Week 4 in Austin, Texas (01 26 2015 - 02 01 2015)

01/26  American Culture class
I'm allowed to use the Internet since the class is about what Americans do online. I did a quiz on buzzfeed.com. The topic is "Which fictional badass are you?"
The result is as follows:

I like the outcome. I'm fond of the Katniss character described in the Hunger Games. She is independent and willing to cope with challenges that harsh living conditions bring about.

Here are interesting websites and buzzwords:

• buzzfeed.com
• pinterest.com
• gawker.com
• huffingtonpost.com
• kimchi ketchup
• guerilla knitting
• tiny houses
• ombre hair
• steampunk
• catfish

01/27 Fiesta Market

Went to near I-35 to interview Hispanics for my final culture project. It was around 5 pm. Unlike Whole Foods Market, at the same time of the day, there were not many shoppers. They probably have longer work hours and come to shop late.

 

The Red Bench: Interfaith Conversation that Matter

Guidelines for a Great Conversation:

• Open-mindedness: listen to and respect all points of view
• Acceptance: suspend judgment as best you can
• Curiosity: seek to understand rather than persuade; we are not here to "fix" one another
• Discovery: question old assumptions, look for new insights
• Sincerity: speak your truth, from your heart, about what has personal meaning to you
• Brevity: go for honesty and depth but don't go on and on

What is fascinating about this conversation is people from different religions get together at the same table and try to accept differences without judging each other. I love the feeling of being accepted who I am. I believe Austin has become a community-based friendly city due to this kind of productive efforts. The idea is similar to Humanities Discussions that are taking place in Korea these days. 

 



01/30  Bill Bryson 
I was probably the only non-Caucasian audience. While everybody was laughing, I got frustrated not being able to share the same feeling. $39 for a seat at the back corner+$2 window fee. I assumed that there must be something wonderful. However, it turned out to be expensive given the price and the size of the venue. No images or videos; Only Bill Bryson's fast delivery.      

01/31  IMAX-Game of Thrones

People were waiting in line even 1 hour before the 7pm show. Some young people were lying on the carpeted floor and using their cells to kill time. I haven't see the HBO drama. I thought it was time to see it. The screen and the sound were awesome. It was worth it. I don't like violence and bloodshed, though. 


01/31  Gay Bar Rain 

Austin is like an island in Texas. The capital city is completely different from other parts of Texas. It's safe best of all. People here are kind and liberal. 
LGBT is protected and even seems prosperous in Austin. It's all due to UT and musicians, I guess. 











02/01  Wildflower Church-Unitarian Universalist Congregation  
I like what the lay leader said at the beginning of the worship service: Do not tell how to find God. There was neither minister nor reference to the Bible. The worship leader was a professional musician. According to an old lady, one of the founders, this religion (For me it's more like a community get-together, though.) dates back to the 1500s when Luther reformed Christianity. It's amazing that people back then had such a modern concept of religion. 
I basically believe that religion should exist to help people mediate and enhance their quality of living. I'm opposed to people who blindly follow what their religious leader says. I saw the potential of Unitarian church, and this could be my religion. 

Home Slice Pizza & Amy's Ice cream & Sandy's 
Mexican vanilla. Is it spicy? No, actually it's sweeter. I was full but I kept eating to taste something new. 

WEEK 4
Nothing ventured, nothing gained! That's what I really learned! It has to be I who gather up the courage and start talking to the locals. Otherwise, they don't know what I want. In that sense, a stool at a bar is a good place to make a friend. 

Week 3 in Austin, Texas (01 19 2015 - 01 25 2015)

01/19  Martin Luther King, Jr. Rally 

MLK encouraged African Americans to march together. He gave this great speech. But what MLK really did was beyond that. He ended the terror of living in the south as a black person. It wasn't that black people had to use a separate drinking fountain or couldn't sit at lunch counters, or had to sit in the back of the bus. White men occasionally went berserk, grabbed random black people, and lynched them. Black people in the south literally lived under racial terrorism. Dr. King ended terror. 
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/08/29/1011562/-Most-of-you-have-no-idea-what-Martin-Luther-King-actually-did
African Americans have accomplished a lot, but they have to move forward. 
A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.
Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; It must be demanded by the oppressed. 

Thai food at Madam Mam's is not as tasty as the one in LA or Boston. It's maybe because there're more tourists there.  


Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, Campus tour 
I didn't know anything about this great president. He launched the Great Society whose main goal was to eliminate poverty and build social justice. LBJ once was a school teacher who was very sympathetic to poor Mexican American kids who came to school without eating breakfast. 
He worked very hard on various sectors, especially war on poverty, voting rights, and education. He obsessively had his phone calls recorded. Sadly his ambitions for a Great Society were bogged down with Vietnam war. 


