9월
September
Chuseok 추석
(part 3)
Later that evening we headed out, to the south of Busan. Venue, Nampo-Dong or commonly known as Jagalchi fish market. Usually we would take a subway there, but since we're here to try new things out, we opted for the bus instead. Surely, it was an experience like no other. Buses here are no different then some roller coasters back in Sunway Lagoon. It was jerky one moment, and the next speeding up only to come to a sudden stop, and the cycle repeats. Now if you think this all happens when the passengers are all sited in the polyester seat, well think again. The public buses in Korea, or maybe Busan can only seat about 10 to 14 people, and the others well~ just stand. When we got into it, stand we had.
Well I'm not complaining particularly, good chance to practice my balancing. We arrived in Nampo-dong half and hour later exhausted and arm-cramped. We went to our first destination, The Busan Film Street, well known for its Busan Film Festival held annually. We were in luck, the film festival is just a few days away and we got to visit the streets which were filled with youngsters. There were rows of CD shops, theaters, large posters of local and international films, big movie star figures, and I guess most notably, is the Walk of Fame, somewhat similar to those of Hollywood.
As we walked along Jung-gu intersection we headed north towards a flight of escalators bringing up upwards to the mountains where the Busan tower is located. The Busan tower is located at the pinnacle centre of the city facing the east and Busan Station as well as Busan port. The tower is surrounded by beautiful gardens and bright flowers. There were children running around, families having picnics under the shade, and old couples strolling with their walking sticks. The entrance to the tower was decorated with cultural Korean architecture and sculptures. From the top, we could see the entire metropolitan city as well some parts of Japan facing east.
As the day ended, we dropped bythe Jagalchi fish market where fishermen gather and sell their catch. It was interesting to see the 아줌마(Ajuma-aunties) and 아저씨(Ajushi- uncles) talking away with each other while trying to sell their catch of the day.
On the third day, we were prepped for yet another exciting Cheusok holiday. Tonight we are gonna go to a baseball match!!! This is the first for many of us. I have seen baseball while in
Japan and wanted to go for it but never found the opportunity, but tonight I will be able to sit amongst the loud crowd cheering for their team energetically. The match took place in Sajik Stadium between the Lotte Giants and the Samsung Lions.
VS
This was the first time for me to step into a baseball stadium. It was huge! The field was wide with diamond markings on it. The players were in their uniforms running around, warming up their bodies for the match in an hours time. We got into out seats and settled it. The stadium slowly began to pile up with people, some with their partners, some along with their friends. Some were in everyday common attire, while some take it to the Xtreme with face paint and costumes. There were also those who came in their team T-shirts.
As the game began, the spectators begin to cheer, and chant out phrases after phrases. To me, the fun of the game wasn't actually the game itself, but rather the feel of being in the crowd, participating in the frenzy that is Korean Baseball. As the game progressed with Lotte Giants leading, the Lotte fansgrew louder and louder. Oh yea, I forgot to mention, Sajik was the Lotte Giants home, thus they were playing in their own field. Anyways, the crowd began singing, and making waves and we got dragged in as well, of course.
Baseball culture is sure something exciting and energetic. They have many phrases to express every situation in the game. When the team manages to hit a ball, they will lunge a loud cheer. When the team misses, the scream words of encouragements. When the opposing team plays a foul game on their home team, they will somewhat curse them by saying MAH!. If the opposing teams screws up their own trick, there is also another cheer which is somewhat like "In your face" or the more appropriate "Padan Muka" in Bahasa Melayu.
Well the game proceeded along with many more entertaining antics from the crowd. Another interesting part of the whole experience was the intermission times they have every quarter time of the game.
What happens is the billboard screen or this big LED screen will show random scenes of the audiences ( this is all random by the cameramen scatted all over the stadium). There are session where, if you were lucky to be caught on screen ( yes for the whole stadium to see, LIVE) you will either need to dance, perform and exercise or stretch, and even kiss your partner ( if you came in couples~ Yes~ kiss in public with the many eyes looking at the big screen streaming live). Another interesting thing was that there was a proposal during one of the intermissions. The guy had the screen showing his proposing message and their names while he knelled down at his girlfriend n propose to him in the midst if public attention. Its says "Eun Ju Ya (name of girl) will you marry me?".
Something truly different and sweet and of course one of the memorable experience for myself and others as well. The game ended with victory for the Lotte Giants and fireworks, which also marks the end of the Cheusok holidays this year. Look out for more, cause our adventure doesn't stop here.
