Being a vegetarian...at Suwon!

This is something I wanted to write for sometime, and, as is the norm while living in Korea, I was too short of time!


I intend to keep this post as a growing one as my experiences increase. Since I have never been much of an out-of-home eater even while in India, eating out does not come easy to me here.


It surely takes effort being a vegetarian outside India, much more so, in a society which is not quite cosmopolitan. As more and more foreigners keep coming in, surely culinary choices are going to increase.

As far as Korean food references go, they would usually be a generic thing, referring the dish rather than the restaurant.

First off, the Indian options ^^

1. Taj - The Indian Restaurant at Yeongtong, Suwon 

2.  New Delhi - Indian restaurant, Yeongtong, Suwon

3.  Shangrila Restaurant - Indian/Nepal restaurant, across Ajou University, Suwon
      Address:
                      샹그릴라 레스토랑 경기도 수원시 영통구 아주로 46 (원천동, 302-1호)
                      #46, Ajou-Ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea

     Phone. 031-216-9771
     (Personally, they serve the best aloo parathas in town!)

4. Durga Restaurant - Indian restaurant, Yeongtong, Suwon

5. Chakra Restaurant -  Near the Main gate of Samsung SDS, Suwon 
    Address:
                    경기 수원시 영통구 매탄3동 436-45 /
                    436-45 Maetan3Dong Yeongtong-Gu Suwon City, Gyeonggi-do
    Phone: 031-215-0758 
   (They are the rare Indian restaurant in Korea having South Indian options)


6.  Dongtan Suembu - Indian/Nepal food restaurant



7.  Suembu, Suwon Station - Indian/Nepal food restaurant, near Suwon Station
          (Phone: 031-258-3305  경기도 수원시 팔달구 매산로2가 97-5 2층/
           2nd Floor, 97-5, Maesan Road 2ga, Paldal-gu, Suwon City)      



8. Tranche - Korean Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant, Suwon

9. Tranche Vegan Buffet Restaurant, Yongin(뜰안채채식뷔페)

10. First Nepal Restaurant, Jukjeon, Yongin

11. Pizzas- one can get vegetarian pizza, potato pizza, cheese pizza from the various mini-chains at decent prices. The bigger chains would relatively be costlier.

12. Spaghetti- I have been to the Sorento chain- located at quite a few places in Suwon. Amazing, that the first time I had spaghetti was in Korea! I guess all Italian restaurants would be having atleast one option in vegetarian spaghetti.

13. Bibimbaap- rice topped with vegetables and mixed with chilli pepper paste(vegetarian version!). This is probably the only Korean dish I have eaten most. There are a few others but then I cannot recall the names. Will keep in mind to note down the names of other Korean food stuff I try or have tried.

14. Porridge - Porridge chains like Bon-Juk have nutritious vegetarian options



BE WARNED: Ordering vegetarian may mean ending up with a food which has vegetables included along with meat. So we need to be extra careful mentioning egg, fish, meat, seafood...I have had unpleasant experiences on this account!

6th Samsung PhilHarmonic Orchestra

An evening well spent amidst soul stirring classical music!

It is quite a different feeling going to any classical concert, be in western classical or Indian classical. I don't have any inkling of the technicalities of classical music, the majors and minors that I get to read related to symphonies just go over my head. But, what I do know is that I find listening to classical instrumental music soothing and very fulfilling.

It was a wonderful experience being at KBS Hall, Yeoido, Seoul for the 6th Samsung Philharmonic Orchestra! Amazing, the level of proficiency displayed by the group of employees from various Samsung companies...I do wish to learn any musical instrument and at least a basic knowledge of the technicalities of classical music...

My first concert ever here since the last two years!

Again Volunteering!

I seem to have hit upon this wonderful way of spending my Saturdays! Yesterday saw me again joining volunteer activity.

Was off to the Anyang Benest Golf Club to join the hippotherapy volunteer activity.

It is amazing the kind of experiences this country seems to give me. There have been various first-time experiences since the past two years.

