Random Rant #1: Pronunciation of My Name?

Hey there!

A while ago I was surfing the web and out of the blue, thought to search for the meaning behind my name. But I was dumbfounded when the other Alicia's who commented on the page said that they HATED it when their names were read the way I've always read my name.

Just in case you haven't already seen the profile on the right side and read the first paragraph up there, my name is Alicia.

I've always pronounced it "A-LEE-SHEE-AH", with the "SH" sound clearly emphasized. But according to said website and other Alicia's around the globe, it's pronounced "A-LEE-SEE-AH".

So does this mean that all my life, I've been pronouncing my own name wrongly?

I've never had a problem with the "SH" pronunciation. In fact, people rarely ever call me by my real name cause I go by a variety of nicknames. Even my own mom switches back and forth between the two pronunciations when she decides to call me by my name (which is a rare occasion). I've also had my fair share of spelling mishaps.

Although indeed, thinking about the phonics of where I live, it's easier for people to call me by the "A-LEE-SEE-AH" pronunciation. I wouldn't have doubts about it if my name was Alisia and not Alicia.

Now I am faced with the fact that this seemingly foreign pronunciation might be the correct way to read my name. The possibility that to the countless relatives and people that I've met, I may have, every single time, introduced myself incorrectly. Am I really someone who can't pronounce her name right? And it's not even that weird a name.

I don't know anything anymore. I won't blame you if you fail to see how dire of a situation this is, but I will definitely appreciate your opinion! How would you pronounce my name? Help me! Comment!

アリシア ← Even this is read A-REE-SHEE-AH

Now listening: Yasashisa no Riyuu (優しさの理由) - ChouCho

Picture source: http://twiinklex.com/tag/meme/

Essential Korean Phrases for Travel

Hi!

So you might have read from my last post, that I've recently been to Seoul. Technically it was a four-day "transit" so we didn't stay very long. It was my first time in Korea, and although the weather was far from desirable (more like a tourist's worst nightmare really) it didn't stop us from enjoying the sights of Seoul. Except for the Namsan Tower. Guess we'll have to come back for that! (haha ;D) I would love to explore Korea more in the future (not just Seoul).

Now for what the post is all about!

Btw: I'm a learner of Korean, not a native speaker. However, I am a fellow traveller/learner, so here I am sharing my knowledge with you :D Here are some essential phrases you might want to keep in mind as a tourist in Korea!

* "Key Words" are the most crucial/focal words of the sentences.

1. 화장실이 어디에요? (hwa-jang-shil-i eo-di-e-yo?) = Where is the toilet?

2. 길을 잃어버렸어요. (gil-eul ee-reo-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo) = I've lost my way.

3. 길을 좀 가르쳐주세요. (gil-eul jom ga-reu-chyeo-ju-se-yo) = Please show (lit. tell/teach) me the way.

Recap of Summer 2013 - My Favourite Places

Hey!

Finally I'm back! I was very busy taking care of school and other matters. Plus I had some problems with my pictures and weren't able to upload them on the site :(

This post will also be dedicated to my summer trip, although I know it's long over. Within the course of 31 days, my family and I went to Canada, Florida, and Seoul :)
The title is self-explanatory. Here's a list of my most favorite places during the trip, in no particular order:

1. Walt Disney World Epcot, Orlando

What looks like the world's biggest golf ball is actually Spaceship Earth, the symbol of Epcot.

Actually I really loved all the parks in WDW. I'm a big Disney girl. I grew up watching the Disney classics, my favourite being "Mulan". I spent my birthday in Epcot, and although at first I was a little doubtful of whether it was the right place to go to that day, I swallowed up all my hesitation as soon as I saw the world showcase across the lake.

If I had to rank the ones I visited, it would be: Epcot, with Magic Kingdom a close second, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.

My favorite Epcot pavilion? Japan. (Yes I'm partly biased) I also loved France!! It was so beautiful :D

However, biased as I am, it is not without reason. Let me tell you why!

Miyuki Sugimori, also known as Candy Miyuki, a candy artist. She's the only female candy artist in existence. We were marveling at her skilled hands sculpting a white taffy dough into various animals, each done in less than a minute. I requested a purple unicorn. See the picture below :)

In addition, the staff at one of the Japanese restaurants we ate at sang to me and gave me a slice of cake with a candle on top, plus a pink origami ring which was really cute. I also got to see the 4th of July fireworks display. Left me speechless.

2. Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls City

I was presented with a most wonderful sight when I arrived at Horseshoe Falls. I was in awe at the sight of it roaring its way down, crashing down at the water below. Simply one of the most wonderful things I'd ever seen. We bought the full adventure pack and experienced everything Niagara: Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Walk, and Niagara's Fury.

Later in the day, a full rainbow appeared, and our cameras were snapping away despite the struggle of the attacking mist.

For more Niagara Falls pictures, please check out Summer 2013: Niagara Falls

3. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando

So far my favorite land of the park. I adored the way it was made. I felt like I was really in a snow-capped town in winter even though it was a burning hot summer day. It's also home to one of the best rides I'd ever been on - Harry Potter the Forbidden Journey. Totally awesome!! We were lucky enough to be able to ride it twice!

I LOVED the Butterbeer there (you should definitely try it). It's pretty sweet, but not sweet enough that you it would make you sick. I'm not that big on sweet stuff myself, but I just had to buy another one because I loved it so much. I personally preferred the frozen one over the regular one :)

For all Harry Potter fans (and non-fans all the same), this is a must-visit place!