Adventures On Earth

a barely functioning country

2009-03-17T14:47:00.001-07:00

Greetings

This story takes place in south of a few borders, in a once war torn country, with a flimsy barely functioning system. Where odd occurrences are the norm, and all expectations are thwarted by, from some perspectives, a twisted reality. Life moves at a different pace, and in a different way.

The following story is merely an example of the life here, strange, but oddly normal. I spent the day at the beach, called las peñitas, with a few friends from Austria. The waves were massive, stretching almost up to the houses, but beautiful in its natural power. We stayed until sunset, and caught the last bus back to León. As we approached the bus, we could immediately tell that it was full. Not full as in no more seats, but full as in no more seats or spaces to stand. Full, as in people pressed tightly together, gripping what little overhead bar that was available. The three girls squeezed in, like fitting together a puzzle, but alas, there was no room for me. Me, and another few people had to hang on the back of the bus, as in, outside of the bus, as it trekked along the bumpy dirt road. On the main road, technically under repair, but in very bad condition, the bus stopped to pick up more people (How? is the question that comes to mind). As a result of the overcrowding, the bus assistant ushered us on the outside to climb to the top of the bus. About 7 of us went on top and rode the rest of the way perched on top! It was an adventure, and seriously much more comfortable than inside the bus.

We made it back safely, but one of the Austrian girls paid for her ride with a bigger bill, and didn't get any change. As she asked for her change, the bus sped away. This brings me to another aspect of life here where you need to be alert at all times. There have been a couple of occasions where I've been screwed. Like the time I rode the bus, and they charged me 10 cordobas for a 3 cordoba ride (Perhaps a theme with buses??). Or at the market, I never know if they are charging me more for the fruit compared to the 'local's price'. Either way, it's all dirt cheap. For example, the room that I'm renting is $80 a month, cheap right? I thought so until I was talking with my Nica friend who says her entire house, for her whole family, is only $30 a month. So, one room for 80 is significantly more, I'd even say outrageously more. We're talking about two and a half times more price wise for a room instead of a house. Granted, the location of my place is unbeatable. Plus there's two maids, a garden, etc.

For the month of February I took classes at the nearby casa de cultura-guitar, art, and dance. For $10 a month each, it was well worth it, and I learned a substantial amount, but still experienced the Nica way of doing things.

For guitar, the teacher would write some chords on the board, and then leave me alone in the room for 30+ minutes to practice. When he returned, he'd expect me to have it down. I found this style of teaching frustrating since he spent such little time with me, and consequently I confronted him about it. Although he's a very good guitar player it was clear that teaching wasn't his passion, as he lacked the desire to tend to his students needs.

For dance, once again the teacher was a really talented dancer, but he too had his own quirks. basically he was bipolar (or could've been based on how he acted). He starts with a huge smile on his face as he demonstrated the dance move, but was quick to anger if the students didn't give their undivided attention or didn't heed his commands. He was quick to offer the ultimatum of leaving. Plus, he was more concerned about getting on with the girls in the class instead of teaching us the twists and twirls.

For art, I couldn't really complain about the teaching, but more about the teacher. At the beginning of the class I was required to by certain art supplies (sketchbook, paintbrushes, paint, bastidor-whatever that is, etc.) and I paid for them right away. The only problem was with receiving the supplies, which took ages. After a week or two he got me my paints, except blue for whatever reason. But the worst part was for the paintbrushes, which he told me that they were imported from Honduras, but would come 'tomorrow'. So I'd drop by, but still no paintbrushes. This repeated for weeks on end. He'd say come by in the afternoon' and then he wouldn't even be there. I finally asked for my money back since the whole situation was making me frustrated. Almost two weeks after the class had ended the paintbrushes came, and I had to explain to him that I didn't even need them anymore, given that the class was over.

And then to get an extension on my visa, I had to go to the immigration office 4 times, since the first 3 times they came up with different excuses for not being able to give me the requested service. I share these examples to show that this is not abnormal, but a daily occurrence here. Often times it's frustrating, other times laughable. Between my friends we share our like experiences and probably could compile a sizable log.

That all said, I wouldn't want to do business here or work here (extremely low wages) but it's a great place to visit and live for a while. I have a spanish exchange partner, and that, along with reading and speaking everyday, has really helped my spanish. I can speak freely and understand better than ever.

I guess it'll be strange to back in a country where things function normally...

All my love

Living in the third world

2009-02-07T11:24:00.000-08:00

Living in the third world is an interesting experience, because at any time, without any warning, something unpredictable can and does happen. Most of it is trivial, causing chuckles or astonishment. Like seeing a family of four Nicaraguans piled on one bike. Or, the city bus system is a web of caminetas, pick up trucks with benches in the back with a tarped roof.

These people are resourceful! And clearly, it's out of necessity more than anything else.

As for electricity and water, it's present, but spotty. During the superbowl, I missed the first quarter, and not because I late, but because the power went out. And for the water, we fill buckets at my place in order to prepare for the daily water shortage, and still take showers/go along with our daily chores somewhat unimpaired.

