Hiking on the Alps

Switzerland was just on the itinerary. It's situated on the way from Austria. I was never fascinated by anything Swiss. Even the Alps didn't attract me. Until I went on a hike to the lakes. 

I was at 3100.82m above sea level. Close to the Matterhorn in the Alps. It was well worth of skipping breakfast. I had thought nothing would take my breath away other than aurora. (I haven't seen it, though. I will.) The hiking around the 5 lakes spread across the snow-covered mountain was overwhelming and unforgettable. Among the 5 lakes, Riffelsee was the best! So beautiful! I could get rid of all the stressful things that got me burned out at work. I initially planned to come down before breakfast, but I wanted to stay longer. I will be happy for a while with this memory. 

Opera vs. musical

Compare & contrast writing I composed in the teacher training program at Busan University of Foreign Studies in fall, 2012.

     Some people might think musicals are the modern counterpart of operas, but there are differences between the two performances. First of all, opera singers take on a role depending on his or her vocal range. For instance, mezzo-sopranos cannot sing the Queen of the Night aria in the Magic Flute, which only a few sopranos are capable of. Mezzo-sopranos typically play secondary roles in operas; On the other hand, musical ability does not play a pivotal role for choosing singers in a musical because vocal range is not as crucial a factor as in operas, so a mezzo-soprano could easily play a main role in a musical. Also other features make contributions to the show’s commercial success such as effective marketing and promotion. Secondly, major operas were created historically in such languages as Italian, German, and French, whereas hit musicals were produced predominantly in English on Broadway and at the West End. Theaters might offer a translated opera, but most audience prefer its original language, and thus people tend to study or know the background prior to viewing so that they can better appreciate the opera. Last but not least, fat women and heavy men in formal attire appear on the opera stage and show solemn facial expressions and dramatic hand gestures. Also it is not acceptable for audience members to wear jeans to an opera; However, musical singers, who are mostly slender, wear more showy and flashy costume and flamboyantly dance either in solo or in a group. I cannot imagine the late Pavarotti singing and dancing in Hairspray. Also the dress code at a musical is more relaxed for the general audience.

From Icarus to da Vinci and to Wright Brothers

Classification writing I composed in the teacher training program at Busan University of Foreign Studies in fall, 2012.

I remember googling a lot to write about this topic. I was serious about the writing class and wanted to write a challenging topic every time. I initially wanted to write about Greek+Roman mythology or gods, but it wasn't classified well. So I changed the topic to aircraft. At first, I vaguely thought this would work. There were things I didn't know about this topic. I ultimately learned lots of things, working on this topic. 


     From Icarus in the Greek myth, to Leonardo da Vinci in the Renaissance, to the Wright Brothers in modern times, mankind has longed to fly as free as a bird. People have developed various aviation vehicles, which help transport humans and supplies. These aircrafts are divided into two categories: One is buoyancy-based craft and the other is aerodynamic-based craft. Buoyant aircrafts are lighter than air and include hot-air balloons and blimps. The airbags of the inflatable objects are filled with heated air or light gases such as helium or hydrogen. These devices are able to float since the air or gas inside the bag has a relatively lower density than its surroundings outside the bag. Hot-air balloons are mainly used for the tourism industry, and blimps for advertisement at major sporting events. On the other hand, aerodynamic aircrafts are heavier than air, but they generate enough lifting power to be able to fly because of the wings. This group splits into two subcategories: fixed wing and rotary wing. Regular airplanes, hang-gliders, and paragliders belong to the fixed wing craft, whereas helicopters belong to the rotary winged craft. When an airplane speeds up, the air pressure beneath the streamlined wings is higher, and thus this force pushes it upward; When a chopper’s rotary blades spin, the shape looks like the wings of an airplane. The air flows more quickly over the top of the blades than it does below, and thus the chopper lifts vertically. Airplanes and gliders are used by passengers and holiday-goers respectively; helicopters are largely used for emergencies and military uses.  

