Well, I have to say I was a little disappointed that no one (especially YOU Becca) asked what my last blog post "Sacra Querco" means...I was just waiting to answer that, but since no one asked, I will just tell you! HA! It is actually on the Holyoak Coat of Arms and it's Latin for "Seeking for the sacred." So, anyway, mystery solved.
I just so happened to have been interviewed this past week by Gentleman's Quarterly, better know as GQ Magazine and I'd like to share some of that interview with you all now.
GQ: Good afternoon Mr. Holyoak. Should I call you Mr. Holyoak or can I call you Ben?
Ben Holyoak: Ummm, I guess Ben would be fine.
GQ: OK, so, Ben...what are you up to these days?
BH: Well, I'm currently living and working in Asan, Korea. It's a small city of about 250,000 people 2 hours south of Seoul. I teach English to children and also some random university students who pose as my friends so they can learn without having to pay a fee.
GQ: Wow, sounds cool. How long have you been there?
BH: Almost three years, this June will be three.
GQ: How do you get to your school each day?
BH: Well, I do have a private jet and helicopter, but since it's only a twenty minute walk, that's usually the option I go with. When it's rainy or a little cold I usually take the helicopter.
GQ: So, how's walking to school?
BH: Well, other than having to watch for BBQ Chicken delivery scooters on the side walk it's quite refreshing and nice actually. I usually try to enjoy the flowers or trees and normally I listen to some music on my way.
GQ: What do you have in your tape player?
BH: Excuse, me? Tape player?
GQ: Yes, your tape player. You said you like music.
BH: Ohhhh, yeah...well, I don't have a tape player, I prefer to listen to MP3s.
GQ: Oh, splendid. Well, what do you have on your MP3?
BH: Well, my recent favorite band who I think is way under-appreciated is The Reign of Kindo. Unlike most acts these days these guys are actually talented. They write their own songs and play their own music. Pretty novel idea.
GQ: What's your favorite song by them?
BH: I really like October's Storm. Great song. It talks about overcoming hardships in your life and focusing on the present and making the most of each day and not fretting about the past troubles or mistakes you've made.
GQ: Wow, sounds great. So, how's Korean food?
BH: Excellent...I love it. Don't know how I ever lived without it. I love kimchi jjigae.
GQ: Any American food or drinks you miss?BH: Yes, even though I love Korean food there are times I find myself really craving some American food. In Charlotte I used to go with one of my good friends Tammy to this African Episcopal Church at lunch time. They had a cafeteria there, and they had the best southern food. Corn bread, greens, chicken, puddin...so good. I also miss BoJangles biscuits. I think about Cheerwine almost every day...that's one soda I wish they sold here in Korea. My friend Brandon went back to NC this week to visit his parents and took a picture of a drink machine at the park and sent it to me...made me jealous! I also really miss Taco Bell, I know that sounds funny, but I could stuff my face with several Chalupas and Gorditas!
GQ: So, tell us a little more about yourself, any funny quirks or anything?
BH: Ummm, no.
GQ: You sure? Your sister said...
BH: Well, OK. Yeah, sure, I have some funny quirks. I don't like stepping on manhole covers. It's been years since I have. Even if I have to go around it, or a group of people, I do.
GQ: That's weird.
BH: Shut up!
GQ: Any more?
BH: Are you going to call me weird?
GQ: No!
BH: Promise?
GQ: Yes!
BH: OK, well, I hate even numbers. Kind of strange that didn't bother me years ago. My high school basketball number was 10, but now I don't or couldn't have an even number as a jersey number. I'm a big fan of the number 17. Also 21 and 31. Usually when I set my alarm it's for one of those numbers. If it has to be later it's either 45 or 55.
GQ: OK, you're weird.
BH: Yeah, maybe so.
GQ: Do you live alone?
BH: Well, I did until recently. Last week I bought two plants that keep me company. I try to take good care of them and treat them well, I think they enjoy staying with me.
GQ: Are there any American or other foreign products that they sell in Korea that you're glad to have.BH: Yeah, I'm a huge fan of the Dove soap. One of my favorite smells in the world. I have a very strong sense of smell. I love Dove, makes me happy to smell it. Also I'm a fan of Nivea products, and use them frequently. Probably more than anything though is how thankful and grateful I am to have Snickers here in Korea. I can't tell you how happy biting into a Snickers makes me during break time at school.
GQ: So, did you survive Doomsday, May 21, 2011.
BH: Um, stupid question. Obviously I did, it's May 22.
GQ: Oh yeah.
BH: Idiot.
GQ: A lot of people think that Asians all look the same, do you think so?
BH: No, not at all. Asians think Westerners all look the same though.
GQ: Really?
BH: Yeah, serious.
GQ: Have you ever been compared to any pop culture figure?
BH: You wouldn't believe how many times I've have people say "Wow, you look JUST LIKE Shemar Moore!
GQ: Really?
BH: Yep.
GQ: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What are your goals?
BH: Well, if everything goes according to plan I'll be living on a beach somewhere in Vietnam, maybe in a small little house with a hammock, some books and a fridge full of Cheerwine.
GQ: Serious?
BH: Sure!
GQ: Thanks for your time...it was a pleasure interviewing you.
BH: Yeah, no prob. How much do I get paid again?
HA...anyway, I hope everyone is doing great. I'm really looking forward to this summer's trip with Mom and Dad to England. I recently ordered my Aston Villa stuff so I can be all suited up when we get there.
Here are the lyrics to that Reign of Kindo song in case anyone cares. It's one of the best written songs I think there is. THE REIGN OF KINDO-OCTOBER'S STORM
I swung beneath the battered trees
the sunlight kissed and greeted me
it broke right through the clouded skies above
adorned the trees with shining love
and veils of doubt and shadows fled my eyes
The saddest looking trees
broken and bruised in the fateful October’s storm
stripped of their majesty
The storm came in the night
it crippled this town, unannounced and unmercifully bawling
tears of wet snow
Though the trees cried through the night
there was none to cure their plight
and it seemed their better days
would behind them ever stay
On that clouded day
years had since passed since the fury of October’s storm
when I found that old swing
They were standing high above
when the sunlight came down and revealed to my eyes such a wonder
they were bursting with life
No matter what storms you’ve seen
no matter the broken dreams
you’ve yet to see mend
consider the battered trees
their leaves dancing in the breeze
recalling no memory
of October’s storm.
