Pax Aeternum

Cali '11: 4. Venice Beach and Melrose

2012-01-24T21:30:00.010+09:00

Venice Beach is an excellent place to take street photos. As is Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.
They're both so fantastic that I went to each place twice.

enjoi

Camera: Leica M6, Nikon FE2
Roll: * Kodak Trix 400, Kodak Portra 400 pushed 1 stop, Kodak Ektar 100

         * Dear Kodak,

            I still use three distinct films that you make,
            please don't discontinue any of these and get your ish together, thanks!

            from,
            a loyal fan

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Be aware!

But peace

She was dancing her way into the light when she turned and smiled.

When I grow up, I'm going to be...

The facade of choices

Dinner with Jungle at Umami Burger. Highly recommended!

Lunch at Blu Jam Cafe. Also, highly recommended!

Do you see the dude?

My Beautiful cousins!

Dang, I miss the California sunset.

Just be aware of what's going on. That's part of it.

Is it too difficult to have both freedom and peace?
Maybe I'm asking for too much.

pax | previously : [ Cali '11: 3. Of Prose and Punchbowls ]

Cali '11: 3. Of Prose and Punchbowls

2012-01-17T22:53:00.011+09:00

As always, (or perhaps just these past two winters in Seoul) the build up to Christmas faded as quickly as it had arrived. After attending the midnight service with my parents and decided to wait until the morning to drive out to the Devil's Punchbowl fearing that would be sending the wrong message to Man upstairs. Well not quite, but you get the picture. So the next morning, I joined Louis and Chris at LT's sweet bachelor pad in Studio City, before taking off for the California highways towards the San Gabriel Mountains to meet our seven adventurous friends at the Devil's Punchbowl.

I had been waiting for this moment for a long time.

As much as wandering the streets with my film photographers here in Seoul is enjoyable, I genuinely wanted to go on these photo missions with my friends from back home. Maybe, it's because I do the same circuit route in Seoul nearly every weekend. A change of scenery was much needed. Every time I saw a blog post about a trip made out in the American Great Outdoors, I can't help but be envious of their adventures. Usually I am out with one or two other photographers, and so in many ways, shooting with a larger group was refreshingly difficult. What I mean is that when there are only one or two other photographers with you, the wolf pack moves much faster and effortlessly, covering more ground with decisions processed quicker than with a substantially larger group, of say ten or more photographers. You are a bit limited to what you can do, especially when time is of the essence. Nonetheless, I had a fantastic time exploring the great California outdoors, hanging out with my friends, and snapping photos across the beautiful, scenic, and fascinating rock formations that make up part of the Punchbowl. Really though, check out Andrew's (inhousegoods) incredible video from our trip.

Wow, don't you wish you were there?

I am thankful to have come across many talented, artistic, and creative people in my life. I definitely wouldn't be where I am (artistically) without the influences of some of these good people. In essence, we are all artists. We paint our experiences, draw our stories, and share ideas through vast mediums that include photography, videography, and writing (to name a few). Before picking up photography, my strongest artistic medium was writing. However, after focusing most of my raw and creative energy into photography, I am not so sure. They say, "a photograph is worth a thousand words," and yes, to a certain degree that may be true. And thus, perhaps, by taking hundreds of photographs throughout the years I may have tricked myself into thinking that I have been saying hundreds of thousands of words all along. Or, perhaps my photographs have not been saying much, if anything at all.

(Side note: I couldn't help but laugh at myself for adding text to my photography. I didn't realize at the time that I would be writing about writing. Perhaps, I should have left it out.)

Writing is an important part of what sets us apart from the rest of the species that inhabit this planet. A single thought cannot become a reality without becoming a word that we speak, which in turn are structured into poetic sentences and justified paragraphs that have the potential to become speeches that move nations. It is necessary that we pass on these invaluable inheritances to future generations. Without it, everything will be forgotten.

Now for some photographs,
enjoi

Camera: Leica M6, Nikon FE2
Roll: Fujifilm Pro400H, Kodak Portra 400 pushed 1 stop, Kodak Trix 400

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If only Rocky was positioned to the left a little bit more...

Richie, Jungle, and Chris.

No really, that thing looks much bigger in real life.

Moar rocks.

Doesn't he blend in so effortlessly?

Chris G. says V

The light was harsh.

Ridiculous, I know.

What you see from the Viewpoint.

Having been separated from the group, we sat here for a good fifteen to twenty minutes trying to figure out which direction they had gone. With the sunlight receding, we thought maybe the group had continued down the path. But, the path itself seemed to be taking us back to the parking lot and away from the jagged rock formations that we were trying to get to. We needed to make a move, and quick. So we decided to continue down the path until Jeff stopped us, and said, "Wait, is this the right decision?" Then we started laughing hysterically, because we had been sitting at the viewpoint for a good fifteen to twenty minutes only to be at the same predicament, just thirty meters away. Eventually, we went back to the viewpoint, crossed over the wooden railing that said "Do not enter" and made our way to the jagged rock formations through uncharted territory. Suffice to say, we made it. But, dang I wish you were there to experience that uncontrollable explosion of laughter with us.

There they are!

Just look at that light!

Rocky conquering the steep grade.

Pretty colors.

Loving the background, and I feel like a rocket is going to fly out of Keny's Mamiya.

Searching for answers.

"Write or Die." - pdhl

Christina Jung [ http://telltalecity.blogspot.com/ ] [ her post ]
Louis Trinh [ http://www.louistrinh.com ] [ his post ]
Garrick Fujii [ http://garrickfujii.com/ ] [ his post ]
Ken Radomski [ http://haserad.com/ ]
Jeff Tang [ http://12fv.com/ ]
Andrew Truong [ http://inhousegoods.tumblr.com/ ]
Rocky Halim [ http://visualfool.blogspot.com/ ]
Chris Gayomali [ http://chrigz.tumblr.com/ ]
Richie Kim [ http://richardkim.tumblr.com/ ]

pax | previously: [ Cali '11: 2. A Study of Light and the Library ]

Cali '11: 2. A Study of Light & the Library

2012-01-12T09:16:00.013+09:00

I'm getting old.

Either that, or I can't hang with the young guns any more. I'm not even going to blame it on the jet lag. Oh, and the last few shots from the previous post were from my friend's Long Beach home. I wish I had more pictures from that night, but a lot of them came out darker than I had expected so they didn't make the cut. Nonetheless, when I woke up on the couch the following morning, I was greeted by sun light entering softly through the windows undisturbed, providing ambient warmth to everything it touched and giving me a fantastic opportunity to take photographs indoors. Slowly everyone else started waking up, and with the remaining survivors, we walked over to a local cafe to get some delicious iced lattes. I wish Korea had better coffee. Well I take that back, mediocre coffee is better than no coffee.

Afterwards, Jeff, Ken, Garrick, and I made it up to Huntington Library to take some photographs. I remember the area being much bigger in the past. Maybe my perspectives have changed.
Or, I'm getting old.

Oh, & I added some typography, inspired by none other than 12fv.
enjoi

Camera: Leica M6, Superheadz Ultra Wide and Slim
Roll: rerolled Kodak Trix 400, Kodak Gold 200

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I remember waking up shivering in an awkward position next to Jeff cause someone had left the kitchen window open.

Do you see what I mean?

Earl Joooones.

Alan Paradiso, currently managing construction sites.

Kota (alias "Jap Attack"), currently a student at CSULB

Jeff (alias 12fv), artist & unusually melancholic.

To Hungtington Library we go

Keny looking through Garrick's Contax 645.

Jeff looking through Keny's Mamiya rz67.

I love trees.

Even funky ones.

So does he.

Bamboo! Unfortunately most of this area was closed off and when we tried to go in, the security promptly told us to get out.

Garrick, currently helping patients as a nurse.

Would be cool to live there.

The fiery California sunset, oh how I love you so.

"Californians invented the concept of lifestyle.
This alone warrants their doom." - Don DeLillo

Ken Radomski [ http://haserad.com/ ]
Jeff Tang [ http://12fv.com/ ]
Garrick Fujii [ http://theyshootfilm.com/ ]

pax | previously: [ Cali '11: 1. Homecoming ]

Cali '11: 1. Homecoming

2012-01-11T08:44:00.010+09:00

I felt like a war-battered crusader returning home.

Well not exactly. But having been away for over two years, everything seemed different. Though much of it, on the surface at least, seemed the same. LAX hadn't changed, the weather, in the upper 70's, was as usual, and King Taco was as good as it ever was. However, one of the first things I noticed was how much my parents had aged. In our childhood we admire our parents for many reasons - their intelligence, wisdom, and possibly even size. But when I walked into my dad's office that day, I noticed immediately that he didn't carry the same energetic aura as before. It made me realize that our days are numbered. Nonetheless, it was really great seeing my parents and I miss them so much already. After lunch, we visited my grandma at the convalescent home. She had received a stroke five years ago, and her inability to tend for herself brought her here. Once again I was reminded of the frailties of aging and life. How no one is ever granted immortality. I told myself that I didn't have time to waste. That every single second is a precious, non-refundable piece of life.

Doesn't mean that we can enjoy ourselves here and there though, right?
Just some thoughts for the day, now onto the photographs from California!
enjoi

Camera: Leica M6, Superheadz Ultra Wide and Slim
Roll: rerolled Kodak Trix 400, Kodak Portra 400

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Iesus Nazaraenus Rex Iudaeorum

My aunt and my grandma.

My dad.

Omar, currently studying for his D.D.S.

Catherine, currently studying for her J.D.

Ken, currently teaching in Japan.

Omar's Nikkomat's bottom plate.

T-shirt's in the middle of December.

Omar and Jungle in the distance.

The diver.

I love California.

& her blue skies, the sun as it falls over the Pacific, and the silhouettes that form.

Jungle in action!

At the old school arcade in Redondo Beach.

Ken attempting to eat a jawbreaker in one bite.

See ya later Omar!

It's 21 Fahrenheit (-6 Celius) deg in Seoul right now.
Take me back to Cali please!

pax

Transitioning to yet another Winter

2011-12-12T00:24:00.001+09:00

While crowded with tourists, a reason I enjoy shooting around Myeongdong and Insadong is that there are so many unique characters around. I have yet to bump into the same random person that I have photographed before (excluding pojangmacha ahjummas). While the neon lit buildings, the stone covered walls, and those long stretched roads stay the same, the subjects do not. Maybe that's why I don't mind walking around the same places in Seoul over and over again. It's becoming kind of ~~a routine~~ an adventure, ~~but~~ and something I look forward to doing during the weekends.

On another note, while the colors are fantastic during the spring, summer, and fall, it does get a bit dreary here during the winter. A sea of black and charcoal emotions. The intrepid Seoulite breathing out his warmth. Condensation fogging windows, and the occasional colorful beanie lighting up the melancholy streets.

Alas, winter is here.
enjoi

Camera: Leica M6
Roll: Fuji Superia 400, Kodak Tmax 400

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New school vs. Old school

Jjangu!

And yet not a single drop of rain, or snow was present that day.

Functionality vs. Aesthetics

Touristas.

I wish I had gotten her contact, maybe she'll come across my blog one day.

Over the course of two+ years here, I have always been fascinated with Latin/South Americans who have made it out to Seoul to perform in the streets here. We spoke briefly in Spanish, then I gave him a 천원 for taking the photo.

Just one of those perspective days.

Is it Christmas already?

Maybe I'll make a photo-book of Free Huggers around Seoul.

I want to grow old and stylish holding my wife's hand as we walk down that road.

It wasn't raining, nor was it sunny.

Not a single F was given that day.

Looks like he's kind of levitating.

I think this is my favorite shot of the entire post.

B/W FTW!

pax

Good Company

2011-11-29T01:24:00.002+09:00

Kelly, James, Andrew, and I made our way from Chungmuro to Dongdaemun. We walked around Gwangjang Market, which is supposedly one of the oldest markets in the Korea. Inside, ahjummas/halmunis (auntie/grandma's) are working hard behind rows of pojangmacha's (street food vendors) serving up octopus legs, intestines, and pig feet. Of course, there are the ddeokbokki/odeng (spicy rice cake/fish cake) stalls brewing in between the sizzling bindaeduks (korean pancake) frying over the flat top grill, and the delicious bori-bibimbap (vegetables over multigrain rice) urging us to sit down and eat. Afterwards, we walked over to Hyehwa to find a new place to photograph. There was a crowd gathered in front of an outdoor stage and the light was nice, so we peeked around a bit, snapped some shots, and did a big loop around the area before heading out to Itaewon for the night.

There's always so much to see when you're walking around.
While you can easily cover more ground riding a bike,
you definitely miss out on the subtleties of everyday life.

I went through another expired Fuji Superia 400 film last saturday. I'm not sure why I bought so much in the first place, but I like the grain that accompanies it. As for the M6, I feel like we're starting to understand each other. While shooting completely manual is challenging, it is also insanely enjoyable, and has brought street photography to a whole nother level for me. Nonetheless, while I am far from perfecting the use of this beautiful German machine, I look forward to every chance with her.

enjoi

Camera: Leica M6
Roll: expired Fuji Superia 400

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I remember this alley being darker in real life.

I prefer the grittiness of the old Seoul,

compared to the modern westernized one.

The only picture of the vendors I took while inside Gwangjang Market.

"Gate of Rising Benevolence."

On the way to Hyehwa.

Don't smoke kids.

He waited 5 hours to get his turn to jam on the guitar,

Only to make fun of the crowd while banging on his snare.

I think I'm in love with my M6.
Now that winter is approaching,
time to throw in some B&W!

pax

Leica M6

2011-11-20T06:26:00.011+09:00

Staring down this rabbit hole, I would have never guessed that I would have been so taken away by cameras. Living in Seoul didn't help either. I visit a certain area of central Seoul called Chungmuro, no bigger than a half square kilometer, at least three to four times a month. In this tiny half square kilometer, there are about 15 or so stores that are stocked with a plethora of film cameras. Every time I walk by one of these windows, I can't help but to look at one particular camera that has been entrancing me with it's elegance. The Leica M6, a fully manual camera built by the predecessors to Ernst Leitz GmbH in the mid-80's. Once I played with one I knew I had to have it some day. Though I didn't know that that day would arrive so quickly. So when a friend was selling hers, I decided that I would make that jump. Unfortunately, I had to part ways with the Voigtlander Bessa R3A (a fun 35mm Range Finder to test) to help fund the cost of the M6, and due to a small problem with the rewind lever I had to wait a week before I could actually run some test rolls. Also, manually setting everything from the shutter speed to f/stop and the focus ring has slowed me down considerably. Shooting all manual is definitely challenging coming from cameras that had an aperture priority setting that allows the shooter to simply set the f/stop while the camera picks the shutter speed automatically to create the correct exposure. Nonetheless, shooting a Leica M6 is INSANELY fun - I've been secretly giggling inside every time I hear the shutter go off. It really takes street photography to a whole other level! That being said, I've got a lot of work to do!

enjoi

Camera: Leica M6
Rolls: Expired Fuji Superia 400

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The evolution of two-wheeled vehicles.

Not sure how I feel about this.

The oranjana man.

The 50mm certainly gives me more distance between the subject.

lol, click here.

Amarisse

Her oversized crewneck.

o.0

Lance, bike shop owner and guitar enthusiast.

Can melt your face with his Chavel.

Jorge, magazine photographer and fixie meister.

Can outrun you on his Cinelli Vigorelli.

My after work cool down for the past week (they were on sale).
I can't wait to throw in some black and white film once the weather gets gloomy.

color for now

pax

Daemosan

2011-10-28T23:41:00.006+09:00

the tree line bends, yet never wavers.
no tree stands alone in these mountains.

the foliage thickens deeper into the path.

what lies ahead is certain due to those who have wandered these trails before.

the air is clean and the whiff crisp.
like the crunch of leaves under each benevolent footstep.

it is the forest that speaks to us.
organic, natural, and earthly.
we walk in unintentional synchronization to the sounds of the fauna.

right, left, right, left.
with no regard to civilization.
these woods have no room for unneeded sophistication.

here nature prevails.

the ascent increases ever so slightly.
and be wary of the loose gravel.
a step can cause your downfall.

entranced by the senses, we continue on.
a magpie flies eloquently through the skyline.
secretly it watches us through it's careful gaze.
i stop for a deep breath.

inhale, exhale.

the pristine air is good.
good for the body, the mind, and the soul.
the path levels and we reach the peak.

the tree line opens for us.

seoul in all her majesty.

rows and columns of buildings, roads, and human activity bustling with activity.
for that moment i am glad to be away from the congestion and manifestation of ourselves.

as we descend i am reminded of what is of importance in this world.

for it is nature that will outlast any of us.

pax

Voigtlander Bessa R3A

2011-10-14T00:59:00.011+09:00

I've gotten completely analog.