Impressionism

Definition writing I composed in the teacher training program at Busan University of Foreign Studies in fall, 2012.

     One day in the late 19th century, a critic coined a term in a satirical review on Claude Monet’s painting, “Impression, Sunrise.” This disapproval of the new style ironically labeled the name of art movement, Impressionism. However, how did this newborn style, which once received a scornful laugh, revolutionize art? First, the theme and brushwork displayed in Impressionism was not like the preceding style. Unlike Neoclassicism, which looks to ancient Rome and Greece for inspiration, Impressionist artists refused to embody historical scenes or mythological heroes. Neoclassical painters, working in their studio, placed an emphasis on composition and proportion as well as accurate costumes and settings as seen in “Oath of the Horatii” by David and “Oedipus and the Sphinx” by Ingres. On the other hand, Impressionists got out of their studio and rendered landscape and everyday lives of ordinary people they saw in reality. They especially used rough, quick brushstrokes to capture the passing moment, whereas previous painters sought to depict each material’s inherent texture. Second, the sunlight and colors played an important role in Impressionism. Though Impressionism is seemingly similar to Realism, which shows objects or scenes as they appear just like photography does, Impressionist artists focused on how the sunlight affected the landscape and color, depending on weather, the passing of time, and the angle of the sunlight. They attempted to express things subjectively with various colors which they saw in nature rather than create its exact representations. For instance, Monet produced a series of works on the same subject such as “Haystacks” and “Rouen Cathedral,” but each painting was set at a different time with different lighting. As a result, each painting though featuring the same subject has a unique value of its own. Due to the aforementioned characteristics, Impressionism established a revolutionary foothold in modern art history and became a precursor of many 21st century painting styles; Fauvism later originates from Gauguin’s primary colors in exotic scenes, and Cubism is derived from Cezanne’s three-dimensional viewpoint shown in his still lifes.

Word games & jigsaw puzzles

I don't know exactly when, but I got very interested in word games. My favorite game is Scrabble. I guess it was probably around the time when I first found it fun to learn English. I came across the game at a language school and it was like love at first sight. Right after the game began, I got into it and strongly wanted to win. Though I knew a lot of vocabulary, words I could come up with the given tiles were elusive. Ironically this made me focus more on the game. I don't always win the game, but I do want to win when it comes to Scrabble.


I got Boggle from an American friend. It's also interesting. Actually it drives me crazy. These 16 letters get on my nerves. I never won this game, playing with Seungwon. I think I know more than twice words than he does, but I always lose. It's frustrating. The hourglass isn't on my side. I can come up with words like these: go, hop, log, lie, wipe, goal, hope..., but what's wrong with me during the play?


Ever since I got married, I got a new hobby: jigsaw puzzle. It was Seungwon's hobby and it became mine, too. The very first puzzle we put together was Gustav Klimt's Kiss. This was framed and has been hung on the wall. Next were Monet and landscape things. Some of them were not framed and thrown away. The beauty of a jigsaw puzzle is look more closely at a masterpiece, working on it. First, place the rectangular border pieces. Then, find the matching pieces, thinking of the colors, shapes, and patterns. Once we start a puzzle, we can't put our hands off it. I come home right after work and am preoccupied with it till late night for several hours. I have to put the 1,000 pieces in place in a few days. I can't do other things until it's done. Seungwon is very good at it, but it is always I who get the honor to put the last piece in place.

Math hater turned into a (sort of ) math lover

Cause & Effect writing I composed in the teacher training program at Busan University of Foreign Studies in fall, 2012.

     Have you ever hated something and then grown fond of it? Do you think it is possible to love something you hated? This happened to me with my attitude toward math and math people. I had thought that math was neither interesting nor useful for ordinary people like me until I met some genuine math people. This is a remorseful confession of a math-hater. Let me chronicle how I used to see math, what I happened, and how it changed me. 

