Well its been a while since I was able to post...4 days off!
Wednesday night we got off at 11 and opened our secret santa gifts at the office. haha, i felt bad that i was all excited about gettin a lamp i wanted...but didnt and it showed :-x But then, i got gloves and slippers so its all good! can have comfy feet now!
afterward, we went to eat and enjoyed just getting to know some of the staff. it was not cool taht it was promised it would be paid for---just to have avalon not pay for it anymor e(not enough staff showed up??)
I had angela so i gave her something priceless! She wanted a trash can for the bathroom...so i got her one and put toilet paper in it that looked used, etc. she also wanted a clothing rack, so i wrote her a letter that said "nice rack....coming soon!" haha, she almost thought it was bad english...then was like, its YOU! :-p
So, that ended wed... Thurs christmas!!! We had the most fantastic turkey christmas dinner at R&B. They almost didnt cook enough...probably 30 of us, 20$ each...first time they did it. But so they had stuffin, and mashed potatoes, and salad, and peas and corn, and wine. ah, it was by far a special treat! I was delighted to get to show that to hyesung too. then we had a christmas exchange...frustrated that my gift was the best. we did dirty santa...i even stole my lamp back at one point! haha, then i ended up with a picture frame and stole a chess set because the girl knew she would never play it... (brownbear and i played that night in fact!) so that ended christmas day...gifts and sort.
Friday was low key, just boring old day---everyone sleeping the day off... then fri night Justin had a house warming party. fixed food, yum, steak and peppers, more potatoes, and a great salad... and Danny came! He gave me a gift...it was a swiss army knife! A nice one! It even was perfect because we needed a wine opener...i pulled it out and was like, ha! The night ended with playing darts well into the night...i learned how to get quite a good game!
Saturday...hmm, ah yes, we went to Itawon...where the army base is...had all the recruits that James has recruited there...was suppose to be a dinner and sort.. we (angela, alex, and i) got distracted because we're looking at buying a cheap small laptop in the electronic place (like 5 min from there) and basically arrived just in time to decide on dinner---we went to this great middle eastern place and had lamb bryani and then hooka! ahah, strawberry and apple mix, just for us! Ah, they laughed at us..the lamb was a rip off (13 for 4 pieces of lamb, and plate full of bryani rice) but hooka was only 8! So, we enjoyed that...then relaxed around the area...went to many different places. I got to see Valarie, cracks me up one conversation with that girl all the way in Fort Mill, SC at Amanda's stone party struck such interest that she's now here, teaching in Korea! haah. We laughed, went to many places...SALSA! we danced a lot, laughed at the attempts to dance, etc. and it ended around 4am with us eating some great beef soup and gettin a taxi home...
Sunday was just recovering from being out every night. Heather treated justin hyesung and i to kalbi (rib meat, my favorite) and we had a really quiet night. ....except taht i had to teach monday morning at 10-12:30 and then work 3-11... so it felt like a 12 hour day! but thats ok, little extra cash, only one day...and thats why i ahvnt updated until now! so, that's my story and i'm sticking with it!
now its new years and time to do it all over again! :)
kaja!!!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
End semester 1
silver bells, its christmas time in the city...
so some of you may think christmas isnt here...ur wrong, the koreans might not celebrate the same reason for the season, but to couples its very big deal! all about buying gifts for eachother and oh to be alone---drink all night christmas eve so u'll wake up the 26th! hah, kind of sad but hey, they get the day off and dont know what to do with themselves so, why not? hmm, i myself am having a huge feast at R&B with all the americans...20bucks for TURKEY! and all the goods... yes, military base hook up! expensive but well worth it, no doubt.
this week's review...
finished the semester, what a pain! got my new schedule...strictly elementary because "i'm very entergetic, and can entertain the children" well i'm no monkey, and i'll b drained..but hey, i'm slighting the economy! interesting how i wonder how i'd get by in america...just so true that i "have to go to a distant land to find a job" feh. Ahhh, but what a great experience!! tonight hyesung justin heather and i enjoyed a nice dinner of kimchi and pork grilled...it just is a certain "masheee ta" = delicious. i'm so sad that danny and heather broke up/on break...lots of drama, and hoping they will get back together! He's the man!
