A Fishy Fish

A few weekends ago I got the chance to do something I've wanted to do for some time now. I had learned before coming to Korea that Koreans love to eat raw, still wiggling, octopus legs. I had to try it.

After a short subway ride from Bucheon, I arrived at Nolonggin Fish Market. I walked through the market for awhile, scoping out the different sea creatures and delicacies that were being offered. It wasn't long before I found what I was looking for. I bought a couple baby octopi and headed to a local restaurant to have the legs prepared.

A couple minutes later the plate of moving appendages was placed in front of me. I picked one up, dipped it in a red chili sauce, paused for a quick pic, and inserted the still squirming piece into my mouff. I tried to chew vigorously as instructed by my friend, but I guess I didn't get the job done cause almost instantly I felt the little bugger attach itself to the inside of my check with its suction cups. I chewed faster and swallowed. What an experience! It was the first time in my life I had eaten something that was still moving. What a strange and exhilerating experience!

Pre-bite

Life Lesson #14: Chew vigorously.

Rough Week

I have been so sick lately. I caught a cold from one of my students and then a few days later I came down with a stomach virus. My cold is still going strong too. I went to the doctor and got some medicine already but not feeling too much better yet. My total bill including doctor's visit and meds was about $8 US. Not bad if you ask me!

In any case I still haven't gotten my new computer yet. I went and looked last weekend but It was cheaper online so I ordered it today. Should arrive tomorrow or the next day.

Also, I started Korean lessons last week. I am tutored by a friend every Tuesday and Thursday from 11am-1pm. I've already learned a lot and am looking forward to my next lesson tomorrow. We meet at a local coffee shop down the street and she helps me with my speaking and writing and then gives me a bit of homework for practice. We looked for some Korean language books to use but decided to just learn some basic stuff before buying anything. I'll be fluent in no time!

• Life Lesson 13: Take care of yourself when you're sick.

Spring is Coming!

Today was beautiful in Bucheon. It was the fist time I walked to work without a jacket in about 3 months! It has certainly been a long cold winter her in Korea. In January Seoul had the worst snow storm the city has seen in 40 years!

I have been keeping very busy the past couple of months. For the month of January my school was doing winter intensives and I was working about 13 hours a day Monday through Friday. This certainly didn't leave me a lot of time to blog. Also, at the beginning of February my computer broke so I've only been able to use the school's computer but with my heavy work load, I have no time to write!

In any case, I'll be headed out this weekend to search for a repair shop as there isn't a Mac store in Bucheon. I've got plenty of pics and stories to share once I get my 'puter back! Stay tuned!

Life Lesson 12: Bring warm winter clothes to Korea.