Author: eastasianlover

A bit clumsy and a bit crazy (actually, not sure about 'a bit' part), I'm your average Environmental Engineer working in US, looking for better opportunities while enjoying the east Asian culture.
Time to be serious

Time to be serious

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October has started and I didn’t realize that. Now it’s time to get serious about studies for placement. I don’t have much time left and have a lot of coursework to do. Added to that is learning swimming, serious Thai lessons and much more…… I have to prepare gifts for everyone too. And I will possibly be giving English lessons to daughter of one of the workers.

So I’ve decided upon some things. I’ll write posts twice a week only – one on Wednesdays or Thursdays and one on Saturdays or Sundays. I’ll keep sharing other things as I find them but they would probably be quick posts. This does give my heart a rest. Now my writing schedule will become regular too.

I do have a lot of things to talk about. A lot of places to write about and a lot of manga, anime and dramas names stacked up in my list. But I seriously need to balance everything, now that the time is drawing near.

That reminds me, in the final presentation by the assessors providing summary of their thoughts about the company, the starting went by like this – “One should give importance to his/her strengths and try to strengthen them even more because that does 90% work for you. One should not forget about his/her weaknesses but working on strengths can be more fruitful.” So I’ve decided to make languages my strengths. Not that I’m forgetting about my Chemical Engineering studies but languages will certainly give an edge to me. So I’m taking them seriously now, even learning Thai. Strangest thing is I was so afraid of tones, on the top of that Thai has 5 tones! But one of my seniors, who is Thailand born Indian said, “So what? Hindi has two tones. What’s the problem with 5 tones?” And I was like, “How could I forget that?” I became so oblivious to my native language that I forgot even we start with tones! This new perspective has made learning Thai easier. Today I discovered, they have same sounds as in our language. If only, I had realized that earlier! Sigh!

Anyways, I can put new and more efforts now.

In the end, today’s song – 

Finally….

Finally….

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Finally, the audit has ended. And I got a compensatory leave today because I had been working hard and even spent last sunday at office as I told in this post. So, I’m enjoying and I’ve slept for whole day till now.

In India, a 10 day festival called ‘Navratri’ has started. During this time, people worship different ‘avatars’ of Goddess Durga and young girls in real life. The diet becomes strict too – no onions, garlic etc. Many people keep fast ranging from one day to all nine days. The tenth day is celebrated as Dussehra.

But since I’m in Thailand, leave food for fast, I can’t have onionless food too. And thus I learn of one more compromising situation. Well I should be thankful that I’m at least getting Indian veg food.

But I’m happy that I can start with my studies now.

Today’s song –

After one of the workers at company told me she went to Big Bang’s concert yesterday, only this song is coming to my mind. I’m not a big Big Bang fan. I have never liked their songs but both the recent singles by GD and Seungri were catchy. Added them to my playlist.

50 Ways To Kindness At Work | Jackie Yun

50 Ways To Kindness At Work | Jackie Yun

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50 Ways To Kindness At Work | Jackie Yun.

Ah! Such fun and easy ways to give back and receive happiness. Couldn’t let this one go……

Fast Update – Very Busy

Fast Update – Very Busy

by eastasianlover ♥ 1 Comment

There is an audit going on now at the company and everyone is so very busy. We worked yesterday, yup, Sunday, till 12 midnight (not complaining, I’m flaunting, yes, flaunting). It was my choice though. I was asked to go home at 7 in the evening but I said, I wanted to help in any way I could. I know I’m an intern and ultimately, my mentor has to revise every document she makes me work on. But her work reduces too. I am helping her with designing work also. Countdown posters and small small animations. I have been asked to design banners for the company now! I’m glad, I’m doing all sorts of work.

But even now I don’t have time to write the essays, where the deadline is today itself. I tried to find time but couldn’t. I’m happy about the work. We have a lot of fun in between, making jokes, clicking photos, eating, and celebrating when even the smallest task gets completed. But my Korean studies are suffering and GoGo course is coming to an end soon. How am I going to take the exam!! I already couldn’t attend the online classes thus missing so many things. I get so tired in the night, that I enter the house and then no memory remains. I just walk out of the bed in the morning, even forgetting how I reached home (though I come myself by bicycle).