The people here are generally really friendly, which I'm quickly learning is a red flag. I'm getting better at reading people, and figuring out if they are just being nice because they want to get something from me, which is usually the case. Still, foreigners are a safe bet, and now I've been here long enough to establish some friendships with good people.

But what goes along with all this is a very low cost of living. Let me break it down.

Room-$80
Guitar Class for one month-$10
Used bicycle- $40
New cell phone-$20
liter of beer at the bar-$2
hour of internet- $.50
typical breakfast-$1.50
Latte-$1
dozen bananas-$.60
pineapple-$.50

So, it's all a give and take. For a couple of months, it's perfect. Sunny, beaches nearby, volcanoes in the distance, and lots of leisure time.

Even as I write this I noticed my bicycle was missing from the outside the window. I got a little shocked, asked around, and finally to the guard, who said he moved it to the back. But still, it's another reminder of the unpredictibility of this place.

I still search with open eyes for spiritual/philosophical beings around me.

Lots of Love

south of a few borders

2008-11-27T19:31:00.000-08:00

Greetings from tico-land aka costa rica. It's the land where buses drive with open doors, rain comes to you sideways, and distances are greater than they seem.
Today I went to the volcano closest to me, a mere 20 miles away, voclan poas. Once I got to the park, and hiked up to the viewpoint, I was met with a white wall of clouds. It was like staring at the side of a house-nothing could be seen. But it was there, still, under it all. I guess the park is known for its cloud cover. Then to the lagoon, which also was clouded over, so I got another, albeit ethereal, view of the eternal whiteness.
I'm staying in the second biggest city in Costa Rica, called Alajuela, was feels more like a small town. Walking around town I saw a couple of people my age playing chess in the park. I joined them, beat them, and made some new friends. This also happened in the capital city, San Jose. Everyone seems really friendly.
I'm moving to a new hostel in the downtown area for the weekend, and by then I should have a better idea about what my stay here in central america will look like.
That said, I'm very happy with my spanish level, given I've been here for 4 days, and I see its strengths and weaknesses. But it keeps getting better and better.
I can't wait to be laying out on the coast
Pura Vida!

Electric President

2008-10-23T22:56:00.000-07:00

Out Again

2008-10-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

I've been back from Korea for almost 2 months now, and the traveling has been nonstop. 3 major trips elapsed, with intermittent rests in Sacramento. The first, and most necessary, was to the Bay area, where I stayed on couches at friend's houses (how blessed am I to be surrounded by good people), and seeing all my siblings. It reminded me that everyone's lives are constantly in motion, but friends are always there for me.

The next adventure led me to Baja California on a bus named Gus, who ran on vegetable oil. The 15 tripgoers all emanated youth and happiness, and we all clicked right away. The dynamic felt so natural planned, even though we were all strangers before. We stopped in Ensenada for food and to have a look around, before embarking on the trek. Hours down a 2 lane highway, and then the turnoff to the dirt road, which went on and on for another 4 hours. We camped out by a pond, with very few and distant neighbors.
We crossed the border through Tecate, said our goodbyes, and I stayed in the LA area for a week and a half. First with a friend from the trip, and then a friend from childhood. I got to see all sorts of friends from old, and friends from college in LA, which evoked unforeseen emotions. Mostly good ones, I'd say.

And now I'm out again, typing away from the McGill campus library in Montreal. I flew out to Boston a few days ago, stayed in a hostel, and without many housing options decided to go straight to Montreal, where I'm visiting my best friend from Berkeley. Walking down a cute avenue I stumbled into a chess cafe and joined in the games. The competition was stiff, but I held my own winning more than losing. One guy remarked that the best players in all of canada come here, and I wouldn't be surprised based on the level I encountered.

Next? Looks like a triangulation to Toronto and back stateside to New York.
I'm feeling like where's waldo.
danthenomad

Sigur Ros Playlist

2008-10-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

안영하세요!

2008-08-08T22:43:00.000-07:00

안영하세요
한국어로 설명한 감정 아직 어려는데도 내 입장하고 마음에 느낌 해 볼거야.
지금 출발한날까지 16흘 남다. 이고 때문에 많은 감정 가지 느끼다. 일반으로 미래를 생각할때 행복한 곳만 봘 수 있아. 이제는 미래 말고 지금에 집중해 봐다가 있는 이시간 항상이니까. 특히 미원이랑 보낸시간 이렇게 느끼다. 그녀가 나를 행복하게 하다.
하루에 7시간 일하는데도 낸 시간 하교박에를 위해서 감사다. 보통 이 시간 마음대로나 집에서 게으른이나 읽은책이나 그림을 그리나 보내다.
다음시간까지
단어

