And the Blind shall LEAD

Sorrow has found me this day.
Sadness left its mark and it's never going away.
Tears in my heart, burning like a acid-
Creating a hole so deep, impossible to heal.

Sitting on the subway
A world of fun awaits- just a few more stops
Lotte World.

Man gets on.
Middle aged, back bent, Legs distorted
In pain
Grunts, incoherent words
I don't understand.

I am afriad.
My eyes lower, ashamed.
Piece of paper-Korean
Onto my lap.

What does it say?
Others looks away- No help there.

Out of the corners of my eyes-
Man leans over rail
Is He crying? Or is it the sweat of pain
dripping down his face?

Man comes back
I hand the paper back

A stolen glimpse of his broken face-
Pain, desolation, suffering
Wanting.
A broken MAN.

A broken ME.

This experience has touched me so deep, I have no way to explain it coherently. I hope that my poem speaks for itself.

StairWays to Heaven....

Lotte World: Ice Rink

Lotte World!!! We went there on sunday (12.7.08).Guess... what movie was filmed there? Yep, It's Stairways to Heaven, one of the best Korean drama movies of all time. I remembered when I first saw the drama and look where I am now? Standing right before the Merry-go-round reminencing about when the hero at last sees the heroine. Wow. Exactly my feelings. Lotte World is huge! I think it may be a little bit bigger than Camp Snoopy but don't trust my memories...it's been four months! Or at least : ) Everything about Lotte World is very lovey dovey. It would be the ideal place to go on the first date, the first place for first kisses, and the first place to eat cotton candy together. Since we went after 5pm- it was $21000 won for the special ticket which included everything (attractions, rides except games). We rode on there free running bumper cars (called "Crazy Bumper Cars"...usually the ones in the states are run by electricity). We also rode on one of the roller coasters inside which was very fun but very heady-slaming-on-seat ride. The very cool thing was that it went through a dark tunnel that had cool flashing lights.

Next we went to Magic Land, which was outside of Lotte World. WOW. WOW. It was kinda like going to Disney World except it was a smaller version of it. Right before the entrance, there was a "cinderella" castle looming elegantly. It was snowing (the kind of snow that you can see the snowflakes), encirculing the castle like it was a fantasy come to life...and it felt like we "were for real in magic land". It was so beautiful. I wished my family was there to experience that one perfect moment with me.

Oops! I forgot to mention that on saturday 12. 6.08 we went to the famous electronics department store, Yongsun. It was not as large as I expected it to but there were lots and lots of electronics. The fun part of it was that there were all men manning the individual shops and they were trying to speak Konglish (Korean-English) to us. It was very funny. I find that the men are much more interactive than the girls when they are trying to sell us stuff.

This saturday we also had a reverse cultural shock workshop. It was helpful reflecting on what happened in South Korea and what we should expect when we return home. Although some people may not take it seriously, I believe that it's always better to be prepare than be sorry later when the signs aren't recognized and depression or some sorts sets in.

Friday, 12. 5.08- I made Kimchi and Bulgogie! Suzanne arranged a traditional cooking class for CIEE students. Only 1o people showed up but hey, the smaller the group the better! In a way, preparing Kimchi and making Bulgogie is much easier than I expected it to be...it's just that getting the spice right and the preparation time is long. You need patience! I know for sure I'll be cooking Kimchi and Bulgogie back at home!