Random Readup #6

Ahhh.... its been so long since I've updated my blog. Okay, one word to decribe the 2 weeks of school: Boring!

I've got most of my exam results so far except Physics and P. Moral. I'm telling you, my exams results are soo teruk, especially my BM. All I can say is when I saw the results was Ouch!

Not surprisingly, I got the highest score for English, again. Sometimes, I really do get bored getting the highest score in class again and again. I want a challenge. Someone who's really at my tail and keeps me getting all fired up.

Yes siree, those were the good ol' days!

I was hoping to get the top score for Add Maths as it was one of my favorite subjects ever. But, I got second place *sigh*

At least there wasn't much competition, most of my classmates didn't do so well. So sad...

Oh yeah, and I had a fever since last Monday so I didn't go to school. Thank God! I had to take an Oral exam for English and Malay! So I made myself as sick as possible to avoid school until Wednesday, when we have no English and Malay subjects for the rest of the week.

Easter is coming soon. After what I did, I really need to go to confession now :S

Holiday Summary

Aww... the one week holidays have come and gone and it seemed soo short! Why does school have to start tomorrow? Bummer...

Anyway, its time that I look back at what I did during the very short holidays. Sorry I haven't been updating my blog as frequently as I should :S

I started my holiday one day earlier by going to Genting Highland on a Friday! Heehee...

Check out mine and Sam's new jacket, we got it for our birthday :D

The guys have the same jacket except its black. Thus forming our jacket group XD

During that time, we even had the guts to take a dumb picture like this :

Nothing much happened after that, so, I'll just list out the rest of the stuff I did during the holidays.

Monday:

we watched Alice in Wonderland in 3D!

Tuesday:

Went to Leisure Mall to get mom's new phone.

Wednesday:

Went ice skating with my cousins! Yay!

Saturday:

Finally went back to Karate class. Too bad I missed my would-be first international tournament *sigh*

How was your holiday? :)

Costco Pizza

Ok. I know. It's not authentic Italian pizza. But, even authentic Italian pizza back in Toronto was hard to come by, especially if all I wanted was a slice, or two. I'd have to buy the whole pizza and then have the leftovers for the next few days. And, it never tasted as good after the freshness of it had worn off the next day in the fridge anyways. But, "Canadianized/Americanized" pizza is one of the few things I do like. It's not the same as the real thing, but it's still pretty good. The "Pizza Nova" a few blocks from where I used to live back in Toronto made the best of its type anywhere.

After reading about how "authentic" (at least from an "Americanized" pizza perspective) the pizza is at Costco from another blogger (http://seoulfoodyo.wordpress.com/2009/12/17/costco-pizza/), I was eager to try it out. It took me over three months to get there from the time I first read about it. But, today I managed to make the trip.

My math teacher friend and I headed out to the Ilsan Costco on a rainy, dreary saturday afternoon. The drive out was uneventful and was very quick. Maybe about half an hour and we did not even get lost this time. The place was packed and we had to park almost on the roof level. The good thing is that the food court is outside the main shopping area of Costco, so that if you do not have a membership you can still go in and eat. The food court was packed. We almost did not get a place to sit down. People waited for us to get up after eating.

Anyways, the pizza was somewhat unexciting. It was a bit too undercooked for my liking. The Korean preoccupation of never overcooking anything in order to avoid having any slight burn/singe/brown/scorch spots/areas does not do pizza any good. This avoidance of "scorch marks" stems from the worry of contracting cancer from such "burnt" parts of food, any food. So, most pizza here is pretty bland and tasteless as it is these exact small "burns" that actually impart flavor and texture to certain types of food, especially pizza. The crust, needless to say, was very thick and soft/soggy because of this lack of oven time. At least the sauce and the taste was authentic "Americanized" pizza taste, if not the texture (and, pizza needs both to be good IMHO). All in all a somewhat disappointing experience. Chalk up another one for experience. The next pizza will be from an authentic Italian restaurant which I might have found already.

Wish me luck!

Costco Pizza: Not really recommended unless you are really desperate for a somewhat disappointing taste from home.

Location: Ilsan Costco

Note: Generic Costco pizza pic from the web of the deluxe pizza we ordered. It was way too crowded and crazy there for me to even think about trying to get some pix of the pizza today. The pizza in the pic looks much, much, better than the one we actually had. At least it was cheap!

Vietnamese Food

If you're here, you're on the wrong side of the street. Go back down that underpass and exit on the other side, which is exit number 2.

This is the place!

Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup. Yummy!

