The subject material was difficult. Even for a master musician such as myself.
Piano for 6 years. Six excruciating years of my mom forcing me to tickle the ivories. I actually told my class that my mom would literally tie me to the piano for hours upon hours, forcing me to practice. Wish I stuck with the classical instrument. All I can play now is the intro to Satin Doll, the Jaws theme song (da-da...da-da...) and the C-scale.
Guitar for 1 year. I found it smashed in the basement one day. Guess somebody in my house didn't like hearing BB-Mack-Back Here, Baby 30 times a day. I think I really could've made a career as a guitarist. I was beginning to write my own music. Had a great tune about "Love in the Lunchroom," involving an overweight high school student and his undying, unrequited love for grilled cheese sandwiches.
Played the saxophone for a couple weeks and blew out thousands of ear-bleeding squeaks. I think I only took up the sax because of a girl I liked in 7th grade. Thought I could easily pick it up, throw on some shades and groove my smooth self right on into her life.
Could've been me. "We could have been so good together. We could've lived this dance forever."
Christmas in Korea was not at all like Xmas in the states. Only about 30% of Koreans are Christian. There is not the kind of hype that happens throughout the month of December in America. This is both a good and bad thing.
Good because I don't hear Christmas music, see Christmas movies non-stop everywhere I go. I can play both on my computer when I feel the need to. Downloaded some great songs from the Bad Santa soundtrack. Exceptional movie.
I did miss being with family, friends, decorating the Christmas tree with preschool art class creations and sitting around a warm fire on Avalon Circle. It was difficult to Skype my family Christmas Day. Not just because it was 8 am my time and the earliest I'd woken up in about 5 years, but also because I miss them.
I spent Christmas in Seoul with LW. It was nice to see him. He's always in such high spirits, especially around the holidays.
We had a great dinner in Itaewon. Turkey, mashed potatoes, apple pie. The Thanksgiving dinner I never ate. Nice change from Tuna and ketchup. My rice cooker broke the other night, so it is difficult to include that staple any longer.
We exited Itaewon soon after dinner. As you've learned from previous posts, it would probably not be a wise area to ring in Christmas cheer.
Caught a glimpse of this guy down an alley outside the restaurant. Kind of distressing.
The food was delicious and the night was eventful. But not quite as eventful as our next night in Hongkik University. Here are a few of the exciting and strange things that happened the night after Christmas:
1. Never Again Bennigan-
Went out to dinner at Bennigans in the City Hall area of Seoul, which is probably the most beautiful area I've seen during this holiday season. Amazing lights, horse drawn carriages, friendly people, Christmas trees. The type of Holiday Cheer I don't see in Chuncheon.
Anyway, I ordered a steak at Bennigans. Mushroom steak. Medium rare. I guess all the waitress heard was rare.
Bloody and extremely chewy. I couldn't even cut into it. I almost just grabbed it with my two hands and ripped the meat off with my teeth. By the time I told her to take it back, it looked like I had dissected and completely mutilated some poor animal.
She didn't seem to be too happy and brought my steak back without any sides. We then had a discussion about tapeworms and convinced Alex that he had one. We also debated whether tapeworms were still or should be used by obese people to lose weight.
2. I can be Jewish for a drink.
Conversation with a guy who graduated from Brown on Saturday night.
Me- Where did you go to school?
Him- Brown, baby!
Me- Wow. Great school. I have two cousins that graduated from there in '07.
Him- Really? Who? What are their names?
Me- Goldberg.
Him- Ahhh. So you're Jewish?! Me too! Shots?!
Me- ....N--heim!!
3. Cait Hall.
Had a Fordham Reunion in Korea. Cait Hall, Alex K and Matt Monagan together in Seoul. We all lived in Alumni South Freshman year and found ourselves posing in a picture in a South Korean bar very much the same way we would've posed for one in Jolly Tinkers in the BX.
It was great to see her and hear about her experience.
However, I think most of the night all I kept saying to her was, "Cait Hall...Korea!"
It was hard to really get into a deep conversation. Just couldn't stop dancin'.
4. Come on Eileen!
Come on Eileen. A classic college/bar song. Really gets people pumped up and out on the dance floor. I'd say it's up there with Shout and Return of the Mac. Even though nobody knows what the singer is saying in many points throughout the song. Guess thats what makes it great at bars. If you're drunk and unable to speak, you can't really mess up the lyrics to Eileen, because there aren't any actual words. Same with "Louie, Louie."
Anyway, I was getting into the song with a large group of people. Doo, ra, doo, ra, doo, rayaa! All of a sudden, I was lifted up into the air and carried across the bar. This happens many places Eileen is played. There should be a warning from the DJ.
As they carried me, they were also tossing me up and down, like I was some piece of plywood. No regard for human life. My head must've hit the ceiling at least 5 times.
Do I have brain damage? Possibly.
Will I crowdsurf to Come On Eileen again? Come onnn...Absolutely.
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