Wii Cafe

The green glow from the second floor lured us in. We discovered ten rooms dedicated to Wii Nintendo, plush couches, and an endless set of Wii games. The cafe opened about a month ago, and the business has taken off. The mind behind it belongs to a 28 year old Korean man who runs the cafe with his two dogs by his side. It is located in Anyang, near Anyang-yuk (subway station). From the apartment it takes about 20 minutes by bike. Not willing in surrender to technology we figured the route there by a method of bus chasing; pedaling like mad after the #3 bus and dodging innocent Korean pedestrian obstacles.

We started the night with a bit of racing, cruising at 300 mph in a Farrari. The setup involves a real drivers seat, complete with a manual setting, clutch and all. Next on to the Wii Room for some Wii Sport. I was desperate to try out Wii Fit and get into the yoga, but Malcolm wasn't man enough so bowling it was. Shoes must be removed at the entrance to your room, the games are unlimited, amazing coffee and juice is served complimentary, and the entertainment doesn't cease until your body is sore from virtual sports.  

Golden Nugget

Like we say "How are you?" and "What's Up?"

The Brits say "Are you okay?" and "Cheers"

The Icelandic standard greeting is "Komdu Saell" and "Vertu Saell", the literal translation is "come happy" and "go happy" 

A nice thought, maybe we english speakers could adapt it?  

[*this tidbit was discovered in the book I'm currently reading "The Geography of Bliss" by Eric Weiner]  

Happy Father's Day!

Everyone says they have the best Dad in the world. I'd like to add mine to the list.

Lets just start by saying he has been referred to as a “Renaissance Man” on more than one occasion.

Not only does he run a successful business, he has been a rock star since the age of 16 when he used fake ID's to play his gigs. There's no need for false identification anymore, but he can still rock with the best of them, even writing a hit or two here and there. He can finish any crossword puzzle, jumble, or sudoku. He can recite most episodes of South Park, has a joke for those awkward silences, and a handshake that intimidates most of my guy friends.

His middle name is Edward, his birthday is March 8^th, he has a second personality called “Lucky Pookie”, and he can prescribe the necessary “Zen Shrug” when needed. Best of all he puts up with the antics of my mom and I, is always there for me when I need him, and supports me in everything I do!

Thanks for being a great Dad! Happy Father's Day! Love you!

Sunday Rituals

Seoul Art Museum in holding a Renoir exhibit, featuring 150+ pieces spanning Renoir's career. The work was collected from all over the world, to be housed in Seoul until October. Its one of the largest displays of Renoir's work; there is a representation of his portraits, landscapes, and sketches.

I went to the exhibit with a group of English speakers that meet regularly to check out the Seoul art scene. Mostly teachers, ranging in age from early 20's to 40's, and handful of Koreans looking for a bit of culture and english practice. Most weren't impressed with the collection, another handful spent 3 hours in 3 of the 8 rooms. My opinion: Kwaen-cha-na-yo. It's okay. Renoir's work is admirable with pleasing scenes depicted and delicate brush strokes. The exhibit was lacking real experience and struggled to tell Renoir's story.

In the courtyard of Seoul Art Museum is a feature of contemporary sculptures which everyone argued if it was or was not art. I vote no. Inflatable soldiers and plastic ferrets sipping tea just don't do it for me.

The diverse group from Canada, USA, New Zealand, and beyond went to dinner after the event. We discussed art, North Korea, teaching, and living life the korean way. The restaurant was chosen by a French curator, who now works with three galleries in Seoul. We had a soup/stew dish, called Budae jjigae. A mix of meat, noodles, beans, veg, and tofu in a spicy broth bubbled away on the table. The Koreans explained that this dish was created when Korea was at war, had little money, and couldn't import food. They made this soup with whatever ingredients they had around. Some call it “poor mans meal”, which is fair enough because we had a table filled with food and drink and the tab totaled 6,000 Won per person, about $4.75; that barely covers that Double Macchiato from Starbucks!

Leaving the art group I ventured to Hongik University area to meet Sashi and Malcolm for our Sunday night jazz fix. Sunday evenings at Club Palm features a jam session of young performers swapping in and out with a slew of instruments. The atmosphere is low key and mellow, a perfect way to end the weekend. I was joined by two new Korean friends from the gallery meet up. Michael and Eric enjoyed the music, and in poetic Korean's english Michael said “you show me new world... live jazz sound in wonderful to me”. Me too Michael, me too.   

A Bit of Culture, Old and New

A Korean friend, Mr Jung, took the boys and I around Seoul on Saturday. We explored Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Folk Museum of Korea. It was nice to see some traditional Korea architecture. The forms were repeated all over the grounds but it is a very different style compared to what I have seen in Europe. The ceilings are painted with neon electric patterns, and the simple furniture and minimal interior finishes offer a contrast. The backdrop of the mountains makes the setting and removes you from the modern city. 

We spent a bit of time in a buddhist temple near Insa-dong where we were able to sit in and observe. Next stop, Cheonggyecheon. The current President of South Korea was Mayor of Seoul from 2002 – 06. While he was Mayor he built a river running through the center of Seoul. Everyone I have spoken to about it referred to it as the 'artificial river'. Besides how planned it is with established rest stops and built in photo displays, I think it is a peaceful break from the concrete and neon lights of the Korean capital.

Sunday was my first day dabbling in Korean art. I ventured to Leeum Samsung Art Museum and soon feel in love. 

There are three buildings; Museum 1 was designed by Mario Botta. It is inspired by the forms and systems of traditional Korean pottery. A rotunda holds a spiraling staircase that guides the viewer through different galleries of ceramics, metal work, and calligraphy of Korea's past. 

Jean Nouvel is the mastermind behind Museum 2 which houses the modern art. A mix of Korean artists and famous European and American art pieces fill the space. Mini galleries jut out of the glass box, which holds great views of the surrounding environment and offer breaks from the bold art pieces. I was graced with the presence of a few favorites like Cy Twombly and Rothko, and excited by the discovery of new Korean artist like Moon Beum and Kank Ik-Joong's I Have to Learn English.   

REM Koolhaus designed the final building, representing the future and its possibility. The Children's and Cultural Center is formed with colored concrete and angular planes of glass. Overlooking the courtyard where Louise Bourgeois' Maman lives.