After eating nothing but authentic Korean food for the past 6 months, I was now in the mood for something different. As much as I love Korean food, my recent trips to Hong Kong and to Japan made me realize that I had missed all the wonderful variety of different ethnic foods I was used to eating before coming here to South Korea. As luck would have it, I read about an authentic Vietnamese restaurant not too far from where I live from another blogger. You can read the original blog post yourself here:

http://leeskoreablog.blogspot.com/2010/02/vietnamese-beef-noodlesdieu-hien-quan.html

Excellent directions on how to find the place are also there are well. Although, I would only change one thing about those directions, get out at exit number 2 instead of exit number 1. At exit number 2, you are exactly where you need to be after the bit about using the underpass. The rest follows as written.

On a saturday a couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go out and actually find this particular Vietnamese restaurant. A fellow teacher friend of mine, along with his kids, were there along with me for the experience. I had successfully convinced him a few days prior to our trip out there that "real" ethnic foods were very difficult to find in South Korea and that most ethnic foods here were "Koreanized" versions of the real thing. He seemed to agree with my assessment.

The drive out there was much farther and longer than I had anticipated. It took a bit over an hour and through many toll roads later, and stopping to ask for directions a few times, we finally arrived. But, it would have taken even longer via subway. Ansan is farther than I had thought even by car. The restaurant itself was typical of authentic places; not at all fancy and very down to earth. The clientele was mostly Vietnamese as was the writing on the menus and on the walls (with Korean translations, of course). A good sign.

The food was everything I had hoped it would be; the real deal. I had beef noodle soup along with spring rolls and iced Vietnamese coffee. The cilantro was already in the soup and the bean sprouts and the lemon grass was on a separate plate as it should be for you to add to your own soup as you like. The only things missing were limes (they gave us lemons instead) and basil. A few minor details that did not detract too much at all (although limes do taste better and basil is not really missed by me). I made a slight mistake with the spring rolls, though, and forgot to mention the deep frying part. They were cold rolls. But, very, very, good none-the-less. My friend had the same and his kids had soup and fried rice. The fried rice was better than what I had had before.

For coffee lovers, Vietnamese coffee is the best in my opinion. But, only if you like strong coffee and/or sweet coffee. They use these small individual cup-sized filters that drip into your cup at the table and fill your small cup in less than 10 minutes. The milk is sweetened condensed milk and when mixed with the coffee is simply awesome. You can have it either hot or cold. I like it cold. Cold is simply poured over ice. I had given up coffee many years ago as a daily thing, but I do have it once in a while. It was a nice treat.

Cost wise, the food was very reasonable. Four of us ate and were stuffed for less than KRW 50,000 (that's less than CDN$45, or US$40). Everything was authentic in taste and simply awesome. Definitely a place to go back to again.

Highly Recommended.

Name and Location: Dieu Hien Quan, Ansan Subway Station, Exit Number 2. Telephone Number: 493-3756.

Note: All pix courtesy of Lee's Korea Blog (http://www.leeskoreablog.blogspot.com/) and used with permission. I was too engrossed in the company and in my food to think of taking pix this day. Next time. Duh!

I Love Food!

Well, let me rephrase that; I love authentic foods. What do I mean by that? Simple. I like the original, or real versions of food and not the "Americanized", or "Canadianized", or "North Americanized", or "Koreanized" , or "whatever-ized" versions of the foods in question.

Take Chinese for example. Most of the the Chinese food that you might be familiar with, if you live in North America, etc., is not the real/original thing unless you eat in a restaurant in a "Chinatown" that is frequented by the Chinese people living in that city.

Historically, when the first Chinese arrived, the ingredients to make the original versions did not exist in that part of the world. So, substitutions had to be made. That was 50-60 years ago. And, in addition, since the food had to be sold to non-Chinese people in order to make a living as a restaurant owner, it also had to be tailored to more North American tastes. Thus, North American versions of the food evolved which basically have not too much in common with the original versions. Most do not even have original versions. Things like "Chicken Balls", "Moo Goo Guy Pan", "Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs", "Chop Suey", etc. What the hell are these things? They are not real Chinese food! But, for the majority of non-Chinese people in North America, they are Chinese food. Sorry. But, this is not Chinese food.

With globalization in the past 20-30 years, and the widespread availability of original fresh ingredients, spices, sauces, etc. practically anywhere in the industrialized world, there really is no excuse not to be able to make and serve the real/original versions of ethnic foods. And, this does happen now. What a relief! Unfortunately, the changed foods are still being made and served because this is what most people are accustomed to now. Serve them the real thing and they do not like it. They are not used to it. And, unless they are open to new experiences, they won't like it either because it's not Chinese food! What a shame.