Not that I have anything against using digital machines. I just find that using a digital camera is not as enjoyable (for a lack of a better word). But why film? Primarily, the whole manual process of loading a canister of film into the spool, setting the iso, winding 0 - firing, winding 00 - firing again; then manually focusing, setting the aperture, and the shutter speed to get that near perfect exposure for each of the 36 (give or take, mostly take) raw frames (that don't need to be touched up, or edited afterwards) is what makes photography so much more enjoyable for me.

So, I traded in my D7000 for a Voigtlander R3A. It's a rangefinder, which means it uses a dual-image range finding device. You have to line-up the two images for your subject to be in focus. It's definitely a lot more trickier than a SLR. One of the biggest pros of using a rangefinder is it's size and compactness, which makes it ideal for the type of photography I enjoy, that is, street. Next, it's a lot quieter than a mirror flipping SLR (no pun intended). The only thing that bothers me is that I can't focus anything under 0.7 meters (about a foot) away. I guess I can use my SLR for that. All in all, the R3A has been one of the most enjoyable cameras I've used (aside from the Leicas). I don't think I'll be shooting with my FE2 for a while. =x

Rolls: Fuji Superia 400, Kodak Trix400, Kodak Tmax400, Kodak Portra 160nc, and Kodak Portra 800.
Can you guess which ones are which?
Hope you enjoy them!

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Lauren and her Rolleiflex.

I am impressed with the bokeh on this beautiful lens.

I wonder what my wardrobe will look like a few decades from now.

Such a natural model she is.

Romin and some Japanese tourists. Thanks for letting me in on the workshop. Check out his site [here].

Missed the initial subjects, but caught the lady.

What a beautiful slice of focus.

Watch out kid, the shadows gunna get ya!

Amarisse and her beautiful M6.

My favorite photo from this roll of Mary and Ross.

She said a few words to her friend before taking a seat to light one up.

So does he land it?

Shooting film until the singularity takes over.

He wanted a photograph with James. I don't think he understood that I wanted a portrait of him.

Surprised how well this one came out.

And this one. Both hand-held.

Sucker for oversized sweaters.

More film photography to come. Stay tuned!

pax | tumblr

Incheon Landings

2011-09-21T19:07:00.000+09:00

Being back-logged could have potentially disastrous effects. The accumulation of unfinished work means spending more time at the office. Fortunately, I enjoy spending time there. & though I'd rather be outside riding my bike, walking around, or taking more photographs, seeing the sets come together here is just as delightful.

A few months ago, Kelly, James, and I tried to bike from Songpa all the way to Incheon. Maybe 40-50 kilometers. The distance wasn't the problem. We ran out of bike lanes. As we tried to maneuver between eighteen wheelers on the highway, without a gps device, nor a map, we collectively decided that it might behoove us to either abandon our plans, or wait for other cyclists that might be making a similar trek that morning. Eventually, I spotted two cyclists heading in our direction and we just followed them to the nearest subway station. From there we made our way to Incheon.

Moral of the story?
Unless you want to get run over, know your route!

Roll: Kodak Ektar 100

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James and Kelly

feels soooo good posting a film set again

pax

Europa '11: 5. République Française - Les Voyages Forment la Jeunesse

2011-09-14T01:21:00.005+09:00

Les voyages forment la jeunesse // Travel broadens the mind.

A French quote I found fitting to this last part of our tour de France, if you will.
There's a chunk of photos and verbiage in this post. If you got the time, please indulge.

Having spent 3-4 exhausting hours in the crowded Louvre, we tried to check out the Maison Européenne de la Photographie, but it was closed. Fortunately, we met Laura, a curator for the MEP, as she was leaving. Though Henri Cartier-Bresson's work was not being showcased, I was particularly excited that the MEP was exhibiting Jane Evelyn Atwood's deeply humanistic and raw street photography. Regardless, the museum had just closed up shot, so Laura told us to come back "tomorrow," and directed us to the Pompidou Museum. When we got there, we found out that it had also just closed! Determined not to let these early-closing-museums get the best of us, we decided that we were going to drink our way to oblivion, whilst listening to French house music at the original Social Club...

But something else was in store for us that night...

Do you see what I see?

Love the film grain.

Laura, on the left. When I asked why she didn't smile. She replied, "It's a French thing."

The all-seeing-blood-shot-eye-of-riot-v.

Which way?

Haha clever.

As we were walking back to the direction of our hotel, I spotted some street art next to a building where some people were hanging outside a bar drinking mojitos. After the shot, I kept walking down the street until Mathieu, shouted out, "Hey, did you take a picture?" "Yes," I replied. "Can I see it?" "Uhm.. sure." I proceeded to show him the photograph, and then we decided to chill with him, and two amazingly fun dames françaises, Aurelie and Giulia. As the night progressed, we met Justin (a graffiti artist, aka "El Socier," spraying sauces all over Paris one can at a time), Thomas (the owner of the bar), and Jacque (a really cool guy who later hooked us up). We must have had around 10 drinks that night, from Mojitos to shots of vodka. I've got a funny video of Keny hammered, but I'm not sure what to do with it yet. Anyways, it was a really fun night, where our conversations were charged about our respective jobs, our differing cultures (from the European, to the American, and the Asian), the radical paths of our lives take us, our pasts, our futures, false stereotypes, art, graffiti, the Parisian lifestyle, California, Ireland?, Korean movies, Jewish jokes, places to see in Barcelona, what French food we should try, being abroad, traveling!, learning from others, being cultured, ex's and love, how to cheers in French (2 ways: Santé, and Chin-Chin), staying young, believing in something, being content with what we have, and just enjoying our short lives. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would meet such cool ~~Parisian~~ French people and I'm glad I took that photograph. Thanks for the great time, Giulia, Aurelie, Justin, Jacque, and Thomas!

The shot.

Random old German elderly man making to make some conversation.

I'm not sure how we made it back that night, but somehow we did. The following morning we decided to check out the MEP, and some other modern art museums. But, we got off to a late start having nearly blacked out the night before. Eventually we made our way to the MEP, where Jane Evelyn Atwood's photographic series of the prostitutes, the blind, women in prison, Jean-Louis/Vivre (who later died of AIDS), landmine victims, and those affected by the earthquake in Haiti just last year, were being shown. We weren't allowed to take any photos inside, so I don't have any from her exhibition, but I managed to take one from inside the building looking out. That night we made it back to the Face Bar, partied, and went back pretty early because we wanted to check out the Dali Museum before we left Paris.

Here are the last few bits.
Have fun!

The Essentials.

From the MEP.

Dude was high on something. He kept asking me why I took the shot. It was fired at the hip too with the Superheadz. Didn't think he'd notice.

Mini.

My fingers kept getting in the way of the lens on the Superheadz.

Begin Dali.

Thanks for the great memories, til next time Paris~

Previous: Europa '11: 4. République Française - La Tour Eiffel + Palais du Louvre
Now: Europa '11: 5. République Française - Les Voyages Forment la Jeunesse
Next: Europa '11: 6. Kingdom of Belgium - Best Waffles in the House

pax

Europa '11: 4. République Française - La Tour Eiffel + Palais du Louvre

2011-09-10T01:00:00.007+09:00

Welcome back.

I'm still enamored by the Parisian architecture and landmarks - with everything seemingly that much more mind-boggling in real life - especially the Eiffel Tower. TIL, the Eiffel Tower held the title as the tallest freestanding structure on land from 1889 to 1930 before getting overtaken by the Chrysler and Empire State Building in subsequent years (1930, 1931). I mean I've seen the Empire State building before, but being surrounded by other semi-tall buildings doesn't have that much of an impact as the Eiffel Tower, which is standing there in it's own historical might surrounded by tiny trees. Really though, it's better just to see it with your own eyes.

enjoi :p

Trying to get to the Eiffel Tower. Mission complete.

Baroque architecture?

Bottoms up, pimp.

In all her magnificence.

Once again, our Earth spins eastward.

My favorite shot of the Eiffel Tower.

Grab a Big Mac and Mcflurry before heading to the CineX...

Walking back to our hotel.

Plush.

Day 2

We decided to actually check out the artwork inside the Louvre, since we were told we would need at least one full day to see one miniscule section of the museum. However, we were running out of clean clothes, so we had to make a pit stop at the Lavatorie first to machine wash AND dry our clothes. I can't remember the last time I had access to a drying machine.

Cool mural.

Delicious smoothies and the best-tasting sandwiches I had in Europe!

An hour and a half later, a delicious sandwich, and smoothie later we made our way to the Louvre, albeit a few hours later than we had planned to. When we got there, not even the masses of people could have stopped us from seeing the entire museum. It would have been impossible to walk through all those exhibitions in a single day. So we decided to stick with the Sully. You'll be seeing a lot of Greco-Roman statues, a few Renaissance paintings, and the Mona Lisa. Just a fair warning, I think I took too many photos inside.

These are the ones that made the cut.
Have a look.

Finding the Louvre

Viola!

The Sully

And so it begins.

That's dope armor he's got there.

Alexander the Great.

Gold coated ceilings.

Not enough bokeh.

Venus.

There she is.

Had to get through that first.

David and Goliath, and Keny slitting throats.

Got scolded for taking this shot.

We've had enough of the Louvre, and enough of your pics for one day!

Previous: Europa '11: 3. République Française - Paris, tu es Magnifique!
Now: Europa '11: 4. République Française - La Tour Eiffel + Palais du Louvre
Next: Europa '11: 5. République Française - Les Voyages Forment la Jeunesse

pax

Europa '11: 3. République Française - Paris, tu es Magnifique!

2011-09-07T00:39:00.007+09:00

After sleeping in the streets of Madrid for a few hours I truly felt like a vagabond. Homeless. No access to clean facilities. No nothing. Long story short, we got kicked out of Jamie's apartment, because one of her roommates couldn't handle our awesomeness! So, we spent the night on a cement block in one of the alleys near the station where we had locked up our backpacks. When the sun began to rise, we made our way to Barajas airport to catch an early Easy Jet flight to France. Easy enough, when I woke up people were already shuffling along the aisles trying to beat each other out of the plane.

From Charles de Gaulle, we took a bus to the Arc de Triomph. We did a lot of walking that day, really. From Pigalle, to Belville, to Bastille along the River Seine, to the Louvre, then to the Eiffel Tower. From there we took the metro back to Pigalle and had an interesting dinner at the Vietnamese/Chinese restaurant nearby our hotel. It was as if Keny and I had stomped through each city. I'm glad I got to see parts of Paris that way, instead of getting shuttled around in an underground transit. I can't remember the last time I walked that much in a day. To compare, I guess it would be like the time I climbed down and up the Grand Canyon with my friends. Despite my exhausted legs, I felt an renewed strength and an incredible feeling of accomplishment. So keep walking my friends!

Lets have the pictures take over now.

enjoi :)

You really have to see the Arc de Triomph in real life. Such an impressive feat of architecture.

Dumas

l'mademoiselle m'a attrapé

Hotel Andre Gill, well recommended and a decent place to stay in Paris. Between Pigalle and Anvers stations, and the Red Light District (which we did not get to check out unfortunately). The room's were a bit small, but who stays inside their hotels during a backpacking trip?

Taylored. Reminds me: Every man needs at least one* fine suit. Yves Saint Laurent perhaps?

There's just something about smoking out of a pipe... & hipsters please do not ruin this.

BNE spotted.

We did a whole lotta walking.

Windowed reflections.

Shaved, fixed, & stunning.

First time drinking Cherry Coke since high school. No joke, I couldn't even remember the last time I had a sip.

Darn, missed the stogie in his hand. Kids... (sigh).. they can get away with almost everything.

Boop boop

Definitely had to check out the camera shop. Probably missed a few hidden gems.

Lonesome days at the park, catching up on the news.

Which way?

On route to the Eiffel Tower, strolling along the River Seine.

Get that ice cream, git it!

The history of France.

Reading by any river with your shoes off - probably one of the most soothing activities on this planet.

Outside the Louvre.

and inside. Simply spectacular.

Snap battles. I think Daft Punk might have been inspired by the Louvre.

Photo By: Ken Hasegawa Radomski.

Cool little water fountain area to chill at.

No fear.

Previous: Europa '11: 2. Espana - Madrid cont. & Holy Toledo
Now: Europa '11: 3. République Française - Paris, tu es Magnifique!
Next: Europa '11: 4. République Française - La Tour Eiffel + Palais du Louvre

pax

Europa '11: 2. Espana - Madrid cont. & Holy Toledo

2011-08-29T09:55:00.009+09:00

I didn't want to flood the first post with my frenetic shooting in Madrid from the first few days, so here are Days 3 & 4.

We went back to Retiro park to find a place to chill before checking out the Reina Sofia. There we saw works by Dali and Picasso. We got in just in time for the free admission, but were kicked out 45 minutes into it (cause the free admission was only for an hour), so we couldn't see the rest of the galleries. Nonetheless, it was pretty cool seeing Dali and Picasso's surrealism art. At night, we went to Lateral for Keny's birthday dinner, and thats where we ate the best tapas of our lives. The combinations of flavors were incredible mind-blowing, and my brain could not synthesize what was happening. I highly recommend anyone visiting Madrid to get the "Appetizer's Sampling" and the "Special Sampling" at Lateral. Worth every euro.

less talk, more ~~rock~~ photos.
enjoi :)

The couple pb: Jamie A.

The architecture still amazes me.

At the Reina Sofia.

Surreal, sexual, and sublime.

The street art in Madrid is rather beautiful.

Along with the street lights at night.

Hands down, the best tapas I've had in my life!

Holy Toledo.

On the recommendation of Jamie's friend, Nina, we decided to take a day trip to Toledo, a small, walled castle town south of Madrid surrounded by a moat. It was the first time I've ever seen such a medieval place - high brick walls, swords, tourists, one way streets - in real life. Sure, we've all seen or read about the Adventures of Robin Hood, and envisioned the fabled Knights of the Round Table and Excalibur in our dreams, but actually walking through these narrow corridors, in between the shadows of light caught by the zigzag nature of it's design, I imagined myself wearing a suit of armor and my longsword unsheathed. It was a good day of exploration into Espana's past. Little did we know that we would be in for a surprise when we got back to Jamie's.

Game of Thrones.

Falchion, Scimitar, Broadsword, Longsword, Greatsword.

The Pope was in town for World Youth Day, though we missed him.

Having a drink to cool down.

They ran out of watermelon, and peach? so I opted for lime.

The sun is good.

Alright Gasol, I know the NBA's locked out right now, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't be working on your game. Especially after how Dirk worked you in the playoffs last season.

I believe this might have been the Royal palace(?) Jamie can probably tell you what it is.

I love seeking light at night.

Previous: Europa '11: 1. Espana - Bienvenido a Madrid
Now: Europa '11: 2. Espana - Madrid cont. & Holy Toledo
Next: Europa '11: 3. République Française - Paris, tu es Magnifique!

pax

Europa '11: 1. Espana - Bienvenido a Madrid

2011-08-26T20:22:00.013+09:00

On route to Madrid Barajas Aeropuerto.

Globe trotting - one of the most mind-expanding, culture-enhancing, and life-learning experiences one could do. It is without a doubt, that most people would travel, given the opportunity to do so. They say, when we are in our youth we have time, but no money. Later, when we get older we have money yet no time. Such a paradox. I am thankful to have been given such an opportunity to see the world now still, while I have a little of both.