Today, not even some song is coming to my mind. I’m running out of songs now? My life is going down it seems. Anyways, I need to find some good new K-pop songs. Recently I wrote a post on Monkey Majik, so I guess, today I’ll post a Japanese song instead of Korean (hope I haven’t posted that already, in some other post of mine) –

Controlling Emotions

Controlling Emotions

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Sometimes, it becomes inevitable but very difficult to control your emotions. I still don’t know, how I’m holding myself back. I was asked to shift my belongings for the fourth time in last three months. Earlier, I thought “Oh! They are providing for my accommodation for free in the foreign land, that’s enough. I’m obliged to assist them.” But today my limit of patience was crossed. How much can one endure?

I got late in obtaining my visa this time and hence my stay in India increased from ten days to two weeks. I was so afraid and regretful. I thought, “They are paying me and treating me just like their employees. This shouldn’t have happened.” Then my father told me to quit worrying coz that was a thing not in my hands. And now those emotions are completely gone!

But I’m a person who won’t say anything. I told my mentor though that this is not fair. But this time, it is for my company only. I had thought in my head, I’ll say this and that but I still couldn’t say anything. When I was told later that I have to shift today itself, I just broke down. Thank God, I was at the room provided to me as abode. I cried for half an hour, this time loudly. At what? At my nature. Why can’t I say anything? If there had been any other person, would have they complied this easily?

I have come to realize, people like me are made use of like that only. If we can’t stand for ourselves, we have to face the consequences. Although, I have known the fact from long before, I still can’t do anything about it. Because people like me think that if I am good to others, others should be too. I always forget that this is what my parents taught me and the world has taken 180 deg turn in the years.

One thing I’m worried about the most is, how I will convince my parents this time. Last time I said the same thing about being thankful and what not. At first they were furious, but then my father accepted it and I was satisfied. This time, they are going to be very upset and one thing I can’t bear is seeing them sad, especially because of others. I just pray for the strength to tell them.

In the end, I can only be angry at myself and my helplessness.

Today’s song – 

Although not related this time. Somehow earlier songs fitted with the situations well……..

J-pop Recommendation: Monkey Majik

J-pop Recommendation: Monkey Majik

by eastasianlover ♥ 3 Comments

Today, I’ll tell you about this awesome Japanese-Canadian (yes, you heard me right) band called Monkey Majik. The anime fans may already know them as their two songs were featured as openings for Nurarihyon no Mago, a famous action anime. Consisting of four people, two of the band members Maynard and Blaise Plant are Canadians and brothers, and two Takuya Kikuchi (Tax) and Hideki Mori (Dick) are Japanese. For more info on their biographies click here (You could’ve found it anyway). I couldn’t become that sort of fan about them, the one who knows everything about the members of their favorite group. But I simply love their songs. Most amazing thing, the lead vocal is the Canadian and such perfect Japanese. Another reason I respect them so much!

True, I don’t know THAT much about K-pop groups too but there are some groups for me in which I may not be knowing even the names of the members (And sometimes it’s embarrassing indeed. I don’t know how to explain this to someone I’m recommending something to. But I hope you get the idea.), but I just like the songs. The case is same here.

I got introduced to this band while watching the above mentioned anime. It’s really unusual for a series of 26 around episodes to have both the openings by the same group (especially which has only two openings). So I was convinced that they must really have something in them. And I was right. I got so impressed, that I downloaded most of the tracks I could get hold of and out of them, I got addicted to some songs so much (You can find those ten at the end), that they ruled my playlist for almost half a year. I didn’t listen to anything else during those times.

