She might argue otherwise, but I actually enjoy shopping with my wife. However, there are times when all of the circumstances add together to result in a dreadful shopping experience.
Forever21 opened a while back in Seoul. There is only one Forever21 in the city/country and it's in Myeongdong (about 40 minutes away). We decided to make the trip and check out the goods. It was February at the time...a dreadfully chilly February. We bundled up coats on top of sweatshirts on top of long-sleeves wrapped in scarves and covered with gloves and hats. We were quite comfortable in the sub-freezing temperature. Too bad the store didn't keep their temp that low as well.
Upon entering the heat box of Forever 21 (thermostat must have been set at 30 degrees Celsius aka freaking hot), I immediately began to remove my outer layers. This was no easy task as I had to move in an extremely agile manner due to the lack of personal space. So there I was shoulder to shoulder, hip to hip with dozens of people, sweating from the abusive heat, picking through racks of clothes we had circled at least 4 times (sounds great??) when this gem starts blasting on the speakers...
The last thing I wanted at this time of extreme patience is an annoying song repeatedly teaching me to count to forty by fives.
Haha, it took me forever to post this only because that is how long it has taken me to find the song. In actuality I do find the song quite catchy and am often caught singing it whenever anything must be counted by five.
Showing posts with label Video. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Video. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Recent Videos
Our 2010 kindergarten class gets the opportunity for gym class, unlike last year. We get to accompany them and view all the greatness...
A coule of our kindy girls with their version of patty cake?
This last video comes courtesy of one of our new first graders. He has warned both of us before about traveling through the Bermuda Triangle because it is too dangerous. He talks about sharks every possible moment. Sorry the video is a bit blurry.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
L's Birthday Update
A few pictures of Lauren's birthday...
Singing Happy Birthday to Lauren
Lauren told me that the only thing she wanted for her birthday was blueberry pancakes. Well, we found pancake mix but weren't about to pay the absurd price they were asking for blueberries. Thinking we were out of luck, Momma Gilmore read Lauren's mind from miles away and sent this treat which arrived on the day of her birthday. A mother's intuition is seriously incredible.
On Saturday night we went to the show Nanta.
During the performance they came looking for "volunteers". Guess who was chosen...
The kids at school were sweet as ever, the pancakes were incredible, and the show was a terrific time.
Birthday party at school
Singing Happy Birthday to Lauren
Lauren told me that the only thing she wanted for her birthday was blueberry pancakes. Well, we found pancake mix but weren't about to pay the absurd price they were asking for blueberries. Thinking we were out of luck, Momma Gilmore read Lauren's mind from miles away and sent this treat which arrived on the day of her birthday. A mother's intuition is seriously incredible.
On Saturday night we went to the show Nanta.
During the performance they came looking for "volunteers". Guess who was chosen...
The kids at school were sweet as ever, the pancakes were incredible, and the show was a terrific time.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Happy 25th Birthday Chris!
Christopher turned 25 this weekend! I told one of our kindergarten classes that he was going to be a quarter of a century old and they couldn't believe it. One of Chris' biggest fans, Ester, said it best - "but teacher how, he is so handsome". Haha, yes he is, I couldn't agree more :)
Here are some pictures of a few of his birthday celebrations during our relationship....
19th - Lake Dillon, Colorado
20th - Tim McGraw concert, Colorado
21st - This makes me so sad. We were in different cities and I couldn't celebrate with him but even if I had pictures, I highly doubt they would be okay to publish ;)
22nd - The Loper's, Arizona
23rd - Casey Moore's, Arizona
24th - Papa and Gramma's, Arizona
25th - Boryeongng Mud Festival, South Korea
If you want to see the cutest videos ever, please click here for his mom's post - adorable.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Leap of Faith
Christopher and I were able to take a break from Seoul again this past weekend. We went rafting on the Hantan River in Gangwondo. The river is quite calm with a few rapids that make for a good time. We were in a raft with about 8 other foreigners and a guide who spoke two words of English – “Ledy, go!” It’s so great how human communication prevails and smiling and laughing are universal, even with no words. We had a blast floating down the river, playing lots of water games, and enjoying the scenery (beautiful vegetation and rock formations).
