My apartment has a key pad entry system. Tonight it made the tell-tale sound that means it’s time to change the batteries. Having had the misfortune of being locked out when the batteries failed in the past, I keep a supply of trusty AA’s on hand.
So, I replace the batteries but now the keypad is not working at all. At least I’m inside my apartment, but if I leave I won’t be able get back in. So, I am effectively a prisoner in my own home. At least until my landlord gets here in two hours. Nothing urgent tonight fortunately. Wasn’t even sure I was going to go out at all. But now knowing that I CAN’T I have the urge…
I will survive, but life is just a pain in the ass sometimes, isn’t it?
Well, the regular season anyway. Playoffs start next week.
Last night we played at 3 Alley Pub against the Cunning Linguists and we were able to take the match 15-4 and finish our season undefeated. Tip of the hat to the CL team though, great sports who keep in mind the bottom line is to have fun. After the match shots were exchanged (the good kind) and they wished us luck in our playoff run.
We are going to need it. Our number two player Cuatro is going to be unavailable because of some soldiering conflict. We picked up Lonnie from the other Dolce team to give us the required four players, but we will all need to pick up our games in what is going to be a very competitive playoff.
I finally broke out of my personal slump and threw some decent games last night. I was on fire in my singles Cricket leg, and threw solid in ’01. 6-0 for the night and I am pretty sure that will lock up the third place ranking I’ve been vying for. My goal this season was a top ten finish so I’m actually very pleased. It’s also cool that my teammates Duke and Cuatro are ranked 1-2.
A highlight of the evening was meeting Neil. He introduced himself as a reader of this blog and said his favorite post was about my falling down and cracking open my head. Yeah, that was pretty funny wasn’t it? He also knows the guy I saw fall out of the cab. Anyway, we were chatting between throws in my singles games so I didn’t get much chance to find out more about him, but it was nice to meet someone who has stomach to follow my exploits here on LTG. Of course, meeting a reader also makes me feel guilty about not keeping the content fresh and interesting, but who knows maybe something extraordinary is just around the corner.
Anyway, cheers Neil. Next time you are in Dolce I will buy you a drink.
Damn, it turned cold in a hurry. All the buildings are decked out in Christmas lights. So, I guess its time to be thinking about the origins of all those old Christmas traditions. Here’s one I got on email the other day…
When four of Santa’s elves got sick, and the trainee elves did not produce the toys as fast as the regular ones, Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of being behind schedule.
Then Mrs. Claus told Santa that her Mom was coming to visit. This stressed Santa even more.
When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two had jumped the fence and were out, heaven knows where. More stress.
Then when he began to load the sleigh one of the boards cracked, and the toy bag fell to the ground and scattered the toys.
So, frustrated, Santa went into the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered that the elves had hidden the liquor, and there was nothing to drink.
In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider pot, and it broke into hundreds of little pieces all over the kitchen floor.
He went to get the broom and found that mice had eaten the straw end of the broom.
Just then the doorbell rang, and irritable Santa trudged to the door. He opened the door, and there was a little angel with a great big Christmas tree. The angel said, very cheerfully, “Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn’t it a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?”
And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.
I’ve been a long time gone, haven’t I? What can I say other than to apologize for my general lack of motivation to post. But I have a quiet moment on a Sunday night so I’ll share it with you. Yeah, you. You know who you are. (Kinda neat how I made anyone who is reading this post feel special, isn’t it? Like when Elton John did “Your Song”. There is something to be said for the universal approach, and I do want both of my readers to feel included. Just the kinda guy I am).
Anyway, today I took my son Nolan to the airport and he is currently somewhere over the wide Pacific on his journey home. He had three great months in Korea and hated to leave. But no job (or visa) was found, so he had to go. He made lots of friends (certainly far more than I have in over 2 years here) and I think the experience was a very positive one for him. Anyway, he is always welcome to come back and I think that is an option he will consider. I know he will be missed by many, including me. The house already seems oddly quiet and empty. Much like my life, but I’m not going there in this post!
We had a great Thanksgiving celebration at Dolce Vita. We bought 2 nice turkeys on base (already cooked and surprisingly moist and tasty). Did pot luck on the sides, and had the usual fixin’s including mashed taters and gravy, dressing, corn, cranberry, rolls, pumpernickel bread (with YJ’s great dip) fruit salad, carrot cake, pumpkin and apple pies, and a cobbler. It really turned out well. I eat American all the time having access to the base commissary, but my expat English teacher friends really enjoyed having a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Our Korean guests got a taste of something new and even added kimchi as a side. Yum, turkey and kimchi! I did miss having candied yams and green bean casserole, but the guys did the cooking for this event and having no Big Hominid amongst us, we had to make do with what our limited skills allowed.