Anyways, back to the topic……. Ah! Seriously…… I really don’t know how to review things like this. One can review one song but to summarize the whole of their career here would be difficult. So how about I post the songs and you try them out and then tell me how do you find them? I’ll post my favorite here (in random order):

1. Sunshine

The second opening of Nura, the rise youkai clan, this song is one of those evergreen songs which I can listen to anywhere and anytime. It always makes me get up from my seat and at least wave my body on the beats (which is very difficult for me generally). Such a peppy song! If only I could find a MV……

2. Fast forward

Again an awesome song. Like it as much as the first one (of course, they are the ones which made me their fans). Nura’s first opening.

3. Picture Perfect

I have a slower version of this song, without the rap but this is not bad too. This one song was, once, my alarm tone, ring tone and any other which you can think of. This song has been made in collaboration with m-flo

4. Change

I need a change…….

Magical blend of traditional and modern instruments. Again the song features Yoshida Brothers. The MV is as good.

5. Forever

Don’t know what it is saying (not that I know above’s too), but it somehow, touches my heart. Try it, may be yours too?

6. Around the world

Funny MV. Couldn’t understand the concept but lyrics are good. Let’s Kung-fu!

7. Sakura

A little different from the usual rock I hear, this song is …………. But I’m seeing it’s MV for the first and it seems hilarious. My perception for slow beautiful song was shattered……

8. Together

Another soothing emotional song. TT_TT

That’s it for today. And the date in the calender changed too, me remaining in the sea of memories associated with these songs I’m hearing after so long.

Anyways, Enjoy!

Manga Reco: Love So Life

Manga Reco: Love So Life

by eastasianlover ♥ 1 Comment

Yeah, yeah. It’s been two days after I said I would write frequently. And now I’m running away from it by telling this sort of thing? Oh no no. This is the manga review I’ve been planning for long. I had just forgotten about this heart warming manga by Kouichi Kaede. A recent release of it’s chapter revived all the memories.

So this manga follows the story of an orphan high school girl, Shiharu who suddenly gets involved with two cute twins and their guardian, Sei (I hope this is the right name but since the children call the guy by this name I’ll write this only). The twins Aoi and Akane have already lost their mother and their father left them with his younger brother Sei and ran away. Sei, a TV presenter by profession, is a handsome unmarried guy who, initially faces a lot of difficulty maintaining the balance between the new members in his life and his job but ultimately develops necessary love and affection for them to be able to handle his now messed up life. On the other hand, the unfriendly twins find solace in Shiharu’s care for them at the day care centre and Shiharu lands up daily babysitting job for the children. Now she is helping the babies to learn things to stand up in the society and she is growing with them too. Also, she is developing feelings for Sei. From romance point of view, this manga is still in development stage even after 62 chapters but the love element between Sei and Shiharu has been introduced much later (although in such scenarios, it is kind of obvious that they will fall in love with each other in the end).

There are many other involvements including the twins’ grandparents on their mother side who want to take care of them and are quite persisting in this regard even after Sei’s refusal. There is one another guy who likes Shiharu and their neighbor. Everyone is invloved with babies one way or other and they become the reason for their relationships with each other. All in all, it is a good manga and I’m soo looking forward to it’s anime if it is made anytime.

Still not convinced? This will give you A waaayyy big reason to read it –

images (1) images love-so-life-1599056 love-so-life-1929495

 

These swiggly wiggly little twins are soooo freaking adorable. I first read the manga just because I saw them.

Read here – http://www.mangahere.com/manga/love_so_life/

Enjoy!

15 Days, 3 Months, 20 Years

15 Days, 3 Months, 20 Years

by eastasianlover ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Hello all,

How have you been? Got confused with the title? I was just summing up my life in and out of my country (physically 😛), nothing else.I reached India some two weeks ago after three months in Thailand. I have fallen in love with that country and my experience there. 20+ years in India and three months in Thailand feel soo….. different. Although, many a times I fail to notice that I’m in a foreign country. Everything is fast in Thailand, yet the pace of life is slow.

I’m not saying anything against India. It is the country in which I was born. How can I do that? Anyways, it is time to go back to Thailand and I am anticipating new adventures for the next two and half months. Thailand has given me a lot. I started taking Korean seriously. I’m already learning a lot in the company. And the most important, it gave me a direction. Now I know what I want to do and how I want to do. Earlier, I was very worried.

