Backpacking Bliss

2008-12-19T20:41:00.010-06:00

It's been two weeks since I hugged my Korean babies and said my good-byes. I can not even begin to describe how incredibly heartbreaking and rewarding it was at the end. I finally realized that I had made an impression. Teachers and children that I wouldn't have even imagined I had impacted in my 13 months were crying on my last day...it was an emotional whirlwind.

I had a little problem with my visa...basically, I was working and living illegally in Korea for the last week (thanks a lot Swaton), but immigration at the airport took care of everything...I think.

It seems like years instead of weeks since I left Korea and began my backpacking adventure in SE Asia. In the short span of time I've met amazing people from all over the world and have seen and experienced unbelievable beauty. My mind is constantly expanding, and I love the weariness and exiliration that only being on the move can bring.

I'm bringing this blog to an end, but plan to keep up my blogging on a new site:
Stiff Sideways Hugs

Thanks to everyone who has followed my journey and kept in contact this past year. Please know that I am so blessed and incredibly, unbelievably happy.

Hey Korean Won, Sort Yourself Out

2008-11-17T14:30:00.003-06:00

December 17, 2007: 1,000,000 Korean Won = approx. 1,000 US dollars

currently...

December 17, 2008: 1,000,000 Korean Won = 705 US dollars

All You Need Are A Few Good Friends...

2008-11-13T08:55:00.001-06:00

For awhile, I was trying to cram in as many festivals and short trips into my last few days. Now I prefer to spend my weekends without an agenda, soaking in Korea with fabulous friends, doing everything, doing nothing at all.

Plight of the cheap flight

2008-11-12T09:44:00.003-06:00

Cheapoair just informed me that my flight to Bangkok has been changed.

I now have a four hour layover in Shenyang, China and an overnight layover in Guangzhou China. Essentially, it's going to take me longer to fly from Seoul to Bangkok than it would be for me to fly from Seoul to St. Louis. I mean, whatever, that's what I get for buying a dirt cheap flight. I'll take the extra hours for the reduced price.

Gotta gotta get up to get down.

Happy Pepero Day!

2008-11-11T07:48:00.003-06:00

I cashed in on Pepero Day this year. Thank you Lotte for having enough brand power to create a holiday bigger than Valentine's Day (at least in Korea).

My kids have been amazing, making it harder for me to come to the realization that in a couple weeks we'll part ways, and I will most likely never see them again. Leaving is so bittersweet, and is more difficult than I thought it would be. Especially when I think about saying goodbye to my sweet babies. I can not even begin to describe the relationship I have established with these little ones. They've touched my heart, and I hope I've somehow found a place in theirs.

Oh, Jun.
Nicky.
Leah.
Dorothy

This week I scribbled down a few things that have amused me thus far:
Kindergarten
Me: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Jun: "A doctor."
Dorothy: "A doughnut."

Elementary
Me: (While giving the vocabulary test): "Maker...like a shoemaker or dressmaker."
Chris: "Chris' maker is his mother."

After telling my favorite class I was leaving in three weeks
Timothy: "Teacher's airplane boom (crashing hand motions), and Teacher, parachute (floating hand motions). Then Teacher, car (driving motions), come back to Korea."
That simple, eh?

Teaching has been so much more than a job.

Korea reacts

2008-11-10T06:35:00.001-06:00

Seoul, Korea courtesy of Time

It was interesting experiencing the election from abroad. I think it's safe to say that on November 4rth, all eyes were on America. Personally, for once I think we didn't disappoint. Even after a week I get students who tell me they love Obama, or rock back and forth in their chairs chanting his name: "Obaaama, Obaaaama." Then, tip..tip...tip, crash!

Quirks and Characteristics

2008-11-09T06:50:00.003-06:00

A lot of people think they are ugly, but for some reason I've always been obsessed with the big, white Korean apartment buildings. There's something both haunting and beautiful in the multitude of these faceless structures.

Same Same = Love love

2008-11-08T08:06:00.001-06:00

Matching couples are all the rage in Korea. What better way to show your affection?

Guy: "I love you."
Girl: "Prove it."

Hey, remember that one fun night in Daejeon?

2008-11-02T12:07:00.005-06:00

Pumpkins & Rice

2008-11-01T12:32:00.001-05:00

Meet Wall-E
Filling carved pumpkins with rice.

Halloween lunch

This year I realized that going out on Halloween is a lot like New Years: you build up both holidays so much, that they end up being a let down and you're left feeling like this little guy:

I did, however, have a blast with the kids.

What made me smile today

2008-10-16T10:53:00.005-05:00

1. Thinking about my crazy Wednesday night, trading in shots of soju for shots of Coke, while playing drinking games with a group of hilarious Korean guys...I can't wait to backpack with my chingu from Portland. I'm going to have abs of steel from laughing hysterically across SE Asia.

2. Jun in a suit.

3. My little hams.

Nobody

2008-10-15T04:27:00.006-05:00

The only regret I have about my time spent in Korea, is that I never saw the Wonder Girls live:

I feel like they've grown up before my very eyes...This song has also gotten press in the US via Perez Hilton's blog...ehr, not that I ever read it or anything...

A Korean Mother Speaks Out

2008-10-14T04:36:00.009-05:00

Yesterday morning, the mother of my 4 year old student, Nicky, came in to talk to me. She told me that she reads my comments on Nicky's report cards every month, and we talked a bit about her daughter...who is a phenomenal student. She has excellent classroom behavior, can already read English, and has an extensive vocabulary. Nicky's mother then asked me for a favor. She wanted me to record myself reading a speech that she had written for an English speaking competition, so she could work on her pronunciation. I of course agreed, and was blown away by what she had written:

If You Really Love Your Children, Turn a Deaf Ear to Others

The current situation in Korea is making us feel gloomy and uncertain about our future. It suddenly occurred to me, that despite this, many Korean moms are still fanatical about their children's private education. My subject today is, "If You Really Love Your Children, Turn a Deaf Ear to Others." This is to suggest that moms should pay more attention to what their children are interested in than how to provide them private lessons.

I had worked for a private English institute for five y ears before I got married. Even after my marriage, I kept taking English courses in cultural centers. As an ordinary mom of a four-year-old girl, I am more concerned about her emotional development than her education. This year, I was admitted into the third-year class of the Korea National Open University. To be a good English teacher for my daughter, I am now fully devoted to improving my English.

The most embarrassing thing I experienced while working as a visiting teacher was that most Korean moms showed an unusual enthusiasm for early-childhood education but had little consideration for the stress and pain they caused their children. Justifying to themselves that they are doing what is necessary to guarantee a better future for their children, they have actually deprived their children of the freedom they deserve.

In many cases, if a mom hears that the child next door learns something she forces her child to do the same. If her child doesn't get a good score on an exam, she regards it as a shame and pushes her child to blindly concentrate on problem-solving for the next exam. She seems to never realize that such pushing can be harmful to her child in the long term. My experience of this was a good lesson to me and led me to believe that Korean moms should try harder to understand their children better. If they do so, they won't be bothered or swayed by the raging winds of private education.

I believe education is like the 'rabbit and turtle' race where steadiness wins the race. If you run too fast, you might end up last. If you want your children to grow up to be useful members of society, you must try to be a good teacher to them and inspire them to study on their own without depending on private tuition.

It is the recent trend in Korea that moms are struggling to get a job to afford private education, rather than stay with them. I would like to strongly recommend that, instead of worrying about private education costs, Korean moms get into the habit of reading books to their children. If they do so, their relationship with their children will get even closer than before. The more time moms have to talk with their children, the more likely their children will grow up to be healthy, responsible and caring adults.

I used to read Korean and English stories to my daughter every night before she went to bed. Even when I was tired or sick, I didn't miss a day. My child seemed to take it as a bed-time game. After three years of my efforts, she began to read on her own. Recently she enjoys reading me English stories. It was a marvelous surprise to me.

Habits are highly contagious so it is very important for moms to teach their children good habits. Wherever the mom is, at home or at work, it is the mom that has the most influence on a child's habits. Once again I suggest that moms spend an hour a day caring for or playing with their children. It is their parental duty to try to understand what the children are interested in and what they are strong or weak in. Why don't Korean moms have the courage to slow down and become turtle moms?

I was impressed at how well she had written the speech, and also at her progressive way of thinking. As an English teacher in Korea, it's common knowledge that the kids are overworked to death. After their regular classes at public school, they fill their afternoon and evenings by attending different private academies or hagwons (specializing in English, Math, Chinese, Tae Kwan Do, Piano, etc). They get home late in the evening and are expecting to complete all their homework from the day. Even during February and March when kids have their "vacation" they double up on hagwon time. This period is known as "Intensives"...doesn't sound too relaxing, eh? All their lives, these kids have to live with the enormous pressure of working towards getting into that prestigious university.

Classrooms are named after Ivy League Schools at my hagwon.

It's so refreshing to hear a Korean parent think outside the norm and realize that a child's happiness is worth so much more than his or her "success." What's also amazing, is that because of this mother's loving approach, her daughter is doing incredible in her studies. I wish more Korean parents had the same mindset.

Nicky and babo Elizabeth Teacher at the sweet potato farm.
I've taught her well.

mysoju.com

2008-10-12T10:29:00.003-05:00

I discovered the greatest blog that has Korean films posted with English subtitles. I just watched a teen flick full of angst and drama that included a love triangle, a hit and run, a father in jail, a mother in a mental hospital, amnesia, and a rock star miracle. Does it get any better?

Save the Date!

2008-10-09T05:30:00.005-05:00

I booked my flight to Thailand! I'll begin my three month SE Asia backpacking adventure on December 1st. It's so weird to think that I'm on my 12th month in Korea. Living in this country has been one of the best decisions of my life. It saved me from that set path into the "corporate world" (I was in advertising, so not really, but you get the picture) that I didn't realize I was dreading. The blinders are off now, and I do realize that I have a million other options. I'm so excited to spend the rest of my 20s traveling, being spontaneous, living life, and doing what really makes me happy.

These past few weeks I've been trying to fill my days with as much of the Korean experience as I can, so I apologize for the lack of updates. I will get to them soon...maybe. For now I'm off to the Shisha House to partake in a delicious cloud of pineapple and an intense game of Rummy...I know, so hardcore.

Tara looks on in terror as I destroy her.

Hilarious yet horrifying

2008-09-28T17:43:00.000-05:00

Original

SNL's take

Josh

2008-09-22T11:36:00.000-05:00

I remember...

...pushing Alissa and Josh up and down the long gravel driveway at the old house in Desoto. I was 7, Alissa 2, Josh 1. How I remember that summer. My tomboyish ways, Alissa's curls, Josh's chubby cheeks. We were so innocent, untainted, and oblivious to everything but the simple joy of squeaking from one end of the road to the other...

...my Virginia Thanksgiving. Stuffing ourselves, playing card games, laughing until we cried. Kay peed her pants, I think someone fell out of a chair. Hysterical...

...coming home from college and spending the summer with my parents. Alissa and Josh were visiting. We had rented movies. Alissa fell asleep, while Josh and I stayed up watching the scary ones. We had both stuffed ourselves into my dad's recliner, even though we were awkwardly spilling out the sides. We didn't care, there was something comforting about being squashed together as the horrific scenes flashed over our faces. I hate scary movies, but Josh loved them. I could comply for my little nephew.

I hope he knows how much I love him.

Blast from the past

Rice cakes, twirling hanboks, and little league poses

2008-09-20T12:23:00.013-05:00

Joshua Marlin Hall I love and miss you.
...
Last Friday in kindergarten we celebrated Chuseok, Korea's "Thanksgiving." We designed fans and made songpyeon (rice cakes). We also had a short stint of free time, in which I spent playing with my babies and taking pictures. The girls kept wanting me to watch as they twirled in their hanboks, and Jun kept sporting the little league stance every time I broke out the camera. Hilarious!

Can you guess my favorite baby?

Elizabeth Teacher's House from Elizabeth Holbrook on Vimeo

Devastated

2008-09-18T22:59:00.000-05:00

Tragedy has engulfed my family with the death of my nephew. I feel heartbroken and helpless. Tammy and Alissa I love you.

I turned a little more Korean...

2008-09-07T09:51:00.001-05:00

...the day I started buying fake glasses.

It's all about not looking directly into the camera.

I actually want to purchase a new pair of reading glasses while I'm in Korea. Apparently it's possible to get an eye exam and a new pair of trendy frames, for under 50 bones. Why the heck am I buying fake spectacles?

