Cherry Creek State Park

We went to the neighboring park, Cherry Creek State Park, before going to church last Sunday. The lake was frozen hard that a few people rode on a sled and had a ice-fishing. My children was so excited to see the frozen lake that they jumped, ran, and had a slide on the ice. For me, it was also the first time to walk on the iced-up lake. Very delightful.

The style and concept of park sounds a little bit different from us. They do not seem lay out a park. I do not mean the park is abandoned. They seem to think it more important to let the park be. Humans intervene in the nature as the minimum as they could. They look like enjoying the nature the way it is. At least artificial management appears be done in the park, I think.

Where does the permit culture come from?

Every culture is unique and not the same as others. According to the social environment, each culture has been developed and adopted in different way.

My daughter is 4 year-old preschooler, who goes to school 4 days a week. Yesterday, I got a call from her school. It said that she had a scar on her cheek because she fell down by being pushed from behind. The school answered that she was OK as I worried her condition.

That day, my husband went to school to pick her up, but he did not know about her scar because I forgot to tell him about that.

She had a 2-2.5cm long scratch close to her lips. My husband was really upset when he got to know that the school did not take any action to treat my daughter's hurt. He understood that a kid gets hurt by mistake, yet he was unable to accept the fact that nothing had been done for my daughter. He demanded an explanation of the immediate cause of hurt and the reason why they did not give her the first aid. The school told that they had no responsibility and liability for that according to the law of Colorado. They added that they could not do anything without any agreement of parents.

In fact, it is a kind of culture shock to Korean whose culture appeals to our emotions / feelings rather than to our law or rule. In Korea, it is common sense that teachers apply the antiseptic, the curing ointment or the bandage without asking permit from the parents of a child. Even if the law does not prescribe those duties to school, they are bound to take a child to the office and get her the first-aid treatment. We neither have any process of getting permit from parents to do a first-aid treatment or getting consent of parents to release the responsibility of the school;the commitment of waiver.

I am thinking why the American has the permit culture. Maybe they seem to call for the permit for fear of getting accused. Sometimes, it could be reasonable, but oppositely this permit could free the school from the too much responsibility.

Santa Fe (2)

This year is 10th wedding anniversary. Ta da~ Nothing special. HAHA~
Instead of getting a ring (actually, I wished that I had gotten the Diamond ring), we were thinking of visiting Santa Fe, where a lot of artiest were driven and inspired.





We took the interstate 25 south leading us to Santa Fe in New Mexico. I-25 was a little bit boring us as only endless wide plains spread out before our eyes. We took several breaks at some rest area which were placed at regular intervals. Unlike Korea, rest areas of America Highway have no subsidiary facilities such as restaurants, convenience stores, and snack bars. As the word says, rest area is just for relax or relieve ourselves.

We were supposed to drop by Las Vegas on the road we took to Santa Fe. Do you know there are two (maybe more) Las Vegas in the United States? This Las Vegas in New Mexico is totally different from one in Nevada. I dozed off from the passenger's seat by the time we passed Las Vegas. We could have taken a few shots from there if I had not slept. My husband passed by.





It took us 7-8 hours to get to Santa Fe from Denver. Since it was about 3:30pm, we went to see the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rock, which means "white cliffs" in the traditional language of the pueblo. The travel book says that there are 5 geologic, scenic and cultural trails around Santa Fe. As it got almost dark, we chose the shortest distance;44miles for round trip from Santa Fe. I wanted to finish cave loop trail in there- about 1.2 miles distance, yet it was impossible because we had no enough time and my kids were slow walkers. We had to return halfway of loop trail.









The next morning, we started our expedition. After seeing downtown, we turned toward the Canon Road, where a lot of galleries stand roof by roof. Each gallery tried to pull an eyes of travelers, exhibiting sculptures in fornt yard or opening special shows. In fact, I am not a person who is interested in the artistic activities or work of art. I just wanted to refresh myself t see beautiful work of art. Leaving my kids outside, I entered the gallery to watch the works. Soon, I opened my eyes wide in surprise after seeing the price tags. @@

The price was beyond my imagination. Some printing just with the oil colors scattered were over $10,000. Speechless with surprise. Almost all works were too costly. I felt sorry just for seeing them. I felt like paying some money to watch such a expensive work. By the way, the most impressive thing to me was the traditional vessel of Panama woman. Those vessels were so delicate that I was attracted the way she uses her hands. So adorable!

In Santa Fe, I found two things that are very much the same as us. First, red pepper hung down from the eaves. The pueblo seems to like hanging the red pepper out the front part of houses. Red peppers were prominent against the light-brown dried mud wall. Koreans also have been used to seeing the red pepper hanging in the wall. In addition, our traditional houses were also built kind of the way the pueblo did; we call house built with a block of dried mud a thatched cottage. Seemingly, they are similar to the pueblo's old houses in adobe style.