Wanna see some pictures? Ok then:
The bird. We bought two of them and had precious little leftovers.
Somehow I got stuck with carving duties. Back home I use an electric knife. I managed though.
See? I cut that baby up into tasty morsels. You can see my famous “Aunt Pat’s Recipe” fruit salad in the background. Lonnie did a great job on the potatos and dressing.
I baked that carrot cake and we bought some pies from the bakery on post. It was all good.
Cuatro is a soldier and captain of our dart team. He arrived with his girlfriend (whose name escapes me at the moment, sorry) ready to chow down.
After dining, we did some socializing…here’s Nolan with Duke’s mom, Candy.
Of course, some dart games broke out. Here’s Mario taking his best shot (of course the flash was a little distracting).
Lonnie takes his turn…
Wherever there is a pool table you are likely to find Nolan.
Me and Duke posing for the camera. No, I am not as drunk as I might appear in this photo. I probably am that fat however….
Jim seemed awfully happy to pose for a picture with Bill’s girlfriend Joon…
Nolan’s girlfriend (well, I guess former girlfriend) Sophia. A German exchange student. I know she hated to see him go. I have a funny story about her but I think I will keep it to myself. I am sure she would be grateful for my discretion.
Joon and Nolan became very good friends during his time here. And yes, Nolan *may* have been as drunk as he appears…
“The 8 ball goes in the middle”. The Korean women in attendance spent a lot of time on the pool table.
Gene throws while Kyle looks on. We had an impromptu dart tourney which Kyle and I had the good fortune to win as partners. 20,000Won each. WooHoo!
Zeke and his lady friend. SongHee is one of the new barkeeps at Dolce. In the deep background is Haelee who is very camera shy. I was surprised I actually captured her here. Zeke is a great guy who works at the hospital on base. A couple of months ago I was getting treated for diaper rash (don’t ask!) and he told the nurse I was a VIP. She believed him and I got excellent treatment during my visit. Thanks again, Zeke!
“Dead eye” Joon lines up for the shot…
“No way you are going to make that shot Nolan”
Joon, Yoolee, and Sophia looking pretty as usual. Yoolee is from Indonesia and just married Tom here in Korea. They are going to do a traditional Muslim wedding back home in January. I’ve been invited to the reception in Bali and if things work out I’ll be there.
Duke’s girlfriend JiYoung is a fine looking darts player, if you know what I mean…
JiYoung and her cute girlfriends. If we ever got introduced the names are lost in the fog of too much turkey and beer…
Tom and Dave, two great guys who happen to play darts for our arch rivals the Rubbies. As of today Tom is ranked number 3, I’m 4 and Dave is 5. Its very close and with two weeks to go in the season we all think that order is subject to change. They way I have been throwing (lousy) it just might.
So that was my Thanksgiving. Really had a great time. Wish y’all could have been there. Yeah, I’m talking to you!
Don’t know how I happened to miss this story at the time, but today I read about the most recent Medal of Honor awarded to a veteran of the Korean War. More than 50 years later President Bush recognized Tibor Rubin for his bravery above and beyond the call of duty. Lots of interesting wrinkles, like the fact that Mr. Rubin was a citizen of Hungary, a Jewish concentration camp survivor, and that serving in the US Army was the fulfillment of a vow he made in 1945. Read this amazing story here.
As in, last night we had a few snow flurries and I have caught a cold. The snow didn’t stick but this cold is kicking my ass. Ah well, better now than over the holidays I suppose.
In other news…
In fantasy football I eeked out a victory against the Wonju Wobblers which keeps me tied for first in my division at 7-2. You can follow all the action here.
Saturday night four of us from the the league met at Nashville Pub for some brews and chat. Coincidentally (or not) they all have blogs and while we did a little football smack talk, mostly it was geo-political pontifications and the like. Fascinating insights and perspectives from some really bright guys. I’m pretty sure we came up with solutions for 90% of the world’s problems, but then I got drunk and I can’t remember what they were. No worries, we plan to meet again at the conclusion of the season and celebrate or drown sorrows as circumstances dictate. Anyway, it was great to meet some fine bloggers (and football geeks) live and in person. So mucho gusto to Andy who you can also read at The Marmot’s Hole, the Dram man (posts at the Marmot as well and has promised a review of the Bless U Pub hamburger) and Shaun our “token” Canadian who was gracious in the face of my good natured teasing (actually, his perspectives were really interesting and appreciated). Looking forward to seeing y’all again soon.
