My name is Callie Runestad and I hail from Rockford, IL, USA. I teach at a middle school in Busan, South Korea and I love cheese.
How long have you lived in Korea?
I've been in Busan, Korea for a year and 7 months.
What do you do in your spare time?
I LOVE enjoying the natural beauty Korea offers whether it's hiking in the mountains, running along the river, yogaing, or rock climbing. Cooking or baking with a glass of good wine is one of my favorite ways to relax after a long day. I also enjoy learning about tea in Korea and am currently learning how to do the tea ceremonies for all different types of teas.
What is some interesting trivia about you?
Last November I wrote a novel in a month as part of Nanorimo. Oh, and I was also desperately in love with Peter Pan when I was young and always kissed the Peter Pan peanut butter jars when I went to the store with my mom.
What is your favorite blog to follow?
I like following The One Minute Writer --- http://oneminutewriter.blogspot.com/ I try to write a little bit each day and often use this for inspiration. Also, http://foodgawker.com/ is a site with a compilation of food blogs. It's one of the greatest ways to procrastinate...and get dinner ideas! :)
What is your favorite thing to cook?
I really can't narrow it to one thing--veggie chili, homemade pizza, scones, apple crisp/pie, and so on. But I can say that I do love cooking FOR people and seeing someone's face light up or get a sense of home from an apple crisp or chili brings me great joy (especially since being in Korea where those foods are more difficult to come by).
What is your easy "go to" dinner?
Curry. Throw some rice in the rice cooker, cut up some veggies, make a quick sauce, and enjoy!
What is your favorite part of your house?
My big window that overlooks the Nakdong River and the gorgeous mountains.
What do you miss the most from your home country?
My family, for sure.
What is your blog?
http://callieandaaron.blogspot.com/
Describe your worst shopping experience in Korea.
In Korea they always want to "help" you in the store. I've learned never to touch anything or stop walking unless you want someone to race over to you and start explaining the pros and cons of the cereal, juice, pencils or shampoo in Korean. I have to admit that after being here so long I CRAVE independence and being able to make my own decisions. I remember walking into Lotte Mart one day, looking for "that time of the month" supplies, and a woman came over to try and help me pick out what I needed--holding up different sizes and brands. I got so aggravated I just turned around and went home. Now I just try to laugh...
Most important Korean phrase?
Maybe not the most important, but certainly my favorite is 진자 ("really"). It's about as versatile of a phrase as you can get and depending on how you change your voice, it can express almost anything you want to say.
What advice would you give another homemaker in Korea?
Focus on what you have here in the land of the morning calm. Find your niche in Korean culture, whether it's in a particular food, a tea set, a piece of beautiful pottery, or a good Korean friend/family picture and incorporate one or all of them into your home. This will continually remind you of what you've established here and what aspects of the culture you really enjoy (which can be really needed after a bad shopping experience or school day).
Also, some of my greatest memories have been having Korean teachers, friends, families over to my apartment and cooking "American" food for them. Not only will they love it, but it will connect you back to your home and hopefully bring you some joy in sharing your culture/heritage with them.
-Callie
"Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity." -Buddha
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