Anyway, at Conon Road, when nature calls us, where should we go? Around midway, there is a gallery in the number of address 225. Get behind of a #225 gallery, and you could see the rest room. My husband struggled to look for the rest room. He nearly made water on the street. ^^

Santa Fe (1)

Santa Fe, in Spanish "Holy Faith", is the capital of New Mexico. In full form, it is La Villa Real de la Santa Fé de San Francisco de Asís. In English, Royal City of the Holy Faith of St. Francis of Assisi. Heading for Taos after staying two night at Santa Fe, we met the St. Francis of Assisi, which was frequently used as objects for printing by Georgia O'Keeffe, an American woman painter, and other artists. When we looked around the church, an old man who looked like a manager opened the church for us. He was so kind to explain some history of this church. Sorrowfully, wretched English again made us miserable. What did he say? I just nodded my head because I did not want to disappoint him. No questions as usual. Ah~






Santa Fe is like a mixture because it was built on the basis of culture co-existence of Native American, Spanish, and the United States. Most of buildings were built / transformed in adobe style, but different church styles are also seen. It might be because Spain, in early time of their occupation, tried to enlighten and educate the Native through the religion. As a result, the oldest church in the United States was erected in here, Santa Fe. The picture in the first row is the oldest church in the United States. The next is St. Francis Cathedral and a Navajo woman called first as St. The last one is Loretto Chapel and the decorated gate/ornaments just by the church.





The first thing we did was to visit the Georgia O'Keeffe museum. Honestly speaking, who is Georgia O'Keeffe? I do not know her. Ahead of our trip, while searching the activities recommended over the net, I found that Georgia O'Keeffe was always included from the compulsory-kind of- lists to do. Watching her work was our first choice we decided. Aggressively, I got in the museum to take a lot of photo, but a security guard refused to get my camera to have a look over O'keeffe's art. My camera had the destiny to be put into the locker. They kept strict guard against the enemy, no, all visitors. In particular, a guest who is accompanied by kids. Twice, I got twice cautions;away from the wall or do not let your kids touch the work. "Relax. See? I did my best." I muttered to myself in a very low voice.

Getting out of the museum, we strolled to the Plaza, where was 5 minutes away from the museum. The palace of governors was attracting our eyes. Approximately, as you can see from the shots, 25 -30 Native Pueblos were selling their hand-made jewelry, and tourists looked down them to examine carefully. I wanted to get one, but I missed the chance because of my flowing timidity. The Native American looked very similar to Asian. They might be originally from the Asia or around. Maybe.






The many shops for traditional costume, vessels, and jewelry were spread around the city. In addition, a lot of adobe architectures seemed to show where Santa Fe was from. The above house in blue gate is the oldest house in Santa Fe, but was closed so I could not look inside. Another grand building might be Inn and Spa at LORETTO right next to LORETTO church.

Valentine Day

I went to my son' school to volunteer for helping the Valantine Day party. Every class has its own party for about half and an hour, respectively. Three or four moms per each calss came to volunteerly help for the party.

Our class painted a picture of the dessert which had been the best ever. Students used the colors with jello mix, so their painting all smelled of fruit jelly. After drawing, they took the refreshment that were donated from students' home. During having snacks, they gave and took the chocolates, candies, and cards one another. However, almost all of their chocholates were low in price;they were worth $1.00, or nearly all less than $1.00. In the United States, regardless of gender, they seem to exchange their chocolates.

Anyway, it is pleasant to compare the difference on a topic. We, Koreans, also celebrate the Valentine Day, yet quiet different. Generally speaking, in Korea, women present the chocolate to their lovers or husbands on Valentine Day;men are just presented the chocolate. Moreover, we spend much money on buying the chocolate. Undoubtedly, the lower grade students could buy a little bit cheaper ones. But, on the whole, we pay more money than the U.S. because we have been too concerned with appearance, form, or our reputation. Most of all, schools do not hold parties officially to celebrate the Valentine Day whereas the U.S. school consider the Valentine parties as a kind of official function.

Ah! Then, when Korean women get the chocolate from their boy friends? It is unfair, isn't it? Fortunately, women can take the gift, mostly candies, from their steadies on 14th March, which is called the "White Day". I do not know where this day comes from. The U.S. does not have this day either offically, or not. But among the youth and many people in Korea, this day is also, so to speak, a kind of the event to confirm their love.

A Volunteering

I am so interested in American custom and common practice, but nobody tells me-oh Jesus! Living in a foreign country is extraordinary experience to all of us. Since I am just a temporary resident, my precious time should be spent on learning by and gaining my experience at first hand.

Therefore, I began to seek for the job or volunteering not to waste my time. There are tremendous part-time jobs and volunteering waiting to be chosen on the net. Nothing attracted my attention;one looked good, but full-time job. The other was part time jobs, but required a certain qualification or skill.

Immediately, I turned to different direction, a volunteering. Yet I could not determine which one might go well with me. It seemed to take time and my decision. ^^

While searching thoroughly, I found out volunteering is the basis to keep the communities working well. But, at the same time, I also felt that the noble sprit of volunteering get a little bit degenerated. Nevertheless, volunteering is worth the trouble in part.

Anyway, this Valentine Day, I am going volunteering at my son's school to help all students enjoy their classes party. Volunteering should keep going!

