You Want Setting?.....YOU Got It!

WELCOME TO SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA!!!!




South Korea, being a country in Asia that is very modern, is beautiful and has a very grandiose capitol city. Seoul City, South Korea is a beautiful mega-city with buildings that remind you of New York City, only better. You can't avoid the wireless connection, you certainly cannot avoid the appealing signs that show off the fashion of GD and their K POP bands, and let's not forget the smart homes being controlled by cell phones.

When you first see it, the lights seem to blind you and you realize the city is LARGE. Many of the tourists' attractions can be only seen at night. It truly is a city that never sleeps. So many people take to the streets. There are even street performers that WILL capture your attention. They will probably dance THEIR latest dances (K POP dances).  This is where our story takes place.
WELCOME TO SEOUL CITY, SOUTH KOREA!

"Hurry up and get into the cab!" my sister pushed into the cab. I was distracted by GD's billboard sign. It was huge and I never knew people depended on his type of fashion. "He's very awesome!" Naomi had managed to say. She is my height, but sometimes it looks like she is taller or I am, so it confuses people. She has rounder face and is 2 years younger with curly hair. I am 20 years old and we are in South Korea for a months' vacation. It would have been for the rest of the summer because I saved up a lot of money, but my baby sister decided to tag along. Mom and dad said a month, they got what they wanted, and now so does my money.

"Will you stop daydreaming and give that man the address?! I swear..." she grumbled on as I gave the cab driver the address. Sighing in relief that I had found my wallet, where I put the address, since I usually lose my wallet...and cellphone, but that's not the point! "Hey, we should visit Hongdae area. There are street performers there and you'll enjoy the dancing," I told my sister, taking off my thin sweater. It's hot here in Seoul. That would make sense since I looked up what kind of weather Seoul has in the summer...It gets PRETTY hot.

"OK, let's go now! Or after we eat!" she cheered excitedly. She is younger and she acts like it. I sigh and nod. Eating is important, which is why I picked an American restaurant. Naomi will refuse to eat with chopsticks. "Burger King!" Naomi ran out as I paid and thanked the driver. "Gamsa," I said to the driver, to Naomi, "It's the Itaewon area." "Have fun," I heard a strong accent from the young, Korean driver. How sweet. I bowed and waved as he drove away. This place is also full of life on the streets.

"I ordered while you were flirting with our cab driver!" I gave her my death glare. "What? I didn't say anything." We ate for a good 45 minutes, talking excitedly. Every now and again she would ask...."What if BEAST was out on the streets and we weren't able to recognize them. And 4MINUTE or SHINee. I know you won't care. I would!" I would answer, "I would love to meet them. But think rationally, that seems impossible. I don't think they want to die by being trampled by fan girls. Plus, we're American tourists and very uninteresting. They won't care, they have fans everywhere. In their eyes, we are like all those fans." "But, we aren't..." she tried to say more, but I shushed her.

We walked over to the Hongdae area after we ate. "But I just ate! At least carry me," Naomi complained and pulled my arm like she used to do when we were kids. "Hey, you'll lose the gained weight," I said. I don't mind walks or jogging or running and she knew all this plus I wasn't going to let her win. We walk and spot all types of clubs and all types of street performers. as Naomi points everything out I let my guard down.....

A young man in his mid-20's with a blue sweater, a black shirt, and baggy jeans seems to walk very slowly pass me, but like I said....I have my guard down now. He is obviously Korean and from here, yet he seems like a stranger in his own country. His face is easily recognizable. He has large brown eyes, a nice somewhat chubby face, and definitely Asian. The thing that stood out the most was his blue watch. (I love blue!)

This is him! Ignore the aegyo. He is EVIL.

He takes my wallet and runs! I kept the wallet in my hand like an idiot and now I can't even fight for it back. As my sister's face screams of confusion, I run after the stranger. He is able to blend with the crowd with all the colors coming off of everyone's clothes. He evades carts and avoids all the performers that entertain the tourists. But I do as well! He isn't a fast runner so I believe I will catch up to him...Until a dancer kicks my ankle and I stop!

OW!! "Aish!" The dancer yells, turns to me as I mentally rub my head in question and stare back. All I did was react to the thief who just stole my wallet. I lost him! He looks mad and my sister is by my side. "What happened?" she asked as I look for the thief. "Some random dude just stole my wallet! Most of our money was in the wallet! And don't say look on the bright side!" I yelled at her even though nothing is really her fault. 

