Maggie Moo Does Plastic Surgery in Korea: The Malibu Nose

Me and my nose have a complicated relationship

I first met "Candy" while rushing out of exit 6 in Gangnam. "Stop" she said, gently taking me by the wrist. "your nose is perfect.Can I take a picture?" Confused, I smiled, let her tilt my chin and then turn me sideways for a profile shot. "You have Malibu nose, this is the one I want my doctor to make me" I was shocked, but mainly because I have always had a complicated relationship with my nose. Being mixed, people would say It's not very black, or it's not very white. I got used to my nose being the defining feature that made me feel like "the other." So to hear someone say "I want that nose" really took me by surprise.

                       

 Before I arrived in Seoul, I had heard about the plastic surgery "craze." I was one of those people who would personally never have surgery myself, but didn't mind if others did, who was I to say what they did with their bodies. I never really cared, until I met "Candy." I thought she was beautiful, her eyes sparkled and immediately put me at ease. Her nature was happy, her aura was positive and I couldn't understand why she would even consider having surgery done. We exchanged numbers and discussed a possible language partnership.

straight on

One night, while stumbling around in Gangnam I heard "Hey Malibu" and was immediately surrounded by a group of very tall, stunning, Korean women, each one seemed a little more striking than the next, but they also looked a bit "off." Candy came forward, gave me a hug and introduced me to her friends. She proudly pointed out each ones nose, where they had it done and proceeded to tell me hers would be the best of all, because it would be the same as mine. While I was slightly flattered, the idea of someone running around with something that "belonged to me" was a bit strange.We took a photo together and I asked her "if I was to have plastic surgery done. What would they say I needed to change?" She smiled for a minute and said "nothing, you're perfect. Big eyes, slender nose, good cheeks, full lip." I said "that's just my face, what about the rest of me. I'm curious." She shook her head and after a few minutes of prodding said "well maybe they would do some liposuction, but you play rugby,you don't need it.I can give you my doctors number." I didn't see Candy again for months.

profile

angle

And just like that, my investigative journey started. I set up a consultation. I was asked to submit a photograph online: my face straight on, 45 degrees and profile, as well as a body shot and "any other problem zones." I questioned whether I was truly mentally strong enough to deal with the prospect of a total stranger telling me all of the things that were wrong with me,
Within a day I had a response.


"Good morning Maggie,
Thank you for submitting your profile to _________ cosmetic surgery. We have reviewed your photos and requests and below you will find a list of suggestions from one of our top surgeons.

Beta hydroxy acid treatment
Dermabrasion
Hyperpigmentation treatment
Lipoplasty
Blepharoplasty

Consultation is 100% free and we would love to set up a time to further discuss the pricing/options for your surgery.

A better you is just around the corner"

After a quick phone consultation, I headed in for my free in-office meeting. I pepped myself up before walking into the office, telling myself that I was here to find out "what was wrong with me." This was just for a piece I wanted to write and I wouldn't take it heart. I am not entirely convinced that I truly believed that.
The doctor was incredibly handsome, but I didn't see a hint of cosmetic surgery on his surprisingly tanned and even face (maybe a testament to how good he is). He welcomed me in, offered me tea and water and quickly got down to business. He said my body was okay as is, my breasts were high and desirable and my body was curvy. He said liposuction would serve well to highlight my curves and remove the access fat that was keeping me from "reaching my full potential." He offered to put me in contact with their nutritionist. I told him I was happy with my size and inquired about the rest.He said my eye shape was beautiful but blepharoplasty or (under-eye surgery) would remove the "tired look" and the Beta, dermabrasion and hyper pigmentation treatments would overall give me a "fresh and young look." I asked what was wrong with my skin and he said it was remarkably clear and fairly even already, but a combination of these treatments would make my skin bright and "lighter" over all. There was the key word I was looking for, "lighter."

