RENAMED: EAST ASIA TRIP (Korea Trip Plan!!! + Thai + Japan + Taiwan)

JAPAN
-Tokyo (? Shibuya?), Japan: Go to East Park Overpass and take a photo of the setting sun just like in Sunao ni Narenakute

KOREA
I gotta write down these places/highlights or I know I'm going to forget. Anywho, the amazing show 1N2D dictates that I have gotta go to:

-Gwanmaedo in Jindo Island (it's got beautiful stone walls & murals in Gwanho village, lovely pine forest in national park, it's an island with some caves on the sea, shiatsu paths on the road, silver magnolia tree also lovely sea view. I could spend 5 days in this place. Please refer to episode 210 for details.)

-Chang Kyung Palace, one of the main palaces built in Koryo Dynasty over 1000 years ago. (see My Name is Kim Sam-Soon episode 13 near start)

-Mt. Halla. This is one of THE places I have to go. It's practically a kdrama addict rite of passage. (see My Name is Kim Sam-Soon episode 12 near end)

-Gochang has a village for visitors to try agricultural life!!! (refer to ep212 of 1N2D) Must try watermelons, black raspberry (fruit & juice!) and peaches and that roasted specialty eel served with black raspberry sauce. Also there's Gochang Dolmens Site which is a UNESCO world heritage site...

-make that go to all UNESCO world heritage sites in Korea...and the world=DDD

-Jeju-do's Eongtto Falls (fall only exists when there's enough rainfall!! so make sure to go on a day after rain or during light rain during the summer) Episode 214 for details!

-There's another waterfall called Jeongbang falls, in case that one doesn't appear, so never fear! (also episode 214) It's the only waterfall that feeds into the ocean. It's located in Seogwipo, the 43rd national treasure. It's south of Hallasan (Is this THE Mount Halla??)

-While at Jeju-do might as well do everything on We Got Married & Boys Over Flower-ish. That is, horse back riding, flower sighting....and I forgot what else, please review prior to going. Walk along the Olle path.

-KBS Station is in Yeouido? Therefore if I hang out there....I'm bound to see a drama production van go somewhere....and that somewhere will lead me to a drama set??=DDDD

-jjimjilbang (public 24hour sauna!!)

-Episode 360...the appearance of Ji Won's new favourite food, one that looks absolutely mouthwatering: crab kimchi. Made with blue crab, famous from the Yellow Sea. In Taean, Chungcheongnam-do. Also try marinated oriental shrimp, it's only in Taean!! While I am here, must also try seasoned raw crab. And live octopus!! Should also try corvina kimchi from Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do.

-Episode 370 Winter cuisine. Food to try: oyster rice soup, ppaettegi porridge (dried sweet potato porridge) in Tongyeong (this is the Naples of the East! (ie. good food lives here!!)), anything with cockle clam (it's clam royalty apparently), cockle clam shabu shabu in Chungcheongnam-do, seaweed fulvescens rice cake soup, seaweed pancake in Jangheung, Jeollanam-do (actually I also want to try the birthday type of seaweed soup), Guryyongpo gwamegi (winter fish dish, original way to eat it is to wrap it in kimchi without any sauce. Nowadays, ppl eat it like peking duck style: lettuce, then water parsley, chives, pepper, garlic, seaweed, sauce and gwamegi), steamed hwangtae is Seung-gi's fav dried fish dish & kodari gangjeong that looks like sweet & sour pork (Inje, Gangwon-do). Also in Tongyeong must try: honey bread (kkool bang), u-bean noodles (oo ccha, this is a mixture of udon & jajangmyung) and snail fish stew (mool mae gi tang)

-Pusan: Haeundae beach, PIFF zone (film festival area, check out the hands of famous people!!), Gukje Underground Shopping Centre, Gukje Shopping Market, Cha Gal Chi (world famous fish market, where raw seafood lives!!), Shinsegae Department Store (largest department store in the wooooorld)

-Queen In-hyun's Man filming location: Gyeongbukgung, the palace in Seoul.

-Seoul (seoul much to do, seoul little time):
-63 building, purportedly amazing view
-Mnet/whatever else random kpop concert (call 4 weeks in advance may be able to snag tickets?)
-coex mall (purportedly awesome)
-cool jazz cafe in Myeong Dong, Myeong Dong area is also good for shopping
-Namsan Tower!! Got Cable car ride and love locks!
-La Festa in Ilsan area has shopping & eating
-watch a baseball game!!
-Western Dome (no idea what it is, but a DB-er recommends it)
-pojangmachas (street foods, it's what I live for)
-shopping at Dongdaemun (JB recommends!!! she also says eyeglasses are cheap) lots of bargains, night shopping here is also a must
-around the Bun-dang area (around Yatap) there is a really great seollungtang restaurant called 감미옥 (Gam-Mee-Ok)
-Lotte World

-need to try this potato soup/ gruel in Gangneung that's described as crunchy and chewy, as seen on Episode 363 1N2D...while in the area, should also try Coffee Road located on Anmok Beach & Jung Ang Market Food Alley and add Jumunjin Seafood Market
-Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town in Seoul. Tteokbokki is spicy rice cake.


