April

I guess it has been a while. I never think it has been all that long until I look through ‘our’, yes Roberta and I now talk about each other as a unit...‘we’ were planning, ‘our’ weekend was good, “we’ didn’t do much… other’s ask us “what ‘we’ are up to?” bahahha MARRIED life is good… I suppose… as long as we can find some MEN from time to time… it works. ☺

A couple weekends back we went to the War Memorial. This is a really well done Museum dedicated to all the Wars Korea has been in throughout its history. There has been many, as Korea is a tiny country surrounded by large powers such as the Chinese, Japanese, and then of course there was the Korean War fought with itself.
Outside on the Museum complex is a beautiful display of various large art pieces commemorating mostly the Korean War. One of them, (see photo), is called the ‘Two Brothers’… the story behind it is that the brothers were separated during the war and met on the field while fighting for opposing sides. Possibly, all fictional but the statue itself depicts a great deal of emotion. There also are a ton of displays of various Military Equipment. old planes, old tanks, huge artilery, and trucks around the yard some of which you are allowed to climb on or go inside.
Inside, the museum itself is divided into floors depending on the era. Downstairs one is able to see an ancient ship and the ancient robes of some of the 14th century dynasties. Then as one ascends the museum floors you arrive at the latest war, the Korean war and see the artilary, clothes, and even some great real life displays of citizens in demolished towns. The latter was my favorite, only because it gave you a feel for how the was would have been.
All in all, the War Memorial was a successful Bert and Meira Adventure. We capped this night off with a trip to seedy Itaewon to watch none other than a Stanley Cup Playoff Game…. Taped and played later… at none other than the “ Canadian Rocky Mountain Tavern”… ohh a little taste of home. After which we headed to Hongdae and danced the night away in a club.

The following week we decided to have more of a low-key weekend. We had virtually no subway… which was a blessing! Friday night we had a great night with Will and three of our new foreign teachers. We had a night of Galbi (Korean BBQ) and then visited our favorite bartender Reo whom we thought we had said goodbye to, but is back working in a bar somewhat close to us. ASSSAHHH … just in time too as we were celebrating old Bert’s Birthday and they were able to give her the customary "CONGRATULATORY" (every birthday is welcomed with this congratulation song... congratulations on still being alive??? who knows?!) FIRE SHOW. She even got behind the bar and gave a "little" dance. he he!

We walked to a nearby city and saw the “Tulip Festival.” Korea has many random festivals for example a Rice Wine festival... this was one we decided to check out. The people that put on the festival (honestly who are these people) essentially took a canal of mucky water between two concrete slabs that lead up to residential (apartments) roads and planted thousands of beautiful tulips. What was really neat was that there also were pictures of Korea in the past displayed amongst the tulips… it was really neat to see how far Korea has come in the last 50 years.
From there we walked to the stadium, met Incheon Holly and her friend Tracy (Kiwis) and took in a game of Soccer… in which our city won!!! Whoop Whoop. We also got enough sun to get a good tan!!! Asssahhh of course us four girls were four of eight people actually sitting in the sun. The rest of the spectators sat in the shade. Koreans have a terrible fear of getting darker… they wear large visors, walk around with sun umbrellas, and some women even buy whitening cream!!!! Ugh. What does that mean??? You interpret it for yourself…
After the game we headed to our end of the city to have some casual drinks outside of GS25… yes GS25 convenience store drinking is almost back in full force… then we headed to an impromptu concert that was literally 3 blocks from our home in a street of clothes stores! There was a stage set up with the usual shiny lights the Koreans love. It was a family affair and we sat on a curb, attracted lots of attention because we are foreign, and took in the show. There was Korean break dancers, belly dancers, a couple singers, and then a famous Girl Korean Pop band… the show finished with the expected fireworks. All in all, it was a great day spent totally outside enjoying the amazing weather.
The next day, we also took in the nice weather and walked to a lovely park near our home. Ansan lake park… we sat on a small dock and played a game of cards.