Blespharoplasty lines (under eye surgery) and a skin whitening treatment

As I looked through the surgical books I saw shining examples of Western women, all white, all blonde and all natural. The guidebooks didn't contain any "exotic beauties" as the doctor liked to say, because the standard was that of a Western white person. He immediately began to backtrack saying I was a very exotic and beautiful woman and he wished more Korean women looked like me. I told him I had taken no offense and I thought Korean women should look exactly how they do now, beautiful & natural. He said he agreed that Asian women were beautiful on their own, but that cosmetic surgery would simply highlight that natural beauty. I laughed in his face. If eyelid surgery and a nose surgery are "highlighting" your look, then breast implants are merely wearing a push up bra. What bothered me the most was not the actual surgery, but rather his full admittance that the reason was to look more "white." I thanked him for his time and made my way out of the clinic. I was shaking. I'm not sure whether it was anger or confusion or maybe just a hint of disappointment with myself for momentarily questioning "what would make me beautiful?"

For a culture that is so proud of it's history and it's people, the irony is not lost on me. I have often heard "one blood, one people" or "Korean pride" and our "Korean women as the most beautiful in the world." I completely agree that Korean women are stunning, so why the surgery? Why the need to change your eyes and your nose? Dress it up anyway you like, call it an "improvement" but it is a distinct and very sad reminder that Korean culture is being highly white washed. Just this year there was a controversy about the miss Korea contestants. Does anyone see the issue with a group of women representing cultural beauty, through surgery that makes them practically culturally unidentifiable? If young girls are told that beauty comes from knife we are creating a hazard for our future women. It's all fine and well to say "whats on the inside is what counts" and "beauty is only skin deep" but we are very far from actually believing this as a culture. The truth is, as humans, we want to feel desired, we want to feel sexy and beautiful and unfortunately we are going to dangerous means to achieve that.

Miss Korea 2013 Contests: garnered attention for the extent of cosmetic surgery on each woman

Yesterday, I read an article about a young woman in Korea who committed suicide, last August, shortly after having a jawline thinning surgery. This surgery  left her unable to properly eat, cry,  or feel when her own drool was running down her face. This dangerous surgery is used to correct dental deformities and is now being marketed as a "beautifying" technique. If you've ever been inside a subway station and seen the plastic surgery photos unabashedly posted with slogans like "new life" and "beauty is everything," you might start to understand the mindset. Actually, the second you set foot in Gangnam, Apgujeong or Sinsadong you will see just how much plastic surgery there is.Figures released by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) state that 1 in 5 women in Seoul have undergone plastic surgery. 20 % between the ages of 19 to 49, have admitted to surgeries that make them appear more "Western."

Advert in Apgujeong Station

It is easy to blame the ever booming business of K-Pop for such surgeries, but that would be too simple. It is no secret that many artists have undergone the knife. I was shocked the other day to find that most of my female students 12-15 desire to have surgery and a few have even had operations already. Standards of beauty are very high in Korea and many women grow up from a young age being constantly told what their "flaws" are.Another trait of Korean culture is their directness. If you look "fat" you will be told, if you are too dark or too freckly or your skin is not even, you will be told. This is seen as a way of showing you care for your friends and their appearance. Westerners who visit are often shocked to be told they should "diet" or "whiten their teeth & skin." I have one student who has recently gone to high school she listed her proudest moment as the first time her mother told her she was beautiful. Upon asking her when this was, she said "when I had my double eye surgery and I was finally pretty." That was heartbreaking.

I wasn't even going to write this entry, on the off chance that I might really offend someone. But just two days ago I bumped into Candy again, only this time I didn't recognize her. I was hurrying in the rain, getting lost in the crowd of the hundred other busy people, when I passed by a woman, no more remarkable than anyone else I had ever seen before. I would have missed her entirely had she not said "hey Malibu." She was a mere shadow of the exuberant, bright spirited woman I had met before. "I had surgery, do you like?" she asked. I didn't know what to say. She had expected a much bigger reaction from me and let a small frown pass her lips, but quickly perked back up. I saw some resemblance of my nose. She was a different woman, but she looked the same as every other woman I had ever seen, who had surgery in Korea. Her eyes still sparkled a bit which led me to believe she was happy, but I'm not sure that I believed it.

