The Sheik of Sharjah coming to Town (Part III)

Saturday Sep 17th

Today's schedule was supposed to be succinct. First, around 12:30pm at the hotel there is a farewell luncheon which will be followed by the sheik's visitation to Nam June Paik Art Center.

In the morning, I donned a suit and headed to the gym for a quick workout. Fortunately, in spite of the crazy schedule and working outside, I have managed to work out everyday mainly due to the fact that the gym is literally right next to the gym just like my home. I don't like skipping the gym. Yes, I am a gym rat.

The luncheon was very poorly organized. In the first place, the venue was the outside terrace where the sun was beating down upon everyone. And they all were perspiring like a pig. The place was well decorated with a small fountain and spacious. But you just don't put a gala or any kind of food-related event outside unless it is seamlessly prepared. But this one wasn't. The servers kept running inside and outside grabbing fans to stifle the heat, parasols to cover the sun beating down on the sheik and other vips. Even the UAE guys were complaining. I felt embarrassed a bit. That was probably the longest 2 hours past couple days.

After the luncheon, everyone was ready to go to the art center. In the same van, with the media crew, I headed out. Again, the motorcade ushered the sheik and his subordinates to the art center. And this is how it went. How awesome-

Then, the media crew wanted to go to the same traditional market that the Dutch consultant visited. The reporter bought a whole lot of some anime character toys for his three boys. Also, he and the cameraman purchased a couple of pieces of ceramics. They liked to haggle, but the owner was persistent. After an hour, we all came back to the hotel. It was around 7pm and I was exhausted. I called it a day, came home, jumped in a shower, had some food and watch my favorite tv show. That's more I like it. But, I was told that I needed to send to the sheik tomorrow morning at Incheon Airport. Sigh.. gotta get up 7 on a Sunday morning. Grrr

Sunday Sep 18th

Getting up 6:40 am on a Sunday morning is no fun. But I had to. So, I got up, jumped in my suit and headed to the hotel. The sheik and some of his minions were ready to leave for China. So, after a little bit of hustle and bustle we all headed to the Incheon Airport.

However, this time it was different. I was in the motorcade. And this was very surreal and awesome. Grant it, it was early Sunday morning, ergo no traffic to beat. Still wherever we go the police would give us the green lights so that we can just pass through. And the cars on the highway all steered clear of the motorcade. VERY VERY AWESOME.

But, it was very stupid of me not to bring my camera with me when I left home. SIGH...so no footage or pics...

Anyhow, the motorcade parked at the vip lot. And the sheik passed through directly to the gate. The airport took care of it. No security or whatsoever. And this was where I said goodbyes to the media crew. Afterwards, I came back to the hotel, hopped on my bicycle and came home. For the remaining of Sunday, I was off. One more day tomorrow. But it is supposed to be casual; sightseeing in Seoul then again to the airport to see off the performance team.

Monday Sep 19th
It has been almost 10 days since my last appearance at the office, so it was a bit awkward to see my colleagues and say hello. But I had no time to feel it any long because I needed to go to the hotel and get ready to head up to Seoul. The guys showed up and everyone was ready to leave. But this time, I drove a company SUV whilst the rest was in a bus..

Well, the plan was, there was a well-known calligrapher tagging alone the whole time. He went wherever the sheik did and did some calligraphy for the local. At the museum, at the university, locals would hand out their names in English, then the calligrapher would write them in Arabic in a nice piece of paper. It was nice.

Oh yes, the plan was, the calligrapher had an interview with this producer at KBS in the afternoon. So whilst the performance team and the calligrapher were touring in Seoul, I would be standing by near them. When it is around 1pm, I pick him up and take him to KBS, then bring him back to Seoul so that we can join the gang and continue the sightseeing


So I managed to drive up to Seoul, but there was no where to park the car. Well, there were many places, but they were all expensive. And this company would not reimburse the parking fare. This is why I miss my old job to which I am going back at the end of this year. So, I literally was hovering around Seoul. Then, it was around lunch time so I parked near a Lotteria, rushed to the place, placed a to-go food, grabbed it, went to pee (which I have been holding a while) and jumped back in the car. phew.. While driving in Seoul, I was eating. It was precarious.