     Beginning from high school, I started to dislike math, and I thought that  I could compensate for it by investing more time on other subjects I was good at. The question, “Why do I have to learn trigonometrical functions or calculus?” was always lingering on my mind. Cashiers do not ask me what the square root of 9 is at a supermarket. I thought it is enough to know basic arithmetic for survival. On top of that, math class was dry and boring, and seemed to be about only memorizing formulas and constantly solving problems. My classmates who liked math appeared to me to be unkind and cold-blooded, whereas I thought of myself as flexible because I could see that 1 plus 1 could be bigger than 2. Upon my admission to college, I thought I was done with math. This tedious subject would no longer exist in my life, and I ceremoniously threw away all my math books. Math was alien to me and useless, and existed in another world only for math people.   

     However, opposites attract, maybe: I got married to a mathematician. My husband and his coworkers I socialized with turned my world upside down. I found out that math is around me and useful for understanding what is going on in my daily life; it lies in the golden ratio and rule in art pieces and Bach’s symmetrical music. Pythagoras once accounted for the correlation between musical chords and the lowest common multiple; a note represents a number, and when the notes in a chord such as Do, Mi, and Sol refer to a numerical relationship, they sound pleasant. If not, they do not sound amusing. I also learned that math is not just about simple calculation. There is even a math professor who failed at two-digit addition, but is dexterous with proving complex math problems, which is seemingly paradoxical to the concept of math I had. Talking with these people helped me to think outside the box. They are the ones who do not take things as they are; they catch the hidden meanings beyond the surface that the manipulative media provides. I realized that math is not a horrible subject which is full of numbers and calculations, nor is it apart from my daily life. Math people are neither strange, unkind nor callous.   

     Due to my contacts with math people over the years, I found that math is not useless at all. I learned two important things. First, math is not about solving equations, problems or calculating numbers; rather it is about developing logical thinking, prediction skills, and wise judgment. Second, why I have to learn math changed into what I can get through math. I have even bought a math book written in English. There are reasons why every country has so many years of compulsory math courses in their curriculum. Math is a handy tool which helps develop brain activity. Life requires an endless array of decisions, and logical thinking nurtured by mathematical skills can lead us to the rational decision. 

Honestly I still don't love math. My attitude has changed, though. That's a giant step for me. I often tell my students that math is important because I really don't want them to regret like I did. Teachers have to play a crucial role to help their students find the right paths. 

The Spanish Steps in Rome + The Roman Holiday

Descriptive writing I composed in the teacher training program at Busan University of Foreign Studies in fall, 2012.


     After I saw the movie, The Roman Holiday, the Spanish Steps and its vicinity situated in downtown Rome was on my must-see itinerary. When I arrived there, I found myself lost and out of place in an array of dazzling high-end shops, which boasted ostentatious couture. After a while, I found myself pleasantly standing in an open square called Piazza di Spagna. In the center of the square was a fountain which looks like an old boat. The water, which once had been used for drinking, offered a refreshing spray of water and became a good background for tourist pictures. Up ahead were the monumental 138 steps which lead to Trinita del Monti church at the top of the hill. I enjoyed a fine view at the front yard of the church while I was overlooking the steps and the fountain. On the right of the steps was a Keats-Shelly Memorial which houses memorabilia connected with the two poets. The museum is especially dedicated to Keats, who died there when it used to be an apartment building. Walking down the long stone steps, I reminisced about  Princess Ann from the movie who was licking ice cream, hopping down the steps.   

I was finally there in summer of 2007.  I was thrilled, which was beyond expression. There were so many people. Too many people. I didn't have a reflective time to myself to think of the movie. Looking at the picture again, I didn't put sunscreen or anything on. Terrible for my skin!
I proudly left a few Korean lines in the guest book of the Keats-Shelly Memorial, hoping that I was the first Korean to visit there.
I really want to go to Rome again. I wish I could live in Italy. Everything was pleasant. Though things didn't look organized, I didn't care. I know I'm lenient about things in Rome. Every building seemed to have a historical story. The ruins of the Roman Forum and the adjacent Palatine Hill triggered my imagination. One tranquil morning looking over the forum on the hill was unforgettable. And the Italian food, especially. My body demands some Korean food overseas, but I can go on a long journey without Korean food if I have Italian food.