hmm, thats about all so far... i got a drying rack finally, Oh did i mention Julian...hyesung's friend came and spent the night on my futon, so it suffices as a "couchsurfer.com" position. lol, greatest invention!
this wed is a christmas party for work. i am in charge of planning the games and such...any ideas?!?! just ice breakers since these koreans hardly hang out (and i mean at all...)
well, thats about it folks, time to call it an early night! lots to be done!
so some of you may think christmas isnt here...ur wrong, the koreans might not celebrate the same reason for the season, but to couples its very big deal! all about buying gifts for eachother and oh to be alone---drink all night christmas eve so u'll wake up the 26th! hah, kind of sad but hey, they get the day off and dont know what to do with themselves so, why not? hmm, i myself am having a huge feast at R&B with all the americans...20bucks for TURKEY! and all the goods... yes, military base hook up! expensive but well worth it, no doubt.
this week's review...
finished the semester, what a pain! got my new schedule...strictly elementary because "i'm very entergetic, and can entertain the children" well i'm no monkey, and i'll b drained..but hey, i'm slighting the economy! interesting how i wonder how i'd get by in america...just so true that i "have to go to a distant land to find a job" feh. Ahhh, but what a great experience!! tonight hyesung justin heather and i enjoyed a nice dinner of kimchi and pork grilled...it just is a certain "masheee ta" = delicious. i'm so sad that danny and heather broke up/on break...lots of drama, and hoping they will get back together! He's the man!
hmm, thats about all so far... i got a drying rack finally, Oh did i mention Julian...hyesung's friend came and spent the night on my futon, so it suffices as a "couchsurfer.com" position. lol, greatest invention!
this wed is a christmas party for work. i am in charge of planning the games and such...any ideas?!?! just ice breakers since these koreans hardly hang out (and i mean at all...)
well, thats about it folks, time to call it an early night! lots to be done!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Christmas shopping??
i got a fan! lol, 20 bucks...on sale? but not cheaper than walmart :(
owell, only place i've seen a fan! sopoooong!! (means picnic...a huuuge building thats almost vacant...sad)
haha hilarious, got the guy to turn it on for me, its open box, wanted to "test the speeds" more see if it works...it did, had a really small one...but would do for just 11 but...decided go big or go home.
haha, best part? i gave money he gave me sheet and it was copy...totally thought he said that, so i was like yes...then he gave me coffee! ahh, funny... but it was warm and perfect for the walk back. so that's fun.
well, so much for buying christmas gifts...that took longer than i wanted but it was fun! i got a few ideas... but i am also mad that they dont show prices and then they just jack the price for me -.- i found a nitendo ds charger and the guy was like 15,000! i'm like...dude, its 5 on internet. go internet! >.< fine! i will!
so still trying to get christmas gifts for secret santa and friends. ideas welcome.
owell, only place i've seen a fan! sopoooong!! (means picnic...a huuuge building thats almost vacant...sad)
haha hilarious, got the guy to turn it on for me, its open box, wanted to "test the speeds" more see if it works...it did, had a really small one...but would do for just 11 but...decided go big or go home.
haha, best part? i gave money he gave me sheet and it was copy...totally thought he said that, so i was like yes...then he gave me coffee! ahh, funny... but it was warm and perfect for the walk back. so that's fun.
well, so much for buying christmas gifts...that took longer than i wanted but it was fun! i got a few ideas... but i am also mad that they dont show prices and then they just jack the price for me -.- i found a nitendo ds charger and the guy was like 15,000! i'm like...dude, its 5 on internet. go internet! >.< fine! i will!
so still trying to get christmas gifts for secret santa and friends. ideas welcome.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Jeju-do!!!
So this update will be shorter...
