Suna in Wonderland

Clam was on sale.

‘Why not? It would make nice soybean soup’

Soybean soup and Kimchi soup is Korean’s most loved and basic soup.

The key of Soybean soup is definitely soybean paste. Of course house made soybean paste would be great ones at the supermarket is also good enough looks like —–>

Ingredients: Water, Soybean Paste (Doenjang-된장) 1 spoon, 1 Potato, half green (young) pumpkin, half onion, little bit of crushed garlic , Tofu, palmful of  clam, mushrooms.

1. Put water in the pot. I used water from washing rice since it would add more taste. (for avoid impurities, wash rice 2 times and use 3^rd washed water)

If you do not want to use rice water, just use clean water. Add kelp (다시마 Dashima) and Dry anchovy (국물용 멸치)and boil then take them out.

2. Boil water and add palmful of calm.

Tip: before cooking, for about 3 hours at least put clam in water with lots of salt. After few hour calm would spit out all the impurities and sands. Then clean the shell with brush hard.

3. Once it’s boiling skim off the foam and adds one spoon of soybean paste. Gently melt the soybean paste.

4. Then add rest of the vegetables and crushed garlic.

Start with hard vegetable like potato and slowly add soft ones. Tofu and Enokitake mushroom should get in the pot in the last (FYI: my order was Potato-> pumpkin -> Onion -> mushroom -> Tofu)

Since Soybean is salty, usually salt is not necessary to add but if you still want more taste, you can add little tea spoon of beef seasoning (Korean MSG) ‘다시다-Dashida’

5. Done!! Enjoy eating!!

There are lots of ways to make soybean paste soup. basically what you want to put in will be your master piece.

Incheon to Daejeon

When you arrive @ Incheon airport there are buses that goes to Daejeon straight.

Look for airport limousine service in the airport and ask for Bus to Daejeon.

It costs around 13000 won (9Euro) and price differ depends on type of bus.

It takes 3 hours from Incheon to Daejeon and there are 3 stops. Hotels are usually around Yuseong area and government complex area. However taking taxi in Korea is easy and cheap. As long as you have written address (preferably in Korean) you will be saved

Seoul to Daejoen

There are several ways of coming to Daejeon, by train, by rental car and by bus.

However coming by train will be most convenient. I would recommend to take KTX train from Seoul station. This would take only one hour to reach Daejeon station. Plus from Daejeon station to our marriage place is not so far.

Cost of KTX is 32100 won (21euro) one way. If you like to save money, you could also take slow train. It takes 2 hours to reach Daejeon station and cost 10500 won (7 euro). If you like to book train ticket in advance, you can check http://info.korail.com/2007/eng/eng_index.jsp

From Daejeon station to wedding place, you can take taxi.

Address: Daejeon Donggu panam 2 dong 529 bungi Ssang chung wedding hall

대전광역시 동구 판암 2동 529번지

쌍청 웨딩홀

I would recommend to print address in Korean and show to taxi driver.

There are lots of places to go nearby Daejeon if you like nature and histories of Korea. Yesterday, my Dad took me to place called Buyeo (부여) also known as Baekje Period. Buyeo is one of most important historical place in South Korea which represent period of 2nd century BC to 494.

From Daejeon to Buyeo, it takes about 1hour half to 2 hour by car.

The reason why I wanted to go to Buyeo is to see famous beautiful Lotus field which has great love story.

There is also Buyeo National Museum where not only see the exhibition but also have places to do cultural experience. Enterence fee is free, and if you pay 3000 won (2 Euro), you can get headset with MP3 which explaines historical pieces in the museum.

The best thing is, around our wedding day, Buyeo is helding big festival called ‘2010 Great Baekje World Festival’ (From Sept 18th ~ Oct 17th). There will be lots of events and historical shows, I think either before or after wedding, it will be nice place to visit.

There are lots more places to visit in Buyeo and if you want more, check out on Official Buyeo tour website [here]

2011- Oct-16, Joop and I got married in Korea.

We decided to have Korea Traditional Wedding and it was way more beautiful and meaningful than we expected.

We had blessing weather and about 450 people came to congratulate us!

Korean traditional wedding was…

1. Opening  ceremony (Pungmul nori)

Since Wedding ceremony is very pleasant event, musical instruments takes place as pre-event in order to make the mood more festive and joyful.