01/20  Mini teaching 
Tongue twisters on Prezi, new vocabulary on Quizlet, and mad libs. 

01/22  O Henry Middle School

Students from 6th to 8th grade carry their backpacks and have to move to another classroom just for 4 minutes. School starts at 8:10 and there're 8 periods of 45 min. Monday, Tuesday, and Friday follow regular bell schedule while Wednesday and Thursday block bell schedule.

What I like about this school is curriculum. Morning classes are core (language arts, math, science, and social studies) and afternoon elective (enrichment, intervention, etc.). The options for enrichment are recycling, keyboarding, lyrics, conspiracy theory, gardening, etc. Students choose 4 different ones a year. Social emotional learning is for everybody on Tuesdays since it's middle school.

Teachers have 5 or 6 classes a day. They don't have as much paperwork as we do. There's even a daycare center and teachers have their toddlers taken care of. We had free lunch ($2.40 for kids and almost the double for teachers). Korean school meal is as expensive but better.

Teachers don't give their cell numbers to parents and students. They won't be any late night calls or messages. Instead, they use emails to communicate with both parents and colleagues. It's not that they have to handle matters as fast as we do. The principal uses a walkie talkie on campus.

01/23  Square dance & Broken Spoke 
I'm not good at dancing, but I think I'm in love with dancing. I feel happy to move around though I'm awkward. Square dance is such a good group activity with a lot of laughter and movements involved. Two steps are pretty simple to learn, but it's enough to get together with people. It's an unforgettable momory to dance and shout "bull shit" to some kind of country music at an old Texan bar. 

Which Wich
The sandwiches this fastfood restaurant serve are basically similar to those of Subway. But here it's more fun. There're brown envelops/options to choose from. You tick My first choice was vegetarian. Next will be Italian. 


01/24  Trip to Houston & Galveston 
One of the most impressive things in Houston is raised cross-cross freeways. I've never seen this kind roads in other American cities. It's a rare scene in a country as vast as America. 
At the Johnson Space Center, I learned a lot about human exploration of space, one of my weakest parts. Watching a documentary here at NASA I feel how phenomenal and sublime humankind has been. I'm grateful for pioneers' endless quest for space exploration, remembering the accidents of space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. A yucky thing: astronauts drink their urine.  
Time at the Museum of Fine Arts was not enough, but I'm happy to be able to appreciate more Monet paintings. I'm blind and quick when it comes to this impressionist. I've been to Boston MFA, NY Met, Musee d'Orsay, Musee de l'Orangerie, and his home in Giverny, but all the artworks here are what I haven't seen so far. How prolific he was! Some of them here depict winter scenes at Seine. How cold Monet was, rendering the wintry landscape. 
The park and trees at the museum district looks so beautiful that I want to go there again. I'm sorry that I couldn't make it to Rice University though it's near the museum. Maybe some day...

It's good to finally come and see Galveston which I only listened to through CNN news. This island was devastated in 1900 by a huge hurricane and a few more afterwards, but still exists. Galveston has many restored Victorian homes. I wonder how people live in such a picturesque house. 




01/25 Rudy's & Central Market 
I enjoyed delicious rib and sausage on such a lovely day like today. It was very pleasant to talk to friendly, open-minded locals. The atmosphere and live music at the patio of the high end market was exceptional. I was the most talkative today after I had come to Austin. I'm grateful to Jon, Jennifer, Leslie, and others for their patience and understanding. What a nice experience! 

I shouted "Eureka!" the moment I saw Basara comic books at Recycled Reads. It's 50 cents apiece. Unbelievable. The following are the books I bought: 

• My Name is Red
• Geektastic
• Across Five Aprils
• Star Trek
• Edith Hamilton Mythology 
• My Heart Is on the Ground
• The Last Battle

Americans are basically frugal. They set up Goodwill and garage sales. They don't put down used goods and are charitable, which I want to emulate. 



Sandy's 
I had root beer floats after waiting in a long line. Root beer is soda, not a type of alcohol. Its taste is weird, more like a kid's cold syrup. 

WEEK 3 
I think it's the culminating week. The past one week was the most dramatic after I had come to Austin. My encounters and experiences have deepened and I want to thank people who organized all the good things for me. Though Americans are well off, they live a frugal life and never belittle used stuff. These are good qualities I want to follow. 
Now I know how narrow my knowledge about America and the world was. I'm happy to know that there are lots of new things that interest me. 