visitors, cleansing, mud

2008-08-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

The past two months I've been bless with visitors from home, who are so dear to me. First Vijay came in the middle of May. It was a relieved shock to see him again, with his smiling face and cool demeanor. Immediately I felt his presence and embraced him. The reunion was emotional for me, since it meant a lot to me that he came. We unpakced and set up the room in a confortable way. During the week we hung out in my city, and spent each day introducing my friends and showing him all the fun things to do. He came at exactly the right time in my trip and in my life because I needed to have that deep connection with someone who knew me. We spent the first weekend in Seoul and partied all night in Hongdae (the cool university area). There was a band in the park with awesome break dancers, so we watched the performance for a while. Then we went to a bar with my korean friend, B.A., who is a night owl. We ended up going to sleep at 10am at a jimjilbang (a public bathhouse). In the early afternoon we awoke and went to another round of Osho Aum meditation (which I explain on my blog dmoglen.blogspot.com). I was able to achieve a lot of personal insight during those 3 hours...
Another weekend we went to Chuncheon for the international Mime Festival. We met this really thought provoking older guy from South Africa who invited us to stay the night at his house. The next morning we saw the opening parade with clowns, mimes, and performance. One that struck me was this couple who tied a bungee cord to the top of a building and danced on the side of the building, like they where defying gravity. There were water fights and tug of war with hundreds of people (our side won).
Vijay was supposed to leave soon so we had a going away dinner with me, Vijay, and 6 of my korean friends who had met Vijay. The next day he was running late, and missed the last bus to the airport. I rushed downtown and a coworker helped him get a cab. Two hours later he still missed his flight but it all turned out okay. He actually left clothes in my room so I was able to return them, and he was able to change his flight with no extra charge. Plus he was able to see my next guest, who was arriving the following day.
Clarissa showed up, anxious and a little scared. I stood at the gate exit for hours in a busy crowd scanning everyone who exited. Finally she beelined in the opposite direction and I ran over to greet her. She melted in my arms, and I felt her shaking. We held each other and eventually found enough composure to achieve our next task, to get back to Cheonan. I was so happy to see her, and knew that we would have a wonderful trip together.
We went to Seoul to meet up with Vijay who was staying with a friend. We saw my friend's art exhibit (he had made a 7' buddhasaurus), and went to a baseball game.
Vijay left. Clair and I had a wonderful time together, traveling experiencing the life and culture here, relaxing.
After all my guests left I had the room all to myself, and I decide to focus on me. I cleansed for 4 days, drinking only a concoction of cayenne, maple syrup, and lemon water. The main highlights of it was that I slept for 12-13 hours each night and had wonderfully vivid dreams, I maintained a cleanse journal, I meditated day and night, and I painted like crazy. The downside was that I was constantly fatigued, and when teaching kids who can and do run circles around you, I felt like I needed my energy. But it was a good cleanse overall.
Since the cleanse I've been back to busy as a bee. I partook in the annual mudfest in Daechon beach, which is unlike any festival I've ever been to. Leave the valuables (everything) in the room because nothing's coming out clean. With mud painting, wrestling, obstacle courses, slides, I was covered, dripping head to toe.
And now, as I count down the working days remain at 9. And counting. See you soon California...

한글에서 여행대해 쓴 곳

2008-08-02T23:25:00.000-07:00

요즘은 내가 진짜 빠븐데 여름방학이 지난수요일부터 시작해서 여행해결정했다. 처음 생각은 을릉도에 시간을 보내지만 예약한 배대해 전화할때 배표를 나맜다 을릉도 말고 서울에서 특펼한친구랑 방학을 보냈다
물론 많은 곳이 했는데 그래서 제일 촣은 곳 쓸거야 수요일에 난 미원이랑 서울까지 도작하고 저녁식사 제식부페식당에 먹읐다 정말 맛있었어 다음날동안 인사동길 혼자 구경했다 저기 미술권하고 에쁜 가게를 많아 그다음에 서점 갔고 옛날한국음식 먹었다
금요일아침에 DMZ 투어때문에 가려고 아주 일찍 이러나야했다. 일반으로 재미있지만 너무 짧았아 아직 한국역사 배워서 행복한 느낐어
마침내 미원생일파티 웠다 빈집에서 가까운 이대원 있었다 우리가 대국거리를 준비돼면서 손님을 기다렸어 여섯시쯤에 친구가 오고시작했다 사람부터 음식까지 다 마음에드렀어.
삼주일후에 고향에 도라갈거야 본가족하고친구 행복하게 할거지만 동시 그립은 내 생활 한국에서 알알거야 한국사람친구에게 감사합니다

Osho Aum Meditation

2008-05-26T17:41:00.001-07:00

Osho Aum Meditiaton 4/26/2008 Bundang, South Korea

The body is a bottle of emotions. When these emotions cannot escape, inner pressure builds. Emotions need to be both controlled and released. Dealing with emotions is a learning process. In April, I attended a specialized meditation practice that targeted expressing emotions.

Osho Aum Meditation just about breaks all preconceptions of what meditation is thought to be. And by doing so, it creates a strong lasting effect on the mind and body. Instead of sitting quietly, focusing on breath, and not moving (the traditional idea of meditation), Osho Aum meditation is active and group oriented. In this sense Osho Aum meditation is the chili paste in the rice dishes of meditation.

A range of emotions is expressed in 12-15 minute stages. The instructions are to embrace the emotion, feel it and express it totally. Interact with the group, and use the people has mirrors to reflect your inner being. This is no easy task.