-in busan, try shaved ice, hotteok, odeng, check out Gwangan Bridge
-40-year+ hangover soup restaurant in Jeongeup, which hasn't changed its design much and only has 3 tables
-also in Jeongeup is a 40+year old theatre where they filmed the last episode of 1N2D. You can't miss it, it's the only theatre here. They still paint the movie posters =D Also, they have projectors still
-7 treasures of the Silla Dynasty in Namsan, Gyeongju (all those Buddhas!!)
-cheonruk (tiger looking sculpture has it's tongue sticking out!) sculpture as you pass the bridge in Gyeongbokgung (best to visit during sudden rainfall as can see stones are designed to let rain flow a certain way)
-iron rings on stone tile floor of Gyeongbokgung were used to set up tents when there were festivities
-seokgyeon (aka rock dog) sculpture on the corner of banister has a puppy!! one of them is suckling milk, keke
-at the top level of the steps there are sculptures of the black tortoise, vermilion bird, azure dragon, white tiger. these are the 4 symbols of the chinese constellation. around here you will also find a foal sculpture. this foal sculpture is at the south part, and in korean "12 o'clock" is jeongo, "o" = horse, as the horse is the most south part in the chinese zodiac.
-deumeu are cast iron containers, they are very rare. deumeu are used to store firefighting water. also to ward off evil fire-causing spirits as they would be frightened when they see their own reflection.
-sajeongjeon is the king's living quarters and office. it's name means to ponder deeply.
-Gangnyeongjeon is where it's comfortable and cozy for the king, aka wife's support...ie. king's sleeping quarters. it has a missing ridge (the white thing that lines the top) in it's roof that makes it unique. Anywhere the queen or king sleeps can't have this ridge because you can't have a king ( a dragon himself) sleep under a symbol of the dragon.
-Gangnyeongjeon's chimney should be where the heating is. The chimney should be behind the hall but it's not. The chimney is an orangey looking column with white bricks that forms writing (written is "long, endless life" & "thousands of years" in chinese characters, you need to look from afar to see) that is attached to the hall beside Gangnyeongjeon that goes underground. Korea's floor heating is the most efficient, much better than the Western chimney that directs heat and smoke out. In Korea, they keep the heat but send the smoke out. The farther the chimney is, the longer you can keep the heat.
-The queen sleeps at Gyotaejeon. The chimneys for this are Amisan ("A"=beauty, "Mi"=eyebrow...so it looks as pretty as beautiful eyebrows) chimney and are hexagonal structures behind the building. On the chimneys are the paintings of the 4 Gracious Plants with plum blossom and the 10 traditional Symbols of Longevity.
-Jagyeongjeon is where the king's grandmother lived. Inside, there's a national treasure (treasure #810), which is Jagyeongjeon's chimney. There are 10 traditional Symbols of Longevity on it.
-You can enjoy Inwangsan & Bugaksan, the 2 mountains that are in view from within the palace.
-Gyeonghoeru (national treasure #224), built in 1412 & refurbished in 1867, is the most beautiful place in Gyeongbokgung. An artificial pond built in Korea's largest wooden palace. The pond is naturally circulated to avoid rotting. Closed in the winter and has restricted public access.
-5 palaces of korea: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Gyeonghuigung
-Jongmyo in Jongno. This is the 2nd beauty in Seoul. It contains "The Parthenon of the East". It is historic site #125, a shrine where the ancestral tablets of kings, queens are kept. It's a UNESCO heritage site and national treasure #227.
-Inside Jongmyo there is a path of stones. The middle is raised because that is the path tread by spirits. Only gods, king and the crown prince can walk this path.
-Jongmyo Jeongjeon is really grand.

THAILAND
-this movie alone was enough to garner a Thai portion for my trip, so here's to the bridge (name still unknown... but if I really wanted to know I guess I could call up the production company "Sahamongkol Film International", haha...the lengths I'm about to go for this trip) in "A Little Thing Called Love"

News-News

So... I thought I'd just casually mention that it's been almost 3 weeks (tomorrow!) since I've found out that I got accepted into vet school. Y'know, nothing to brag about=P But yeah, still desperate to know how I'll fund this whole investing in my future business, otherwise I'm quite content. So you know, I was super ecstatic when I found out, like skipping-down-the-street-smiling-at-random-strangers-with-tears-of-joy happy. Now that the notion has settled, I'm getting into the groove of being excited for a new chapter of my life. Cliche, I know. Yet that's exactly what it is, though I'm having an inkling that it'll be more like a whole new volume of my life than just a chapter. The knowledge and the experiences that are just waiting for me to cross the threshold of.

Many people have since asked whether I'm excited about it, and being the suave fellow that I am, have given quite the nonchalant answer. Poker face, 'tis my middlename. It's just the same principle that I apply to dramas: keeping expectations low and in check help break the fall if (or when) the letdown happens. I'm petrified of living away from home. I know I sometimes secretly wish to have a place of my own if only to have multiple pets, but this is living away-away from home. Shameful to admit this, but I'm friggin useless for matters pertaining to household management. I can barely feed and keep up the hygiene when I'm left to my own devices. And without other likeminded people to talk to or to joke with, I get so miserable. OMG, just thinking about it makes me cringe in fear. And yet, I'm so excited to be doing vet school. Like finally getting to learn the stuff because by golly-gee I've always wanted to learn this stuff and doing such sparse volunteer/clinic stuff the knowledge rarely sticks and I always feel slightly stupid for forgetting things... So you see, I'm really on both sides of the coin for vet school at the present situation. Of course I want to do it!! But at the same time I'm so prone to homesickness and whatnot that I'm just a ball of nerves.

