Mmmm Dinner!

While casually browsing youtube, I came across some videos of sannakchi, the hearty Korean treat of live baby octopus. This is something I really want to try in the next year, obviously after a patricularly heavy soju binge to steel my nerves. Actually, there's no excuse for not sampling this culinary delight last year, other than being a big girl's blouse.

In my opinion, this is a far more intimidating meal than the various styles of dog I tried. This is the ultimate. Well, the fried sparrows looked a bit scary too. Chomping live octopus achieved some notoriety after a particularly graphic scene in the excellent Korean film Oldboy. This scene, which depicts actor Min-sik Choi wolfing down a flailing, presumably distressed, sea creature in a Korean restaurant, had the censors in a frenzy and reaching for their scissors. This all seems strange, as I've seen this on Korean TV hundreds of times in advertisements for restaurants. It's totally normal. OK, maybe normal is a bit of a stretch.

Anyway, there are apparently two styles of sannakchi, whole or chopped. Don't worry, even when chopped, it still wriggles wildly. The first clip is the uncut scene from Oldboy, and the second is a clip of some nerd in Korea tucking into a plateful. I'm sure some people find the eating of a live animal completely abhorrent, but this is part of Korean culture, so just zip it. Perhaps that doesn't give me an excuse to indulge, but where would the fun in that be?

Also, I leave on Thursday!

A Year In Pictures

Before commencing my second year in "The Land Of Morning Calm", I wanted to post the video of last years highlights, which I finally got around to finishing. I realise it's quite long, but hopefully you persevere!

As I compiled the pictures and clips, I was astounded at how generally sober I appear throughout the year. This is obviously far from the truth, but at least my Mum can watch the result and still feel proud. Next time I'll make sure to document the soju binges, and subsequent headfirst trips to the floor, in all their splendour and lurid detail!

My documents have reached Korean immigration, and issuance of my flight ticket and visa are imminent. Not long to go now!

Hope you enjoy the video.

In Limbo

I'm experiencing a lot of difficulties with this site right now.

In general, I've been having a lot of fun back here in Scotland, which I intend to properly blog before I leave again.

Apart from that, with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, I have been fielding the familiar mixed bag of job offers with regards to returning to Korea.

Hopefully, by the end of the week, I will choose which establishment will have the honour of trying to screw me. 'Cos, let's be honest, that's the way it potentially is! Gotta take chances!

Next time I approach the blog, it should be regarding the advent of "Year Two" in Korea, which, I think, should be full of tentacles, sword skills, and Eastern exploration. I think this year I'll focus more on the way of life, and people themselves, rather than bloody temples and mountains. Breathe a sigh of relief, some of you.

Anyway, time to pick a job.....