Also on Saturday I played in the league mid-season singles tourney. I was the number one seed in “B” division, but played like crap and finished 5th. No excuse for that, just lost my focus. Last night in a key league match I went 6-0 which somewhat redeems me. I’m currently ranked at #3 and played the guy ranked at #4. Victory helped my confidence immensely. We took the overall match 15-4 which pretty much makes us a lock for first place. You can follow our exploits in the Seoul International Dart League here.
What else? Nope that’s my life. Just call me lucky.
Ah yes, All Hallow’s Eve. I sure wish I could see this little trick-or-treater at my door this year. Ain’t she sweet in that poodle skirt? Yep, that’s my little Gracie.
UPDATE: And what would Halloween be without some good ol’ fashion pumpkin carving?
Just dropped by to prove that I remain among the living. Nothing much to say however. Just more of the same, work, darts, rinse, repeat.
Busan was good, although I didn’t do much of the film festival activities. Nolan and Grant did some backstage stuff and had a good time. Me, I walked around alot and spent time in the casino. Big (read expensive) mistake. Ah well. I did run into the blogger from The Homely Planet. He was playing with his band in a bar I spent some time in. Our politics are as far apart as east is from west, but he’s a pretty interesting guy regardless. It was kinda cool meeting a fellow expat blogger in 3-D.
Since I’ve nothing to say, here’s some random pictures. Mostly from the dart tourney a couple of weeks ago, but a couple of Busan shots as well. Hang tough, people. Life is good.
Rick. Pretty cool guy in our league. English teacher.
Joon. A sweet girl who is dating another teacher in our league, Bill.
Yun Jin (aka YJ) owner of Dolce Vita, Jim’s yobo, and a good friend.
Me, Petro, Duke, and Tom.
Bill and Tom playing a match
Joon sizing up the situation
“I woulda won it all if that double bull hadn’t bounced out”
Lonnie, yet another English teacher.
Nolan, Doug, and Steph.
YooLee, Tom’s girlfriend recently arrived from Indonesia
Me and my meager winnings from a 4th place finish
Tom beat me to take 3rd.
Duke got 2nd place.
Petro took first but he ain’t showing the money. It was W140,000
Grant won the mystery draw.
As is our custom, shots flow at the conclusion (hell, during too) of the tourney. Here YooLee and Duke demonstrate the “proper” way to drink the shot known as a blow job. I refuse to drink one that way, but it is fun to ask the cute barkeep for a blow job now and then.
I’m sure there was a reason I took this picture. I just don’t remember what it is.
The love motel where I stayed in Busan.
The bed in which I slept rather uncomfortably.
School girls on the beach in Busan.
More school girls.
Haeundae Beach.
Ok, that’s it.
I think I’d like to go back home
And take it easy
There’s a woman that I’d like to get to know
Living there
Everybody seems to wonder
What its like out here
Gotta get away from this day to day running around
Everybody knows this is nowhere
Everytime I think about back home
It’s cool and breezy
I wish that I could be there right now
Just passin’ time
Everybody seems to wonder
What its like out here
Gotta get away from this day to day running around
Everybody knows this is nowhere.
Actually, that’s just a riff on the old Glen Campbell tune, but it works. I’m fixin’ to head out to Seoul Station to catch the KTX. I’ll be back Sunday and hopefully be able to post some photos and tell you all about the Pusan International Film Festival I’ll be attending.
Cool thing happened last night on my way home. A stranger on the street stopped me and said “hey, I know you!”. Turns out he recognized me from my blog. Says he’s a frequent reader. I apologized for being such a slacker and not posting more often. He said he enjoys reading about darts (which is about all I write about these days, darts being the focal point of my life and all). Ah well, pathetic beats dead anyday. So, James (it was James right?) thanks for reading. It was really fun to meet you that way.
And last night we whipped Blue Frog 17-2 which should keep us in first place for another week. Rubbies and FFOD have been coming on strong, and we meet Rubbies head-to-head on Monday.
Well, I gotta catch that train. Have a great weekend everyone!
Captain’s Quarters has a guest blog today from Senator John McCain. I think his words are especially important as he seems as likely to be a strong contender for the Republican Presidential nomination in 2008. He has some strong criticism of President Clinton’s failed policies and those who are calling for a return to a “carrot and no stick” approach with Kim, Jung-il, including Hillary Clinton.
