Say B-I-G to the BANG!

I had an extreme fangirl moment last weekend when I got to finally go to my first ever k-pop concert. It was no other than Big Bang, and even on my way to Fukuoka it was still a little surreal I was seeing the first band I ever listened to back in the day. Now my lightstick and concert merch are gracing my kotatsu, as I have no idea where to show them off in my apartment and I want to relive it a little longer.

Kim’s tantosha (school supervisor) played a blinder getting us tickets, as we were floor level and pretty close to the front. Not what I expected at all. It’s definitely an experience I’ll never forget. Everyone around us was so lovely, and my favourites were two girls in front who were cosplaying and would scream to the death whenever TOP spoke. Said girl was also balling her eyes out at the end of the night. 

I was pretty impressed I understood the majority of what was being said too, even if I was singing the Korean to some songs because I know it better than the Japanese.

I think I’m more in love than I was before, that’s for sure. G Dragon was just GD; TOP made my life with his pink hair and being petrified of speaking Japanese; I’m 99% Daesung was on something, and whatever it was I want some; I have a new found love for Seungri; and Taeyang was bloody beautiful and doesn’t know it yet, but we’re getting married.

I befriended a 17 year old girl and her mother who were sat next to me during the concert. They were massive Big Bang fans, telling me they had VIP tickets for the show the next night too. Since this concert was getting filmed, like most k-pop concerts do, to get released later, throughout the concert you actually got instructed what light stick to use for certain songs. Cue my bewilderment since I couldn’t read the Japanese fast enough. 

Have no fear, my new adopted family helped me out straight away and we even had a little giggle at how foreign this whole experience was to me, compared to the resident pros like themselves. This was followed by us busting out some dance moves, or as many I could get away with without hitting the little old lady next to me in the head. Big Bang really have a varied fanbase.

At the end of the concert, confetti streamers were blasted from the stage, and the young girl managed to catch one and insisted on giving it to me. It wasn’t until later that I realised that the streamer was covered in messages from each member, names the concert, and is nice for me to have as a memory. She also took a picture with me, added me on LINE and gave me an update on how the concert the following night went too.

Now I’ve caught the concert bug since I was super lucky to get tickets to this, so here’s praying I get to see even more of my favourite k-pop groups on their Japanese travels while I’m still here. I’ve also earnt cool teacher points with my junior high school boys who found out I went and they’re going next month. 

Even though we couldn’t take videos, here’s a sneak peek of the concert in Osaka, which doesn’t even do how much it was bouncing justice.

Ducks, rabbits & dolphins: No I wasn’t at a zoo, I was at kindergarten!

Just after I got back from Seoul I was greeted with a cheeky little schedule change, saying I was off to spend the day at a kindergarten. I wasn’t really complaining, since I got to sleep in, and part of my timetable for the day actually stated “12:40 – Play with the children”.

I almost died when I arrived. Kindergarteners here are aged 3 to 6, and although I knew they were small, I didn’t realise just how small they would be. Cuteness overload occurred when I realised they all wore coloured hats corresponding to their classes. The youngest were yellow ducks, then the pink rabbits and finally the blue dolphins.

I actually had the best day, teaching the rabbits and dolphins some colours, and eating lunch with the ducks. Every single one of them insisted on showing me their adorable bento boxes before starting to eat, with my Hello Kitty bento box going down a storm.

My lunchtime was spent lifting plant pots for the little ones so they could catch the insects underneath; there’s definitely worse things to be getting paid for. My heart completely melted when one little boy took a shine to me, and insisted I walk around the playground holding his hand while he showed me their pet turtles. 

It was draining, I was filthy from little grubby hands, but I was absolutely made up that the staff said they’d love to have me back next year for their English days. Some of the children are planning to go to my elementary schools too, which will be nice for the both of us to have some familiar faces when the next school year comes around.

Yet another example of how small Kumamoto is: I already teach one of my teachers’ kids at elementary school, and turn out his youngest goes to this kindergarten too. Here’s hoping they’re reporting good things back to their dad and my job isn’t in jeopardy! 