Ode to the KTX

2008-09-06T13:18:00.003-05:00

There's something romantic, almost nostalgic about train rides. Rocking back and forth at a steady unsteady rhythm I close my eyes and remember to breathe. Rubik's cube in my lap, favorite pens spread out on my tiny tray. The Korean man beside me is reading the paper and moving his legs from side to side, matching the beat of the song playing on my ipod. The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth. My flip flop clad feet give into the surrounding motions. The jumbled mess in my mind clears. This is my time to reflect. This is my therapy.

Geek to chic

2008-09-05T22:08:00.004-05:00

Words can not describe my love for this music video. Usually it's the girl who goes from geek to babe, but in Korea it's all same same. Big Bang's killing it!

I love the one finger pointed upwards in triumph as he walks away. What's her problem anyway? I love a man in thick coke bottle glasses...no, really.

Upcoming Adventures!

2008-09-03T09:07:00.005-05:00

I'm going to Jeju for the Chuseok (Korea's "Thanksgiving") holiday! I booked my flight and hostel last weekend, now I just have to work out the details. I'll be traveling solo, and I'm actually really excited about it. I can't wait to relax and get some beach time.
Courtesy of Flickr

I also made a new Korean friend last weekend, Ami. We're going for dinner with her "boy cousin" on Friday and hiking a mountain and drinking makgeolli next Saturday.

Ahhh, I just can't get enough of Korea! I am so happy and excited for these next three months!

Dog Cafe

2008-09-02T06:29:00.004-05:00

You haven't lived (or laughed) until you've been to a dog cafe. Carly and I were lucky enough to stumble upon one the other day in Seoul. We had both read about it, but nothing could have prepared us for the wondrous experience. As soon as we walked into the door, we were met with the horrendous smell that can only come from massive amounts of dogs frolicking around in one tiny space. They were everywhere! Dogs of all shapes, sizes, and colors were jumping off tables, running around, and wallowing on the floor. The greatest thing? No one was even phased by it. Koreans calmly sipped their coffee as dogs leaped around them, slobbering on everything...but I mean, no big deal, the lint rollers were provided.

Puppy Cafe from Elizabeth Holbrook on Vimeo
Cool kids just ya know, chilling with the canines.

Dog abuse?
Hahahaha! I'm evil, but doofy animals kill me.
Eeensy weensy puppy
Tuckered out.

나는 한국을 사랑한다!

2008-09-01T13:52:00.010-05:00

I can't believe that one of my best friends is actually here, living in Korea. How often does that happen? These past two weekends have reminded me how much I've missed Carly and our amazing random days. I now have someone here who knew me before Korea...someone who's part of my amazing circle of friends back home who know everything about me, including my insecurities, my flaws, and awkwardness. The ones who stood beside me during a low point in my life, and yet for some crazy reason still love me in spite of everything. The ease, comfort and happiness that I feel when I'm around them is indescribable. Everyone says they have amazing friends, but mine are truly keepers. I'm beyond happy that Carly's here...AND she came at the perfect time. Festivals, long weekends, and island getaways are just around the corner. I have three more months in Korea, and I want to drink in every single moment that I have left.

Reunited

A little blurb I jotted down the other day:
The rainy season has passed, leaving behind clear skies and beautiful weather. After six months of teaching my four year olds, they have truly become "my babies," warming my heart constantly with their little smiles and sticky hands. Lately when I walk into class, my elementary students start cheering uncontrollably. Last night I hiked my mountain in the dark and enjoyed the serenity and solitude at the top with happy Koreans. For some reason, I've had an abundant amount of energy this week. I'm meeting Tara in an hour to smoke some delicious shisha...
I couldn't be any more in love with Korea.

I love Song Chon Dong! (taken from my favorite classroom)

Spectacular

2008-08-22T17:12:00.002-05:00

Hiking Mt Fuji during the night and watching the sunrise with hundreds of hikers from around the world, was quite possibly one of the most amazing things I've experienced in my life. It took eight grueling hours (8pm-4am) of braving the bitter cold rain, adjusting to the altitude, and waiting in long lines up the mountain, but the end result was well worth it. When the sun started to peak through the clouds, for one brief moment we were all connected, all the hikers from around the world, and everything just made sense. Simply amazing.

A magical, spectacular, glorious experience from Elizabeth Holbrook on Vimeo

He's got two left feet, and he bites my moves

2008-08-17T11:08:00.007-05:00

This song is deliciously delightful and while I remember Tara singing the lyrics months ago, it is now my current obsession. It's toe tapping, arm pumping, dance down the street with ipod in hand while Koreans stare at the babo waygook (crazy foreigner) good.

Back

2008-08-07T15:26:00.003-05:00

I'm back in the land of the morning calm.

I've spent the past week just trying to readjust to life in Korea. I have a new schedule with new classes and kids. My schedule has been so stagnant that I've forgotten how much I love getting new students...like Oscar the biggest little nerd with round wire rimmed glasses and a squeaky voice. I love the geeky kids.

I also have a new class with three students that I had in the first two months of teaching at Swaton. I hadn't seen them in 7 months, and when I walked in the classroom they shouted my name excitedly. It's so crazy how much they've developed and grown since I last taught them. One of the girls proudly showed me that she still had the pen I gave her as a Christmas gift. "Look teacher, you gave to me." It was such a small gesture, but so often I feel replaceable, as if my efforts don't matter, and it was nice to know that after 7 months these students still remembered/appreciated me.

I rejoined the gym. The weather has cooled off a bit to where I can exercise more outside, but I've missed the posters of photoshopped small, white, Asian heads on big, overly tanned, muscular bodies. Also, I'm doing the Nike 10 K Human Race in Seoul at the end of the month.

Japan was amazing (posts and pictures coming soon), but it's good to be back. We have a three day holiday next weekend and I'm ready for another Korean adventure.

JAPAN!

2008-07-24T12:32:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow I begin my journey to Japan. I'm flying into Tokyo and catching a train to the Mt. Fuji fest. Assah! To give you a little taste of what I'll be experiencing, here's a short documentary from last year's festival. Enjoy:

Spectacular.

Randoms

2008-07-17T07:26:00.009-05:00

The application, in the words of my students, is "finish-eeeeee!" Now all I can do is wait. I'm not feeling uuber confident that I'll get the position, but at least it's inspired me to do something more with my time in Korea.

Two shows have made it to Korean television: The Office and Sunset Tan. You win some, you lose some.

We have a new foreign teacher at our school, Lisa, from England. She's positive, energetic and I really like her. We also have a new Korean teacher, Sunny, who seems really cool. I hope she sticks it out.

Today after my last kindergarten class, my 4 year olds handed me their balloons so I could take the tape off the ends (they were hanging on the wall during class). When I got to Nicky's balloon, I tugged a little too hard on the tape and the balloon exploded in a million pieces. I watched as her face went from shock to disappointment and I knew the tears were just a few blinks away. Sure enough, even though I promised her another balloon, she cried and cried, while I was left feeling like the biggest jerk. Even after I gave her another balloon, a bigger and better one, she still looked at me with hurt filled eyes that seemed to say, I don't trust you anymore, because I know now that you can make mistakes too. My babies always look at me like I'm a super hero who can fix any of their problems. Nicky's distrustful eyes broke my heart and reminded me of that point in your life when you realize that your parents aren't perfect...wow, I don't think I can have kids.

Japan is a week away. I'm currently trying to sort out the last minute details of our trip. The more I plan, the more excited I get. I know I'm going to fall in love with the country and add another destination on my list of places to live. I'm in desperate need of a vacation, and maybe even some time away from Korea. I haven't left the country since Hong Kong/Beijing over Christmas break.

I'm going to a film festival outside of Seoul this weekend.

I'm late for my dinner plans. Peace.

Weekend of Solitude

2008-07-13T06:13:00.007-05:00

I think I'm the only foreigner in Korea who didn't attend the Mud Festival this weekend. While wallowing (pronounced "wallerin" where I come from) around in the mud and getting sloshed with a bunch of other Westerners sounded appealing to everyone this weekend, I desperately needed solitude. My friend, Joel, came to visit for a week and we cram packed as much as we could during his time in Korea (Seoul, the DMZ, hiking, eating delicious Korean food, temple stay...), and except for a day off, I had my full teaching schedule. Also, Amy and Carina left a week ago today, proving that nothing is permanent, especially in Korea. As if to bring this point home, right after the girls left, the thrift store on my street that I've passed every day for 8 months has shut down. A seafood restaurant is in it's place. No amount of fish is going to replace where I got the one armed slinger (ridiculous crappy backpack that gets poked fun at constantly). Deep sigh. I miss Amy so much. Already. She was a little piece of home (we went to the same high school), and an awesome person that I grew incredibly close to since my time in Korea. No more Sunday nights at Pizza 2001. However, she is coming back in the fall to attend Korean classes at Seoul University AND, drum roll...CARLY AND DAVID SAX ARE COMING TO KOREA! I haven't allowed myself to fully experience excitement and joy of their arrival. I just can't do it until they are here. My brain can't fathom it.

The main reason I stayed home this weekend was to complete an application that is due on Monday (EST) for a "project" that I really want to get. Vague, I know, but I don't want to announce what it is, partly because I may be a little superstitious, and partly while filling out the application, I've begun to doubt myself and think that my chances are slim. It doesn't hurt to apply, right?

Lately I've been feeling really antsy. One of the main things that I loved about coming to Korea was separating myself from Western ideas and pressures, mainly that my career path defined my worth in life. However, lately I've almost felt a loss of identity. The J-School, advertising, my internships...they were a big part of my life, and without them I'm struggling a bit with what my purpose is supposed to be. I enjoy teaching, but it's not my passion. I need something to pour my ideas into, a creative outlet. I need a project.

It's Sunday night and I haven't accomplished as much as I would have liked. I've been fighting with my Mac and incompatible external hard drive all weekend, trying to create more space on my computer...and let's face it, I'm a procrastinator. I'll write a sentence for my letter of intent, and then watch two episodes of 30 Rock, clean my apartment, or write a blog. I've been compulsively eating ramen, raisins, and Nutri-Grain Bars (I made a trip to Cost Co). I guess it could be worse. Wish me luck and cross your fingers.

Funnest game of foosball with a jank table. I miss the Boppster.

:-)

2008-06-22T04:40:00.003-05:00

Little Joys

2008-06-20T06:53:00.012-05:00

Yesterday while grading homework in class, my student sitting next to me, sweet, soft-spoken Emily, grabbed my hand and said, "Teacher look." She pointed to the scar on my left wrist, my high school battle wound from Olympic Steakhouse that serves as a reminder that I couldn't spend four years in the establishment and leave unscathed. Emily smiled brightly as she put her little wrist next to mine, and proudly displayed an identical scar. "Same," she said with eyes filled with wonder and adoration. In that split second we were kindred spirits and nothing else in the world mattered except that we were connected by our small, secret bond.

Another snapshot moment that I'm going to take with me when I leave Korea.

Love For Long Weekends, Part 2-Yeosu: fun, ferries, and fondling

2008-06-18T07:15:00.009-05:00

The second long weekend in May was for Buddha's birthday. Friday night I chilled in Daejeon, Saturday I hiked Daedunsan (the mountain with the suspension bridge) and Sunday Tara and I hopped on a train to Yeosu, a port city on the Southern coast. I love everything about train rides, and the trip to Yeosu was the most scenic I've experienced yet. According to the man who gave us our tickets, we took "THE slowest train," and it was so worth it. For the first time I finally saw rural Korea. My eyes were glued to the window as I passed through desolate countryside and small village after small village with the ever present mountains gracing the horizon.

Even on "THE slowest train" it only took us about four or five hours to get to the southern tip of the country. That's including our 45 minute wait to transfer in Iksan. It's moments like these when I'm reminded how small Korea really is.

Yeosu was cool. We explored the port area on Sunday night and Monday we grabbed a bottle of Makgeolli (def. Milky-white fermented wine made from rice or various grains. It's cheap, unfiltered, and sold by the pot or in bottles...definitely an acquired taste) and took a ferry ride around the various islands. It was funny because we originally thought we were going on a tour ferry...not quite...we were on an actual ferry that took Koreans back to their island homes. It was fun nonetheless. As always, we were showered with generosity. I scored a piece of gum, a cup of coffee, and a creepy hand on my leg. That's when I decided to go inside and find Tara who was napping with the elderly.

All in all it was a good trip, and I got to see a new place in Korea.

Yeosu is really proud it's the home of the 2012 Expo

Random water show

Fine Dining

T Shive

Always new friends to be made.

Love For Long Weekends: Part 1-Lotus Lantern Fest

2008-06-17T12:16:00.007-05:00

Long weekends are one of the many perks of being a teacher in Korea. I've had three in the past month. Not to brag or anything.

