See! Told you so........

I dont make these things up you know!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13697179

Korean Goodbyes: indian hello's!

Well, It's on (officially)
I now have my tickets in hand, job contract signed, and 2 weeks vacation back in Blighty to look forward to.

Ta-ta Korea, nice knowing you, but I wouldnt want to retire there though.

Our look-see visit to India was a real eye-opener! Never seen so much rubbish strewn at the sides of the road, or such chaotic traffic which seems to have a logic all of it's own. Moo-cows wandering about, (which all the drivers try to avoid), straydogs abound (which the drivers try to knock-over - they are considered lowest possible kind of life-form in India for some reason), People shitting and pissing in the street, temperature little less than 30oC (95oF for our imperial counting friends across the world) But we ARE positive about the whole thing.

The adventure starts here:

www.indiantale.blogspot.com

See ya!

Korean maybes.......

Hmmmmm......The game is afoot Watson!

Korean goodbyes may be postponed slighty, as another opportunity with one of my previous employers is given some serious consideration. The post is either in Hong Kong or Europe depending on which job I could be offered. One is directly responsible for a technology market sector, whereas the other one is a couple of steps away from the position, but in Hong Kong. Much pondering to be done. A second face-to-face interview will take place this week when I'm in Shanghai. We'll see what transpires........ Watch this space!

Korean goodbyes....

We are just about 99.9% decided that a new adventure is on the horizon...
I have been offered an opportunity to move to India with a great company doing the same thing as I do in South Korea, heading up Quality in electronic manufacturing. I say 99.9%, because it all depends on a look-see visit planned at the end of April. I'll let you know final decisions then. Look out for our new blog www.indiantale.blogspot.com for all our news and stories about life in India!

Korean New Year....

We just finished a national holiday for Lunar New Year, which is very much the tradition in Asia. This year is the year of the rabbit: Here's what they have to say about someone born in this year:
Occupying the 4th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Rabbit symbolizes such character traits as creativity, compassion, and sensitivity. Rabbits are friendly, outgoing and prefer the company of others. They also prefer to avoid conflict. In confrontational situations, Rabbits approach calmly and with consideration for the other party. Rabbits believe strongly in friends and family and lacking such bonds can lead to emotional issues.

Their serene nature keeps Rabbits from becoming visibly upset. Because they’re serene animals, Rabbits are easily taken advantage of. Their sensitive nature makes them shy away from aggressive or competitive situations. They’re overall conservative and not interested in taking risks.

Classy, sophisticated, expressive, well-mannered and stylish, those born under the Sign of the Rabbit enjoy leaning about cultural issues and learning about people from other countries. Rabbits are most comfortable being home, and their homes are always neat and organized. Home is also where Rabbits prefer to entertain. Rabbits are conservative in their decorating tastes.

Rabbits should work at building more self-confidence and self-worth so they can feel more secure. The desire for remaining in safe, comfortable environments keeps Rabbits from taking risks which sometimes causes them to miss out on good opportunities.
Health
Even though Rabbits don’t usually get visibly upset or stressed, they do tend to keep these feelings inside. When they don’t express these feelings, such feeling can cause Rabbits to become ill. Rabbits could benefit from more everyday activity which would reduce their stress levels and better their health.
Relationships
Rabbits are very sexual, but tend to give more of themselves than they should. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and unhealthy situations. Rabbits need partners who won’t take advantage of their giving nature. Such pairings will be strong.
Career
Rabbits are articulate and good communicators which is why friends and acquaintances seek out their advice. It’s also why Rabbits make excellent diplomats and politicians. Other good careers for Rabbits include: writer, publisher, actor, fashion designer, therapist, doctor, administrator, public relations, and teacher.
Rabbits and the 5 elementsMetal Rabbits – Years 1951 and 2011
Metal gives Rabbits more strength, resilience and determination. Metal Rabbits are more intense in their actions, whether they’re work-related or romantic.
Water Rabbits – Years 1903 and 1963
Like the currents, Water Rabbits prefer to go with the flow, avoiding conflict at all costs, even in situations that are bothersome. It’s easy to take advantage of Water Rabbits. They’re very supportive of others.
Wood Rabbits – Years 1915 and 1975
Wood Rabbits occupy their time doing for others; always feeling the need to make others content. This generosity is easy for others to take advantage of and sometimes Water Rabbits don’t even realize is happening.
Fire Rabbits – Years 1927 and 1987
Fire adds spark to the Rabbit’s personality and all that Fire Rabbits do. Fire compels Rabbits to seek new adventures. Prone to tantrums, Fire Rabbits prefer to avoid conflict.
Earth Rabbits – Years 1939 and 1999
Earth Rabbits are grounded in reality. Their advice can be harsh, but honest. Home life is important to Earth Rabbits as are money and material goods.
CompatibilityThe Rabbit is most compatible with the Pig and Dog and incompatible with the Rooster and Rat.

I was born in the year of the water Rabbit! Complete tosh, to anyone who actually knows me...Go with the flow? Avoid confrontation? Hahahahaha

Korean business trip.....

I had to go to the Philippines on Friday for a meeting with one of our customers. I got up early at 4:15am, and got the shuttle limo to the airport and caught the 8:30 flight to Manilla. Economy flight was OK, with usual plane fare offered by Korean Air. Either Bibim-Bap or Chinese-ee pork. I chose the pork - I didn't fancy anything spicy, as it tends to play merry-hell with my tummy especially when out and about for any length of time. Landed at 11:30 local time, and headed out for an arranged pick-up. This was when it all started going wrong....