Finally, I picked up the guy and drove to KBS. After jumping through some hoops, I met with the producer and her colleagues. I thought the offices at KBS would be all neat and nice. But they weren't. No cubicles.. no fancy computers and what not. I felt bad for them to some degree. Anyhow, I accompanied them and went into a radio booth for the recording. It was a very interesting experience.

Afterwards, the calligrapher was hungry and so we went to this sandwich place near KBS. He was kind enough to buy me some sandwiches. And we stared to have a very interesting conversation over many issues e.g. parenting, the us and Koreans.. It was possible because a) he is a very smart person and b) he was trained in Harvard before and thus speaks excellent English. I would never forget the conversation he and I had that day.

Finally, I took him back to Seoul for sightseeing. There again, he and I walked around different places and engaged in a conversation. In spite of the cultural difference, the age different (he was almost 50 with 2 kids), we became friends.

And it was time to go to Incheon Airport. It took a while for the gang to process their luggage. I don't know exactly what occurred. It was already past 8pm and I was so ready to go back to Suwon and get some rest. I have been driving all day.

Then, there was a window of 10 mins before they passed the security point. So, I asked the calligrapher to write my name in calligraphy. He was kind enough to do it and this is how my name is written and the footage where he was doing it:)




Now, it was time to say good bye. While they were queuing up, I shook everyone's hands and said good bye. It was a heck of a ride the past 5 days. I met great people and learned a lot. This is probably the best memory I will have during my time this year. Inshallah!!!

The Sheik of Sharjah coming to Town (Part I)

This is a summary of the visitation of the shiek of Sharjah, UAE from Sep 14th to Sep 19th. During this time, I had an opportunity to meet with interesting people, exchange ideas with them and open myself to another culture. It was truly an amazing experience. So, here it goes.

Wednesday, Sep 14th
After the 4 day Chuseok weekend, my body was not ready to go back to work. But what can you do? Nevertheless, I was a bit excited to go back to work because I wasn't going back to the office, but to the field. They put me in charge of taking care of some of the group from U.A.E visiting Suwon and other places in the region. And I am supposed to be charge until 19th. So yay.

I got up and went to the best hotel in the region, which is only 5 mins away from my place. Then, I met with other coworkers of mine from other departments. They told me that I am going to usher the art consultant to the shiek. It was actually the consultant and his wife. They were from Holland and very nice to talk with.

In the morning, in a van reserved for them, we went to the Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art so that the consultants would inspect the exhibition that display about 100 artworks recently delivered from UAE. The consultant was in charge of how the pieces were displayed in the best way in which people can appreciate them most. The inspection per se was quite all right. The consultant wasn't really giving the curator in charge a hard time.

After that, we came back to the hotel. Then, they asked me to take them to a traditional market. So I did. There, I showed them around and explained things. The wife bought an ajumma visor She loved it. Then, she bought a Hanbok shirt for herself. I took them to the Hanbok place whose owner I know very well. Of course, we haggled a bit and the wife was quite content with the price and the product.

By the time I came back to the hotel, it was around 6pm to punch out. Then, I went to the gym to get my muscles pumped up. It was a long day, but quite eventful and fun.




Thursday, Sep 15th

Knowing what is going to happen or who I am going to accompany with, I again went straight to the hotel. And last night, the sheik Sultan bin Mohamed Al=Qasimi and his subordinates arrived and so did the press group. Originally, I was supposed to have a lot of face time with the press, but since they were still jet-legged from the trip, they were taking a whole day off at the hotel. Instead, some of the coworkers asked me to accompany the UAE traditional performance group (16 guys).

First, we gathered in the lobby and headed to KBS to throw a performance. There was a wide open area next to the entrance to the building and that's where they were going to perform. It was about lunch time so everyone was excited to see a great turn-out. But there wasn't, unluckily.
Many people passed out on their way out to lunch, but not many actually bothered to stop and appreciate the gig. Nevertheless, the guys did their best and put on a very good show. It was my first time to see them do their thing. It was very impressive. In particular, I admired the fact that even without a lot of audience, they enjoyed themselves to a great extent.