The first long weekend was for Children's Day on May 5th. Yes, that's right, all those times when you were a kid asking your parents why there was a Mothers Day and a Fathers Day, but no Kids Day to which they replied "every day is kid's day," you totally had ammunition to back up your argument..."but in Korea..."
Today the national holiday is often celebrated with parents taking their children to amusement parks. I, however, took the opportunity to spend another weekend in Seoul.

On that Saturday night I went to the World DJ Festival by the Han River. It was fun, but I could have done without it...just another night hanging out with drunk foreigners. Then on Sunday I went to the Lotus Lantern Festival (celebrating Buddha's upcoming birthday aka long weekend #2), which was so rad. A whole area near Insadong was closed off for the festivities. There were concerts, synchronized dancing, booths where you could make your own lanterns, a parade, and full Korean festival madness. Unfortunately I didn't have my G9 yet and was using a friend's older camera, so I'm not crazy about the pictures I took. Here they are nonetheless. Enjoy.

All the seats were full on our train back to Daejeon so we had to ride "standing." Luckily we found these pleasant garbage nooks. It's all about luxury.

All By My Chef

2008-06-16T05:09:00.004-05:00

This kills me. Click below:

It's probably not as funny as I think it is.

The Korean Man Perm-uh: Not Always A Hit

2008-06-11T04:32:00.005-05:00

My student, David (who was in the group that made the glorious family tree), wrote in his diary about the troubles of the Korean man perm:

I had a perm, but I didn't want it. My mother said, "Your hair is long. You must get a perm or a sports hair cut (*basically a mullet)." I was very afraid, so I said, "perm." Ah, when am I going to free my hair? It feels very funny for my head. I don't like my perm very much. I'm never going to get a perm again.

"When am I going to free my hair?" HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

K Pop Is Taking Over My Life

2008-06-09T11:44:00.003-05:00

I just can't seem to get enough.

This is my favorite song out right now and the music video is delightfully emo.

Epik High featuring Ji Sun (who resembles a Korean Hillary Duff, don't you think?) from Loveholic...gotta love the band names.

Move Over Wonder Girls

2008-06-04T11:50:00.015-05:00

It used to be that any time I would say, "Tell me (the answer)" in class, my students, even the timid ones, would break out in song and dance to the Wonder Girls: "Tell Me, Tell Me, T-T-T-T-Tell Me!"

In the past couple months, a new "it" song by the pop band, Jewelry, has graced the country, so that now when I say, "One more time," my kids deliver their rendition of this little gem:

Also, one of the members, Seo In-Young, is considered to be the "Paris Hilton" of Korea, and has her own reality show, "Seo In-Young's KAIST." The program was produced to give Seo, a member of the female pop group Jewelry, the chance to experience university life. Because the singer debuted at an early age, she didn't get a chance to enjoy life as a student. A camera follows the singer as she attends classes, prepares for exams and chats with her new school friends. HanCinema

KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) is actually in Daejeon (represent) and is often referred to as the MIT of Korea.

Thank you youtube for this:

Hair woes

2008-06-02T07:42:00.007-05:00

I got my hair cut downtown last Thursday night at the flashing neon lit, 24 hour salon. I would have never even considered going to a place like that in the States, but both Tori and Emma left with killer cuts, so I decided to give it a go.

At first I thought my hair was funky cool, but now I'm realizing it looks like a long 80's rocker mullet. The little man thinned out my hair so much that I feel like I have nothing left but a few stringy strands. I'm trying not to be superficial, but it took years to grow my hair out. Now, it's just pretty janked up, and I'm eventually going to have to chop it off and start from the beginning.

I need to stop being such a girl. It's just hair, right? AND there are some attributes to having a thin mullet:

1. Less use of shampoo and conditioner = more money to travel
2. Less prep time in the morning = more sleep
3. Everyone loves a mullet
4. I could get a tuft
5 Or turn it into a rat tail

What was I thinking?
I've been scalped.
Stupid, gross thin hair.

Farmer Chords

2008-05-31T05:04:00.004-05:00

"You can sing this when alone, or whistle it through your teeth and it will feel like home, no matter how far you'll be..."

Finally after seven months, I'm homesick. It started with missing my friends' graduations and remembering my own, and it engulfed me after watching Prince Caspian in the theaters which not only took me back to the perfect day when Carly, Lizzy and I watched the first one, but it also brought on an onslaught of emotions from my childhood. Now this weekend I'm feeling even more nostalgic as my friends are rocking out to Death Cab in the streets of Columbia (and I just got a mullet of a hair cut which could add to my emo state).

I miss everything about my roomies, and wonder if there will ever be a time in my life where we'll all be together like in the last, amazing month. I miss Mama Helen, Lebron, and spastic Riley. I miss car rides with Gagers and hearing him say words like "shisshy" and "boob" for the first time. I miss crashing on Tia's couch and playing the roll of an old domestic couple. I miss the sound of the acoustic guitar and sing-longs with pots and pans. I miss long drives with the windows rolled down, aimlessly driving along without a purpose or destination. I miss gut wrenching conversations on the rooftop beside my window...

...but all of this, all that I mentioned, happened in a period of my life that is no longer. I can't go back, nor do I want to go back, but that doesn't mean that from time to time I won't miss it. Regardless if I would have come to Korea or not, I would have moved on with my life leaving behind a lot of people that are dear to me.

Although sometimes I miss stability and the allusive idea of home (oh, Zach Braff you said it perfectly in Garden State), I'm not sure when I'll permanently come back and get a "real job." I've extended my contract for an extra month, and in December Tara and I are backpacking across Southeast Asia for a few months. The plan is to come back home for a bit after my travels, reboot, and then do it all over again. I'm not sure if I'll want to come back to Korea, but I do know that one year of traveling and living abroad isn't enough. I've had that one little taste of adventure, and it's opened the door to endless possibilities. Traveling is such an addiction, and I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to stop...and why should I? I have absolutely nothing holding me back. In these 7 months I've decided that I want to spend the majority of my 20's exploring, vagabonding, and living the life of a gypsy...

but...

...that doesn't mean I won't get homesick from time to time. I realize that now. To everyone back home, I miss and love you so much. You have no idea.

A $3 bus ride in Korea...

2008-05-29T12:18:00.005-05:00

...will take you to beautiful Daedunsan. This has definitely been my favorite mountain in Korea, thus far.

My traveling buddy.

Foliage frame
Frying up some ginseng.

THE suspension bridge.

Scary stairs

Korea's got Seoul

2008-05-25T10:06:00.007-05:00

Last night I went to see a break dancing performance in Seoul called "The Ballerina Who Loves a B-boy." The show was incredible and made me fall in love with Hongdae even more (the artistic/indie area around Hongik University).

I have the biggest crush on the guy in the Mickey Mouse shirt...seriously.

This guy was killing it!

I've been frequenting Seoul quite a bit lately. I just love the energy, opportunities, culture, and randomness that a big city provides. At the same time, Daejeon's home (at least for now), and it always feels good to come home.

Photo of a photoshoot. Hongdae rocks my world.
The glorious day of the random old rock band/swing dancing concert in the park.
Being filmed by a group of marketing research students who were doing a project on the brand image of Seoul in foreigners' minds. They were so rad.

One of the many local bands/musicians on the side of the street in Hongdae.

Family Tree aka My Kids Are Hilarious

2008-05-22T21:21:00.003-05:00

Today the "family tree" was the target in one of my upper elementary classes. I decided to break the class into two groups and have a competition on who could make the best family tree out of the magazines provided. This was definitely my favorite:

George Bush married a corn lady and together they created Kevin Spacey who eventually married a blond who birthed both an Asian baby and a Black girl. Brilliant.

Ice cream chu-se-yo (please)

2008-05-09T04:00:00.004-05:00

My favorite cutesy/cheesy TV ad (for Cyon-LG mobile phone) that gets stuck in my head on a daily basis. Enjoy!

Helen

2008-05-08T22:17:00.004-05:00

A couple months ago Helen started working at Swaton as the kindergarten helper. She wrote me a letter asking for my e-mail address because she was interested in improving her English. The day after I gave her a slip of paper with my gmail account, I had donuts waiting at my desk with a note that said, "Thank you for being my friend"...and so the gift giving began. I know it's normal in Korean culture to give gifts, and I try to always exchange the courtesy, but at times it makes me feel like a jerk when she's consistent (my favorite gift so far has been a Soju pen), and I start slacking by snagging an ice cream bar or coffee on my way to work.

Helen e-mails me frequently, and a few weeks ago I had dinner with her and her sister at their apartment. It was my first time actually being in a Korean home. They were so cute and gracious, and between Helen, her sister, the English translator, hand motions, and lots of giggles we were able to communicate.

Helen's Sister: "Do you like bear?"
Me: "A bear? The animal?"
Helen: "Yes, B-E-A-R"
Helen's Sister: "Hite-uh, Cass-uh..."
Me: "Oh beer! Yes, I like beer.
Helen & Sister: "Yes, yes! Beer Beer!"

They started stuffing me with food the second I walked in the door. First we had rice cakes and strawberries, then pizza, then Chinese food (I bravely ate noodles with squid, clams and whole crabs), and then we topped off the dinner with walnuts. I love that we ate dessert first, but the highlight of the night was when the mom brought Helen's 5 year old son into the living room to pee in a cylinder container. I tried to act nonchalant like everyone else during this occurrence, maintaining a "whatever, I see 5 year old boys peeing into cylinders on a daily basis, psssh" attitude. Oh, Korea, you continually amuse me.

I hung out with Helen again on Tuesday, and this time we hiked "my mountain." She took me to an area that I had never been to before. This time conversation was a bit lacking and a tad awkward since her sister wasn't there, but it was still a good time. However, I can't shake the feeling that Helen is unhappy and searching to fill a void in her life. I wish I could talk to her about it, but our communication is very basic. I guess all I can do, is just continue to be her friend...and throw in the occasional ice cream bar along the way.

Down down down into the pines.
Picnic area. Helen says every second Saturday a concert is held here. Rad.
Coolest thing. This is a library...on the side of a mountain. Awesome.

Dorky
Old swimming hole

I invested in a new and improved camera: a Canon G9. Let's hope Korea doesn't eat this one and I'll be careful not to drop it in something vile and disgusting. Three's a charm.

Excitement

2008-04-28T12:42:00.004-05:00

As the weather is getting warmer, my life is becoming an amazing whirlwind. I'm so excited for the next two holiday weekends and all the spring/summer plans that keep building up. Lately I've been finding myself in a state of awe and disbelief that this is really my life. Most people hit a 6 month slump, but I feel like I just hit an awakening.

A couple weeks ago I bought my tickets for the Mt. Fuji Rock Festival in July. The line up for last year was incredible. So far out of all the artists listed I'm most excited about seeing Kate Nash and CSS. Ahhh, ten days in Japan. It's going to be amazing. Now if only my camera would reappear.

CSS- Off The Hook

Kate Nash- Foundations

Theories

2008-04-23T22:30:00.005-05:00

Here are my thoughts on who the mystery maid could possibly be:

1. My landlord. Maybe she came in to check something in the bathroom, or maybe she was trying to prove a point because lately my apartment has been looking like a bomb exploded inside. I should not live alone.

2. Mr. Lee. The "handy man" from my school. He has a spare key and was the one who set up my Internet, cable, and landline. I've actually walked in on him in my apartment, unaware that he was at my place fixing something. Perhaps he needed to check out my washer and hung up my clothes in the process?

3. My favorite theory: "The heavenly mothers" as we like to call them. They're a group of women who are Jehovah witnesses. They roam the streets constantly, knock on my door daily, and I've even had one lady jump out of her car mid-intersection to talk to me. Anyway, one time when I was at home I ignored their persistent knocking and "hello's" and I swear they tried to open my door. Also, after the incident occurred, I went to my friend's house because I was freaked out. When I came back, sure enough, the heavenly mothers were hovered outside my door. Possibly, they hung up my clothes in order to fulfill their good deed for the day. Yea, I have no idea. I'm grasping.

Also, I can't find my camera. If it is truly gone, it's my own fault for never locking my door. I should have been more cautious after a local convenient store was robbed at knife point. Man, what's happening in Daejeon? There's not supposed to be crime in Korea. Now convenience stores are being robbed, clothes are being hung up...it's shaking my world.

In other news, today marks my 6 month anniversary in Korea. Thoughts and reflections coming soon!

Mystery Maid

2008-04-19T23:24:00.000-05:00

Since my time in Korea, I've realized this country is one of the safest places to live. Children roam the streets without their parents, even after night fall, and I hardly ever lock my door (partly because I can never keep up with my key). At the most, I'll pretend to put the key in the door when people are outside (seriously). Crime just isn't an issue.