I’m going to beg the Captains indulgence and reprint McCain’s words in their entirety here:
Korea doubts the world’s resolve. It is testing South Korea, China, Russia, Japan, and the United States. They launched seven missiles in July, and were criticized by the Security Council, but suffered no serious sanction. We have talked and talked about punishing their bad behavior. They don’t believe we have the resolve to do it. We must prove them wrong.
I am encouraged by the Security Council’s swift and strong condemnation of the act on Monday, but the permanent members must now follow up our words with action. We must impose Chapter 7 sanctions with teeth, as President Bush has proposed.
China has staked its prestige as an emerging great power on its ability to reason with North Korea, keep them engaged with the six party negotiations, and make progress toward a diplomatic resolution of this crisis. North Korea has now challenged them as directly as they challenge South Korea, Japan, Russia and the U.S. It is not in China’s interest or our interest to have a nuclear arms race in Asia, but that is where we’re headed. If China intends to be a force for stability in Asia, then it must do more than rebuke North Korea. It must show Pyongyang that it cannot sustain itself as a viable state with aggressive actions and in isolation from the entire world.
They have missiles, and now they claim to have tested a nuclear device. Eventually they will have the technology to put warheads on missiles. That is a grave threat to South Korea, Japan and the United States that we cannot under any circumstances accept. North Korea also has a record of transferring weapons technology to other rogue nations, such as Iran and Syria.
The President is right to call on the Council to impose a military arms embargo, financial and trade sanctions, and, most importantly, the right to interdict and inspect all cargo in and out of North Korea. I hope the Council quickly adopts these sanctions, and that all members enforce them.
The worst thing we could do is accede to North Korea’s demand for bilateral talks. When has rewarding North Korea’s bad behavior ever gotten us anything more than worse behavior?
I would remind Senator Hillary Clinton and other Democrats critical of Bush Administration policies that the framework agreement her husband’s administration negotiated was a failure. The Koreans received millions in energy assistance. They diverted millions in food assistance to their military. And what did they do? They secretly enriched uranium.
Prior to the agreement, every single time the Clinton Administration warned the Koreans not to do something — not to kick out the IAEA inspectors, not to remove the fuel rods from their reactor — they did it. And they were rewarded every single time by the Clinton Administration with further talks. We had a carrots and no sticks policy that only encouraged bad behavior. When one carrot didn’t work, we offered another.
This isn’t just about North Korea. Iran is watching this test of the Council’s will, and our decisions will surely influence their response to demands that they cease their nuclear program. Now, we must, at long last, stop reinforcing failure with failure.
BTW, if you are not a regular reader of Captain’s Quarters you are missing out on some of the best political insights and commentary out there.
Best wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy Chuseok.
It’s a strange time of year for sure. Seoul is actually quiet–no horns, no loudspeakers hawking goods from trucks, and no traffic. Not that I have anywhere to drive to anyway, but the change of pace is nice just the same.
No work today as Chuseok is one of two Korean holidays USFK recognizes for its US employees. It is also a glorious fall day. Went out on the balcony this morning and grilled up a steak, made some scrambled eggs (with salsa), toast and jam, OJ and coffee. Yeah, that’s the ticket!
Nolan is still sleeping, don’t know what time he rolled in last night. Arianna is sleeping on the couch. Not sure what’s up with those two but they seem to get along and I’m guessing they both like having someone to hang with to keep homesickness at bay.
This evening Dolce Vita is having a Chusok party seeing as how most of us migooks are without family to be with on this day of days for families. I’m giving YJ some smoked salmon as a Chuseok gift. I’m also bringing some shrimp and will be baking some brownies to take as well.
Later I’m meeting my boss and her husband to give them a tour of Itaewon. It’s probably a good time to do that since it won’t be as rowdy as usual (I hope). Figure I’ll take them by Dolce for a drink, then over to 3 Alley Pub for dinner, and since they both like country music I’m sure we will hit Grand Ole Opry before the night is through.
And that’s about all from the land of the morning calm. And damn, it actually is calm this morning. I like that.
Nope, not a post about the singing group, just thought using that title for this post would be more interesting than “what’s going on”. Clever eh?
UPDATE: My usual boring drivel follows, but if you scroll down I have some pretty cool pictures to look at.
Yes, as I have been reminded several times it has been quite some time since my last post. You haven’t missed much. Long time readers probably know that when I take an unannounced hiatus I’m usually in some kind of funk or another and these past couple of weeks have been no exception. Not to worry, its no big deal. Just had to overcome some disappointment but I’m well on my way to regaining perspective and getting on with the business of life. Such as it is.