Considering that I don't remember being neat to a horse ever in my life, going to the stables very month is exciting. Had it not been for the steep charges to learn horse-riding, I would have gone for that experience too.

It is an elevating experience spending time with children there. And,the inner strength of the parents cannot quite be measured. With children as special as these, parents have their priorities much different from the crowd. I try to make the best of my limited Korean language skills while being involved in the activities. I seem to like being near horses!

Other than spending time in a way I feel fruitful, these activities also serve to test my continued enthusiasm. NGO work is also one big area of interest for me in the near future.

Mr Me!!!

A tendency to call someone as Mr or Ms is quite prevalent in Korea.
It may have a lot to do with the heirarchical nature of society as well as a show of respect towards a person. That is perfectly fine and rather welcome!

What really riles me is the Korean tendency(except, for a rarified few) to introduce himself or herself as "Mister" or "Miss". I am yet to understand whether this comes from an ignorance of English language etiquette, or from a royal, supercilious perspective. And then, the cynic in me looks at it in another way- a charade of the ignorance of language usage:))

Since it is common to address even familiar persons with their job positions appended to their names, probably it manifests in even familiar persons being addressed as Mister or Miss in the third person.

I, for one, have not been entirely comfortable with this "Mistering". With people at work, with whom I am very friendly, I call them and refer to them with ther first names. And for others, simply append the Korean word for their position. This way, I avoid talking in a way that is alien to me.


Been a rather quiet weekend. And since I am trying to have atleast one entry per week, this write-up!

Busan PIFF 2008

Colours of Busan during PIFF 2008

PIFF 2008 at Busan was an awesome experience! Was there for 3 days from the 3rd Oct to the 5th. The fact that 3rd Oct was a national holiday helped! PIFF was special for two reasons- my very first film festival experience anywhere and KTX bullet train!

From Suwon, we had taken the Saemaul train to Daejon, that being the nearest place from where we could get the KTX bound for Busan. Getting up very early in the morning is so much easier when I go somewhere! Finding that much excitement during normal weekdays is so tough...the allure of the bed is a trifle difficult!!! Getting to touch 300 kph was something I had been looking forward to for quite some time. I dream of the time when we could take similar facilities for granted in India.

On reaching Busan, my very dependable friend Eugene was there to receive us.
Earlier during the week, had got a booking done at a pension home at Haeundae beach area, since most of the events were being held there. We took the subway to Haeundae station...takes about 45 minutes! A pension home, is more like a hotel room with cooking facilities. The owners were very kind and helpful. The rates pretty decent and facilities were as shown at their site( unlike some other places which show one thing and are something else). Getting to do so much by the Internet is actually so comforting, more so since I am still a Korean language student!

After having a quick lunch, we were out to the beach area to the PIFF village, to get tickets for movies. We were told to book tickets at any of the theatres :( When we reached the nearest theatre, Megabox, I realised my folly of not having booked tickets online. It is never too good to assume too many things, more so when one has not had prior experience. The movies we wanted to watch were all sold out. Finally we got the tickets for the Thai animation movie, The Buddha. My tryst with Buddhism continued!!! It was a well done film. Haven't quite been a fan for animation, I was not sure how great the quality of animation was, but surely it was not bad. And, I did enjoy the movie.

The next morning, the three of us went over to the beach to savour the morning calm!!! Since movies were to begin at 10 am, we assumed that royal blooded souls that we are, we would have people waiting for us with tickets in hand^^ At 9:00, the queue at Megabox was to be seen to believed. And, the cynic in me had thought of queues being seen only in my country! Later, we were to know that had we gone to the theatre Primus, which was farther off, it would have been easier to procure tickets...Since Megabox was walkable from the beach area and many film festival visitors were staying near the beach, Megabox had such a big rush. Finally, due to the enterprising and expedient ways of my friend we could get tickets for Nandita Das' Firaaq. And that day was a kind of disaster...since everything sold out...Had taken a Korean movie's tickets, and 10 minutes into start time, realised that there are no sub-titles....it was sheer luck that we could exchange the tickets and get tickets for the short films later in the evening.

