Arches, Great Sand Dune, and Mesa Verde National Park

These two national parks - Great Sand dunes and Mesa Verde-are in Colorado that we've been to during this summer trip with my parents. Each of them has the different features that generate the different impression.

The Arches national park is full of arched, queer shaped, and gigantic rocks. The Great Sand Dunes was more than expectation. It was unusual undergo to walk, run, stroll on the sand dunes. The sand dune was great, as the name puts it. Lastly, the Mesa Verde park is, so to speak, the preserved places of the ancient indian shelter. Most of all, so suprised to see personally their houses on the cliff. Why they had to choose cliff for their houses?

Senior Citizens

Two old couples were cashing up ahead of us at the Wal-Mart. They were so old that they looked uncomfortable with both breathing and walking. It took them a lot of time to put their shopping items on cash desk. We could not remain indifferent to them who were struggling with their shopping items, and my husband helped them to put all of them on the counter. They kept talking to us they appreciated our favor.

All of a sudden, I realized that many elderly people in the United States are shopping on their owns. They live alone? Nobody does not care for them everyday? Searching my memory, I saw many old people living with just his/her spouse. Don't they care for their parents either living together or living nearby to them?

Most of Korean old people are so far looked after by their sons and daughters. We take it for granted that children should wait on their parents when their parents are ill, sick, or unwell. Otherwise, they were cracked down on undutifulness. Koreans have been taught to attend on parents from old times. Time changes quickly, but our general thinking is not easily changed.

Since giving attention to parents is really tough and painful, it is like fulfillment of duty, rather than filial devotion from the bottom of hearts. Some family breaks down because husband and wife disagree with their responsibility of supporting their parents. They tried to pass the buck to other siblings to be released from the duty. It is tragic, yet it takes place a lot in our society.

Then, how do they do with old parents? I am wondering.

Calling from the Principal

When I was in bible studying, I got a call from my husband, saying that he needed me to see my son's school principal because the principal wanted to talk with us. Calling from a principal! Oh my! what's happening? My son did something bad?

The reason was that my son draw a picture during the Math class, which one guy was stabbing the other guy with a sword. The principal wanted to talk together with me, my son, and his ELS teacher about what's he done. The ELS teacher tried to defend my son and make my son understood how bad drawing a picture in class. Actually, being with the principal was not fun.

I've heard a lot that any actions related to the violence are forbidden in school. Nevertheless, I was a little bit embarrassed with their sensitive reaction to something relevant to the violence. They seemed to be sick and tired of school violence. They make an effort to prevent any violence in advance. Therefore, they do not allow all students to do something which might give rise to another violence. Even drawing.

In Korea, many boy students probably draw gun / sword pictures once at school. Even so, we do not think all of them are so violent that they should be punished. We think children are full of curiosity. Consecutive behavior should be under the supervison, though. Still, my son draw once something bad and was called to the office. It is strict, I think. Different! I got to know the American culture little by little.

The Weather

What's the weather like in Korea now? The weather is fantastic in Spring. Clear, sunny, and warm enough for everyone. It is not that different from that of Denver.

The one different thing is that an unpleasant and uninvited guest comes to Korea without any exception every spring; the dust wind from China, carrying such a harmful materials. It is so seriously bad to our breathing.

I got to know it is now that the dust wind gets Koreans into the uncomfortable mood. I just forgot about it. On dust wind weather, everyone should put on masks, drink waters more than usual, keep the windows closes all day long. We can even smell the dust out there. Buy the air purifier and keep it on for 24 hours at home. Discourged to go outside as much as possible. Just hope that the dust wind dies out soon.

It is May now. On our way to the church, we saw such a lovely clouds in the sky. It was the prettiest one that I've had so far this year. I could't help taking pictures of them. So lovely!

Grocery Stores

I used to live in huge apartment complex, where there are approximately 1,000 households. In the plaza, there is a single building having a bunch of stores. This time, I'd like to touch on what the grocery stores in Korea look like.

We have lots of grocery stores like the penny candy stores, which is run by the individual owner. To put it another way, they run the stores in such a small way that they do not hire either an extra casher or more.