Actually, as mundane as things have been I don’t really have much to complain about. But I also have precious little to say that is blog worthy. Never having let that stop me before I will share what’s going on:
Nanta. A great show, in fact one of the most fun things I’ve done in awhile. Hard to describe really. Lots of percussion, but very creative use of kitchen utensils. Funny storyline, great acting and just flat out entertaining. I would go again and I highly recommend it.
Darts. I bought some fancy new darts and I’ve been throwing them well. Our team remains in first place. I’m holding on to my #5 ranking in “B” division. And I’m being asked about playing in “A” division next season. I’d only do that if Dolce Vita fields an “A” league team. I want to keep having fun and Dolce is where my bar loyalty resides.
Fantasy Football. My team, Itaewon Sweet Life, remains undefeated through week four. As much luck as anything because I’m not scoring many points, just more than my opponents. Having fun with it though.
Saturday night/Sunday morning. It’s not news that I spend my weekends throwing darts and drinking beer, sometimes doing both to excess. No exception this past weekend. My big blogable event was a couple of things I witnessed in Itaewon. After the darts tournament at Blue Frog (since the outcome was so disappointing I will not mention it here) I’m walking over to Dolce. I observed 4 people getting in a cab. One up front, three in the back. Well, two in the back and one half way in. And the cab took off. The poor SOB that had one leg in the cab and one on the street is screaming “wait! wait! wait! The cabbie either didn’t hear or didn’t understand English because he kept accelerating. Of course, the guy couldn’t run on one leg as fast as the cab was moving and he tumbled into the street and rolled over a few times before coming to a stop in the middle of the street. Where he lay moaning loudly. The cab finally stopped and his friends ran over to offer assistance. After a few minutes they got the guy up on his feet and he appeared to be mostly ok (at least no broken bones). The cabbie stood there looking sheepish while his passengers berated him with “what were you thinking?” I moved on. I guess the lesson learned is don’t be the last one in the cab.
The other incident occurred at the end of a LONG night out. I’m walking home in the wee hours of Sunday morning. In the narrow alley behind my apartment I see a body laying right in the middle of the road. As I got closer I saw that it was a western woman. I bent down and said “hey, you need to get up!” She kinda moaned and said “no, I’m ok”. I told her “you can’t sleep here, you’ll get run over by a car”. She didn’t respond, so I told her sternly “you have to get up” and grabbed her hand and tried to pull her to her feet. She didn’t resist and said “I drank too much tonight”. No duh I thought to myself. I noticed her accent and asked if she was Australian. She said “I’m from New Zealand”. I noticed she was bleeding on her forehead and chin, but she had no recollection of what happened. I asked if she lived nearby and she said yes so I told her I would help her get home. She lived down a small alley a couple of blocks from my place. She kept thanking me for helping her and I told her we all have to take care of each other here. As we got close she repeatedly said “oh, my husband is going to be so mad at me”. Which of course I wanted no part of, so once she assured me she could make it the rest of the way, I retreated.
Ok, so not much meat to those bookends of my night but that is basically the most excitement I have had in awhile. Save your sympathy, I’m not sure how much excitement I can stand these days anyway.
As for work, well we are busy. There will be some announcement coming next week on the future of 8th Army in Korea. No inside scoop, but I think we all see the writing on the wall. I’ll just say Aloha. Couple that with the pending wartime command and control decision and I have to believe this is the beginning of end for significant U.S. ground troop presence in the ROK. We shall see.
We recently had the Civilian Employee of the Year ceremony here at Yongsan. It’s a really big deal, with the Honor Guard, 8th Army band and all that pomp and circumstance. GEN Bell is the host. My office is responsible for making it happen every year and its a lot of work. And you absolutely cannot screw up any aspect given its high profile. This year was especially nice because one of my employees, Mr. Kim, Yong-tae, was selected as the Korean Manager of the Year. Well deserved and it was great to see him recognized for his many accomplishments and dedication. Here’s some photos:
The band enters the parade ground
Color guard front and center
GEN Bell and CSM Wheeler escorted to the review stand
The ceremony begins with the presentation of colors
And then the presentation of awards to the Civilians of the Year. That’s my Mr. Kim being honored by GEN Bell.
GEN Bell had some very nice words regarding the importance of our US and ROK civilian workforce to mission accomplishment here in Korea.
GEN Bell asked Mr. Kim to stand and then he publically thanked him for his 53 years of service with USFK.
LTG Valcourt, Commader, 8th US Army, and his ROK Army couterparts.
The 2006 Civilians of the Year. As GEN Bell said, they are truly the best of the best.