As we were entering the theatre, we saw a petite Nandita Das seated nearby. The abrupt meeting probably shocked me...it took a while to realise who the person sitting was...that is probably something to do with always looking at movie people in the papers and Internet...She was cordial.

For some reason, I was hesitant to snap a picture with her. I am so used to taking pictures...not being clicked. Firaaq is a story well-told, and for a debutante director, Nandita Das has an amazing eye into details. I was particularly impressed that Sanjay Suri, actually had perspiration on his face when he woke up shocked in the middle of night. Only due to the fact that we had a meet-the-director session, all my questions were answered. Else, I would have had mixed feelings for the movie. Getting to know why a director did something in his or her movie makes it easier to appreciate.

Only thing which left me saddened was that the eminent actor of South Indian movies,Nasser, was more an after thought...Could say just two frames-at the start and at the end of the movie. A collosal waste of talent. And, there was nothing in the role which another actor could not have done...anyway that is entirely my opinion since I have seen him in so many movies and have respected his skills.

Was I lucky to bump into Santosh Sivan while leaving the theatre! He was very friendly and talked a bit about his movie Tahaan, which I was desperate to watch. That was a huge disappointment for me...not watching this movie...

In the late evening, we went to watch a series of 4 short movies, each of about 30 minutes. One of them was an Indian one, Udedhbun(UnRavel), a short film made in Bhojpuri by Siddharth Sinha, an almost silent movie, except for a few stray dialogues. I realised I hardly understand movies, despite thinking too highly of my film appreciation skills! Out of the four movies, this was the one I didn't quite like...later I found that it had won the silver bear award at the Berlin Film Festival!!!

The Japanese movie(Gentle Breeze Blowing , Kiichi Tagawa) was metaphorical on wind, the Chinese language movie from HongKong(Mr Right, Benny Lau) was sweet and simple, the Filipino movie(God Only Knows, Mark V. Ryes) cast a negative look on child adoption and Christian influences.

Having learnt my lessons, the next day we decided to watch a Sri Lankan movie, Flowers of the Sky, more so since we could meet the director. We were at the ticket booking area at before 7:30...and were we lucky to find the queue was half of the previous day! Amazed to see Koreans and some foreigners sleeping at the counters ...what craze for tickets. The spirit of the movies!

This time I was over prepared! Since the movie was playing in 3 screens and I was sure that I may not get tickets I had made a priority order choice for the same movie...the girl at the counter mistook it as something else...and I ended up with extra tickets...If plans go a little awry or the situation is a little stressful, I tend to go askew. Anyway...since the tickets could not be exchanged, it was my loss...My friends went out of their way to share the ticket price...

It was a contemporary movie. And well told. The director, Prasanna Vithanage, was so humble and forthright. Also,the fact that he processed all his movies at Chennai, and was inspired by Hindi oldies added to the feeling.

Then, it was time to bid adieu to Busan.

A memorable experience indeed.

Now, Lessons Learnt!!!

1. In Korea, in future events, do as much online reservation as possible. Don't wait till the last moment.

2. Where possible use cash, since it is a huge rush at many places...The double charging ( a mistake by the volunteer at the souvenir shop) on my credit card would not have happened.

3. Have SMS enabled for Credit card transactions. Getting two SMSes would have warned me to get the transaction cancelled!!! How easy to learn lessons after going through trials to have it refunded later!

4. Most important. For vegetarians like me. Cook dishes at home and carry...Freezing and carrying in a ice pack or an insulating container helps so much. Saves so much time to enjoy the festival.


Related LINKS:
http://www.piff.org/eng/index.asp

http://www.haeundaepension.co.kr/

Temple Stay pics slideshow

BaekRyunSa (벡련사) Temple Stay Experience(05_06 Sep 2008)

A long held dream to get a temple stay experience got fulfilled during the first weekend of this month.

Call it serendipity, I had a plan to apply to any of the Buddhist temples around Gyeonggi-do for a temple-stay experience during Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving holidays. Conveniently, my company planned a templestay experience programme for the 5th evening and 6th first-half, and I was game.

