The new Nike AirMax360 Shop in Coex Opened last week with a nice reception for some of the nation’s Air Max Lovers!! Celebs Epik High (huge rap group!), Gong Yu and Lee JungJin (some movie stars)… as well as local pro-ballers Kim SeungHyun (china/korea MVP) and Bang SungYoon were all there to help us kick it off with 700 other screaming kids.

JiYoung and I at SUJI having a nice post-new year’s brunch!

The Lunar or Chinese New Year!! One of the major holidays here in asia, this one was spent in an all day affair with JiYoung’s family. Her parents, brother, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles in the wonderful town of Chung-Joo! One hour on a regular day and 6 hours during the holiday by car… but we too the bus!! 2 hours there and back… Bus Rocks!!

We kicked off the day with the traditional ceremony of praying for those who have past before us. In this case, JiYoung’s great grandfather and great, great grandfather (on her father’s side). There is an elaborate setup of food and wine offerings that is a site to see and an ordeal to prepare!

From there we headed to the bow at the graves of more people who have past before us. It was an impressive hike through the woods that ended at the grave of the most presitigous elder. The great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather (that’s six) who served the nation and triumped as Korea’s Secretary of Defense… the highest honor.

Then it was off to JiYoung’s grandfather’s house. The original house which her grandfather built when he was a young man. The house that JiYoung’s father was born it. An old and super traditional home about the size of a small two bedroom flat in the east village but back then slept 8 people. And out front of course… their Cow! Yes, they have a cow! A working cow who’s job it was to plow the fields and tend the soil.

The day ended at her uncle’s house (mother’s side) with our third meal of the day and a bunch of kids running about. Traditionally in the morning, you visit the son/father’s family and in the afternoon you visit the daughter/wife’s family. It was a great day and the first time in my adult life I truly experienced a traditional (a truly traditional) New Year! Thanks JY!!

JiYoung’s Father, myself and her Grandfather – I love this picture!

My Eggi’s birthday… the big 27 (or 28 in the advanced korean aging system). I came back from Hong Kong, gifts in hand and we headed to dinner with her best middle school friends!!

Unforunately, Eggi had to travel for business on her actual birthday, the 21st but when she got home, I welcomed her with a birthday bonanza of decorations…

Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy!

It’s been a while. Two weeks on the road… training in Beaverton and meetings in Hong Kong. Long time away from my Yaebo but i came back to a warm welcome and a delicous home cooked meal!

After a tame new years eve on the homefront, we set out to kick off the new year with a ralaxing day at SPA CASTLE. It’s like Action Water Park meets dessert oasis. Boiling hot springs, freezing cold air, rides and tons of people and kids!!

/ Yaebo at the train station, ready to go!
/ Us arriving in Sapgyo
/ Doin’ the “SPA” dance :)
/ The sun sets on the first day of the new year and the fog rolls in…

Happy New Year to you all!!! Best of Luck in 2006!!