I use Chinese food as an example but this has happened with all ethnic foods in North America and beyond from Italian, Indian, Greek, Japanese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Ethiopian, etc. And, what makes me such an "expert" in this? Simply because I have had both the original foods and the "whatever-ized" versions. There simply is no comparison. The originals are so much better tasting. Unfortunately, most people are only used to three distinct "flavors" in their food; too sweet, too sour and too salty. That's about it. Go to any North American chain restaurant and those are the predominant flavors in everything. Gross!

If you want to find the real thing, go to the ethnic areas of your city and look in the restaurant windows. If you find that the majority of the people sitting in them is of that ethnic area, then you can be assured the food is real. They are not stupid. They will only eat the real deal. Plus, the restaurant will not look very nice, not up to North American standards at all. If it's a fancy place, go somewhere else because it is catering to non-native tastes; read North American tastes. Plus, you will pay through your nose for food that is usually served for much less than what you have to pay in North American chain restaurants. Don't believe me? Well, you can have a decent meal at a real ethnic restaurant for less than one third of what you would pay for a complete steak dinner at a big name chain.

So, what is the point of my rant? Simple. Trying to find the real/original versions of ethnic foods in South Korea is very, very, difficult. Almost impossible depending on what part of South Korea you happen to live in. As Seoul is the most international and biggest city in South Korea, the chances of finding real ethnic foods is a bit, only a bit, higher. As there are quite a number food blogs here by people who love food as much as I do, researching their writings is easier than trying to do all my own research. To that end, I have ventured out and tried some of their recommendations. It's a slow process. But, I have tried some of them. I'll write about those experiences when they arise.

For the record, there are no, none, zero, zilch, nada, real/authentic Chinese food restaurants here! Only Koreanized versions and I do not like the food they serve. Period. Most Italian restaurants here fall into the same category so far. Yuck! Some of the other food bloggers have found the real deal, but they are difficult for me to get to easily. But, I will explore them eventually. For now, it'll be a slow go of it.

An Impromptu Korean Wedding

I was supposed to meet up with a teacher friend of mine today to go for pizza at lunch time. But, something else happened instead. He took me to a wedding. I didn't know anybody there.

The wedding itself was nice enough and the food was great. I made a pig of myself, but only a small pig. It was not quite what I am used to having shot many a wedding professionally back in Toronto.

The ceremony was supposed to start at 2pm and it most likely did. But, we were pigging out at the all you can eat buffet at the time along with about half the other guests. The buffet style food was served prior to the ceremony about an hour or two ahead of time. There did not seem to be anything else going on after the ceremony either. No dancing, no speeches, etc. Or, at least we left shortly after eating. So, I can not really be sure of what happened later. Like I said before; a bit different than what I am used to seeing. And, this was supposed to be an "American style wedding", too.

Anyways, I can't complain. The food was excellent and the hall was beautiful. Quite different than just pizza for lunch!

My Sweet 16th Birthday

What's up, my dear readers? Sorry it took so long to post out my updates on what I did last week. My laptop became extremely slow probably because of all the pictures I stored, the speakers couldn't work anymore and I lost the letter 'J' on my keyboard. So, I sent it off for repair. The shop wasn't opened for days which also contributed to the delay of my blog updates.

Now that my laptop is well again, I might as well update now before I forget.

Ok, so where was I? Oh right! My birthday.

So like I said earlier, since I couldn't celebrate, I did something I wanted to do for quite sometime and that is Paintballing! Its like a gun filled with little capsules of paint and you have to shoot your enemies with it, like a video game!

Sure, I don't mind getting paint all over me as well as bruises, but, that's part of the fun, right?

I went to Sunway Lagoon with a few friends and cousins and we headed off to the extreme park located way at the back. We started off with the paintball targets.

That's my brother's friend, and cousin Jon at the back there with his eyes closed for some reason...

Unfortunately, the 3 on 3 paintball war game was unavailable as it was already booked for 2 days. We then headed off and came across the archery section and began to shoot some arrows.

Don't be fooled by this picture, I totally suck at this; I only made the target once and after that, its arrows everywhere!

Once we were done with that, we went dirt biking (at least, that's what I think its called)!

As our group was too big, we decided that the guys go first.

As the guys started their engines, my brother Daniel got too excited and he pressed the accelerator too hard and went on top of somebody! HaHAhAHA!!

Before we girls get to go, we have to wear these old shower caps...

Heehee! We look like the lunch ladies from a cafeteria.

After a while, Jon came back alone. He said that his legs went soft and basically, he was too scared to continue. So, I hired him as our photographer while I'm gone dirt biking.

