JUST GO!

   Please enjoy this article I wrote that was published in the July 2018 edition of the Jewish Federation of NH's monthly newsletter. Click on THIS LINK to read it on-line - - - page 13. Or you can simply read my copy here. Food for thought...    I am a local NH resident and Jewish community member. My name is Rahel Limor and I have taken a bold and life-changing step. At age 63 I realized that "we ain't gettin' any younger". The kids have all grown and are enjoying their independent lives. There are no grandchildren yet. As life would have it I had the sudden revelation that I had been spending many long hours sitting around the house alone in my living room with just my cat. At times even, the sound of my own voice startled me. Friends were busy or struggling with the onset of sudden illness. Sandwiched between caring for their own elderly parents, spouses, still-dependent or unemployed children and/or looking after grandchildren many were simply unavailab...

   Wow, wow and wow! I will say right off the bat that I was deeply moved even to tears by Ms. Moon Soo Hyun's presentation.    This experience was advertised on the airbnb site as learning about the Korean traditional style of singing called Pansori :    Join me in my cozy place where I will introduce you to Korean folk music called pansori—a genre of musical storytelling performed by a singer and a drummer. Pansori is an amazing vocal style you may have never experienced before, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. During the concert, the singer will sing a long story through songs...  And you'll also experience to sing a small part of Korean folk song with me. In addition, you can experience playing Korean traditional percussion instruments!    This was my first time ever learning about and hearing Pansori singing. Where do I even start in describing the exper...

EXPERIENCE #2: MUSIC - Meet a Traditional Korean Musician    I'm a musician so of course I am interested in learning whatever I can about any kind of music. When in Korea why not learn about traditional Korean music and instruments? The description of this experience intrigued me so I signed up.     In this experience you will meet a variety of musicians who major in Korean music (different musicians per week). We will meet in their actual practice room. I'm going to ask various questions of a special host, who majors in Korean music. You will have the opportunity to listen to the instruments in the real practice room rather than on the stage. I'm proud of the sound that we are going to deliver to you with natural sound in the practice room rather than on the stage. You will have the opportunity to talk to a Korean musician, as well as to learn and touch the instrument.   Our host, Jaehoon , is 27 years old. He's studying traditional Korean mus...

   I was told that the food is outstanding in South Korea but I'm far from being a food connoisseur. So definitely don't go by me! If you really want to experience the pleasures of Korean food I suggest either going with someone who really knows or joining a food tasting tour while you're here! The good news is that it's all VERY affordable.   I can't say for sure but it seems to me that there is a great love for seafood. I was told, and now have seen, the live sea creatures encased and on display in front of the restaurants, much like we see live lobsters in the supermarkets in America. If you like this sort of food then you will love it here! It's definitely not kosher.    So what else is there to eat? I admit that I have only been here for one week and I have been very careful about experimenting with the food. Why? Mainly because I am happy staying close to my new dietary choices. These days the hot weather leaves me with less of an appetite. Instead...

Walking Tour of Gangnam by Moonlight with Brian GETTING AROUND IN SEOUL:     It's Friday in Seuol. My phone buzzed a few alerts for extreme heat and bad ozone. I had planned to stay in this morning anyway.    I've now been here officially one week. I have mastered the art of subway/Metro riding which, in my humble opinion, is nicer than traveling by bus (with which I have also become acquainted).    The Seoul subway system is quite extraordinary, but be forewarned. It's a complete multi-layered labyrinth where one must negotiate long lobbies, many stairs (there are elevators if need be), escalators and a large population of subway riders. It's done wonders for my exercise and weight loss program!    Each subway line is numbered and color coded. There are a few that have actual line names ie Bundang line and such. That threw me at first but now I know. There are signs in Korean and English pointing the way. I notice many Ko...