this is for amanda

ha, i've been in semi-hiding. or pretending to be busy. something.

let's see...

i was immensely entertained by something random a couple of nights ago. during one of my usual late-night rambles and wrapped up inside my head, i was suddenly startled by someone bursting out into song to my right. i was walking by this business building with a nice little outdoor foyer space thing (like so many of the office buildings here)...ornamental trees and stuff in a semi-enclosed little area set in a slight depression from the main walkways. i've always noticed that any sounds made in or near this tiny pseudo-amphitheater echoes pleasingly. apparently i wasn't the only one who's had the same idea. this very dignified, well-dressed, and slightly-built ajuhshi was standing at the top of the stone steps and taking advantage of the good acoustics. he wasn't drunk. he was flat-out practicing or performing for himself. and get this...it was an italian aria.

i can say with certainty that i never expected to hear an italian operatic solo belted out by a stranger while walking down some street. anywhere. out of the lovely seoul gifts, this has gotta one of the ones at the top.

by the way, he sang it well/rocked. (in my ignorant opinion, of course)