Also, these 15 days showed me a quick trailer of how my life is going to be when I come back to India in December for good. Ah! I’m going to miss everyone and everything a lot (you will surely find the same line in some random post after three months).

In the end, I would update you with what is currently going on in my life regarding my language learning and other stuff. I have been listening to random K-pop songs again. I did Korean for whole day yesterday and realized, the grammar is as tough as Hindi’s. A lot of things BUT a lot of similarities. So I’m kind of happy about it. I’m being asked to take a test which I don’t want to but nonetheless I will have to apply for it. I want to take another exam but for my parents, it is kind of secondary, so they are asking me to take both, but first one is mandatory (Sigh!). I have been trying various Korean-English and vice versa dictionary apps for the past few days with much disappointment. Because I want an offline dictionary so that even if I don’t have internet access (which happens sometimes), I may still check out the word meanings.

Sometime ago, I connected my social accounts with the blog and I forget to uncheck some of the boxes like for Facebook and LinkedIn, while sharing. Last time I forgot and they got shared. And I don’t know how many of my friends saw this. It’s good on one side but I would’ve been happy if they didn’t get to see through Facebook TT_TT .

Oh! I remembered, today Good Doctor’s next episode would have been released. I’m off to watch that! Which K-Dramas are you following?

PS – Since I am going back now, I will update the blog regularly (preferably on daily basis), so stay tuned!

Today’s song – 

[Apply Now] The 18th Book Review Lucky Draw Begins.

[Apply Now] The 18th Book Review Lucky Draw Begins.

by eastasianlover ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I would like to win this book. Trying again….

twochois's avatartwoChois

안녕하세요-

다들 잘 지내셨나요?

한국은 추석 연휴라 시내가 한산해요.

아무튼,

오늘부터 진행되는 열여덟 번째 Lucky Draw도 많은 관심 부탁드려요- >_<

The book is suitable for intermediate learners who are preparing for TOPIK exam.

This book is all written in Korean and contains problem sets for TOPIK.

Book Info.

Complete_TOPIK_Intermediate_cover__32432_1364363173_1280_1280

Complete Guide to the TOPIK_Intermediate
Author : Seoul Korean Language Academy Book page : 224 pages Supplement : 2 Audio CDs

ISBN: 9788959958139(8959958131) Size: 182×257 mm

‘Complete Guide to the TOPIK_Intermediate’ aims to be a perfect preparation book for the TOPIK tests for the intermediate level, which is, a proper standardization of Korean language principles. This book is focused on understanding of the TOPIK through sections divided by question type and receives in-depth explanations of questions from previous TOPIK tests. The book consists of Part 1, 2, and 3 in the order of expression (vocabulary & grammar, writing) and comprehension (listening and…

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[Apply Now] The 17th Korean Study Book Review Lucky Draw Begins.

[Apply Now] The 17th Korean Study Book Review Lucky Draw Begins.

by eastasianlover ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I don’t have the book but even so, I’ll try. Thank you..

twochois's avatartwoChois

안녕하세요-

다들 잘 지내셨나요?

제16 회 Lucky Draw에 많은 관심을 보내주셔서 감사합니다.

서울은 완연한 가을 날씨입니다.

어제, 오늘 가을비가 내리고 있어요.

오늘부터 진행되는 열일곱 번째 Lucky Draw도 많은 관심 부탁드려요- >_<

This book is suitable for upper elementary level learners who has Sogang Korean 2A Student’s book.

We’ve been thinking whether it is right or wrong only giving workbook but we decided to try.

Please remind that student’s book is not included.

Book Info.