As a rule, I barely go to the small grocery stores because of their high price and limited kinds of goods. Instead, I usually go shopping to E-mart, one of big wholesale businesses in Korea. Once in a while, however, I go to the small store in our appartment complex just in that case either I am in urgent need of something or it is too late to get to the large stores. They are convenient for our neighbor so it is so useful in emergency. For these reasons, their stores are quite well run.

In the United States, every single grocery store is run in different way. They are chain- stores which have the name values such as Vons, Wholefood, Safeway, and so on. Apparently, customers could benefit from a competitive price among large (wholesale) stores.

Strickly speaking, I've never seen any a mom-and pop store throughout whole my staying in the United States. In theory, less competitiveness in the grocery market might cause them to close their stores. Small stores can undoubtedly no longer keep their business. Nevertheless, I am a little bit surprized to see almost every grocery business get industrialized.

An ESL Speaker

It's been four months and one year to try to narrow gaps of English, living in in the United States, where English is mainly used to talk with. The quickest way to be familiar with English is to have a jobs or friends which get me more chances to open my mouth. In the begining, I was desperately looking for a job not only to make some money, but also to perfect my English. For the latter, an office assistant, who is supposed to answer the phones, file the paper, draw up the document, and so on, was the very one I've seeked for. But, I felt like I could not afford it. It is not that I am incompetent at work. It is that I do not feel like getting in their way. I do not want to look like a good-for-nothing who can not make any statements at all. I do not want to lose kind of "Self-respect". Look at me! So stupid.... to stick to "self-something" when living in foreign country to learn English.

I should chuck all self-esteem to get English. I have to forget who I am in Korea because I am nobody here. Even if I get feeling of irritation and a little bit indignity, I should just try to take it lightly.

I've never ever thought of how much the communications with one another are significant in our lives because I have been OK with everyone. Here, I got to realize that I am not doing quite well because of my clumsy English. Mutual understanding is not option to get along well with people.

Once in a while, I want to show them how much I like to talk with people. No one addresses me. I fall my head, just listen to them, and feel sorrowful. Someone could ask in return "why don't you try to speak to them first?" I did. In the exaggeration, I did hundred times. When I saw them frown and pull perplexed face, I got to lose heart. I got to be distracted. Their faces say that they want to leave off. It hurts my pride. I also feel inclined to give up learning English. There is nothing that I get for free, but it looks like costing me my pride.

Children's Day

Above all, May is for the whole family. In Korea, the 5th of May is the Children's Day which is authorized as a holiday. Parents buy their children some gifts that kids look forward to being presented. The amusement parks hold special shows or events for children and sometimes allow free entrance for children. All children are excited with a bunch of programs and events on TV that day. Children are kings and queens on Children Day. They enjoy their privileges to their hearts'content.

The Parents Day comes three days after the children's Day;May 8 is the Parents Day. We put mother's and father's day together and are grateful to both of them at once. Parents usually wear a carnation, which sons and daughters presented, on their breast.

In the United States, there is no prescript Children Day. Nevertheless, American chidren seem happier than others in the world. Throughout the year, American children are entertained with events, performances, and so on. Every second sunday of May is Mother's Day, and Father's Day is on the third Sunday of June. They lay down Mothers Day apart from Fathers Day.

In our emotion, a mother and a father are not another one to us. They are like one body. We do not make any distinction between moms and dads when it comes a memorial day. That's why we have the combined parents day. Then, why does the United States have each day for moms and dads? It appears that mother is one thing, and father is another.

Certificate of Appreciation

I was on-line for a while, looking for volunteering jobs which help me to get more involved in their lives. Meanwhile, I found a volunteering job to go visit a senior citizen who can not stir because of her ages. She loves to see people from different countries and has a great sense of humor. I heard a lot about her memory, which were mostly in her childhood. Though trying to see her once a week, I could not occasionally make it because I was swarmed with many chores. Despite my showing up from time to time, whenever I visited her, she really thanked me for paying a visit to her. Oh! I feel guilty. She must be all alone. More frequentation!