The Honor Guard passes in review…
…while the band plays the songs of the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Army.
Mr. Kim, Yong-tae, the most amazing man I have met and been honored to work with in nearly 30 years of government service.
The proud team of the Directorate of Human Resources Management. And Nolan.
Ok, well that’s that. Nolan’s doing well, just need to get him that job so he can move forward with his life here. It looks like he’s settled on the German girl he met, although he admits its sorta ironic to move to Korea and date a European.
So I guess to end this post on the same theme it started I’ll say: Hey yay yay yay, hey yay yay yay [that’s] what’s going on….
UPDATE (9/23/15) Welp, for whatever reasons all the photos on this post became invisible. Rather than attempt to match them with the still remaining captions, I’m just uploading them again. Sue me.
ROK soldiers keeping us safe during our visit…
These guys are tough hombres…
Nolan talks history with our tour guide…
This ajumma didn’t give two fucks about the NORKs
We were warned not to touch this guy or he’d go all taekwando on your ass…
A North Korean soldier keeping a watchful eye on things (from a safe distance)
Everything put together sooner or later falls apart…
Flowers amongst the mines…
The memory card on the camera started filling up, so I’m dumping the images here for your amusement.
Part of our security detail while visiting the Joint Security Area (JSA). The ROK soldiers are quite impressive and very intimidating.
The only North Korean soldier we saw this time. He would periodically take out his binoculars to check us out. So I returned the favor by snapping a photo of him.
The Army Specialist in charge of keeping our group safe from aggressive actions by the communists (and to make sure none of us defected to the worker’s paradise that is North Korea). Interesting guy, a Russian who moved to the US at 16, and joined the Army.
Nolan posing with an ROK soldier. We were repeatedly warned not touch the soldier as they were under strict orders to respond physically to any contact. He didn’t look like someone I would want to mess with.
Another view of the every present security forces taking care of us during the tour. The ROK soldier stands halfway behind the building to reduce his profile should a NORK decide to take a shot at him.
From the bus window as we departed. Thanks for keeping us safe guys.
Looking into North Korea.
“Propaganda Village” the only North Korean “community” allowed in the DMZ under terms of the armistice. It get’s its name because no one actually lives there. The buildings are shells intended to demonstrate what a prosperous country the DPRK is. Until recently speakers would broadcast messages extolling the virtues of life in the North. On the ROK side of the DMZ is “Freedom Village” a farming community with about 240 residents.
Nolan gets a history lesson from the Major in charge of our security detail.
The bridge of no return, so named because after the armistice was signed POW’s were allowed to decide if they wanted to go to the North or South, but the decision was irrevocable. The last ones to cross this bridge was the crew of the captured USS Pueblo in 1968.
Next it was off for a lunchee of bulgogi at a Korean restuarant. Here’s Nolan sampling one of the side dishes. He’s still finding his way when it comes to Korean food.
Some wildflowers along the road.
A farmer ajumma who laughed when I asked if I could take her picture. Yeah, I’m such a tourist.
A traditional Korean bell at one of the observation posts we visited.
This sculpture outside Tunnel #3 was kind of interesting. Inside the the split globe on opposite sides are North Korea and South Korea. The figures are attempting to put the two Koreas back together in a humpty dumpty kind of way.
We are about 2/3 through the DMZ tour. Currently at Tunnel 3. Me, I’ve been there done that and I’m not about to make that f’n hike again. So while Nolan wears his ass out I’m sitting here at a free computer and relaxing. Anyway, I’ll have some pictures to post later.
Five years ago on a beautiful September morning, NYC firefighter Samuel Oitice answered the call to rescue victims in the World Trade Center. They found his remains in the rubble six months later.
He was one of the 2996 who perished on that fateful day. He is the one I was selected to honor today.
It is hard to imagine the sense of duty and bravery it required to enter that towering inferno in order to save as many lives as possible. Samuel Oitice did not fail in his duty and died a hero. His courage and selflessness are both an inspiration and a reminder that throughout our nation’s history, so called ordinary people have responded in extraordinary ways when called upon to do so. They have a name for people like Samuel Oitice. American.
I never met the man. But I watched him die on television. I knew in that moment that everything had changed. For me. For the world. Five years on I find comfort and hope in the memory of Samuel Oitice.
Here is his story:
Samuel Oitice and his wife, Jean, met on the Peekskill, N.Y., ambulance corps. “He was the driver and I was the crew chief, and I said, `That’s how we’re going to keep it,’ ” she said. “I’d tell everyone that story, but it’s not funny anymore.”