Did I also mention my stark surrender of drama watching for the next 4 years? Yes, I am committed to no drama watching for 4 long years..... Deserted from any dramas, not even specials, not even holidays, no siree.... (though I'm going to at least read about it... I mean, only if and when I'm done studying/need a break. Movies, I'm going to allow as a treat...I need to survive somehow...) So in this short summer that remains, I've selected my last dramas:
-Sunao ni Narenakute
-Hyena
-Hotaru no Hikari
-Alone in Love
-and whatever else I need to attempt to wrap up on, though we all know they're pretty much lost causes...

Currently Watching

I have a lot to get through this summer. Having pent up my drama watching obsession throughout most of the school year has driven me near insane. To be withheld from gushing alongside others while the latest trendies air has been very difficult, especially considering my spoiler phobia. As well as 2011 turning out to be an awesome year of offering. At this moment I'm caught up on the following along with short thoughts, in order of preference:

1) 49 Days (Kdrama)- Argh, I'm late on the bandwagon, but this drama is picking it up and burning on fiiiyah! I was ready to drop it after the first episode if it weren't for the blogospheres gushings and drama frenzy. Now that I'm at ep 12, I really can't wait to see how the fantasy-mystery-revenge plot will unfold.

2) Drunken to Love You (TWdrama)- It's been slowing down as of late. OTP is awesome, but the others aren't so much. Avril and the wooden acting that is Ricki are eating too much OTP time. More cute, less angst!!

3) Best Love (Kdrama)- Ah, I haven't watched a currently airing kdrama in so long. Matter of fact, since You're Beautiful, so yeah it's another Hong Sisters drama. Unfortunately, this one and I just don't connect. I like Ae Jung just fine, but Dokko Jin is so annoying and deranged. I am trying to really see the appeal but I'm drawing a blank. My laughs per episode ratio is also very low as compared to other Hong Sisters dramas, hmmmm... watching it for the sake of watching it at the moment.

4) Tokyo Dogs (Jdorama)- Yeah, I'm only watching this because of Oguri Shun. He's certified as the best looking man in a suit EVER. So perfect *drools* And that ending credit showcase of him, clean-cut in a suit, posing in the rain, yeah huh I totally watch and rewind that in its entirety.

Then I have my list of to finish from Christmas. I'm just not feeling a lot of them so they are in the backburner. I may just end up watching more Shun dramas...
-I'm Sorry, I Love You
-What's Up Fox?
-Secret Garden
-Joseon X Files
-Last Scandal of My Life
-Nobuta wo Produce

Dreaming Big

*cracks typing fingers* Man, this blog feels so neglected. Last night I was just thinking about the 3 ways of communication and I haven't really been doing much (any) writing as of late. I can talk til the cows come home, though 90% may be gibberish, but writing, m'dears, is a crafty thing for me. I struggle so hard to construct moderately coherent sentences and then I scrutinize every word choice until I throw my hands up in surrender. Because as it is, I was never excellent at bullshitting, so I tend to either drop the whole piece altogether or end in a very dissatisfying note. And now that I'm reading Shakespeare, the more inadequate I feel.

How can I write like Shakespeare? I'll settle for 30% of his talent. I should probably aim higher in life, but I also need to acknowledge real-life shortcomings. Obviously not being well-read as him is a big hurdle that I will need to overcome. But whenever I'm faced with the option of free time my mind immediately thinks of dramas. In addition, one can only really write about what one knows, and as it stands, my personal experiences are quite limited. Is this veering into self-pity?

Nope, just complaining about what's within a girl's reach. Half the time I'm not even sure what there is beyond my reach, so there. It takes courage and curiosity to try to go over those boundaries. I've got curiosity aplenty, but often times my heart wavers at the thought of doing something outside of my norm. And when this happens I look upon my favourite characters to steady my will. I know those characters are mere figments of other's imaginations, but that doesn't mean that they can't inspire. As a matter of fact, I believe fictional characters are a wellspring of inspiration because of their extraordinary adventures. And because they are created by someone based on what he/she knows, I am sure there are many real-life characters who have wonderful tales to tell as well. So in a roundabout way, I mean to say that I am going to become one of those amazing real-life characters who will go on to live an extraordinary life and then go on to inspire others.

I'll close with my favourite Kdrama quote from My Name is Kim Sam-soon.

Dance, like no one is watching you.

Love, like you've never been hurt before.

Sing, like no one can hear you.

Work, like you dno't need money.

Live, like heaven is on earth.

How the mighty havs fallen...

That is, if I'm egotistical enough to have considered myself mighty...in which case, I am. Anyway, I'm experiencing serious school fatigue. I'm so done with it and pretty sure it's done with me too. The feelings are mutual. I wish it weren't so, but my grades are diving and there's no second chances as we see it. It's best to just suck it up and pray. Pray really hard. In my opinion, interest in the subject really does make a giant difference. In the first half of the year, I was in knowledge heaven, but during the second half I felt like a lot of it was... meh and I was just drudging through for the sake of doing a full course load. I'm looking at you protein biosynthesis.

