9:30 am - SIWA International and Diplomatic Bazaar
10:30 am - 12:00 pm - Check out the bazaar and partake in any shopping necessary to benefit charity
12:30 pm - 2:30 - Surprise birthday party for Priscilla at Shing's apartment back in Hannam
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm - Girls night
This is A LOT of socializing and activity for one day, that is actually just as exhausting as working. Believe me.
SIWA
SIWA is the Seoul International Women's Association. It was created in 1962 as a group of women from different nationalities including Koreans in order to enhance the expatriate life in Korea as well as to support those in need in this country. Very rapidly this initial small group of women grew in popularity and over the years membership rose continuously to a peak of 1 000 women from 80 different countries. Different activities take place in order to serve the various interests of the members. The regular SIWA meeting is the monthly coffee morning where members get together to share friendship and enjoy presentations on different topics. The Newcomers' meetings allow new people to Korea to meet with long time residents and gain some knowledge about their new life and country. As a way to enhance the expatriate life in Korea SIWA also extends to its members the opportunity to experience new skills and activities realted to discovering Korea. The Enrichment classes offer a wide range of activities from handicrafts, to cooking to cultural sessions about our host country. The SIWA Tours & Events committee also helps its members discover Korea by organizing tours to museums, art galleries, markets, festivals and other places of interest in and out of Seoul.
The annual SIWA and Diplomatic Community Bazaar have been held by SIWA since 1978. These popular events have become recognized as one of the leading opportunities in Korea for the community to work together to support a wide range of South Korean Charities. The diplomatic and business communities as well as the Korean Government come together with SIWA to raise much needed money for these charities and over 50 Embassies, women's clubs, charity groups, and vendors participate in the bazaar, selling goods from around the world.
Heather and I had a good time perusing the booths that offered everything from traditional Christmas crafts, to ethnic foods, to home decorative goods; things native to the country that you can't find here. As usual, I had no cash for a cash only bazaar, so I collected business cards instead in order to visit the actual shops the booths were representing. There was quite a scene around The Netherlands booth due to the selling of authentic Dutch goodies....along with one of my favorite cookies in the world "Stroopwafles". So I scrounged around my wallet for $5 was able to get a bag. It was ironic because RCP was just in Amsterdam, yet here I am in Korea buying them.
Everyone loves the Dutch!
This is a Stroopwafel.
They're have the thinnest, creamiest layer of caramel between the two waffles.
And these were real Dutch imports, from the supermarket chain
Albert Heijns that I've actually been too. Amazing to have them in Korea.
New Zealand wool ornaments!
This is a booth for the boys where expert negotiation skills are required.
The "Oriental Mood" booth was getting quite the action too with their ceramic candles.
Heather partook in the frenzy.
After the bazaar it was time to party....
Since Priscilla's fiance Ben was traveling this week, Shing planned a surprise birthday party for her since Ben wasn't here to celebrate with her. Shing lovingly cooked everything and we brought the birthday banner. Priscilla was completely surprised and it was a great afternoon of champagne, finger foods, sushi and delicious cake.
Later that evening Heather came over with a homeade apple pie, I made chicken tortilla soup and we talked for four hours. It was a nice girls night....and she showed me how to used my Korean oven.
Heather and Sindu
Surprise! Happy Birthday Priscilla!
Capucine, Juliana and Irene
No comments:
Post a Comment