R16 Breakdancing World Cup

Korea is good at: making cars, computers, cell phones, kimchi, cheap alcohol, pop music, and breakdancers. As was witnessed at R16 International Breakdancing World Cup held in the Seoul Olympic Park Stadium. Selina, Lizzie and I attended the singles battles on the second day which had me jumping out of my seat screaming like my pants were on fire. It was divided into three sections: Poppin, Lockin, and Breakin, the latter of the three making me the most emotional. There were contestants from all over the place, some of which I have never even heard of like - Germany, France, Brazil, Vietnam, Japan, Philippines, Holland, Venezuela, USA, Korea - and a whole bunch of other ones I can't remember. Also, the judging panel was holding its own weight, being composed of originators to the art form. This was the biggest event I had ever attended, being accustomed to the humble Canadian gatherings of home.

Highlights of the night included the intermissions which combined traditional Korean dance, TaeKwonDo, and modern breakdancing. And another which mashed-up military band marching and modern dance, resulting in one of the most innovative routines I'd ever seen. After the final singles battle everyone washed out into the stadium parking lot still burning from the two DJs and live band that serenaded the crowd and competitors. On the subway ride home I watched teenagers battle each other in the aisle as the train waved back and forth headed home to Gangnam Station. Korea is good at: soccer, BBQ restaurants, speed skating, breakdancing, and having a really good time. One more reason to love the Republic.

Mudfest

Just a general comment before this next entry, I will state that the times that Korea has been pumpin' out lately deserves a massive standing O. This weekend was probably one of the most solid getaways to date. It seems that the fun never stops in the ROK, and this weekend was no exception.

MudFest was the name of the game, and was exactly as it sounds. Thousands of foreigners from all over Korea made their way to Boryeon in Daecheon, a huge beach on the west coast. The good times started on the morning train ride over and ceased to stop even in a glorified typhoon. We partied ... and played in a lot of mud. Mud obstacle courses, mud slides, mud wrestling pits, you name it, we put mud in and/or around it. Thank the Korean Beer Lords for those 2L plastic pitchers of beer which we carried around all day. Taking class to a whole new level.

We woke up to find the typhoon had decided to chill, and we had one of those classic relaxing beach days. A little more mud, some body surfing, some street dogs, and an accidental sunburn. The train ride home was a sight: Thousands of foreigners, hungover, burnt to a crisp, still displaying traces of mud, but have all just experienced the same rockin' time, doin' it up right in the 진흙. MUDFEST. WOO.

One more week of teaching and then we're off to Malaysia and Bali. Booyah, ajumma.

Conclusion concludes: still loving it, still happy.

Peace out, y'all.

Til next time.

Jose, can you see?

July 4th weekend was quite the time. Our friend Kim organized a huge scavenger hunt all around Dongtan for the waegooks in the area. Over 30 people showed up and took part in some pretty hilarious challenges. Top of the list: getting in the trunk of a random person's car, getting on the announcer's mic at the grocery store, and my personal favorite, getting slapped across the face with a live octopus (Don't ask us how we found one).

After the hunt we all came back to our pad for a huge potluck, watched the vids, tallied the points, and had the medal ceremony. My team came in second, while Bry's took first place and was awarded the Soju Trophy of Pride and Personal Achievement. Topped off the day with Beer Olympics in the park (flip cup relay... taking the game to a whole new physical level) and fireworks. Ohhhh Canadaaa.... that our flag was still thereeee...

We are currently on our way to Mudfest! And it just happens to be completely typhooning. So we'll see how that turns out. (But I'm assuming it will be completely radical.)

Until next time,

Word to your Oma.