After being on a plane for over 16 hours (one way from Incheon to Moscow then Madrid), I realized how important flight has been towards advancing our species; a trek that would have normally taken months, reduced less than 24 hours. It's no wonder why culturally people in Asia are different from people in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and even Africa. Internally, we are all same in that we have blood running through our veins, hearts to pump the blood, brains to think, muscles to move, skeletons to keep everything together. The only difference is in our exterior, the pervasive and dictating colors of our skin. That alone has the power to influence one's fate, to mobilize entire countries, and to map the planet into racial boundaries only accessible through a passport.

To be free from racial prejudices, fictitious stereotypes, and ideological discrimination, one needs to see the world outside their own neighborhood. One needs to breathe the air from the other side of the planet.

1. MADRID

Out of all the cities we visited, I think Madrid "wowed" me the most. The architectural designs have withstood history (for now), and the beautiful streets, corridors, and plazas truly make this place magical, day or night. I have not seen any other place in Europe like it. I was too enamored by all the fascinating designs, that I had to constantly stop myself from taking too many pictures of just buildings! In regard to food, aside from tapas, I think we ate a baguette with some meat and cheese at least once a day. I was already craving rice a few days in, but it was nice to have a change up in my diet. It was also fantastic to have a competent guide with us on our trip. Jamie, who is teaching English in Madrid, was our wonderful host for the weekend, and she made this first leg of the trip a lot easier and fun for us. Thank you Jamie!

Now to begin my visual story.
enjoi :D

Little did we know that this would be us at the end of our trip.

Spare some humanity please.

Nina, Lauren, Keny, Jamie.

Plaza del Sol after midnight.

The view from Jamie's apartment.

Tapas. The first of many.

A gypsy outside the Mercado de San Miguel. I gave her some change after taking her photograph.

BW makes architecture more exciting.

En Dios Confiamos

Ultra wide and slim on Superia 400

For Syria.

They're both Jeff. But, I know them as Sugi and Tang.

Then there's Beans and Tomo.

Omabu, Beans, and Keny.

Our Espana group.

Keny and me on a boat in the middle of Retiro Park.

Ray, Beans, and Chewie.

One of my favorite street performers.

My favorite candid moment of Lauren.

Dogs in Europe are all huge. They make dogs in Korea look like fleas.

A little bit of street photography here and there.

There's a lot more on the way. Consider this the tip of the iceberg!
I hope these photographs only inspire you to travel in the near future.

Now: Europa '11: 1. Espana - Bienvenido a Madrid
Next: Europa '11: 2. Espana - Madrid cont. & Holy Toledo

pax

Harabuji Park Revisited

2011-08-03T00:03:00.008+09:00

There's a little park out of Jongro 3-ga Station where all the "harabuji" (grandpa) gather to play "baduk". It is a rather simple game. Two players take turns placing one black or white stone on a 19x19 grid. The game ends when one player has tallied up more territory, or one surrenders. How difficult can it be? Very difficult actually. I started learning 1 week ago from my "hyung." As he was teaching me the basics of the game, I realized how much more complex baduk really was. One's strategic arsenal involves making connections, severing the opponent's route, respecting mutual spaces, making "houses", avoiding and welcoming death, invading the opponent's territory, reducing the opponent's territory, entrapping, and making sacrifices. At the end of the week, I couldn't even put a dent into his game, but I finally won one game yesterday... against his 7 year-old son. We were neck and neck, both acquiring territory across the board, until 1 stone changed the entire dynamic of the game. Call it the game-changer, but sometimes that 1 stone is all it takes to change everything.

enjoi :)

(taken Sept. 2010)

"A coward dies a thousand deaths, the brave die but once."
-Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare

pax

Street Photography

2011-07-08T10:49:00.004+09:00

Life is always moving just as we are, and within mere milliseconds, I just want to frame and capture that "decisive moment," as HCB so eloquently put it. Henri Cartier-Bresson, considered one of the founding fathers of "street photography," with the likes of Robert Doisneau, Robert Frank, Daido Moriyama, and Gary Winogrand (just to name a few), has been a huge inspiration for many photographers around the world. "Street Photography" is still a relatively new field of photography. Less than eighty years old, it is by my own definition, an unadulterated, candid, & honest replication of reality. It preserves the times and spirit of an era, and that is why I am still so fascinated with the photographs from the mid-1950s. It makes me wonder how much the world will change fifty years from now, and how we will view a place like Seoul then. Though many argue that the digital realm can be manipulated and "falsified" through post-processing work, I believe the image itself can convey a multitude of emotions; from happiness, sadness, to love, hate, and life and death. By having a journalistic approach to street photography, we can bring these emotions back to life from that single image.

enjoi :)

"We must place ourselves and our camera in the right relationship with the subject, and it is in fitting the latter into the frame of the viewfinder that the problems of composition begin. This recognition, in real life, of a rhythm of surfaces, lines, and values is for me the essence of photography; composition should be a constant preoccupation, being a simultaneous coalition – an organic coordination of visual elements. Composition does not just happen; there must be a need for expression, and substance cannot be divorced from form." - Henri Cartier-Bresson - February 22, 1968.

pax

Sexy Red

2011-06-30T01:34:00.004+09:00

For the homies, and please check em out!

timtomo

haserad

12fv labs

Everland

2011-06-28T01:58:00.004+09:00

I haven't posted a film set in a while. These were taken over a month ago around Seoul here and there, and during a trip to Everland, aka the Korean version of Disneyland with my co-workers. I'm guessing they got all their caucasian looking workers from Eastern Russia, or somewhere on Kamchatka. Oh, how I've missed shooting only film.

Roll: Kodak Tri-X 400 (aka. my favorite b/w roll)

the university where my Uncle teaches

the Korean version of Tinkerbell

the coworkers

bang bang

pax

If Life were in Reverse Order

2011-06-07T11:11:00.004+09:00

Found these two siblings clutching each other's hands walking under a bridge by the Cheonggyecheon (청계천) and it reminded me of a time when I was young and carefree. Twenty five years have flooded by deftly, and here I am back to the land that brought me into this world. In the end, I hope to be holding hands again with someone I love.

who says we can't stay young?

pax

The Transience of Age

2011-06-03T22:16:00.004+09:00

I felt compelled to shoot with my dslr today, having reverted back to film last weekend. While outside, I messed around in manual mode, and wow, it took me a while to get back into it. For me shooting street photography manually is rather challenging (in an exciting way). Maybe, it's because I don't have time to ask the subject to hold a position, or to look a certain way. Everything is instantaneous. That decisive moment (HCB). cliche. I know. But, it's true. Shooting manual makes it that much more challenging. Since you're always shifting through the dials: changing the shutter speed, adjusting the aperture, manually focusing, composing, etc. If the subject is still then it's cake, but once movement is involved, you have to make sure that you're on top of everything. I totally overexposed a few photos, because I forgot to bring down the shutter speed. =/ Nonetheless, I had an incredibly great time walking around my hood, and snapping away those special moments of time that would forever be part of our visual history.

In the process, one particular photograph stood out to me.

"Like Mother, Like Daughter"

Family relationships are valued highly in Korea (and I'm sure in many geographic locations around the world). The respect for elders is a common thread in the Korean society, and one who loses ties with the family is seen as an outsider - a disconnect. I think that this familial connection is one of the most important features of life. Without our families, we are nothing. I'm sure, for reasons out of our control, there are many broken families. My hope is that those who are in need of that very important connection are able to find it through other bonds, kin aside. After looking at the photo again, I couldn't help but be drawn to their glasses, and their aged smiles.

& here are a few keepers from today.
I hope you enjoi them!

When we were young.

pax

Jamsil to Hongdae

2011-05-26T22:29:00.006+09:00

One of many New Year's resolutions for 2011 was to create a video of Seoul. Without any adequate filming tools, I had spent the past few months diligently perusing the internets, reading review upon review, and streaming through seemingly endless "test" footage. All those late night hours spent came down to the Canon S95 (highly rated compact point and shoot), the Lumix GH2 (beautifully crafted micro 4/3rds that can shoot HD video), and the Nikon D7000 (superbly rated prosumer DSLR). I couldn't justify using a Canon product, nor a micro 4/3rds camera without a viewfinder. In the end, the D7000 won (though I knew that that was what I wanted to use from the get-go).

This is my ~~first~~ second attempt at editing a short video (the first time was for the TSM SPOP Intro video). I definitely have a whole newfound respect for those that spend hours editing, cutting, rendering, compressing, transferring, and eventually uploading a video to the internets. Even then, I really had no idea what I was doing. There are no color edits, no filters, nothing Hollywood here, but it was a great learning experience. I am uber-excited to shoot more footage, and to expand my levels of creativity.

Here goes nothing & I hope you enjoi!

you can catch the HD version on Vimeo.

pax

Reboot to Digitalism

2011-05-24T12:27:00.009+09:00

As much as I love shooting film, I forgot how much fun shooting digital was. Economics, efficiency, and enjoyment aside, shooting digital definitely has it's perks. I can go on and on about how digital and film are this and that, but I'm not here to sway you one way or another. One reason I reverted back to digital: creating videos. Sure, I could have gotten a small point and shoot that shot 1080p, but there are certain facets that would be amiss ie., manual focusing. Also, I would be able to take high quality photos without being too hesitant about taking the shot. Nonetheless, I find myself taking photographs as if I am still holding onto my 35mm slr: slow, methodical, and patient.

Other than the megapixels numbers game, improved ISO ranges, and HD video capabilities that come with D7000, I feel like I'm neglecting my FE2.

What do you think?

pax

For Your Eyes Only

2011-05-11T01:18:00.004+09:00

Been away from the game for what seems to be a while, when in all actuality it's been only two weeks. I guess I've been busy during the past two weekends, and with rainy season storming in and out, most of my adventurous spirits have been directed in other places. Anyways, I spent a saturday with my Aunt and her family in Bundang, then went to Everland with the coworkers the following morning. This past weekend, I met up with James and Eun-ju at the Dongmyo Flea Market, had lunch (which included: bibimbap, kimchi jjigae, and pa-jun), and snapped a few shots before we headed west. At Dongdaemun station we hopped on the subway to Chungmuro, where James dropped off some rolls, and then we headed to Namdaemun to take some photographs of the outdoor markets and stalls there. I ended up finding a nice blue summer jacket for my grandma for Parent's Day (Korean Holiday & since my parents are back in the States), and she was pleasantly delighted when she tried it on. That night we met up with Jamie and Elysabeth, whom I have not seen in awhile, to see a Lantern Festival Parade near Jonggak Station. It was a beautiful sight, until all the lanterns started looking the same. Afterwards, we headed to Hongdae to have a few drinks before retiring early in the night. On Sunday, I went over to my grandma's house for Parent's Day, and had a meal of epic proportions. All in all, it was a fantastic day spent with my relatives. I'm not sure if they'll ever see this, but - Thank you. Thank you for everything!

Anyways, here are a few pictures from a few weeks ago.
I hope you enjoi them!

Roll:
1. Kodak Portra 400nc

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when all it meant was to be safe

giddy up

will post
another one soon
stay tuned

pax

Digital Graffiti

2011-04-25T21:06:00.009+09:00

(... continued from the last post)

The following day, I met up with Kelly and Lauren in Chungmuro. Since we all had rolls to drop off, and needed to resupply our dwindling dedicated film ziplock bags. On top of that Kelly decided to get himself a new toy, and one I am very, VERY close to acquiring myself. Nikon's current flagship DSLR, and le Magnifique, the ultra sexy D7000. However, having used my film 35mm for the past... nine, going on ten months, [shooting] film makes it a lot harder to let go. I mean, I think I've created some of my best photographs using my FE2! On top of that, my brotha in Nihon, Ken, recently traded in his D90, some lens, and upgraded to the D7000 as well. I'm nowhere near being a professional photographer, but having played with the D7000, I have to say, it's an impressive work of machinery! I've read pages and pages of reviews, but nothing comes closer than actually having it in your hands, and firing away a few shots, or simply watching the autofocus do it's magic in the live view mode. What to do, what to do... Instead of the D7000, I ended up buying some macro filters (kind of like magnifiers) that you can just twist onto your filter. It acts like a macro lens, but at a fraction of the price.

Anyways, after Kelly bought his new baby, we headed to Craftworks to charge the new batteries for the D7000, and to try their new IPA, called the Jirisan Moonbear. A tad too bitter for my palette. Perhaps IPA's are suppose to have that bitterness, but the Moonbear tended to linger too much afterwards. Heavy in alcoholic content, I had to wash down the vicious aftertaste of the Moonbear with the effervescent, sweet, and banana milk flavored Baekdusan Hefeweizen.

There's something about typography that adds an interesting dimension to photography. The millions upon billions of combinations of words, fonts, and styles makes it a lot more difficult than it seems. I sort of see it as the title, or the caption of the photograph; a direct imprint of my thoughts onto the canvas. It's subtle, yet powerful, directing the viewers to a particularly explicit idea.

For more check these out: Ken, Christina, 12fv.

Roll:
1. Kodak Portra 160nc

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the "Sel-ca"

a newly created word by Korean netizens,
which stands for taking pictures of yourself

pax

A Fleeting Reminder of Spring

2011-04-25T19:50:00.018+09:00

Hope you all enjoyed the Ilford Delta 3200! An awesome friend of mine, Beans, whose primary mode of photography is the Holga MF 120, passed along some valuable info regarding the 3200. As a nature enthusiast, and one who is constantly seeking adventure through the urban jungle, his work is an awesome collection of creativity and striking double exposures. Supposedly, the 3200 film's true speed is around 1000. Which means, I pushed the entire roll about 2 stops! For all film photographers, it is definitely worth experimenting with. Next time, I'll try to shoot the roll at 800 or 1600 and see what results I get.

After the final shot of the Delta, I promptly reloaded with a Kodak Portra 160nc to capture the true essence of the cherry blossoms. They're beautiful flowers really, and probably one of my favorites. The morning started off with a hasty bike ride to Yeoido (a small island floating off the southeast side of Seoul on the Han River), because I had to be back in time for work. There was a slight overcast that day, so I couldn't contrast the pinkish hues of the cherry blossoms against the sky blue backdrop as I had anticipated! Nonetheless, I am glad to have seen these flowers in full bloom, unlike last year, where I caught them towards the end of their brief and momentary lives. Imagine if we only "lived" for a few weeks, what would (could?) you (possibly) do during that time? In retrospect to time, we are like these cherry blossoms, a constant metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life. Mortality is what makes us human, but what of the soul? Isn't that what lives on forever? The soul immortalizes us all. Just something to think about. Anyways, the last few photos from this roll were taken the following morning. It's becoming an interesting habit.

enjoi!

Roll:
1. Kodak Portra 160nc

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Cherry Blossoms in Seoul, 2011

감자탕 (pork bone soup) & incredibly delicious.

another fe2 shooter in seoul.

one day...

... i'm going to have an M6

pax

Grainy Daze

2011-04-25T10:05:00.001+09:00

Call it street photography, or pseudo-portraiture, ever since my incredibly talented photographer friend, Tigran, told me to arm myself with a 35 mm lens, and to take candid photos of people, I haven't looked back. When I first shot with my dslr, I really had no concept of how intricate a camera really was (& I'm still learning everyday). Minus the apertures, shutter speeds, and ISOs working elaborately together with delicate precision to recreate a brief moment, if not a blip, in time with perfect exposure, I genuinely had no idea what I was doing. f/3.5? auto-ISO? white balance?! 1/4000?!?! what the heck did all this mean?!?! As if that wasn't enough to digest. I'd simply set my camera to Program mode, point at something that looked appealing, half-press the shutter, wait a split second for the auto-focus to kick in, and then fire away. Even before the dslr, when I toyed around with a point and shoot, all I really thought about was how the photo looked in the rear screen, and didn't even bother to think about what the numbers meant. I can't say that I have a complete and thorough understanding of photography today, but I'm glad to have a little bit more knowledge in this field than a few years ago. Though shooting film has relegated all dslr terminology to the bottom bracket, I've got only six things to worry about: the framing, making sure my ISO is "correct", the f/stop, the shutter speed, the exposure, and the focus. I guess seven - if I include "how the photos come out" to the list. I still have a long way to go to be where I want to be, but I feel fortunate to have this experience that continually keeps me creative, passionate, and sane.