After rafting, our day was only just beginning. We enjoyed a delicious, traditional Korean meal of Yang Gobchang-gui (broiled beef and chitterlings, weird but really good), Gimbap (rice wrapped in dried seaweed), and Sukju Namul (bean sprout salad). After a quick shower we were off to the main event of the day – BUNGEE JUMPING!
There were about 20 members of our group who had enough courage to take the 55m plunge. You quickly make friends when you’re all facing the prospect of death. You could pick between jumping with ankle straps or jumping with a torso harness that held you upright, obviously we both chose the ankles - we had no choice but to go all out. We waited for a good hour and a half on the platform watching others take the leap. There were all sorts of jumping styles, there were those who didn't even hesitate, those who chose to have their head dunked in the water, and those who contemplated the jump white-knuckled on the edge, there was even someone who after a ten minute failed attempt, finally asked to be pushed off when unaware.
Well, I thought it was no big deal and knew I would be flying gracefully through the air when it was my turn, oh how could I be so naive?! As soon as it was my turn, my legs turned to stone and were bolted to the platform. My mind was all for it but my legs literally wouldn't move. This is an example of my ridiculousness....
There was a split second that I thought, "okay, this may not be for me" but then I was reminded "if you think about it, don't think about it" (such great advice from a loving husband....?) Alas, I was successful although it wasn't perfect form it was good for a rookie.
Here is the jump through Chris' eyes (I will add, he had perfect form and looked like an elegant swan)....
This last video sums up the experience...
As you can see, you bounce around quite a bit after the initial jump. Christopher was level with the bridge at one point during the recoil. I was worried about my motion sickness but luckily it didn't bother me until the winding bus ride home when Chris thought it would be a good idea to chat it up about the perpetual spinning while chowing down on some Pizza Pringles. I quickly snatched the half eaten can needing somewhere to deposit my upset stomach...eeeww, I know but I felt SO much better. Hopefully next time we will have lunch after bungee jumping, not before.
It was such a thrill and we're both so happy to have done it. I highly recommend the adventure and know that I will be keeping my eyes open for another jump in the future. BE WARE of the spinning :)
After rafting, our day was only just beginning. We enjoyed a delicious, traditional Korean meal of Yang Gobchang-gui (broiled beef and chitterlings, weird but really good), Gimbap (rice wrapped in dried seaweed), and Sukju Namul (bean sprout salad). After a quick shower we were off to the main event of the day – BUNGEE JUMPING!
There were about 20 members of our group who had enough courage to take the 55m plunge. You quickly make friends when you’re all facing the prospect of death. You could pick between jumping with ankle straps or jumping with a torso harness that held you upright, obviously we both chose the ankles - we had no choice but to go all out. We waited for a good hour and a half on the platform watching others take the leap. There were all sorts of jumping styles, there were those who didn't even hesitate, those who chose to have their head dunked in the water, and those who contemplated the jump white-knuckled on the edge, there was even someone who after a ten minute failed attempt, finally asked to be pushed off when unaware.
Well, I thought it was no big deal and knew I would be flying gracefully through the air when it was my turn, oh how could I be so naive?! As soon as it was my turn, my legs turned to stone and were bolted to the platform. My mind was all for it but my legs literally wouldn't move. This is an example of my ridiculousness....
There was a split second that I thought, "okay, this may not be for me" but then I was reminded "if you think about it, don't think about it" (such great advice from a loving husband....?) Alas, I was successful although it wasn't perfect form it was good for a rookie.
Here is the jump through Chris' eyes (I will add, he had perfect form and looked like an elegant swan)....
This last video sums up the experience...