Upon exit from the baggage area, through the sliding doors, there were several people holding up cards looking for their charges. I looked for our names, or at least the company name that I was going to visit. nothing, no-one there. We headed out to the pavement, in case the driver was there, again, nothing. We tried to head back into the arrivals, but were blocked by a security guard. He told us to go around and go through proper entrance, where we had to x-ray our bags again! Hung around for a few minutes and made a call to Korea to contact customer to ask where driver was. We were looking a bit sorry for ourselves, when a skycap came over and suggested we go to arrivals waiting area #2. What? They have another wating area? We headed out the building once more and crossed the road, downstairs to a side road, and sure enough, our guy was there. This is where all the families meet up because they are either not allowed inside the terminal, or are too cheap to buy a parking ticket.

We headed to the plant, some 15 miles away, and our driver told us it would take maybe 2 hours! What? 2 hours to do 15 miles - was this guy crazy? As it was, the trip only took 45 minutes, but it did rain cats and dogs on the way.

We met at the plant with our hosts, and had the meeting. The building was old and dirty, but inside the production lines looked well cared for and modern. I couldn't say the same about the conference room - old, dark and dismal - spare chairs were of the plastic garden variety!. They know how to look after you and make you feel welcome - Not! My colleague popped out for a pre-meeting coffee with our host. What he told me made my jaw drop! He asked a bit about the Philippines in general, size of population etc. All the usual small talk. "Is the Phillipines safe?" asks my colleague, "Oh yes!" says our host with a really sincere look on his face, "Everyone has a gun!"

So the moral of this story is, that if you kill someone, their family will go out and find you, kill you, and then your family will.....etc etc etc and so it MUST be safe. And I thought Korean logic was screwed up...

We headed back to the airport as this was a one day trip only, and it took us the best part of 2 hours to get back. As soon as we hit the outskirts of Manilla, it was a foul-up with traffic. We fought through and got to the airport around 8:00pm for a 00:30 flight, but no desks were open to check us in. There were no restaurants or bars to sit and enjoy a relaxing glass of beer, so we just stood around and waited. This was a pit of an airport. We found the desks which were going to be opened and waited around there. Security guards told us to wait at a certain point on the floor and began to arrange and herd us like cattle into 2 lines. Korean couple, (bless them) with usual obliviousness to others around them, decided to park themselves at the check-in desk and wait until it opened. What with a long day, and even longer night flight back home, I let rip! "Oi, Yeogio!...Haji-mah!" which roughly translates into "I say, You there, Please don't do that" Couple duly obliged, but decided that to stand in front of me would be a sutiable compromise. Not likely! A quick flick of wrist with thumb pointing behind me, sent them scurrying off to the back of the line. As it was, we had to exit the line anyway, as I noted a sign though the departures gate which had a booth collecting cash for an exit tax! We asked how much this was, and were told to change some money at the money exchange. We offered up 20,000 Korean Won(about $20 USD) for around 750 Pesos, but were told this was not enough! "What's the exchange rate?" we asked. This was where I swear the guy pulled up his hankerchief over his face as a mask and started waving around his pistol. "We buy at 0.041 to the Won, and sell at 0.023!" What? "Almost a 50% mark up - are you kidding?" "That's the rate - take it or leave it" said Dick Turpin. We left it. Money was extracted form hole-in-wall machine, and we headed back to the line. The back of the line! Behind the Oblivious Koreans!

The desks opened, and we shuffled like old men towards the desks, waiting our turn. The girl on check-in looked at us, and I asked for 2 aisle seats. She must have seen the dejected and tired look on our faces. She got up and spoke to the supervisor. we got bumped up to business class! Result! We just had a weight taken from our shoulders, and looked forward to the extra glass of Scotch and tasty sandwiches in the business lounge. I have to go back in October for a follow-up visit, and I have to say, I'm not looking forward to it. I have decided I don't like the Philippines!

We got back at 05:30 on Saturday morning, but the travelling had sapped my energy, and the weekend felt like a lost one. I'll try and make up for it next weekend.

Korean wildlife....

I had a close encounter this morning...

I knew Korea had a Stag Horned beetle amongst it's flora and fauna, as I've seen these in little plastic cups on sale at E-Mart and other such pet store around Ansan, but this morning I met up with a fearsome warrior of the insect variety.

I got to work around 10 minutes before the hooter goes off to start the daily grind, and was enjoying a cup of "coppee" round by the smoking hut (I don't smoke any more, but that's where the drinks machines are!) I put my "coppee" down on the wall for a minute whilst talking to someone, then reached around for my cup of Joe. There was a beastie having a boxing match with my cup on the wall - on closer inspection it turned out to be a Praying Mantis! I never knew Korea had them! A poke with my mobile phone ( I wans't going to dare using my finger!)soon sent the thing flying off to seek sustenance elswhere.

This is also the season for Dragonfly, many different coloured varieties, and in their thousands too! I love dragonflies. Our neighbour is absolutely terrified of them. What a shame they only get to fly around for a few days just to mate then die off after spending a couple of years as voracious pond feeders.

Korea, you amaze me!