Anyways, a few weeks ago, Kelly, James, and I picked up a roll of Ilford Delta 3200 with the idea of taking pictures inside Live Club Ssam, where Llasa, a two-man-jammin-on-the-guitar-and-drums-band from Busan, were headlining. Before the show started, I popped in the 3200 at a lomography store in Hongdae where Kelly bought himself a new Holga to shoot with. Then, we went searching for the venue where Llasa would be playing later that night. We met up with Andrew, and went to a reggae bar playing the likes of Lee "Scratch" Perry, King Tubby, of course the Wailers, with Rockers shining out through the projector, & owned by a Japanese national (who is married to a Korean woman). After knocking down a few drinks, we made our way back to the show. Once again Llasa didn't fail to deliver. Everything got kinda hazy afterwards & the last few shots on this roll were taken the following morning.

This was the first time experimenting with film speed over 800 & to my surprise, it was really fascinating being able to shoot at speeds of 1/125 inside a dark-lit room at f/2. This film is the definition of grain. I'm not completely sold on the grain yet, and I would probably pick up some Tri-X, T-max, or Ilford 400's before reaching to the upper rack to pick up one of these. Well, without further adieu.

enjoi!

Roll:
1. Ilford Delta 3200

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00: shot at m/250. 1: unknown ~ either 1/125 or 1/500?

she doesn't like getting her photo taken...

reggaebar where you can buy north korean beer!

Llasa

wait a minute...

cherry blossoms next...

... in color

pax

The Expiration Date is Inevitable

2011-04-21T00:42:00.001+09:00

I dropped off 4 rolls to get developed and scanned in Chungmuro over the weekend. The third roll from the previous set was part of the 4 rolls that I had gotten developed. The photos from this set were taken about two weeks ago when Kelly, James, and I stomped all over Seoul before meeting up with Lauren in the late afternoon. I popped in an expired Kodak Gold 200 film, which came out surprisingly well. To be frank, I don't think expired film makes that much of a difference. If anything it adds a more vintage touch to the photos. Anyways, we did the routine downtown Seoul run starting at Chungmuro, through Myeongdong, then walked along the Chunggaechun; briefly stopping by to watch a live reenactment of a Chosun era Korean style wedding. After that, we made our way to Insadong where James was (for the second time) racially profiled by Korean high school students who were fanatical about interviewing him (well played, well played). Having met up with Lauren, we proceeded to make our way to Yeoido. From there, we headed back north to Hongdae to watch Llasa (from Busan) play at Live Club Ssam. Let's just say that it got pretty funny soon after.

Next up, Ilford Delta 3200 with ultra-ridiculous grain action, and Yeoido's cherry blossoms in Kodak Portra 160nc right after that. Stay tuned!

But for now,

enjoi

Roll:
1. Kodak Gold 200 (expired film)

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i miss the donuts

Verily, this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose...

and how radiant her smile would have been...

... under the setting sunlight

pax

Suuupawide

2011-04-18T23:52:00.007+09:00

Enter the Black Slim Devil

An all-plastic 35mm f/11 film camera with a 22mm wide angle lens, and shutter speed locked at 1/125s, this Vivitar Ultra Wide and Slim remake by Superheadz (made in Tokyo) has reinvigorated the toy camera scene, and has been an essential part of my photographing adventures here in Seoul. If used properly (mostly where sunlight is abundant, and light can easily enter through the lens), the photos are emblazoned with it's signature vignetted edges, and distinguishable lens flare. The colors have come out amazingly beautiful to my delight, though I am still very inconsistent with it thus far. Also, the camera is lightweight, and very easy to handle. The only drawback would be the small viewfinder, but it's so inconspicuous and quick it's perfect for street photography. Sometimes I don't even put the camera up to eye level, but just shoot at arm's length!

Nonetheless, here are a few of my favorite shots taken from 3 different rolls (all same film types).

enjoi

Rolls:
1-3. Fujifilm Superia 400

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#1

かめはめ波!!!!!!!!

#2

directly outside my villa. loud mornings.

#3

i see five.

biking season.

pax

Berty Bert's got some Seoul

2011-04-12T01:37:00.014+09:00

My good friend, and a fellow GM, Albert, visited Seoul a few weeks ago, and it was rather refreshing seeing a familiar face. Let's just say that last time I saw him was via skype a few months ago, but in real life? Probably 2 to 3 years ago. I mean it's been a while. Regardless of how much time had actually passed by, it seemed as if none had. Though age and maturity were on his side, Berty, had clearly held onto his youth and exuberance. Likewise, the particular variation and change in speech when hanging out with Berty is inevitable. Especially since "EVERYTHING-GETS-MORE-EXCITING-WHEN-WE-TALK-LIKE-THIS!" &, unless you've hung out with him, it certainly may be difficult to comprehend my feeble attempt to portray his voice accurately through writing. In any regards, if you ever get a chance to meet him in real life, I hope you get to hear it.

Anyways, Jungle, and I met up with Berty at Itaewon in front of the Hamilton, and then we headed towards Myeongdong, Insadong, SamCheongdong, Bukchon, before heading to Hongdae to grab some dinner. Though we did a lot of walking, we shared a lot of insight about careers, uci, grad school, bakeries, food, teaching, being abroad and away from home for such a long time, chelsea, life, our futures, and our pasts among other things. As we were in the cafe, eating an enormous waffle topped with ice cream and fresh fruits, I felt as if we had taken a weekend trip to SF, or some other city along the west coast, like it was the summer of 2006. How sweet the reminiscing felt.. Unfortunately, during the week I didn't get a chance to see Berty until his last night here (cause he was traveling all over Korea), but it felt genuinely refreshing seeing him in Seoul. Next time, I'll be seeing him in Taiwan!

Photography-wise, I've been inspired by another one of my good friends, 12fv, who has been doing a lot of typography recently, and I wanted to put a few things together here and there, just to see if it could work! Let me know what you think!

enjoi!

Roll:
1. Ilford Delta 400 (23/36)

always thinking about home

the songpa stompers

I guess we're going to need another name...

pax

The Matter is of Perception

2011-03-29T22:15:00.000+09:00

After reading through this Rolling Stone article about the infamous Afghan "Kill Team," I was appalled that our soldiers have been unilaterally murdering innocent Afghani's through premeditated acts, and though it may be argued that war itself is to blame, there is no doubt in my mind that these soldiers should not have been in Afghanistan in the first place, or at the very least, pulled them out of there instead of sending them back in for multiple tours.

Does anyone know how long we've been in Afghanistan?

This October 7th marks the 10 year anniversary of Operation Enduring Freedom. Oh the irony. A DECADE spent, trillions of dollars wasted, countless lives lost, and the list goes on...

For what?

Don't get me wrong. I understand that freedom does come at a cost. But, I think it's about time we brought our troops home. Too many loyal soldiers are getting manipulated into serving the wrong causes, subjugated to immoral actions, and devastated by disorders and post-war syndromes. In the end, whose going to take care of those soldiers that have lost it out there in the war-zone? War. It's such an ugly thing. Yet, everyday people find ways to justify it's asinine existence. It's all fun and games, until it's happening right outside your door right? Instead of creating more issues abroad, it's about time we fixed the problems escalating at home. After all, the chickens will come home to roost...

Now, to ease your mind.

Roll:
1. Kodak Portra 400nc (16/36)

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nothing like a midday break to get away from it all.

someone didn't get the memo for st. patrick's day

couples of all ages

bad---

The way the world spins around

pax

Can You See the Light in Me?

2011-03-25T01:09:00.012+09:00

In the "Land of the Morning Calm," where pop-music is anything BUT calm, I've managed to find something more delectable to my ears. Easy breezy tunes, for those seeking Bossa Nova flavor, crossed with Rhythms del Mundo.

For the most part, I've shot most of my 35mm film with color negatives, as they are: 1) cheaper and 2) easier to shoot with in my opinion. But, something about black and white makes me want to shoot more Tri-Xs, Tmaxs, and Ilfords. Is it their ominousness? Or, perhaps the analog feel to them? How life was, not quite is? As an film photographer, I suppose the least I should do is learn how to process all my own film! Now I wish I had an extra room to convert into a darkroom.

In regards to grain, I feel as though the Kodak Tmax 400 has a smoother and more consistent grain, but the Tri-X 400 adds a nice soft touch when exposed correctly. Some of my mishandled exposures came out super grainy, probably due to my inexperience in shooting black and white in darkness. On a brighter note, I am excited to continue experimenting with the artificial light that frequently illuminate the nights here in Seoul.

enjoi :D

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Kodak Tri-X 400 (b/w)

#####:
[Itaewon]
1-2) Craftworks - no smoking indoors. Awesomely delicious micro-brewed beer Juxtaposed: The sweet bartenders taking a break!
3) Lantern and wine glasses

#:
[Seokchon Station]
1) Taken while passing by a salon on the way back home.

#:
[Myeongdong]
1) Ran into the dude that sold Jungle her FE2.

########:
[between National Police Hospital + Garak Market = My Hood]
1-8) How much do you think this baby cost to get imported over here? Boong-uh-ppang (fish shaped waffle-like pastry filled with sweet redbeans) lady. Random parking lot attendant's vacant post. Japanese hof (bar) that I've always wanted to check out, perhaps soon. Shady peeps in that first car. It was her birthday. Juxtaposed: Should have gotten her flowers. &, sometimes all you gotta do is look right in front of you.

우리 둘이 홀로 아름답도록 이 세상에

Something about black and white film...

Stay tuned for more! Til next time!

pax

Way to Make a Statement 2011

2011-03-22T00:37:00.004+09:00

I know this comes a bit late, but I hope that everyone in Nihon is doing alright. Can you imagine what it would be like to be less than 130 km away from the epicenter of a 9.0 earthquake? Unless you were there, probably not. I mean when's the last time you heard a 9.0 happening? I'm not sure if people have been keeping track of the major earthquakes these past two years, but I'm am concerned that something big might happen off the west coast. I don't mean to alarm anyone, and hopefully nothing will come of it. How would we respond? While history shows us that the 日本人 have been extremely resilient people, I am hoping that the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear plant explosions will be taken care of sooner than later, and that the people of Sendai and the surrounding afflicted areas will be able to overcome this time of hardship. I guess only time will tell.

Simultaneously, two viral videos have managed to keep the youth of the States preoccupied, or if you prefer, ignorant about these world crises. I'd rather not get into the details, but the overwhelming interest in the "Friday" music video, and the UCLA student berating Asians in the library makes me wonder in what direction we are headed. How would we view the Japanese people, if during an equally massive earthquake, a small coastal town got wiped out by a tsunami leading to "8,805 (+/-) deaths, 2,628 (+/-) injured, and 12,664 (+/-) people missing across eighteen prefectures, as well as over 125,000 buildings damaged or destroyed (Wiki)," and they were preoccupied with ludicrous internet videos. I know that this doesn't apply to everyone, and I'm sure a lot of people are more interested in helping Japan though disaster relief programs and donations than those videos, but I'm appalled that they have been receiving so much attention!

Has anyone been keeping up with what's happening in Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Yemen?! What about the Libyan protests? I mean these are ordinary people, living in such extraordinary conditions. Can you imagine firing anti-aircraft guns strapped behind Toyota trucks? Running across dirt intersections while being fired at from multiple directions? Or, trying to sleep at night, while the endless barrage of explosives deafens your ears? Sounds like something out of a Terminator movie, but it's not. All I know is that the people of Libya are fighting for their freedoms. Just like our ancestors did. Free from diabolical oppression. Free to believe in whatever we want. Free from fear. Free to do as we please as long as we don't thread on others. Free to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.

Perhaps, we've forgotten?
Just something to think about.

Anyways, here are some pictures from the past week.
enjoi :D

Roll:
1. Kodak Portra 400nc

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#:
[Jonggak Station]
1) Korea's National Tax Building. I really like the design of this building, and I managed to get in a tiny piece of the moon!

####:
[Myeongdong]
1) Tourists.

2) Supporters of Nonghyup Bank. I wasn't sure what the exact details of this sit-in was, but I believe another big bank was trying to take over NH Bank. 2011 seems to be the year of protests.

3-4) The worker was kind enough to let me use her glasses cleaning cloth to clean my filter. Too bad I only caught half her face! Juxtaposed: She was deeply entranced in her ipod/iphone, caught fellow street photographers Kelly and Lauren in the background.

####:
[Insadong]

1) Unhappy camper. I hope I don't look like that when I grow older...

2) Girl in white, barefoot, holding a clock, Yet, it wasn't 12 o'clock...

3) *edit ~~Deranged~~ Homeless man ~~passing out~~ selling magazines headlining Justin Bieber to get back on his feet. thanks alicia. Juxtaposed: Kids playing in front of their dad whose taking a cigarette break.

#:
[Samcheongdong]
1) A couple through the window of a small film camera stop in Samcheongdong. If you're into art, cafes, boutique shops, this is the place for you. Couple's haven.

#####:
[Bukchon]
1-2) This lady was acting like a little baby girl (noticed the flashy outfit). Juxtaposed: A baby girl allowed to act like a baby girl.

3) This little girl was making faces on the other side of the glass window, and I was hoping that she would make another face, but instead I got her closing her eyes, yet smiling in glee.

4-5) I saw an opening through one of the old Hanok houses, and I thought this would make an interesting photo. Juxtaposed: An elderly lady reading, in her plant shop.

Thank you for visiting!

more to come & I hope you enjoyed my visual story of Seoul

pax

A Dynamic View of Seoul

2011-03-08T02:02:00.004+09:00

It's March and the winter blues have somewhat subsided. Though it is still a bit chilly, with the winds still carrying a bite, I can feel spring just around the corner. With the onset of warmer weather, more people are finding ways to become active again, myself included. Though pedaling under 3 layers isn't as comfortable as biking in a t-shirt, merely getting back on the bike was enough to restore some balance into my life.

Here are some pictures from the past two weeks.
I was going to split it up into 2, or possibly 3 posts,
But I figure I'll just get started on my next project.
All shot on two rolls listed below.
With the majority of them from the 400nc.

Rolls:
1. Kodak Portra 400nc
2. Kodak Portra 400vc (not using this one for a while)

# of Photos --> Location --> Brief Description --> Pictures

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Kodak Portra 400nc

###:
[Namdaemun Market]
1-2) Saw an elderly woman just sitting next to the steps, and something tugged at my heart. I didn't get her name, but I felt a connection with her. Juxtaposed: Father and daughter representing the circle of life, no?

3) Bundaegi: roasted silkworm pupae. I can only eat that stuff when it's cooked in a spicy broth and I have many bottles of makkeuli to wash it down with.

##:
[Street]
4-5) The vendor was just chillin inside a telephone booth! Juxtaposed: The woman was fixated on these two mannequins, all the while muttering incomprehensible phrases.

##:
[Jongmyo Park aka. Ajjosshi Park]
6-7) Working the mind and soul with some brush strokes and beautiful calligraphy. Juxtaposed: Best way to stand out...

#####:
[Gwangjang Market]
8-9) It was a bit overwhelming at times, with the idea of personal space thrown out the door as soon as you walked towards the center of the market where all the food stalls were located. I felt like a sardine in a can. The plethora of street food vendors made me nauseous at times, as it is definitely one of Seoul's, weirder spots (which I have nothing against).

10-11) The saxophonist was a hit! Juxtaposed: Two students(?) whose outfits seemed pretty cool at the time.

12) Kelly and the fantastic immo that hooked us up with a lot of fried goodness... perhaps a little too much...

We should have ordered the bindaedduk.

#:
[Platoon Kunsthalle]
13) Cool art hall/gallery/flea market (1st sat. of the month) made with shipping containers. Interesting concept, fully decked with ROK-hipsters, and those looking for the urban street scene. Took this picture during non-flea market hours, hence the lack of activity.
Located @ Gangnam-Gu, Nonhyeon-Dong 97-22

##:
[Myeong-dong]
14-15) I have to admit, I am getting a bit Myeong-dong'd out. But, I find that this is where the most fashionable ->foreigners<- seek refuge.
L: Thai. R: Nihon

#####:
[Itaewon]
16-17) (read) Best Thai food I've had in Korea by far @ Buddha's Belly. Tom Yam Goong: A+++, Pad Thai: A, Green Curry: B+/A- . I'll probably eat here every other weekend from now on. Let me know if you want to go! Dishes are roughly 9-15,000, so a bit on the pricy-er side, given the portions (though we realized later that it was more than enough food), and definitely worth every won. You won't find another place that comes close to here.