"OK! I wasn't going to say that! Let's look around the dancers. We'll meet up in an hour!" she ran as I checked the opposite side. She said this screaming and now I realize how loud the music is. This area is packed with people admiring the amazing performers.

Yeah, I took pictures of this guy dancing until he spotted me. I'm such a tourist! An hour has passed, I didn't find him and apparently neither did Naomi. All I see is a huge frown and eyes that look exhausted. "Well, now I did lose the calories from the meal. I hate running!" I grinned at the simplicity of the fact that she didn't need to run all the way, assuming she did (and she did, it's her nature). "Stop it! You'll never guess what?!" That's weird she never gets mad at me for a few seconds...Well, it doesn't look like my wallet..."Must you run...like ...fast, Naomi!"

HyunA

Now I see HyunA from 4MINUTE! She wears all black with an brunette type of hair with bangs. Her eyes show off the cuteness that everyone, even Naomi, seems to adore about her. I don't even like her, but Naomi loves this idol even though she prefers Dongwoon from BEAST. "You're HyunA," she nods and smiles hugely at me, "But that's impossible!" I frowned and I know she barely understood me. She kept shaking her head and said "No." "Don't bother her. I found her and bumped into her. They were out with BEAST, checking out restaurants and performances," Naomi gave HyunA a side hug while I frowned. "Come on, I have an idea. This is Alexa, my big sis. Oh and ask her where 4MINUTE is." "Where's 4MINUTE?" I asked sarcastically and made Naomi slap my arm. "Seriously!"

I looked at HyunA as she shied away, she didn't seem to like my glaring. I sighed as Naomi took out her small boombox. "Eodissneunji neun sabun ibnikka? Geunyeoneun michin fanigirl ibnida," I asked where 4MINUTE was and that Naomi is a crazy fan girl. She laughed and said with her high pitched voice, "They are... coming." Naomi pulled me away and turned on the music. She motioned me to dance with her. The song is Breath by BEAST. We started and she sang along with the song. I rap Junhyung's parts (and dance his dance), but not loud enough for HyunA or the crowd that's forming...can hear. Uh oh, this means we are getting attention. "Don't leave me, finish the rap. The song is almost done!" Naomi yelled as HyunA kept two thumbs up and turned to run. When we were kids Naomi would force me to learn group dances so she could get better. I like it, but not in public! I don't even have a mask to cover my face!

HyunA, So Hyun, Ji Yoon, Ga Yoon, Ji Hyun (in that order)

Du Jun, Junhyung, Yoseop, Hyunseung, Dongwoon, Gi Kwang (in that order)

Now BEAST and 4MINUTE is  here! I am not looking up until we finish the dance. I am so scared, I don't dance as well as Naomi! But we continued up to T-ARA's BO Peep BO Peep. She forced me to dance once more when I tried to slide away. More and more people are surrounding us, as we do this exaggerated cutesy dance. When we finish they cheer and the two "disguised" idols come closer. My sister grabs my hat and holds it out as people actually put money inside the hat. The bands wave at me and one gets the closest. Yoseop.

"We heard about your problem. We usually hang around here to look at the performers. I am Yoseop and you are?" He stands in front of me, full head of blondish hair and sunglasses like the rest of them. I respond by saying, "I'm Naomi's big sister, Alexa." He introduces all the members of both bands. His baby face makes me smile and I give him a small bow. This is still impossibly happening. "I know it must be strange to see us, but we like helping American fan girls. Even though it's never happened before. It's been our dream, sort of." I raised an eyebrow, but Naomi came back with the hat full of money. "The people of South Korea can be very generous, we are a thriving economy. Plus, your performance was...awesome. We can help by performing with you!"

I counted the money and smiled, but it wasn't enough for our room in the hotel. Plus I don't have my card, it's in my wallet...I sighed and thanked them, but Naomi and I were just going to have to sleep outside. We'd also have to find something to eat. Our luggage isn't much, but its a lot...It's obvious no one wants that. "Uli gwanlija michin jishaji anhseubnida." Du Jun interrupted Yoseop as he was telling me to calm down. They begin to discuss as Naomi pulls me to the side. "This is so cool! They will help us find a place to sleep and something to eat! They realize we aren't crazy fan girls!" "Naomi, we are fan girls nonetheless. They are not stupid, they will leave us once they get back to their schedules. We have to find the thief!" I exclaimed. She nodded, understanding. What to do?