As you can see, you bounce around quite a bit after the initial jump. Christopher was level with the bridge at one point during the recoil. I was worried about my motion sickness but luckily it didn't bother me until the winding bus ride home when Chris thought it would be a good idea to chat it up about the perpetual spinning while chowing down on some Pizza Pringles. I quickly snatched the half eaten can needing somewhere to deposit my upset stomach...eeeww, I know but I felt SO much better. Hopefully next time we will have lunch after bungee jumping, not before.
It was such a thrill and we're both so happy to have done it. I highly recommend the adventure and know that I will be keeping my eyes open for another jump in the future. BE WARE of the spinning :)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The Great Wall of China
Words cannot truly express seeing this site in person. It was overwhelming to be standing on such a historical landmark. The wall stretches approximately 4,000 miles (we thought about hiking the entire wall, but the darn tour bus dropped us off in the middle of the wall! We figured we couldn't do the whole wall AND double back in 1 day, so we scratched the idea). Mutianyu is the spot where we landed.
This part of the wall was built in the mid 6th century and served as a barrier for the Capital and imperial tombs. It is located about 50 miles northeast of Beijing. We were able to see parts of rural China as we took our bus towards Mutianyu.
Once reaching Mutianyu, it was approximately a 30-40 minute hike to reach the wall. Once on the wall, you could walk in either direction as far as your legs and time permitted (figuratively speaking).
40° 26′ 16.86″ N, 116° 33′ 2.84" E is the exact location Mutianyu (I'm not sure if you can get any aerial shots of the area). It is extremely difficult to describe the Great Wall. The wall itself is so incredible, as is the area surrounding (almost entirely forrest). Before seeing the it, I knew the Great Wall was an incredible accomplishment of humanity. After seeing it, I'm truly perplexed as to how it was done. The area is very high up on a mountain and completely surrounded by trees and bushes. How in the world they actually got these stones and bricks up this mountain and put them in place is beyond my wildest imagination.
This part of the wall was built in the mid 6th century and served as a barrier for the Capital and imperial tombs. It is located about 50 miles northeast of Beijing. We were able to see parts of rural China as we took our bus towards Mutianyu.
Once reaching Mutianyu, it was approximately a 30-40 minute hike to reach the wall. Once on the wall, you could walk in either direction as far as your legs and time permitted (figuratively speaking).
40° 26′ 16.86″ N, 116° 33′ 2.84" E is the exact location Mutianyu (I'm not sure if you can get any aerial shots of the area). It is extremely difficult to describe the Great Wall. The wall itself is so incredible, as is the area surrounding (almost entirely forrest). Before seeing the it, I knew the Great Wall was an incredible accomplishment of humanity. After seeing it, I'm truly perplexed as to how it was done. The area is very high up on a mountain and completely surrounded by trees and bushes. How in the world they actually got these stones and bricks up this mountain and put them in place is beyond my wildest imagination.
Map of the wall
Starting the journey up
Arrival at the wall
An old, old canon
From inside one of the watchtowers
After enjoying our time on the Great Wall, it was time to head back down to the base for lunch. As we prepared to descend back down the mountain, we noticed an alpine slide, oh bless this day! For the approximate price of $5 USD, how could we pass this up.
I managed to take video of the entire slide down. It is fairly boring and uneventful, but feel free to see for yourself HERE.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Olympic Park: Beijing Style
Olympic Parks are quickly becoming one of our favorite destination spots. We have enjoyed Seoul's Olympic Park so much, we made Beijing's Olympic Green an attraction we would not pass up.
These funny signs were posted in the park area:
Taking a picture in the bright, bright sun without sunglasses proves just a little too hard...
We also captured this short video. Almost ran right into this little guy on his long journey.
As we expected, the park did not dissapoint. We spent a number of hours on day 2 of our trip at the park taking in the sights and sounds.
Next Olympic Park...Sydney anyone?
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Food On a Stick
We had heard rumors about a street in Beijing that had some absolutely wild food. The three of us (Lauren, our friend Molly, and I) were bound and determined to uncover this hidden street and force ourselves to try the food. I mean come on, how bad could it possibly be? Would I really be SO grossed out that I wouldn't try a single thing?
