Today, new students from HanSeo Univ. joined the class. They will study for about 10 weeks from now on.
They would be third group from HSU since I've arrived in LA, I guess. (there might be more but I unfortunately couldn't remember 'cause I rarely came to school for the first couple of months for traveling.)
It seemed that I didn't know much of them in opposition to my willing to know them better since I have decided not to speak in Korean in class-room. The fact that having conversation in English with Korean is akward seemed to make me talk less than I wanted to.
I hope not that make you get me wrong as an unsociable guy or american wannabe who avoids talking to Korean. I love my people, Koreans. I'm far away from being nationalist or blind patriot but I'm still a Korean who hot blood and strong affection to my country stir up inside. I appreciate their humanity and generosity based on affection(정情), noble mind loves art and nature, tireless sprit against injustice and dectatorship. (The reason I used the possessive pronoun "their" instead of "our" in the prior sentence is I think I need to maintain a objective attitude toward my country to judge my country better.) I could feel all the good aspects as Koreans I mentioned above from young students who went back to Korea and have just arrived here.
Despite above I'll stick to my principle not speaking in Korean in class.
School is only place that I can practice my English since I don't have English native speaker roommate.
Eventhough the reason why I adhere to speaking in English doesn't help us get closer plz try to understand this poor old guy who came to America after making 30 and is struggling fiercely. I can't afford to fool around.
I still welcome all the questions about this area though... place to hang out or dine out, how to cope with unfamiliar situation as a FOB(Fresh off the Boat...like me), just shoot me any question, I'm glad to help you.
OK... enough about you and me, then Let's move on. HOTDOG!!!
I'd like to introduce you the most famous and oldest HOTDOG Stand in California... maybe in the US.
If you have a chance to pass by melose and la brea street at night, You will see people wait in long line in front of a Hotdog Stand without fail. That's PINKs HotDogs. 67yrs old hotdog stand.
I had a good and bad memory together with the hotdog bar. Bad one is I had first car crash by drunken stupid party animal (but it was minor collision), good one is that I made two friend while I was waiting in the line.
Yes, right... Everything has pros and cons. You have to wait half to 1 hour to try one hot or chilly dog but that time give you chance to practice your English and even make friends. Just don't be shy! You can easily find the subject to start your conversation there because it became a kind of historical place. You can see lot of famous ppl and celebirities pictures on the wall with autographies and comments say like "I love this place forever" or "This is my favorite hotdog". Just start your conversation with asking who the people on the wall are. 1hour will fly quickly while you're enjoying conversation.
Well.. Let's take up the main subject. review on PINKs. Instead of giving stars for evaluation, let me evaluate by note.
Food: First of all, it's huuuuge. You will satisfied by the portion if you have great appetite. about taste, I can judge that. you know.. taste is very subjective. it was nice to my tongue. You try yourself and judge it!
Parking: Good luck finding parking, you'll end up parking on the street and if you get a spot in the parking lot (I hope it wasn't Conway's parking lot, I wasn't paying attention for the first time), it'll be packed and I found it cramped. One good thing is that it's free!
Wait: You're waiting in a line...30 minutes to an hour, depending on the hour of the day...
Service: Service is so-so. I did not find them very friendly but bearable. Two old lady and gengleman on the right are founder and owner of Pinks but never dream of seeing them there. They never show up there, they are really busy with enjoying their life. You can meet slightly tough emplyees instead of them.
Seating: Self Seat.. means that you don't need to give tip. Save money.. good, huh? If you visit daytime, patio backyard is nice to enjoy food. I took lot of picture of birds there. they don't afraid of people at all. They will sometimes try to steal your hotdog. watch out!
Warning: Don't try with the first date. If you are female, you never look neat after meal. kkk
If you are male, your partner will blame you. I recommend you try blue berry yogurt a block away on melose to win her heart.
Well... this is one of must-try place in LA. I'm not sure that you will enjoy this big historical hotdog but I'm sure that it will be a nice experience to wait in the line and chat with people. Waiting in so loooong line for food patiently. It's a part of learning American culture. Enjoy!
For more information, visit PINK's HotDogs
댓글 2개:
very interesting entry, AJ- it was insightful and fun to read. i like how you explained that you don't mean to come across as a "wannabe American" but rather, the classroom is the only place you can actually utilize your English. A lot of Koreans judge other Koreans negatively when they see them not speaking their native language, so I can understand why you feel the need to defend yourself.
Thank you for understanding my uncomfortable mind. by the way it was "wannabe american" not "American wannabe". beautiful sunshine in the morning. have a great day!
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