The stages are varied, expressing contrasting emotions, from negativity to love, sadness to laughing, craziness to sensuality, all without breaks, and with corresponding music. The first few minutes of each stage are the most awkward, since the body was engulfed in emotional sphere of the previous stage. Entering a new mental state requires and adjustment of the body and mind. The initial phase is forced. For example in the crying stage, whimper, curl up, and feign sadness. Combine that with recalling deeply saddening experiences. And finally add the power of the group, and the tears flow like open floodgates. Then get deeper and deeper into the emotion, get lost in it, and embrace it in all its power. The energy builds and each 15-minute period is an eternity.

As well as overcoming expressing emotions, Osho Aum meditation also shows yourself how you express your emotions in a safe space. We all have the capacity to express all the emotions, but sometimes we are uncertain how to yell, how to love, how to dance freely, etc. Your emotions are a distinct characteristic to your essence.

Now, even more I can feel the legitimacy and necessity of this kind of meditation. I see how practical it is in everyday life. This is what makes Osho Aum meditation so special. Expressing emotions has a purpose. Emotions reflect your inner being. They not only help you cope with any given situation, but also shows people around you what you’re experiencing. It’s a type of communication in that way. On top of that, it let’s that experience out, like air out of a balloon. After expressing emotions, one feels satisfied and liberated (compare it to not letting out your emotions).

As a result of the meditation I feel even more stable and strong in my emotions. I realize I choose when I want to express anger, love, or any other emotion. My emotions do not control me, nor do others control my emotions. Only I control my emotions.

“Only when you can express your madness can you stay sane” –Vareesh

Namaste

DanTheNomad

Art, Meditation, Tea

2008-05-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,
I've hit the 8-month mark in Korea, and to briefly sum it up- I absolutely love it here. Let me share some (and I mean just a fraction) of my many adventures here.
In January, I met Miae, an amazing Korean artist. She went to Art school in Georgia for 5 years, and now runs an art and English school in my city. We became really good friends, and we hang out a lot. She propositioned that I teach at her art school, to her little ones, and I obliged. Her students are so cute, and each week I came up with a simple art lesson. Then I let the kids go crazy with it, taking the idea to other planets of imagination. I no longer teach those classes, though.
In February she started giving me art lessons. She's taught me so much, and now, after lots of practice, I can draw still life objects quite precisely. Many nights before bed I have so much energy that I draw for hours.
My Korean continues to improve. I have a fairly strong foundation now regarding grammar and vocabulary, and I'm able to have a basic conversation. I study everyday by myself, and I meet with my exchange partner twice a week. Best of all I can practice anywhere I go, by reading signs and talking to people. By the time I leave, my Korean will be rocking. Besides work, these two activities, art and Korean, are constant in my life here.
Teaching has become quite easy in a lot of ways. I know what to expect from the students, and I've bonded with most of them. The material is so easy that there is no prep work necessary, and the few minutes I have before class I can envision exactly how the 50 minute class will go. That's the native speaker advantage-my Korean coteachers on the other hand, even though they speak English fluently have to come early to prepare. Still, some classes are hard, but I'd say that most are enjoyable. My hardest class used to be this beginner middle school class where 4 out of the 7 students were troublemakers. Their English was minimal, and the behavior was horrible, talking, not paying attention, etc. I dreaded that class every time, and prayed that it would get easier. Amazingly, over the course of a month, the worst kids dropped out (probably since we were so hard on them), and the class size reduced to 2 students. The last time I had the class, only one student showed up, and I felt so happy that the hardest class was now the easiest.
And now for some anecdotes:
In February, a friend and I held an art exhibit at a café in my city. It was a combination of my photography and his art. The opening night a ton of people came, and the manager told me that was the busiest the café had ever been. The show lasted over a month.
A few weeks ago I attended an osho aum meditation program in Bundang. Osho is an active, group oriented meditation, where a range of emotions is expressed over the course of a 3 hour period. There are 12 stages, each one 15 minutes long, and each one a different emotion. The emotions ranged from negative to positive, from sad, to laughing, and everything in between. I learned how to express my emotions totally, as well as how to control them. It was a very intense experience.
A group of friends and I put together a zine called whole zine. We released our first issue in April, and I contributed an article. It looks really cool in the DIY style, and it's fun to pass around something we created to friends and strangers. We're working on the second issue (I'm going to write an article about my experience with osho meditation).
This past weekend I went to a tea bowl festival in Munkyeong, 2 hours south of seoul. We sampled a few different kinds of teas, met the most famous potter in Korea, and even got to make a tea bowl. When we returned to seoul, we went to the big parade for buddha's birthday. Seoul is an awesome city, with so much to offer. Because of that, I find myself there almost every weekend.
In less than 2 weeks Vijay is coming to visit me. I'm so excited to have a piece of home here, and to show him my life. I'm getting my place ready for him, and I'm starting to think about all the fun stuff we have to do. He'll be here for 3 weeks or so.
So, that's a glimpse of what's going on. Happy Spring!
Love
Daniel

Veg-Heads Potluck

2008-01-21T04:08:00.000-08:00

VegHeads Unite 1/20/08

This vegan interest group spawned from the seed of need. While some geese are known to migrate if their situation proves unfavorable, others take a different route. These geese, the optimists, are known to ban together and find the flower in the weeds. The veggie community is no different. Scattered about, sand on the beach, we’re just a wave away from being sucked under. Banning together we create a mountain and stand strong.