Maggie Moo Does the New Zealand Wine Festival

Living in Seoul definitely has it's advantages, one of the best being the many cultural events I get to attend on a regular basis. This week, I went to a wine festival hosted by the Kiwi Chamber of Commerce at the Grand Hyatt in Seoul. It was a fantastic day, expertly organized by Simon Walsh and Sunny Myung of Tiwi Trade; located in Itaewon. The event ran from 4:00-8:00 PM, providing ample time for me to get thoroughly drunk on quality wines, consume my own weight in delicious lamb and rub elbows with people far cooler me.

The festival is in it's 5th year and has recently spread to Busan as well. It featured over 80 different red & white wines from New Zealand vendors who were more than happy to accomodate my requests of filling my glass "just a touch more." For those who don't know much about wine or wonder why in the world Korea would host such a festival, here's a little break down:

New Zealand is rapidly becoming one of the most loved wine nations, their specialty being Sauvingon Blanc from the Marlborough region (one of my favorites). While the white wines far outweigh the amount of red, the quality of NZ's red can't be overlooked particularly from the Hawkes Bay and Gisbone regions. I highly recommend Wooing Tree's Central Otago Blondie, which is technically a red wine, despite it's unique color.

One of the highlights of the day was entertainment by Kiwi reggae band, One Drop East as the perfect accompaniment for any garden party. I wandered around blissfully extending my glass at each station I came to and tossing it back before remembering that I had 3 more hours of drinking to do and it might be best to slow down. By 5:00 PM I had consumed more wine in an hour, than I have previously drank in my entire life. Although I suppose I conducted myself quite well, considering no attempts were made to tackle strangers or to simulate a scrum, despite the fact that I was attending with my rugby team.

As the evening was winding down, I realized I didn't bring my business cards that I had printed specifically for events such as this. There was business card drawing so I decided to just toss in my ARC card. Low and behold, it was drawn and I won a bottle of Pinot Noir. The perfect ending to a great party and a wonderful pre-game present for the rest of my evening. Tickets were 90,000 won (roughly $80.00 USD) and worth every single penny for the unlimited drinks and genuinely amazing food! Now that the hangover has passed, I already cannot wait for next years event!

Even a little rain couldn't stop us!

What? Only an hour left? Consume as much as possible...

still standing...

A Very Rugby Weekend in Seoul: Photo Essay

This weekend was the first Asia 5 nations match of the year in Ansan: Korea vs. Philippines.

Take a look at the Volcanoes please..... hehe :)

We headed to Ansan to meet up with the Osan Exiles rugby lads. 

Korea won 62-19

 After the match- meet & greet! He is smiling so hard because my finger landed right on his nipple. Awkward fans are universally entertaining.

and again....

The shyest rugby player I have ever met...

 Had the pleasure of meeting the South Korean men's coach. He was a lovely man and very grateful for the support...even with the photo bomb!

Celebrating the South Korea victory at scrooges pub!

 Sunday I attended my team mates wedding, appropriately held at one of our rugby bars: Sin Bin.

My date, Mike.

It started out pretty tame...

 and ended like this.....

all in all a fantastic weekend of rugby and shenanary- next up: Garden Wine Festival and the British Lions tour in Hong Kong :)

Surviving Open Class

Today I had the dreaded "Open Class." What is that you ask? An open class, in my case, is used for renewal purposes (with Epik) where principals, vice principals, other teachers, district superintendents and any other person who could possibly intimidate you, are given the opportunity to sit in on your class.  In order to be renewed for a second year, I must pass an open class and interview with my vice principal and principal. For the record, it is graded and the passing mark is 80%.
My day started off horribly. I burned my breakfast, rolled my ankle on the way out the door and didn't realize until I tried to read a subway sign, that I had forgotten to put in my contacts. Already a recipe for success. I got to school, cleaned up the room, hyperventilated for a bit and then put on some reggae. Reggae always makes me feel better.
When it came time for my open lesson all of the kids were sweaty and full of way too much energy returning from gym, the room was about 90 degrees and I was working with my loudest, craziest group of kids. Ironically, they are also one my favorites. The lesson was on world food and consisted of me putting up flags just to have them loudly shout the country names back at me. Surprisingly, they were 10 for 10 and repeated each food name, excellently. So far ,so good. When we got to partner speech and group work I knew I'd be in for some trouble. A lot of the lesson consisted of getting them back on task, directing them towards using English and classroom management. Realistically, this is how I spend much of my time with my first years. I love their energy and when I find myself getting frustrated, I remind myself that I am lucky to have students so eager to participate in the first place.
I stopped paying attention to the adults in the room, who were there to observe me and had an excellent time with my kids. We completed the top chef challenge and they came up with some great foods. These included "cheese and onion sushi," from Japan "kimchi  ice cream" from South Korea, "7 meat curry" from India, "Spaghetti many fish soup" from Italy, " and "cheese grilled octopus " from Brazil