These days, I notice, I don't get too curious to know more than I need. A certain kind of detachment prevails. In fact, till just around the 5th, I was not even knowing the name of the temple!

I have been working on my Korean through a company-sponsored online course as well as trying new words with my colleagues, yet my Korean skills leave a lot to be desired. The positive part is that everyday finds me improving! Realizing that the templestay experience at Baekryunsa Temple would be all Korean was a challenge as well as an oppurtunity.

Friday evening found me trudging along to the bus at 4:30 pm, with a little trepidation, and a lot of concealed excitement. Over the period of about two years of living in Korea, my concepts of punctuality have undergone a huge change :) The fact that we left at 4:35 pm made me fretful!

Baekryunsa Temple is just about 2 hours from Suwon city. In two hours, the scenery gets a dramatic makeover. Built at the foothills of the beautiful mountains, it does present an amazing sight to behold. It is not quite a huge complex, yet, amidst sylvan surroundings looks so very beautiful. The lush green surroundings, pure mountain air, clean natural flowing water, all go a long way in making one stay in such places longer. Once in a while a break from the tediousness of city life is surely beneficial and enervating.

A foreigner among Koreans is usually a good thing, considering that not too many foreigners live in this country. And being from India, in a buddhist temple is doubly special!

By the time we reached the temple, it was past 6 pm. After a change of clothes, a special dress(a modified hanbok, my Korean colleagues inform me) needed to be worn by us.

It was dinner time. And boy, was I glad to have come here! For the time ever, in Korea, I got to eat an amazing array of vegetarian fare. And they tasted so great! I was looking forward to the complete experience :) Unfortunately, I hadn't taken my camera to the dining hall...




Post dinner, it was time to learn about the buddhist style of praying and also the method of eating food. Praying 108 times was a new experience for me. It was almost 10 pm...we needed to sleep early since we had to be up for the dawn prayers at 4:30 am! But, then my Chinese friend, Zheng, wanted to indulge his Pentax SLR, and so I joined him for some night-time photography!

Probably, I was too afraid of missing the morning prayers! I could hardly sleep. I cannot remember when I have taken a shower at 4:00 in the morning, but then I wanted to take the experience fully!

It was awesome to see the temple sanctum bathed in light, when all around was pitch-dark. The prayer book was useless for me, since it was all Korean. By the time, I finished reading a line of prayer, it would be too late! So, I just ended up doing the 108 bows leaving aside the prayers.

A monk's life is so systematic, and may I say scientific. Though it is really different and immensely interesting for a day, I find it difficult to imagine going through the grind everyday.

After the bows, we had to take a walk in the open spaces for some minutes and then return to the temple for meditation! It was 6:30 and time for breakfast.

I have experienced the 4 bowls style of eating food(바로) at Jogyesa temple before. Yet, even this time, it was a challenge to keep the bowls clean. It surely is an education for us not to waste food. I do notice that after the temple experience, I tend to waste less food during lunch times at the cafetaria. I hope this continues.

After a little rest, it was time to take a walk on the mountain trails. I was not too keen considering my breathing difficulties while hiking. But, my dejection at the prospect of 2 hours of walking gave way to awe. I have never seen mountains look so beautiful. The morning mist had draped the mountains so beautifully. Despite man's great achievements nature's beauty can never be surpassed. Existence or non-existence of God is a different matter altogether! I tend to think of myself as an agnostic on that front.

The sounds of water flowing down the hills, clean air, tall trees reminded me of my trip to Dharamsala. I seem to have an old fascination for Buddhist places!

When we were back at the room, I was too tired and sleepy. And I got my migraine! It is a race between me and my headache each time I have a change of timing for food or the sun!

After a quick nap, it was time to spend time with the head monk. He had things to say on modern lifestyles and general talk. I could get the drift of his talk but could not quite understand fully, and everytime asking the nearest korean for help was not the right thing in that place. I was more keen on enjoying the Chinese tea. Looks like the tea we were served was too expensive for Chinese to buy. For the two Chinese guys with me, for them it was a first time! We received a gift of tea-strainer, a Taiwan patented one at that.