"OK, hyung agrees. We will help you out and since your thief is long gone, we will help you raise money. It will be easy, you are Americans!" Yoseop raises his hands. Well! "Why do you say that?" I asked. "Because...you are funny and entertaining. Koreans pay good money for that type of stuff! Plus if you have BEAST and 4MINUTE, they won't resist." He nodded....This is a bad idea. "But fan girls will chase after you!" "Not while we perform, plus that's why our body guards are here. There is not that many fan girls anyway. They will be looking at you!"..."But.." Naomi covers my mouth and says, "No buts! Let's go!"
Here we go again!

We are going to dance with 4Minute as Ji Yoon pats my back. Her short hair is amazing and I see my reflection on her sunglasses. "It'll be OK! We'll help. Let's do HUH, Naomi says you know it, especially HyunA's rap. Go!" I nod and try. WE GET TO DO A GREAT PERFORMANCE! The applause is nice. We move on to T-ARA's APPLE IS A and I do Hwayoung's dance. I say aloud, "He's just my style, super apple. Wanna be your angel apple." Then, a part of MUZIK by 4MINUTE and Lovey Dovey Dovey by T-ARA. They are all dances that take tons of practice. 

Suddenly, BEAST moves in and 4MINUTE steps to the side. We perform BREATH, Beautiful Night, and FICTION. All of Naomi and my favorites. They are all by BEAST and they congratulate us on a job well done. As people keep placing money in my hat and Junhyung's- a short,not too short, blonde with pretty chubby cheeks and full lips-hat, he place his hand on my shoulder and points. 

"You see?" he laughs and nods. I smile back. "You were...not bad," grinning sheepishly, he says this with a strong accent and slowly. "Look, I know I'm a bad dancer. No need to rub it in," I knew he understood, especially since he grinned even more. We laugh and I know we are both exhausted. It IS late and there isn't enough money for us. It looks like we are sleeping out on the streets. I f my parents were here, they would yell at me for being so irresponsible. I hold in the tears as I feel Junhyung's eyes on me. I close my eyes and open them again, No time for crying and pitying myself.

I look to one side, Ji Yoon, So Hyun, and Ji Hyun give me a thumbs up. I grin and spot a blue watch. In a place where the impossible has just happened..."That's the guy who stole my wallet," I point and Junhyung calls his guards. He signals me to lead him, so we can confront him. He's serious now, all traces of his recent teases are gone. The guards follow me with Junhyung next to me. I see the thief flash the wallet, he's about to pay at a kimchi cart when Junhyung talks to him.....He's seriously running again? He runs off.

SERIOUS!!!!

As he runs, Junhyung runs as well and his body guards trail behind. No one seems to notice the small commotion. No carts are thrown like in the movies, just people being pushed.The body guards trap the thief by cornering him into the same Burger King that Naomi and I ate at just a few hours ago. Wow, time sure does fly by. They grab him and Junhyung lands a punch to his stomach. His security guards are thick and tall. They hold Junhyung off and he calms down...Until he starts yelling. I only understand part of what Junhyung yells at the guy. He asks him how he could do this to some tourists. He also says we probably don't even have that much money. "Well, we're not that poor!" I put my hands at my hips and he just begins snickering. Dongwoon appears and smiles down at me, "We got....wallet back! He is idiot for... not leaving when there was chance. Yay!"


"Yeah! Now you can find a place to stay! And food!" Ji Yoon cheered and hugged me. Junhyung passed me the wallet and I smiled. "Wallet," he says and I repeat the word. Small amount of communication that means thanks. We don't speak the same language, but there is understanding there.

"Well, Miss Everything Is Impossible, what do we say?" Naomi winked at me. We bowed and gave them the peace sign saying, "Gomawo!" (It means thank you) They call it aegyo, an act of cuteness, we call it being grateful. My sister smiled as BEAST hugged her for acting so cute in her thank you. "That was so cute...You..said..thank you together!" Dongwoon exclaimed as Ji Yoon pinched my blushing cheeks. All the BEAST members laugh at my cheeks that always betray my embarrassment  Next thing, I know the cops escort the thief away...That's weird. 

Well, at least they helped us. This place is beautiful and so lively. The streets are filled with lights and there is the bridge that I still want to see. Strange people seem to be found everywhere. It's going to be a great vacation! I think as they walk away and the several fans scream their names. "Wait, we still need a ride to the hotel!" I run after them.