2. Public announcement of the wedding ceremony –Daerye

Unlike western, In Korea marriage is not just about two individual getting married, rather emphasized as joining of the two families. Daerye means Great Ritual which means announcing tow individuals’ and families’ joining to heaven and earth, as well as wishing for good harmony between Ying and Yang (bride and groom)

3. Candle lighting

As beginning of the ceremony, bride’s and groom’s mothers would enter the wedding place and light candles. This candle flames represent the wish of the new couple’s bright future with passion.

This time, mothers would be super careful with light, since if the light goes off, it would be not so good luck. (haha don’t

worry too much Corrie! People will make sure light will go one until the ceremony ends)

4. Girukabi and Groom’s parade

Traditionally a wedding takes place at the house of the bride’s family and groom is traveling to the bride’s house with his attendants playing some musical instruments. Girukabi means person who leading the way to bride’s house holding

couple of wooden wild geese and usually groom asks one of his friend to do it. (Girugi means geese and Abi means man/father in Korean). The reason of using wild geese is because once they bound to each other they never meet another partner.

*This event would take in the wedding place not Suna’s parent’s house

5. Presentation of wild geese

When Girukabi enters wedding place, he gives wooden wild geese to the groom who then places it on the wedding table. Mother-in –law comes out to receive the geese and groom bows twice (This time groom need to put his hands up to his head for showing respect) to mother –in –law. Then mother-in –law takes Girugi in the house (her seat in this case)

6. Bride’s parade

Bride comes with beautifully decorated wagon and she does not show her face until entering the ceremony place. It is hard to believe, but in old days, lots of time, it was first time that the bride and groom see each other. (If groom is too curious, he would ask his friends to peek and see his bride beforehand)

7. Entering to the wedding table and washing hands

Groom walks to the east side of the wedding table and bride walks to the west

side. (Both of them have helper to assist, so no need to worry about figuring out which side is east or west) Then bride and groom face each other across the wedding table. The helpers wash the hands of the bride and groom which symbolizes cleaning both mind and body for the ceremony.

8. Bowing ceremony

The bride bows twice to the groom first then groom bows back once to the bride. The bride then bows two more times to the groom, who bows back once more. Bowing represents the promise of commitment to each other. After bowing, both kneel down and face each other.

9. Drinking and announcing the marriage to the heaven

Bride and Groom drink liquor in the gourd cups. (These cups are produces by splitting in half a whole gourd and symbolizes that the bride and groom each made up one half and only together could they be considered as whole) Both cups will be filled with liquor (by helpers) and both groom and bride drink only half (no one shot!!) then exchange the cups and drink all. Drinking signifies the destiny of the news husband and wife, and their harmony.

10. Weaving red and blue threads

The helpers weave red and blue threads into one and put it to the wedding table. (Represent Ying and Yang) The presenter of the wedding then performs a ritual ceremony to announce the binding of two people and families to the heaven, earth and all other places. He prays for prosperity of two families and asks to the heaven and earth to bring a bright future to new couple.

11. Receiving Girugi

Bride and Groom receive the Girugi (wooden wild geese) from bride’s mom. She would give one to groom and one to bride. This represents that the bride and groom will contribute to only to each other during their whole life.

12. Letter reading and bowing to the parents and guests

Bride and Groom may read a letter to the bride’s parents. (It is because in Korea, bride is consider leaving her family and entering new family –groom’s family, but I think in our case we can read letter to both family) Then they bow to both parents and guests for appreciating their support and joining.

13. Photographing

Of course! Group photo is very important!!!

14. Paebaek (family event-Optional)

We skipped this part, since we are going to have wedding party in Holland. But usually this is also included.

After the wedding, the bride and groom immediately meet their new parents-in Law in an area of the main living room. The groom’s father sits in the east and mother in the west. The bride and groom bows to them. (This is to show their respect to groom’s family and ancestors and expressing their loyalty.) Then I believe, groom’s mother would throw some nuts to both bride and groom hoping for grand children. (Joop and I need to catch these nuts very well this time)

After groom’s family, bride’s family enters the room and does same things.

*Curious guest are allowed to observe

Special Thanks Eunah & Dominik, who provided English brochure so that I would have some Idea and less work.

My 4^th day in San Francisco, mom and I received special guest all the way from LA. Yeon Kim used to take care of me when I was in Kenya and he is like a godfather to me. Knowing that he is now living in LA, we gave him a call just to say ‘Hi’. Thanks to Yeon Kim (he drove 7 hours to come to SF) after about 5 years, we met again!

To celebrate out reunion, we went to Boudin to eat sourdough bread, also called Original San Francisco Sourdough French Bread. It was established in 1849 by Isidore Boudin from France. I always loved cream soup in bread, and one of local told me this is original place for this specific food.