It was time for lunch. And, again a fabulous fare!

I almost missed telling about the kind lady who gave me a bunch of coriander leaves from the temple garden. Probably, only Buddhist monks like eating coriander leaves in Korea. It sure is a treasure for us while we live in this country! By afternoon, the head monk knew me by name, it sure felt good. He offered some more coriander himself! After filling a survey form ( this is something I do all the time in Korea!!!), it was time to leave.

A send-off prayer and a group photograph taken, we boarded the bus. A truly educative and rejuvenating experience!

Danyang Rafting, Ondal Caves, Fortress Wall

23 Aug 2008, Saturday

Desperately wanted to leave the city to get back to normal life after the recent tragic events. Had had enough of being morose.

And, as it turned out, one of the Chinese guys I am friendly with, was thinking of rafting... and in Korea, the rafting season is short, just July and August...so there was a sense of urgency to it; which is a good thing!

A group of 9 people was ready to go. 2 couples, 5 men...and I, the lone Indian!!!

Having two car owners amongst us was very useful-cuts down the net travel cost compared to hiring cars .

Danyang, is around 2.5 - 3 hours away from Suwon, but as it happens during weekends, the whole of Korea hits the highways in droves. Expecting a delay on the expressways,we planned to hit the roads by 7:30...but then it got delayed to 8:00...despite living in Korea, getting late is something we cannot change...!!! So, by the time we reached Danyang, it was past 12:00...The drizzle and the mountains make a wonderful pair...

The mist on the mountains reminded me of similar scenes of Lonavala in India.

The whole place looked so ethereal...and the air is surely much much better once we leave cities...and it seemed more calmer...We couldn't wait to hit the long winding river...but first we needed to have lunch....

As is usual for me, I opted for bibim baap(비빔밥)...We had lunch, rafting and the Ondal caves included in the package of 25,000 wons. We were taken by the complimentary bus to the rafting site.

I really love the fact that things are organised and taken good care of by these touring companies...atleast until now I have had only good things to speak of. After a demonstration of how to wear a life jacket and a helmet(even now I wonder why the helmet was given!), we had some warm-up exercises to do (wow!). And then it was fun, carrying the raft down to the water... A photographer was in place there and we had a Kodak moment!

Suddenly, I felt overawed, since I was at the very front, and the gentle currents were throbbing the raft. But, I soon overcame the fear...and we rowed in sync...It was awesome to see those steep rocky walls of the mountain range so close by...The fun was about to begin! As soon as we rowed on to a shallow and quieter stretch of water, the guide had some games for us...people sitting on both sides of the raft had to rock the raft...and the guide was more than keen to throw people overboard! shock gave way to fun! The water was a little frigid. My migraine stopped me from enjoying the whole show fully, yet I did go down twice. For couples, there was this titanic style stuff...the couples doing a Kate Winslet with hands stretched at the very edge of the raft... and someone throwing them into the water...the best thing i liked was there was no hurry... we could enjoy being in the water for as long as we wanted...it was time to take a break ...With 3 rafts, an impromptu water slide was made at the bank, that was fun. We had a quick shower and next on the cards was the Ondal caves visit...

I have never been before to stalactite/stalagmite caves ever...And the maintenance of the caves was beautiful...I do find a great respect for public property and maintenance in Korea...They were so awe inspiring...considering the thousands or millions of years these caves have been around and how slowly different patterns and designs have been made and are being made.

In the same area as the caves is a movie set...from there leads a path for the Shilla fortress...Around a 1000 m upwards...wonder why they made a wall so high amidst all the dense trees...As it is , it would be difficult to go there...on top of it make a wall...just my thoughts...the military people in the days gone

by surely would have had better reasons...

After a delay of around an hour courtesy the three of us with the enthusiasm to see the fortress walls, we left Danyang around 7:30 pm. Returning to Suwon took a little more than 2 hours. I felt tired in a good way.