"At this rate, you might as well have our phone numbers or at least mine!" Yoseop offered and turned to the groups, "What do you say?" "Yay!" cheered HyunA. "I like them!" said Ji Yoon. "OK. A ride is OK," Junhyung winked at us. Hyunseung and Gi Kwang grinned. Du Jun smiled and nodded, "But don't give our numbers away!" I took a picture of Naomi with Dongwoon and HyunA..A memory she will love forever. Then I took a picture of HyunA and Dongwoon, it looks like this:  Oh, might as well. These pictures should last!

 

 
And the great city SEOUL:

Hurricane Sandy's Work

Day 1-Monday Night

You would think that my mom would be asleep by now. She was complaining 5 minutes ago about how  tired she was. It's 8:13 PM now and I'm using her phone to listen to music. Uh oh....Why are the lights..? Oh, never mind. the lights are on again. It's Monday night and the supposedly ferocious Hurricane Sandy is coming. We didn't really prepare. We just have some food, batteries, and flashlights. The electricity is trying to fight back the hurricane. Our doors and windows are shut tight. And I'm washing the dishes....

video to what im listening to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WzHhtkF8JM&feature=g-vrec

"Aaah!" a short and exaggerated scream escaped my sisters' lips. I'm pretty sure it was Sarah, Clara, and Teresa. "Oh, shut up. The lights just went out," complained my 13 year old sister, Naomi...Thank God I just finished washing the dishes. Its pitch black and I reach out for some soft paper towels. I can't even see my black boots.

Heh, sarcasm in my head....It hasn't even been 2 minutes and the dark is making me sarcastic. "Alexa! Pass me my phone...The lights went out!" my mom called out. "I noticed!" I yelled back.

another picture of a band I was listening to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxPLJXSrPek&feature=fvst

I can hardly hear the winds. I ran upstairs and gave it to her. I laid down next to her while she checked the news. She got up and went downstairs suddenly. I can feel the bed moving!

After a long discussion with my brother about why Nicaragua isn't the answer to every question, my siblings went to sleep (power's still off).

My siblings just played a game with my father, where he asks random questions. Since both my parents are from Nicaragua, he made many questions related to that country. Since my 4 year old brother doesn't know much about the answers to many of the questions, his answer is "Nicaragua" with his Spanglish baby accent.

"Well, don't you just love family bonding, Alexa?" my mom asked me. I look at her and frown, the dim light helps me see her face. It's 10:00 PM and I'm tired. "Let's go to sleep, Naomi." She gets up and follows me up the steps.
......
"I'm not tired!" Naomi yells. Too bad....

Day 2-Tuesday Morning
9:00 AM
"Ugh....I'm so cold...." I'm so cold and I feel sick.
......
"Mom says you got to eat." Someone is speaking, but I continue dreaming.
Follow me.....Suddenly I see Naomi waving.....Then I remember Ms. Argow's assignment...The one I did on my journey to South Korea. My head hurts! "Wake up, you anorexic idiot! You can't skip breakfast!"

"What!"
"Sheesh! Go eat before I get yelled at because of you," yelled Sarah.
"Shut up!" I am cranky because they forced me to wake up."OK, don't hurt me. The lights are still off...by the way....Are you OK? You look so pale," comments Sarah. She is 11 years old and about 4 feet, 8 inches. She bares a small resemblance to me, only her lips are fuller and she has bigger overbite than mine. Her hair is almost blonde and we tease her because of how it contrasts to the rest of us. "Step aside, blondie," I push her and walk down the steps. I can smell bacon and eggs.
.......After breakfast......
I went back to sleep after a quick warm, but not warm enough, shower. Alex Supertramp must have suffered during the winter in his travels. He was a good guy, just lost in a way he never would understand. He was lost because he would think too much....Man, its cold....I should have never taken a shower. 
........During dinner.......
I am so tired and cold...My hair dried a long time ago since it is short... "Alexa! Come and eat!" She yelled...My mother is a heavy woman, about 5 feet 3 inches, and pale, her voice is very loud. "No! I'm not hungry...I feel sick!"
After a yelling contest between my mother and I, my sister commented on how skinny I was. She said that's why I'm skiinny, a lie of course because I am not.
I end up eating and I have some warmth because my mother made eggs with rice on the stove. It's so cold! I run upstairs despite my mother's pleads and questions on how I was feeling/why I wouldn't stay downstairs.
.......Tonight I sleep........
.....or not yet.....
"Tell us a story...Naomi!" ordered my 11 year old sister. "What time is it?" my mouth is dry and I still have my headache. "It's late, so shush while I tell them a story..So...There once was a Sarah that was haunted by a ghost. Everyone died because Sarah was haunted," Naomi said this to bother my sister, Sarah, who wanted a story. "Don't forget they turned cannibalistic," I helped my sister, falling asleep...to..."Yeah, they all ended up eating each other and died. THE END...To sleep." In my head, I see the 6 boys from BEAST.