When it was our turn, I got really excited (but not too excited like Daniel) and put on my helmet and gear.

Behind me was Sam (it was her birthday too. She's 15 this year).

And finally, my friend, Roann.

Until now, I still don't get what Jon means by your legs 'getting soft'. I had such a blast! As for Sam, she quit halfway because she couldn't seen to be able to control the vehicle properly. Everytime there was a turn, she'd get stuck.

Then, a staff would help her get the vehicle back in place, lets her take over and she gets stuck again! So, we continued without her. We went through a little forest with trees and stuff all the way uphill. It was a rough journey, but it was fun!

Then came the downhill part. I was scared to go down at first, but the guy told me not to use the accelerator and it all made sense again!

After that, we decided to go kayaking. Before that, I changed my shirt just in case I get all wet.

On special note, before we set off the guy was like, "If I catch you taking any pictures, I'm gonna fine you RM300."

And I went like, "Aww... really?"

But as you can see, I took the pictures anyway. He's probably trying to pull my leg.

Then came the best part; the Flying fox!

We were all geared up and we fly!

It was amazing! I went flying over the waters and saw the whole theme park!

When we've all had landed at the bottom, we went for a snack.

After a bit or two, we went bungee jumping.

Well, that's all folks! We had the best of times and this would be the best birthday ever!

Happy Sweet Sixteen!!

Yes everybody, I'm finally sixteen at last! I've received so many birthday wishes from everybody on facebook and I'm so overwhelmed by the number of people who came to wish me. Usually, I only expected about 5 or 6 people at most, but, my e-mail inbox received over 100 e-mails in 1 day!

So thank you everybody! I feel truly blessed to have such wonderful friends like you :D

Initially, for my 16th birthday, I wanted to throw a birthday party which I haven't had one ever since I was 9 years old. Unfortunately, for us christians, we are going through the season of lent in which we aren't allowed to have parties or celebrations whatsoever.

So, I decided that since I couldn't do that, I might as well do something that I've always wanted to do....

Its late now, but I'll be sure to keep you posted on what I did for my sweet 16th birthday.

Parting Thoughts

As most of you could probably tell, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Tokyo. It was one of those destinations I had wanted to go to for a while, but the actual trip itself was a spur of the moment decision owing to the fact that I did not want to spend a week of my vacation time off at home listening to the noisy neighbors upstairs (who are thankfully moving out at the beginning of April). So, I jumped at the trip. I'm glad I did.

As I didn't do any research into Tokyo prior to going. I just winged it when I got there and all went very well. I only learned a few simple words of Japanese a few nights prior to the plane departure and that seemed to be enough. I definitely did not know what to expect once I got there, but I am impressed. I would go back again and I still won't research it to death. Taking life as it happens is quite freeing actually. Keeping an open mind and doing what comes along. That attitude had worked out for me quite well on this trip. It was like that in Hong Kong, too.

Cheers for now.

Milestone of Independance

I know to most people, this may not be one of the most astonishing or impressive stories one have heard of before. But to me, I believe it is an accomplishment of independance. Yes, I've finally used the public bus for the first time in my life!

Before that, it never occured to me that I've done many things most kids my age don't do; I have snorkelled among sharks, became a scuba diver, traveled by airplane without an adult, gone rock climbing, been parasailing, became a young journalist, and many more! I've done so many things, yet, I can't take the public bus?

Recently, the fact that I have not been on a public bus bothered me for quite sometime as I'm turning 16 this friday and all this time, my parents were my only transport. Not anymore!

After I finished my extra classes, I headed straight for the bus stop in front of my school. As I waited for the bus to arrive, I began to have second thoughts; what if I don't make it? What if I went to the wrong place instead? What am I supposed to do anyway?

All these thoughts swirlled in my mind and I began to feel nervous. Its hard to do something you've never done before especially being all alone without anybody to guide you. 10 minutes later, a bus arrived and the rest of the students began to board the bus. There's no turning back now. Its now or never.

I was the last one to enter the bus. I learned that my trip only takes 50 cents which is cheap. Lucky for me, I met a friend who was taking the public bus too. As the bus began to move, I quickly learned what is there to know about the public bus. It never occured to me that you can stop the bus anytime by pushing the red button located at the rails.

The bus went past my house and straight for the next bus stop. When we've finally reached there, everybody went for the bus exchange while I walked the rest of the way back home. Thank goodness my house is less than a 5 minute walk!

Mom was surprised to see me back early and all alone. She didn't believe me when I first told her that I took the public bus in the beggining. But, she believed me in the end.

I'm so proud that I can do things on my own without guidance. This is another milestone towards my journey of independance :)