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Commentary article, The gig's up.

The gig's up

These days I keep the windows in my apartment in northern Seoul open. Even while typing this I keep turning my head checking the skyline outside for signs of flying missiles, a mushroom cloud, or maybe a blimp with Kim Jong-Il pictured next to the words: “Heavenly leader approaching. Internet service will be discontinued soon.”

Local and foreign news agencies have been reporting on the North’s recent shenanigans with a troubling zealousness. But even the most comprehensive reports on the recent nuclear test, short-range missile launches and quotes of impending Armageddon do not answer the thought on almost every foreigner in Korea’s mind: Should we be worried? Because the Korean’s clearly aren’t.

A shoulder shrug and “Why would they hurt us? They need Seoul,” has been the standard reaction from South Korean’s on the North’s threatening acts since I came here more than a year ago.

According to Korean’s I talked to, we should be more worried about the Israeli’s and their nukes.
For many South Korean’s the threats from the North are just that – empty threats. They are trying to establish a place for themselves in world affairs. They want to show the world that they are not just a nation blindly following ‘lunatic’ politicians, as so often described in international media. And they’re doing this by showing off probably the only thing they have – military power.

A handy distraction
I asked one of my South Korean colleagues whether she’s worried about what the North might do. “Not at all,” she said. “North Korea is a country that has the right to build up its defensive power.”

She also said many Koreans believe the mass media is blowing the situation with North Korea out of proportion to distract public opinion from domestic problems.

It might be that locally this news (and also reports on the spread of swine flu infections in South Korea) could distract people’s attention from South Korean president Roh Moon-Hyun’s suicide over the weekend. It was expected that news of his death would lead to candlelit vigils that in turn might lead to protest marches and rallies in Seoul. Something the current government would like to avoid, especially after such marches last year against American beef imports turned into violent anti-government protests.

Last night about 30 South Korean soldiers armed with rifles patrolled the streets in my part of town while civilian Koreans casually went about their business of walking, talking and shopping.

I anxiously asked a Korean friend whether this military presence should worry me. Is it because they expect North Korea to strike? “Oh no, it has nothing to do with North Korea.” It’s to make sure no one causes trouble after Roh’s suicide.

Nukes are a cover
The South’s rumoured use of the media, begs the question: Is the North doing the same?

The last time Kim Jong-Il was seen by the outside world, he looked thin and ill despite government reports of his good health. It might be that the “we will make war if you don’t listen” strategy is a ruse to keep everyone looking the other way, while one of Kim Jong-Il’s sons steps up to lead the country. We probably won’t know until it’s done.

Bark or bite?
But how long and hard should North Korea kick and scream and throw its toys out of the cot before anyone will listen? They have threatened to pull out of international nuclear disarmament talks. And then they did.

North Korea said that they have the same right to self-protection as any other country. And there they went and test-fired a nuclear weapon and a couple of missiles.

Then they threatened to re-start the production of weapons-grade plutonium. According to reports the main nuclear facility in North Korea might be up and running again.

And for a long time now, they’ve told South Korea that membership in the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), a campaign to prevent the trafficking of weapons of mass destruction will be tantamount to a declaration of war.

Today (May 27) the South Korean government announced they will definitely be joining the PSI. Shortly after, North Korea reportedly threatened with military action and announced that it has abandoned the truce struck with the South after the Korean War in 1950.

These acts only make the question, “Should we be worried?” so much more relevant. Unfortunately, the North is, as my Korean colleague said, “like a rugby ball. You don’t know where it will jump next”.

Has the North’s bark finally gone over to bite? Who knows, but I do think it’s time to start practicing the old ‘duck and cover’ move.

Read original at http://www.news24.com/Content/MyNews24/YourStory/1162/c0ba554110f84f099c8fa8cfe9a84e45/28-05-2009%2012-05/The_gigs_up

10 Magazine, South Korea

Restaurant review: Dos Tacos Mexican Restaurant

Ola, Seoul!

Words by Michelle Viljoen

Summer is fast approaching. It’s time for sandals and sombrero’s. Turn your back on the concrete and steel buildings that line the narrow Seoul streets. Close your ears to the constant hum of speeding taxi’s and the screech of halting buses. Step into Dos Tacos Mexican restaurant – it’s one of the closest things to Mexican you’ll find in Seoul.

Seoul might not have the sandy beaches of Cancun, but it does have a place where you can at least taste the zesty Mexican flavour. From burrito’s to Negra Modelo beer, Dos Tacos will please your appetite for something that’s hotter than a sunny day in May.