An email inviting volunteers and staff over a brunch had reached me the other day. I left a message of attendance, reluctantly. To be honest, I do not think I deserve the appreciation brunch. I did just a little.

I went on a bruch after all. After a short eating, all participants shared how they got to begin the volunteer work and what they feel, goint into the volunteering. Their stories were all significant. Most of all, I was impressed with a couple of seniors who have been doing some volunteer work for their society. In theroy, they could not afford the volunteer because they looked too old. However, they apparently seemed so satisfied with their jobs. As far as they are in good health, they could engage in new jobs, volunteering works, and so on.

For a moment, I felt shame at slowing down my work. All participant volunteers were presented with Certificate of Appreciation as a token of gratitude about careing and giving. It was above my deserts, though.

Emission Test

When someone wants to register his vehicle to DMV, the emission test is a thing that has to be done. For two years in the United States, I did this test two times.

First, when I bought the used car from a senior member in San Diego, I went through the emission test before going to DMV because the emission test was a must for the registration.

The second test was done right here in Denver two days ago. Since I am a recent resident here, my automobile should be registered again in Colorado. Say, my car needs testing once more. Two times tests in a row for two years. Too many, isn't it? What could I do? It can't be helped because the law is the law.

As the test is to protect the environment, a holding period could be another standard to assign the emission test duty to all drivers. Every several year, all the owners might be charged with this environmental inspection, the smoke test. In Korea, our vehicles are tested according to the time. Though the owner is changed by trading, there are no necessity for the exhaust gas test if the term doesn't become due.

Hair Cut

My husband had my daughter's hair cut at the porch a week ago. My fingers are all thumbs so my husband always cut our kids' hair. She wanted to see herself in the mirror during getting a haircut. Where is the mirror? Oh my! We do not have any hand glass. We did not realized up to now there are no hand mirrors at home. Two glasses in the bathes are all we have. Maybe, I am going to purchase one at the next shopping.

My husband cut her hair in a dipper style which was in fashion in Korea many year ago. "She is boorish! You ruined her hair!" I muttered against my husband. She whined in hearing me talk about her hair to her father. A slip of a tongue! In a moment, I gave her unstinted praise. "How pretty your hair is!" "I've never seen such a lovely hair like yours in my life ever" .........^ ^

A child is a child. She accepted my remarks as the true. She believes in our admire that she is the sweetest girl of all.

The License plate

I got the Colorado license plate at last. It just took no more than 5 minutes. DMV has divided its branches according to the bussiness. This DMV takes only charge of the title and registeration for the motor vehicles.

It cost me about $69, and they are for own tax, license tax, and title fee. Since I picked up the regular license( because it is the cheapest of all), the officer gave me one among a bunch of plates she has in no time at all. It is weird feeling because I've never done this before in Korea. Take away the previous plate from California and Stick the new Colorado plate to my car. It must be something out of the ordinary.

I was also given the two TABs(the expiring year and the month, respectively) as an evidence of paying the tax. This tab is attached to rear plate only. In California, there is only one tab showing the expiration;the year and the month are placed on a tab. And, the the color of tab changes every year. I got green tab that will be expiring in May 2008. My husband's year tab is red, which means his expiration would come soon this year.

A month or more before the expiration for the vehicle tax, DMV sends the notice to all individuals by mail. If tax is paid, the owner would get the Tab from DMV. Why the tab color get different? It might be The police could probabely tell who pay the tax with the color of tab? If so, a good idea for lessening the tax evasion!

Anyway, so long my California number plate!

State Capitol

The State Capitol was one of the places where I'd like to go visit for a long time. It has taken more than 3 months to get there since January arrival at Denver. Up to date, the weather had not been that much cooperative with my one-day tour plan. The weather excuses me, in particular, my laziness.

I hesitated to get in the State Capitol shortly after taking pictures of them from the outside. Yes, I was afraid of getting disheartened because of my stiff manners and English. After three -minute hover just right before the main gate, I strode to the building. "Everything will be fine. I am a tourist, which means it is ok even if I do not know well of the language, culture, and ideas of this country. It is fair. " That thought decided me to get into the Capitol.