Japanese Earthquake & Aftermath

I want to say that the situation in Japan is really sad. It infuriates me to no end that people make idiotic comments about Godzilla, had the audacity to create a stupid BBC text scam and waste their time with other idiocies when their efforts can be used in a more meaningful manner. Come on people, show some class please. I sincerely wish that the situation improves and that those with their hearts broken will find the courage to carry on strongly.

Spoiled

I'm so spoiled by my family. Seriously, sometimes I feel pretty guilty about how easy it can get....and then sometimes I just relish in it. Like say, getting free bubble teas and DQ blizzards from my brother and sister. This probably goes head to head with my goal of being a decent person since I am clearly abusing my powers. Gosh darn it, well, nobody said it was easy. I'll just try harder to not abuse.

Basara

One of them is my favourite character. Can you guess who?

Mangas are the zanny first cousins of dramas. They have all that jazz and can be just as addictive as the most crack-tastic drama. Just like dramas, my love and enjoyment are based on its concept and the execution, though the two are not always equally weighed. For instance, I am always, always a sucker for any sort of gender bending storyline even if I know I'm heading into a shitty production with cringe-worthy acting and convenient character inconsistencies. But when it's on the money, it's a goldmine of entertainment! And right now, Basara is golden.

I know, I promised a Basara recap from the last post, but I can't do it. Why? Because I had to finish the manga in a frenzy and I'm sorry to say that many of the details have been lost in my mind. Plus, recapping every single detail will take an entire month perhaps. But most importantly, a few words here and there from yours truly will not do justice to such a fantastic great work of art. I can't wait for the time when I should have the leisure to savour every frame of Basara.

So after some thought as to what I like most about Basara, I've come to the conclusion that it's the characterization. I can feel the mangaka, Yumi Tamura's love for her characters. She didn't want to tell just any story about one girl's quest for life, love and liberty, Tamura-san wanted to tell the story of every character because they were all important to her. I mean, Tamura-san devotes two full volumes of epilogue so as to give some form of closure to the supporting characters. I think that's the greatest distinction between Basara, the masterpiece, and all the other manga I have read to date. Tamura-san doesn't merely create characters in order to further the plot or to serve a specific function, she creates them because she recognizes the void that exists when such a character's presence is missing. Because every single one of her characters had their own quest to partake. The story just wouldn't be the same without even the most seemingly minor of characters who appears in just one frame. An integral part of this is because the web of relations between all the characters is crafted with so much care and detail. The ripple effect of each character on the others is truly believable. I want to sincerely thank Tamura-san for showing so much love for her characters. In the future, if ever I were to be able to muster up all that it takes to be a storyteller, I hope I can be as good as Tamura-san.

Holy Mindf***

OMG!! I haven't been this wound up for a manga since... forever it seems..... This is no run of the mill shoujo where a dainty girl meets her prince charming, or a feisty spirited girl melts a cold hearted bastard, or a girl masquerads as a boy to be with him. All of which have their own merits, but right now, right this moment I'm all about Basara. This is the real deal. This is Basara!

It's the mother of all epic love, war, growing pains, friendship story. And really, if I had to choose one word to sum it up, it'd be: mindf***. It keeps me at the edge of my seat, salivating for the next chapter. It's like Hamlet in manga format. Sooooo awesome! I'm currently writing an arm's length recap for the first 7 volumes and will post it up as soon as possible. But in the meantime, everyone should go read Basara. Here's the link for online scanlations: http://www.thespectrum.net/manga_scans/?preview=manga_Basara

Liquid Eyeliner

Liquid eyeliner is serious business. For shizzzleeeeee. I have a new found deep respect for those who can do it without looking like they were hit in the eyes by a whirlwind of black paint.

Lee Min Ho rocking the guy-liner.

In Shape

I need to get my mind in shape. No, really, I can't continue floating like I'm still on holidays because my first mid-term is, eeeps, 6 days away. Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!! And blogging doesn't help the situation. Neither does checking dramabeans.com every 2 minutes. Neither does reading vet blogs. Last semester, which went by fantastically as I achieved the once thought impossible 4.0...well it was only 3 half courses, but it was a full course load since I have 2 full year courses. So there, bragging rights justified! Now I have to keep this up if I want to be a useful person and live sincerely. So that means I have to at least spend 17 hours each week studying. That's the overall average amount of hours I spent studying each week last semester apparently. And indeed, it doesn't seem like a whole lot, so maybe I should amp it up in my final term. *Sigh* Great expectations...

Must also get my body in shape-ish. As much as I can so as not to jeopardize the mind shaping since I really don't like the amount of prep work that's involved in exercising. I mean, I love the actual activity, well, fine depending on the activity. But I despise the whole packing, transportation, change room, shower, groom, etc business. Honestly, if I had my way I'd do everything in my pjs and maybe shower once a week. Eeew, I know, I'll be shunned by society if I had my way. Though that's not to say I don't like being clean and keeping things neat. I'm nothing if not a perfectionist. I'm positive I could live as the cleanest person who ever lived in her pjs. Yep, I'm just a jumble of contradictions.