Day 3-Wednesday Morning

I feel better. I'm so glad I had a good whole day to rest yesterday. There's trees on my neighbors' backyards that fell. We only have branches that fell apparently.

After breakfast, we began to get hungry at around 12, with only a few sandwiches left for the 10 of us....
 Alex, if you were here you would have fed me.

"I'm home!" Nathaniel, my older brother smiled holding bags out to my mother. He was able to go to his school, Rutgers, and charge his electronics. The students at Rutgers were better than us and my mom thought they were too far away from home. There wasn't any need to worry on her part for them. He brought what he thought we needed. Apples...Peanut butter and jelly....bread.
......
"He came home and said 'Mother, I'm home and I brought food.'" I told my dad when he came home from work and we were able to eat a little more. My stomach growled and begged for food. We were planning what to do for food the next day. There was enough beans and rice, but we needed cereal and boxed treats. My dad told us about the trees and broken homes around where he worked. And now....

"The lights! They're on!" my dad yelled, surprising me and my siblings.

.......
But now it is 5 minutes since the excitement. Lights are off....And they are on again...I am going to use this opportunity to charge my laptop.

The lights stayed this time, but I know there are people struggling. At least we know we can survive a hurricane. We also learned to preserve more boxed foods and fruits. Next time, I won't shower in that cold water when I'm sick! I was so naive!

Living Life.....Joyfully.....and To the Fullest!!

Chris McCandless had a view of how people should live life. He wrote the truth. In this selection, Chris tries to explain the difference of how people choose to live life, in routine and conformity, to how one should live life. He believes that truly living life is about not knowing what will happen next or just expecting surprises. He says that many people live in and expect whatever comes from their routine; these people are thrown off when a surprise does come. Chris talks about how a life full of conformity, routine, security and conservatism may seem to give you happiness ("a peace of mind"), but it is more dangerous. This is true because living a life routine ruins a person and makes the person rebel. This can make a person bored and feel like there is no point in life if it is all just a routine. He says there is nothing better than waiting for something new every day, it is what feeds our adventurous souls. He believes all men were created with adventurous spirits. All of what he says is true because living in routine drags a being into a place where there is no belief in anything. People need belief and hope to move on in life. It helps so a person doesn't stay in one place, bored, for so long. This is what Alex did, only literally.

Alex embraced these beliefs by following it. He didn't just have these beliefs, he bravely chose to live out these beliefs. What Alex would do is, first off, travel around everywhere and wait for a "new and different sun" every day. Alex would live these things out by abandoning his life of routine and conformity, to live out the new experiences he desired to have. He embraced his adventurous spirit and led the life he wanted, the life of a free man.

My life has been conditioned this state of conformity, security, and conservatism because of how I have been raised. I don't object it because I am just a child and under my parents' roof. It has been conditioned this way because my parents take care of me, (I guess you can say I depend on them), my parents take me to school, they have kept me safe since I was born, and I don't really travel that far without them.
First off, if I could meet Alex McCandless, that would be one of the best days of my life. It would be so interesting to get into the TRUE mind of Alex. But, what I think he would specifically question why I follow most of my parents' rules. He would question how I can endure it and how I forgive them for their mistakes.
Alex, would encourage me to leave once I hit 18 or once I graduate from the first 4 years of college. Alex would encourage me to let go and be free. Alex would push me to take the trip I want to take, to go to many countries, especially South Korea and Japan.

“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” 

Alex/Chris McCandless

Go Alex! You searched for an answer just like any other human being does, the only difference is that you did something I would not be brave enough to do!

