Beer Rant

It's about 6:00 on a Friday morning. Joined some folks for a few beers and pizza at What's David's. Good all around. After we all agreed the night was drawing to a close we headed home. My wife and I were attracted to a new place on a corner that plays music by request and features a pretty nice beer selection. I won't call them out directly. We went in and had a seat. We felt lucky that we were between rushes of smoking customers. We ordered a few beers and called it a night, again.

When our bill came we were stunned. Dumbfounded. Some of the beers that we ordered were over 13,000 KRW each. These same beers can be found at a 7-11 for 2,500 KRW. The math was also a little fuzzy on the bill but that part is harder to prove. I realize we could have checked the menu for prices. I realize we were provided good service. I also realize the place is pretty nice. I get all that. I don't, however, care for the mentality that says Songdoians are open game for exploitation. There's a part of me that feels they know they are shafting folks and smile...while their businesses barely stay afloat. The dust will collect on the other beer bottles in this place and in a months or maybe a year, this place will go away only to reappear as the next and greatest Korean traditional restaurant. Yawn.

All Awash in Yellow

It's done. I've destroyed a square piece of a tree with my bare foot, demonstrated my proficiency at the refined set of movements called Poomsae, and passed the physical test. I've graduated from white belt to yellow in TaeKownDo. I'm pretty happy with the journey too.

All along the way my English speaking instructor Brendan passed on solid information to me that he had learned while attaining almost 3 black belts so far. Some points really standout in my experiences with Yonsai Universtiy TKD. I am so impressed that they never lost sight of my advancing age or the physical shortcomings I have accumilated along the way. The goal has been to see me advance without causing harm and that's what has happened. Actually, I feel better every day after 10+ years of pain. Another impressive point is that nobody felt slighted when I respectfully agreed to simply bow to the Korean flag rather than salute or place my hand over my heart. I'm no nationalist, but hey, I have to pay respect to what my flag means to me. They bought me my very own flag. I was moved deeply by this.

I'm going to continue with this location and my instructors as this is one more great experience for me in Korea and in Songdo, Incheon specifically.