A Bigger Fish

For those who haven't been acquainted with me socially as a foreigner living in Suncehon would be quite taken aback by some of the nicknames that are thrown at me by basic default. At least it surprises me. Since I have a bass guitar, which no one else in Suncheon really does, I go by 'Music Dan.' Also I guess not many other people are from the San Francisco Bay Area down in these parts, therefore it seems that I have been labeled by some as 'San Fran Dan,' or just 'San Fran' for short.

The fact that I have never really lived in San Francisco is a detail that is easily overlooked or not seriously regarded as an imperative requirement for my title of resident San Franciscan. I am actually from a small town called Castro Valley, which is about 35 kilometers from downtown San Francisco. Anyway, despite my Californian breeziness, and knowledge of the San Francisco Bay Area, it must be noted that those things did nothing for me in San Francisco. Unfortunately I was just some guy named Dan, who wasn't interesting in San Francisco's eyes. There is nothing wrong with normalcy, but it's just so much more gratifying to come to Korea and to be regarded as diplomat from a place that is so wonderful.

I think it's a good thing too. I enjoy talking about my home and offering advice on places to visit and making recommendations on things to do and see. Because of my interest of making San Francisco seem attractive to Koreans and foreign residents alike, I volunteered for the UNESCO Cross Cultural Awareness Program in Jeollanamdo Province. I think it's quite a rewarding opportunity to go to schools and other venues to give brief but informative presentations about one's homeland. I have been doing this for about a year now, and I have to say that it's been quite an amazing experience.

What's compelling for me is the fact that I am afforded some opportunities to be regarded as someone to be counted on. Maybe that sounds odd, but the fact that I have spent most of my life swimming upstream as a small fish fighting to be a person who does have some experience and some things to share with the world, makes me feel like a slightly bigger fish for a change. For me it has been wonderful to come to Korea and be inaugurated as 'San Fran Dan,' to speak on behalf of such a majestic place. I even get to showcase my musical skills as well, since at the end of the presentation I usually give a short American musical demonstration. So in short I could also be called 'San Fran Music Dan.' However, just Dan will suit me just fine. It's nice to feel important for a change.

I think in life we all want to leave footprints. Speaking on behalf of myself at least, I want to exist in a place where my actions are noticed from time to time, while the results of those actions leave a positive impression with whoever happens to cast a passing glance or attentive ear. The fact that I was graced with the opportunity to act as sort of a cultural diplomat in Korea has been a endearing experience. The fact that it's so convenient for many of us foreign characters living here to partake in these types of programs makes it even more appealing to live here.

Another Rock Turned Up!

I admit that I am not by any means vertically challenged, although it must be dully noted that my height doesn't necessarily exceed that of someone of a more elevated nature. If you tested the height of a dutch male, a penguin, and myself I would undoubtedly measure in at second place slightly ahead of the cuter Arctic waddler. Because of my modest height, I confess that growing up afforded me few advantages when playing sports. Despite my best efforts to play baseball, a little basketball, some tennis, and even a semester of ultimate Frisbee, I'll admit that my height didn't play any advantage in terms of ability. In fact in retrospect, in my less than average stature, my inclination to even involve myself in athletic endeavors seemed to prove a giant miscalculation on my part.

That all changed last May. Despite the fact that I have been an abject failure at most team sports, I never actually really gave soccer a shot. Since I am such a like able fellow, I get on quite well with the players of the local foreigner soccer team in Suncheon. The Suncehon Soccer club, or SIFC; for Sunchoen International Football Club, let me come out to one of their games last May. I played for an entire half, and by the end it was obvious that I was as hopeless as I was at any other sport. During that inaugural match the players on my own team began shouting at me like I was an enemy. According to them I couldn't pass, I couldn't shoot; apparently I couldn't even touch the ball correctly. However, after the game I was by some great fortune invited to come to practices. Eventually I managed to handle myself a bit better. In the end, I have put in a lot of hard work, which I have learned is 90 percent to achieving anything. Although, I actually feel that my limited tallness has given me an advantage that with hard work can make me into a decent player. If you don't believe me, look at Wayne Rooney, or Lionel Messi! Shorter people usually make better soccer players because of their lower center of gravity and are able to control the ball more efficiently.

Because of my hard work I am now starting to slowly feel like a contributor to the team instead of being the teams Achilles heel. Please understand that this is no easy feat to achieve for anyone; especially by myself in such a minimal amount of time. Soccer isn't exactly the 'girls' sport many Americans claim. If you disagree, try sprinting up and down a football field for 90 minutes only to stop at 1 minute intervals to slide tackle someone running into you. It isn't fishing. Regardless, what I want to share with you is the tremendous sunny weekend I had this weekend past in the city of Ulsan at an international soccer tournament.

