Traditional Bibimbap

Here are some pictures from a traditional bibimbap restaurant:

The outside: nothing special, except for a guy who parks the cars--valet style--in a rather terrifying manner

The entrance: We had to wait in line as it was busy, then walk past part of the kitchen, and get a plastic bag to put our shoes in (that was a first in Korea), as there are not enough shoe spaces available when the restaurant is full

Finally, the meal:  acorn jelly with lettuce (도토리묵), a delicious combination

Vegetables with barley rice: (나물 + 바리밥), obviously healthy, but also tasty

They get mixed with red pepper sauce: (고추 중), a good texture + taste combo

And then there's the spicy pork with vegetables: (제육볶음), hot and tempting

Last, as is often the case, is the soup: salty but good

 What a wonderful meal!

Overpriced

This waffle was served up at a coffee house that overlooks a small lake.  It's a nice stand-alone building, though it and the lake view (through dirty windows) are not worth the $12+ price for the waffle (nor the $10 cafe latte's):

Just my thought.

(And a few more swirly-loops of chocolate glaze on the plate aren't going to change it.)

Korean Soup Pots

When you go to a restaurant in Korea--or when you order out from one--any soup that accompanies the meal is usually served boiling hot.

Literally.

Here's why:

The ddukbaegi, or Korean earthenware pots that soups are served in, are also the vessels that they are cooked in.  These pots are placed directly over the burners in the kitchen.  Then they are served at the table.

Warning: don't touch the pots when they are brought to the table!

Pyeongtaek: A City in South Korea

I hope that I don't offend anyone when I say that Pyeongtaek is not the prettiest  of places, but I have friends who live there so I visit occasionally.

This last time I was served up some homemade crepes:

The insides were filled with strawberries--yum!

Korean Lunch Picture

Here's a picture of our Korean lunch yesterday.  Along with an additional platter of fish, this is food for 4 people (with some of the side dishes refilled).  In the covered metal bowls there is rice.  Delicious, healthy, and only 7,00 won per person (less than $7).

New Semester

Our new semester begins on Monday, and we are off to a new start . . . a new teacher, new books, changed classes, etc.

I've had to say goodbye to some students whom I have taught for a long time, but I am looking forward to teaching some different kids.

Hopefully it will be a good beginning for everyone!:)

Short Animation Films

For a unique creative approach to animation, watch these short films:

"Sheep in the Island"

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvR8LGOUpNA

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YY6uyV2CYCI