My life currently revolves around food (as if it doesn't normally)

A few nights ago we went out with representatives from a church that we will be working with to a fancy schmancy buffet downtown. This. Was. A. Buffet. There were so many stations with sooo many different kinds of food, made even more exotic by the fact that I couldn't read any of the labels. Sushi. Udon. Meats. Seafoods. Juices. Casseroles. Noodles. And oh the desserts!

The sushi station Some tasty but indistinguishable foods.

Us with Mr. Kim and Mr. Kim A smattering of the seafood selection

Last Tuesday we spoke at the English chapel at Hannam University (mentioned briefly in the last post). Students are required to attend two years of chapel, and once a week an English service is offered. We each spoke for a few minutes about why we decided to become a YAV. See some photos below.

On Saturday we went with Katie's children's center (Saeoom) on a bike ride. There were definitely some mishaps along the way, and we've all learned some valuable lessons in hydration and proper nutrition before a laborious ride in the heat of a summer day. But, it was fun, and we all arrived more or less safe and sound. It was great to hang out with some wonderful Hannam YAVs who accompanied us, and the center was very gracious about letting us join their ride.

Here we are heading back to the center. I am shown here with three Hannam YAVs.

After the bike ride, we rode the bus back to the campus area, and Katie and I joined our new Hannam friends for a very tasty meal. Then, we came across this hip-hop/break dancing competition that was taking place in the quad area in front of the library. There were some very talented individuals, but I was definitely not expecting to find this random glimpse of culture on the walk back from dinner.

Finally, today we had food delivered to us for the first time. We had the youth group over to our house after church to play some games and get to know each other. We ordered "Chinese" food, which was delivered to our door by a man on a scooter. The delivery man brought the food into the house (being mindful to take off his shoes), unloaded the food from the containers that were keeping it hot, and arranged it on the table. We got chajang myun (blackbean paste over noodles and vegetables), sweet and sour chicken, and mandu (fried dumplings). Plus the condiments like radish and kimchi, plus these sinful little doughnuts filled with red bean paste. The most amazing part was that the dishes were served in real (not plastic) bowls and plates. At the end of the meal, we set the dirty dishes outside the house and the delivery man came back to pick them up and take them back to the restaurant! All this and there is no tipping in Korea. I don't see why anyone would need to leave the house.

All the hot food delivered right to our table! Seunghi-Eunni and myself with the Chajang Myun.

For dinner we ate naeng myun (cold buckwheat noodles in broth) and steamed vegetable mandu. Unfortunately, no pictures were taken of this meal, but it was delicious. I promise, I do more than eat (for instance, I know attend a Korean language tutor in addition to the 4 hours of language class each day), but I am still so enamored with all of the food offerings! Expect more food blogs to follow, as this upcoming week is Chusok, the Korean Thanksgiving, and we will be taking part in both eating and preparing some traditional Chusok foods!