On the surface, Korea’s face looks disappointedly into the eyes of Vegheads. The benevolent “he” provides minimal dining options, occasional odd glances, and lots of questions and shocked expressions. But peel back the top layer, do some networking, and the Vegheads always come afloat (and not like dying fish, we swim proudly).

January 2008 saw the Veghead’s first potluck, and calling it a success would be an understatement.

“It’s so much more than just good whole foods. It’s the support and the community aspect that draws me to this group, and this lifestyle,” reported Thenomad, who founded this group in a cold December studio, while simmering enough beans for two.

It’s true. There is a clear correlation between Vegheads and forward thinking. They look healthy, they care about the environment and animal rights, and they are, after all, optimists.

“I guess it just goes along with the whole persona,” Purple Feather digested. “You see, I can simultaneously chew on this carrot and think about how each crunch is another step to a greener world.”

Sure, some would say that regardless of crunches and steps, that’s a giant logical leap to make. But, the Vegheads do have some interesting ideas. And maybe not all of them are as hard to grasp as that last cherry in the tree.

Eat meat. Eat meat. Eat meat. It’s almost like a mantra for the ones not in the know. I, the linguist that I am, will be the first to point out that the word “eat” is encapsulated in the word “meat.” But that is not enough to draw any sort of etymological association.

It’s important to distinguish ourselves from the carnivores, and not only using exclusionary terminology. We do not define ourselves by what we don’t do, but rather what we do. As a result our mantra isn’t “Don’t eat meat.” Instead, it’s more along the lines of “Ram Ram Sita Ram.” It’s the same as defining a Jewish person as similar to a Christian, but doesn’t believe in Jesus. It’s both comical and completely wrong. For the same reason, defining a Veghead as similar to a carnivore, but doesn’t eat meat just doesn’t fit the bill.

And with that, may your year, you head, your stomach all be overflowing with love and greens.

Art Exhibit - Cafe Mentor

2008-01-10T05:16:00.000-08:00

Greetings,
I am pleased to announce an event that we've been working on for over a month (and truthfully, much much longer than that). January 27th, at 8:30pm, Cafe Mentor in downtown Cheonan has its first ever art exhibit.
The featured artist is Andrew Ostapenko (www.spreadlove.ca).
The show will also have photography from me! and other members of the community.
Spread the word, because this opening will be special. Come for coffee, art, and good vibes. And an art lesson!

Mallipo Oil Spill

2007-12-11T07:13:00.000-08:00

This past weekend an environmental massacre punished the west coast of South Korea. A quaint beach town, called Mallipo, once known for its luscious beaches and rocky cliffs, now lies helplessly under a layer of crude oil. An oil tanker collided with a barge, and consequently 10,000 tons of oil leaked into yet another of our precious and sacred (and quickly diminishing) natural habitats.

The San Francisco Bay oil spill had already got my heart pumping with a sense of urgency. This one in Korea, a mere 100 miles from where I live hurled me over the edge.

I heard the news late Sunday night, around 2am, and immediately was overcome with this need to go there, experience it with all its toxicity, take pictures and help out however possible. My only constraint was work at 4pm, but even that wasn't enough to stop me from venturing to the site.

The emotion built up as the night passed, and I was unable to sleep. I tossed around, and my mind wondered (wandered) about.

5:30am I mounted my bicycle and rode through the icy morning breeze to the downtown bus terminal, set on catching the first bus out of town. On the 6am bus, my nerves calmed and the bumpy ride rocked me to sleep.

One concern was getting back on time, given that I was on a tight schedule. 6am-4pm is ten hours to work with. A three or more hour trip each way, plus the infrequent bus schedule, and the complete lack of knowledge about where to go.

But another concern superseded that one - getting to the site of disaster and helping out anyway I can. Showing my solidarity and giving my support. Spreading the story through pictures and words about how this preventable disaster has affected an innumerable amount of people.

In Taean, I transferred to a local bus. It wound through unimpressive terrain. The road sign read Mallipo 12km. A jolt ran through me, excitement, uncertainty, and concern.

Mallipo 4km. Worries were gone, pure adrenaline took over. I thought, show me, show me what has happened here.

I got off the bus, not knowing what to expect, but expecting the worst. Police, ambulance, and military commotion were everywhere. I wasn’t sure if the area was blocked off or not, but I trudged forward.

Already, the noxious crude oil scent engulfed my lungs. A minor headache ensued, but my determination still raged. Marching past the stocked supplies intermixed with oily debris, I finally reached the beachfront. I stood awestruck.

The surrealistic scene of a vast oil-slicked beach framed by the blackened ocean was too much. Clusters of uniformed workers scattered across the terrain. This was a huge disaster.

I timidly withdrew my camera from my jacket pocket, and snapped pictures in every direction. By this point the headache evolved into dull chest pains.

I humbly crawled down the beachfront, avoiding the oil as much as I could. A sense of despair loomed as each oil-bearing wave splashed ashore.

