Return to Songrisan National Park

Although the couple recently visited this national park, a return trip was in order for three reasons:

1. Fall Leaves
2. An escape from studying
3. And to enjoy the company of a sweet family the Harrington's met while sipping on Korean wine

So it was, on a chilly November Saturday - after all-night no-rae-banging, the couple rolled out of bed, loaded the car and made their way to Songrisan National Park.

The day was enjoyed hiking, snacking on fantastic bread and cheese, being entertained by the darling 1 year old Sasha, chatting about hiking ventures back home in the states and washing it all down with some BBQ duck and makgeoli.

Ahh...Fall, quickly on it's way out.

No-rae Bang Nights: An un-Birthday Celebration

The Harrington's and others have taken a bit of time to recover from the 'loss' of no-rae bang all-stars from Brian to Jennifer to Holly the leftover Daejeon crew was apprehensive about how much joy would be recieved from singing their hearts out.  However, when the birthday of one Jonathan Dickerson came to be (although it was an un-birthday celebration in his personal request for no gifts or excessive attention), the crew re-united, added unto the choir and proved that life does in fact go on, even at the no-rae bang (not to say those who left Korea life aren't dearly missed this year...you know who you are).  So it was, after a scrumptous cake on a pirate ship and a few drinks later, the crew made their way to the no-rae bang around the corner.

 A few top picks from the evening are as follows:

Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler



Hungry Like the Wolf - Duran Duran



What's my Age Again? - Blink 182 (The video is so...nude. Forget these details as we age...)



Maggie Mae - Rod Stewart (for reader's who haven't enjoyed the pleasure of the no-rae bang with Mr. Harrington...he truly rocks this one ^.^)



99 Red Balloons - Nena (the song that wouldn't get out of the Mrs. head the next morning -- and by song, obviously we mean the chorus)

Waygook Needs a Liver Transplant

Recently while wasting time scouring the internet for mostly useless information, the Harrington's came across the following story that tugged at our heart strings:

There is an New Zealand teacher (his name is Michael Milne and he is 47) who has been put into ICU in Busan diagnosed with liver failure. He is on the list for a liver transplant and he will not survive without one. He is O- blood type (the rarest), so is in a dire situation. His brother has recently arrived and it is hopeful he will be a suitable match to donate part of his liver.

The surgery is going to cost 40 million won, but the Health Insurance we receive as Foreign Teachers does not cover cancers or transplants!!! His family have been unable to get the money necessary so are asking for help from the expat community, before it's too late.

There is a thread on Waygook here: http://waygook.org/index.php/topic,25243.0.html
And a Facebook event here with information on how to donate: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=202032269874081

He's in a terrible position being stuck in a foreign country with a serious illness, and I'm sure any help will be appreciated. I do not know him, but I would hate to have this happen to me so want to spread the word.

Please do what you can.

We can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to be bedridden and stuck in a foreign country; even one as developed as South Korea. $40,000 is a lot of money, but it's not much compared to a transplant in the states and for hopefully helping someone out in such a tough situation, it's nothing! We don't know this man--he lives in a different city miles away--however, he's part of our community (a fellow 마이클 Teacher) and we want to help him. If you feel compelled to toss a few bucks his way we encourage you to do so! Thanks!

If you are sending funds from within Korea:
Nonghyup Bank (National Agricultural Cooperative Federation)
Name: 마이클 (Michael Milne)
Account - 811057 52 067773

... If you are sending funds from another country to Mick's Korean account:
Bank name: National Agricultural Cooperative Federation
Name: Michael Milne
Account number: 811057 52 067773
Swift Code - NACFKRSEXXX
Address: 75, Chungjeongro 1 Ga
Jung-Gu, Seoul, Korea
Phone: 82-10-7552-1964

****UPDATE**** Paypal account has now been set up: mick.milne@gmail.com.

As of November 23rd, over 10 million won has been raised to help Mick out and his brother is a suitable donor. The surgery will be taking place next week.

As of December 12th, 19.5 million won has been raised. 3.5 million of which was used for pre-operation tests for Mick's brother. Keep it up people!