Today I didn't even think twice about leaving my door unlocked when I went hiking. Later in the afternoon when I came back, I noticed my front window was slightly opened. It freaked me out a bit because lately I've felt like things in my apartment have been a little off...like someone has been inside. I know, I know, you'd think I'd start locking my door. Anyway, I shrugged it off and took a nap. When I woke up, I stumbled into the bathroom and noticed that my washing machine lid was up. I looked back into the other room and saw my wet clothes hanging on my drying rack. When I left to go hiking they were still in the washing machine.

Ree ree ree ree (scary noise).

Apparently, in Korea when people break into your house (technically not "breaking in" since the door was unlocked), they like to hang up your wet clothes and drape the previously drying ones nicely on your couch. I also noticed that some of my clothes in my dresser had been folded. Weird, weird, weird.

I'm tempted to keep my door unlocked to see what my mystery maid will do next. I do have a blown light bulb in the bathroom. Maybe I should leave a note...or maybe I should start locking my door.

Only in Korea.

"Kimchi, kimchi, it is good for you and me."

2008-04-14T10:10:00.004-05:00

The video that has swept over the SoKo English teaching community and is quoted/sung daily:

Enjoy.

TIKI Tuesday: Korean Baseball Rain Gear

2008-04-01T14:40:00.004-05:00

Protection from the mid-game drizzle.

***In an attempt to be more consistent with the random Korean tidbits/sightings, TIKI Tuesdays will occur once every two weeks.

Hwangsa Season: A joyful time

2008-03-20T05:30:00.004-05:00

It's officially hwangsa season. Every spring in the months of March-May, Korea gets hit with yellow dust storms, or hwangsa storms. The yellow dust originates in the deserts of Mongolia, Northern China, and Kazakhstan and is carried eastward by prevailing winds. With the sand, comes all sorts of pollutants. According to my best friend next to Google,
Wikipedia states that, sulphur (an acid rain component), soot, ash, carbon monoxide, and other toxic pollutants including heavy metals (such as mercury, cadmium, chromium, arsenic, lead, zinc, copper) and other carcinogens, often accompany the dust storms, as well as viruses, bacteria, fungi, pesticides, antibiotics, asbestos, herbicides, plastic ingredients, combustion products as well as hormone mimicking phthalates. Now, that sounds healthy.

The Korea Environment Institute claims that the dust kills up to 165 South Koreans a year (mostly the elderly or people with respiratory ailments) and makes as many as 1.8 million ill. I'm a living testament. I made the extremely stupid mistake of running the other night after a polluted day and now I have a terrible cough that's moved into my chest. Last night I woke up with a raging fever that carried over into the day and made me completely miserable. I don't even remember teaching yesterday. It was all a big hazy blur.

I've been so sickly since I've been in Korea. With the pollution combined with my nose picking, slobbering kindies, my immune system doesn't stand a chance. I began thinking about the last few times I've developed a cough or cold and realized that I always got sick after my nights of running. I need to be more cautious about exercising outside, especially during the next few months. I think it might be time to break down and buy a gym membership. Sigh.

Only in Korea would I get a face mask to protect me from the yellow sand as a birthday present

Happy White Day!

2008-03-14T07:22:00.008-05:00

In Korea, Valentines Day is done a little differently. Girls are supposed to buy their significant others gifts, and in return, a month later, the guys buy the girls gifts. Hence, White Day.

What about the singles? Glad you asked. There's a day for us too. It's on April 14th and it's called...wait for it...Black Day! On this day, singles get together and "commiserate their singledom" by eating Jjajangmyeon, white Korean noodles with black bean sauce. I can't wait! How could I possibly resist being around a table of self loathing singles eating emo noodles? Bring it.

I'm 23 now, but will I live to see 24...

2008-03-10T03:00:00.000-05:00

...the way things is going I don't know.

Gangsta's Paradise. Popular little song in middle school when I used to pretend I was a thug. You think I'm kidding.

Coolio is no longer applicable. I turn 24 in a week. That is, unless my new kindies do me in, which is highly possible. How did I get this old?

So, I've been upseyo (missing, not here, etc). I promise I'll have a real blog soon. Until then, enjoy:

The allusive fortress

2008-02-27T04:32:00.005-06:00

I finally found it!
Peaking through in the distance.

Dressed to impress

Of course there's a random video
Now trying to find the allusive rickety bridge
Rad shadows.

I am surrounded by beauty.

TIKI Tuesday- Of course there's a guy duct taped to a pole.

2008-02-19T23:20:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday night while walking to get a cab, this is what I happened upon. Never a dull moment my friends, never a dull moment.

That's the thing about Korea, from mozzerella sticks served with rice and fish eyeball soup to Korean guys duct taped to a pole at five in the morning, it's the most random country...and I love it.

Sick and Narcoleptic

2008-02-16T13:39:00.002-06:00

Once again, I am sick. It's inevitable, really. Especially when Evan tells me, "teacher, my throat is broken," and then continues to slobber on everything. Now my throat is broken too.

Being sick and picking up extra classes has spurred my exhaustion. I have no qualms about passing out anywhere if it means I can catch a few extra Zs. Not that I ever did. Tia and my old roomies will attest to this.

No matter where you are, some things never change, do they?

Me in canine form...except I don't bounce back so quickly

Lunar break: whiskey shots on the duck ship, board games with monks, and hair insults in Seoul

2008-02-11T08:20:00.000-06:00

I had a fabulous Lunar break.

On Thursday Tara and I met up with Emma and Molly in Gyeoung-ju. We had some time to kill before we could go to the temple stay, so we just hung out in the resort area of the city.

It was so funny, when the Korean man took this picture he asked if we wanted the "ship" to be included in the photograph.
Through the eye of the duck.
Manning the ship.
Captain Longlegs taking a shot of whiskey. Honestly, what better way to ring in the new Lunar year than on a duck paddleboat with last night's "nightcap?"

I didn't really learn much about Buddhism during the temple stay, but I had a really good time. I liked it because the meditation and chanting were mixed in with what they called "active zen," which included a 5am walk around the temple site, sunmudo training (it's like a mix between yoga, martial arts, and dance), and 108 bows. The 108 bows were a killer, but I did them all. I'm not talking about a simple bow. Oh, no. One bow involved kneeling, moving into a fetal position, kneeling again, and then popping back up to a standing position. I was the only one of my friends to complete all 108. Just another example of how I'm so freaking competitive with myself.

The food was incredible. It was all vegetarian and you had to eat everything that you put on your plate (not a hard task for me, since I already practice this at school because I'm scared of our cook). I had the best kimchi I've ever tasted in Korea. Usually I'm not even crazy about the stuff, but I went back for seconds.

The best part of the temple stay was when we played traditional Korean games to celebrate the new year. I learned how to play Yut, the game my kindergarteners played during our festivities at Swaton. This game is so much fun. Basically you are given a gameboard that you move around by throwing four sticks that serve as a dice. If one stick is facing up, then you move one space, and so on. If all four sticks are facing down then you move five spaces. If you throw a four or a five you get to throw again. If you get an exact number you can take different short cuts, and if you land on the opponent you send them back to start. There are other rules, but essentially it's the Korean version of Sorry. There's a lot of strategy involved and I can't stress enough how much fun this game is.

We broke into teams and created brackets for a tournament of Yut. We could line up behind any one of the team leaders. I picked the Korean guy with the purple pants. I just had a feeling about someone who would wear such vibrant colors. (Sidenote for Tia: Remember green pants who rescued me in the parking lot in Dallas? Greeeeeeen.) My intuition paid off since our team dominated, took first place in the tournament, and I got a sweet free t-shirt.

It was really awesome when we were all playing games, because there was such a positive energy in the room. I remember taking a step back from the commotion and thinking about how truly happy I was at that exact moment, and I could feel that everyone else in the room felt the same way. I've been thinking a lot lately about how freeing and happy people become when they resort to a childlike state of mind...that is, getting joy out of simplistic things and always having that woder and excitement about them. I felt like the night we played games, everyone in the room, Westerners, Koreans, monks alike, were all connected because we understood this concept. It was such an incredible feeling.
Yut champs.

Tara and I only stayed one night. After leaving the temple we decided to venture out and find the sea, which we ended up doing only after getting accosted by a Korean man with a glass eye who kept grabbing my arm trying to take me back to his "house-ah" and showing me his green toenail. Yes, my friends, TIKI TIKI, this is Korea...and I love it (which you will soon hear me say in my usual annoying commentary).

"See the sea." Nice.

King MunMu's Tomb. It's the only underwater tomb in the world. "King Munmu, who reigned between 661 and 681 AD at the height of Shilla's power and prosperity, wished to be buried offshore in order to protect his country from marauding Japanese pirates."

Yes, that's a pig's head. Just a friendly reminder of why I choose not to eat pork.

I don't know why, but I like this unsuspecting, out of focus picture.

Nothing like some dried squid flapping in the breeze.

On Saturday night Tara and I went to Seoul. I don't really feel like I can make a judgment of the city since I briefly went to a couple bars in Itaewon (foreignerville) and Hongdae (artistic district). I loved the bar we went to in Hongdae. It was a hole in the wall filled with Koreans smashed up against each other dancing to Western music. Of course I got way too into rocking out and had a Korean guy tell me kindly, "Your hair...not so good." Obviously he doesn't know what rock star hair looks like (said in slightly nasely voice). Pssssh.

TIKI Tuesday- Happy Chinese New Year, here's some spam.

2008-02-05T19:36:00.000-06:00

In celebration of the Lunar New Year my school gave me a nice big box of spam/ham. While I appreciate the gesture, I for one am not a fan of spam/ham and am trying to cut meat out of my life as it is. Not wanting it to go to waste, I gave it to the little lady who runs U9 (one of my favorite Korean restaurants in Song-chon) with her husband. I absolutely love the U9 lady. Everytime I see her she greets me with a huge smile and waves exaggeratedly. She almost cried when I gave her the spam/ham. You have to meet this lady. She's ace.
Who knew a block of spam/ham could bring such happiness?

We celebrated the Lunar New Year during the kindergarten hours today. It was the first time I've seen my kids dressed in their hanboks (traditional Korean attire). Adorable.
Rose class: Evan, Rania, Jenny
"Elllliiiiiiizabeth Teaaaaaaaaacher!"
The kids had to take turns bowing to Mr. Lee (the main guy who runs our hagwon). In return they were given cookies. Not a bad exchange if you ask me.
You can't tell me you wouldn't want to smuggle this cute little face home.
Becky
Making mandu (a Korean dumpling filled with vegetables and minced meat).

"Ne, ne seon-saeng-nim!" Translation: "Yes, yes, teacher!"

The pro, our cook. This lady is hilarious, she's always chuckling crazily to herself. Probably thinking, Today I'm going to make the foreigners eat fish eyeball soup, eh heh heh!
My silly girls.

Alice being ladylike.
Playing a traditional Korean game that involves throwing sticks. I didn't really understand, but the kids love it.
Not the correct way to play.
This boy is so cute with his permed (perm-AH) hair. He cracked me up because the whole time we were playing games he wouldn't stop jumping.
Spoon/egg race. Sally is probably the most beautiful little girl I have ever seen.
Still jumping.
The kids played a game where they had to jump on one foot and try to knock each other over. Hilarious!

AND jumping!
Kindergarten teachers with our graduating classes. Nice little awkward photo.

I have the next three days off from school. I'm hanging out with the monks at a temple in Gyeong-ju until Friday. After that who knows where I'll go...Muju? Seoul? Busan? Stay tuned.

Weekend Recap

2008-02-04T09:28:00.000-06:00

Well, I got my wish. My weekend was definitely chill. I got up early and hiked the mountain Saturday morning. I didn't search for the fortress, but instead went to my usual spot: a little resting area that overlooks the lake. When it was warmer there was an older man who served coffee and ramen from his motorcycle and kids would be playing badminton. I'd pack a notebook, write, and contemplate life.

I keep having flashbacks from my childhood. Just now watching these two boys play badminton takes me back to a time when Jennifer Drury and I would play with my mom's set in our front yard with the big oak tree. I miss being a child. I miss being carefree. I love that I'm in a place that brings these memories and emotions back. My senses feel heightened. I feel alive. Are we most alive when we resort to a childlike state of simplicity in our lives? I wonder...

Saturday night I met up with my friends Josh and Tara and had a few beers at a bar called Santas. It's laid back with foosball and pool tables. The thing I love most about it, is that there's a computer chocked full of good music. I found so many of my favorite bands and fought with the creepy old Western man who kept bumping my songs down in order to play his 70's rock and country. Seriously, where do these guys come from? Take your lecherous smiles and creepy stares and go back to your Western countries you dirty old men (with bad taste in music).

