sunday night and i feel all right

Here's a night shot of Seoul...typical street view. Tons of neon lights and even more cars. Actually I think the neon signs would outnumber the cars in this city. You'd be a millionaire in the neon light business in Seoul...even more so than in Vegas.
So an update on my Friday night preformance...
Arrived at the RMT with my girls about forty five minutes before the contest/night got started. I met the judges and got my free beverage (Coors Light...I took advantage of the free drink). I was informed I was going on stage third out of seven preformers which I was super happy with. I didn't want first and I didn't want last. Lucky number 3! So before I went on, to calm the nerves, I had two beers and a tequila shot for good luck (thanks to the girls). After the second preformer finished I grabbed the old guitar and walked up onto the stage, sat on the bar stool and got set up for my first ever live performance.
It was nerve wracking at first because I don't have a pickup on my guitar (a wee hole to plug into a cord to plug into the speaker) so they had to set up a mic for my guitar. Took a couple minutes so I just sat there and smiled, talked to the crowd a bit. There were two Canadian soliders with poppy's on in the audience and that was a sweet touch of home. Anyway I was finally set up and began my two song set. First started off with Beatles - I've Just Seen a Face. I was so nervous but just gave it my all...I know I screwed up in two parts but hey! it happens. After that was over I introduced my next song, an acoustic version of Hey Ya by Outkast. This song I am totally in love with. The crowd started singing and clapping along once they realized what song it was and got into it. That was an incredible feeling. Hearing people listen to me sing and play was all around an addicting thrill...for all the other performances the crowd was talking away but they were dead quiet for my set. I was also the only girl to play out of the seven performers that night. After I finished I got a sweet round of applause and proceeded to the bar for a celebratory beer. I was stopped all night by people in the crowd and bar areas letting me know how well I did and they really liked my songs. That was so cool! I didn't end up making it to the finals in December, but for what it's worth I'm partially glad. Friday was so nervewracking and intense that to do the finals I would've probably suffered a heart attack beforehand. And also, I'm just super happy and proud of myself for going out there and doing it anyway. So long as the crowd enjoyed it (and they did) that's all that I wanted. That and to not pee my pants on stage, which I also accomplished. So all in all fabulous night :) Definitely worth all the stress and nervousness. I can't wait to do something like that again!
Saturday was spent hiking with Louise in Dongnimmun...we went to a traditional Korean Buddhist community located on a mountain side. So we trekked our way up a mountain (insanely vertical climb) and spent a couple hours wandering around the village and mountainside looking at different prayer spots, Buddhist statues, and shamanist temples and houses. Very very cool. And for the first time in a month and a half...I couldn't smell the smog and pollution. HOORAY! So after walking around for a while, we started to make our way back down. With very shaky legs and knees we made it back home to rest for awhile. Manz came over afterwards and I made the girls some dinner: seasoned chicken, mashed potatoes and corn. YUM! Then we just chilled and watched our shows and a BBC documentary my bro sent me (thanks Ian just loved it!).
Today was spent walking around Insadong looking for Christmas presents. I was somewhat successful although there is still more to get. And now I'm going to read my book and get a good sleep because tomorrow is...DUN DUN DUN Monday. Womp.

Alex: I miss you so much! I can't wait to see your drawings and talk to you on the phone again soon. I hope school is a lot of fun, soon it will be Christmas which means you're also turning 6 years old!
Calista: I miss you so much too! I bet you drew me beautiful pictures. Hope you're being good for you Mommy and being nice to your sister. I am excited to talk to you again soon.