Hayjangook

My favourite Korean food so far is Hayjangook. I've heard somewhere that the direct English translation is "Sunrise Soup," and with good reason. Ever gone looking for a miracle hangover cure? This is it. It's amazing. Eaten the morning after, or even the last thing the night before, it cures whatever ails you. It's so ridiculously spicy, you sweat any toxins out of your system. I think the spice comes from the chillis, but all the other ingredients are what make it so delicious- the cabbage, scallions, onions, and the pig vertebrae. That's really my favourite bit of the soup experience- picking the meat off the bone and uncovering lumps of hog spine. They're really fatty, but it's nice fat, and good amounts of it too. I'm pretty sure there's blood in it too, but don't quote me on that. Serve it up with a bowl of rice and a bit of Kimchi on the side, and you're laughing.



I had two helpings of Hayjangook this week. One was Sunday morning, to right myself before going to play with the orphans- more on that in a moment. The place is usually packed at seven in the morning, but it was almost as full at one in the afternoon. The other was Monday afternoon, part of our tradition of Hayjangook Mondays. Myself and my co-worker Melvin go after work every week to discuss, and recover from, the events of the previous weekend. I really love this tradition, in particular cause I get to eat this delicious soup!
Saturday night we were out 'til all hours, welcoming Maire to Daegu. I know her from the TEFL course we did last summer- funny now that a third of that class are in the same city in Korea. I needed my hangover soup the next morning, because we had an appointment to go and volunteer in a local orphanage at two o'clock. We started off playing with girls aged between four and ten, and then moved downstairs to play soccer with the boys. The kids themselves were adorable, so much fun. I couldn't understand a word they said, but I can be silly in any language! I think they really enjoyed it, and while I can't really understand the myriad of complicated reasons they are there, I know that it's important for kids to play with, and to get attention from adults. I don't mean to imply that they are neglected- far from it, they have loads of toys, and seem to be treated really well. But even though we were only there for three hours, I really feel they enjoyed our prescence. I'd love to be able to post up photos of the little cuties, but the workers there have been quite specific that photos shouldn't find their way to the internet, so I'll have to respect their wishes.

Castles Made of Sand

Went to Busan last weekend. I was there a couple of weekends ago, but because the weather was so miserable that time, I didn't really get to go on the beach. This weekend though was a different story altogether. They were hosting the Haeundae Sand Festival. Professional sand sculptors were brought in to make some absolutely amazing sand castles. This one was over twenty feet tall. I don't know how the towers stayed pointy!


We entered the sandcastle competition with the intention of winning. And do you know, we did! We built a Buddha. Not particularly large, but I think it was the attention to detail that won it for us. The judge (aforementioned sandcastle pro) said he really enjoyed its originality. And I know that Buddhas not particularly into material gains, but the prize was pretty sweet- a satellite navigation system for the car we don't have! We're gonna sell it on, and hope to make a little money out of it.



The entire day was drinking beer and making sandcastles. So much fun. There were a few other festivals going on along the beach aswell though, and I managed to get a look at them. There was an international dance festival, there was a Korean wrestling festival (not unlike Sumo, but smaller) and a beach volleyball competition. Not too many other photos though.
The nightlife in Busan is pretty epic too- Friday, after checking into our hotel (the first I've ever stayed in without a bed...) we went to a club called Frankies. We saw a pretty cool post rock band, and then a pretty crap Japanese band. Still, the last time I was in Busan, we caught an excellent rockabilly band from Seoul, so I know now there's quite the music scene there. Saturday night was spent dancing. I mean serious dancing. I may have scared the locals a little. I was quite enthusiastic.
Sunday I met up with some friends I had made the last time I was in Busan, and we went to Nampodong market. It was pretty cool, lots of clothes stalls and places to buy little trinkets. I really enjoyed mooching around. I found some nice scruffy clothes, which I don't really have any of here, and I also decided I want to dress a little more like Korean men. They are a very well dressed nation, as a whole. So I think I'll be able to go back and spend a little more money there...
I was exhausted by the end of the weekend, but very, very happy I'd done it. Next weekend is a scavenger hunt in Daegu, not to mention the beginning of the World Cup. I think there's a giant screen in the middle of town, so I shall be heading in to watch it there. I solemnly vow to blog more frequently too, I have rather fallen out of the habit. Until then!