SHINee, BEAST, Block B, Miss A

SHINee came out with Dazzling Girl on Oct 8th
BEAST came out with Beautiful Night during the summer.
Block B came out with Nililli Mambo on Oct 17.
Miss A with Independent Woman/I Don't Need A Man

Check them out. They are all great videos and are very entertaining!
SHINee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8-aYW2biys


BEAST
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckIGhwQtd-c


Block B
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AYJZvHeKFo


Miss A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmw839nzcAo

Another Point of View

There were certain themes in many literary works that intrigued Alex McCandless. Certain themes of adventure, truth, nature, and beauty (of things like nature). Many times Alex is described as a romantic this way because of his love of all things natural. (NATURE)

Dawn -    Mark R Slaughter (1957)

Dawn blushed – betrayed her waking sky
To gently break another morrow fine.
Night waned – the black receding – highland
Reaching for the early morning wine.

The chorus rendered frantic caws and
Chirps and other avian song,
Mapping out the 'mine and yours, ' and
Goading more to sing along!

Quiescent water – deep of lake –
Reflected out the hazy red, but
Through the glass, a flick, a break:
An urgent tail from hidden bed!

And in the meadow, waking faces
Calmly spread a coloured veil;
The dew disclosing spider laces –
Oft with once a fly’s travail!

Dawn blushed; revealed her inner peace;
She handed on another blissful day.
Night ebbed, relenting to release of
Warming blood that gives to her display.

NATURE
 Nature is mighty

Nature is strong
Nature is usually always right
Nature is rarely ever wrong
Nature is beauty
Nature is moody
Nature is smart
Nature always has the greater part
Nature is blue
Nature is green
Nature is every color possibly seen
Nature is true
Nature is beaming
Nature is dreaming
Nature is in every place
Nature is always with grace                       
Nature is true

Nature is you
Nature is me

Nature will forever be free. 

Anees Akbar   

The first poem is about dawn. It reminds me of how Alex would see everyday and his own peace about life. Despite the fact that he had problems with his parents, Alex was still quite peaceful. He took things easily, like the dawn "blushing" and starting a new day. The dawn betrays the sky as Alex betrayed the people he met by doing what the dawn does, beginning a new tomorrow. He left Ronald Franz and began his new adventure, not realizing he would never come back. This is how Alex can relate to the poem. Alex would not only be captured by the beauty of the poem, but also by how he can relate to the Dawn. 

This second poem has a theme about nature. It is kind of plain and just says things like “Nature is…” I know Alex would like this poem because of the lines “…Nature is mighty, Nature is strong, Nature is usually always right, Nature is rarely ever wrong, Nature is beauty…” I’m sure Alex would agree with these lines. What these poems mean is that Nature is many things and is nothing like us human beings. The lines “…Nature is usually always right, Nature is rarely wrong..” could mean how Nature changes when the seasons do. You can’t say it is winter (when “Nature” is warm and more like summer) when the squirrels aren’t even hibernating. Nature is different everywhere, there are different seasons and animals everywhere. Alex knew this because he always prepared himself wherever he went. This relates to Alex in how (on his trips to the forest or Alaska) he would be free in nature and “live off the land.” A line in the poem says “Nature will forever be free,” Alex tried to be like nature, acting free and roaming around. It is almost as if Alex was a part of nature when he traveled.

 

My Escape to South Korea

It all had to start with an idea. The rest was to come up with ways to accomplish this "idea." Then came my plan on how to arrive here. That's how I am here, in South Korea. Against all odds and complaints from my parents, I have accomplished part of one of my "dream" voyages. I have arrived at Inchon Airport, only about 34 miles away from Seoul, the capitol of South Korea. I have finally made my escape to South Korea.  Now all I have to do is figure a way out of this airport.

All these people stare at me strangely while I find my luggage. I didn't bring much (main things), just some clothes for a week, toothbrush, toothpaste, medicine, and a pair of shoes (besides the ones I have on). It's not much to survive on for a 2 years. So as I get lost, I'm not even thinking about asking for help. This is one of the things that no one likes about me. I should just ask for help, it's not that hard. Advantage of studying a language (at least a little) "Dangsin-i naleul doul su?" I asked the Korean woman at a stand. I asked her if she can help me.She laughs as I blush because of my accent. "I...speak English  that was im..pressive," she has an accent, but her English was much more impressive than my Korean. She directs me towards a rest area and says there's exit near there. I bow my head as I thank her, "Gomawo!" Well, I passed one of my first challenges. Can't wait for what the future will bring! The airport is super bright and the lights dance off the signs to the seemingly squeaky clean floor. The people are all prepared for their trips out of the country and their arrivals back home. I smile as I see a couple reuniting. The man wears a business suit, obviously coming from a business trip, and his wife wears a beautiful blue dress that reaches her knees. As they embrace they look like a young couple coming from their honeymoon.