There were two main methods of cleanup. One used large white oil absorbent squares, which the volunteers meticulously laid over each centimeter of sand, soaking up some (but not all) of the oil.

The other method used shovels, scooping the top layer of oil into buckets, which were then passed in a chain line and emptied into larger vessels. These were siphoned into tanks and hauled away.

Both methods proved a slow process. Even with the 500+ helpers, this beach alone will take an estimated 2 months to clean up (and will never be the same).

I had to help out. I went up to a booth, and said in Korean, I want to help. My message was clear enough (after a few repetitions) and he showed me where to suit up. They handed me protective wear, a mask, rubber gloves, and boots.

The system seemed unorganized-just help where you can. I saw a chain line form, so I jumped in. I passed buckets of oil up the line. There were buckets piling up at the end of the line, so I ran up there and hauled buckets up the stair and emptied them into the larger vessels.

It was the first time I was in such close contact with oil. I noticed how it slopped out of one bucket into the other like mud or thick cake batter. I had to bang the bucket a few times to get it all out.

The harder I worked, the harder I breathed, and the more my lungs ached. The oil’s toxicity made it even harder, and I thought how everyone was feeling this same discomfort. But they continued their perilous task.

My uniform was covered in oily muck by the time I had to go.

Nationality, age, sex, none of this was important here. We all shared the common goal - to clean up this tragic disaster. Make the beach how it was. Make right the accident.

This was the one light in the situation. Seeing everyone volunteer their energy, even endangering their health, all for the sake of this once heralded Korean coastline.

A Relic Of The Past

2007-11-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

Trip to Buyeo
Part 1

The morning is a powerful time. The few true mornings I experience are teeming with wide-eyed energy and hunger (for food and for adventure). Its significance is multifaceted, representing new life, being reborn, and therefore a plethora of possibilities and opportunities. This crisp, autumn Korean morning I enjoyed on a bus. The lingering Halloween party was still ripe in my mind. During the early morning I cloudily drifted into sleep with a Waldo, rock star, mummy, and a whole array of other blurred costumes floating about. Combined with a full moon, portentous dreams, and slow murmurs in the next room, it took a while for any rationalization. But it came. It was time to catch the morning bus. I descended the side stairwell and could finally see the view that had been previously obscured by the dark. Rice fields as far as I could see. Right then I knew I was far from home.
I’ve always found the bumpy bus rides comforting, like the metaphorical hand rocking me to sleep, carrying me home safely in its warm palm. And sure enough, I made it home. But that’s not where this adventure ended. Like a fortuneteller I thought, “In the morning I don’t know where I’ll go, in the evening I won’t know where I’ll stay.” I put this omen in my pocket, and packed my day bag. For food, I packed a vegetarian delight-salad, pumpkin seeds, mandarins, and chocolate. I also brought the obligatory book, iPod, and journal. Again, I sat in that warm palm to the downtown bus terminal. I pulled the omen out of my pocket, and my Lonely Planet book out of my bag. I sat dazedly gazing at the schedule and my book, reading about this place and that one. Meanwhile I was matching the cities to see when the desired bus was leaving. Like a determined mathematician, my algorithm happily proved functional. The input keywords were “daytrip,” “historical,” “natural,” and “quaint.” The output was Buyeo. Buyeo is a city in the Chungnam province about 2 hours southwest of Cheonan, my town. It was Korea’s old capital, rich with history, and currently housing a mere 80,000 people. 7,700 won later I was curled up in the halfway-reclined seat, continuing the ever-elusive dream from the morning.
Waking up at a destination is always disorienting, and mumbles in an unintelligible tongue doesn’t do much to clear up the confusion. I followed everyone off the bus, stopped off in the bathroom, and slowly regained consciousness. I didn’t plan this far, but at the same time that was part of the plan. In that sense the plan was at a standstill, but still going as planned.
Lonely Planet provides a simple map of the city, and from that I oriented myself. A statue was marked on the map just a few blocks away. So were the main market area, Statue Park, the fortress, the river, and a battlefield in the opposite direction. All of these landmarks loomed in my future. I formulated a route, using my proven math skills, and headed to Statue Park.
As I ambled down the winding roads, I opened my receptors and accepted all the stimuli around me. Worn and tethered Korean women kneel on the ground, skinning radishes and peeling garlic, rendering their veggies more consumer friendly. Food vendors busily manage their selection of takpuki (spicy rice cakes), fish on a stick, and steamed silkworm larvae. Younger Koreans trot, cell phone in hand, sporting the latest fashions-colorful sportswear. The rugged Korean streets give off the familiar scent of dead fish and forgotten trash. The exterior of the buildings reflect the smell, but it all adds to the town’s character. The sparse ultramodern hotels reveal a sharp contrast.
This is a two part post. Part 2 will be posted soon.

My School

Korean Folk Village

2007-10-26T08:47:00.001-07:00

I just finished this photoessay about my trip to the Korean Folk Village in Suwon. I'm quite please with it, so have a look and give me feedback. View it at dmoglen.googlepages.com/koreanfolkvillage.
Also Check out Clair's website at groups.dearlydesign.com. It's on there, too.
Love!