At the gate, I had expected a security guard to hold me for a second to check my ID. There was nobody who looked like a guard or security man. It is interesting that they do not inspect anybody who comes in the governmental agency. Most Korean government bodies do not allow somebody to enter without the security inspection from the gate. All visitors should be thoroughly examined against some possible dangers or terrors. But, here, they did not even ask me to show my ID. It was a kind of unexpected free!

The first thing caught my sight was a group of children surrounding a tour guide. They listened to him explain something about the Capitol. Passing through them, I followed a couple looking very kind. After a short aisle, a big rounded hall appeared. The hall was surrounded by three-story balcony, and many wonderful quilts were hanging on each balcony. At first, it was, I thought, their tradition hanging down some fabrics from the balcony. I just guessed that they looking like carpets were part of ornaments. After a moment, I got to know that it was "the quilt show" as I overheard the couple that I followed talking about the quilt event. Every space seemed to be covered with very gorgeous quilt works.

Meanwhile, I drifted to the Senate (holding the session) and the House (in recess). I saw the securities there at last. However, they did not even stop me going into the room. Oh my god! One of them told me to go up to the gallery seats for better pictures since I tried to pose to get a good angle. In Korea, visitors could not even dream of taking pictures of the floor when they are in tour. It was so impressed. No ID demand, no inspection, and even no disturbance for taking pictures to my heart's content.

The progress of proceeding was not that different from ours. One of remarkable differences is a form. The Korean National Assembly looks it sticks too much to formals in some cases. Nobody could bring any things like cups, personal lap-tops, drinks, and so on during the full session. On the other hand, the Senate of Colorado appeared to be a little bit mess, but very natural. I was surprised to see candy boxes, flowers and the vase, and disposables on the desk of staffs.

Concert

My son has played the volin since two months before. He has to practice more. My son's school band and the strings teams held the small concert last Thursday. They were good! In particular, a hansome boy playing the electronic guitar was so nice. ^ ^ He was very charismatic.

Denver Downtown Tour (1) - light rail train

Eventually, my dream came ture ; walking tour in downtown. ^^ To tell you the truth, I get so timid when I try to do something new. It is because I feel awkward with someones who are different from me. My clumsy English could be also another reason that keeps me from getting to meet people.

Last Friday, the next day from the my son's small concert, I treated myself to start my walking tour for downtown. I made up my mind to take a light rail train in order to get downtown. No driving! It was a big adventure for me to take a train on my own. My husband was supposed to go in company with me, but that day morning, he told me that he changed his mind so he would study at home. I hate him. ^^

In Seoul, there are no transportations like the light rail trains which are moving within one city. If I have to choose similar ones for comparison, it would be the subway. I am going to arrange the sameness and the difference of two system in a row.

In fact, the lines of light trains are so simple compared with our subway routes. While we have more than 10 lines, the train lines are about 7(From A to G). With more lines, our subway has more stops. The map is so complicated. It looks like spider's web which is entangled.

First, the point in the same. Between some RTD buses and light train stops, passangers can transfer with valid tickets. Those stops are close each other for the convenience of passengers.

The next, the things that are different. The light rail trains run only on the ground, while on the other our subway generally operates under the ground because of the limited land.

At every light rail train stop, there are no ticket gates or ticket inspectors. There is only a ticket bending machine that is programed well. It is a shocking. Just a sign saying "play fare" inside the trains encourages us to buy the ticket. Once in a while, a ticket inspector or a train securiy officer goes around to check the ticket, said my husband. In most cases, we need to pass the ticket gates (barriers) to take a subway. It is huge different.

Each stop for both directions such as north and south stands right opposite. To get the opposite direction train, just turn back. That's all. It means they are that much close.

The fare of light rail trains is much more expensive than that of our subway. It might be more than double.

I feel deeply sorry for Virginia shooting

Shooting always sounds so horrible. But, it was like I was struck on my head with this shooting of Virginia! Shocking!!!!! I was stuck for a word. Hearing the news that more than 30 were killed by a Korean student, I was so frightened and embarrassed. I could not believe that in the beginning. How could it happen and why? I could not know what to say due to the language problem. In consequence of one student's stupid action, the big crowd is in deep grief.