Next, it was after lunch and thus they, well, everyone was hungry. And I suggested we go to "Dubai" restaurant in Itaewon to treat Hala food for the gang. We were welcomed by some Arabic speaking owners and clerks. The gang seemed to enjoy both their company and the food. The Koreans also tried their delicacy. I had curried two pieces of chicken breast coupled with onions and cabbage and it was delicious. After eating, everyone was tired and decided to go back to the hotel.

Finally, as the last schedule, the team was ready to put on another show downtown in Suwon. We picked this alley where there are many bars and restaurants. At some point, we were a bit concerned because the gang might not like the setting due to alcohol consumption and all that. So, I asked the head of the team and he said, "No problem. We did this in Europe and they loved it. They(Europeans) were drinking and dancing with us. No problem!" When the show kicked off, people stared at us like they have never seen anything like this before, which is probably true. Then, they did not really mind us and kept on drinking and eating while enjoying the show. Thankfully, some of the bystanders were brave enough to join the crew and relished the performance.

Utterly worn out, both the gang and the Korean were dying to go home and rest and we did around 10pm. It was such a long day-

The Sheik of Sharjah coming to Town (Part II)

Friday, Sep 15th

Today is a big day for everyone. It can be divided into main events; the sheik being bestowed upon Honorary Doctorate of Politics in Hanyang University and the grand open of Sharjah Art Exhibition at Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art. Especially the former will be joined by Governor of Gyeonggi, Mr. Kim Moon Soo and thus every was paying extra effort to the protocol.

First, I finally got to meet with the press. There was a reporter, a photographer, a cameraman and a government official to the sheik. First, we went to the Hanyang University to inspect the venue and figure out where and how to film the event before the sheik arrives. 2 out of 4 guys did not speak much of English, but again, we could explain things with some gesticulation and basic words. Those guys were pretty easy-going and fun to be around.

After waiting about 30 mins for the sheik, he finally arrived in a motorcade. And that was very much impressive. Since he is a ruler, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dispatched a motorcade and 8 secret servicemen to him the whole time. And this is what it was like when he was nearing Hanyang University.




Then, he was greeted by the president of Hanyang University and later sat down with him and talked to him over many issues. After exchanging gifts and doing photo ops, we swiftly moved to the venue for the bestowing ceremony.

Although it was a late Friday afternoon, there were a great turnout. Then, we were ready to move to the museum for the big night.. the highlight of the sheik's visit to Korea; a meeting with the governor. In lieu of depicting what happened word by word. I give you the pictures and the video segment of the meeting. My fingers are quite tired at this point.

There was a gala ready for all the participants. I was ready to have some food, finally. But the crew said they needed to go back to the hotel to edit the footage they filmed.. so.. we just headed back to the hotel first. Well, at least, I got off work earlier than the others and so that I could go to the gym at the end of the day!

Abysmal Chuseok

Sigh.. where to begin..

Usually, Chusoek does not suck, if anything, it should be full of good food, laughter, story-telling and sharing. But this Chuseok was different. And this is how it went.

First day (Saturday)
- I decided to hang out some friends of mine in Suwon instead of going home today. So, Hwanki, Joseph, Scott and I went to a soccer game in Suwon and were later joined by two co-workers of Jo's. They were delight.. well at first.

The game was fun. I sat next to Scott and explained some aspects of soccer to him to whole time. As an American, he must have been interested in it that much, but still he was kind enough to stay put and tried to enjoy it. Afterwards, we all went drinking and that's where the horrible Chuseok started to go awry.

Simply speaking, I drank too much. Usually, I don't drink. Even socially, I don't enjoy it. A beer or two is fine. But it would still give me an awful headache next morning. Let's say, that night I hugged the toilet at the bar and regurgitated what I had been eating and drinking pretty much. And after the bar, I managed to get in a cab and head home. It was just awful. Playing drinking games with the guys was fun and exciting but I did not think thru. Also, there was a drama in the group that I will not spell out what it was. At one point, someone told me that the comment I made was not good. Well, I did not give rat's ass since I did not know what was going down and I did not think I was entitled to hear any of that. Well, what is done and done and I don't have hold grudge or regret.