Aah, the outside, I think as I leave the foreign airport and just start walking across the parking lot-that has foreign cars with foreign license plates and Asians coming out of them. The clear blue sky and the bright sun makes me shine much more than before my escape. Time to explore! (And jetlag, I'm tired) After two hours of walking I have managed to walk to Seoul. The thing is I guess I'm not much of an adventurer because I haven't seen much. I hope I get fresh perspective on things though...Then there were screams. Too loud! I turn to see 6 Korean boys running for their lives and they seem....familiar. "Aus pgamsanghago idong!" Wait, they're coming...! They wear a lot of black. Did he just tell me to move?

Left to Right
Junhyung, Dongwoon, Gi Kwang, Yoseob, Doojoon, Hyunseung

Now I'm being dragged by one of the cute Korean boys. The street I was just walking had a lot of people on the sidewalks and it's easy to get lost. Additionally, these boys are taller than me and pretty fast. We stop,   "Nado bangab," I frown because I don't like people touching me. I just said, "Hello to you, too," and pretty bluntly at that. I ignore them and pick up the notebook I dropped. I write in it everyday. "Excuse me, miss. But, do you speak Korean?" the cute (cute, baby face) one asked me. I grin and...now I know who they are. "Si..."

They led me to a restaurant after they laughed at my response, but I just followed sleepily while someone dragged me."It smells delicious!" I can't resist the hunger in my stomach, but I still stare at the food as if its poisoned. "Because it is delicious, try it! Or are you scared?" The cute, baby face boy taunts me-his name is Yoseob-and smiles. He sits diagonally in front of me at a table. It's pretty clear that he speaks the most English. He has an accent, so I smile. "You know who we are, you can trust us!" Yoseob grins and the oldest, Doojoon with messy black hair, brings Coke and nods. I know they all understand, I have seen them on their show and they spoke (and understood) English. "You're BEAST and you're famous, sort of international K-POP stars," I take a bite of the Kimchi, "That doesn't necessarily mean I know you and you don't know me."

"Then...Can we have your name, B2UTY?" says Junhyung, my bias from BEAST, as he sits in front of me. Figures, they're satisfied with an American fan. (B2UTY is the name of their fans) His black hair falls perfectly above his left eye. I look around this restaurant to see a bunch of BEAST posters, they said they loved this restaurant for its Kimchi. I have no idea where they led me, I have no idea what street I am in. "What is it, B2UTY?" asked the youngest with the deepest voice, Dongwoon. "Oh, nothing. Just hungry." I keep eating and gulp down my Coke. "Wow, you like Coke, B2UTY!" says Gi Kwang, the bulkiest. That's annoying me... They laugh and I blush. "Nae ileum-eun Alexa ibnida." My name is Alexa.

"So you think South Korea is just an escape?What do you mean you don't like animals and nature like a hippie?"
"Don't you want to see our beautiful temples?"
"There's lots of Korea!"
"Explore and stop being uncomfortable! Aish!"
"Try new things!"
"Plus you need to improve your Korean!"

I blush at their comments, as they stare me down and remember the fight with my parents about this trip. I guess they were right. But I just got here! I have to try. I guess I can't be so closed off, I should be more well rounded....Plus it's gone so far, so good...They did find me...Oh, this jet lag. As thoughts flow through my head, someone pokes my left cheek. I grab the owner's finger and twist. "Aish! Be nice," says Junhyung. He shrugs and says, "You think too much." Then, Junhyung speaks to Doojoon and Yoseob about something in Korean. I'm suspicious, but Hyunseung leads me out of the restaurant (half covering his face and the others are behind us doing the same thing) and distracts me. We stare at all the commotion on the streets and he points to so many beautiful buildings as we walk at a slow pace. "Hey, you're not embarrassed to be seen with me, are you?" I ask, eyeing him, and look down at my clothes. I'm wearing black RUTGERS sweatpants, with blue converse, a dark blue sweater, and a blue hat that says SWAG. He removes his hoodie from his face, smiles, shakes his head "no," and resumes walking...Towards a building..."Come on, this way."