Wedding Vows on the Great River Han

On November 5, 2011 the Harrington's had the great honor of attending the wedding of their dear friend, Younglan. Younglan faithfully assisted the Harrington's in caring for various odds and ends which require Korean fluency as well as provided great friendship, joy and wisdom to the couple throughout their first year in South Korea. So, it was with great joy and anticipation that the Harrington's (along with dear friend Aaron, the reason M&M know Younglan at all) hopped on a Wedding Bus and headed toward Seoul. That's correct, you read the words 'Wedding Bus'. Since the Wedding took place in the groom's home town, the Bride (or Bride's family) provided transport from her hometown to the wedding site. And, typical to Korean service, fashion, culture and tradition, those who went by bus were greeted by a sweet gift bag of snacks (nuts, rice cake, squid jerkey, mandarin oranges, and candy) plus beverages (fiber-drink, cola, and water).

Upon arrival at the wedding hall, beautifully situated on (or more technically, in) the great Han River, guests sought out the Bride and/or Groom and sat down for an all-out photo shoot. A rather daunting experience considering the glowing, spectacular beauty of the Bride compared to her guests. Nonetheless, this photo experience is a great chance to whisper a few encouraging words to the bride and give a warm wish for a most joyful marriage to come.

Unlike a typical western wedding where all guests are expected to focus solely on the ceremony as it occurs, the Harrington's were seated one floor above the wedding ceremony where they could watch the events unfold on a large TV screen while enjoying the most delectable luncheons provided in the land of Kimchi. It is therefore assumed, that while the Harrington's were washing down the most delicious salmon with a glass of red wine, stuffing bits of prime rib and pumpkin into their mouths and enjoying every bit of chocolate cake they could manage, the Bride and Groom promised to love and hold one another for all time.

Although unlike any wedding ceremony the Harrington's had ever attended, the day was perfectly sunny, warm, beautiful and filled with love and anticipation for a beatiful future of a man and his wife.

Thrifting in Daejeon: Daedong Beautiful Store

Perhaps the easiest of all Beautiful Stores to locate is that which is located at Daedong Station. Exit 6, walk straight a few hundred meters, look to your left, see the green symbol and you've succeeded.

Enjoy your thrifting adventures dear Daejeon readers, enjoy your adventures!

Don't forget to check out the Tanbang station store!

Thrifting in Daejeon: Youngmun Beautiful Store

Having acquired a car in Daejeon, the Mrs. had a couple opportunities to spot her favorite Korean store logo - that of the Beautiful Store, the non-profit, Salvation-Army/Goodwill type second hand branch of Korea. With a deep-seeded desire to frequent shops such as this to bolster the wardrobe and household goods of the Korean villa, Melissa made mental note of these new shops.

Wanting to spend some time with the ladies, enjoy some shopping and check out these thrifting joints, Melissa coralled some friends into a Saturday adventure of second-hand shop hopping. The crew planned to hit up the three known Beatiful Stores at Government Complex Station, Youngmun Station and Daedong Station. Unfortunately, the Governemt Complex Station store no longer resides at that station and may actually have moved to Tanbang Station...go figure. So it is in South Korea.

As always, shopping at the Beautiful Store yields great to little success, but is always enjoyable with the right set of friends, a coffee break and adventerous spirits.

If you want to make your way to the Youngmun Station Beatiful Store

In the Kitchen: October 2011

The month of two MAED courses simultaneously went smoothly due to September's work in the Kitchen getting things into the freezer.  There was also, simply less home-cooking coming out of 519 Kitchen.  Regardless, a few recipes made the cool fall nights all the more homey, comfy and suitable for posting discussions and researching assignments.  The following 5 were top eats from the kitchen this month.

5. Un-stuffed Pepper Soup

4. Udon with a 'Poached' Egg and Veggies

3. Korean Spiced Pear Cider

2. Shredded Pork and Rice Brunch Burritos

1. Kimbap in a Pinch

A Healthy Dose of Cuteness and Joy in 3.5 Legs

A post with no purpose other than to show case the adorable-ness that is Lady Annyeong Harrington.  The distinctive pitter-patter of this sweet Mutt has graced the home of Mike and Melissa for just over ten months thanks to the work of fosters and volunteers through Animal Rescue Korea. (Always lots of cuteness on their website, although the Harrington's are pretty sure they got the best the ARK has ever seen, sorry fellow Korea expats, the Harrington's beat you to this little doll ^.^)