Monday, May 28, 2012

Some Works from Goyang; Visiting Goyang Agricultural Technology Center–2 012 Vacation Part 10

There wasn’t enough time to see flower displays. I just looked at a couple displays near the pressed flower art room. This one has a lot of orchids.

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My favorite color.

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Many were interested in dyed flowers. I was more interested in the form of this flower.

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All kinds of roses.

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This green rose seems to be popular. I have pressed several wedding bouquets with this rose.

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I just love this pressed flower table!

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This panel with lights received a grand prize.

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This one got a major award also.

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We went to the agricultural technology center after the award ceremony. They have a pressed flower research department. The lady on the right is the head of the department. She was introducing her department to us.

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This is their temperature and moisture controlled pressed flower storage.

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Vacuum package station.

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Hydraulic presser. They can press a lot of materials at once.

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Driller.

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Their research product – pressed succulents.

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Acrylic pressed flower plaque.

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There were lots of plants outside. I am most interested in what I cannot grow.

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Min’s Club–2012 Vacation Part 8

Two Russian friends wanted to visit another palace where they have botanic garden. My husband and I said we are going to finish the whole place and then to eat. They waved bye. After coming out of the Palace and Korean Folk exhibition, I was hungry. We have decided to walk back to Insadong for food. I saw a restaurant with large colorful pictured menu and wanted to go in. My husband grabbed me and said to take me to another place. I thought we have not been in Korea for decades. How would he know any place? He said to follow him. I told him that I am tired and hungry. It better to be a good place. He told me to trust him. I said all these restaurants seems to serve the same dishes. He said this place is different. I followed him to another street. There is no sign of any restaurants from the side we walked in. I asked my husband are you sure? He said to follow him. Half way into the narrow street, I saw a parking lot on the left side. And then I saw traditional Korean roofs peaking from tall fence wall behind the parking lot. OK. I thought this must be the place. My husband took me to go pass the parking lot into the alley. I saw a door leading into the large traditional building. I did not see any large sign of restaurant or colorful menu display in the front like all other restaurants in Insadong. “Are you sure they have food”? My husband said yes. Then I saw a metal plate on the door “Min’s Club”. Good. At least they speak English. We went inside. 

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OMG! This is such a place! I just loved it. It is so elegant and tranquil in such a busy district. We asked to be seated in the patio. Flowers were blooming. It is so relaxing just to sit there.

The menu shows that they have western food. It was almost 2 o’clock. The big breakfast were already gone. I was so hungry. I ordered seafood pasta. My husband ordered fish egg Korean rice.

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It was passed the regular lunch time so it was not crowded. Many people came for their afternoon tea.

We read the introduction material of this restaurant. It was built for royals in the late 1800s. It was a revolution to traditional Korean houses that the architect designed high ceilings, lots of windows to have more natural lights inside. They changed to run a high class restaurant in 1900.

I gave lots of credits to my husband. How did he discovered this place? It is worthy just to sit there to look at the scene and appreciate historical building.

I was a little hot from all the walking. I have my pressed flower fan with me.

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Appetizer is salmon sashimi. It looked like an artwork.

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Soup of the day is chickpea soup. It is delicious.

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Then we had Korean bean cake salad. I liked it very much.

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My husband’s fish egg Korean rice.

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My seafood pasta. It is actually fusion food. They have added Korean hot sauce in. I liked the taste. The pasta tasted like freshly made. Seafood were all very juicy and fresh.

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I ordered tea after lunch. My husband wanted coffee.

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Appreciate historical architecture.

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They have inside tables also. I love these flower painting screens.

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They have flower wall paper on the other side.

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Hallway

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Space above door frame were decorated with traditional painting wall paper.

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They have a small stone pot just outside of the door. Oh! How I wanted to press these forget-me-nots!

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Is this cat or tiger? I don’t care. I want to hold its ears.

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Azaleas were blooming. They are my husband’s favorite flower.

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Peony started to bloom too. This is my favorite peony color.

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More azaleas!

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Double cheery blossom.

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We spent more than 2 hours for lunch. Flowers, historical building, and good food, what more can we ask? We truly enjoyed a relaxing afternoon.

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Price is a little expensive but not too bad. Average price for full course lunch is 28,000 won. We loved it here.

My husband stayed in Insadong when I went to visit the pressed flower club. He discovered it.

It was the perfect weather too. I loved the patio. It is such a romantic place.

Goyang Korea International Floral Expo Award Ceremony–2012 Vacation Part 9

I finally became a millionaire. My two pictures brought two awards 500,000 each. The only regret is the awards are in won (not in dollars). LOL!

Actually, it does not matter how much the award is or even with any monetary awards, I am so happy that my works are being recognized.

We went to Goyang the 4th day in the morning.

Friends from China are all dressed up. Many with traditional dresses. I don’t have really fancy dresses now that I am living in a desert. I just brought one party dress. I did not wear high heels. It would be too tiring to see the flower show wearing high heels.

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There are many huge designs outside. I am so happy seeing so many fresh flowers.

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I finally saw a few English words.

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The expo is huge! We just concentrate on pressed flower art.

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with a few friends from China.

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They listen to my analysis of works.

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After a simple Korean rice lunch, we are attending the award ceremony.

I am with professor Guoju Chen from South China Agricultural University (also a first price winner) and our friend, guide, translator – Huayu Yin.

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I am with Korean Pressed Flower Club’s president Ms. Lee.

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Receiving award certificate from mayor of Goyang.

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There were fresh flower bouquet for me too.

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Posting with other major award winners and the mayor.

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Ms. Lee, Huayu, and other Chinese friends share our joy.

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The mayor of Goyang had a meeting with us. Goyang Agricultural Technology Center officers were there too. They were to listen to us on how they could improve on promoting pressed flower art.

I represent the World Wide Pressed Flower Guild and the Pressed Flower Guild wish we could have more exchanges. I have suggested Korean pressed flower art to enter other international competitions such as Philadelphia flower show and the WWPFG competitions.

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The mayor promised to have a real international expo (with more English) next year. They will also consider to compete in other international competitions.

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I am very moved. The Korean government is really helping promoting pressed flower art. Our US government has not done a thing. We are just doing the best we can as individuals and as a small non-profit organization. Korean pressed flower art has improved and has grown leaps and bounce in a very short time. Really wish we have such a good environment and resources too!