catch LOVELY

Christmas Eve!

2011-02-13T15:39:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve at Kids Club was awesome because the students got presents from not one but, two Santas!

Christmas Eve from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Jagalchi Fish Market: December 2010

2011-02-05T20:52:00.000-08:00

Our little attempt at being Anthony Bourdain :D

Jagalchi Fish Market from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

A Korean Wedding

2010-12-23T04:54:00.001-08:00

My co-worker Irene got married this month! Her wedding was complete with traditionally dressed family iwearing hanbok, a special bride's display room, and a laser-light show. Needless to say, the other foreigner teachers and I had a great time!

A Korean Wedding from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Seoul Trip: The DMZ and North Korea

2010-12-19T04:34:00.000-08:00

This is from the tour I took, in late September, of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that is located along the boarder of North and South Korea. I am so thankful I got a chance to go before the missile strikes. Despite that fact, I was still incredibly nervous, considering that it is one of the most highly militarized areas on Earth. Please pray that everything stays peaceful between the North and the South!

Seoul Trip: The DMZ and North Korea from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Seoul Trip: Locating Our Hostel

2010-12-16T05:29:00.001-08:00

It was such a nice warm evening when my friends and I arrived by train to Seoul, during the Korean Chuseok Holiday, in September. I was instantly stunned at the crazy-fast pace at which the city was humming and by the outstanding pristine-ness of the city (no graffiti). It felt like I was in the future! We had a bit of an adventure just locating our hostel and oddly happened upon a little alleyway lined with little traditional Korean houses, wedged in between the skyscrapers. Strangely enough, this alley was also the location of our hostel.

Seoul Trip: Locating Our Hostel from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Haeundae Beach in October

2010-12-15T02:53:00.000-08:00

It was lovely day, at Haeundae Beach in mid-October, when a bunch of fish decided to commit suicide by jumping out of the water onto the sand....strange! But, we did our best to help some kids try to save their lives before a flock of seagulls finished them off.

Haeundae Beach from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Halloween!

2010-12-14T02:42:00.001-08:00

Halloween at Kids Club was really fun! All of us teachers turned the school into a carnival and decorated each room with a different game and theme. The other foreigner teachers and I even built a haunted house that scared some kids so bad, they cried and one kid so bad, he peed!

Halloween! from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

My Wonderful Korean 24th Birthday!

2010-12-07T04:52:00.000-08:00

My Wonderful Korean 24th Birthday! from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

On November 20th:
I had THE most wonderful birthday here in Kroea! The day before my birthday I arrived at work to find my desk covered in handmade cards from my kintergardeners! It was so sweet! And then the school bought me a cheesecake with candles to share with my co-workers! Also, one of my Canaidian co-workers suprised me with a McMuffin from McDonalds. Then, the kinterdardeners had a field trip to the local aquariaum along one of the beaches. We had so much fun looking at penguins, otters and sharks-they even let us hold a few starfish! After work, the other foreign teachers and I went to an American style diner near our house and ate super yummy cheese burgers. One of my co-workers suprised me with a cupcake shaped cake with candles too! You can see some pictures from it on my facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2179030&id=29903436

On my birthday-day I relaxed and went to the hospital where my physical therapist and the head nurse suprised me with some presents (a girft card to an English book store and some bodywash). After that, I bought some supplies to make some really special cocktails I created using Korean makoli(rice wine). My birthday party began around 7 and everyone met at my house to enjoy cocktails and chat. About 17 people came and we were all able to squeese into my little apartment-definately at maximum capacity! A few of them even brought me presents (a beautiful Korean painting poster of some cherry blossoms, a big, beautiful house plant and sweatshirt that read "Boston Massachubettes" from Kelly because we think Korean English mistakes-Engrish-is hilarious and we used to live in Boston together). After that we headed to a traditional style (looked like a tea house) Korean restaurant where we all enjoyed about 5 different dishes (way more than we could finish) and drinks. Then my friends and the whole restaurant sang me "Happy Birthday" and I toasted them for coming and being such wonderful friends. I felt so happy and blessed to be surrounded by so many people and for being able to share this experience with them in Korea. When it was time to pay our bill came to onlly 5,00 won each (thats less than $5 a person-talk about cheep!) Then we headed to another traditional style place and had drinks, chatted and played foosbal. Finally, we all went to a bar to listen to some live music (a band that plays classic American rock songs) and danced the night away (though I did remember to look out for my ankle). It was such an amazing birthday!!

Life Update

2010-12-02T15:51:00.001-08:00

An update of my life in Korea as of December 2nd!

ME! from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Why I've been blog MIA:

2010-11-29T03:39:00.000-08:00

The one main reason is that I have been having TONS of difficulties with my ankle the last few months. If some of you remember I was t-boned by a truck about a year and a half ago while riding my bike in Midtown-Sacramento, California. Well, after finally getting in touch with an ankle specialist here, he explained the severity of the nerve damage to my ankle and subsequent chronic pain. Since our first meeting, I have been going to the hospital six days a week for electro-therapy, microwave treatment, laser therapy, physical therapy and acupuncture. Not to mention dealing with some emotional trauma realizing that there is a chance I may never be able to do all of the activities I once loved-hiking, rock climbing, running or even standing for long periods of time, etc. Thankfully, I have been showered by uplifting support from my family, friends and the healthcare professionals here in Korea. I am committed to staying positive and strong about my situation and to focus on all of the blessings I have in life. So, in an effort to do so I am getting back to my video blogging and will start by posting some videos I haven't yet and continue to make and post new ones. Please keep the comments coming and I hope you enjoy them!