Dos Tacos calls itself a “casual grill”. That’s like calling a cellphone a handiphone, or a spade well, a spade. Casual is exactly what this restaurant is. Loosen your tie and trade your heels in for slip-slops. Inside Dos Tacos the atmosphere let’s you relax.

Take a seat on a red, orange, or green plastic chair. The chairs’ mix of colors match the walls, which in turn is decorated with prints of Mexican artwork and photographs. Look up and you’ll see some elaborate and brightly colored tinsel decorations hanging from the ceiling. Now, all you need to feel the fiesta fun is some Mexican music. Unfortunately, when I visited Dos Tacos they were playing some hip hop numbers – at least it was catchy.

Browsing through Dos Tacos’ brightly colored, plastic covered menu took some time. Trying to decide between ordering a chimichanga, refried bean and meat burrito, cheese and salsa nachos, flauta, tostada, ensalada, tacos, french fries, a negra modelo or margharita is a daunting task. You want everything. And most of the meals fall within the same price range, which doesn’t make it easier to decide on one item.

Many foreigners describe Dos Tacos’ food as “pretty decent Mexican”. I expected a long wait to get the food. I expected a lot of mustard or mayonnaise (it’s been done to pizza, it might’ve been done to Mexican). And I expected a lot of cheap processed cheese.

I didn’t get anything I expected. Deciding on what I wanted to order took longer than the time it took Dos Tacos to prepare my meal. I finally ordered a meat and avocado burrito, I paid 8,500 Won, I sat down, opened my book and read three paragraphs, and... “Excuse me,” said the smiling waitress as she placed my larger-than-expected burrito on my table.

This was fast food disguised as properly prepared slow food. I put a knife, spoon, and about 12 napkins at the ready on my table. Burrito’s have the knack of bursting open at the bottom (or top, for that matter) and spilling lettuce, ground beef and avocado slices onto the plate, the table, and me. But this burrito was neatly wrapped around it’s filling of ground beef, lettuce, olives, avocado slices, onion, jalapeno, olives, pico de galle and cilantro.

The lettuce could easily have been used to fill the burrito while skimming on the other ingredients. But there was a good serving of ground beef, fresh avocado, onion, olives, but sadly not much cheese. The burrito had a “mild” salsa. The burrito’s level of hotness was spicy and zesty – it tingled, rather than scorched my mouth.

If you enjoy tacos, but you can’t ever decide which ones you want: hard shell, soft shell, or al pastor? Meat or vegetarian? Dos Tacos has the solution in the form of a taco set. For 10,500W you can choose 3 tacos (usually one taco costs 3,300 – 3,600W).

The restaurant is small and intimate which creates a fun atmosphere on a busy night. For some people it might be a little too busy. Each table is relatively small and can seat about four people comfortably. Be prepared to wait for a seat on a busy night – or go early.

Dos Tacos has a good range of meals. Most items with meat come with a choice between beef, pork and chicken. The price range is reasonable with items starting at about 3,900W for a single cheese quesadilla and going up to 6,000W for a cheese and salsa quesaddila, or 9,800 Won for a meat and asparagus burrito. A single cheese quesadilla costs 3,900W. Expect to pay about 6,000 Won for a margarita or Negro Modelo (local beers are cheaper). Sodas are re-fillable and cost 2,000 Won.

If it’s a busy night and you’d rather have Mexican at home, then you can use Dos Tacos take-out menu. Whether you go in, or take out you can expect food that’s fresh, fast, and spicy. Dos Tacos is a great place to start an evening’s socializing in Seoul.

Ratings:
Atmosphere ***/4

Service***/4

Cuisine ***/4

Cost $$

Tips

Public transport: Hongdae: Hongik university station, exit 5. Gangnam: Gangnam station exit 6. Apgujeong: Apgujeong station, exit 6. Complete directions are available in English on the website.

Vegetarians: Vegetarian options abound!

Phone: (02)322-3677 (Hongdae), (02)542-3446 (Apgujeong), (02)593-5904 (Gangnam)

Website: www.dostacos.co.kr

Home Magazine, South Africa.

Issue: July 2007.
Articles: Stoke it up! (Décor); Plant your own sweet potatoes (Gardening); Pet food for thought (Pets); Keep it cosy (Consumer pages).

Home Magazine, South Africa.

Issue: January 2008.
Articles: What a fanfare (Consumer Pages)