Week 2 in Austin, Texas (01 12 2015 - 01 18 2015)

01/12  Subway
One of the best fastfood restaurants. Reminds me of LA vibes. Any Subway branch serves a consistent taste; the same taste of good old days in Westwood.

01/13  Guest speaker Adam Johnson
A lecture and interesting performance of blues. He contains the accent of Southern drawl. Maybe he should be as a Texan singer. Sounds nice. He has a good answering strategy: "That's a good question. I don't have an answer."

The stars at night - are big and bright
Deep in the heart of Texas
The prairie sky - is wide and high 
Deep in the heart of Texas
The sage in bloom - is like perfume
Deep in the heart of Texas
Reminds me of - the one I love
Deep in the heart of Texas
The cowboys cry - ki-yip-pie-yi
Deep in the heart of Texas
The rabbits rush - around the brush
Deep in the heart of Texas
The coyotes wail - along the trail
Deep in the heart of Texas
The doggies bawl - and bawl and bawl
Deep in the heart of Texas

01/14  Resource book presentation 
I can't help but a meticulous perfectionist. It took quite a lot of time to refine details and it was rewarding. 

01/15  Interview  3 at the riverside park on the way to Whole Foods Market
A 20 something girl who has a complicated family background. Her family immigrated to America in the 1700s. Her mom is English and Irish. Her Dad is Portugese and Chinese. Her dad's family does have a genealogy book. 
So what is American? Hard to define in one way. So    

Swing dance at Texas Federation of Women's Club 
Feels like the old 50s from the blaring music in the hall. Learned that dance IS a healthy, social activity. Looks much more attractive than a club. Timeless dance. 
Awkward steps and poor dancing. If I could say passionate YES to kind offers of dancing. I didn't want to ruin their dancing spirits. I had a marvelous time, though. Swing dance is a treasure I've found here. I want to join a club back in Korea. 

01/16  a Muslim guest speaker 
A practicing Muslim, not Muslim in name. She seemed to avoid telling about the inequality of men and women. I know Islam doesn't preach violence, but I can't accept how Muslim women live. They're deprived of freedom and rights. 

01/17  Bullock Texas State History Museum
Instill a strong sense of being united as a state by trying to embrace different ethnic people and culture. The lone star no longer looks lonely; It's a symbol of independence that runs in Texan history. Wherever I go, the state government shows the best efforts to strengthen the value, which is inevitable and desirable for a country of a salad bowl. 
Besides, I got to know that WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) sacrificed their lives in WW2 and only in 2010 a few members received a medal in recognition of their patriotic deed. 

Longhorn Women's basketball game at Erwin Center 
Texas vs. Texas Tech. Cheerleaders's acrobatics, amusing shows to please fans during timeouts, and unhealthy pizza/hotdog with coke. Not as exciting as men's game, but UT won the game. Unlike Korean counterparts, American college athletes have to study and practice. It's not time-consuming; They'll eventually think and play. 

Citywide Garage Sale
It's a big garage sale at a center. I expected a small, personal one held in front of a real garage. I wanted to hear a resident's old stories attached to a particular object. It's more like a business. Anyway I rummaged through a bunch of vinyl, hoping to find something familiar. 

Sullivan's Steakhouse
A fancy restaurant with live music. Fillet was supposed to be tender, but it was overcooked. The salad and dessert were something to recommend. 


6th street night life & Elephant Room 
Saturday night at 10pm. Is this really possible in America? I was surprised and amazed by what was going on. Traffic blockade was set up and lots of young people feel free to walk on the street safely, enjoying live rock music played by bands from the bars on both sides. People-watching and exciting music. This is so called the Live Music Capital of the World. It is indeed! 
Elephant Room, a recommended music venue, was crowded. Jazz music was good to hear but it could have been better with a singer. 

01/18  David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 
Their hymns sound beautiful. It was like a concert at the beginning of the service. The congregation dressed up and gave me a warm welcome hug. Feeling of being accepted in a new culture was awesome. 
The invited minister's sermon was it's not that you see and pretend not to see; You see and tell the truth. Without cross, without crown. His choice was the chapter and verse was surprising because the Bible part is used to condemn black people. The bottom line is to get rid of the feeling of guilt and stand up for what you believe is true. 
The atmosphere was just like the one depicted in movies. Above all, African American congregation was joyful and grateful. It was such an amazing experience. 

Lady Bird Lake trail
A walk to and from Whole Foods along the Lady Bird Lake trail. It was hot. A lot of residents were jogging or enjoying the nice weather. Such a beautiful, relaxing day! 

