Kimjang Season

As I left for the school a few days ago, my neighbor had backed into the driveway with his small SUV (the Gallopher) loaded with cabbage.(see the second photo) I had been hearing from my adult students that this was Kimjang season, or the time when cabbage is harvested and the famous, traditional food of Kimchi is made.

The first picture was taken this morning. It's of another neighbor (on the roof) having her BIG truck delivery of cabbage. These white (and sometimes blue) delivery trucks are a common site all over town. As a side note, you can see my brown/white apartment building in the background, on the left. I am on the second floor. You can see a few windows of my rickety outside porch.

The Kimchi-making process sounds simple, but very time-intensive. There is the washing with salt water, drying, lots of spices, and my favorite, garlic. I know that there are many, many types of Kimchi, but none that I have ever tried.

So many of you have asked about Kimchi. I know that everyone thinks it's wonderful and it's a staple of the Korean diet. After that, I'm not a good source of all things Kimchi. Despite the fact that it is made in the homes of Koreans, the restaurants tend to buy imported Kimchi from China due to the fact that it takes too long to make from scratch.

The biggest excitement around here lately has been the presidential elections. Koreans elect a new president every five years with no chance of re-election. This year there are 12 candidates. We are getting down to the wire, as the election is December 19. (That will be a day off for me.) The newspaper is full of predictions and stories that some candidates will end up supporting others, so the final number to vote on will be more manageable. I am hearing that this is the biggest field of candidates in Korean history. It is so great to learn about another country's political process!

As expected, the weather is COLD, but sunny! Most days have been in the
mid 40s but nights in the high 20s. I still walk home every day for my 3 hour break, bundled up, but fine.

Hope you all are fine! Keep those cards and letters coming!