Next morning (Sunday) was, as you can imagine, was awful. It started with pounding in my head and nausea in the stomach. I barely slept. I wanted to sweat it out so went jogging, but it backfired. I ran only 1 mile and had to crawl back home. Then, I laid down a bit, then cleaned the house and donned my suit and went to my folk's house. The ride though usual was awful. As soon as I arrived, I asked my mother to cook up a ramen for me. It eventually soothed, believe it or not, my nausea. It was good to be home. Although my mother had prepared everything for bid day, I helped her a bit. However, I felt tension between my father and mother. Of course, they had a tiff and would not talk to each other. Sigh... Toward the later time of the day, I started to feel fine and gobbled up good food.

Monday morning, as usual, I got up 7, jumped in a shower and donned the suit. Getting ready to set up the table to carry out the ritual ceremony for my passed grandparents, I was a bit excited to see my relatives. That is, my uncle, my aunt and my cousin. Normally, they would come to my parents' around 8ish and help me and my father set up the table. But there were running late. I thought they were. But, my mother told me that they were not coming because of their religion. Apparently, my new aunt (they got married last year) is a big churchgoer and thus does not like to idea to idolize. According to Korean Christianity (except for Catholic) even bowing at your passed ancestors is an act of pagan and heresy. So, they had decided not to come. Thus, it was just my family. I was livid. Thankfully, around 9ish my cousin showed up. But he realized that it was too late. On purpose, I showed up a cold shoulder for being late. Then after about 2 hours, he took off. So, again it was just my family. We ate, slept, watched tv.. that's what we did the whole Monday. And my father and mother still did not bury the hatchet.

The last day (Tuesday) I got up and ate breakfast. I thought I would go back to Suwon around 3ish. So ideally, after having lunch with my folks would end the whole long weekend. But it did ot go as I planned. Around noon, my dad started to feel gassy and pain in the stomach. It turned out he was massively constipated for having eaten a lot of food and barely moved. So, I picked up some over the counter meds for him but it did not work. He just could not take a dump. And there went my mother's nagging. Sigh... eventually, my dad felt less pain and fell asleep with my mother still nagging at him. Then, I packed my things and left. I promised my mother that I will be home for her birthday (next week) and told my dad to drink some water and get some exercise in lieu of eating.

There, the long weekend was finally over. It was eventful and yet rather mundane as always. And now I am ready to welcome the sheik of Sharja, one of the largest cities in UAE. I will update on this more later this week.

Training hard, eat hard and rest hard

The key to successful workout is to train hard, eat hard and rest hard. It is succinct like that.

Speaking of training, I do not believe I need to elaborate. About 90 mins to 120 mins would be ideal and this encompasses a warmup. Whatever routines you stick to, that is fine. Well, not really. You can always consult the trainer at your gym and get some professional help. You need someone who would spot you from time to time and motivate you. This does not require so-called workout buddies. I would rather find them unwarranted because it is highly likely that you not only get some assistant from them but also distract both yourself and them a lot. This will eventually and unnecessarily lengthen your workout time than it needs to be.

In terms of food, well. this is probably the trickiest part. To begin with, I believe that everyone has his or her own physical constitution. Depending on it, the body metabolism works uniquely and thus the result from eating certain food is individually different from one another. Regardless, eat hard. Good food, in particular. Highly protein-contained food such as chicken breast, tuna, fish, beef and so forth would be ideal, but you find whatever you can near you and consume it. Carb up for since it is the fuel with which you will mobilize at the gym. But just make sure consume less sugar and salt than you need. Also, avoid eating at night or drinking alcohol. Last but not least, do not be oversensitive about what you eat. If you feel like you ate last night, work out a bit more. Walk to work. Walk at lunch. Start up and down the steps at work. Sweat it off next day.