Well...sort of. We accomplished our goal of trying something this street. Strawberries on a stick covered in liquid sugar. Delicious.
Take a look at what we chose not to eat on this street (if you have a weak stomach, I suggest exiting the website immediately and NOT clicking on THIS VIDEO). If you can bare it, please do look at the pictures, and the video. All items seen here are put into boiling oil upon request and sold to brave individuals who can "stomach" much more than I.
Well...sort of. We accomplished our goal of trying something this street. Strawberries on a stick covered in liquid sugar. Delicious.
Take a look at what we chose not to eat on this street (if you have a weak stomach, I suggest exiting the website immediately and NOT clicking on THIS VIDEO). If you can bare it, please do look at the pictures, and the video. All items seen here are put into boiling oil upon request and sold to brave individuals who can "stomach" much more than I.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City was the first tourism stop on our journey through Beijing. After the hour and ten minute walk (not expected) from our hostel, we arrived at the entrance to The Forbidden City.
For about 500 years (1400-1900) the space served as the home to the emperor of China (from Ming dynasty through Qing dynasty). We thought we could see a good majority of it by casually strolling through the area.
How humbled we became discovering there was not a chance we could reach the 950+ buildings in the 7.2 million square foot area. We did spend a number of hours walking in and out of the many buildings and covering a lot of ground. (Short video from inside the Forbidden City).
We saw a few interesting things that had nothing to do with the Forbidden City. Like the nice headpieces the little girls wore:
TANGENT
One thing that caught our attention more than any other oddity though was this:
Does anything in this picture strike you as odd? If not, take a closer look at the little boy bending over. This boy wasn't the only one who had his pants split from the back through the crotch wearing nothing underneath. He was commonplace.
The Forbidden City was mind boggling. It's size, history, and authenticity really moved us. This was a great first stop along the journey.
For about 500 years (1400-1900) the space served as the home to the emperor of China (from Ming dynasty through Qing dynasty). We thought we could see a good majority of it by casually strolling through the area.
How humbled we became discovering there was not a chance we could reach the 950+ buildings in the 7.2 million square foot area. We did spend a number of hours walking in and out of the many buildings and covering a lot of ground. (Short video from inside the Forbidden City).
We saw a few interesting things that had nothing to do with the Forbidden City. Like the nice headpieces the little girls wore:
TANGENT
One thing that caught our attention more than any other oddity though was this:
Does anything in this picture strike you as odd? If not, take a closer look at the little boy bending over. This boy wasn't the only one who had his pants split from the back through the crotch wearing nothing underneath. He was commonplace. Why? We don't know. All boys around this age had their pants done like this (some of them did not look cut by the parents, rather purchased that way [see designer ripped jeans]). What was the purpose of this? Was it truly for defecating right where you were with nothing to catch it but the Earth? Did the parents trust that their child wouldn't "let loose" while they had a forearm to the bottom side of the child while holding them? Are diapers available here? Are they affordable?
And why was it that only the boys had this? All the girls undersides were completely covered and sewn up like a proper pair of pants positioned perfectly.
Needless to say we were perplexed. We considered doing a little research on the internet. Surely another curious individual wondered this same thing? At that point we realized that the words we typed into a search engine would not yield results we were looking for, or attract attention we desired (I have not tried it, but please feel free to try searching "little boys ripped underpants" or "bottomless pants of Chinese boys"). Let me know what kind of results you get with those searches. If you do find something pertaining to this issue, please fill me in. I would still like to know the logical reason behind this.
END TANGENT
Many of the buildings are not original because they had been destroyed by fire. These copper pots can be seen all throughout the city and were filled with water so when fire broke they had quick access to the flame retardant.
It was pretty incredible to walk in and among the home of some of the former Emperors of China and see some artifcats from their time.
It was pretty incredible to walk in and among the home of some of the former Emperors of China and see some artifcats from their time. 
The Forbidden City was mind boggling. It's size, history, and authenticity really moved us. This was a great first stop along the journey.
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