Obviously each teacher will encounter different criteria for their open class, but if you have a listening/speech focused English class, as I do, these tips may help you. These may seem very basic, but it is easy to lose your cool and forget the basics when you're being observed.

Open Class Do's & Don'ts

1.Dont panic! You want your class to go as smoothly as possible, but you also want to remember this lesson isn't a throwaway. Regardless of who's watching, you still want the kids to learn.

2. Do make sure your classroom is clean. If the room is clean and presentable it is just one less thing to stress about when you're teaching. It sounds basic, but a clean room, with lots of light really helps.

3. Do discipline kids in the same manner you would if no one were watching. Hopefully, your kids wont act up, but if they do, treat the discipline the way you would in any other class. It isn't a sign that you can't manage your class, but rather a part of teaching. Everyone knows each lesson comes with some management.

4. Do encourage kids to speak. Sometimes kids will be silent if they know there is someone observing the class. Let's face it, an open class without participation is a bit of a nightmare. I strive to make all of my lessons interesting but I made this lesson particularly interesting/interactive. This way my students would be compelled to speak, even if the principal/vice principal is in the room.

5. Don't focus on the people observing your class. They are there to watch you teach the kids, if you are focusing on them instead of the kids you will lose your connection with the class. This is typically when behavioral issues arise.

6. Do consider a lesson that highlights speaking and listening. I know this isn't always possible as some lessons are review, but you want to feel comfortable and confident with the lesson you display. If you can highlight different aspects of your teaching and show versatility, it will help you to feel more accomplished.

7. Don't talk too fast. Sometimes when I'm nervous, I have a tendency to speed up my rate of speech. When this happens I find my students more confused and it messes up the amount of lesson time I have.

8. Do something that calms your nerves before class. For me, that is listening to reggae. All morning I played Bob Marley, UB 40, and Inner Circle. It put me in an excellent mood and helped me relax and focus.

9. Do remember the reasons you teach. I teach because I love teaching and I wouldn't want to have any other job in the world. If you love what you do, it comes across in your passion and your lessons. People who love what they do, need not worry, as they will always be doing the best that they can.

10. Have fun! If you're being graded and you're getting paid to do it, why not make the best out of the situation. Don't be afraid to joke, talk with your kids the same way you would if no one was observing. It shows the relationship you have with them and you will have a great time, feeling more at ease.

Next up....Renewal Interview!

6 Reasons to Visit Vientiane,Laos

A few months back I took an amazing trip to Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, but Laos in particular stood out to me. It is unlike any place I have ever been and it is a must visit for anyone making there way around Asia. Here are a few reasons.

1.The Cuisine

Laotian cuisine is both delicious and unique as well as flavorful and full of French influence. One of my favorite dishes was Luang Prabang sausage. It's minced pork (sometimes beef), lime, garlic, lemon juice and peanut and is delicious served with a Laos take on Coleslaw. It it traditionally seen at weddings, religious ceremonies and my new favorite restaurant "Khop Chai Deu" in Vientiane.

2. The Friendly People

I've never been to a place where people went out of their way to help so much. I never felt like a cash, cow, as if I was being sold a story, or treated like a tourist. The people I met were eager to know about me, to share their stories and in this mans case, to propose to me. In the end, we decided it was probably best if I we didn't marry, but he tried to sneak a cheeky kiss or two (while he was driving the bus).

3. Buddha Park

Known as Xieng Khuan, it is a Buddhist sculpture park just 25 km east of Vientiane. Not only is the work stunning, the history rich, and the set up impressive, it's damn good fun to run around/climb on the statues (which by the way you are allowed to do). The neatest thing about this park is that it was actually created by a shaman who wanted to integrate both Buddhism and Hinduism. The artist incorporated demons, Gods, angels and various animals to create one of the most impressive parks I have ever seen.