Rock Festival in Dadaepo

2010-11-29T03:24:00.000-08:00

Spent more time relaxing at the beach and enjoying the wonderful sunset colors with friends than I did listening to the bands. Lovely day!

Rock Festival in Dadaepo from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Summer Vacation: Train Ride and Yoseu

2010-08-09T05:11:00.000-07:00

This was my wonderful fist experience riding Korea Rail (and yes is was actually air conditioned). As I sat writing postcards, we rode the train from Suncheon to the small fishing town of Yeosu. There, we saw some amazing views, checked out an ancient Korean battleship and walked across their biggest bridge.

Summer Vacation: Train Ride and Yeosu from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Summer Vacation: Exploring Suncheon

2010-08-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

A long and lovely walk by a stream, before amazing sizzling ribs for dinner, followed by yummy cocktails.

Summer Vacation-Exploring Suncheon from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Summer Vacation: Green Tea Fields and the Countryside

2010-08-07T22:01:00.001-07:00

We visited the lovely green tea fields of Boseong by bus and taxi. It was a lofty hike to the top of the hillsides where they grew the tea but it was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen!

Summer Vacation: Green Tea Fields and the Countryside from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Summer Vacation: First Night

2010-08-07T19:54:00.001-07:00

Fist night of summer vacation...out and about in the small city of Suncheong!

Summer Vacation: The First Night from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Korean Fashion Finds!

2010-07-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

A little taste of some of the things I've picked up here. I love Korean style!

I like Korean Fashion! from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Tour: My Studio

2010-07-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

Since I made this video, my landlord okayed me putting in new furniture, so I will give you another tour when I have it fixed up!

Tour: My Studio from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Lotte Department Store

2010-07-25T20:41:00.001-07:00

I get a little shopping in at the Samyeoung Lotte. It is very big department store with something like ten floors, yet it still is not even the biggest one they have here!

Lotte Department Store from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Lotte Department Store

2010-07-25T20:38:00.001-07:00

I get a little shopping in at the Samyeoung Lotte. It is very big department store with something like ten floors, yet it still is not even the biggest one they have here!

Roseville Friends

2010-07-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

Dinner out for Tyler (one of my high school buddies), last few days here before he road-trips to Chicago to get married! We dinned on big plates of spicy meet, soju (rice whisky) and beer. Apparently, there are quite a few more people than I expected here who are from my hometown area. And though, I did not know most of them before coming here I am happy to have people to chat about home with! Also, a bit from our ungodly, hot and humid wait in the subway station on our way home.

Roseville Friends from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

A Night Out with my New Friends

2010-07-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

First, all you can eat and drink, Shabu-shabu (a big boiling broth you can add things too and cook your meet in) and beer restaurant. Also, I attempt for the first time in my life to eat a non-calamari style whole baby octopus! It was too rubbery to bite in half and it barely fit in my mouth-so it was a bit of a challenge to chew. Followed by, beers and strange music at a German themed brew house. Then McDonalds. And more drinks and dancing that didn't quite make it onto the video!

A Night Out with my New Friends! from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Field Trip to Bexco Space Center

2010-07-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

Field trip with my two kindergarten classes! The kids had fun with all of the outer space replicating contraptions. How can I not love my job when I get to see smiling faces, this cute, everyday?!

Field Trip-at Bexco Space Center! from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Saturday Night, Monsoon Season, in Heels

2010-07-24T06:26:00.000-07:00

Korean women wear heels constantly...so I give it a try!

Saturday Night, Monsoon Season in Heels from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Korean Bowling!!

2010-07-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

We foreign teachers decide to unwind, after a long work week, with a little bowling, Korean style-with Podoju(wine), friends and snacks!!

Bowling! from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Moving, Korean Style!

2010-07-21T08:07:00.000-07:00

I was walking to work and this is what surprised me out my front door....

Moving Korean Style from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Korean Burgers and Pancake Batter?

2010-07-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

On the way to try my Korean cheesebugers my co-teachers and I get a little, ahem-treat, from one of our students...

Korean Burgers and Batter? from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

First Night Out with my Co-Workers!

2010-07-12T03:01:00.000-07:00

It was the last night in town for Karamie before she moved to Mongolia. The other teachers and I, went to delicious Korean bbq and then to a indian themed huka bar for wine and goodbye cupcakes after! I also shot a little bit of the streets of Kyungsung University district at night. It was such a fun night, but it was sad to see such a great girl go!! Sorry about the lighting!!

Night Out with my Co-teachers! from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

UN Memorial Cemetery and Park

2010-07-06T01:21:00.000-07:00

Just meandering around after work, I discovered something awesome....

