In and around: Itaewon Randoms

KH, being KH (potentially the only person in Korea who can accept and often top my randomness and sarcasm.) "YO! How YOU doin'?"


"Why don't they pronounce it She-Na?"


"Take a picture of that, Cheri!"

Red Mango fun

Wonder why there's so much English on the walls?
It must be all the gyopos. Well, except for Heather Bowser maybe.


Can you read that aloud for me? (Hint: Bottom Center, if you're in the least bit interested, and for the record, I didn't get the "sofa king" reference at first... Yep, gotta be those damn summer schoolers!)


People watching, a wonderful pastime - best seats in the house.


Couldn't resist. ㅋㅋ I'm dead meat. 미안 ^^;;

Bread and beer

That honey toast looks delicious. (Note: It's not that photogenic.)



Uh, is that a parsley garnish?



Guys, I just realized...we're eating a loaf of bread with whipped cream. Like, an entire loaf of bread. Did we just order an entire loaf of bread?

You're only realizing that now?

And we're eating it with beer.

Is that strange?

You're in Korea.

Right.

Happy cabbing

Four Cabs in One Day and...

Two asked about my life history, but also included:

• Are you Korean?
  
• Why are you going to the Hilton?
  
• Wow, your English pronunciation is good! Can you say "Porsche" for me?
  
• If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?
  
• What's your favorite Korean food?
  
• You look like you can drink (handle) your alcohol very well.

For the most part, it's quite fun when they're friendly, and I don't mind a good chat. But if you're not one of those "I want to talk to the taxi driver" types, here are a couple notes to increase your chances of a quiet ride to your destination:

• Do not answer telephone calls from English speaking acquaintances in cabs.
  
• If you must, fake the best Korean-English accent as possible. 
  
• Note this isn't as effective if you don't look Korean.
  
• Do not pronounce English words such as "Hilton Hotel" with an American accent. Korean-ify it to the best of your ability.

Heard in Korea

I love it when friends value honesty. : ) 

"Hey, you know what one cab driver said to me today? He called me 'healthy looking.' But we were talking about food and in that specific context, I think it was more like 'You're chubby.' I am!" 

"Yeah. You are!"

Yes folks - I know I'm due for a trip to the gym!

I can't speak Engrish

Me: Ooh, can I sit in on your English class?!

KH: Haha, sure... wait, how do you say that in English?

Me: Um... you know... "sit in on a class..."

KH: Isn't there a specific word for it?

Me: Yeah, there is... it's at the tip of my tongue... 

KH: Uh-huh...

Me: I'm losing my English!

KH: Hahaha.

Me: Give me one second.

KH: Your second's up!

Me: Wait, I swear I know this!

***frantically IMs Dave/Oliver in Boston***

Me: I got it! It's called "AUDITING!"

청강하다 = to audit a course/sit in on a lecture

Are you adopted?

J: Are you adopted?

Me: Yes.

J: Really?!

M: No, not really.

J: Oh.

Me: I guess we all look the same?

J: Yeah, I definitely thought you were adopted.