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Last weekend (Saturday, November 8th) I experienced my first Cirque du Soleil production. The show was titled "Alegria." After a little research I've come to understand that the production has something to do with the misuse of power, whether by kings, tyrants or dictators - but it is also about hope and perseverance. While these themes were, for the most part, hidden from me during the performance, the experience was nonetheless powerful, moving and extremely beautiful.
As you might guess, audience members were not allowed to use photography during the performance. Still, I found this short video on Youtube that covers most of the highlights of the show. Check it out!! :-D
In conclusion, would I recommend this show?? You betcha. Will I be attending another Cirque du Soleil production the very next chance I get? Yes indeed.
P.S. I think my favorite part was the "Aerial High Bar Act"...
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This past week was relatively normal... However, November 11th (11/11) was some sort of Holiday known in Korea as "Pepero Day." A Pepero is a candy stick dipped in chocolate. The day was chosen as Pepero Day because "11/11" sort of looks like 4 Peperos. Hehe... it's quite a gimmick, but it's a very successful one. I received Peperos from nearly every child I know in Korea. I would post a picture but alas, I ate all of them!! Hehe...
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Friday was our monthly fieldtrip. We took the children to the farm.... again. I wasn't overly excited to visit the farm yet again, however the short trip was much more enjoyable than I had expected!
The kids picked what were referred to as "turnips." However, I assure you these were not turnips. I believe they were picking some kind of Lettuce or Cabbage. These "turnips" were so big that each one filled up an entire backpack. Hehe... How cute it must've been for the parents to open up their little bags and find these enormous "turnips" stuffed inside. I was only able to capture a few shots before my camera died.
<--- This is is my favorite pic of Hyu and Daniel! After "turnip-picking" we made little beaded bracelets with the kids. Did this have anything to do with the farm or with turnips?? I don't think so... but, oh well. The kids really enjoyed it, and, thankfully, none of MY kids' bracelets fell apart throughout the day. Whew!!
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Friday night I attended a DJ show for the underground giant known as "DJ Shadow." I never thought I would enjoy DJ shows until I came here and it's really almost the only quality music I can find in Korea. It all began in the spring at the World DJ Festival held annualy in Seoul. Last month I also saw Benny Benassi. It's a completely different experience and I've really enjoyed this so far!! Many artists I would otherwise like to see will give shows in Japan or Australia but will rarely stop in Korea. The most interesting thing about DJ Shadow in Korea is that he performed 3 shows solely in Korea. I'm not sure why, but I won't complain. The show was incredible and I had soooo much fun!!
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Hopefully I've covered all the major highlights of the past few weeks. There is much more to look forward to! I can hardly believe that in barely a month Jason will be here!!! Then Cory and I will go to the Philippines for Christmas/New Years... and then it will be less than 2 months before it's time for me to head home!! My remaining time here is passing me by so quickly and picking up speed with every moment. I am at once, excited, frightened, saddened, happy, anxious... and a whole load of other emotions. In short, the realization that my time here is rapidly coming to an end is bittersweet.
Yet for now, I must enjoy what is around me. For now, I am surrounded by Autumn's incomprehensible splendor. Perhaps it is that the reds and yellows and golden browns of the leaves remind me of home, but until now, I have never realized how much I truly love and adore Fall. It is of course impossible to fully capture its beauty in a photo but here is a lovely picture of Autumn in Korea taken by a friend of mine.