UN Memorial Cemetery and Park from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Dinner Out with Madeline

2010-07-04T16:37:00.000-07:00

My third night in Busan I went to dinner with Madeline at an Orangey Shop (Korean fast food). She has been here for almost eight months so she definitely knows the ropes. It only cost us a total of $5.50 for the whole dinner!! Then we went out to and American bar to meet up with friends, have some drinks and watch a World Cup game! It was very fun!

Dinner with Madeline! from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Last Breakfast with my Besties

2010-07-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

The last breakfast before I left for South Korea with my best friends Ashley and Kelly-I'm gonna miss them so much!!

Goodbye Breakfast with Besties from Jamie Lomazzi on Vimeo.

Sunlight, Streets, Snow.

2009-03-02T19:20:00.000-08:00

Just a few days after New Years 2009: Olympia, Washington.

The City

2009-02-17T19:15:00.000-08:00

I took this one last month as I was on my way into the city to pick up a friend. Needless to say, it was quite an eventful night full of very extreme highs and lows.
"I will not be just a tourist in the world of images, just watching images passing by which I cannot live in, make love to, possess as permanent sources of joy and ecstasy."
-Anais Nin

I'm Into Succulents...

2009-02-09T19:19:00.000-08:00

And this Christmas Cactus owns.

Porch Life Livin'

2009-02-05T20:57:00.000-08:00

I am going to start posting all my pictures from my super fun January adventures for the rest of this month. Such as, breakfast with some of my awesome low drama momas one morning in Berkeley. In fact, it was so warm and welcoming this past month in the bay that I actually kept forgetting it was January (and that I no longer lived there-major flashback to two summers ago)!

Morning Sun Breaks

2009-02-01T13:53:00.000-08:00

And I stagger in the abundance of beauty, like a fawn with fragile legs. Hope has rattled my bones and kept me far from home. The light pours through the crisp blue day and the sun will rise.

The Holidays

2009-01-08T20:35:00.001-08:00

Christmas was quaint and warm at home with family and pets. Our tree ended up being the folksy galore of my dreams. And I successfully wrapped all of the gifts I made with two catalogs I had lying around.

And On

2008-12-02T18:02:00.000-08:00

Here is a bit more of that soft and sweet ramble as I roamed through our streets on the ever so still and silent, colorful autumn night. These images are to be remembered and revered as we flow deeply into to sovereignty of winters dense fog.

"But there was a wisdom in it all, as you'll see if you take a walk some night on a suburban street and pass house after house on both sides of the street each with the lamplight of the living room, shining golden, and inside the little blue square of the television, each living family riveting its attention on probably one show; nobody talking; silence in the yards; dogs barking at you because you pass on human feet instead of on wheels. You'll see what I mean, when it begins to appear like everybody in the world is soon going to be thinking the same way and the Zen Lunatics have long joined dust, laughter on their dust lips."
-Jack Kerouac, The Dharma Bums

Ramble On

2008-11-17T16:19:00.001-08:00

Last night, I traversed 23rd Street in an attempt to begin a new project. Ridding my bike, I could not help but be awestruck by the sly and emanating beauty that surrounded me. I was reminded of a few Beat writers who drew inspiration from the eye-catching surroundings as they rambled on the California streets at night. This project is a tribute to our forefathers and a documentation of a very similar landscape in which we all still roam.

A Supermarket In California
Allen Ginsberg

What thoughts I have of you tonight, Walt Whit-
man, for I walked down the sidestreets under the trees
with a headache self-conscious looking at the full moon.
In my hungry fatigue, and shopping for images,
I went into the neon fruit supermarket, dreaming of
your enumerations!
What peaches and what penumbras! Whole fam-
ilies shopping at night! Aisles full of husbands! Wives
in the avocados, babies in the tomatoes!--and you,
García Lorca, what were you doing down by the
watermelons?

I saw you, Walt Whitman, childless, lonely old
grubber, poking among the meats in the refrigerator
and eyeing the grocery boys.
I heard you asking questions of each: Who killed
the pork chops? What price bananas? Are you my
Angel?
I wandered in and out of the brilliant stacks of
cans following you, and followed in my imagination
by the store detective.
We strode down the open corridors together in
our solitary fancy tasting artichokes, possessing every
frozen delicacy, and never passing the cashier.
Where are we going, Walt Whitman? The doors
close in an hour. Which way does your beard point
tonight?
(I touch your book and dream of our odyssey in the
supermarket and feel absurd.)
Will we walk all night through solitary streets?
The trees add shade to shade, lights out in the houses,
we'll both be lonely.
Will we stroll dreaming ofthe lost America of love
past blue automobiles in driveways, home to our silent
cottage?
Ah, dear father, graybeard, lonely old courage-
teacher, what America did you have when Charon quit
poling his ferry and you got out on a smoking bank
and stood watching the boat disappear on the black
waters of Lethe?

Berkeley 1955

Less Pouting More Posting

2008-11-16T23:17:00.000-08:00

Promise.

Have At

2008-08-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

Here is where bits of glorious life can be found!