At the store, you can watch how does bread being made as well as buy it. (There are also bread that have sea animal figure!) 1^st floor you can buy Sourdough bread with cream soup with $8 but if you go to 2^nd level (restaurant) it is almost double price ($13) but comes with good service.

Once again, the bread looked small, so I ordered one  for myself, but quantity was too much. I could only finish the soup and brought bread back home. (I really think American have big stomach) From now on, i am going to buy one food and share with my mom in order to save some food waste as well as money

Anyway as you can guess form the name, Sourdough bread, taste little sour as if bread went bit bad, but they explained that it has strong taste of yeast. Food is great and I strongly recommend to try this.

Since we have a car, we decided to see Golden Gate Bridge. Of course it is possible to go to Golden Gate Bridge either by walking or biking but if want to see real fantastic view, car is necessary. Vista point was nice but Marin Headlands wasn even more super nicer to see the view of San Francisco and Bridge together.

@ Vista Point

@Marin Headlands

It was so impressed that this bridge was built in 1937, and just two pillars are holding the whole road with a rope. Not only the architecture it self was amazing but also the fact that already people in America could build this gigantic bridge in 1930s was super impressive.

On our way back, we also visited Lombard Street “Crookedest Street in the world”

Comment from my mom: “They probably made this road, just to make cars to slow down with such a high hill, don’t understand why this is attraction place, but it surely looks funny.”

Once again, I thank a lot to Yeon Kim, came all the way to SF for me and Mom. I had great time and was very happy ,  hopefully to see him soon!

We are getting married!

On 16^th of October, Suna and Joop are getting married in Daejeon, South Korea.

This catetory “wedding” is dedicated to people who are invited to our wedding. Here you can find information of wedding culture of Korea, dress code, travel tip to korea e.t.c.

If you have any questions regarding Suna & Joop’s wedding, please do not hesitate to leave a message or send mail to akinasunita@gmail.com

Thank you

Comment by Joop:

I asked Suna the day we visited the Island of Visingsö, Sweden. This is where the picture was taken. (maps http://vl.am/Coe ) in the early summer of 2009.) At this time, we knew we wanted to stay together but we also knew we had a lot to do in order to stay together, as we were just graduating students from different countries. Now we have found a stable life in Shanghai we are ready to take the next step together. I’m very excited for the wedding and Suna will blog all the preperations on this blog. Stay tuned!!

Every 25^th of June, people in Korea become a little depressed. That’s because 60 years ago today, Korean war has occurred. To be honest, Young generation, including myself does not really know the real pain of the war, it is more of history for us. Even my dad was born one year after the war. (1954)

However that does not mean, we do not have feeling  towards all our ancestors who sacrificed their life. During June, people try not to have fun and remember the sad history.  When I was young, School usually arranged trip to war museum, make event such as writing ‘Thank you’ letter to soldiers and hold essay competition with theme of ” Korean war”. Plus TV series and movies related to Korea War would be aired a lot during June and it still does.

This Year, I was bit nervous to go through this Memorial Day. After Cheon-An boat sink incident, relationship between North and South Korea became very sour and war rumors spread around  the South Korea. Some rumor even said, North Korea would invade South Korea again on 25^th of June, just like 60 years ago. Most of Korean that I know did not believe this rumors but I am sure they were hoping that this rumors would not become real.  Thankfully it did not happen. (It should never ever happen!!)

Unfortunately, between North and South Korea, the War is officially not finished.   I personally want country to become unify, but war is not an option for me. I really hope one day, Korea will become ONE peacefully.

And today I express my sorrow over all the lost lives during the war.

16^th of June, together with class mates we (Shanghai International foreign trade Institution)  participated ‘Dragon boat race competition’ held at Fengxian campus of East China Technology University.

We were told that only 19people can participate rowing the boat (1 drummer,18 rowers) and within 18 rower, only 6 female could participate. (NOT FAIR!!!) Anyway due to this regulation, competition among girls were tough, we came up with arm wrestling. 6 strong girls were selected and I automatically became cheering participant.

Why today is public holiday in China?

Duanwu Festival - 端午節, also known as Dragon Boat Festival celebrates every fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. Korea also celebrates this date, originated from China but have different meaning and culture activities.

The original history of Duanwu Festival in China starts from suicidal of faithful governor officer, Qu Yuan, in the year of 278 B.C. (Detailed story here) Knowing the Qu is good man, people tried to rescue him searching by boat which now developed into racing dragon boats. This Dragon boat festival holiday is also registered in UNESCO’s global “Intangible Cultural Heritage” list.