WEEK 2 
Lack of sleep doing reading/writing assignments. Awakening questions: What is American? What is African American? What are American values? 
An American is hard and complicated to define. I have to be careful not to judge people based only on their appearance. Some white-looking people have a traumatic experience of living in a white neighborhood and being picked on because of having a black background. I've known more about American culture and values. 
Unexpectedly in love with dances. Its night life on the 6th St. and live music bars downtown are one of a kind. Felt satisfied with being in Austin. 

Week 1 in Austin, Texas (01 04 2015 - 01 11 2015)

01/04  Austin-Bergstrom Airport
Arrived at the Live Music Capital of the World. I didn't understand what it means on Day 1. "Probably they're just saying so. It's no big deal." Well... you'll see. 

01/05  Welcome lunch at Scholz's Garten 
It's a German beer garden which opened in the late 1800s. This is the place where politicians and celebrities come. I tasted the first (kind of) Texan BBQ. Didn't meet my expectation, but the ambience the old venue has was great. A big pecan tree that offers shade looks like a good gathering place underneath in the backyard. By the way, pecan is the state tree. 
There are six different Texas flags on display. First learned that Texas was claimed by six countries: France, Spain, Mexico, Republic of Texas, Confederate states of America, and USA. 


01/06  Waterloo Records & Interview 1 
A CD release party at a record shop. Sounds interesting. Both the name and the logo of the shop are so English that it fascinates me. Refreshments are provided. Locals are socializing and talking. I'm looking for a kind-looking Austinite who answers my interview questions about American values.
Regardless of their gender and age, people here in this liberal city of the conservative state of Texas are friendly and proud of their country and hate phonies (people who pretend somebody they're not). Family and freedom are considered the most important. 

01/06 University Federal Credit Union
Too much deposit required at Bank of America. I've never heard of UFCU. Is it trustworthy? The teller was very friendly and patiently explained how the banks works. UFCU is basically UT-oriented and dominant in the Austin area. Got a free burnt orange T-shirt with Bevo on it. Made a contribution by pinpointing a location of where I'm from on the world map they display on a wall. 


UT Sciences Toastmasters Club
A toastmasters club in UCLA of 2006 looked overwhelming and was forgotten thereafter. Today's club brings the memories back and now I'm willing to join one in the vicinity of KS Uni back in Korea. Public Speaking class here and its experiences are definitely fruitful and get me motivated to become a better pubic speaker. 

• To be a well-organized public speaker
• To deliver an attention-getting opening and strong conclusion
• To make eye contact with various members of the audience
• To respond to my peers with integrity and respect
• To put my best efforts in public speaking

01/09  Guest speaker Trevor Romain
I was tired of handling problematic kids and tons of paperwork at work. Honestly didn't like teaching job at school. He shared touching experiences of his own with kids. Once a black sheep of a camp he wanted to disappear at last became a camp worker. He has a deep understanding about my profession and made me proud of my job. I felt kind of recharged from his speech. 

01/10  Field trip to San Antonio
A cold, drizzling day. UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures. Too many things to see. A nonagenarian lady was spinning thread from some cotton in a traditional way. I tried and gave her a hassle to mend what I did badly. 
San Jose Mission and Alamo (cottonwood in Spanish). San Antonio and the Alamo played a critical role in the Texas Revolution. Remember the Alamo; It's a place where people made sacrifice for freedom and independence. It was such a heroic venue but it didn't resonate with me. San Jose Mission is more like my type in which I have time to myself. The Riverwalk area is worth visiting. A variety of restaurants are lined along the redeveloped river bank. My choice of the restaurant encouraged by the chaperon was Joe's Crab Shack. It was not easy to have crab flesh because I have been sort of spoonfed by Seungwon. Next time I would like to go to the rest of the Spanish missions in old San Antonio: San Juan, Concepcion, and Espada. 

01/11  San Marcos Premium Outlets & Interview 3 
A cashier at a coffee shop in the food court. She said she is a team player. She thinks that the welfare of the group is more important than the welfare of the individual. 
I've verified that I'm not a shopaholic. There once was a time I almost felt the same way Rebecca in The Confessions of a Shopaholic said or did. The days are long gone. "Maybe I'll find a good deal. Once again almost nothing that grabs my attention." Was a good place for window shopping. 


WEEK 1
Hectic because I didn't get used to the new environment and pretty heavy workload. It was colder than I had expected. I ended up buying 6 pieces of clothes at San Marcos. The UT campus looks desolate with few students. Looks gray. Now I know how hard the life of settlers to the new world was.