18-19) The real-deal, the master-chef, the woman who made my palate go ballistic with all the sweet and spicy spices straight from Thailand! Juxtaposed: I wonder if he'll ever find this photo when he grows up?

20) HJ + Mel's old place in Noksapyeong. Hope it brings back old memories!

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Kodak Portra 400vc

####:
[Banpo Bridge]

21-22) The ultimate meet up spot for fixie riders and fixie couples. Juxtaposed: The underpass viewed from the northern side of the bridge.

23) I noticed that I had taken pictures of the two fixie riders (from the left) before, with their unique disc tires. Check em out on this post --> click here

#:
[Seokchon Lake]
24) Taken outside of Onnuri Fusion Food System?! Their Jjajang-myun isn't anything to rave about, but their portions are definitely bigger than some of the other places. I just really liked the reflections on the glass.

there it is!

24 photos of the city I currently call home, & now off to catch some zZz's.

thank you for tuning in!

pax

Give Me Your Colors, I'll Give You Mine

2011-03-01T13:30:00.005+09:00

By far one of the most difficult rolls to shoot, but probably one of the most rewarding rolls to see developed and scanned, the Kodak Ektar 100 still remains my top 2 choice of film for low ISO film, with great contrast, and smooth grain. I can get anything from soft pastel-like, to highly vivid and contrast-rich colors. I think that's why I'm so intrigued with it. At the same time, I haven't feared such a roll like this one. I'm even more meticulous when it comes to shooting with the Ektar 100, making sure that I have the seemingly right hues in their right places: the reds, magentas, blues, and greens getting a nice bump, while the earthy tones sit muted.

Furthermore, the more it's overexposed, the more saturated the pictures can become. Although, that totally depends on the photographer, and the particular look he/she is going for. I find that the Ektar 100 produces a great vintage look, similar to the Fujicolor Superia Reala 100 (which I haven't used since I first shot with the FE2 last year), but has this unpredictability that makes the film so enjoyable to shoot! Also, as advertised, the Ektar 100 doesn't disappoint with it's "World's Finest Grain" label on the box. The grain is by far the smoothest I have seen on any 35 mm negative, and aside from the Portra series (160nc & 400nc), and dark-lit areas, I would probably shoot with this baby all the time.

The last photo of this set has a particularly interesting story.

After a night out drinking, I found myself awake at 6:30 am, and so I checked google to see when the sun would be rising in Seoul, and popped in the Ektar 100 figuring I'd get some nice colors for the sunrise. So I packed all my gear up and headed to one of the highest buildings around my neighborhood. There I was standing in front of the security guard with my bloodshot eyes, probably reeking of makkeouli from the night before, and I could see that he was very hesitant about letting me in. Eventually he let me pass, and I made my way up to the helipad of the Obelisk. I set up my tripod in glee and half drunken stupor, waited about 30 minutes while listening to Radiohead, before some light broke through the mountains to the east. Adjust f/stop, focus to infinity, wind, press down on trigger release, rinse, wash, and repeat - for about eight or nine shots... before I notice that I had unintentionally overexposed these photos 2 FULL STOPS! So, I set the ASA/ISO back down to 100, and took 2 shots before the sun had completely risen above the mountains, which at that point would not have the dramatic effect I was looking for. Aside from those first eight or nine pushed shots, I was ecstatic when I saw the sunrise shot at correct film speed, and that I didn't need to push or pull the Ektar 100 at all. She sits pretty just they way she is.

The rest of these photos were taking a few weeks back with Jungle (+her friend), and Jamie. We strolled to a small island near Yeoido. I believe the name is Seonyudo Park. Unfortunately, the park wasn't as colorful as I hoped it would be, though we bumped into some students in complete manga outfits. After walking around for an hour or so, we headed to Hongdae, which had exactly what I needed for the Ektar 100 - people wearing bright colors.

Roll:
Kodak Ektar 100 (11/36)

... & to rise with the sun everyday, until the very last breathe.

pax

Idiosyncrasies of the Peculiar Mind

2011-02-28T00:10:00.005+09:00

I've been on this weird funk lately, and I'm not sure what the cause of it was. Call it a "photographer's block," whatever it ~~was~~ I felt it pass this past weekend. This roll was taken a few weeks ago, but I simply haven't had the time to drop it off at Chungmuro, so I just held onto it until I went this past weekend with Jungle and Kelly. The weather was superbly compliant, and provided enough warmth to have half the city crawling back out from their winter slumber. Hopefully I can get Saturday's roll developed sometime this week.

Suffice it to say, it was rather fun to be out again shooting under non-cloudy skies,
though I hope for the spring to arrive sooner than later.

I've found that when I'm shooting by myself I go about things in a flurry, firing away without really hesitating, unrestrained and free to roam as I please. Though it is (currently) impossible to look through each other's viewfinders in realtime to see precisely, at the moment, what we are each seeing, shooting with Jungle and Kelly allowed me to take a step back and observe their own unique perspectives. By watching these two get immersed in their own peculiar ways, I was provided with another breathe of photographic life.

Our subconscious notices everything, all the while the conscious disregards everything, as we thread from one area to another. I kept asking myself: "What am I taking a picture of? What is my mission for the day? What hasn't someone else taken a picture of?" On certain occasions having a mission certainly makes the game more fun. Other times, it's best to let go of any "conscious thought" and just go with what your unconscious is telling you. With a blur of images and people constantly in motion, I was able to pick out certain stationary images in their serenity. Perhaps, I find the sublime more intriguing than the obvious, though I consider myself painfully over-analytical at times.

Anyways, this roll was from a few weeks ago, and it took me over a week and a half to get through, and another week and a half to actually get it developed, but I'm really happy with the way the photos came out.

So that's another 3 rolls for this month. So far, so good.

Roll:
(1) Kodak Tmax 400 (10/36)

yes, those are wings.

pax

How to Win the Girl

2011-02-17T12:57:00.004+09:00

Step #28
Know how to tie her laces.

pax

LNY - YOTR Ed.

2011-02-07T00:30:00.019+09:00

Happy Lunar New Years everyone (& for all the rabbits out there), & with that happy new layout!!!! Kinda. We'll to be honest, my buddy Ken and I were browsing through a random photographer's website/blog and we figured that having wider pictures would be beneficial to the viewers. Also, without all that blogger gibberish on the side, I'm liking the minimalist feel to it. I still have to tweak the html some more, but I'll get to that later.

After a much needed holiday break, I am feeling rejuvenated, yet not really ready to go back to the routine, yet productive life that has been a part of me for the past year and three months. These holidays don't come easy in Seoul. After spending some time with the familia out in Ilsan for a few days, I went on a photographing binge-mission-spree-whatever-you-wanna-call-it over the course of two days with Kelly (on Sat.) and Jungle (on Sun.). On Saturday, the sun was out so there were a lot of people roaming around Myeongdong, Insadong, and Samcheongdong aimlessly window-shopping, and it was really fun to see the more fashionable side of Seoul. Everyone arrives fashionably late decked out from head to toe, and I suppose it's part of living in a big city (Or, the inevitable & unquenchable thirst for material possessions in a soaring economy).

Also, I'm beginning to enjoy street photography more, which involves a human element at the very least. I find myself constantly 'framing' pictures in my head as I am observing the fleeting crowd. There's just some moment that's bound to happen. As Cartier-Bresson put it, the "decisive moment." One of these moments occurred at a coffee shop in Insadong, where Kelly and I met a photographer that had not only one Leica (M6), but two others (M3 & M5 = a whopping grand total of 13,000USD)!!! Holding one up and peering through the viewfinder was all I needed to convince myself to get one someday! On Sunday, I met up with Jungle, and retraced all the steps from Saturday: Myeondong, Chungmuro, Insadong, and Samcheongdong. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't as compliant as yesterday, but I had a great time shooting with Jungle, and I think she's itching for a nikon slr (we'll keep it a secret for now^^). All in all, I might have walked about 25km each day (well that might a slight exaggeration), but I just remember stomping all over Seoul with my 35mm in hand, and firing away without hesitation.

Roll(s):
(1) Fujifilm Superia x-tra 400 (5/36)
(2) Fujifilm Superia x-tra 400 (5/36)

enjoi

that look...

pax

On a Rare Day off

2011-01-27T22:37:00.010+09:00

I don't usually get days off, but I was fortunate enough to get two days off due to testing at my school. So I went to Chungmuro to get a b/w (compilation taken about two weeks ago) roll developed. Then randomly bumped into Jamie and Lyz on the street, before meeting up with Jungle and perusing the toy camera stores, and eating delicious kalguksu at Myeongdong. After they left, I decided to finish the roll, and then got that roll developed today.

With that being said, I've successfully kept up with my 2011 resolution of shooting&developing (at least) 3 rolls/month.
#setting_goals

I think I've found a nice niche within this photography world.
Perhaps, you've noticed?
Maybe, I'm mistaken.

"Kids always think they're smarter than adults,
til they grow up and they realize that life is harder as adults"
-mac lethal (dope find Ray!)

Roll(s):
(1) Kodak tmax 400 (7/36)
(2) Fujifilm Superia x-tra 400 (7/36)

enjoi

& it was one of those therapeutic days

pax

Reserva Sunday

2011-01-23T22:48:00.001+09:00

Saturday was not a good day.

Long story short, the pvc pipe connecting my toilet to the cesspool had been frozen since last Thursday. That meant whatever ~~went~~ tried to go down, hit the ice wall and came right back up. So, yesterday after work, the plumber, the villa owner, and I spent 6 and a half hours dealing with this abominable ice monster. Mr. Freeze would have been proud. Regardless, there was no way we were going to let Bruce Wayne, let alone pretty boy George, down. After an hour of using the toilet snake (haha, google it, didn't think I'd get so many literal images), we realized that that wasn't going to cut it. Eventually, we had to bring out the BFG 9000 (google that one too), and after 5 and a half hours, we managed to melt the _________ out!

Anyways, I guess everybody's gotta deal with some sh*t now and then..

So, I figure I'd get out of the neighborhood, get some air, and snap some moments to relieve all that stress. The day started out with a slight overcast, and a tall-boy of Starbuck's drip coffee, before getting scuttled along in the subways. Hopping out of Dongdaemun Station I was eager to drop off my B/W 400 Tmax film, but upon reaching Chungmuro I was in for another setback! All but 2 stores were open, and none of them processed any film! Hah, like that was going to stop me. Well, I couldn't justify going back home empty-handed, so I went on a mission today to get at least one color roll shot & developed.

Mission Complete

Roll: Ektar 100
12/36

enjoi

& this is why I love photography.

pax

The Future

2011-01-20T09:24:00.003+09:00

I don't consider myself a technology junkie, nor do I care to keep up with some of today's most digitized citizens, but conceptually, this do-it-all smartphone seems quite impressive. Do we even call this a smartphone anymore?
via Reddit

What is being creative? from Kristian Larsen on Vimeo.

Hope

2011-01-17T14:45:00.006+09:00

Please watch this inspirational film about how a couple of people brought happiness, love, and hope to Haiti.

SUN CITY PICTURE HOUSE from David Darg & Bryn Mooser on Vimeo.

pax

A New Year for New Moments

2011-01-09T19:24:00.001+09:00

So far, so good. I mean it's only been 10 days, but this year has been going great! I hope that you all are having a great time as well! I've been on a blogging hiatus lately due to a busier workload at work, but I enjoy the increased productivity. I mean once next month rolls around, I'm going to have to find more ways to keep myself busy! As for my photography resolution this year, I'm going to be shooting more during the weekday mornings (along with the weekends), and try to get in at least 3 rolls a month. As for my blog resolution, I'm going to be posting more than last year (with more focus on quality & content). Also, I'm interested in starting a photography portfolio (so if you have any advice in this area, please let me know, ty!).

&, I'm shooting strictly film now, and I feel a lot lighter without my d40 laying around (though she's already pretty light). I had my mom take it back home, so my dad could revel in his slr days (*cause he doesn't shoot with his nikon f90x anymore, but the coolpix p/s) without having to throw in a new roll every 36 shots. I hope he finds time to shoot around with it! This roll was taken a few weeks ago, starting with my academy's christmas party with the co-workers, then proceeding to my mom's visit to Seoul a few weeks ago. It would have been nice if I didn't have to work so much, but I'm still very glad and thankful for the few weekends that we spent together!

enjoi :)

pax

안녕히가세요 (Goodbye) 2010

2010-12-30T01:11:00.000+09:00

What a incredibly fast year this has been.

After sifting through my blog-posts from earlier this year, it seemed like it was only yesterday my parents arrived to visit from the States. With 2010 winding down in a few days, I suppose it's that time of the year again. A time to reflect upon the fleeting year, and of one's innate growth. When I first arrived, four hundred and five days ago (1 year, 1 month, 10 days), I was filled with uncertainty, and complex thoughts that swirled intricately inside my cerebrum. It was rather bitter-sweet. To have left the bird's nest, seeking adventure, and sensational opportunities. I was convinced that this was the best decision for me. Inspired by my colleagues who were abroad before me, I thought it was now or never.

So I eagerly arrived, hardly looking back. I'm not sure what it was, but I decided to simply look forward. Unknown to me at the time, and a bit foolish, I was tempted by the idea that I could be wholly independent, with a disregard for anyone else but myself. Classic textbook definition of selfishness. Perhaps, it was the solidarity that drove me, or the oceanic divide. Anyways, I lived with my Uncle for a few months, before that became a burden to the both of us. Maybe I wasn't "quite there." How naive of me it was to think that I could do everything on my own, that I had all the power in the world to direct my fate. I was too busy having fun, I didn't think twice about my Uncle and his family. It wasn't merely a learning moment, but a difficult time that tested me in every way possible. I wanted my forsaken independence. I didn't want to be bothered, nor woken up at 8 am everyday. The taste of freedom, and living with friends was still lingering in my mouth. In 1736, Benjamin Franklin wrote, "Fish and visitors smell in three days," this old adage couldn't have been farther from the truth. In any case you didn't catch on, I overstayed my visit. In retrospect, I'm embarrassed with my actions now more than ever. Times like these we wish for a time machine. We live, and learn. Well, before death catches up with us.

We parted ways, and I found myself a nice villa (standard one-bedroom apartment) approximately a minute's walk away from my school, or Academy, as the Korean's so eloquently put it here. Having my own place was liberating. Finally, the miserable winter cold thawed away to a brief week or two of the beautiful spring here. Sigh... if only it lasted longer. Before I knew it, it was summer, and I would begin my third term here (each term being approximately three months long). How reminiscent of those quarterly collegiate days, and bringing me to the last few months I spent at Costa Mesa, finding a pretty sweet Nishiki steel bike (who now sits alone in my garage back home), and biking around the hood with the Manistees. I was convinced I needed to find a bike out here, and after prowling around Craigslist for a few weeks, I managed to find a suitable white road bike from an expat who was in the market for a fixie. Thus, my training for the ensuing 100km rides would begin.

Pumping my feet; every rotation, every gear shift, every evasive maneuver was a powerful humanistic mechanism. I couldn't get enough. I was addicted. I couldn't stop. I rode day and night, up and down hills, thrashing through the bike paths, and streets reserved for four wheeled vehicles. Through the falls, scrapes, flat tires, and near death experiences, fate brought me to a local bike shop. I had run over three or four tiny nails that had punctured my tire and tore into the tubing. So I peeked in one day, and explained to the owner what had happened on my ride home. Within minutes, he had installed a new tube, promptly rejected any payments, and said it was "on the house." I thanked him, and I was ready to hit the pavement again. The next night I was back at it. Heading to the river after I got off of work at 10 pm. In the inescapable humidity of the summer, I would ride and ride until my legs gave out, my lungs searing for oxygen. I felt alive.

Eventually, the bike shop owner, who I named Lance (fitting for a cyclist enthusiast right?), and I became good friends, and after a few drunken nights with chicken and beer, and others with makkeuli, pa-jeun (seafood pancakes?), and whiskey, he convinced me to buy an even sweeter blue Trek Alpha aluminum bike that was sitting in store for an incredibly discounted price. It would have been heinous to reject his offer (which I did at first, but eventually I caved in after another few shots of whiskey).