Sunday was by far my favorite day. I promised Sienna, one of the Korean teachers at my school, that I'd go to her church with Carina and Amy. On our way to the service our cabdriver was so kind and gave us oranges. At church I enjoyed the praise service immensely. The music was amazing and the closest thing to a concert that I've experienced since I've been in Korea. There was an awesome Korean girl, May, who played the drums. She completely intrigued me. Her hair was shorter, she wore boyish clothes, sneakers, and artsy square glasses (completely defying Korean standards of fashion and "beauty"). You could tell her whole being just loved music and that she adored playing the drums. She wants to go to the States and play in a band. I want to get to know her. She seems so rad.

After church we hung out in Eun Haeng Dong and I tap danced with a crazy old man in the subway station. He proudly pointed to the "Columbia" logo on his jacket, because it was in English. He was great. I should have captured our dance off on video. Oh well, at least I have these pictures:

I'm so sorry, but I love you...

2008-01-31T13:02:00.000-06:00

Just another Korean hit that's been topping the charts for months. The part where they're in the jail cell cracks me up. So dramatic. I'd totally go to a Big Bang concert if given the chance.

"Don't Go"

2008-01-31T12:20:00.000-06:00

The other day in one of my older classes we were playing Sorry and I said, “Don’t Go!” which was immediately followed by uncontrollable laughter. According to the Korean teachers “Don’t Go” sounds a lot like the Korean slang word for “anus.” Nice. I can’t blame them for finding it funny. In college I would laugh hysterically (and immaturely) as my Asian Economics professor would tell us to please get out our “work shits.”

School has been kicking my butt (or should I say my “Don’t Go”) lately. Yet another class was added to my schedule, and I had to pick up an extra class for my director today. I really shouldn’t complain because my new class is filled with tiny adorable kids. There’s this little boy named Dale (horrible name for a Korean 1st grader) who is so freaking cute, and then there’s little Thomas. He struggles and really should be in a lower level, but he follows me around like a little puppy dog with adoring eyes. I think I stepped on him about ten times today. Oops.

Today I had a great time teaching comparative adjectives to my older class. I love adjectives. Insert nerdy giggle interrupted by snorts. We drew pictures of people who were “fat” and “fatter” “short” and “shorter”, etc and gave them fun names like “pigman,” and “hobbit.” I taught them how to play “Spoons” (I deal out three cards, they take one and pass it to the person next to them and so on until someone has a match. The person who has the match grabs a spoon and then it’s a free-for-all for the rest of the spoons. Whoever doesn’t grab one gets an “S”. The first person to spell Spoon is out) and it was hilarious to watch them get into it. It made me feel good, because at times they can be so apathetic.

I’m staying in Daejeon this weekend for the first time since I’ve been back from Christmas break. I think I’m going to hike the mountain near my apartment in search of the allusive fortress and hopefully volunteer at the orphanage on Saturday. I could definitely use a chill weekend.

So thrilled to have their picture taken.

Happiness

2008-01-27T11:10:00.000-06:00

This past week has been absolutely great. Here are a few things that have been the cause of my happiness.

1. Story time and making snowflakes with my kinders.

2. Drawing a map that actually resembles the US. We're reading Pocahontas in one of my classes and learning about Native Americans and northeast, southeast, etc. My kids call Chief Powhatan "Chief Swaton" (name of my school), and sometimes I make the boys read Pocahontas' lines because they think it's hilarious.

3. Introducing Sorry to my kiddos. Mama Helen sent it to me, and it's been a big hit.

4. My new headband.

5. Getting this free bag at Sdot. Oh, the perks of being a Westerner.

6. Amy. She's a true blue friend.

7. My director's love for American R&B.
For the first time I actually miss driving. Watching Michelle rock out made me miss driving around with Carly blasting TBS on a summer day that feels so long ago. We had our own stoplight solo. I played the guitar; Carly rocked the drums.

8. Frolicking in Eun Haeng Dong.

True love separated by a glass wall. It's a cruel world.

9. Snowboarding!

TIKI Tuesday- One of the many reasons I love Koreans

2008-01-22T14:51:00.000-06:00

My water bill (taped to my door):

"I'm sorry that you should give me water tax." How cute/nice is that?

Things are looking up friends

2008-01-18T08:26:00.000-06:00

During kindergarten this morning...
Me: How are you today May?
May: I am happy.
Me: Why are you happy?
May: Because Elizabeth teacher come!
...insert melted heart.
Thank you for reminding me what makes all of this worth it.
Cussing boy wrote me a letter saying he was sorry, but more importantly he gave me a sucker today in class. All is well.
Snowboarding adventures tomorrow. Yesssss.

Debbie Downer

2008-01-17T12:49:00.000-06:00

I'm in a slump. I have been for the past couple weeks. A big fatty slump...but not in a "I hate Korea and can't wait to come back to Auuumerica and chomp down on some burritos" way. No, it's more of a "Wow, I feel like a crappy teacher" slump, which breeds negativity into my life outside of school.

I think it's just going to take me a while to adjust to my new schedule. When I came back from break I had three more classes added to my work load, one of which is THE class from hell. Try as I may, I will never be able to explain what teaching this class is like. These kids are constantly yelling, saying things to me in Korean (probably calling me an "ugly horse" like they did their last teacher) with hatred in their eyes, hitting each other, hitting me, walking out of the room without asking, fighting during games, refusing to play games, and throwing the teaching materials. I've had the ringleader of the group get so angry at me that he spazzed out and started banging his head and fists against the desk (think exorcist). How do you control a class like that? I've talked to my director and the Korean teacher that I share the class with, and they've scolded the kids for their behavior. It's helped a little. At least I'm not turning my back to them, shakily writing on the board with tears in my eyes as they laugh and make fun of me. I know they are just kids, and I try my hardest to always remember that. I feel like it's my fault for not being able to discipline them without them hating me or for not keeping them entertained the whole time. It's hard to feel like a stellar teacher when they start sighing loudly when I walk in the room, disappointed that it's me, and not the Korean teacher.

Maybe it's just intensives (when the kids are on break from public school and they double up at their private schools), because all of my classes have been a little out of control. I constantly struggle with discipline. I don't know how to effectively use it, and when I do, I feel like I shouldn't have. In one of my older classes, I made a boy write his sentences again because he had too many mistakes, which resulted in him yelling "shit" and "fuck" loudly. I sent a yellow slip home to his parents saying that he said "very bad words" during class. The Korean teacher I share the class with said that she didn't think he understood that those words were bad, so now I'm questioning if I should have even called attention to it.

I try and tell myself that at least I care. At least I try to think of creative games and activities for the kids...but it just seems like all my attempts keep getting dumped on. The other day I spent my entire break making up a new game for my kids, only to be told it was "not interesting" (by the same boy who "shit" and "fuck"). I've gotten slips of paper during class from my director letting me know that the parents are watching me (there are cameras installed in each classroom so they can watch online), and I had to pick up an extra class because of reasons I don't want to go into for the sake of sounding like a debbie downer (as if I'm not already).

Teaching's hard, man. I just need to get out of this slump. I need to let things roll off my back, and not let one class affect my mood for the rest of the day, and cause me to come home and eat oranges compulsively. Seriously, I went through a bag of 20 in less than 24 hours.

In other news, the Lunar New Year is quickly approaching. I get a 5 day holiday. Bliss. I had thoughts of going to Taiwan, but have decided to keep it local. I think Emma and I are going to do an overnight temple stay and monk it up for a couple days. I could use some quiet time for self reflection. Other than that, I'm going to spend my break reading, hiking, relaxing, and painting the blank canvas that's been sitting on my floor for months. Two in a half weeks and counting!

TIKI Tuesday- Fan Death

2008-01-15T23:05:00.000-06:00

First off, this kills me...well, not literally, thanks to my super switch saver.

Fan death is a South Korean urban legend that supposedly many people believe, and is reported about in the media. It states that an electric fan left in a closed room causes sudden death, suffocating victims by stealing their oxygen. Hmm, how did my dad survive all those nights, door closed, with the box fan on full blast?

According to my friend, Wikipedia, "Electric fans sold in Korea are equipped with a 'timer knob' switch, which turns them off after a set number of minutes: perceived as a life-saving function, particularly essential for bed-time use."...All this time I've been getting annoyed with my fan for constantly shutting off, when really I should have been thanking it for saving my life.

Now, I'm not really sure if many Koreans still believe in this urban legend. It's something I should ask the teachers at my school about, but after searching Google I found an article written about fan death, by a professor with the name of "Gypsy Scholar." Here's a delightful excerpt from his article:

We think that the fans are now trying to freeze us to death, so we've put them away in a closet, completely
covered in a bag zipped carefully shut to prevent them from doing even more damage. Fans are killers. Why do
you think that they're called fans? The word "fan" is short for "fanatic." You can't trust fanatics. Don't trust fans,
either.

"The word 'fan' is short for 'fanatic.' You can't trust fanatics. Don't trust fans, either" (That reminds me of the whole "Santa" spells "Satan" spheel). Solid gold, my friends. Solid gold.

Killer.

Click here for the Wikipedia article.
Click here for the Gypsy Scholar blog.

Random Bus Hopping Adventure

2008-01-13T04:39:00.000-06:00

Why is it that every Sunday night I stay up as long as I can in hopes of prolonging the weekend? I think that as long as my eyes don’t shut, the weekend is still happening. I developed this strange, anxious habit in college. Sometimes I wonder when I’ll stop acting like a college student. I still take advantage of free food any chance I can get, I put off my reports until the last minute and “cram” the night before they’re due, and I still proudly sport my Mizzou hoodies. At least I’m not sleeping on the living room floor anymore and storing my clothes in the coat closet. I’m moving up in the world.

This Saturday I was supposed to go snowboarding, but the rainy weather canceled the trip. Instead I hopped on a random bus with Amy and Carina. Our destination: Pyongtaek, a city about 65 miles southwest of Seoul. Once we arrived at the Pyongtaek station, we found a huge tourist map of the city, and were pleasantly surprised at all the cultural sites dotting the map…a seated Buddha, ancient ruins, temples…we had no idea that the closest we would get to these images would be in front of a computer screen at a pc bang.

After deciding to visit a cultural center by the sea, we jumped in a cab and told the driver our destination. About three minutes into the ride we noticed the cab fare jump up drastically. Never in my life have I seen rates escalate so quickly. We started freaking out and told him to take us back to the station. He took the long way back, missing exits along the way. Our total bill for a ten-minute ride to nowhere was a whopping $21! We got gypped. I mean, come on, I rode around in a blinged out cab with a strobe light for an hour and it was almost the same price. All this guy had to offer was an aroma of lilac that was so strong it made my eyes burn. Are two potent cans really necessary?

Once we were back to exactly where we started, only with our pockets lighter, we walked to a pc bang and researched the city. We found the train station and decided to visit Pyongtaek port to see the longest bridge in Korea, and search for a Mexican restaurant. However, the train didn’t go near the port, and after another expensive, unsuccessful cab ride, we decided just to explore the downtown area.

We may not have seen the longest bridge, and we struck out finding a Mexican restaurant, but it was still a fun trip. Cheers to spontaneity!
Walk to Dongbu bus station in Daejeon...Downtown areas during the daytime remind me of empty carnivals.
Breathalyzer tests at one in the afternoon. We (yes, I refer to myself as part of Korean society now) like our Soju, and we like it early.
Picking our destination by using "kai bai bo". That's rock, scissors, paper.

Fellow random bus hoppers.
Oh, the excitement of seeing the hip hop bear. Every foreign teacher has him on a mug. It comes furnished with our apartments.
Classy subway sign
Comforting glow from the pc bang. Why did we even venture out? We should have just lit up a fag, played some games, and called it an afternoon.
Check out the clouds.
The "no..." socks series. Apparently, these are "no flamethrowing," "no shoveling," and "no falling asleep while reading."
Market where some man glared at us, and said "NO!" forcefully. He proceeded to get up in Carina's face and say something in Korean with eyes filled with hatred. This was the first time I've ever been shown any kind of animosity.
Furry dead thing. Do you eat this? Barf.

This is the bridge we were supposed to see...
...and this is the bridge we actually saw.
We ate at an amazing Indian restaurant and called it a day.

Snapshot into a day in the life of...

2008-01-10T20:06:00.000-06:00

Today I thought my shirt looked a little bland. I decided to spice it up with not one, not two, but three necklaces. It caused quite a commotion in my oldest kindergarten class. "Why teacher???" Why three necklaces???" How do I reply to that? I idolize Mr. T? I enjoy defying the rules of accessories? Or simply, I felt like wearing three? I decided to go with the easiest answer that always satisfies their little minds. "It's American."

