Dinner & Noraebang Date With Jana at Seomyeon & Going Past My Curfew

RE-MEETING JANA
I met Jana on my first month here in Yeongdo, but was just reconnected with her this April due to a storm of events. We met up at Seomyeon this evening - eating what looked to me like strips of grilled chicken on a bed of sweet and sour salad. It was tasty, as she had promised! Once I remember what this dish is called, I will add it to my list of "To Cooks."

After dinner, she led me through a maze of people on our way to what would turn out to be the swankiest noraebang (karaoke) place I have ever been to (which is not a lot, btw, considering this is only my second one here in Korea). But, she assured me that this place was, indeed, the most popular place to go to because, not only was it tastefully designed, they also served unlimited beverages and ice cream.

It was a bit difficult to sing and eat my cup of strawberry ice cream, but I managed. So did she, with her helping of chocolate ice cream. It was a fun night, but I definitely went past my curfew (still 9:30 p.m. for those who are curious). This curfew thing is not as bad as it sounds! I understand that my Korean host parents are only concerned about my safety, so I make sure to let them know where I am going, with whom, and what time I will be returning home. My host mom usually promptly replies with messages like these:

TEXT MESSAGES FROM MY HOST MOM

"Mimi and spend a great time and come home with care ~~^^ <3" or

"Mimi is a delicious dinner and have a great time~^^ <3"

"Mimi have an enjoyable dinner~~** <3" 

She always ends her messages to me with a heart! I love you, too, Host Mom ^^ <3!

Exploring A Small Section of Seomyeon, Busan with My Fellow ETAs

On our third weekend in Busan, some of the ETAs decided to spend an afternoon together. I spent an hour and a half getting lost on my way to Seomyeon, and was thankful to find Monica, Anna, and Ray patiently waiting for me at the station. 

This is our afternoon together:

What better way to announce the dynamic-ness of Busan than to have large, imposing signs like these everywhere?

I almost got hit by multiple cars taking this picture, so appreciate it for the miracle that it is.

I am still not quite sure how to make this subway station map beneficial to me, but it looks very organized and helpful, doesn't it?

We spent some time at a PC-bang (?), where we sang songs and played racing and fighting games - most of which I lost.

Seomyeon is bigger and more overwhelming than Nampo

There are also a ridiculous number of clothing stores underground that I must go and explore another time!

Afternoon light

We wandered around for a bit before settling inside a restaurant, where we shared a big meal together. It was delicious and filling! Monica and Anna gave Ray and me some random knowledge about ETA-related business in South Korea in general and Busan in particular.

All the lights

After dinner, the rest talked of doing more things together (perhaps seeing a movie, or getting dessert!), but I wistfully informed them of my 9:30 p.m. curfew, and, (judging from how lost I had gotten on the way from Yeongdo to Seomyeon), I had to make every allowance to head back as early as possible. Like 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. early. 

They wondered that I would keep such an early curfew; I agreed that it was early, and also expressed that keeping it was one of the ways I was establishing jeong with my Korean family. They understood. In no time, the four of us were back underground, and the three of them shepherded me to the appropriate subway line, gave me hugs, and promised we would all meet up again.