I think I’m safe though, the reviews we’ve been having lately have gone better than I could have imagined, especially in my junior high where I had some pretty big boots to fill. My elementary schools are thrilled purely at the fact I embrace being pummelled by dodgeballs every lunch time. I think the kids like me too, especially since I'm greeted with origami or artwork on the chalkboard when I join each class for kyuushoku.

I guess I’m alright at winging this whole teacher thing after all!

Halloween in Seoul: soju, shopping and some sugar & spice.

Visiting Seoul for Halloween was one of the best ideas I’ve had in a while. I’m pretty sure I spent 90% of it a hungover mess, but it was definitely worth it. Halloween itself was one of the best I’ve ever had; our PowerPuff Girl costumes went down a storm and I’ve never seen anything quite as comparable to Seoul nightlife. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a club so jam packed, and filled with beautiful boys, of course.  

Buhkansan National Park

We spent one day hiking a few trails and boy, what a view. We had an impromptu picnic at a lookout point too, and it was really nice to just sit, watch the world go by, and forget about having responsibilities and teaching children for a little while. Thankfully we all lived to tell the tale, despite some near misses… *cough* Clare. I’ve never seen that side of Seoul before, usually just the daily buzz the city has to offer, so it was definitely a welcomed change.

 

Hello Kitty Café

Last time, although I’d managed to visit the Myeongdong Hello Kitty café, this one was being re-located, much to my disappointment. I’d planned to go back to this one for the longest time, and wasn’t quite expecting to stumble across it on Halloween as it was conveniently next door to the toppoki place we chose to eat at. Saving the excitement for another day, when I finally went, I discovered how magical this café was. Hidden amongst trees in the quietest part of Hongdae, a little pink house emerged as you climbed the stairs. It’s something I’d expect to see in an enchanted forest, and the inside didn’t disappoint either.

 It’s the biggest Hello Kitty café I’ve been to, and is themed like a house, with a fireplace area, bedrooms and balconies on the second floor. I matched the décor perfectly in my Sanrio sweater too (I swear I didn’t plan it, but either way I looked the definition of kawaii). Kudos to Chloe for allowing me to indulge my childish nature for a while and taking pictures of me lying in Hello Kitty’s bed. It takes a special kind of person to accept me for who I am.

Café Blind Alley

On one of my many days researching quaint locations in Seoul, I stumbled across a raccoon café and knew immediately I had to go. We went later in the evening, and despite that being the time when raccoons are meant to be their most active, what a complete lie. Even still, they’re super cute to look at when they’re sleeping, and the coffee was damn good too.

 

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Another one of my “must visit when in Seoul” locations was the LED light garden located on the rooftop.  Each flower represents one day of Korea’s independence over the past 70 years, meaning there are now over 25,000 lit up every night. It was so beautiful and had such a lovely relaxing atmosphere. I’m happy that this exhibition has remained longer than initially intended so I finally got to go, even if that does make me sound like a nerd wanting to see a bunch of lit up flowers.

The thing I enjoy most about Korea is the people. There is such a wonderful vibe in the city that’s really hard to put your finger on, but it’s been apparent each time I’ve visited and keeps me wanting more. One of my favourite past times in the city is walking round Hongdae, soaking up all the vibes and watching college kids performing k-pop dances on the streets. I will admit I got a bit carried away watching a certain bunch, since they slayed BTS’s new single, much to my enjoyment. 

Seoul during autumn is beautiful, and the urge to go back is even stronger now. The roasted chestnuts, burnt orange foliage and grapefruit soju all helped to create a nice homely feeling, at a time when I was a little sad for not being home for the traditions of Bonfire Night. It was nice having visited Seoul before to not have to run around visiting all the tourist attractions. 

