Happy Chuseok 추석 and Mid Autumn Festival 中秋節

Today is Chuseok (추석) here in Korea. It is equivalent to thanksgiving at home. In the Chinese culture we also have a holiday on the same day (Lunar Calendar August 15). We call it mid autumn festival where we eat moon cakes, drink tea and appreciate the moon all the while being thankful for a good harvest. Korea's holiday is a bit more extensive. It actually lasts 3 days, the day before and after actual Chuseok. People usually go to the eldest son's house or the eldest person's alive house (ie. grandma/grandpa). There they eat, they might do the ancestral bowing ceremonies if they are not Christian or of any other religion that does not allow bowing to other "gods".

It's just a big time for family and train and bus tickets are booked way in advance. Traffic is unbelievably crazy, a normal 4 hour drive turns into 10 hours during this holiday.

I chilled in the dorm today but a friend of mine was able to bring me some moon cake so I can celebrate the Chinese way. One day it would be nice to see how the Korean's celebrate this lovely holiday but for now I only know tidbits.

So for all my Korean friends out there 추석 잘 보내세요! And for all my Chinese friends out there 中秋節快樂!

Another Chapter Begins SCH Fall 2011

I am alive and well! I am returning to my blogging life. I think I will post once a week unless something moves me to post more than once.

Another semester has started and we have another great group of people. This time the Canadian numbers are upped =) There are 5 other students from my school here, YAY! Not that I wasn't getting along with the other people just fine BUT having that little piece of home nearby helps.

I am in a new suite with a completely new set of students, I will meet all of them tonight during our suite party. My roommate is really nice, once again. I actually met her quite a few times last semester so the familiarity I think also makes it easier for us to fall into place as roomies. Here's to another great semester with a group of fantastic new people!

I can't wait for things to start and get a rolling. SCH Fall 2011 ready, set, go go go!