A'Guevo El Tricolore!

Ok, so maybe it wasn't the most graceful way to make it to the round of 16, but Mexico is in - I'm happy for them, and especially the Guero, who I earlier promised a win for El Tri. Don't worry my friend, they'll live to play a better game, assuming no more flagrant hand-ball fouls in front of the goal and the refs don't keep handing out yellow cards like candy....

I got my first real assignment today for the Livable Cities project here at KRIHS - a report on Seattle as a "livable city" (you'll be hearing those two words a lot in the next couple of months, be forwarned...) and it's due on Friday at noon. I work with a team of five other researchers, three of whom have PhD's. So to say the least I'm flattered, as a going-on 2nd year MUP, to be a part of their project. The pace so far has been pretty leisurely - besides putting together my research topics I've mostly been responsible for making appearances at various celebrations (there are plenty), but I have a feeling that's about to change...which honestly is fine with me - I couldn't be at a better place right now and I'm happy to be a part of it.

Last night was my first experience with the "3rd time" - noraebang!! Yea! (refer to "the recap" post for more of an explanation) After yet another sumptous meal of uncured BBQ pork and all the accoutrements (kimche, raw garlic, sesame leaves, mushrooms, etc.) along with a healthy dose of soju, we headed off to "2nd time" (beer, fruit, dried squid), and then, naturally enough, it was on to #3...I was really curious to see what this was all about - I'd read about these "bang" in my Lonely Planet on the plane ride over, but couldn't wrap my head around the concept. So it's basically like walking into a bar, music's playing, lights, the usual, but there's no one in there except the host and this guy wearing a leather vest, who's there to take our drink orders. Looking around I notice there are doors to rooms, with windows that you can't see thru...which is where I start wondering exactly what kind of place this is. Not to worry - it's just another part of modern Korean culture that my Western mind can't quite reach yet. That all changes soon enough as we walk into the room, where there are couches, a coffee table, our own private disco ball, a big screen, tambourines, and a massive karaoke machine! It's time to party! There are five of us, two Phd's in their early 50's and three of us researchers - the first guy to pick up the mic is the quietest of the group - but clearly a closet professional. Without even looking at the karaoke guide, he walks right up and types in a number, and immediately begins what turns out to be a gripping, emotional performance of a soaring Korean ballad. The built-in live/echo effects help add drama too. I'm nearly crying by the end, shaking my tambo' all the way to the desperate finish. The next hour we belt out our respective classics - for me it's (2 Shoes, I apologize in advance...) Sweet Caroline, Billie Jean, and YMCA. I guess I had needed that for a long time, cuz I really felt satisfied at the end of the night. Don't worry, I think I've fulfilled my Neal Diamond cravings for the next couple of years at least ;)

More on Korean "night-culture" in a bit - there's so much more to be said about how this place transforms after dark - but for now it's simply time to go to bed.

I'll sleep well knowing Guero's going to be alright with Mex in the final 16... ;)