Instead, I got to experience the ‘real Seoul’, even if that did mean drinking chestnut makgeolli in a park at 3am and convincing some boys into going to noraebang (Korean karaoke). Said boys went to school with a famous rapper I listen to, which they were surprised by, proving that in Seoul, you can honestly befriend anyone. Randomly playing Korean drinking games with musical theatre teachers, who proceeded to perform a little number for us (at a chicken restaurant, no less) pretty much sums this up.

Along with meeting numerous new friends, I got to reunite with an old one too. Jah met us all on Halloween for a crazy night, and I managed to see him again for dinner at what is, hands down, my favourite restaurant in Seoul. He remembered exactly what my favourite food was too; ultimate friend goals right there. It’s always nice to have a local to do all the Korean talking for you, and a friendly face to go back to when I inevitably return again.

New places, new faces.

Tomi's Shortbread House
On my way downtown I pass a small, very British looking shop, but most days it's already closed before I finish work. I finally ventured in not too long ago, and I was so glad I did. As I walked in, I was greeted by the sweet Japanese owner who had the most London accent you could imagine. We spoke for over an hour reminiscing about England and she welcomed me with open arms & big hugs.
Today Tsuruya, one of the department stores downtown, currently has a British food fair. I spent my afternoon sampling craft beers, ciders, Welsh cheeses, marmalade & made a visit to the shortbread stand to spread my love to my new favourite baker in Kumamoto. It's nice to have somewhere to go where I can feel a bit of a home away from home, even if it's just to look at some tartan & smell some proper butter.

My new nail salon - Calm Place Palette
Following Okinawa, I had to find a nail place to frequent in Kumamoto, and the one I found did not disappoint! After exchanging numerous pictures I went to meet the most adorable girl ever, and spent my time teaching her some English. She was thoroughly amused by the word "thumb" of all things, and my Japanese is really benefitting from just chatting to her. I left so happy with how they looked, and all of my students love how I have Rilakkuma nails... cue the squeals of 'kawaii' at me daily.
Check out her Instagram @kao_comocomu and await the next designs we'll have in store!


Taiko
I went taiko drumming for the first time with Chloe & Kim, which is probably something you'd recognise being performed at various festivals around Japan. Within two minutes of walking into the room I already had a rather large drum thrusted upon me with no clue what to do. It's actually a lot more difficult than it looks, so we spent almost an hour practicing how to hit the drum properly, the positions they use, and how it all ties together.
The second half was more my thing, when I got given a tiny tambourine size drum and a stick with a ribbon. We began learning a dance that is going to be performed next year sometime, and bloody hell, talk about multitasking to the max! Everyone was so welcoming and even though that is miles away from me too, I really enjoyed it and can't wait to try again. Next time, I've promised myself to not just be aimlessly twirling myself around with a stick in my hand.
  

Kumamoto Sweetie Lady Bears

I know, what a name. I finally bit the bullet and dragged Sheridan along to try out some rugby with me. The girls were all so lovely and despite being a hot mess to say the least, I really enjoyed it! We actually train at the same sports park where the Rugby World Cup venue in Kumamoto is. The only downside is that there's a treacherous 40 minute trek to get there going through rice fields in the pitch black. If I don't blog again, you know I've been murdered by some haunted scarecrow.
I've no idea who saw me, but all the rugby lads at my junior high the next day were nagging me about when I'd come to watch them. This month, my schedule ties in really nicely with theres, so I'll actually be able to go and support them like they want.

In terms of the activities I've chosen, I'm a bit worried for my clumsy self being in proximity of my students. I now play rugby with two students, and go taiko drumming with another. The rugby girls kept it quiet until I saw them in school, cue me feeling like an awful person. My junior high school has 600 students alone, so I have to cut myself some slack when it comes to recognizing my elementary school students which are in utter abundance.
I can see it happening now though:
"Why do you have a broken arm?" "Keito-sensei tackled me."
"Why have you got a black eye?" "Keito-sensei hit me with a drum stick."
Nothing is sacred in this city anyway, since the Chinese whisper culture of what the foreigner is up to is ridiculous. Let's just hope I don't actually injure the kids.