Pasta Mysterious

Hmmm, this is curious. Very curious. It seems that I possess a bottomless stomach when it comes to my mom's spaghetti. I don't mean it as in it's so delicious that I could eat it everyday for the rest of my life. Simply put, I do not get full from eating this spaghetti. But I guess I will stop now, since it's approaching the level of food procrastination, wherein I stuff my face just to keep myself busy from actual work.

Boys Over Flowers

Lately I've been having this urge to watch Boys Over Flowers again. I know, I suspect this to be one of the first signs of the apocalypse too. I'm going to blame it on the serious drama withdrawal I'm going through. To be honest though, I wouldn't mind re-watching BOF... but only the parts with LMH in it. Plus I do love the original story despite its anti-feministic core. Ahhh... must...need....drama...crack.... *breaks into a cold sweat*

Firsts

Last night was free pub night and I met a few girls who were having their first ever beer in their first ever pub. I'm not that big of a beer fan, as it is "an acquired taste" (read: tastes bad until you forget how bad it tastes.) But as much as I enjoy trying out new things for myself, I get an equal level of excitement watching people try new things. It's like a second-hand experience of sorts. One girl's expression after her first few sips was quite amusing. It was cute how she was taking the smallest, most immeasurable, cautious sips ever, while her friends complained about being here the whole night at her rate of consumption. Haven't we all been there?

But I was also somewhat miffed when I heard one of them saying that they might as well go all out since she'll never see any of these people again. It's not so much that I was offended by her comment as I took pity on her outlook. Because I wish everyone could live in the moment every second of their life instead of being so protective. Of course, I definitely need to heed my own advice as well. But isn't it just the same that because these are once in a life time moments that we should take out as much as we can from the experience? I mean, life is a one-time go too. Our weird logic never cease to amaze me.

Curious dreams

I had one of those dreams where I try my darn hardest to keep it going. No, I'm not refering to that darn film Inception. I'd fruitlessly burrow my head into my blanket despite knowing that my efforts would only end up my being late for school. But it was one of those dreams that bubbles with hope for a deeper meaning behind it, that at the end of the dream there will be nirvana, a pot of gold, that if I can only keep dreaming I'll have it all figured out and everything will fall into its place...... Yep, I dreamed about Yoo Ah-in and Song Joong Ki. It's this drama addict's equivalent to nirvana.

Are you different because you're lonely? Or are you lonely because you're different?

Yoo Ah In's Cine 21 Nov 2010 interview is perhaps my favourite celebrity interview ever. Actually, having spent the past few days reading all his interviews I could get my hands on (time well spent!!) he's pretty much my favourite interviewee. Granted, it takes the right interviewer with a certain degree of skill to conduct an awesome interview in which readers actually gain real insight about the inner workings of said celebrity. At least that's my take =)

Anyway, my favourite question (though there were many that I really liked) is "Are you different because you're lonely? Or are you lonely because you're different?" I had to think about this on the bus (where all my greatest thinking takes place!) for a bit to formulate my own response: I'm lonely because I'm different. I honestly believe that everyone is lonely and that we all put up with it with varying abilities and success given what we have or lack. I just happen to be one of those who got the short end of the stick, so I tend to overcompensate this difference by being super optimistic. I mean, otherwise what else am I suppose to do? Sulk and cry and hope for some secret benefactor? (ha!) It's a tough principle to follow at times, but it's also sort of the only way for me to survive. That was pretty melodramatic, but it's the truth... I seriously can't imagine going by my day-to-day activities without giving things a lighter spin.

Priceless

Oh boy, this is so priceless. Just to what extent am I affected by dramas? Here's a little morning moment for proof.

Lately, I've been in a bind for money. As a result of last Christmas shopping, bubble tea overconsumption, impending banquet, impending ski trip.... all of which I ought to be able to control by simply refusing to go/drink. But I'm a person of weak will where bubble tea is concerned. It's like the food equivalent of a good drama for me. So when I woke up to pay my bills grudgingly and discovered my account to have much more money than I recalled I thought, "OMG! Do I have a secret benefactor who has come to pity my financial pitfall? Perchance even a wealthy secret admirer?" A brief Cinderella fantasy sequence played in my head. Then I paused for even more wishful thinking about who it could be and came up with nil. When I finally clicked to check for some indication who this good will could be from............ student loan services.

Reality sucks.

Late Night Radio Tidbit

Did you know bookkeeper is the only word in the English language with three consecutive repeat letters?

Cheaper Lives

I finally finished Chinese Whispers: The true story behind Britain's hidden army of labour by Hsiao-Hung Pai. That one book essentially culminates my holiday reading. I had originally planned on reading at least 3 books, but I guess that'll have to hold off until the end of the school year. Argh, it's only the first week back but I'm already swamped. Granted, it's mostly because of review work that has been backed up from last semester for my virology course.... and if only forgetting about it would actually make it disappear.

Back to the book. It's perhaps my first full novel by a Chinese author. But then again, I don't read as much as I would like so that's not saying much. Trust me, I will read The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang one of these days. I did pick up the book over the holidays and had even read the first few pages. I know, I know, I'm making lame excuses. Hopefully by the end of this year?