Scenes in the Back Alley (Photographer Kim, Ki Chan)

His photo collection is like a documentary that helps people reminisce about the past. Many backstreet alleys were long gone by being gentrified over the years.
Alleys back then worked like a square in old cities in Europe. People live very close to each other. Residents exchanged news, coming and going in the narrow, winding passage. It was an open community. People just walked in neighbor's house and kids next door came and had dinner together on any day. Everybody knew each other. Kids grew up together. Elderly people took care of all the kids in the neighborhood regardless of who was whose kid. You gave home-made jeon to your neighbors and they sent some food on the returned plate. There were no child molester nor a psychopath. People were happy though they were poor.

In the 21st century, are we happy, living in the caged apartment? I don't know who lives next door. I sometimes meet some of the people on the same floor in the elevator. We exchange dry greetings. I don't remember their faces. Do I have to? This is a temporary place and I'll probably relocate. We are an uprooted generation.

Carlo Broschi (Farinelli il castrato)

Breathtaking voice with a sad personal history.
Though they had fame with a stunning voice, they didn't lead a normal, happy life. Isn't it miserable if you don't have joy that life gives?
Farinelli (1705-1782) was the stage name of Carlo Broschi. He was one of the greatest castrato singers of all time. He was born into a family of musicians in Italy. His father died unexpectedly and his family became economically unstable. This caused the young talented boy to be castrated presumably by his brother, Riccardo. (He was deprived of his manhood to be able to keep his angelic voice.) Carlo was told later to have fallen off a horse.
The 1720s to the 1730s was the height of the craze of these voices. More than 4,000 boys were annually castrated to preserve their high singing voices. Many came from poor families. They were castrated by their parents in the hope that their boys might be successful and escape from poverty.
There was also a dark side of their popularity. They were often hated by people as malign creatures who lured men into homosexuality. By the late 17th century, operatic taste and social attitude changed. In 1861, castration was made illegal. Pope also prohibited the hiring of new castrati by the church. The Catholic church's involvement in the service of art has long been controversial.

Translation of Lascia ch'io pianga

البتراء Petra, Jordan (A rose-red city half as old as time)

Petra remain unknown to the world until 1812. It was the capital of the Nabataeans and the center of their caravan trade. The Nabataeans had the ability to control the water supply, creating an artificial oasis, (Wow!) which led the rise of the desert city.
Petra was conquered by the Roman Empire. It declines rapidly under Roman rule, in large part by sea-based trade routes.

When will the day come? I've always wanted to go to Petra, but it's a dream. It may be my prejudice to think that Arabic-speaking countries are not safe to travel. But it's evident that things are not as open to women as they are to men in Islam countries. It's pitiful just to look at women wrapped in long, black dress even in summer. It's stifling.
I saw an interesting scene, passing by Harrods in London. Women in black chador flocked around the affluent area. I didn't see any of these women at tourist attractions. These women in twos or threes were checking out designer shops in the upscale district or buying goods in the department store. Their only joy in a trip to a foreign country seemed to be confined to shopping with oil money. They put on thick make up and smelled strong of perfume. Possibly the women together were not friends or relatives. They could be 1st and 2nd wife of a wealthy man since polygamy still exists there.

Path to Petra


The narrow passage that leads to Petra



At the end of the narrow gorge stands Petra's most elaborate ruin, Al Khazneh, with its dramatic view.


Byzantine Church Al Khazneh (The Treasury) caved into the sandstone cliff


El Deir (The Monastery)


The Great Temple of Petra



Petra I saw the first time from the move, Indiana Jones.