Then fate sent me in another direction. I had joined a local facebook group dedicated to bikers in Seoul, and that was when I met Kelly. I had put an "ad" out seeking other cyclists who were in the neighborhood. Into cycling, photography, and an affinity for drinking, we were constantly competing against each other (we'll not so much with our photography, which could be another dissertation for another time). Whether it be on the bike path, fooseball, or drinking, it was a battle. Probably one of the craziest, spontaneous, and creative minds I've met in a while. We'll drink til 1 am, then he'll somehow convince me to drink 6,000W Budweisers at the record bar in Sincheon (which is probably one of the best bars I've been to in Seoul) and stay out until I couldn't stand on my own. One summer evening, while biking along the Han, we ended up on the complete other side of Seoul, and ended up buying tickets to Global Gathering (headliners including Justice, and Fatboy Slim) on a coin flip. Other times, we'll walk around Dongdaemun in the bitter cold trying to find a decent coffee shop. Or, talk to cute French majors in English by Hongdae University til 3 in the morning. Either way, it's been an absolute chaos. But it's sh*t like this (I kid), that proves not to take life too seriously, cause you'll never get out alive.

Aside from Lance and Kelly, there have been many other's who have made my time here in Seoul worthwhile, even if it was only a brief encounter, and I'm thankful for those days and nights as well. We've got another year to look forward to, so let's make it count. I'm also blessed to have extended family out here, who have helped and directed me in every way possible. My time here would have been incredibly more difficult had it not been for my relatives. For that I'm incredibly thankful. For the cherry on top, my mom flew in last week before Christmas, and brought with herself a suitcase full of my favorite goodies (cheese- gouda and cheddar, salami, 3 types of granola and cereal, 2 types of oatmeal, poptarts, chips ahoy, hot cheetos, my favorite brand of toothpaste, clam chowder and chicken noodle soup, cans of jalapenos, emergen-C, and drumroll................ 20 frozen tacos from King Taco with both sauces!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By far the best Christmas present I have ever received in my life! It was like when I was in the second grade, and Santa dropped off a Lego set. I had to wipe away tears as I deeply inhaled the therapeutic aromas of one of these tacos. If that ain't love, I don't know what is. :D Thanks mom!!!!!!!

Well what an eventful year it's been. I've had my share of ups, and downs, and everything in between. And, I realize that this is only the beginning. It's in our interest to go out there each day with a smile on our face, and a positive attitude towards everything. That we should constantly be learning, and improving ourselves. Reaching deep into our inner most thoughts, and not being afraid to confront our demons. I'm fortunate to have this opportunity in Seoul, and I want to make sure I don't waste my time here. I've grown too comfortable with this type of lifestyle (not to say it's a bad thing), and I need to be more... productive with my spare time. Which brings us to today. I'm still working on Thoreau's Walden, but I am now teaching intensives (which are extra classes in the morning), and have found a private tutoring gig that keeps me busy throughout the week. On M-W-F, my mornings begin at 8 am, and I still get home at 10 pm. On T-TH I'll hit the snooze button a few more times, and don't have to teach until 1, but I still end at 10 pm. Absolutely ridiculous, I know. Nonetheless, I'm perfectly fine with this hectic lifestyle. I've had too many wasted mornings, and restless nights this past year. As always, with a new year, we bring in another set of resolutions, so here's my first one:

Be more productive.

At least, I've already started. ^^

Musing at Walden's pond

2010-12-14T13:31:00.003+09:00

With the onslaught of the freezing winter, I've resorted to staying indoors and keeping myself busy through reading (we'll not completely). At the moment, I'm [still] reading Henry David Thoreau's Walden; or, Life in the Woods, attempting to dissect his moral and existential verbiage through his experiences out in the woods, away from civilization and society, living in a log cabin built with his own hands & farming purely off what the land had offered him, without a brute neighbor hammering away at his front porch. It is dense (albeit not as incomprehensible as the Republic by Plato), requiring me to read the same page multiple times, then having to go back a few pages to grasp the obviousness of the oblivious. One of his longer sentences was composed of 78 words. It wouldn't hurt to read his syntax thoroughly. As he implores, clearly, for us to follow him "into the woods," even I find it rather difficult to fathom such a life of solitude and simplicity.

I mean the longest I've been away from any remote elements of a civilization (developed, & third-world) was when I backpacked up the Pacific Coastline for 5 days by Humboldt County (CA) with good company. Nonetheless, it had never occurred to me that building a log cabin deep in our National parks and straying away from the sophistications of a civilized society (for years) was a feasible and attainable purpose in one's life. Don't get me wrong, I love everything that nature offers; unfortunate that even man's technology today cannot precisely replicate the sights, the sounds, the smells, the feels, and heck even the organic tastes of the outdoors. Rather it is something almost inadvertently neglected in our generation today. Instead we are the harbingers of destruction. Even then how would I survive out in Redwoods, without a hunting apparatus, a solid lodge, nor a sound knowledge of farming and agriculture - (except as a prerequisite that) - it would behoove you to have good soil, healthy seeds, an efficient irrigation system, compliant weather, and of course, the minimum requirement that you reap what you sow.

Instead, we tend our virtual gardens through such social media sites, complaining about minute tribulations of life, throwing in some facetious status about this & that, & playing our parts in this masquerade. Don't worry, you're not alone (though you still look good in that floral-print dress). It would be blasphemous to deny my involvement! Moving right along.

I've currently finished reading a section titled "Higher Laws" (within Walden). At the beginning of the passage, Thoreau is suddenly attracted to the idea of eating a passing woodchuck raw. The wanton, primitive, and carnivorous inner being in him, fiending to jump out. The innate animalistic conscious within us all, and the dualism of nature. Taking this passage into context (which was written about ~150 years ago), he makes a comparison of hunting to the beginning stages of man's right of passage, & how the hunters were once regarded as the "best men" of their time. But, that when the hunter finds the "better life in him," he would be able to "leave the gun and fish-pole behind." The search for divinity, and/or spirituality through simplicity. Can you imagine going out into the woods with a crossbow and hunting for your dinner? I can't. Plus, I think he leans towards vegetarianism, because he makes a point of how the fish aren't necessarily "clean, nor filling," with the bonus kicker being that if you stop eating other animals you've transcended, or become superior to, those that do. I don't know about you Thoreau, but I absolutely love Korean bbq, and seafood (especially 회/raw rish/sashimi/膾) WHAT I'D DO FOR SOME HAMACHI RIGHT NOW, KOREA HOOK IT UP!!!!!!!! Thoreau, your Transcendentalism won't stop me from delicious eats!

Anyways (at least for now).

This roll is a compilation of a few random events from the past two weeks: really (really, really) the final shot of the autumn, being a sucker for whitish/blonde asian women in magazine spreads alongside mexican food, random street photography, capturing intimate bookstore moments, delicious eats, a beautiful mother and daughter, some random subway photography, flea market hustlers [(side note): The flea market's here get straight ridiculous. I mean it must have been like 1 or 2 degree celsius outside, yet the masses looking for cheap finds (err.. 'one man's trash is another's treasure' applicable here) made their presence known], analog murders (via 12fv), more eats, coffee shop shenanigans, and even more delicious eats and coffee shop shenanigans (21 photos).

What a random set.

"All that he could think of was to practise some new austerity, to let his mind descend into his body and redeem it, and treat himself with ever increasing respect."

-Thoreau

pax

Autumn's End, pt. Duex

2010-11-29T22:33:00.007+09:00

Autumn is truly a beautiful season here in Korea.

Anyone who has witnessed such beauty could attest to it, I guarantee it. Having experienced my first autumn here, I have to say that it was quite an alluring sight seeing the lush greens transform into the ablaze hues. As quick as these seasons come, they go, & now the rustic red, yellow, and brown leaves have given way to the icy and jagged white flakes of the winter.

What a crazy week it's been!

North Korea, behind Kim Jong-Il and his stubby fingered, trigger happy generals, just fiending for hell to break loose on the Peninsula need to relax, or just take a vacation somewhere. Who really knows what the true reason behind the attack was. I mean even those working for the propaganda offices probably didn't even know why the artillery shells were fired in the first place. Goebbels would have disapproved. Maybe it was the "hey-it's-winter-time-and-we-didnt-harvest-much-if/any-crops-so-we-need-more-rice-and-aid-here," maybe "hey-where-still-a-force-to-be-reckoned-with," OR "hey-kim-jong-un-wants-to-prove-to-the-regime-that-he-is-x-to-the-core." Whatever it was, the Republic of Korea seemed to be at high alert only momentarily. Since then, the initial distresses have more or less subsided, and everyone has resumed normal activity. The calm before the storm? Whatever that means... I always thought crazy winds and rain down-poured before the storm hit...

Anyways, I registered with the U.S. Embassy here just in case. Though I'm carrying around my passport around town, I'm going to take it a day at a time, & if anything happens, I've got no one else to blame except myself for willingly flying 5956 miles (or if you prefer, 9585 km) within 30 miles of the DMZ, and prior knowledge of NK's volatile, defunct, cold-war era shenanigans. Darn-it, the irony is impeccable!

More importantly I spent a quick 43 minutes at the Costco and loaded up on some American delights. Honey nut Cheerios, seedless grapes, sliced turkey with 3 different cheeses (cheddar, provolone, & feta), whole grain wheat bread, bratwurst, salami, & of course the muffins!!! I probably would have done more damage, but I arrived 43 minutes before closing time. If anyone wants to have a wine, cheese, and salami night at my place, consider it done! (I promise not to open the cheddar if you tell me within the next few days!!!)

A busy weekend kept me from posting this earlier, but I suppose it's always better late than never.

These pictures were taken a few weeks ago during a weekday morning bike ride through Olympic Park near Jamsil, and during a weekend bike ride by the Han River, passing alongside Cheonggyecheon (청계천), trekking up to the hills behind Gyeongbokgung Palace, perusing through Insadong, and eventually ending up back by 청계천 where the Seoulites had gathered en masse for one last visitation to the Lantern Festival that was coming to an end.

bracing myself for the winter,

pax

Music, Photography, & Hiking

2010-11-23T02:15:00.008+09:00

Happy Birthday to my great friend, and ex-garage-mate: 12FV

Been on a Vodka & Milk binge lately.

I find it difficult to post music here, especially after it's been posted in a million other blogs, but sometimes it's too hard to resist. Having recently discovered V&M, the beats have me flailing my arms, while fisting pumping through imaginary crowds, like a drug-induced lunatic, separated from all sorts of reality, inside my villa. It makes sense to move, or at the very least go with the 130+ bpm. I wonder if the cowbells have anything to do with it? It's probably just the synths.

Two Door Cinema Club - What You Know (Vodka & Milk Remix) by Vodkandmilk

Tupac - Do For Love (Vodka & Milk Remix) by Vodkandmilk

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One of my students called me 'analog' today.

I had the w i d e s t smile on my face.

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I love Fridays.

Not so much that they have a reputation for bringing in the weekend, but rather how my schedule plays out against their prototypical design. I have the luxury of not having to wake up at 7 am, but I did a few weeks ago to go hiking with my Aunt at 금암산(金巖山), 하남시, on the outskirts of Eastern Seoul. It was a beautiful morning, and had I realized that before I loaded the Fujifilm Neopan 400 (b&w), I might have just thrown in my sturdy Fujifilm Superia 200 or 400. But after looking through these pictures, I realize that b&w can be so much more meaningful to a film photographer than an explosion of color. So having awakened up a lot earlier than usual, I was a bit perplexed and disoriented, but I made my way out to Myeong-il Station in Dogok-dong to meet my Aunt in front of the Paris Baguette by the alloted time (can't say the bread's of français de qualite, but sometimes their baguettes make it worthwhile).

We drove for about 35-30 minutes to the base of 금암산(金巖山), where we paid a small entrance fee, and parked as far away as possible from the trail gate. With my earbuds plugged in snuggly, we started our ascent. The golden leaves carpeted the rocky trail, providing ample cushioning under our boots, yet covert and slippery as the night fox. Fortunately for us, the climb was not too congested, though when we did bump into a few passerby's, Korea's hiking culture of "dressing to tackle Mt. Everest on any given Sunday" was in full-effect. From the spit-spat shiny boots, to the breathable gortex pants, Northface jacket, and carbon trekking poles, these hikers take hiking seriously. There's no respect for those climbing in jeans and a hoodie.

My Aunt is usually extremely happy go lucky, and I have never seen her so distraught with something going on in her life (Then again, I've only seen her perhaps a handful of times). She's a devout Catholic. A benevolent house-wife, full of innocence, with an exuberance for life. Yet that morning a cloud of sadness seemed to be circling over her head. But as we made our way up, she seemed to forget what was going on in her life a few hundred meters below. How a hike can easily evaporate any traces of stress, sadness, and sedentariness. Another advice: Hiking is an amazing stress reliever.

After stopping briefly a few times to refresh our thirst, we finally made it to the top after two and a half hours! There was a vendor selling Makgeuli, instant ramen, and boiled eggs. Since I had to work later in the afternoon, we decided to forgo the Makgeuli. We found a prime spot to enjoy our celebratory snacks. While we were slurping up noodles, and peeling off the eggshells, I noticed that there were some other hikers crowded around the side of a railing, squeaking, whistling gibberish, trying to get something's attention. A split-second later, I hear a woman's high-pitched shriek, as if she was shocked having just seen the most horrific thing in her life, or perhaps it was purely overzealous excitement? After looking carefully, I noticed that there were a flock of small birds gathering around, intrigued by the human players in their natural habitat. But it wasn't us they were interested in, rather, it was the morsel of bread that was in their hands. I remembered at that point that I had some red-bean bread saved (ironically from Paris Baguette), so I broke up a few small pieces and put them in my Aunt's hand.

it was as if...

... an Angel had landed on her palm...

pax

Autumn's End

2010-11-11T23:11:00.001+09:00

I've been here almost a year now.

Where to begin?

I remember stepping foot outside of Incheon International Airport last November, attempting to take in a deep breath in sub-zero conditions, and thinking 'holy s***, it's freezing here!' How I survived through that winter is beyond me. Yet here I am, once again, facing these howling Siberian winds that are ready to tear me apart.

'Come and get some,' I say.

I'm ready this time around.

Going back to my year here. When I first arrived, I was immediately taken in by my Mother's brother and his family. It was one big welcome party. Yet, it felt a bit surreal. I had not seen my Uncle for many years, and had never seen his children before. It seemed like eons since I had last seen my Aunts, and my Grandmother. 13, or 14 years, perhaps. Since then Korea has emerged through the IMF crisis, has hosted the World Cup, has developed into the 15th (perhaps higher now) highest GDP in the world, has flirted with North Korea on numerous occasions, and is currently hosting the G20 Summit. In other words, South Korea's is a classic example of the rags to riches fairy tale. I certainly didn't see this coming.

Amidst the growth, Seoul is constantly propping up new buildings, and digging underground for new subway lines. The never-ending task of modernization. It's definitely not the Seoul I had remembered from the late 90's. I knew that somehow, somewhere there was a hidden side of Seoul that I had to find. I had to find my Grandfather's house again.

So after thawing out of last year's frosty winter, I left my Uncle's place mid-April-ish, and moved into my current villa. Decent in size, and comfortable for one person, I finally felt the true meaning of independence, and dually, solitude. My friends were there of course, as were my relatives, but being further away forced me to occupy my time differently. If anything, I probably spent more time throwing back cheap beers, and whiskey by Hongik University during the weekends. A hot-spot for foreigners, and college students alike, a huge social gathering. Commuting approximately an hour west via the subway, disregarding any notion for time, and breaking dawn with an equidistant ride back. As all post-grads would say, 'I'm getting too old for this s***.' Yet, some how I'd get coaxed back the following weekend.