As a Korean, I feel so deeply sorry to many innocent victims, their family members, and the others of that community! Please accept my sincere condolences.

Candle...

Korean people generally think candles are demanded only for emergency case that the power supply is cut off. Our electric power was not good enough so we had to be in the dark many times for about an hour or more, relying on only the candles. It happened a lot especailly in summer when the power consumpion peaks. The candles used to be the necessity of life in our 1970's. I remember that we had a few candles at home when young. We were stranded in our rooms and waited until the return of the lights. We were giggling, playing hide and seek in the dark. It was fun. At this time, there are almost nothing left of those long, white candles in Korea. In other words, our electric power get strong so much. No power off at all.



Candles are different uses in the United States. Basically, they might start from the same uses; in case of blackout. The quantity of consuming and the area of usages are larger and more extensive than us, though. There are a bunch of candles at every corner of shops. Each shop has roughly more than 50 types of candles. Most of them give out a smell. As Barry Schwartz, an author of "The Paradox of Choice" mentioned from the book, I could not easily determine what to choose among them that I just get out of the shop without buying them at all. I mean Americans seem to spend more candles than us for some reasons.

What make the candles be much spent here? I wonder. Gardening is so developed in the United States because of the states or cities- level rules about landscape or something else. Like gardening, the candles also have some reasons why they are widely distributed? Or, it is just for the aroma?

A photo of a criminal (or a susptect) in Media

My husband subscribed to the Denver Post, the daily newspaper, about two months ago to know much of the world. Practice to read the daily news written in English was the actual intention of taking a newspaper.

The newspaper brings us just now happening during the last night or previous, I could see what are occurring in the world at home, lying full length on the bed. Since a bunch of technical / current terms are used to describe at many sections, it takes me much time to read it through. Although getting it through, I could not often comprehend it thoroughly.

By the way, let's back to the point I want to talk about. The newspaper sometimes carries us very cruel and gruesome murder cases or tragic accidents. Every moment I read the murder cases, I found that the photo of a criminal( or suspect) was posted along the news.

At first, I thought it was those of victims because I'd never ever watched the photo of criminals in the newspaper or TV in Korea. Only in case the suspect is not caught, the police distributes identikit pictures of the fleeing agent till he/she is arrested. Except for this, the media hardly show their faces to the public. While a criminal is taken to the polic, the police escort him with his face hidden in jackets / baseball hats all the way. Posting the criminals' personal imformation over the net is so contraversial in Korea. We are in the process of collecting various opinions.

Unlike Korea, I saw the criminal pictures many times from the media. Why those pictures are exposed to the public without any covering? Do they present those bad guys pictures from the beginning? Otherwise, what was the cause to make it happen?

American TV commercials

American TV commercials are fun to watch. In general, they are inserted in TV at regular intervals, every 20 - 30 minutes.

One day, I found something interesting by accident while watching TV. That is the drug ads are spotted so often. Above all, a sleeping pill(drug) ad. They assure us that its effect is unfailing. Before taking a tablet, they urge us to ask a doctor about their pill. "Ask a doctor", this word sounds very familiar. These medicine ads seems to show me either a bunch of people in the Unites States have suffered the insomnia, or numerous drugs are developed every day. Utimately, I am saying the same things.

The other ad strikes my eyes is the matching program advertisements for the adults by calling to the specific presented number. It shows a very attractive woman talking over the phone. Her gesture and smile seems to allure TV audience from picking up the phone. No fee to all women. Up to this, it is not strange. What I feel weird is that the regular broadcasting stations put these ads for adult only into the TV. In our country, we could not even think of watching those ads on regular TV channels. These kinds of ads usually spring up from the kind of yellow journals, not regular TV. Suppose that these adults ads are seen in some Korea key stations, most Tele-viewers should be offended, and a volley of protests at a time would spout out. After all, the station should be forced to take them( adult only) away. How different idea!

I get to know that the ads could reveal the major section of a society. The point is that we could know / or at least guess what the society members think on some matters only if watching TV commercials of that society.