Expect more Photos and multimedia!

2007-10-23T05:33:00.000-07:00

To all of you who check my blog, I'm happy to announce that there will be more photos and videos. I recently made a CD of my photos, and I'll put some up to help tell my stories. To kick it off here's a video of a Korean tightrope walker at the Korean Folk Village (article to come).

Get me published!

2007-10-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

I've submitted a photo for the upcoming issue of JPG magazine. The theme is bird's eye view, and I picked one of my favorite shots overlooking Granada from the Alhambra. If I get enough votes, it'll be published, so vote for it!!
http://box.jpgmag.com/badge.php?person=dmoglen&theme=57

The Immutable Law of Change

2007-10-02T04:20:00.000-07:00

Everything's been changing so much lately, that I have started contemplating what change means. It's a feeling felt whether you are out traveling or not. Life is dynamic, and at first glance changes can be challenging. Change means newness, it means entering a new stage and leaving an old one. And yes, it is so challenging when you dwell on the losses. But past experiences are not losses, they are gains. An experience is thrown into your backpack and you carry it on your way. Just make sure it's not too heavy or burdensome!
But once you accept that change is a universal law-that I call "The Immutable Law of Change"-once you accept its omnipresence, the challenges becomes less worrysome. Like swimming in the ocean waves-you can let the waves carry you to shore (judo style) or keep fighting its power, leaving you exhausted. Change comes in waves, and swimming against will take away your energy.
Change was on my mind as I was skimming the book titles at the book store in Seoul, and I came across one that called out to me. In the religion section I saw a book called "The book of change"! It was the "I Ching" (ancient Chinese religion/philosophy) book. I didn't buy it, but looked it up on Wikipedia, an I learned a bit about this idea. Basically there are 64 "hexagrams", which are each unique in makeup. Each has 3 stacked lines side by side, some lines are broken, some unbroken, each represents a different concept.
Coicedentally there are four displayed on no other than the Korean flag, show here (hopefully). On the flag there is Heaven, Water, Earth, and Fire (beginning top left and proceeding clockwise).
Basically, accept and even rejoice change-because there's no stopping it!

Shopping in Korea

2007-09-15T23:46:00.000-07:00

I went to this shopping area today, and saw a zippered sweatshirt that misspelled California-"Califoria" (non "n"). That was funny, I thought. Then I saw another sweatshirt that read "Iowa, We've got amazing corn" with a picture of a corn person. That's was good too, and of course I thought of you.

9/11 remembered, one perspective

2007-09-10T22:22:00.000-07:00

Last year 9/11 went by when I was traveling in Eastern Europe-in the Czech Republic I recall. The day passed with almost no mention of its significance. This year, in Korea, I doubt I'll hear anything of its import. But I thought it would be nice to recount my 9/11 experience since it was wrought with irony.
9/11 is the date of my county's (Nevada county) anniversary. My AP government teacher asked us all the week before to come to school early that day, and pass out cookies and cake for the other students, and enlightening them about the significance of the date for our little county. So, here we were, our entire 50 person government class passing out desserts early in the morning, but no sight of our teacher. Slowly the news trickle in about the attacks and I remember feeling confusion and uncertainty. Should we continue sharing our cookies, and exactly how big is this event that's going on?
We spent the day in front of the tv, watching and listening about the unfolding events. Ironic, I guess, that we were passing out cookies on the morning of 9/11...

the travel club

2007-09-09T05:10:00.000-07:00

I met a Danish man in the hostel in St. Augustine, Florida. He told me that he was in a travel club. The only requirement for the travel club is that you have to have visited more countries than how many years you are old. He must have been in his fifties, and very well traveled. I, on the other hand would not yet be allow in this elite club, but I am well on my way. I'm at 17 at 22 years old (USA, Canada, Israel, Korea, Spain, Italy, Holland, Germany, Austria, Poland, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia). I got five more to go before I turn 23, or more likely 6 more before 24. But that's later, and I'm all for now.
I played tennis all weekend long, first on a nicely paved hardcourt. The next day (like day and night) a classic sandy clay Korean court. After we rechalked the lines, we were ready to play, but we had to watch the ball carefully since the bounce was nearly always unpredictable. But two doubles sets later and we were exhausted. Later I hiked up to the big Buddha statue with my friend Ryan, and hiked through the temple hills.
Tomorrow is back to school.

Korean conservatism at its finest

2007-09-08T03:53:00.000-07:00

There are such places in this ultraconservative country where people bathe together naked. Let me explain. They're called jimjongbangs (loosely transliterated). And after a good tennis workout I call them magic! Up 5 floors in a ordinary building nakedness lurks. First, the men and women are separated. You enter a preliminary locker area where you take off you shoes. Then exchange that key for a bigger locker key-this is where you get naked. Leave your clothes behind, and join the Koreans in your birthday suit. Enter the water facility and watch the water flow. Once in, have a seat and shower sitting down-mirrors abound. Once rinsed off jump in the hot tub. Choose between the 39 C hot tub, 41 C hot tub, or the third...An everyday changing concoctions of green tea, peppermint, or today it was Suk (I have to find out what that is). Then hop over to the wet sauna, dry sauna, cold pool with jets. Here nakedness is commonplace, parents with children, children playing with other children, men young and old. It was a good experience. So in a very anti gay conservative country, bathing naked with the same sex, old and young, it completely acceptable. Interesting.