Samuel Oitice, 45, was a New York City firefighter who lived in Peekskill. The couple had a son, John, 19, and a daughter, Jessica, 16.
In the past year, Mrs. Oitice has had to take on her husband’s love of roller coasters. “The higher they were, the bigger the drop, the more he loved them,” she said.
She used to stay on the ground, but has since ridden Disney World’s Tower of Terror with her daughter, who told her, “Daddy would be proud.”
And he knew the risks of his job.
“He said to the kids at one point, when they finally realized what he did: `I married your mom for a reason. I know if something happens to me she’ll get you through this,’ ” she said. “It has just given me strength to know that he had so much faith in me to keep the family together.”
After his funeral, his best friend came into the firehouse, laughing, she said. Seems the fire truck carrying his body had stalled in the graveyard and couldn’t be started. “I said, `He’s playing with us.’ He hated all the pomp and circumstance. He didn’t want it.”
By MARILYN ANDERSON RHAMES
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: March 19, 2002)
PEEKSKILL — Cold, wet rain helped to mask the tears that flowed during yesterday’s burial service for Samuel Oitice, a New York City firefighter who died in the World Trade Center terrorist attack.
But some said the service itself was a blessing, since Oitice’s body remained missing until six months after the tragedy. Rescue workers pulled Oitice’s remains from Ground Zero last week.
“We are grateful Sam has been found,” Mayor John Testa said. “It is great to be able to say good-bye to Sam properly.”
The family, which has publicly grieved at various memorials and tributes, kept the funeral at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home brief. A representative of Gov. George Pataki expressed his condolences, and the Rev. Vernon Wickrematunge admonished mourners to fight anger and guilt by keeping Oitice alive in their memories.
“By remembering, we are able to reap the harvest he had sown while he was with us,” Wickrematunge said.
Oitice, 45, grew up in Peekskill, graduating from Assumption Elementary School and Peekskill High School. He worked as a Peekskill police officer in the early 1980s, but quit to become a firefighter at Manhattan’s 4 Truck at 48th Street and Eighth Avenue. Even so, he fortified his ties to Peekskill by serving as a volunteer firefighter for the past 25 years.
“Sammy is really hard to describe. He always had a light in him, always had to do what needed to be done,” Peekskill Fire Chief Jim Seymour said. “He was a happy-go-lucky guy — just a great person.”
A husband to Jean and father to John, 19, and Jessica, 15, Oitice was also remembered as a family man who loved children. He founded and coached a roller hockey team for Peekskill teen-agers, volunteered at school spaghetti dinners and taught fire safety in the schools.
“He was a good man. He did a lot for all the kids,” said a teary-eyed Patrick Strang, 17.
Since the Sept. 11 attack, Oitice’s son, John, has become a volunteer firefighter in Peekskill. This month, John wore his father’s fire jacket as he marched in the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The city named the younger Oitice an honorary aide in the parade.
“Peekskill was always proud of Sam. Now the nation is proud of him,” said Deb Carlin Polhill, a parade committee member and childhood friend of Oitice’s.
Some 40 uniformed firefighters from New York City chartered a bus to attend Oitice’s funeral. Dozens more volunteer firefighters from Peekskill and surrounding areas also paid their respects.
After fire officials mounted Oitice’s flag-draped coffin atop Engine 134 from Peekskill’s Fire Patrol, a 50-car procession settled at Assumption Cemetery in Cortlandt. Oitice’s parents, Julian and Eleanor, were among the roughly 150 mourners. A lone bagpiper played “Amazing Grace,” then people lined up to hug the family and to lay long-stemmed roses on the coffin.
Art Ubben, a retired police detective in Peekskill, tearfully recalled a conversation he had with Oitice two years ago.
“He said, ‘My whole life I wanted to be a firefighter. I’m so happy.’ Then this happens,” Ubben said. “He believed in what he was doing. He was helping people. That was his life’s dream and that’s what he achieved.”
A boyhood friend I first met at the Centenial hose firehouse in Peekskill, NY where my father worked. Sammy would come down to see the pumper and help around the house and we would shoot pool and sneak beers.
We later went to Peekskill High School where he was a true friend and sports team mate. Sammy was always someone you could depend on.
Later we worked together as Police Officers on the City of Peekskill Police Department. He was a great cop, but you always knew he would leave and go to his true calling the NYFD. When they called he ran with a smile on his face.
Before that day he spoke about how happy he was working downtown and how much he loved his work.
After that day while filling thousands of buckets of the rubble I held out hope that we could find you trapped and safe. Quickly it was apparent that you and all the others were gone.