4. Laosgrias

Never heard of them? Slap yourself! Or really just get there and try one! Laosgria is a Laotian take on Sangria and is spectacularly delicious. It is a Laos rum drink, filled with tons or fruit and delicious goodness. Every time I asked for the recipe, the bartender simply smiled and said it is filled with "all things good." Perhaps this is the reason we ordered 3 pitchers of it our first night in Vientiane. Magic and an easy hangover the next day.

and more.....

and even more....did I mention how good they were?

5.The French Influence

It sounds strange when discussing Asia, but the French influence on the culture, architecture and food is simply remarkable. For one thing, the baked goods that I ate in Laos were comparable, if not better than much of the bakery I had in Paris (and at a much better price). In the French quarter you can find rows of colonial style edifices. Even the refurbished building have managed to maintain some of the old architecture, mixed with an Southeast Asian style that is really something to behold.

6.The Chillest Nightlife You'll Ever Experience

Laos is not one big rager, and although it is quiet, it is undeniably wonderful for a drink. Particularly, along the Mekong river at sunset, tasting one of the best beers in Asia, (hands down) Beer Lao. Well many bars close early (around 11:30- midnight or so) there are plenty of quality spots along the river to sit, have a drink, play some music and just enjoy your surroundings. Angelique and I managed to meet up with some crazy awesome Italians who invited us to a French Rock Concert and a Masquerade Ball and needless to say all of the people we met were amazing. Laos seems to draw a different type of traveler and it was the experience of a life time.

And an honorable mention.......

Laos Whisky

Not because it is good, or even remotely close to being palatable, but because you can call yourself a survivor when you have finished and be thoroughly justified in that title. It is not for the faint of heart....or week of stomach.

Maggie Moo Does Seoul Restaurants

Being in South Korea is amazing, but living in Seoul, particularly has it's advantages. There are so many great restaurants here from all over the world, which got me thinking about my love of making lists. So here goes nothing, my four favorites:

1. Braai Republic is a South African restaurant located in Itaewon. The atmosphere is cozy and warm and rugby fans will be happy to know that they can always catch some Springboks and various other rugby action there. Although I am not South African, I have been told it is quite authentic. I can't vouch for that, but I can say it is one of the most delicious restaurants in Korea. The menu is pretty fantastic and anyone looking for some hearty food is definitely in for a treat. They make amazing meat pies and sausages as well as spectacular sunday lamb shanks. If you are really nice the owner, Roddy, might even make you an amarula cocktail with ice cream called a "Dom Pedro." 

Sunday Lamb Roast

2. Tucan is a Brazilian/Caribbean fusion restaurant located near Noksapyeong station. I am a massive jerk chicken fan and as a result I am pretty hyper critical of all Caribbean food that I try, but I must say Tucan is the real deal. The owners (although both Korean) lived abroad and perfected their technique, which you can definitely taste. The chicken is moist and very succulent and the spices are just perfect. The red beans and rice are a must try side dish!

Jerk chicken and orange chicken with home made potato chips

3. Hakata is a Japanese Ramen restaurant located in Hongdae. Although rather small, constantly packed and tricky to find, it is worth the wait. The pork literally falls apart in your mouth and the soup is heavenly, prepared by hand in front of you. With meals ranging from 5,000-10,000 won you are definitely getting the bang for your buck! Don't be surprised if you arrive to a club like queue of people waiting to get inside...yeah, it's that good!

4. Zelen Bulgarian Restuarant  Five Words: Om Nom Nom Nom Nom! Honestly, if you aren't reduced to being a babbling fool, incapable of describing this restuarants greatness, then you have no taste buds. I had never eaten Bulgarian food before heading to Zelen for a friends birthday and now that I have I'm kicking myself for not trying it sooner. Zelen's menu is a bit pricier than the other restaurants I have mentioned, but it is well worth every penny! The atmosphere is stunning, the staff are great and the food...honestly...there are no words!

Bulgarian Spinach Cream Chicken

A few more must trys: Marakech Nights, African Heritage Restaurant and Buddha's Belly!