Finally, resting. Many people, even myself, feel like skipping workout one day would cost a considerable amount of muscle and makes you anxious and nervous. Not necessarily true. According to research, it takes at least 10 days for a body to lose muscles. So, unless you are under the setting (overseas.. hospitalization and whatnot) where you can't literally work out, you will be fine. Also, ensure to take at least a day off every week. Take a sabbath otherwise your body will end up malfunctioning because your body needs time to recuperate from all the hard work, stress and what not.

According to some workout books or exercise gurus, workout takes only 20 percent with food 50 percent and rest 30 percent of what is necessary to optimize your workout and get the best result. Hence, try to juggle them all whilst don't get stressed out too much. After all, your body can not mushroom indefinitely. There are always limits to how much your body can grow.

Hail to the new comers, Say goodbye to the leavers.

Last weekend was eventful. I attended my cousin's wedding with my parents and met relatives of mine. On the same day, I threw a party for my friend Scott who just arrived the country to teach and Sarah leaving for the U.S., her home town.

Thankfully, everyone that I invited gathered. I was a bit disappointed with the fact that some said they can't make it. But they all came.

Speaking of Sarah / Joe's sister, she said she was done with Korea for now. After spending a year, she seemed to be a bit frustrated with many things. I had opportunities to hear about her stories where she did not like her coworkers and had unpleasant experience with locals. I thought it was very unfortunate that she went through it.

And my friend Scott. We met back in 07 while he was a summer program student at Ajou University, my alma mater. Honestly speaking, we were not that close to each other, but he is from Iowa where I spent my 4 month stay back in 2004 as an exchange student at the University of Iowa. I really enjoyed it so thus I thought I would show the same or more extend of hospitality to those coming from the state to Korea. And Scott was one of them-

Ed, Joe, Sarah, Scott, Rick, Bong and Hwanki.. we all congregated, drank, ate and hung out together. It was very much nice to be able to do it with the cool breeze of fall on the rooftop overlooking Nam San tower.

I am looking forward to the next congregation. I proposed that we go to a ball game sometime. I will make it happen whether it is baseball or soccer.

Goodbye, Sarah.
Welcome back Scott.

Get ready to launch volunteering activities in Suwon

Yesterday, I went to the local branch office of this volunteering organization in order to discuss my plans to start volunteering in Suwon.

Even though it was a Sunday, there was a person working on a graveyard shift. It took me about 30 minutes for me to get there by bike. Since it was so nice, the ride was also very much pleasant.

The location of the office was near Suwon Station. And I passed by the brothel accidentally. As I averting my eyes, I saw this guy that looked like a Southeast Asian, hiding himself around the corner on the street and peeking at the hookers there.

Also, I witness a car accident. As I was biking downhill, I saw a car making a left turn to the back alley and clip a this Korean guy accident. The guy fell and the driver jumped out of the car to make sure he is okay. The car was moving slowly, so there was no blood or anything. I wanted to stay there a bit longer to see the scene, but since it was already late at night, I moved on.

Finally, I spotted the building, parked the bicycle and walked up the step. It was 8 in the evening and yet there were homeless people talking a shower. They were taking a number so that they were given some space to sleep tonight. Yes, the guy I was supposed to meet was giving out numbers to those walking in to secure a spot to sleep on tonight.

As I told the guy at the organization why I was here, he looked a bit suspicious. But as I explained on, he ushered me in and offered me a cup of cold water. In simultaneity, more homeless people walked in and asked for their space to crash. The meeting was constantly interrupted.

As I said to the guy, I am not asking for monetary support. All I need is a bit of space where, on a regular basis, volunteers I will recruit gather and bag up food to dole out to homeless at Suwon station. After I made clear that I don't need money, he looked very much relieved and cooperative. Since he was already preoccupied with the homeless, I left my name and cell number and headed back to home.

I am expecting the green light from them in a day or two. But I am not quite sure how many people in or in the vicinity of Suwon would like to join the volunteering. So far, about 5 or 6 people have contacted me after reading the piece on Koreahearld. http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110823000885

Since next week is Chuseok and a week after, I need to work, I think the first meeting would be 25th September. Frankly, I am tad nervous, but at the same time I am looking forward this challenge.