Rest in Peace my friend. We all miss you.
–Chris Calabrese
Thank you for your sacrafice Samuel. God bless America.
Read tributes to the other 2995 people who died in the 9/11 attack here.
Did something new last night. A group of us rode out to Nowan (about 40 minutes by taxi north) for a night of soft tip darts at the Dragon Bar. It was something new because I normally play steel tips in Itaewon at Dolce Vita Pub. Hey, variety is the spice of life and all that.
Anyway, it was my first time in that area and it is always interesting to see a new part of town. The Dragon Bar is a Western-style bar for Koreans. By that I mean it is frequented primarily by Korean patrons. Our group (me, Duke, Doug, Bill and Nolan) were the only foreigners in a crowd of maybe 75 people. Bill and Nolan had their Korean girlfriends with them as well.
We were there to play in a soft tip tournament. As I said, it was my first experience playing soft tips. The biggest difference is you have to throw lighter darts (I was throwing 16 grams versus my normal 24). It took me awhile to make the adjustment, but after a couple of hours I was doing ok. Unfortunately my successful practice games were not replicated in the tourney games. But it was all good anyway. In steel tips we don’t play much other than cricket and ’01. Last night we were playing roulette (the computer randomly generates 3 numbers you have to hit or have your cumulative score halved) and a couple other different games which made it both a challenging and entertaining evening.
Nolan has been practicing at home and he really played well. Took second in the doubles tourney and made semi-finals in singles. I was very impressed. Despite my poor play the Itaewon players had an excellent showing. Duke wound up winning the singles in a real dogfight with a Korean player.
Speaking of which, the Korean folks in the bar were all very gracious and friendly. The fact that it seemed strange to be in a bar full of natives says a lot about my sheltered existence here in Korea. I mean we have Korean patrons at Dolce but the expats far outnumber them. The role reversal last night was quite striking. All the announcements were in Korean, but Yun Joon (Bill’s GF) kept us up to speed on what was happening. They started the tourney with the Korean national athem. We all stood to pay our respects of course, but we were a little surprised that many Koreans remained seated and talking while the anthem played.
Anyway, the only thing that was a little weird occurred during the singles final. It was Bill, Duke, and the Korean guy (sorry, either I didn’t catch his name or forgot it). Bill used to live in Nowan and played darts at Dragon frequently so he knew many of the people in the bar. When the Korean was shooting the crowd would cheer and applaud loudly. When Bill shot he got some polite applause. When Duke was on the line, silence. It got to him a little I think because he commented on the home field advantage. So, the game is “half-it”. Basically, you have to hit at least one of a series of pre-determined numbers through each of 8 rounds. If you miss, your overall score is halved. The Korean guy did not miss through the first 7 rounds. Bill missed doubles and Duke missed triples. Going into the final round (bullseye) the Korean guy had over 500 points. Bill had 200 points and Duke 180. The weird part was when the crowd started doing this cheer for the Korean which translated was something like “Korea is number 1, go Korea!” I was watching a good match between 3 quality darts players, the Koreans saw it as a matter of national pride to beat the Americans. That NEVER happens in Itaewon. In fact, in Itaewon I’ve had Koreans cheering me on against a Korean because I was the underdog and they wanted to see a top player knocked out (they did get to see that happen, but that’s another story).
Well, I have to think carrying the weight of Korean national pride on his shoulders was a bigger burden on the Korean than was the silence Duke faced when he was shooting. So the Korean steps up in round 8 and misses three darts at the bull. Score halved to 250, but he’s still in the lead. Bill at 200+ just needs one Bull to win but he misses as well. Duke at 180 needs to throw 2 bulls. He steps up and hits a bull with his first dart. Then he throws his second. BULLSEYE.
After a moment of stunned silence the crowd did politely applaud. It was a great match and a beautiful finish. USA! USA! USA! I shouted gleefully. No, I’m kidding. That would have been incredibly rude. Duke won 100,000 Won for his efforts and bought his opponent a congratulatory drink. As well as his compadres from Itaewon. Once the match was over, everyone went back to having a good time and friendliness and warmth abounded. We didn’t make it out of there until 0230.
So there you have the fascinating tale of my evening out of Itaewon. Tonight I have challenge league games at Bless U and Dolce. I’ll be home early tonight though. I’m beginning to feel my age.
Oh yeah, can you believe this–Nolan has been here one week and he has already met a sweet Korean girl and they are spending lots of time together. Needless to say, he is LOVING his time in Korea! I’m very impressed.