One day, I decided I had had enough. I needed to detox. That's when I discovered my first road bike here. Korean-made, white framed, with yellow bar tape, that Samchuly NEXT road bike had been through a triathlon, and one other English teacher, before it found me through Craigslist. That's when I discovered the real Seoul - hidden among the labyrinth of apartments, coffee shops, and karaoke rooms. Traffic free of cars, the Han River became my Seoul mate. Dragonflies accompanying me as I seared through the smooth pavement, leaving the older matching couple in their mountain bikes stuck on their 2nd gear. I was on a different high, and I kept pedaling. I'd end work around 10 pm, and then ride under the crescent moonlight until I had gotten my fix. It was ritualistic. Even the humid summer nights didn't deter me whatsoever. I couldn't stop.

Then, I found her. Well, perhaps she found me. I had visited four camera shops before entering this one. After inquiring, the owner informed me that he did not carry the particular model I was looking for, as it was not a popular model in Korea. A bit dejected, I was on my way out when he told me he would check his buddy's store next door. Nervously waiting, he returned holding a chrome and black Nikon FE2 that I was desperately seeking. Since then, her loyalty has been exceptional. Fourteen rolls in, I still can't get enough. Digital lies, Film does not.

I was lucky enough to meet some cool people who share the same love for cycling and photography during this past summer, and we have gone on numerous adventures. One's from Florida, and the other from England (Nottingham was it? I swear it sounds similar to that). Then I befriended a local bike shop owner who had eagerly helped me fix my flat on my previous bike. After a few nights of eating and drinking the Korean way, I bought an American made Trek Alpha 1.1 road bike from him. Suffice it to say, she's light (aluminum), sexy (glazed blue) and rides a million times better with the Bontrager wheel set, and Shimano components.

They have both resuscitated me. Providing endless hours of joy and direction, I was able to explore and see an unfamiliar side of Seoul. Weaving in and out of the narrow backstreets, bustling markets, secluded underpasses, vacant lots, crowded campgrounds, graded hills, and sprawling parks have made my experience here worthwhile. Though maneuvering dangerously close between inconsiderate taxi drivers can be aggravating, it is easily remedied by riding next to the Han's mellow currents on a perfect autumn day. Gravel, dirt, or paved, it doesn't matter, as long as it soothes the soul. How easy it is to fall in love with a place.

So where ever you may be on this planet,

here is my advice:

Get a bike and a camera, and just go.

Well... I suppose the weather's pretty important too.

I'm evolving

2010-10-20T17:55:00.005+09:00

they say, people change

others say, people never change

still some say, people change then revert back

who knows.

as far as i'm concerned, my photography is changing.

the 35mm has opened apertures unknown to me prior.

the metal components have exposed me to new sensory connections.

the obvious shots are now easily dismissed,

the hidden shots are eagerly sought after,

while the decisive shots are by far the most rewarding.

as with everything else pertinent in this world,

practice does make perfect.

& though perfection is quite rare,

it is more possibly an impractical status.

regardless,

i still have years to go before

achieving what i want to achieve.

years...

as if i have millions of them.

truth be told, we're no sooner

ad mortem

than

ad vitam aeternam

so we are learning.

to extract with us a sort of legacy.

for when the inevitable comes.

to be remembered is what drove kings,

to be revered is what inspired the sacred,

& to be noticed is what yearned humans.

but is there anything more grandiose than that?

ex mea sententia

Yeoido, pt. deux

2010-10-12T23:29:00.000+09:00

one "decisive moment" to capture,

what's there, and what's not,

fleeting,

merciless,

unbothered.

a window,

of favorable opportunity,

remains open.

there is no room for err,

yet in it's wake,

a pièce de résistance.

this kid is loving his life right now!

the dualism of the mind and matter. . .

2010-10-04T22:16:00.005+09:00

We go on each day, some in equilibrium, and others in trepidation.

Like a coin that indisputably gets tossed up in the air,

we never think in terms of halves, but have nots.

The mental substance, once again in triumphant battle against the material.

The thirst have seen, & the sights never quenched. . .

It has become an unconscious, sub-atomic reaction of un-clear proportions.

uncertain as to the possibility of it never-ending...

enriching only those. . .

A chasm so deep as the Mariana, as wide as the gap remains,

from the wealthy to the u n t o u c h a b l e s.

Engrained in our trivial, s e l f - n a r c i s s i s t i c, and short-lived existence.

It is precisely what keeps the living going,

& the desolate from rising. . .

Yet, at every dusk,

this dualism of the mind and matter,

coerces the good to vex,

the honest to cheat,

and the righteous to fade into darkness. . .

Perhaps, the very innate f a l l i b i l i t y of human nature.

The bane of our mundane fantasied existence.

A reciprocal & necessary world of two;

of balance,

of needs and wants,

of equations and formulas,

of life and death beats. . .

One march that moves ever forward,

while simultaneously ever closer to that final hurrah.

The inevitability of it all.

How we breathe so voluptuously,

like giants amongst insects.

But a grain in the sandlot. . .

For when all is said and finished,

what have we,

but mere fragments in time,

done to oblige such imprints of immortality?

a world of balance awaits. . .

cloaked in the shadows. . .

an affinity for clouds

2010-10-01T01:53:00.005+09:00

Stomping Seoul on Saturdays

2010-09-20T00:11:00.004+09:00

It was one of those Saturdays where you're on the road from 8 am to 3 am the following day. I havn't felt that exhausted, yet energized in a while. We must have biked over 50 km, stopped at many cool places to photobomb, grabbed delicious Korean food, and explored the hidden side of Seoul.

My great friend, 12FV had it right. "The digital age is starting to make us question our very reality."

&, I agree.

The Beauty behind film is that each shot has it's own specific time stamp, & it truly "captures the moment." Aside from the high costs of purchasing, developing, & scanning film, the most difficult aspect of the original form of photography is that sometimes the outcome isn't exactly how you planned for it (nor, can you take a quick peek a split second after you've shot it). But that's the Beauty in film.

It's an unforgiving art, yet so fair in many ways to the composer.

Sure digital has it's perks, but I'm willing to bet my 35 mm is going to last longer than your SD card.

you can find more analog photography on my flickr page.

Donuts do BALI [-Ubud Series-] Pt. 2

2010-08-26T23:08:00.004+09:00

Previous (2/5): Donuts do BALI [-Ubud Series-] Pt. 1
1st post (1/5): Donuts do BALI [-Kuta Series-]

Photography reflective of August 2, 2010 (Day 4).

These pictures are from the second day we spent in Ubud. Wayan, our driver, took us around a few different locations around Ubud, from the Elephant Temple, and the Stone Carving Temple, to Mt. Kintamani, to the Kopi Luwak coffee plantation, and finally the rice fields.

After going back through these pictures numerous times, I'm still at awe that we were fortunate enough to visit such a beautiful island, filled with stunning scenery, and it's incredibly-friendly inhabitants.

enjoy :)

breakfast

We all needed to wear sarongs, so we all bought one from Wayan's sister's shop in front of the Elephant Temple. Though I was busy snapping away pictures, whenever I stopped to recollect my breathe, the air was absurdly fresh; my olfactory nerves firing synapses of the jungle's aromatic fragrances back to my brain.

Then we headed to the Stone Carving Temple, which had even more beautiful carvings and aromas (albeit the intense climb down to the bottom, and back up). Here I bought some wooden rings for my students, but I definitely misjudged the size of their fingers, because when they tried the rings on they were a little too big.

yawnnn

After that, we headed towards Mt. Kintamani, where we ate at the buffet which had an incredible view of the volcano. I don't think I've ever had such a bomb buffet for $10. Hometown Buffet doesn't qualify either... I mean we were all stuffing our hungry stomachs while perched next to an active volcano. The view doesn't really get any better than that.

*There's a link to a panoramic shot of the mountain at the end of the post, don't miss it!*

Then we made our way toward the Kopi Luwak Coffee Plantation. At first, I was a bit skeptical about heading to the coffee plantation, but after trying the coffee... I was sold. It was one of the best tasting coffees and teas I have EVER had in my life. Though they were on the pricier side... I figured nothing I get at the states or elsewhere, would be AS authentic as the ground beans packaged in front of me. All I can say about that is: now run and tell that, home, home, home, homeboy!

Oh, and then we all saw a fruit bat for the first time in our lives. On top of that, the bat decided to pleasure itself, which I believe was a first for all of us as well. Anyways...

A few cups of Balinese coffee in, and I was wired! We had about an hour left on our tour, so we headed out to the Rice Field Terraces. Growing rice is definitely an under-appreciated and laborious art of edible creation. You can't just simply throw some seeds, wait a few months, and expect a field to grow. Every plant has to be hand-planted, and the water levels just right, or else your plant wont yield anything. Everything was organic. It was refreshing to be around a 95% natural Earth ecosystem (with very minimal human construction).

This was the last stop on our private day tour, so we headed back to our villa. We rested for a few hours, then headed back into Ubud to grab some dinner. There Keny and Jungle got a Djembe! My Korean bank card wasn't working here so I panicked a little, but luckily I found emergency funds in my wallet, and my US visa card had some funds in it as well!

Traveling Rule #16 - Always have extra funds available.

Sugi for the Win!

clickable thumbnail for panoramic view of Mt. Kintamani
for best effect, hit the zoom button!

up next ---> the adventures in Nusa Lembongan!
Stay tuned!

Donuts do BALI [-Ubud Series-] Pt. 1

2010-08-14T02:49:00.000+09:00

Previous: Donuts do BALI [-Kuta Series-]

Photography reflective of ~~August 1, 2010 - August 2, 2010 (Days 3 and 4)~~.
***Edit: August 1, 2010 - Day 3***

HEADS UP - OVER ~~100~~ 50 PICTURES.
WARNING: OPTICAL OVERLOAD POSSIBLE

Oh, and you might want to zoom out (to get a better view of the vertical pictures).

enjoi :)

After the Bintang Donuts were finally completed with the arrival of a Mr. Ken Radomski, we all departed the uber-touristy, not-quite-Bali-scene of Kuta. We had arranged for a shuttle to take us to Ubud (higher in elevation, away from the beaches, and north of Kuta). Immediately after leaving the vicinity, the scenery had changed almost instantaneously. All the western shopping stores, and the McDonalds were being replaced with genuine Balinese architecture, and locally owned stores. I was finally feeling like I was in Bali.

After an hour or so on the shuttle, we finally made it to Ubud. Good thing we all had traveling backpacks. Would have been a pain to carry around a suitcase, while trying to take pictures with the other hand. Since we couldn't check into our beautiful villa until 8 pm that afternoon we decided to check out what Ubud had to offer.

Of course, that meant checking out the famous Monkey Temple first (after all, all the internet reviews pointed toward the Monkey Temple as a must). It was apparent right when we go there that we wouldn't be looking at caged animals. Those funny primates that inhabited the lush jungle were roaming freely, peeling bananas, and attempting to inhale out of aerosol cans. Interesting fellas, that's for sure...

SEE!!!

Have you ever handed a banana to a monkey before?

OWww

Keny grooming Jungle

After touring the Monkey Temple, we were all hungry so we roamed the streets until we came across a small mom-n-pop-n-kids Balinese restaurant. Even though I had the Mie Goreng in Kuta, I couldn't help but to try it here because I wanted to know if it would taste different than the one we had at the food courts. This one definitely tasted a lot more fresh and authentic. The fish/oyster sauce wasn't as overwhelming, and the added chili's were a bonus! Oh, and all the fruit juices were mega-hits. I mean none of that processed, fructose-laced shenanigans found here. All organic, all 100% deliciousness straight to the donia.

After we ate, we walked up the street and encountered a local ceremony ensuing. I'm not sure what exactly it was for, but I was certainly curious. I wanted to ask what the processional was about, but I was too busy snapping pictures.

Bokeh Effect

Time to head to the Villa!

As we were heading out, we met Wayan, a local taxi driver who would later become our private tour guide and driver for the rest of our stay in Ubud. He was probably in his late 30's, armed with a Bob Marley Greatest Hits Mixtape, and a minivan that accommodated the five of us well. We definitely learned a lot about the Indonesian culture through him, and the struggles one goes through to survive out in Bali. He was a kind man, knowledgeable, yet not completely overwhelming in his narratives. I couldn't believe my eyes when we were entering the rice fields. Surreality. The rice fields juxtaposed the villa in a bizarre, yet calming way.

We were truly at the mercy of paradise,
& the best reception a Villa can have.

It was unreal. We couldn't even see the inside of the villa, because it wasn't time for us to check in yet. So we headed back down Ubud to grab some dinner, and check out the night life. We ended up grabbing tickets to the traditional Balinese dance, as it was also suggested by many past Bali travelers.

After the performance we headed back to Villa Agung Khalia to finally check into our rooms. I couldn't believe where we were staying. It was legitimately one of the most incredulous places I have ever stayed at. Though it only had 3 rooms, there were enough beds and couches to accommodate more than 10 people, easily. A dream getaway indeed. I hadn't felt that type of genuine excitement in a long time. & I'm still perplexed.

There are better day-time shots of the Villa, but for now these will have to do.

Because...

I was overly-ambitious when I started this post, wanting to fit everything from Ubud in one day, but now I realized that I couldn't. I grossly miscalculated the amount of photos I wanted to post, so I am going to conclude this post as Part 1 of the Ubud series, and now am going to get some sleep. Please forgive me, I havn't looked away from the screen, nor gotten up in a few hours. Oh, I taught a class about diabetes today. Did you know that having a sedentary lifestyle can cause diabetes? Sedentary = not exercising, and sitting around all day.

In other words, stay active my friends.
ciao

Donuts do BALI [-Kuta Series-]

2010-08-10T00:37:00.000+09:00

As I'm listening to the XX, cropping and uploading my pictures, I couldn't believe what I had experienced last week. It was INCREDIBLE to say the least. It was as if I had been incepted into a dream world that I knew was real, but couldn't quite grasp it while I was there. An unforgettable week filled with GREAT friends, GREAT foods, GREAT stays, and GREAT events! I've been fortunate enough to see many beautiful places in North America: from Vancouver, Canada, to Baja Mexico, Mexico, to Oahu, Hawai'i, the Pacific Coast of Humboldt County, and the many beaches, mountain ranges, and deserts inhabiting California, to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and even New York and Washington DC on the East Coast. But this was the first time I've been to another country (aside from Korea) on this side of the Pacific.

A few thoughts on Bali:

"SPECTACULAR."
"MAGNIFICENT"
"PARADISE"
"HEAVEN ON EARTH"
"IMPRESSIVELY AWE-INSPIRING"
"BEAUTIFUL"
"BREATHTAKING"
"MUST-SEE"

If I could give it 10 Thumbs up I would. But for now I guess 2 will have to do.

Bali combines the beautiful beaches and the tropical breezes of the Hawaiian Islands, along with the crisp & pristine mountainous ranges of California that soothes the soul. If there is one place I can truly recommend everyone visiting, it is definitely Bali. With zero expectations, I left Korea and found a breathtaking paradise in Bali. Everyone we encountered provided some sort of never before seen perspective on life, and what it means to be a human being. I can go on and on about how beautiful this place is, but I hope the pictures can do most of the talking.

It took me hours to compile, sort through gigs of jpegs, crop (with very minimal post-editing), upload, write, and put together only the first leg of the trip, so I hope these pictures can do justice to what I had experienced with my own eyes!

(before scrolling down, depending on what your view settings are, I might zoom out one or two levels to get a better view of the vertical pictures. On Safari, I believe it is Apple Key (⌘) and the (-) button. Or, go to View then Zoom Out (⌘-).

enjoi :D

Incheon International Airport's sophisticated transportation to the Departure Gates.

Mr. Santhose (Manager with Samsung) heading back to India for a vacation with his family.

Notice the Cholita headband :)

Traditional Balinese statues carrying a theme of abstract animals and dragons. Very fascinating to see.

Free fiber for the week

Warung, or street food vendors.

First tastes of Balinese cuisine. Oh man, don't even get me started on the food. Starting at 15,000 IDR (~$1.5 USD) you get a delicious meal, and at 50,000 IDR (~$5 USD) you're eating fresh caught Marlin for a KING.

Mid-flight shots

Beautiful

YAHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! #3 and #4 of the Bintang Donuts have arrived!
(BTW, Sugi I have some hilarious shots of you, and Lauren there are some model moments of you)

How to shoot a picture, Asian-style.

1, 2, 3!