Ulsan is a city that is practically hidden by the shadows of gigantic Busan. Busan is a mega city with beaches and nightife that can contend with many formidable international destinations, so it's no surprise that not many people visit Ulsan. What is surprising though, is that Ulsan has over a million residents. It's practically the size of Gwangju. Additionally, it's a pretty interesting town to boot! Shame on you Lonely Planet for not even including it in your book.

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to take a couple of days to explore a bit. The main part of the city is divided by a giant river, which has a plethora of parks lining the banks. There is an overabundance of verdant trees and new soccer fields, which is a rare treat for a foreigner living in Suncheon. Also on each side of the river there are several pockets of that ubiquitous downtown 'buzz' that Korea is so famous for. There are many places to meander during the day, pose for photos, have lunch shop and enjoy the scenery. Additionally, that buzz continues into the night a large selection of colorful downtown pedestrian zones, restaurants, cafes, and bars that will put a smile on even the hardest to satisfy. What is especially nice, is that I was completely surprised by this. I had no idea that I would be visiting such an inviting city. It just goes to show that no matter how long you live in a place, that there is always another rock to turn up.

The soccer tournament was a success too of course. We won our first match, then fought hard to reach the quarter finals. We lost, but you need to understand our team is from a city of less than half a million. Suncheon is half the size of Ulsan. We aren't even a shadow of Gwangju, additionally we are even too small to be a metaphorical little brother. We are like a grandchild to mighty Gwangju. This being said, I think you can appreciate the success we've accomplished after competing with teams from the ranks of Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Ulsan. Regardless of winning or losing though, what is important is that we could stand tall in a city with a group of guys from a low population, and still enjoy ourselves in a surprisingly big and exciting town.

Memories on a Monday

As I crawled out of bed on this frosty November Monday morning I hit the snooze button and curled back into my blankets like an arm in a sling and fell right back into my slumber for another eight minutes. Which is the same feat I later managed to accomplish another four times before succumbing to the inevitable Monday obligatory drudgery of getting dressed and hurrying to work. Despite my trademark cold morning gruff behavior I at least admit that the view from my apartment this morning was especially sunny and clear. In the distance beyond downtown Suncheon I briefly took peek a the clear blue region known as Suncehon Bay, which lies just eight kilometers from Suncheon.

As it is a seasonably chilly Monday, and as most Mondays will continue in this fashion for several months, I am compelled to reminisce about a day spent hiking in late spring around Suncheon Bay and Eco Park. As I have mentioned beforehand, it's conveniently located about eight kilometers from downtown Suncheon. There are several buses that reach the park, however a quicker option would be to just hop in a cab, which only costs between eight and ten thousand won. Once you arrive at the foot of the park, you will be inundated with tall grasslands at a trail head that winds for a kilometer or so through a marshy mudflat area. After advancing along the trail a bit, the mudflat becomes more sea like and you can get a glimpse of some tour boats that head out towards the Korean Strait. Additionally, In this interesting pocket of a swampy sea border you can also catch a glimpse of many interesting migratory birds in flight.

After a kilometer or two the trail begins to push upward. Since me and my sporty girlfriend welcomed the challenge, we continued up for a while. We didn't expect too much in terms of a steep hike, but regardless this is exactly what we were given. As the grade increased it seemed both of us were feeling exceedingly brave with each marching step we managed. From the top the reward paid off in spades. For example, On one hand the flatter, more manageable part of the path, there are a surplus of visitors. However, with each passing step up there seems to be a gradual decrease of humans, which makes the day seem far more peaceful. Also, as many panoramic views from Korea are stunning, the view from above of Suncheon Bay was no exception. There is something about the landscape in this country that is truly unique.

As we stopped for a couple of snapshots and a rest, I really began to wonder what is it about this landscape that I really hold with such a high regard. I guess the main reason is the fact that there are so many mountains that are so close to the sea. They are in their own rights impressive enough. The sea and mountains are equally impressive natural beauties that posses the power to inspire or pacify a great deal of us; not to mention an American living in Korea. What's especially nice about Korea is that you have so many areas of sea and mountain space together. In addition to Suncheon Bay, locally there are the vast coastal areas around Gwanyang, Yeosu, and Nokdong. These areas all offer a picturesque blend of mountain and sea panoramics.

So as I lazily gaze out of my eighteenth story window on this frosty November morning past the city towards the East Sea, while struggling to find a clean shirt, and a useable coffee cup, I tell myself that if I didn't have to drag myself to work today I could do a lot of exploring out in that vast distance beyond. Since I am not a friend of the colder climates, I would object from venturing far today though. However, just to imagine doing it makes me feel warmer inside, which is a good thing for a cold day, isn't it? Because of this, in the spirit of the ever decreasing climate temperatures I reckon I will make a similar posting next week, so stay tuned.