Category: Korean Drama

Real Mothers and Real Soju

Today, Sunday, finds me watching parts of a Korean Drama that I first watched a few years ago, Go Bong Shil, 고봉실 여사 구하기, watching this drama makes me realize how strong a connection I have to the culture of Korea.

One of the themes that runs through virtually every Korean drama is family and the hard work of mothers in particular.

It’s always a great reminder to keep us humble and appreciative of what we have and not cry over what we don’t have.

Yeosu, along the southern coast of South Korea
Yeosu, along the southern coast of South Korea and a Dauntless goal three years from now.

And then, just minutes ago, I realized that the story of this drama starts in Yeosu, a beautiful city in the middle of the south coast of South Korea and the town that Julie suggested would be a good destination for Dauntless.

I do believe in Fate; how can I not.  One way or another, my Fate draws me to Korea.

This touching scene in 60 seconds says so much about life:

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Reflections on a Sunny Sunday, a Book and a Korean Drama

First the Drama.  I just finished the 30 episode Korean drama, King of Baking, Kim Tak Goo.

Why I liked it:  It has the typical themes, which I really admire:  team work, loyalty and hard work. The ubiquitous, but trite romantic triangle and an ending, which frankly, in trying to be different, was just plain stupid.

But in spite of the ending, I liked this drama because of its constant theme about teamwork, not holding grudges and most of all, being positive no matter what, really touched me.  I have never been much of a grudge holder.  I’ve always forgotten over slights and insults quickly (I usually forget) and most importantly, I strive to never have negative thoughts.

And I realized that I have always tried to live my life that way, without negative thoughts.  Just knowing that I always strived to do the right thing for those I was responsible for.

So when your life is wonderful, there is no point in holding grudges against those who have wronged you.  A lesson well learned and this drama is an enjoyable way to remind yourself of that goal.

http://www.dramaload.ch/korean-drama-krtvs-king-of-baking-kim-tak-goo/

 

 

I’ve talked about this book before,  but much like the Korean Drama above, the real lesson about looking forward and being positive.

Steady As She Goes by John Malloy

Why I liked it:  His descriptive detail of the maritime industry and world trade of the late 50’s.

I felt I was going back in a time machine, it’s that well written.  Starting out as a young 18 year apprentice we see him grow through storms, exotic ports and romance.  We see the world of the late 1950’s and into 1960 with the election of the first Irish President, JFK.

Counties as varied as England, Malaysia, Japan, India and the South Pacific, we see a world far removed from today.  11,000 tons of ore being loaded by hand, families spending weeks onboard to unload or load a ship full of grain or iron ore one bucket at a time.

It’s a wonderful snapshot of the world 50 years ago.  His detail of the US Deep South, the Irish crew’s reaction to Jim Crow and his growing admiration for the people and culture of Japan.

Lastly, It’s a love story:  with the sea, his comrades and the love of his life.

http://www.amazon.com/Steady-She-Goes-John-Molloy-ebook/dp/B00KB2A3UO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1422800444&sr=1-1&keywords=steady+as+she+goes