Paddleball is a lot more fun than you think. Ask these guys.

One thing we all noticed about Bali was the amount of stray dogs that were happily loitering around as they pleased. In contrast, Korea has an invasion of stray cats idling around the streets. By using a chicken satay we lured one of the dogs over so that Jungle could pet him.

After the beach session we headed back to our Resort to swim in the pool before exploring Kuta, and finding a place to grab some dinner. Sugi and I decided to check out the sunset while the ladies were washing up. I've seen a lot of sunsets in my life, but this one was even more surreal than most of the other ones. We saw some guys playing futsol by the beach, and I wanted to join in, but I was captivated by the sunset.

After getting cleaned up, we headed out to the local food court where there must have been at least 15 different warungs, all trying to get us to buy dinner from their stations. They were by far the most persistent group of restauranteurs I have ever encountered in my life.

How about a Mie Goreng, with chicken and an egg on top?

Scooter-nation. Though we did not ride scooters in Kuta, we had two full days worth of scooting around in Nusa Lembongan.

FLAPJAKS, where ANY DESSERT COMBINATION is POSSIBLE. You can order a waffle with gelato on top, while having a steak and egg sandwich. Or, if you prefer pancakes, you can throw some ice cream on top with some syrup. You'll be lucky to make it out of here alive.

Quite possibly the best Banana Split in the world. The sweet crystalline overload was counter-balanced with a bag of salty fries from the sports pub next door.

After the incredulous dessert session, we headed over to the local massage parlor to get a phenomenal foot and back massage. It was the first time I ever got a massage at a parlor, and the masseuse did a great job relaxing my entire body. No happy ending, but I was a happy camper.

Wait... what?!

... and that was just the first 48 hours...

Jungle's Perspective

[My favorite picture from the Kuta Series]

Next up, the [-Ubud Series-]...

E xi st en ti al is m

2010-07-13T00:45:00.000+09:00

"but in life there's no rehearsals." (unknown)

Now if that's not worthy to ponder about then what is?
You get one shot to live this life,
and your soul's gotta live with the result forever.
The existentialist would agree.
Certainly, the "go-get-em" attitude,
"Carpe diem" applicable,
and by "living with the results" you reap everything that you sow
and everything that you don't.

but...
Why am I here?
A question that can only be fulfilled with never-ending details.
An answer that is devoid of any complete logical sense.
In essence, an immortalized zeitgeist.

The Irony of it all.

Well, that shows you how much I know about existentialism. And thats not a whole lot. I should probably read some more Nietzsche and Heidegger then re-make this post. Or, perhaps by then I would have found the meaning of life and... (al-righty, moving right along...)

When I made the decision to expatriate myself to Korea, I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into, or where I would be headed. I had a vague memory of what Korea was like in '96. Aside from that, I couldn't possibly fathom this life I've had for the past 8 months. It's hard to believe how fast the time has gone by, yet everyday I think about that realization another minute passes by unopposed. Time, Life, and Death. All of which have a thing or two in common: their inevitability.

After reading jungle's blog, I felt like I was reading a story about myself. I've gone from completely knowing how everything works, where everything was, who everyone was, and what I was. The past 8 months have been dedicated to shrewdly deconstructing all of that. Not to say that I am a completely new me... but when you're out in a semi-foreign land, in a completely different environment with an inexplainable culture... it's kinda like... being a caramel popcorn inside a bucket full of butter popcorn. Errr.. that made more sense in my head.

Anyways, Korea's been interesting to say the least. First off, when the weather decides that it wants to get hot, it gets hot, and humid. I can deal with the heat, but the humidity may very well drive me out of sanity. I mean I can't really complain about the weather... let's just say that I have never seen so many legs+heels combo in my life. Not like one or two, but like twenty five, thirty, maybe even a hundred, in a span of 30 seconds! It's absolutely mind-blowing.

Next, I recently got a used road bike. I went biking alongside the Han River a few times already, and it's so relaxing! Then I ate pavement when I tried to "ride my bike with no handlebars." Luckily, an aging, 70+ year, should be retired, old bike mechanic fixed my bike for 2,000 won, or $2. Well.. I guess it's like $1.89 or something like that. On that note, Korean food here is very affordable. But the minute you want something gourmet, or "non-Korean," the price goes up 500%. Okay that was a bit of an exaggeration, but I [hope] you know what I mean. I definitely miss the variety of food back home.

Third, I'm finally feeling settled into my place and Korea. It's weird having a place completely all to yourself. Normally, you have some roommates, parents, or someone else to keep you company but I'm finally feeling ridiculously independent. It's a good feeling to have I suppose (until the day of reckoning arrives, ie. parenthood). In doing so, I am understanding more and more each day the consequences of my actions. If I stay out all weekend, and get home when the sun comes up, then the following day will not be as productive as it normally could be. My only complaint is that I live so close to where I work that I only venture out during the weekends. Therefore, I feel trapped like a recluse sometimes.

Fourth, I feel like a baby out here. I'm generally the youngest one at the table. I get called "aegi" (baby in Korean) at work. I can't drink like I used to. My milk and cereal diet has exploded since I've gotten here. Generally rotating between Frosted Flakes, and Chocolate Chex. Korea definitely lacks good cereal selection. On that note, my ramen intake as also exceeded optimal levels.

Fifth, my sleeping schedule all all out of whack. One day I'll sleep at midnight, and then the next day I'll sleep at like 3 am. I guess it doesn't really help when I'm getting home at 6 am sometimes. Usually, I'll flip a coin and see if I should sleep or not. I'm like a pseudo-night-owl, cause I mean I do still have work when there's daylight.

Also, this is becoming a rant/tirade/charade, so I'll stop here and let the pictures do the talking.

this set is from Jason's re-visit to the Motherland
biking on the Han.
enjoi!

she
keeps

me
sane.

bike-by shooting

fixie central

it feels damn good to be back.

symmetrical haunting

2010-06-22T11:57:00.000+09:00

Gyeongbokgung Palace

2010-05-27T22:43:00.000+09:00

I had a rare opportunity to enjoy a Wednesday off without having to go to work, and so I decided to visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Gwanghwamun. Gyeongbokgung Palace is a beautiful palace where the ruling monarch and his family would be residing in during the Joseon Dynasty. Here the Sumunjang of Joseon (the Commander of the Gate Guard) was the chief military officer who protected these gates and whose main duty was to ensure the security and peace of the dynasty. This ceremony of opening and closing the gates, along with changing the guards, was a symbolic act that was carefully arranged. The first year of it's ceremonious procedure was in 1479 during King Yejong's rule.

I was captivated by watching this authentic ceremony, and felt as if I was back in the 15th century. Korea has definitely come a long way, and my moments spent roaming the Palace freely were serene. Usually, whichever touristy place you go to in Seoul is generally jam-packed with Seoulites, but today it was like having the entire sand castle all to myself (well until all the school kids started rushing in around 2 pm). For the first time in Seoul, I felt remnants of a history long gone. I knew that past the McDonalds, the Nike stores, and the modern architecture, there was a forgotten presence of Korea almost camouflaged deep inside of Seoul. As I entered through the gates, watching a Gate Guard change proceeding, I was encouraged to learn more about my heritage. Korea has had a tumultuous history. War is definitely not a new concept here (nor is it anywhere else I suppose). My guess is that people are starting to remember the "Forgotten War" with all this hoopla about N. Korea. Yes, I am gravely concerned. Nonetheless, today I am still blessed and thankful to be alive and well, to have my family and friends, and of course to be employed.

Through my outsider's perspective, I am beginning to understand more of this culture. In this process, I am beginning to understand more of where my parent's came from. My parents left Korea seeking opportunity, hoaxed by the American dream, and the freedoms unheard of in Korea at the time. Fast forward 23 years and with rapid modernization and economic development I am seeing more parallels to that of a coastal American city. Hence, the prevalence of the Burgerkings, the Adidas, and the Starbucks. It's like an odd mixture of two cultures clashing; creating a bastardization of both. (My political sense would kick in right about now and take a glance at Capitalism, and the Establishment. Ironically, even if we all believed in the half-truths, it would never amount to the whole. Perhaps, we wouldn't be able to handle that kind of complete truth.) Nonetheless, the sights, sounds, smells, and sudden shouts of drunk men at 2 am remind me that though English is becoming prevalent everywhere here -- this is still South Korea. Though I still have my reservations about Seoul and South Korea, I am proud of how far this country has come.

On a side note:

We live in precarious times. A man would spend his entire life seeking a truth that did not exist. Or, relinquish his life to an outcome dredged with uncertainty and failure. In doing so, they made the world a little better, a little easier, for all of us. Yet, today we have gotten too comfortable relying on these past pioneers, and yesterday's newfound innovations. We count on other's past successes, and mistakes to minimize our own failures, and ultimately our own successes. Why? It's easier that way. Or, perhaps we could be asking ourselves which way we can take our mechanized society, our structured lives, and our deteriorating humanity into something anew? The biggest problem this generation faces is not being apathetic, which we are, but knowing that we are, and not doing anything about it.

without further adieu,

enjoi :)

I finally got that bokeh effect!

express me, cause you're moving too slow

2010-05-18T22:50:00.001+09:00

i attended a co-worker's wedding this past weekend (about an hour and a half outside of Busan) and it was good to be outside of Seoul for the weekend. though this was my first "weekend off" in over 3 months, i felt like it has been eons since i've had a saturday off. the day started off with an 8:30 am departure (quite an early start for my current schedule), and we arrived at the wedding hall approximately four and a half hours later. when we got there the wedding ceremony seemed to be a fleeting moment. the wedding couldn't have been more than thirty to forty minutes. when i stepped outside i was confused and surprised that there were so many new people waiting outside. my other co-worker tells me these people were waiting for the next wedding. in a country where space is limited, i begin to understand it's true value. the wedding express reinforces my theory that in korea everything is about going faster and faster. so as fast as i could i make my way towards the delicious buffet that we had indirectly paid for. after gorging ourselves with food, we made our way to Haeundae, the beach town near Busan. the first thing that surprised me was the colorful assortment of hotels that had been carefully coordinated within the town plans. we found a hotel to spend the night at, and then made our way out to the beach. something about the smell of the ocean puts me at ease and bestows tranquility to my soul. Haeundae definitely made me nostalgic of home. i guess it has something to do with the Pacific. one of my co-workers figured that since we were literally by the ocean we shouldn't settle for anything less than fresh seafood. let's just say that i was thoroughly impressed at the quality of the seafood here. afterwards we found a rock n roll bar on some 14th floor to drink some spirits, throw darts, and shoot some pool. the following day we left for seoul, and i took the KTX for the first time. we barely made it on board. no less than 2 minutes after we hopped on the 2:40 pm departure train, it was taking off. about three hours, and a hite beer later we made it back. if you're going to travel down to the southern tip of Seoul, i suggest taking the KTX. it's really that much more comfortable.

here are my favorite pictures from the weekend.
enjoi
:)

the bride (my co-worker) claimed that the last thing she was going to do
when she arrived in korea two years ago was get married to a korean...

go figure. -___-

day 174: what dreams may come

2010-05-13T00:32:00.000+09:00

in one week i will have been in korea for half a year. half-a-freaken-year. no expletive can describe the past five months and twelve days. frankly, it's been a ~~blur~~. each minute clobbering the next minute without a second's notice. korea is on something else. i mean i'm korean so i should understand right? no way. the lifestyle here is for the f-a-s-t and literally, the furious. maybe that's why they hired me. cause i'm from cali, you know the west coast, it's straight chillin, right? we're all laid back, speak a little slower, and have a more relaxed lifestyle. maybe the students will understand my intonations better cause i'm not talking like i'm on speed (*side note: i never done it). well korea doesn't really appreciate that lax'd mentality. it simply does not fly here. i mean unless you want to get hit by someone behind the wheel of a new hyundai. other than that, i'm working six days a week. which means by the time i get passed hump day (theoretically wednesday), i'm still not quite over it. by the time i get done on saturday, half my weekends gone, and then in a blink of an eye, it's sunday! throw some laundry in the machine, and i'm getting ready for another week. alright i'm done with my complaints.

let's see. i've been keeping my brain/mind occupied with a few good reads. i recently finished the Alchemist, by Paulo Coehlo. a fascinating allegorical book about a young boy who abandons his routine comfortable life as a shepherd in spain, to travel and find the meaning behind his reoccurring dreams. before he embarks on his journey he encounters a wise old king. the king reveals to him the secrets behind the Personal Legend. he is a symbol of truth, an untainted character whose ultimate purpose is to direct those who need guidance in the right direction. throughout Santiago's epic expedition he stumbles upon many misfortunes and obstacles, all of which were necessary for him to attain his Personal Legend.. towards the climax of the novel, Santiago meets the Alchemist. another symbolic figure. this time a symbol of knowledge. the Alchemist shares his knowledge of the language of the world, and how we are all connected by it. a few more challenges, and Santiago finally reaches the treasure he has been seeking - the great pyramids basking in the egyptian desert. i'll stop here. i highly suggest everyone to give it a read. it's a relatively quick read (i finished it in about two days). i believe it is an important piece of literature that reminds the reader, that no matter how difficult, or seemingly impossible an individual's dream may be, it is always important to listen to your heart. many people get detracted from what they really want to do for the fear of failure is very difficult to overcome. i know, i have trouble overcoming this very fear. in the end, there's only one person that can stop you from achieving your dreams, and i'm sure you already know who that person is.

i want to share a part of the book that struck me:

"What you still need to know is this: before a dream is realized, the Soul of the World tests everything that was learned along the way. It does this not because it is evil, but so that we can, in addition to realizing our dreams, master the lessons we've learned as we've moved toward that dream. That's the point at which most people give up. It's the point at which, as we say in the language of the desert, one 'dies of thirst just when the palm trees have appeared on the horizon.'"

have faith.
have self-belief.
don't ever give up.

now for some pictures

enjoi
:)

do you believe in signs?

inside my window

2010-05-04T02:33:00.000+09:00

please visit jungle's blog for the real deal,

enjoi!

flowers

2010-04-24T21:17:00.000+09:00

some melodic tunes while you're here,

enjoi!

its been a hectic week. in the midst of moving to my new place and settling in, i managed to find some time before work on friday to check out yeoido and the famous cherry blossoms. i wish i made the time earlier to check them out (when they're ripe during their short-lived blooming season), but somehow i could not find the time to do so. the precipitous clouds and possible rain were the forecast for that morning, but i figured if i didn't go soon, the cherry blossoms would be long gone. i suppose the saying "better late than never" applies here.

so i woke up at 8 that day. took an hour ride on the bus to yeoido (in hindsight, i definitely should have taken the subway), and finally saw some glimpses of the cherry blossoms as i was passing through the neighborhood. i was relieved as i stepped out of the bus to finally get some fresh air, and immediately i grabbed my camera. as i pulled up my camera to eye level, while simultaneously flipping the switch to turn on my D40, something was wrong.

as i looked into my viewfinder, i could not see the digital status numbers, exposure settings, nor the focus brackets. in absolute horror, and amazement of my stupidity, i realized that i had forgotten one of the most essential components to any electronic device. the battery. instead of panicking, i realized that i was close to yongsan (one of seoul's biggest cache of electronic stores). so i took a taxi there, grabbed a lithium ion battery, and darted back to the mini-island. luckily, i didn't have to charge the battery first, and i was one of three people roaming up and down the street that morning! without further ado, here are the results!

life lesson #382: do not forget the batteries. ✓

spring is finally upon us!

farewell, Jewels!

2010-04-18T17:57:00.000+09:00

평창동 car shop

exoticaa

a good friend is heading back to North America.
well, one's leaving sooner than the other.
can you guess which one?

chaotic trying to get a group shot
eventually it all worked out!

have a safe trip back to Canada Jewels Paek!
v(^^)v <~ you got that down.

& he does it again ♪♫

2010-04-07T01:12:00.000+09:00

dont jump to 3:48
just listen into it ~ trust.
enjoi :D

now tell me that didnt get your heart pumping.
when fred falke goes on tour, whose in?

day 125: life in "reel" time

2010-03-24T23:17:00.000+09:00

enjoi!

thumbs up for blogspot for maintaining picture quality!