서강한국어 2A workbook

[서강 한국어] New Sogang Korean 2A Workbook

274 Pages | 188*254mm ㅣ Textbook + CD

This new Sogang Korean series is an updated version of its predecessor with the following changes:

– new Grammar textbook
– Information on social and cultural context updated and modernized
– New illustrations and more effective layout
– Complete guide for Korean language learning, covering grammar, reading, speaking, listening and writing

The objective of this book is to assist readers to improve…

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Travel: The Museum of Floral Culture, Thailand

Travel: The Museum of Floral Culture, Thailand

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Today, I’ll take you to this small beautiful unknown place called The Museum of Floral Culture. Situated in very inner parts of the area Bang Kra Bu, just outside of Bangkok, it is very easy to reach there. Many buses go to Bang Kra Bu and drop you on the main road. Beware! There would be bike taxi people who will offer you to take at the place but they themselves don’t know the place or pretend to do so. Ours one agreed to take us there in minimal charges of 20 Baht and then got lost, went somewhere else and then asked for 40 Baht per person. The place is very near the main road at a walking distance.

The museum of floral culture

Ok, now the place. It would have been a house with people living in them at some point of time. Now it has been converted to a museum. The outside arouses one’s curiosity as to what would be inside. Flowers, as the name suggests? Nopes. The museum shows the history of flowers, how they and the art of flower arrangement in vases, garlands and such travelled in Asia. Very beautiful art and decoration. There is a minimal fee of 150 Baht if you just want to see the floral museum. There is something called tea set museum (which we didn’t see btw) with additional fee.

Biggest regret, they don’t let you click inside the museum. You can enjoy the outside sceneries here though:

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This place is not for biology people nor for those who wish to see botanical garden kind of thing. It’s for history enthusiasts who like to know the connections between cultures of various countries. The tour hardly takes 45 minutes to complete and then they allow you to take as many photographs as you want in the outside premises.

Great time pass if you are left with some 2-3 hours and don’t have anywhere else to go. Not very far from Siam Paragon. Highly recommended!

My Second Korean Experience – My Faith has been Restored!

My Second Korean Experience – My Faith has been Restored!

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Just one week after the last incident, I had my second encounter and I’m very happy that I met that ahjusshi…. Yesterday I went to the Museum of Floral Culture (look forward to my next post reviewing this place). It had been past the lunch time and me and my friend were very hungry. We stopped by this mall which had many many Korean shops from cosmetics and clothes to restaurants and book shops.

And there was this pair of shoes I liked so much and they were on sale. I would have got those kind of shoes in India very expensive. Too bad, my size was not available. Then we went to this shop named Korean DD. It was a cosmetics shop. Although I’m not interested in such stuff and my friend was not sure about the brands from South Korea (she is learning a little though under my influence starting with K-Pop), we still entered the shop. What caught my eyes were the posters of K-pop idols all over. And without thinking over I just went inside the shop. The lady inside was a Thai but when I was naming the idols aloud, she and the guy sitting outside started laughing. Nevertheless, I asked if she was Korean and she replied, the ahjusshi standing behind was.

Ah! So excited >.<  Then my friend asked me to talk to him in Korean and suddenly I froze (갑자기, 왜?). She then explained him that I was learning Korean and then trivial questions like where do we come from and such followed (but in English. Too bad again). We left the shop and suddenly I thought I would ask something about Korean. He didn’t understand what I was saying. Guess he knew only Korean and Thai (Ah! Too bad. Don’t know how many ‘TOO BAD’ moments I had yesterday). But he was a cheerful ahjusshi who tried to help me however he could (Ok, I could have thought that he was a shopkeeper and hence did all that. Marketing strategy? Even so, I want to trust his help). And thus my faith was restored. Then we went on shopping spree with clothes in another shop selling Korean goods at 80-90% discount. There were K-pop songs playing in background and there were Korean movies posters in the shop too. There also whatever piece I was liking was not available in right sizes. Sigh!

But in the end I got a packet of Jjajangmyeon and on the packet there was nothing non-veg. I’m still doubtful about it and will be translating the ingredients although they are written in Korean as well as English. If anyone of you could tell me whether the noodles themselves are non-veg or not, I’ll be very grateful.

And today’s song is – 

Falling in love with the dance…….