Also during this day, people eat rice dumpling Zongzi. This has many different versions of stories, but what I heard from Chinese were, when Qu’s body was not found from the river, people started to throw this rice dumpling, hoping that fish will eat rice instead of body of the Qu. It is very interesting concept that Chinese believe fish would eat rice, just like they do.

Before the race begins, there was opening ceremony with dragon dancing show. Also one of top person colored every dragon’s eye in to red. (I wonder what it means)

Our School worked hard for the match, but other schools were even better. First 6 schools were give nice huge wooden boat trophy. (Turned out, every participated school received same boat trophy but little smaller- no favoritism in China)

14th of June, NL vs Denmark match has started

One thing that is common between Dutch people and Korean people is that, they love cheering/supporting football match.  My dear friend (Dutch) got information that most of Dutch people in Shanghai would gather in one sports bar and going to watch the match.  So we decided to go even though entrance of the sports bar was way too expensive. (100RMB per person including 1 liter of Beer)

For this match, we specially bought orange shirts thinking that we are well prepared. By the time we reached the bar, our orange shirt is basic item. People were covered in Orange, already shouting and singing even 2 hours before the match.

The cheering sound was so loud that I could hear from 2 blocks away. With such a cheering atmosphere, I felt as if I was in Stadium in South Africa.

Shanghai is a great city. There is nothing unavailable. But one thing I miss badly is peaceful nature I used to enjoy in Sweden. So just to get out of the busy city, Joop and I decided to search for nature. ‘Chongming Island-崇明县’

Chongming Island is 3rd largest island in China, governed by Shanghai city. Ferry was used to be the only option of getting to the island but now due to the EXPO, since 2009 there is bridge-tunnel between island and Shanghai. Public bus runs everyday.  (Bus terminal is located at metro Line 1- Wenshui Rd station, Bus fee is 20RMB per person, 1.5hour drive)

However, we decided to take a ferry thinking that it would be more romantic and gives real feeling of  going to the island. There are several ports but one we took was Wusong Port. (Add: No.100, Songpu Road, Baoshan District// Tel: 021-56671202/ 021-56671205/021-56673346- no English  service)

At Wusong Port

Port is located near Songbin metro station (Line 3) and from there; taxi can take you to the port straight. (12RMB- or you can also walk 10-15 mins) There were only 2 ferry going to Chongming Island on that day, which were 7:20 AM (1hour+/16RMB per head) and 8: 20AM (2 hour+/ 12RMB) but there was no ferry coming back to shanghai.

Arriving foggy Chongming Island  my first impression was not so good. All the taxi drivers, carriage drivers, hēichē(Un registered taxi) driver were coming towards to get us. They even start physically fight in front of us. Hearing that most popular place in Chongming Island is Dongping National forest Park( 东平国家森林公园), we quickly got taxi to get out of hectic scene.

Map of Dongping National Forest park

Be aware that taking taxi in Chongming island can be expensive. Starting price is cheaper than Shanghai, but somehow end up pay more than you would usually pay in Shanghai. For alternative, there is direct local bus (南东direction) which only cost 4RMB yet will take about minutes.

Bicycle rental service is also available (10RMB per hour)

The park was really nice. Just that it would have been perfect picnic if we have prepared sandwich, wine, blanket, book, some fruit in advance. (not much restaurants is around this area) As this park is largest man planted forest in Eastern China, size is enormous. There are all sorts of different trees, birds, flowers and insects in the park. I specially like the fact that, due to it’s huge size i can enjoy the nature without disturbed by other people.

Many outdoor activities are available

Joop kept  saying he smells BBQ but I thought he is just too hungry. Both starving, we were heading to main entrance to have lunch, but we saw camping site sign. Just to check out if we can use facility of camping site in future, we changed our direction and walk towards camping site. And indeed, there was camping area  as well as place to do BBQ. There were lots of youngsters eating BBQ and hving fun.

All the necessary equipment for the BBQ is available (30RMB)  and also can purchase various meats, vegetables and drinks on spot. With 66RMB we enjoyed nice spontaneous BBQ.

With satisfied stomach, we decided to head back to Shanghai. Arriving Shanghai,Seeing people everywhere packed and noise of the car’s honks and construction sounds, I felt like I have entered different world. and seems  my trip to Chongming Island has already fell in to reminiscence category.

It was nice to have break from the city and enjoy nature. (Although it was half man made nature) I never realized that I missed nature this much until I came here today. Now that i know what to prepare next time, coming summer i look forward to have perfect picnic @ Chongming Island.