Homeless Bird

What is obvious in many countries is still not obvious in India. Girls are not educated and get married at an early age. Widows are not permitted to remarry. It sounds like Joseon Dynasty of Korea 500 years back.
In spite of difficulties under a new circumstance, Koly learns to read, refines her embroidery skills, and treats people heartily. Don't complain and think constructively. Get yourself ready for the chance that will come to you at any time no matter what.

Based off of the tradition, Koly's parents made an arranged marriage for her. She's too young to get married. Besides, her family has to offer dowry to her in-laws. (A girl is not just another mouth to feed, but a good worker to labor around house.) Worse yet, the groom is younger than her and sickly.
Hari, her husband, dies from tuberculosis soon after the marriage. Her in-laws' last resort was to take their son to Varanasi to get healing power from the holy river Ganges. They needed her dowry for the travel expenses to Varanasi.
Her father-in-law is a nice person who teaches students. He teaches her to read and introduces the great poet Tagore's poems. Her mother-in-law is not a nice woman. Chandra, her sister-in-law, becomes a good friend.
Unfortunately, Chandra leaves after marriage, and her father-in-law dies. Her mother-in-law takes Koly to a temple for widows. Koly is abandoned there and doesn't know how to live in a distant city.
Raji, a rickshaw driver, takes her to a widow's home. She gets a job and makes friends. She teaches Raji to read and they become friends at a riverside place for two of them. Koly gets an embroidery job thanks to her dowry quilt. Raji no longer comes to learn and Koly waits for him in the front yard.
Raji returns and asks her to marry him. He went back to his village to fix his farm and build a house to live in. She is embarrassed since she doesn't have any money for dowry and she is a widow. Raji says he doesn't care about money and he wants someone he can talk to.
Raji tore up some reeds and tossed them into the river. "I don't want to marry a handful of rupees. Can I come to my house at the end of a day in the fields and talk with rupees? Can I bring up my children with rupees for a mother to watch over them? My maa and baap lived in the same house, but no word passed between them except when my maa offered a second helping of rice to baap or my baap said said the eggplants were wormy. I want to talk to my wife. I can talk to you." 
Koly, just like the migrating homeless bird in one of the Tagore's poems, flies at last to her home with Raji.

At the train station

Departing from a place is always not an easy thing. I look back, feeling sad. I know the time comes at the end, but I'm always neither ready nor comfortable.

I didn't know why I felt empty at the station. I never knew there was something missing in my heart. It was a weird feeling. My heart was churning. I just didn't want to leave.

I tried hard to figure out why. And I soon realized why I felt that way. It was very embarrassing. Up until the last moment, I didn't know. I should have known I've left part of my heart behind. It was only a week or so there.

But...

But I had to move on. I hoped the train would come soon and help me get away from this confusion. I had a hard time overcoming the feeling and getting back to my normal life.
It's time to get over it. Both for me and people around me.

Britpop rivalry

Culture Club vs. Duran Duran (in the 80s)
Boy George was prettier than a girl back then. I'm not sure whether he is gay or not. Doesn't matter. I grew up listening to their music. My classmate once impersonated him. It was fun. 
John Taylor stood out among the members. Like there was a halo above his head. Diana, Princess of Wales, fueled their popularity by declaring Duran Duran is her favorite band. 
Which band did I prefer? 
  



Blur vs. Oasis (in the 90s)
A battle raged for the hearts of youth around the two bands. Like Oasis said they are the next Beatles, the piano part is definitely evocative of the Beatles.









...
And more about things from the 90s.

It was sort of my ritual to go directly to Power Station, the biggest record shop in downtown Seoul when every pay day came. (Making money was a good thing after all. :-) I was able to get anything I wanted to.) I lavished quite a lot of money on CDs. Back home, I stayed up till late checking out the new songs. 


Pulp's song was perfect to spice up the movie, The Great Expectations. 




It was like getting struck by lightning when I first listened to Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit. I instantly loved it! Kurt Cobain (February 20, 1967 – April 5, 1994).  I love him, but did he have to live that way? 

     



It's better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you're not. -Kurt Cobain

I like this picture with him having converse sneakers on.