The foreign crowd in Cheonan

2007-09-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

Week one went by like a breeze-a windy but gentle breeze. Along the way came some new friends, Korean and foreigners alike. Just tonight I played with the nice and drunken foreign crowd. It started out in the classic mistakefull Newbie in Korea fashion when Heather, my co-worker, and I took shared a cab to yongsundong, when in reality we wanted to go to yaensandong. Two different neighborhoods, one very similar sound, especially when uttered in that accent! Nothing another 5000 won couldn't handle. Finally at the WA-bar we were intermixed with a dozen other foreign teachers, and later another dozen more. The whole foreign community within arms reach. And the vibe? Pretty good I'd say. I met a handful of people I would definitely want to see again, and the everyone else was friendly for sure. And of course, Mr. Lee, the bar owner, treated us like kings-constantly looking after us, bringing us more chairs, snacks, and service. Thanks Mr. Lee!

a perfect metaphor

2007-09-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

I've completed my first week in Korea, and my first 2 days of class! I'm really proud of myself. In this past week there have been so many ups and downs that I feel exhausted.
My dream last night posited a perfect metaphor for how I feel. First I am all by myself walking along an ocean. I notice the waves getting bigger and bigger and soon they are overtaking me. I have no choice but to succomb to the strength of this system greater than me. In the first few waves I am tossed every which way and I have no control. Feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and nervousness overcome me with each monster wave. But, then, one wave comes and I duck at just the right time, giving me enough air to breathe and a second to rest and prepare for the next wave. Along come some other people who are up ahead. I observe their path, follow it a little, go my way a little. Suddenly I make a quick decision and I'm on a huge rock with even immense wave nearing me. Instead of squashing me, it carries me almost all the way to shore. I'm still in the water, ducking at the exact right time, allowing myself to breathe, rest, and prepare for the next wave before it comes. I can sense the shore is near, but I have yet to learn how to get there.
Pretty right on, I'd say!

A trip to Asian Mexico

2007-09-02T03:09:00.000-07:00

Now that I've navigated my way through the Korean tape, I'm ready for my post. Moving to another country, Korea for example, is like deciding to jump in the ocean and setting up shop. Communication is tough to impossible right now (that's expected to change), finding food is a daily struggle, and I'm wet once I leave my flat. Admittedly, this is all part of the fun.
Take my trip to Seoul today. Saying you're visiting Seoul is like saying you're going to check out an Asian Mexico. I mean, it is huge! With over 20 million people in the metropolitan area, it is the second largest city in the world. And I felt it. The energy there was overwhelming at times. Throughout my trip I had to constantly stay focused, whether I was transferring subway lines or walking down the street taking note of where I came from. My first stop was Itaewon, which is the supposed foreign area. Yeah, almost half of the people were foreigners speaking english. And unfortunately there is an Army base in Itaewon, so most of them looked like big Army dudes. There was tons of shopping and foreign foods, including a Mexican restaurant, but it was all dirty, and expensive. Wandering there for 45 minutes was enough. On the subway I met a nice Canadian girl who was happy to help me out. I was surprised to see so many foreigners since in Cheonan there are almost none!
Next I went to this huge electronics mall-literally 9 floors of electronics. I found my Korean wall converter there, but that's all I bought. That place was so crowded that I felt drained afterwards.
Then going home was a huge disaster. I thought the subway went all the way to Cheonan, so I boarded. But, no, it's last stop was well before Cheonan, so I had to board a $10 train. This is one of the new KTX trains that hauls (it goes up to 200km/hour), and it's smooth, too. Finally I was in Cheonan Asan. It was raining, and I had no idea where I was, so I had to take a cab. The cab cost another $8, and I wasn't sure if the taxi driver was screwing me or not. I kinda think all cab drivers are going to screw me. It cost about $20 to get home, but by that time I was so exhausted and hungry (I didn't eat all day except for a couple snacks I brought), I had to get home.
For a summary of Seoul-be prepared to spend money, even if you don't buy anything. Next time I go, I think I want to go with a purpose, or with someone who knows their way around. It's just too huge to try to wander the streets and explore.
Tomorrow is my first day teaching! I'm a little nervous but really excited. I think the kids will respect me and cooperate with me. I'll post about how that goes.

Korea it is

2007-08-08T23:45:00.000-07:00

So, I was offered a job teaching english in Korea, and I accepted it. The process is moving along and is right on schedule. I'm slated to leave at the end of August. Let's hope it goes smoothly.

My attempt at Photoshop

2007-08-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

Here's my attempt with creation in photoshop. I enjoyed the process quite a bit, but also ran into many problems that other would consider simple. I asked Clarissa how to resize and rotate the images. Plus I pretty much got the idea from her, and just tweaked it myself.

2007-07-29T14:37:00.001-07:00

Blogging it is.