Engaging into the discrete
fantasies ease
needless to escape
into melancholies wake.
Failure pours from his opening and lies,
leaving her mind to pass-out
for delirium’s sake as she says good-bye
to another phony.
Forgotten Women of War
Dedicated to those women who are fighting for forgiveness and truth.
Wednesday gatherings
hope to ensue
justice, truth, money
battered-tattered women
left clothe less, hungered,
used for sex.
the Emperor of the Sun
did not expect them to have a brain.
Plucked from homes
mostly fourteen,
mom and dad did not tell them
they were born to fuck
for the government.
All will become
normal again,
sixty years later.
Slated souls chant in Seoul
for fixing and teaching
the past to children that
History books and Prime Ministers refuse to hear.
Visit the house of sharing or stand near them
at Junghak-dong Jongro-gu
on Wednesdays before the
Embassy of the Sun.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Echofission Takes-Over Jersey and the Beyond
Deep in the Garden State, an uncultured being can always find an elaborate mix of tuneage at any local watering hole. After all, Jersey is a continuous supplier of fine, quality music such as Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi (I guess I should put him down), Lauryn Hill, the Misfits, Blondie, and Frank Sinatra. Echofission, who performed their First Waltz at Mexicali Blues in Teaneck, enhances the current Jersey scene.
The band is made-up of Gebhardt "Gebby" Zerburg on vocals and guitar, Jon Abate on drums and groovebox, John Rango on guitar and vocals, Matty Aderhold on bass and vocals and Ken Sidotti on keyboards. However, the line-up does not stop there. Varoius times, other artists and musicians perform with them at shows. At the Mexicali show, God Street Wine popped on stage to jam with Echofission.
"We're the hardest working band out there, " boasted Zerburg at the end of the Waltz. His statement is not at all far from the truth. From June to September, a curious music lover can find Echofission in either Jersey, CT or PA. The band closes out the summer at the Evolve 2012 Music and Arts Festival at the Fairgrounds down in Augusta, NJ. But touring will not seize from there, oh no. Echofission will then play at the Starland Ballroom on Sept. 25.
Echofission has been endlessly touring since the independent release of their 2008 CD, "The Straights." From beginning to end, the album takes you on a journey through harmonization with a melodic mix of guitars and keys (as in keyboard). I can point-out who the band listens to, but all in all, Echofission stands on their own with a unique sound. Give a listen: http://www.myspace.com/echofission.
Be sure to check out the rest of Echofission's concert schedule at: www.echofission.com.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Launch Time!
Welcome to my Artistic Whole. This is a place where I like to express my inner most thoughts, feelings, etc. through the use of poetry, short stories, music/food/travel reviews, etc.
I have been published in various literary (indie) sources.
After writing for both paper (corporate) and blog (my old blog http://planetverge.blogspot.com/search/label/**Concert%20Junkie), it was high time to do something myself. I don't really care if fame, fortune, and glory comes from this; I just feel the need to express myself and others. Since art is something very important in the world, be it writing, photography, painting, sculpture, dance, cook, music, film, etc.
If you are an artist and would like your work to be featured here, feel free to contact me.
Remember: "If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them."-Henry David Thoreau
I have been published in various literary (indie) sources.
After writing for both paper (corporate) and blog (my old blog http://planetverge.blogspot.com/search/label/**Concert%20Junkie), it was high time to do something myself. I don't really care if fame, fortune, and glory comes from this; I just feel the need to express myself and others. Since art is something very important in the world, be it writing, photography, painting, sculpture, dance, cook, music, film, etc.
If you are an artist and would like your work to be featured here, feel free to contact me.
Remember: "If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them."-Henry David Thoreau
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