Seriously, no more tangents. I hope I didn't give off the sense that this is a book of irrelevant material because it certainly isn't. It's a disheartening collection of real life stories about the day-to-day struggles of illegal immigrants in Britain. These so-called 'illegal' immigrants are the shoulders we stand on to enjoy our affluence and luxuries while they toil in dehumanizing conditions. They are the ones who are painted as invading aliens stealing local jobs when the fact of the matter is that they are the ones who are putting their health at risk to work 72 hour a week in order to earn half if not less than what the minimum wage should be. Without status and without a voice, they are the ones living a hellish existence. And this will continue on for as long as the greed stays green and they remain illegal.

While it no longer comes as a surprise for me that there are sufferings in this world caused by the greed of people, it doesn't make the stories any less tragic. I feel like my mere mentioning of the book is an insult to their true sufferings. It's a sad world we live in when stories like these have loss their shock value, so to speak. It's especially sad when those of us who are aware of them doesn't really take much action aside from simply finger typing. This is really selfish of me.

How not to be an obvious racist

There are two excuses that are often thrown around for justifying an obviously obtuse racist remark. They go along the lines of "Well, I'm so-and-so ethnic group so I can say that" or "Only the truly racists take offense to that." And to those I say Puuuuuuhleeeeeeeaze.

Towards the first excuse, I ask, do you have no pride? Rather than raising your voice against your fellow human beings' habits and customs, maybe you can improve upon your own ignorance and learn about a culture different from the pop variety. The world is an infinitely grand place and it is only natural that there should be differences. Aside from the rules of survival itself, in which each species thrive in their separate niche, the variety adds sugar and spice to an otherwise mundane existence. Please, open your mind.

As for the second pathetic excuse, is that what you really believe in? That is, only non-racists make racist jokes and expect everyone to chime in with glee, and those who object are simply being unforgivably racist. Nice logic you have going there. FYI, your insecurity is the only thing fueling that argument. It's equivalent to dismissing the accusation of a victim and siding with the offender. Please, I implore you, grow a spine, a brain and a heart.

How to write a blog

I always have such a hard time maintaining a blog because I am often unsure about what to share. Why bother then? Because my hands itch=)

Writing is an expression and I want to make sure I am conveying my thoughts properly. It's just like living. Everyone has control over the way they want people to perceive them. Beyond their outer appearance, most people would want to be seen as friendly, easy going and cool. I want to be perceived as an honest, good person because that is what I strive to be each day.

The product to be marketed in the case of blog writing is my character. Aside from my tragic, hopeless love/addiction for all things drama-related, what type of person do you see behind this blog?

