"I'm Yours"

I had such a busy weekend.

On Friday, I went out with a bunch of other expats. My friend Ashley had her friend in town, and of course we had to treat her to some amazing Korean foods and later to a bar for beers and soju cocktails.

Saturday, I went with Hwayoung again to see the acupuncturist. She talked me into letting him give me an exam, to which he told me that my back is crooked.....great. But remember he's blind and doesn't take X-rays, so I'm not sure if I should take his word on that...

After the doctor, Hwayoung treated me to free tickets to see the Georges Rouault: Le sacré et le profane exhibit at the Hangaram Art Museum, part of the Seoul Arts Center. I like his style (expressionist) better than Warhol (pop art). It just has more meaning to me and his inspiration comes more from his personal experiences and his feelings on life and death, society, and morality. 

Later that evening I treated Hwayoung to dinner. I had planned for our 100 day anniversary to take her to a nice Turkish restaurant, but the plans fell through. This weekend however, I had the chance. We headed to Gangnam and without reservations got seats at Pasha.  First off, the place is beautiful. It has a wonderful atmosphere of sophistication. Dim candle lights, unique architecture, and vibrant colors. We decided on a set menu to sample all sorts of different foods. It was a little expensive, but well worth it. From Kebabs, to homemade pita bread - I was in heaven. This is the closest to Lebanese food I've had in quite some time, so I made sure I enjoyed it. I met the president of the restaurant, a young Turkish guy who reminded me of a slick car salesman. We got to talking about some of the similarities and differences between the two foods - but we both agreed on one thing. Hummus is amazing. He offered to give me some free next time I visited. I told him I also make my own, but can't find the ingredients (mainly tahini) he told me, it is hard to find, but the best place to buy it is.....at his restaurant. Yes, they sell all sorts of turkish treats, and tahini as well! Assah!

Sunday we went to the wedding of our friends Justyna and Yong. The ceremony was interesting. Different from what I am used to, as it wasn't at a church but rather a banquet hall. This is very common in Korea. Most weddings only last about 20-30 minutes, and then a buffet is served at the hall -- and that is it.

Before the ceremony starts, you can take pictures with the bride or groom in a private room. Meanwhile, you also visit a cashiers desk to give the couple money. The cashiers take your envelope and record your name and how much was given....a bit odd to me, but that's the custom!

This wedding ran a little longer due to everything having to be translated. Even though the hall was beautiful, it had a modern feel to it that reminded me of a Vegas chapel with a fashion runway and changing lights. There were no groomsman, just a best man and maid of honor. Instead, there were escorts provided by the staff at the hall. They seem to dress in a airline stewardress/paramilitary garb which I didn't understand. The even carried swords and did a little fancy show with them when the bride and groom pass by, typical to a military wedding back in the States (but this wasn't a military wedding)...

Wedding ceremonies are typically performed by a educated elder, in this case - a distinguished professor that I assume Yong or his family know. There were also a couple songs that were fairly well done by friends of the couple, and pictures taken after the ceremony.

One thing that annoyed me was the wedding planner. She seemed so focused on making sure things looked good. This is typical Korea - where appearances are everything. The planner would not stop fussing about the dress, making sure everything was where it was supposed to be (in a forceful annoying way), even during the ceremony she would run up and fluff the dress a little. I felt sorry for Justyna in a way because this lady seemed attached to her hip. I'd swat at her like a fly!

After the buffet dinner, many of the young friends of the couple met up at a chain bar called Warawara where we ate and drank some more...(more drinking than eating of course!).

Here's a short video I made:

It was an interesting experience that I'm glad to have seen.

Now all I have to do is find a way to respond to all the people who are asking if the next wedding they'll see is mine and Hwayoungs (whooooooaaaahhh.....slow down people!)