This metal work is currently on display along the Cheonggyecheon Stream in downtown Seoul. Some sections stand 3 stories high, and it continues for blocks. Almost every inch of metal work is covered in lights. When I recently walked past during the day, I was amazed. This Wednesday, I am going for an evening walk to take in the full effect. I am stupid excited.
Last night, I started making decorations for my tree at home. Hopefully it'll be up and twinkling this weekend. It's beginning to look (and feel) a lot like Christmas...:)
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On Wednesday, December 19th, South Korean citizens will take to the polls for a presidential election. The election has proven a great discussion topic for my Teacher's Classes as we discuss political platforms (most importantly being a promise to strengthen the economy), a move from a liberal to conservative government preference in the voting community, the candidates' personalities, and most recently the resignation of candidate #5 who opted out to campaign for #2 (the candidates aren't referred to by name, but by their number out of 12). My favorite thing to discuss though, with both my teachers and friends, are the campaign tactics employed by each party to persuade and secure voters. I have seen metro-station "cheerleaders" who stand in formation at entrances and greet hordes of people with a campaign slogan. I have seen supporters march up and down the trains singing and waving all while sporting their candidates sash, as if competing in a pageant. By far though, the most "interesting" tactic has been the use of mobile campaign centers like the one in the picture above. The trucks have been converted to a speech area with large screens and heavy duty sounds systems to project candidate images set to music. But wait a minute, back that picture up a bit and look at the background... That's Sara's apartment building. This particular campaign truck has been sitting in front of Sara's apartment building for the last 10 DAYS!! It starts blasting music at 8:00am on the weekends, 6:00am on weekdays, and doesn't quit until late in the night. Apparently, other candidates thought this was an effective way to reach a large population, and this week, a competing candidate's truck has parked themselves across the street facing Sara's apartment. The music is so loud, Sara likens it to having two televisions on in her apartment. I live one building down on the opposite side of the street, but can still make out every note, bass beat and word coming out of the speakers. I like my quiet time, and these last couple of weeks have been really trying on both Sara's and my patience. Even the ensuing dance-offs held to the competing music by hired campaign girls have lost their ability to impress and amuse me. So, I have started some campaigning of my own. I am encouraging my teachers not to vote for these two candidates as they show a complete disregard for their voters personal space! Can't they just stick to inspiring speeches by supporting celebrities like a normal candidate?!? If I had discovered the Myeongdong area sooner, this totally would have been my Christmas card this year! In continuing the theme of outdoor, department store Christmas photo displays, this one was taken at Migliore with a few of my closest seasonal friends.
I'm spoiled. In December, I will be I love getting real mail. Especially when it's of the sparkley, gel-gem, penguin- wearing-a-Santa-hat variety. When I showed the other teachers in my office, and then demonstrated that he could be peeled off and placed on windows, they actually applauded. They were so excited for me. Mr. and Mrs. Younes sent this litte guy my way back before December even came, so I had to take him down and remount him for this photo shoot. |
Recently Updated...03.25 - Two posts! About Me...Out and about in the world, teaching others and educating myself. Stuff I Like...Traveling. Cuddling a cat. New toothbrushes. Friends. Socks of the Joanne Younes variety. The smell of sun-dried laundry. Baking. Archives
March 2008
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