My bling.

I made a dinosaur today. What did you do?

My desk. This says so much...

hahahahahahahahaha!

2008-01-10T07:30:00.000-06:00

I've been feeling out of the loop, so I decided to catch up on the happenings in the world outside of SoKo. Look what gem of a story I happened upon. Of course this would catch my eye.

Who cares about the elections when a Mexican boy glues himself to a bed to avoid school? My favorite part of the whole story: "Diego watched cartoons while they worked to unglue him."

TIKI Tuesday

2008-01-08T10:33:00.000-06:00

On this fine Tuesday, I bring you coffee in a stick.

It's sugar, cream, coffee...everything you could possibly need in one tiny tube. Just add hot water and you're good to go. Sidenote. Koreans use toilet paper as paper towels.

REBECCA NORRIS! Thank you for my care package! It's been a rough week, and a Got Apple? t-shirt is exactly what I needed to lift my spirits. You rock, and I miss you like mad.

Gyeryongsan

2008-01-06T02:56:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I took an hour bus ride to Gyeryongsan (san means mountain) with my friends, Josh and Tara. Despite the fact that the trail to the nearest peak was covered in ice, we prevailed and made it to the top. We caused quite a commotion among the Korean hikers, because of our shoes. First of all, we didn’t have proper hiking shoes (I need to invest. The Shocks just aren’t cutting it), or the crampons (tiny little attachable spikes) that everyone was wearing. We kept passing groups of hikers that after their initial excited reaction of seeing us, would shake their heads disapprovingly, point to our shoes and say, “dangerous, dangerous.” It wasn’t bad hiking up, but on our way down Tara and I kept falling. After we both landed on our backs, the cutest Korean couple came scurrying over to make sure we were okay. They then each took off one of their crampons and their gloves and gave them to us to use until we got to the bottom. Just another example of how the people here are so incredibly generous…or maybe they were just fascinated my Tara’s magical pants (see pictures below).

My new friend Tara. She's a hardcore snowboarder from Portland. She hardly brought any clothes to Korea, so she could have room for her snowboard. We went on a search for some sweats that would fit her (she's tall), and this is what we found. Hot.

Of course we'd randomly see Josh near my apartment (he lives in a different dong: area of the city) with a helmet on his head, carrying a blanket. We talked him into hiking with us.

I don't stand a chance next to those sexy pants.

Tour guide?

Who doesn't want a picture with the crazy waygooks (foreigners)? Obviously the man trying to pass by. Look at that annoyed expression...The lady taking our picture told us to say "whiskey" instead of "cheese." Did I mention I love Korea?

Almost to the top. Nice little rattail flapping in the breeze.

We made it!

One of my kids is named after a body odor

2008-01-02T21:11:00.000-06:00

New Years Eve was a bit of a bust. My plans to go to Seoul fell through, so I ended up spending the majority of my night at a sketch bar in Daejeon, filled with creepy old Western men. Sick. However, my director said there's a belief that if it snows in Korea on the first day of the year, the year is blessed. It snowed on January 1st. It's going to be an amazing year.

Today was my first day back at Swaton. My kindies greeted me with their sweet hopeful faces and slipped their little hands into mine. I taught Jenny and Rania how to say "awesome." They were amused. I've grown so attached. I think my heart is going to break when I lose them in February. I'm quickly pushing that thought out of my head. I had two new classes today, so no more spa Wednesdays for me. I have an older class that's going to be a challenge. They are a lower level class, so I walked in assuming they were little tikes. Imagine my surprise when I walked in on a bunch of middle school aged kids. One boy gave me "the nod", and immediately asked, "how old are you?" in a "how you doin?" voice. Too old you for you little guy. I'm going to have to stand my ground or they are going to walk all over me. There's one boy who has glasses and braces, that the "cool guys" of the class make fun of, however, it's not because of the glasses and braces. No, they pick on him for having curly hair...of all things! They've teased him so much, that he wears a winter hat with earflaps during class. Poor little dude. I wish I could tell him his hair would be the envy of all prepubescent boys in the States...The kids' English names in that class are ridiculous. I have a Justin A and a Justin B, but the funniest one is Bio, pronounced "B.O.", like the sweaty armpit odor. Seriously, why would you name a kid BO? I couldn't keep a straight face every time I said his name. See, that's the problem. How am I supposed to teach 12-13 year olds when I'm really 13 at heart?

Fun Fact

2007-12-31T18:00:00.000-06:00

Tonight when the clock strikes midnight my Korean alter ego will turn twenty-five. In Korea when babies are born, they are already considered to be a year old (so, already I'm twenty-four instead of twenty-three). On January 1st, everyone gains another year. For those of you with inquisitive minds like my dear friend Emz, if children are born on New Years Eve they will then be two years old the next day. Kind of crazy, isn't it? Another interesting fact is that Koreans tend to celebrate Christmas with their friends and New Years with their family. It's completely reversed from the Western way of celebrating the holiday season. That's my tidbit for the day.

Last New Years Eve I was driving around Dallas taking a cheese platter to my best friend's parents, and salsa dancing to 70's music with a Peruvian man. Life changes fast. I do miss all my friends and family, especially at times like this, but I would never trade this experience for the world. Every day I wake up knowing this is exactly where I'm supposed to be. How many times in your life do you truly have that feeling? So, tonight I'll make a toast to my dear loved ones, with a glass of soju in hand, and wish you all the happiness that I feel right now. Happy New Years!

Travel lessons from Hong Kong & Beijing

2007-12-30T09:49:00.000-06:00

1. Invest in a quality backpack and pack LIGHTLY!!!
2. Bring a pen and notebook.
3. Never trustingly assume that travel agencies will always get you the correct visa.
4. Stand in the right line in customs when transferring flights, especially if you only have a one time entry visa. Otherwise
you'll have to shell out more money for another visa and hang out in the airport all day like these poor blokes:

Luckily I had a scarf and a random sock in my purse to keep me warm
Coffee isn't perking Emma up. What will work?...
Drinking her beer and mine should do the trick.
This is what happens when you don't finish your beer.
"Are your travel documents and visa in order?" Muhahahaha
Oh, Hong Kong airport, you now feel like a second home.

So, on our way to China, Emma and I were detained at the Hong Kong airport while Tori was getting kicked out of cabs, lost in Beijing. I think the most important lesson I've learned is that even the best laid plans can go array, and it's just better to enjoy the new adventure than to get upset. I mean if we would have caught our original flight, Emma and I would have missed the dramatic episode in the airport between two cheesy lovers as the girl was oblivious to the man's desperate escalator wave because she was too busy blowing her honker. Where was my camera for that one?

I'm back in the SK. It feels good to be home. Pictures from the trip will be up soon! Happy New Years!

Goodbye Hong Kong, Hello Beijing

2007-12-26T13:08:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow afternoon I'll be in Beijing. Hong Kong has been amazing. I could definitely either stay for a long period of time slash live here. I know I'll be back.

Typical

2007-12-24T14:06:00.000-06:00

Where else would I be in Hong Kong early Christmas morning?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2007-12-22T11:04:00.000-06:00

I leave for China in four hours and I haven't packed yet. I'm currently waiting for my clothes to dry. Since there aren't any dryers in Korea, I've devised my own drying system. I've laid out half of my clothes on the heated floor and the other half are hanging on a rack with a fan blowing on them, full force. This is a typical Elizabeth scenario. I'm so last minute. When I went to New York with Mojo-Ad, I packed thirty minutes before we left for the airport. The night before I flew to Korea my mom and I stayed up all night packing, weighing, and unpacking my ridiculous hockey bags. I'm not proud.

I bought a pair of insulated hiking pants for Beijing. I got them at a little store by my apartment. The two ladies who run the store were so funny and cute. They were speaking Korean and I was speaking English, but with the use of creative hand gestures, we totally understood each other. I asked to try on some pants and they took me to a storage room without a door. One of the ladies stood solid in the doorway, daring anyone to barge in on me. She also served as my fashion consultant letting me know her opinion on each pair of pants I tried on. When we finally agreed on a winning pair, she grabbed my hand, giggling, and led me to a mirror in the store. As I stood in front of the mirror the two ladies had no qualms about pulling up my shirt and groping my butt to see how the pants fit (or at least that's what I hope they were doing). After purchasing my pants, they gave me coffee, patted me lovingly, and sent me on my merry way. I love how ordinary tasks become little adventures here.

Last night was the kindergarten Christmas show. Although I absolutely adored spending my evening with the kindies and watching them make their parents proud in their incredibly cute costumes, the Christmas show left me feeling a bit melancholy. Last night was the first time that I truly felt like an outsider in Korea (in the US that’s the story of my life. Insert Debbie Downer noise: wuuuh wuuuh). The foreign teachers were completely kept apart from the whole production except when they needed us for face value. After the show we were all standing around and the Korean teachers were getting ready to go out and celebrate when our kindergarten director told me and the other two foreign teachers, “You can go to your house now,” which was a polite way of saying, “scram.” I love love love teaching kindergarten, but the system is completely different from elementary. With kindergarten I feel like I’m kept at a distance and am less involved. There’s nothing worse then feeling useless, and that’s exactly how I felt last night. I think on top of that, it was just one of those days where I felt like throwing on a hat and blending into the crowd, instead of being put on display. I hate the feeling of being scrutinized in public because it messes with my head and I start thinking about all the ways I will never live up to certain expectations. I know these feelings will soon pass, and it's one off day in the midst of so many amazing days. I think I just need a break from Swaton. I’m ready for China (even if my clothes aren’t).

Can you spot the creepy foreign teacher?
Stud
Precious

"Once upon a time there lived Hansel and Gretel with father and step-mother. They were sooo poor." Guess who played father?

We had a little shindig at Tori's tonight to celebrate Christmas before we all went our separate ways.
Sporting my new Christmas gifts. Carly, I can now bring your headband trend to the SK.
Emo stocking

I hope everyone has a great holiday season! I'll be in Hong Kong from the 23rd-27th and Beijing from the 27th-30th. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Shabu Shabu

2007-12-20T19:51:00.000-06:00

I'm officially on break from teaching until 2008! I still have to go to the kindergarten Christmas show tomorrow night (I'm the father in Hansel and Gretel), but I don't even consider that work. It's going to be so freaking cute. I love any chance I can spend with my babies. I honestly just want to take them home with me and spend a day with them. Is that creepy? They crack me up.

After classes ended tonight, my director, Michelle took all the teachers out to eat shabu shabu. Mr. Lee made a brief appearance, shook all the Western teachers' hands and made a speech about how his goal next year is to increase our enrollment to 400 students. Then he did a runner. Michelle bought all the teachers really nice scarves, or as she calls them, "mufflers." It was really sweet because she put a lot of thought into what color to give each teacher, so that the scarves fit everyone perfectly. Mine's a bright blue green color. I already have plans to rock it with some of my favorite t-shirts.

I leave for Hong Kong on Sunday! I think I'm more excited about Beijing. I can't wait!

Half of the group, left to right: Emma, Sienna (with the big orb), Lauren, Michelle (my director), Amy, Christine, and mwah. Michelle was so happy that her head looked "so small" in all the group pictures. A small face is seen as beautiful. Hmmm, Tia where do our giant melon heads fit in?
This is a version of the Japanese food, shabu shabu. We were each given a platter of raw meat that we boiled in a pot of water and then ate in lettuce wraps with rice, crab meat, and amazing sauce.
Once we finished our meat platters, we then added noodles and vegetables to the boiling water. Delicious!

Facebook: building friendships one add at a time

2007-12-19T05:51:00.000-06:00

For the most part my body has adjusted quite well to my new life (excluding my short stint of a cold). However, at times Korea is not kind to my poor stomach. I woke up last night at three in the morning and had to make a mad dash to the bathroom where I spent a good half hour with my head close to the toilet. Needless to say it was a rough night, but I felt rested and refreshed when I woke up this morning...until I glanced at the clock. It was 10:15am. My first class starts at 10:00am. I sprinted out the door expecting the worst. About a week ago one of my fellow English teachers was three minutes late to her first kindergarten class and she got in so much trouble. Maybe it was my disheveled wild eyed look or the fact that I was about to burst into tears, either way the kindergarten director took pity on me and gave me a stiff pat and asked if I needed to go to the doctor (Yes, I looked that rough). I sighed a breath of relief. I know I sound like I'm five, but I hate getting in trouble. Today I had that same feeling that I experience every time I get pulled over for speeding. My heart drops into my stomach and I break into a cold sweat. I'm a baby.

