Check out the capsule hotel I stayed in on my latest trip to Japan. For about $40 you get access to a spa and tiny plastic coffin to sleep in. These things that look like a row of washing machines are the capsules. They include a small TV and radio and are pretty comfortable to sleep in, as long as you are not claustrophobic. Uniquely Japan.
A presidential election is just around the corner in good old Korea. That means that the many political parties are hot on the campaign junket. I live on the 10th floor, but that didn’t stop this group from spreading their campaign slogans and catchy dance moves into my home. In fact, I’m sure that if my building had 50 floors, the people on the top floor would have heard all the cheesy songs too. Check out their cute animal hats. Makes their campaign look really professional.
Korea has it’s own extensive list of celebrities, which are for the most part unknown in North America. Today I want to talk about the craziest and best show on Korean TV: 무한도전 or Moohandojeon (Infinite Challenge).
It is hard to describe this show, because it is completely unpredictable. It's like a comedy variety show that is totally unscripted . One week they could be dressed as superheroes cleaning the city streets, the next week they could be attempting to outrun a subway train. The challenges are usually pointless yet hilarious. Other stuff they’ve done: competed with a drain to see if they remove water faster from a pool than a natural drain can, tried to dig a whole faster than a bulldozer, randomly sang at people’s wedding’s uninvited, raced uphill in snow in a half pipe while being attacked by huge balls... to name a few. Apart from the crazy and goofy things they do, this show is mostly about the strong brotherhood that these six friends have.
NooHungCheol is probably biggest oddball of the group with his colored hair, beard ant tattoos (which are very unusual in Korea). He also wears crazy off the wall clothing. He is a former entertainment reporter. Apparently he invented that pose that they are doing now. This is also his car with his own face painted on it.
JungJunha is an actor and comedian. He also appears on some Korean dramas that are quite popular here.
Ha-Ha is a former rapper and probably the youngest of the group. Yes, his name is Ha-Ha.
PakMyeongSu is a former signer. In my opinion he is the funniest of the group with his unusual eyes and clumsy behavior. According to some, his strange eyes are a result of eye surgery, which is popular in Korea. He has been described as grumpy and the attention hog of the show.
YuJaeSeok is the leader of the group. He also hosts other shows, all which are very popular. He is known to be rich and Korean girls consider him to be “Mr. Right”. What do you think ladies?
JeongHyeongDon nicknamed “awkward pig” is a comedian, but mostly considered to be not that funny. In fact the other members often make fun of him and his terrible jokes. He is like the punching bag f the group.
This show is a like a friendly "jackass" without the pain. These guys aren't afraid to be goofy and will do any crazy thing for a laugh. If you get a chance to watch some Korean TV, check out this hilarious show!
After nearly two and a half years of waiting, I finally made my first trip back home. And what a crazy roller coaster of a trip it was. It all started with mass confusion at the airport after missing a flight from Japan, then a sleep over in the airport, then 24 hours of travel halfway around the world on several airplanes and buses.
After that it has been a pretty smooth vacation. The fall weather in New Brunswick has been unusually warm this year and I was lucky enough to be here to enjoy it living in the comfort of my parents' newly build home on the Saint John River shore.
Here we are trying on our suits before the wedding.
At the reception Jacques had a pretty funny prank prepared for Ivan and I. Since my older brother Ivan and I have yet to get married, Jacques and Tina thought it would be funny to set us up on dates. In the middle of the reception someone brought out a pair of blow-up doll ladies for us so we wouldn't feel lonely. Everyone had a good laugh at us. But revenge will be sweet my brother. Check out these huge pumpkins at at farm we visited.
Other events while at home: -My cousin Christine got married -I built a birdhouse from scratch that looks like a mini version of my parents' house -My parents cooked awesome food (This was the best part of the trip!) -I went on a trip to Boston -I ate more awesome food -Saw some old friends -Celebrated my brother Jacques and my dad's birthdays! I ate a lot while there thanks to my awesome parents who cooked up a storm. It was the perefect break away from the madness that is my life. Thanks guys!!! Maybe I’ll have to visit again. 50 days wasn't nearly long enough. Please send Canadian food to me in Korea... :(