Watched Dramas

Dramas Watched Since 2008

• Coffee Prince (Korea) This is The One
• My Name is Kim Sam Soon (Korea) Honestly, I did not get the hype. I later learn to love Kim Sun Ah, but probably due to my incessant watching of Bridget Jones this was just a filler.
• Goong (Korea) Loved it til the ending, which induced a lot of head scratching.
• Boys Over Flowers (Korea) Cracktastic! But also only fun to watch when the whole internet world is watching with you.
• 9 Ends 2 Outs (Korea) I loved Nan Hee but I loved her even more when she was interacting with Hyung Tae.
• Rosy Business (Hong Kong) This drama rekindled my faith in TVB.
• Flowers For My Life (Korea) One of my all-time favourites.
• A Bride for the Ride (Hong Kong) Typical TVB shenanigans.
• My Girl (Korea) Hmmm.... the ending.... but the chemistry was off the charts.
• You're Beautiful (Korea) Soooooo addictive.
• Full House (Korea) Such a BIG waste of time. Thank goodness for the invention of the fast-forward button.
• Bad Family (Korea) Soooooo precious. Where's my righteous gangster uncle?
• City Hall (Korea) The OTP dance segment during the pageant had so much spark flying I thought my computer monitor would catch fire.
• Soulmate (Korea) This was deliciously perfect. And the soundtrack, though I felt sometimes repetitive was awesomesauce.
• The Woman Who Still Wants to Marry (Korea) Dajung, Shinyoung and Buki had such an enviable fantastical friendship.
• Black and White (Taiwan) More, please?
• GTO (Japan) Excuse me while I fill out my teacher's ed application.
• Nodame Cantabile (Japan) Another moving effort from Jdorama-land.
• Dal Ja's Spring (Korea) Kang Tae Bong! Be still my heart. Dal Ja is also my favourite female character ever.... well, tied with Bridget Jones.
• My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (Korea) Too cute to be real or mythical.
• Hana Kimi (Taiwan) If Full House was a BIG waste of time, this was an EPIC vortex to oblivion of no return for my precious viewing time.
• Sungkyunkwan Scandal (Korea) Everything was fine until the ending. But since I watched this following Hana Kimi's blood-spitting non-ending, this ending didn't seem that bad in comparison. Also the first drama in which I experienced heart-wrenching symptoms of second-lead syndrome. Why so moony Moon Jae Shin?
• Hana Yori Dango (Japan) Oguri Shun embodies tall, dark, handsome, mysterious, broody, smexy, and what fantasies are made of. For once in my history with the HYD story I was a Rui-Tsukushi shipper because Oguri Shun was sooooo believable as the better man... or was I simply projecting?
• I'm Sorry I Love You (Korea) Meh... it's alright.
• 49 Days (Korea) This one kept me on my toes from second episode to finishe (the 1st episode bored me to tears...) I also love the ending. Perhaps one of a handful of dramas to not mess up the ending. It didn't feel particularly rush yet it was able to tie up everything in a nice bow. Very good.
• Vampire Prosecutor (Korea) Smexy, smart, slick, with a heaping spoonful of fun and brilliance. Seriously, this is the stuff. Also, my vote for best drama of 2011.
• Flower Boy Ramyun Shop (Korea) This one was burning hot for the start, but then it kind of lulled in the middle, and then came back full throttle. The finale is probably one of the best I've ever seen. So neat and not overly saccharine, nor over-packaged, but just right. Plunger princess FTW!
• Dream High (Korea) This is the worst, the worst stuff to get involved with. It's drama crack, very potent stuff. It gets you addicted, it gets you dehydrated with all the angst, it gets you all cheery and active while trying to mimic the dance moves and giddy throughout your daily life. In essence, you end up binging on junk food while trying to marathon the thing because shits about to get real at school, but this is crack and you're madly addicted to it, so rather than choosing to sensibly revisit the drama at another more convenient time you've holed yourself up in your cell and cry your heart out for these characters (well...mostly for Song Sam Dong).... it's the worst. And Kim Soo Hyun is the best <3
• Shut Up Flower Boy Band (Korea): Probably my favourite drama of 2012....hard to say for sure, but it was definitely jjang! Portrayed growing pains very well.
• Hero (Korea): Okay, scratch that comment above.... this may be my favourite drama of 2012....I think.... the only thing I didn't like about Shut Up was the main actress...but when there's bromance who cares about romance, haha. If The Dark Knight was a drama, this would be it. 
• Queen In-Hyun's Man (Korea): Okay... so 2012 is probably MY drama year. Another stellar drama. Seriously most likely the most romantic thing ever. The One True Pairing to end all OTP. Though I must say the male counterpart contributed more to make this relationship go further than the usual bickering couple. Yoo In-na brought the cute, but Ji Hyun-woo brought perfection to the table like nobody's business. Though Kang Tae-bong will forever be the awesomest awesome loverboy in my heart, Kim Boong-do will hold a special place in my heart as the natural-born player who had the most game =)
• Sunao Ni Narenakute (Japan): Everybody loves Nakaji, and I'm no exception =) Eita+Juri couple are forever enshrined as one of my favourite pairing. They were so natural and made me want them to be a real couple. 
• Answer Me 1997 (Korea): All the best parts were in 1997. That confession scene broke my heart. Shi-won is like my inner fangirl.
• Vampire Prosecutor 2 (Korea): A palpable lack of our Tae-yeon in this second instalment made  me feel detached from the episodes, which were good but could have been great if our prosecutor was more involved. In addition to that, WHY DID JUNG-IN & TAE-YEON'S LOVELINE JUMP OFF THE RADAR FOR MOST OF THE SHOW? Even if Jung-in's acting sometimes annoyed me, this lack of chemistry is not acceptable. All in all, not as good as the first one, but a fine entry in itself. Will probably stick around for the 3rd season just because there's so many loose ends that need to be tied and I still like this Scooby Gang to bits. 
• White Christmas (Korea): Hmmmmm.... never a dull moment this one. Definitely had me on pins and needles from the get-go. An excellent drama.
• Nice Guy (Korea): So satisfying and addictive. Initially I was scared about the melodrama-ness, but it never became too overbearing. Am so in love with Song Joong-ki. 
• School 2013 (Korea): Bromance 4evaaaaa!
• Inbound Troubles (Hong Kong): Best TVB drama in a long time. For once it's not entirely focused on the money or the girl but straight up bromance and friendship.
• I Can Hear Your Voice (Korea): Current 1st place for best drama of 2013. Also #1 mum in all of kdramaland EVER. Seriously, my heart breaks just thinking about her. For once we don't have a Candy heroine, but someone who could exist in real life and bare grudges but remain human. I have So Much love for this drama and the message it sends.
• Buzzer Beat (Japan): That opening sequence....and basically every other episode is a fangirl service bar come true. Really summery & enjoyable.
• Two Weeks (Korea): After I Can Hear Your Voice I totally wasn't ready for more thriller but at the same time I was kind of on a thriller junkie chase (pun not intended). And boy was this one helluva ride. 
• Master's Sun (Korea): This one took a bit to warm up to, but the OTP was there from the get go. Lost a bit of momentum near the end, but still enjoyable. I was on 2nd lead ship from day 1....or maybe I just have a ton of love for Seo In-guk still from his previous awesome 1997 role. 
• Heirs (Korea): Giant snooze fest.... Only for Woobie <3

Top Picks: Movies of 2010

Hello! So after a fruitful year of movie watching here are my top picks for the past year. From a variety of 45 movies, these movies stood out in my perspective. I mean, I watched a lot of lauded movies that garnered numerous awards on the international moviescape, and they were beautiful but the ones on my list were the ones that I would urge others to watch. On to the skinny:

Love Letter (Japan)

This is my #1 pick from last year's viewing. Everyone knows about that scene. Yeah, that tearjerking scene that has the power to induce tears by just being replayed in my mind. I thought my heart would explode. Even after a few weeks after watching it, I would still tear up when I just sat to think about it. One word: timeless.