Lee Myung-bak won the presidential election today. What does this mean for the state of Korea? I have no idea. Except for being amused by the candidates' campaigning trucks with tv's on the side (take note Obama), I haven't really been following the presidential debate/election. I will get better.

Last Sunday I took a train to the nearby city of Daegu to visit my friend Anna from Oklahoma. The funny thing is I hadn't officially met Anna before I went to go see her. She is a friend of a friend from The Richards Group who is also teaching English in Korea, and we've been planning to hang out for a long time since I added her on facebook. Oh, the powers of the Internet. Anyways, I met up with Anna and her friend Jake (who is teaching in Busan), and we visited the Donghwasa Temple and the Tongil-daebul Buddha Statue in Palgong-san Provincial Park. I had so much fun, and it made me want to hop on a train every weekend to explore a new part of the country. What's stopping me? Absolutely nothing. It's such a liberating feeling to know that I'm completely free. How many people can say that? I'm absolutely blessed to be here.

Crazy lost foreigners with their animal hats. Notice the look of fright from our friends in the van.

Scooping the magic temple water
Drinking like the monks do.

Even monks need satellite tv

"I'm gonna knock you out. Mama said to knock you out."

I have no idea why I feel the need to add annoying commentary

Creepy gifts to Buddha

To: Carly. Love, Elizabeth
This is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world. Two pieces of Buddha's bones are in the body of the statue.

TIKI Tuesday: The infamous face truck

2007-12-18T21:30:00.000-06:00

The life of a Korean truck vendor is not for the faint of heart. You have to break through the clutter and competition of all the other street vendors and fight for your sidewalkers' attention. You have to think about what type of message you want to convey, and how and if your consumers will be receptive to it...or you could always just put a big face with glasses on your truck.

Tucked in for the night

Yes, she is serious. I couldn't make this up if I tried.

2007-12-16T22:05:00.000-06:00

Now the moment you've all been waiting for. Mama Helen explains her reasoning behind the wig.

Heart Melters

2007-12-14T17:41:00.000-06:00

My sweet sweet babies. Left to right: Joseph, Julie (who steals the show), May, and Becky (who runs off).

Tragic

2007-12-13T18:41:00.000-06:00

A state of disaster has been declared for the western coastal region of Korea due to an oil spill in Taean County (69 miles southwest of Seoul). About 94 miles of coastline has been affected causing it to be the worst spill in the country's history. The damage occured when a Hong Kong registered tanker hit an 11,800 ton barge last Friday morning, causing about 10,500 tons of oil to be dumped into the Yellow Sea.

Yahoo News
The quotes from the local sea farmers are heartbreaking:
Kim Pil-Moon: "My mind is darker than this oil on the beach. I don’t know to where to earn my living from now on." BusinessWorld Online
Kim Bong-Bu, an 83-year-old fisherman: "The black oil has taken away the sea I made my living out of, the one that let me send my children and my grandchildren to school for years." BusinessWorld Online
Destroyed oyster farm
Yahoo News
An organization has been set up for expats to lend a helping hand. A lot of foreigners from Daejeon are planning on taking a trip this weekend to help with the spill. I have to work this weekend, but this is definitely something I want to get involved in once the madness of the holidays are over.

Resources:
The Korean Times
BusinessWorld Online
The Raw Story

TIKI Tuesday: $30 Cab Ride

2007-12-11T22:50:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday we went out for our friend Josh's birthday. As we were leaving the last bar in the wee hours of the morning (clubs and bars in Korea stay open until about 5 or 6am...We're not in Columbia anymore), to our pleasant surprise, there in the middle of the road was a blinged out taxi that looked like it drove right off the set of "The Fast and The Furious." As soon as we got in the car our cab driver blasted a cd that had Justin Timberlake, Ja Rule, Dr. Dre, etc. I felt like we were on a party bus. We coaxed our cabbie (along with some kimbop: Korean veggie/sushi roll) to just keep driving us around Daejeon. The cab ride ended up costing about 30,000 won, which means we were in the blinged out taxi for about an hour. I'd definitely say it was a TIKI TIKI moment.

Yes, that is a strobe light.

Quite possibly the funniest e-mail I've ever received

2007-12-07T06:24:00.000-06:00

Would she really buy a wig to keep her ears warm? What color is it? Is it long or short? I have many questions.

TIKI Tuesday & Wednesday Wash

2007-12-05T12:59:00.000-06:00

Pears + Jujubes (Chinese dates) + Bell Flower Roots = The best tea I've ever had in my life.
My favorite Korean teacher, Gloria, shared her amazing homemade tea with me yesterday. The root and jujube are supposed to help cure colds and be good for the immune system. She's going to bring me some jujubes and roots, so I can make my own. Sweet Gloria.

I didn't go to Seoul last weekend since I was sick and could barely talk. I pretty much slept the entire weekend and watched the third season of Weeds. I did, however, mail off my application for a Chinese visa, and we booked the flights. Whoo hoo Great Wall here I come!

So, there's a saying in the foreign community for things that baffle, amuse, or entertain us. It's "TIKI TIKI", which stands for:
T-his
I-s
K-orea
I-Because TIK would just sound stupid
Thus, I bring you "TIKI Tuesdays." From a vendor truck with a big face and sunglasses on the side to the latest Wonder Girls song, every Tuesday I will blog about something that's different or sparks my interest in Korea. This week I'll share the joys of Konglish: a Korean form of English that a). uses random word choice that typically doesn't make sense and b). is quite amusing.
On a box of candy:

I thank all of your Sweet Love, And send you this delightful sweets, From my Sweet Love hearty appreciation.

Today I finally mustered up the courage and did it. That's right, I got naked with the adjumas. I took a cab to Yuseong (a part of the city I've never been to), found the spa, and stripped down. It took about ten minutes of pacing the locker room and avoiding eye contact to finally "throw in the towel" (yes, pun definitely intended). Inside the spa there were three different springs: cold, hot, and extra hot. I alternated between hot and extra hot. On the side of the room there were little stools and mirrors where women were scrubbing themselves down. They scrubbed their face, their body, their teeth...pretty much everything. They even had a table where you could lay down and have your own personal adjuma clad in a black bra and undies scrub you down. Interesting. There was also a sauna and red lamps to lay under (I'm still trying to figure out the purpose of the red lamps). It was a bit awkward at first, but it was definitely worth it. I left feeling relaxed and my skin felt baby soft...I think I've found my new Wednesday activity.

The name's Elizabeth...Elizabeth Taylor that is

2007-11-28T12:55:00.000-06:00

Once again my Western appearance caused a disruption in class today. Jenny got that look in her eyes; I kept trying to brush her off and continue with the lesson, but she wasn’t having it. She’s obsessed. Anyways, she and the rest of the class were fascinated that my eyes could be both green and brown. Who knew hazel eyes were such a phenomena?...The other day one of the Korean teachers, Julia, told me Mr. Lee(head guy/principal of my school)’s wife thinks I look like Elizabeth Taylor (Hopefully the younger version). Julia said, “She thinks you are very pretty…Oh, and so do I, I do, I do too!” This being said on a day I rolled out of bed and grabbed for the nearest hoody. Sweet Julia.

I didn’t go to Yuseong spring today. I may have chickened out a little, but honestly I was feeling pretty rough and just wanted to lay in bed and watch Weeds for the rest of the afternoon. My voice sounds awful. The Korean teachers were worried and concerned about me when they heard me talk, my director is bringing some magic medicine tomorrow, and the kids thought it was absolutely hilarious, especially when I said, “Elizabeth teacher sounds like an old man.”

I went with Tori tonight to throw clay, but the place has been shut down. Instead we went to Oon Hang Dong, my favorite downtown area, and hit up S., an amazing art store, for Christmas decorations.

These animal hats are the latest craze, I think mainly with the younger audience...which is why Tori wants the alligator for Christmas.

Getting a little carried away with the Christmas crafts.

Interesting photo gallery in S.

Alice in Wonderland? I look like a giant with the low ceilings and little tree.

MC Hammer in the classroom. Brilliant.

2007-11-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

I found this on youtube. A teacher in Taiwan created this mix for his kids' talent show. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I may have to steal this idea.

Will you kindly search kindly?

2007-11-27T06:48:00.000-06:00

Baal Dan, a charity that is dedicated to improving the lives of street children in India, needs your help. It's simple. Just go to www.searchkindly.org and vote for Baal Dan. You can vote once every 8 hours, and the poll closes some time this Sunday (Dec 2nd). If Baal Dan wins the poll, they'll receive all the money raised on the Search Kindly website in December ($500-$1000). Baal Dan was started by a former Richards Group co-worker of mine, Tanya Pinto. The charity is dear to my heart, and the work is simply amazing. You can check it out at www.baaldan.com Okay, that's my plug for the day. It's not like I have a mass readership as it is anyways. I mean, I like to think people are crowded around their computer screens clinging on to every word I say/write, but reality and the happenings in my mind, are two very different stories. That being said, every little bit counts. So seriously, don't be lame, help out a great cause.

In other news, I'm freaking sick. After a full day of classes (9:30am-7:30pm baby), I now sound like a mix between a pubescent boy and an 80 year old chain smoker. Nice. I guess all the Julie boogies and Evan slobbers have finally caught up with me. Deep sigh. Sniffle. Hack. I'm looking forward to my no elementary Wednesday, which means my afternoon tomorrow is completely free. If I can get over my fear of being naked with the ajumas (old Korean women), I'm going to the Yuseong spring and then sculpting with Tori. I love no elementary Wednesdays.

This weekend we're going to Seoul and there's talk of China (4 days in Beijing and 3 days in HongKong) for Christmas. I'm excited about the prospect of China.

I'm going to rest my weary, weak, illness stricken body on my warm, heated Korean floor. It's quite nice. I sleep more on the floor than in my bed. It's kind of like my couch habit back in the States...I do what I can.

A Song Chon Dong Thanksgiving

2007-11-25T08:37:00.000-06:00

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nostalgic on Thanksgiving. I told my kinders about the “pilgrims who wore funny hats” and we made construction paper turkeys…you know, the kind where you trace your hands for the feathers. My favorite response was when I asked what they thought the pilgrims ate, and they replied, “sushi” (pronounced suuuuuucy).

All the foreigners in my neighborhood got together Thursday evening and celebrated Thanksgiving at the Corner Lounge, a.k.a Tori’s house. Since none of us have ovens, I was expecting a shriveled up piece of chicken and dry crusty bread as our dinner. That's why I brought the wine. I thought if the food sucked, at least we could booze it up. Seriously. I was pleasantly surprised that wasn’t the case at all. We feasted on chicken, turkey legs, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad, fruit salad, garlic bread, cream corn, stuffing, vegetables, baked apples, and even pumpkin pie! It was interesting because there was a mix of Americans, Canadians, Brits, and even a guy from New Zealand (shout out to Reebs). You could definitely tell who the Americans were because we were crowded around the pumpkin pie, eyes wide and slightly glazed, like starving little children.

Part of our feast. Notice Amy's eager hand.

Fellow Song Chon Dongians

Everyone kept saying Topher got these fine turkey legs at the black market, when in all actuality, it was Home Plus.

The best part is Topher, head in hands, laughing.

The aspiring Kenny Chesney, is Ian, a Canadian guy in our neighborhood. It’s funny because when he’s sober he’s the most apathetic human being. However, a few drinks in, his character completely changes and he begins to think he’s a rapper, specifically from the group DMX. Imagine a tall, awkward red head forcefully yelling, “Ya’ll gon make me lose my mind, up in here, up in here,” while wiggling around and doing the rap hand thing (I have no idea why he started singing country the other night).

Middle of the night ramblings

2007-11-22T04:00:00.000-06:00

I have been in Korea for a month. Now would be a good time to write reflections on my life, but teaching has drained me and everything is a jumbled mess inside my head. I miss the clarity of the mountains.
I am still amazed when I look out at my city. During breaks, I’ll go to an empty classroom and just stand in front of the window. The other teachers have forgotten this feeling. I don’t want to forget.
I wish you could see what I see. I wish you could feel what I feel. I think that a million times a day.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Wait, hold the turkey! Don't you know Thanksgiving is on a Friday this year?

For those of you wanting to travel to an Asian country...

2007-11-20T05:15:00.000-06:00

...jet lag is real.

Rabpig nose, pc bangs, and reports

2007-11-19T11:40:00.000-06:00

Today during one of my kindergarten classes, the kids just stopped talking and started staring and pointing at my nose. They wouldn’t stop, and I couldn’t get them to focus back on their lesson. Finally, after a lot of squirming and discomfort on my part, Jenny said, “Teacher…rabbit nose. You have, rabbit nose.” Okay.