The Paradise of Disposables

"The more developed they are, the more rigid rules on the environment might they have." This idea had been in my mind for a long time and settled down as a kind of truth to me.

Surprisingly, Americans are so accustomed to the disposables. It is true that people tend to consult their convenience, yet Americans do too much. This extravagant consuming of the disposable might be attributed to their party-custom. Parties and picnics seem their daily lives. I have observed a lot of parties from school, houses, and neighboring parks. Food is indispensable to parties. To hold food, some kitchen utensils such as plates, bowls, cups, forks, knives, and spoons are also needed, and those are usually the disposables.

Most Americans do not look to care about a waste. The disposables overflow the trash cans at the park. The picnickers leave a lot of litter without grouping behind them. They seem to have as little consideration as we do or even less. Honestly, we prefer to paper cups and plates in outdoor activities. But, after meeting, we try to sort the recycling from the sweeping.

Besides the disposables from household, paper cups and plates from the restaurant fill up the garbage can. Marvelously, unlike Korean family taking the lunch box with them to the amusement park, Americans get their lunch from the fast food restaurant. Fast food restaurants also use the disposable utensils so the disposable waste doubles. American's everyday life can not be described but the disposables in exaggeration.

Americans has gotten so familiar with disposables that they could not stop utilizing those conveniences. I came to know why U.S. has not signed Tokyo Protocol or similar environment policies. It costs U.S. tremendous money.

DMV

My driver's license was issued from the DMV, CA. It is not illegal to drive with this licence in Denver, CO. No matter where I go, it is OK. A driver's license says.. a kind of... that the owner of this plastic card is allowed to drive in the United States. In addition, A driver's license is so many times used to verify an individual's identification. The United States does not have the national-wide identification card, say, ID card. A driver's license is a de facto identify card.

However, every time filling the application form at DMV in California, I saw the first column asking to choose the kinds of cards you need;drive license? Or ID card? I wondered what the ID cards were for? What is the ID? Later soon, I came to know that these ID cards are issued for the seniors, most of who could not drive cars. The United States has a little bit more complicate government levels than us so I need to learn more. Each state has a little bit different governing systems. The DMV also depends on the states. But, one thing is the same; they are all notorious;callous department policies, long wait time, and unenthusiastic employees. ^^

How about Korea?
Naturally, all Korean have the national ID cards when they grew up old enough. Moreover, we can get the Drivers licenses when our ages get reached to a certain level, and these drivers licenses are also presented as another evidence of verifying the identification. In short, most of us have two cards, which are performed by separate government agencies. The Korea government agency corresponding to the DMV of the United States usually carries out the same works ; they administrate the registration of automobiles and the licensing of drivers. But, registering to vote is not their work. Another third agency is charging of all works about voting. Let me see...We (Korea governments) look more divided, but I am not sure if ours is more efficient.

By the way, why is DMV responsible for the registration of voting? Why there are always much more foreigners (just from the view of the physical condition) than the natives at DMV? They are all either immigrants or temporary residents like me? So curious.

The Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is going on right now even in the harsh rainning;Indianapolis vesus Chicago. I have no idea of American Football, but its showtime is worth watching. All people are allowed to get down to the ground during showtime. People circle around the stage, singing with a showhost-he may be Prince, shaking their bodies. It looks like a concert.

Someone told me that I had to watch the Super Bowl, half time shows, and lots of advertisements between games in order to comprehend the America people's sprits. But, what are they?

John Elway had played a critical role in getting the Championship to Denver Football team. After that, he retired and became the automobile dealer. I saw his name on the licenceplate of my husband's van. The book I am reading also says that almost all football players sell a car or run the insurance agency after retirement. It makes a sense in terms of sale strategies.

Anyway, the Coca-cola is the sponsor of this game? Over 4 times did I see it, but each scene has different contents.

Customer service - Refunding and Exchanging

I think America is a Heaven on earth for shopping. Most of all, there are many wholesale/retail markets so they all seek for the way of attracting more customers.

Each shop opens the customer service center at the corner by the main gate. Its role is to listen to their customers and to raise the degree of customers' satisfaction. To do this, they all have thier own policies for retunning. The policies depend on the companies principles and priorities. However, clearly, their returning policies are more generous than us.

Returining hardly take place in the market of our country. Sometimes, a defect could be spotted at home after using the product for some weeks. But, it was from the beginning rather than my fault. Or, after making use of those products, I felt they were much less than I thought. Then, I took it for granted that I had the right to change or return the things I dislike. I brought the product along with the receipt I had gotten there. Yet, it was not easy to return. The merchant serched me and even held me in contempt. They would not believe that this defect was originally from the shop. Although I retruned that faulty product, I got to get hurt. Not so good.

The other hand, I was a little bit surprised that the merchant here did not ask anything when I took the product back to the shop for retruning. Actually, I practiced a lot explaining why I had to retrun this thing all the way from home. A language could be a problem, but it was not that serious. Rather, I was worried whether they accepted my remark as the true. I would rather give it up than feel insulted. Surprisingly, no explanation or special reason is need for returning.

All in all, hundreds of business are competing, so they try to keep the customer come to their market. Returing policy is one of those ways.