We enter a building and Yoseob is covering my eyes. It's like 1 PM and I want to sleep, can't I just go find the cheap motel I want to sleep in? The rest of the guys are talking to someone. "How old are you, Alexa?" asks Yoseob. "25 years old and counting," I laugh when he laughs. Hey, I see light! "Welcome to CUBE!" They yell and I frown. I..WANT..TO..SLEEP. I don't say it, but I take out camera and I tell Hyunseung to let me take a photo. (Gi Kwang joins in) He nods and takes it. I still don't get why I'm following them..Then again, they are persuasive...

...Not this time!! "Unhand me, I'm tired and I want to sleep! This is kidnap and I have rights.. Sure it's a foreign country, but still. You've dragged me everywhere and...." I kind of yelled in the CUBE parking lot. They showed me around CUBE (a few floors) and when asked if they had busy schedules...They said today was a day off...I'm not entirely convinced. The building's huge and pretty cool, but I'm tired. How did Chris McCandles do this? I better stop acting so weak. Doojoon covered my mouth and Gi Kwang says, "You scream a lot." "Well, this wouldn't be a problem, if you hadn't grabbed my arm when those crazy fan girls tried to run you over." I would claw my way out, but I'm too sleepy. "Why didn't you just leave?" Junhyung asked, grinning evilly. Stupid Korean boys. "I thought so," grinning wider because of his successful teasing. One of their hit songs played on the radio when they started their car, FICTION, and they started driving. I scoffed in the back seat as they sang along. I'm singing along with them, but you can't blame me. It's one of my favorites.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAzWT8mRoR0



I slept most of the ride to come here and when I woke up I instantly took a picture..or a few more. The trees are so beautiful and the temple itself seems a part of the nature. I was instantly awake when we arrived. It's breathtaking and as I take pictures, they laugh and say, "I told you she'd like it." They point out EVERYTHING, as if to convince me that nature was awesome and that so was everything in South Korea. I smile and say, "Thanks...I don't need any more convincing. I guess I should have been wiser about this decision and not have been so rash. But even though this was an escape, I have to realize the reality in all of this...I think I 'll hang around here, breathing it all in," I sigh and remember that at some point I am going to have to find a job to maintain myself while I travel. Bunch of odd jobs should do it. "Thanks for taking time out of your day. You guys are sweet," I give them an eye smile and tilt my head. This is the nicest I've been to them. They all nod and smile; they tell me to wait before I enter the temple. I sigh and walk around the beautiful scenery...Huh. 

...."Ha...ha...ha. You look...so funny!" I laugh at their ridiculous outfits while they complain about how rude I'm being. They're good people and they did teach me a lot. They refreshed my mind when they explained all about this temple and it's history. I have been so dogmatic and all I did was think about myself when I went on this trip. I should have focused on the real point of the trip. They view things differently than I do, but have similar opinions as well. Hmm...Something new about these people who live on the other half of the planet that I live on. "Smile and say BEAST!"

Rapture of the Deep

The "Truth" 

No one knows about what really happened to Audrey Mestre, whether she was murdered or not. I have been investigating this case since I read an article on it on Sports Illustrated. A free diving, married couple Audrey and Pipin Ferreras. All evidence (for me) leads to Pipin being involved in the Audrey's diving "accident." Some evidence that proves that Pipin was involved in her accident was Pipin and Audrey's relationship. They were having some problems because Audrey was doing better than Pipin who was an awesome free diver  He was going at this for a long time and Audrey had only about 5 years. She could beat his 45 diaphragm contractions with her 90. She could rev her heart rate to 200 when his max was 160 and she was much more educated than he was.

Then there's what happened at the scene of the crime. For some reason Pipin Ferreras had gotten very angry with the crew and he was the only one who helped Audrey prepare for her record breaking dive (so she could be on top again). He was filling the air for the tank that inflated the bag for the lift bag. He also didn't check the pressure. This all seems like he planned it all out...Then after she came back up, he "tried" to revive her and failed. When they arrived at the hospital with her body, he did not act like a husband would act after an accident that his wife has died from. He was "frighteningly composed." All this is even more evidence leading everyone to suspect that he was a participant in this "accident," he killed her. In the end, that's what he did out jealousy, he eliminated one his greatest rivals, his wife.

COMMENT IF U WANT