I Just Didn't Do It (Japan)

My interest was piqued by the story of a man wrongly accused of molestation on a crowded train and his journey to prove his innocence, but it was not exactly my regular cup of tea. And with so many great movies out there just waiting to be watched and so little time, well it just escaped my mind for a bit. So I delayed in watching this one and mentally pegged it as a downer with no real entertainment merit. And then I was blown away. This film is an inch from the #1 spot. It was compelling from start to end, exactly the opposite of how I thought it was going to be.

The Mission (Hong Kong)

This was such a slick, stylish film. Also stars some of the best actors Hong Kong has to offer.

Beast Cops (Hong Kong)

I really love this film too. Especially the ending when all hell broke loose. Argh, my little heart grows faint from just the mention of an ending because of the recent letdown by Hana Kimi (Taiwan). But rest assured, there is none of the suckage that was so rampant in Hana Kimi (Taiwan) in this gem of a film.

Linda Linda Linda (Japan)

The heart was in the right place for this movie. And that place was nicely situated next to Take Care of My Cat (Korea). Is it a coincidence that Bae Doona stars in both? I think not. Added bonus of having addictive songs that you'd be humming along to while tapping your feet.

Running Out of Time (Hong Kong)

One word: Awesomesauce.

Beast Stalker (Hong Kong)

This is the movie that highlighted two not-so-new stars to seriously follow, Nicholas Tse and Nick Cheung. Nick Cheung in a villainous role was terrific.

Kill Zone (Hong Kong)

This is the Donnie Yen movie for me. Forget Ip Man.

Easy A (USA)

I had such high hopes for Easy A and it did not disappoint. It joins the ranks of awesome teen movies based on great classics that didn't suck with She's The Man and Clueless.

Movies Watched 2011

So last year's record and my personal best stands at 45 movies. That's a bit less than a movie per week, though I tend to binge watch more than watching it weekly. It suits my current lifestyle better. But if I had less to worry about and more time to spare I would probably do at least 3 movies per week. Anyway, new year, new list.

• Jeon Woo Chi (Korea) this one will probably go down as a holiday classic






• The Quiet Family (Korea)






• The Chaser (Korea)






• Red Cliff (China)






• Overheard (Hong Kong)






• Red Cliff 2 (China)






• PTU (Hong Kong)






• Antique (Korea)






• Hello Schoolgirl (Korea)






• I Corrupt All Cops (Hong Kong)






• Crying Out Love In the Centre of the World (Japan)






• Please Teach Me English (Korea)






• Speed (USA) Spazz-attack with Keanu Reeves circa 94






• Constantine (USA)






• Johnny Mnemonics (USA)






• The Devil's Advocate (USA)






• Street Kings (USA)






• About a Boy (USA)






• Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (USA)






• Hello Ghost (Korea)






• Kick-Ass (USA)






• Bridesmaids (USA)






• Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides (USA)






• X-Men: First Class (USA)






• Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (USA)






• Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay (USA)






• Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (USA)






• Rising of the Planet of the Apes (USA)






• Sunny (Korea) Best movie (ever). Note to self, must buy!!!






• Crazy Stupid Love (USA)






• Fulltime Killer (Hong Kong)






• The Lake House (USA)






• Waterboys (Japan)






• The Notebook (USA)






• Conduct Zero (Korea)






• The Man From Nowhere (Korea)






• Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (USA)






• Girl Scouts (Korea)





• Attack In the Gas Station (Korea)




• A Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Thailand)




• Hello Stranger (Thailand)



• Seducing Mr. Perfect (Korea)


• Four Weddings and A Funeral (UK)
  
• A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas (USA)
• 50/50 (USA)
• Swordsman II (Hong Kong)

Swearing off TWdramas for a long while....

Because of the mental anguish caused by the non-ending that was Hana Kimi (Taiwan). I can forgive illogical story-telling, bad acting, recycled devices, excessive flashbacking and a lot more cringe-inducing things. But a non-ending... you slayed me drama. I was even overlooking the self-righteous gay bashing because you would think you were justifying the hate by having an 'important' gay supporting character to act as typically gay as possible. BUT A NON-ENDING????!!! I thought I was going to spit blood when it became clear that was your grand finale. Not only did you waste so much time to build up the moment of truth where Ella's character was supposed to come clean to Wu Chun's character, you also patted yourself on the back by having Ella spew words of wisdom on how honesty is the best policy, and then two seconds later the non-ending happens. Not only does she not confess, neither does he, the lie continues, more lies are added, misunderstandings continue for other characters, and most importantingly the audience is wronged!!!! I certainly hope this was not some half-ass attempt at making piquing interest for a sequel because there will be blood if that was. And 7 years later there is still no sequel so I will have to come to the conclusion that that was the ending. TWdramas have wronged me for the last time....or at least until Black and White 2 comes out because in the mean time, I'm sticking to Kdramas and Jdoramas.