Then when I was leaving school a few elementary girls hopped in the elevator and kept staring at me. This is what I got out of it: “blah blah blah teacher blah blah blah teacher nose” then one girl put her hand on her nose to make it squish up like a pig’s. Nice.

Apparently, my nose is just another feature that does not fit into the Korean standard of beauty. My response:

It’s a bit disarming that my kindergarten kids are already vocal about appearance and physical features. They always let me know if something’s wrong...if there’s a button askew or a fuzz caught in my lately bad 80’s hair they’ll alert me in disgusted tones. Self-image is such a big deal here. I’d say even more so than in the U.S, but that’s another blog in itself. I hope this doesn’t sound bitter, because it’s not meant to be, and honestly, I don’t even face the brunt of it. Most days I get “beautiful”, “beautiful” just because I’m Western. It is what it is.

Later this evening, I met up with Emma and Christine, two teachers from my school, and we went to a local pc bang to work on our reports. Pc bangs can be found anywhere and everywhere in Korea. Basically, they’re Internet cafes with rows and rows of computers that are extremely cheap to use. I’m always fascinated by the dimly lit neon green lights and the sound of excited gamers blowing some villain's head off in the distance. It makes for a great background when frantically trying to use other words than “intelligent,” “smart,” “excellent,” “disruptive,” and “apathetic,” when describing your students.

I’m exhausted. Peace.

Now I know how all my teachers must have felt...I bet they were all secret alcoholics.

Death, I scoff you

2007-11-18T05:15:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday I went to Expo Park with my friends Pink and Ryan. Pink is a secretary at my school during the kindergarten hours, and a student at one of the universities in Daejeon. Ryan is an English teacher at my school. He's from Canada, but his whole family lives in the Philippines.

At first it was a little tricky because Pink isn't fluent in English, and the only Korean words I know consist of, thank you, hello, goodbye, my name is Elizabeth, missing, here, do you want to die (don't ask), and American, but by the end of the day we had reached a comfortable level where we could communicate. She is incredibly sweet, and I want to hang out with her more often. One thing, however, that's going to take a litte getting use to, is that in Korean culture friends are very affectionate with each other. The whole day Pink had her arms wrapped around me, snuggled close. I think Ryan was a bit jealous. It's not unusual to see women holding hands with other women, or men with their arms around other men. Yea, I'm all about embracing other cultures, but I don't know about literally embracing. I mean, we are talking about the queen of stiff, one armed hugs.

I think the highlight of the afternoon was when I rode the roller coaster that later I discovered at least two people have died on in the past year. Nice. I can now say I've cheated death.

Hey, look! I'm not the only alien in Korea. Ba dum ching.

When Pink and I saw this poster we started laughing hysterically. Ryan wasn't impressed. Guess those Canadians are a tough crowd.

This ferris wheel was crazy! To get on you had to wait for your cart, hurry and run while it was still moving, and then the workers locked you in.

#500 on my possible kidnapping list

A little pop culture

2007-11-15T11:04:00.000-06:00

Pop bands and synchronized dancing (Carly, yet another reason for you to visit me) are still alive and well in Korea. The number one song topping the charts for the past three weeks has been "Tell Me", by The Wonder Girls, a teenage girl pop band. This song has exploded everywhere. I hear it on M-Net (Korea's music video network), commercials, grocery stores, outside when I'm teaching class...it's seriously everywhere! The Korea Times claims that the song has "captured the nation" and my favorite quote from the article is this:

"A housewife who disclosed only her surname Kim said, 'My husband likes the group so much, and I thought it was kind of gross, you know, a 40-year-old man watching and enjoying teenage girls in short skirts dancing. However, I soon found myself humming the song unconsciously and imitating the dance when watching the television.'''

What's all the hype about? I'll let you decide.

Even better is the fact that people here are so obsessed with the song, they'll learn the dance moves, and film themselves recreating the magic. Which of course, isn't too different from America. Just type in "Britney Spears dance moves" on youtube, and tons of how-to videos will pop up...uhhh, not that I would know or anything...

I spent way too much time watching these videos. This one's my favorite. The skinny dude in the back left steals the show. Pay special attention about 43 seconds into it. Hahahahahaha. Enjoy!

:-( = the world is over

2007-11-13T21:00:00.000-06:00

I made my Korean Harry Potter look alike, Evan, cry today. It was the last kindergarten class of the day, and the kids were getting antsy. They wouldn’t sit in their seats and kept touching/hitting/hugging/poking their neighbor, so I taped them in. Yes, that’s right, I duct taped them down to their chairs so they couldn’t move. Kidding. I made lines out of tape on the table and told them not to cross it. What did Evan do? He reached over the line and hit Jenny. I gave him a frown face on the board and it was the end of the world. He put his head down on the table and started sobbing. I felt like an asshole. After the game ended, I took off the tape and of course they started bouncing off the walls again screaming, “Simon Says teacher, Simon Says!” Oh, we played Simon Says, alright. “Simon says sit up straight in your seat.” “Simon says put your hands in your lap.” “Simon says what is this?” and showed them one of the flashcards and proceeded to teach the rest of the lesson using Simon Says. It totally worked and they were little angels for the rest of the class. That’s thinking on your feet, my friend. Kind of like when I forgot the game pieces for a board game and made one team the eraser and the other the glue stick. Yes, I am THAT teacher, the crazy one.

Then today in my favorite elementary class, Tony cried. This time it wasn’t my fault. I don’t know if I could bring myself to give him a frown face anyways. He’s so tiny and cute with amazing, thick curly hair, wearing his martial arts uniforms. He and Joey are my buds. Joey is a chubby little boy with glasses who smiles shyly every time I encourage him or tell him “good job!” Oh my gosh, I’m bringing back a truckload of Korean babies with me. Anyways, I was setting up one of the games and was a bit distracted when some of the kids started yelling, “Teacher! Teacher! Tony’s picking his nose!” Except they didn’t say “picking his nose”, instead they shoved their fingers up their own nostrils to show me what he was doing…which totally defeated the purpose, because it only made them nose pickers too. Tony was so embarrassed he put his head down and started crying. It was so sad, but freaking hilarious. My kids kill me.

Tomorrow I’m done with classes at noon. I’ve been feeling the need to do something creative: writing, painting, photoshopping my head on celebrities’ bodies, it honestly doesn’t matter, I just need to do something! Tonight we’re making a trip to Home Plus (the Korean Walmart, but better), so I can take pictures for my Alien Registration Card. I love how this task has morphed into a girl’s night out. That’s what I love about Korea, even the most mundane tasks become an adventure.

Pictures from a past Home Plus visit:

In all it's glory

"Only in Korea" fact: At grocery stores they don't give you a bag unless you ask for one, and then you bag your own groceries!

Such a happy little family.

Dak Galbi Monday

2007-11-12T10:17:00.000-06:00

Monday nights in the Dong, mean one thing: Dak Galbi! It's a Korean dish that is kind of like a spicy chicken stirfry. First, the chicken is put on the grill (every restaurant I've been to in Korea has a grill at the table) and cooked. Then cabbage, yams, leeks, and tubular ("that's totally tubular, dude") rice cakes are mixed in with a spicy chili pepper sauce. You can eat it with rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps. It's actually quite delicious, and it's just nice to chill out with your friends after a long day of teaching.

Dak Galbi!

Today was a little rough. It started off great with my kindergarten classes. They were like sponges today, absorbing everything I taught them, and continually surprising me with their little intellectual minds. There's always one kindie wrapped around my leg, and today May looked up at me with her adorable face and said, "Teacher, I love you!" My heart melted...and then the elementary kids sucked the life out of me. I have one class that is getting to be absolutely ridiculous. Jack, always turns his chair around so he can stick his head inside the bookcase, while Mabel slides down in her seat slowly, slowly, until she's completely under the table...Freeman, Alice, and Daria (her name totally fits her, and she has the funniest voice, I've ever heard. Imagine an 80 year old voice in an 8 year old body) won't stop beating eachother up, while Alex sleeps on the desk, refusing to raise his head to participate in anything. Then there's sweet Tess and Frank, always slipping me candy, smiling sweetly, and helping me collect and pass out everyone's homework. I don't know what to do to get the class to listen to me. Taking points away doesn't really work. I think next class, I'm going to make them flap. (Everyone stands up and flaps their arms like a bird.) Honestly, I can't be mad. As I write this I'm laughing hysterically at the image of Jack's head in the bookcase and the sound of Daria's scratchy 80 year old smoker's voice ringing in my ears: "Teeeeaaacher, teaaaaaaaacher." I need a backbone.

Silk worm larvae, anyone?

We look frazzled. It's definitely Monday.

Will you be my loverly?

2007-11-11T11:21:00.000-06:00

Happy Pepero Day, or should I say “Happy Marketing Ploy Day?” Pepero is a chocolate cookie stick that’s made by Lotte, South Korea’s sixth largest conglomerate that deals in candy manufacturing, beverages, hotels, and many other products. The clever little candy schemers came up with the idea to create a Pepero Day on 11/11, since the numerical date resembles four Pepero sticks. It’s kind of like a Valentines Day of sorts, in that you are supposed to buy Pepero for, as the box says, “your loverly.”

In other news I went to an all Korean church with Pink today. We had to take two buses to get there, and I felt like it was in a more authentic area of Daejeon. As I was riding the second bus, it finally hit me that I was in an Asian country far from home. Perhaps because it was the first time I had actually ventured far from the Dong without my Western friends. For a second, my heart rate rapidly increased, and I felt a bit anxious. However, once we got to the church, I was immediately put to ease. Everyone was so kind and generous. I had my first experience of feeling like a celebrity rock star. They made me stand up during the service and everyone clapped. I awkwardly stood there and bowed, until Pink pulled me down. I didn’t understand the sermon except when the minister said, “Kam-sa-ham-ni-da” (thank you), “yeo-gi” (here), and of course the occasional “Amen.” I did follow along in an English/Korean Bible, and got chills when they closed the service by singing “Amazing Grace.” I love how that song is able to transcend across different languages and cultures, and still touch my heart.

After the sermon, Pink introduced me to everyone and we had lunch on the pews. Two high school boys gave me a coffee in a can, and a Pepero stick. I think some of the older guys wanted me to be their “loverly”, because they got all excited when I said I wasn’t married. I met an interesting lady, Mrs. Kim, who lived in San Antonio for nine years, so we chatted it up about Texas. Yes, even in Korea, she still has the Texas pride…Everyone was so sweet, and was excited when I said I would come back. I really want to start cracking down on learning Korean. On the ride back home Pink taught me how to say, “My name is –“ and “Nice to meet you”.

I’m glad I stepped out of my comfortable circle this weekend and emerged myself in a bit of real Korean life. Everyone says it’s hard to truly be accepted into the Korean culture, and I’ve even wondered if my friendship with Pink is just because I’m an American and that automatically makes her cool by association. I hope not. I felt so welcomed and at home today, and I truly want to learn more about their lives. Maybe, that’s all they want…for people to have a nonjudgmental interest in their culture. Who knows? I guess it can’t hurt to try.

Update/The Interweb makes me happy

2007-11-09T22:50:00.000-06:00

I finally have Internet and a landline in my apartment! Oh, happy day!

I can’t believe I’ve been in Korea for almost three weeks now. It’s crazy, because I feel like time has passed so slowly and I’ve been here for years, but then at the same time the weeks move by so quickly. It’s hard to explain, but everyone here gets it.

I can honestly say that I love Daejeon, and this is exactly where I’m supposed to be…at least at this point in my life. Teaching is challenging, but in a good way. I find myself growing more each day, and doing things I never dreamed I’d be capable of doing. This is a bad example, but last week one of my three-year-old girls sneezed and blew snot all over her face. I didn’t even flinch, grabbed a tissue, and helped her clean up the mess. Oh, Julie. She’s so adorable, even with a snot covered face. Her and May are the ones that I may be smuggling back to America in my hockey bags. You think I’m kidding…

The foreign community in Song Chon Dong is a tight knit group, and I’ve met some amazing people. They’ve made the transition into a new country, so easy. We hang out all the time, and in fact we refer to our friend Tori’s house as “The Corner Lounge.” They’re great, but at the same time I feel like I’m becoming a little too comfortable and content in my Dong. I need to explore, and emerge myself in Korean culture. That’s why I’m excited about going to the Expo (a theme park) tomorrow with Pink, a Korean secretary at my school. It should be interesting.

I feel like there’s still so much more I need to blog about: Korean food, nori bangs, teaching, fashion, my apartment, self image, dancing girls outside of new businesses, grocery store celebrations…the list goes on and on, but it will have to wait. I’m crashing. An-nyeong!