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!