Another kind of home

The last time I was in China, in 2009, rather than wandering
around the countryside on my own (as I had done in the past)
I stayed with my friend Timothy's family and meandered
my way across the country with them over a period of about
5 weeks. During that period, they became my family too.

Younger sister, Chongchong (standing, below), observed
one afternoon while we were discussing my travels, 'You must
have many families in many places.' Being a friendly sort of
person, easily at home in different places, I agreed with her.
But she wasn't finished yet. Musing on what it must be like
to constantly get close to people only to leave them behind,
she added, 'So you have lost many things then, but gained
many also.'

There is a Chinese proverb that says 'Every family has its
own hard book to read.' This coming and going from people
that I love is a recurring theme in the book of my family,
stretched as it is around the globe. But for all the things I've
lost in this semi-perpetual movement, here are just a few
pictures of the many more that I've gained. I can't wait until
tomorrow when I get to see (some of) them again!!

My Chinese family - Mom (Auntie to me), Chongchong (standing),
Zhenzhen (in the middle), and Timothy. Timothy and I met
at a conference in the Philippines in 2008, and have been
fast friends ever since.

Paternal grandmother, in her home in the village. She's not
so sure about the camera, but trust me, she's usually smiling!

Maternal grandfather. If my dad were Chinese and about
30 years older, he would be this guy.

Maternal grandmother. Her and grandfather above run a
little everything shop out of their home in the village. So
much fun to look through!
Rural Shandong, China, February 2009.

Happy 8th Anniversary!

When I first moved to Korea, I thought that deok (sticky
rice cakes) were completely disgusting. The texture was
unlike anything I'd ever had before (ooey, gooey, ghastly),
and I didn't think they tasted like much of anything to make
up for that unpleasantness. Now however (and for many
years now), I ADORE deok. I love how simultaneously
silky soft and chewy they are, how the various fillings
contrast with the outside in taste and texture, and the sheer
enormous variety that exists. I appreciate the artistry
that goes into each piece, and the creative combinations
unique to each particular vendor. And I love that although
sweet, they are not TOO sweet, so their ricey heft doesn't
sit too heavily in your stomach. But not all deok are created
equal. The cake in the picture is from my FAVOURITE
'deok jip' (rice cake house), on the other side of the city from
my home. It's run by a young couple who make everything
themselves, and run the shop, and make the deliveries. Each
of the 8 layers was made of a different kind of deok, all
individually wrapped for freshness, so as you peeled things off
the top you exposed something new underneath. Wonderful!
Changwon, South Korea, April 30, 2011.

Offerings

A week before Buddha's Birthday (my favourite holiday in
Korea!), a few temple offerings to whet the appetite. In
addition to the standard variety of little Buddha figurines,
this collection also features a little girl in a traditional Korean
dress, called a hanbok - such great rainbow sleeves!
Kilsangsa, Changwon, South Korea, April 2011.

Look me in the eye and say that!

A couple of residents of the Busan Aquarium, South Korea,
April 29, 2011.