July 12, 2005

How's that for a slice of fried gold?

Another long weekend in Ulsan has passed. After two nights of staying up until 8 am I woke up Sunday to attempt cleaning my apartment (which failed miserably). I met a group of foreigners under a bridge next to the Taewa River to play Ultimate Frisbee for five hours. It was great to get some real exercise (those of you not familiar with Ultimate are probably scoffing right now, but try it once and then tell me its not exercise). But before that commenced I had a little business to take care of…

So you are now reading the blog of the proud owner of a 100cc Delfino Scooter. I have to pick it up on Thursday morning along with 90% of the previous owner's belongings. I made a deal with him where I get all his possessions and the scooter. So I will now have transportation, a DVD player (that supports Korean DVDs), a toaster oven, a computer desk, a computer (a fast gaming comp that I will sell ASAP in order to recoup some flow on the scooter), and various other accoutrements needed for daily life in Korea. Overall a sweet deal for yours truly. Needless to say, I'm pretty happy at the moment.

This weekend I will be going to the Boryeong Mud Festival. It's a promotional event put on by a cosmetic mud company. All the mud is spa quality, so I will be getting a 48 hour treatment, if you will. Pictures will be taken, don't worry.

On a slightly more serious note: I've had a rare insight to the London bombings being surrounded by Brits. Its amazing how well they are taking it all in. I've spoken with a few people from the London area and gotten their impressions. I have to commend them on their ability to cope and adjust. Their solidarity at such an uncertain time is truly impressive.

Posted by Schaffer at July 12, 2005 12:11 AM
Comments

two things.

(1) congrats on the scooter. /me jealous.

(2) london, yes. i called nancy to make sure she was all right, and when she eventually called me back there were sirens going off in the background, and she said totally calmly that she didn't take route 30 'that day', so everything was fine.

possibly, she was dazed .... or brits aren't as crazy as americans.

Posted by: mark at July 12, 2005 12:14 AM

did you get this scooter from someone who died???? if not- how is it you wind up with 90% of their belongings?

my brother lives in london right now, at the end of the edgware road line. thankfully he's ok...

Posted by: swany at July 12, 2005 11:22 PM

I was wondering the same thing as swany: How DID you end up with 90% of his belongings? And I hope (sort of) that a helmet was included! Or better yet, that you have a purchased a new one (to go with the new hair cut) and are wearing it! Luv U.

Posted by: Mom at July 13, 2005 08:32 AM

There is a constant flow of people coming and going to teach English in this country, usually for year contracts. At the end of your time you try to sell as much stuff as possible to get back some money and to help out the folks. I happened to come across a guy that wasn't prepared for this, so he just wants to get rid of it all quickly. He's going home next week, and I'm taking over his material life.

ryan

Posted by: schaffer at July 13, 2005 02:09 PM

Hi Schaffe - congrats on the scooter! As I'm packing for the weekend to go to Chicago for Mo's wedding, where Nate and/or Phooze will be my date (long story), just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you, and wish you could be there too. We'll have a drink in your honor. :)
Have fun on the scooter! Eves xx

Posted by: eves at July 15, 2005 10:55 AM

Ryan,

Take care on the scooter...glad to hear you will have some transportation -- can't wait to see the pictures. Please send us your snail mail address as I have some mail for you. Sounds like you are having an 'interesting' time and hope the teaching is going well. We are enjoying our summer and enjoy your blogs. Love, Dad, Mary Ann, Katie and Tori

Posted by: Dad at July 15, 2005 11:26 AM