First off, I GOT INTERNET!!!!!! I now can update more regularly (but probably won't) and can talk to you now! so, well, be happy!
first things first, last week was boring holding period again soo....no change...had tutor fri...
and then got little sleep and taught and then packed until around 2am...and caught the flight around 9am....took an hour to get there by train and bus! phew!
got there safe...it is fantastic!!!
right off the palm trees cracked me up...was like. realy? florida? disney world?
had a great trip just not having real plans...but the mood was SOO obvious that everyone is in vacation mindset...
so we traveled around and saw lots...photos r uploading at the moment...i'll write down the names later i hope...
basically 12pm we started at the local history site after great seafood lunch of how the island was inhabited (3 gods landed and then 3 princesses were given to them as gifts by ship with cattle)
then we went to a beach, i got tar on my heel...
next went to lava tubes
then to huge crater with gorgeous view of island and coast line...
thats about 6pm...the rented taxi dropped us off and caught the bus to the southern part of the island (hour drive) and got some great sum gup sai black pig (specialty only in jeju) and then SLEPT
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2013899&l=d26b3&id=105600042
sunday...
western/korean breakfast of bread, sausage, rice, kimchi, potatoes, kiwi, tangarine juice, yum!
took our time going to the botanical garden!!! we were exhausted from a looong week of work, so we wanted to enjoy the garden. fantastic idea in exploring the world by plants!
then waterfall, very pretty, the blue blue water was sooo clear. and the 3rd only place that hexagonal pillars grow. (giants calsway ireland, devil's tower usa, jeju korea) sweet.
took all the day, went walking, ate some fish, ate dinner and watched Alvin and the chickmunks! haha, fun.
bought lots of great things! enjoying honey and crackers as we speak!!!
lots done and now i need to focus on this week! we have testing, semester ends, presentations, and preparing for next, and then christmas party, vacation, ahhh, just glad i have internet to actually function on gettin a start on some things!
be good, hopefully i'll take a breather after this week...
First off, I GOT INTERNET!!!!!! I now can update more regularly (but probably won't) and can talk to you now! so, well, be happy!
first things first, last week was boring holding period again soo....no change...had tutor fri...
and then got little sleep and taught and then packed until around 2am...and caught the flight around 9am....took an hour to get there by train and bus! phew!
got there safe...it is fantastic!!!
right off the palm trees cracked me up...was like. realy? florida? disney world?
had a great trip just not having real plans...but the mood was SOO obvious that everyone is in vacation mindset...
so we traveled around and saw lots...photos r uploading at the moment...i'll write down the names later i hope...
basically 12pm we started at the local history site after great seafood lunch of how the island was inhabited (3 gods landed and then 3 princesses were given to them as gifts by ship with cattle)
then we went to a beach, i got tar on my heel...
next went to lava tubes
then to huge crater with gorgeous view of island and coast line...
thats about 6pm...the rented taxi dropped us off and caught the bus to the southern part of the island (hour drive) and got some great sum gup sai black pig (specialty only in jeju) and then SLEPT
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2013899&l=d26b3&id=105600042
sunday...
western/korean breakfast of bread, sausage, rice, kimchi, potatoes, kiwi, tangarine juice, yum!
took our time going to the botanical garden!!! we were exhausted from a looong week of work, so we wanted to enjoy the garden. fantastic idea in exploring the world by plants!
then waterfall, very pretty, the blue blue water was sooo clear. and the 3rd only place that hexagonal pillars grow. (giants calsway ireland, devil's tower usa, jeju korea) sweet.
took all the day, went walking, ate some fish, ate dinner and watched Alvin and the chickmunks! haha, fun.
bought lots of great things! enjoying honey and crackers as we speak!!!
lots done and now i need to focus on this week! we have testing, semester ends, presentations, and preparing for next, and then christmas party, vacation, ahhh, just glad i have internet to actually function on gettin a start on some things!
be good, hopefully i'll take a breather after this week...
Monday, December 8, 2008
Holding Period?!!? (monday)
Oh Teaching at a private business...
from the 4th until the end of this week it is Holding period.
Holding period: Avalon cannot assign homework or give detention to any student due to their intense studying for exams at school....so wait, why do these students even come!? Oh wait, only a few come like...maybe....2 per class...
Ah, so its interesting, we can't teach new material if there are only 2 students! And then you ask them why they came or what what and its usually their parents said you better go! or i wanted to talk with you and not study at home (take a break, etc.) me oh my, i never studied that hard! Not saying i'm proud of it or that i'm some genius. just in awe of how hard they work!
its taught me to appreciate the hard work is paying off---a country that some 50 years ago rose out of its dust and has achieved so much! and how impressive.
friday i had the pleasure of relaxing at jusima...a local joint with good food and the greatest guy: young won. haha. and he also is a great man of loyalty to his family and running the business with his parents for the past 5 years (he's around 29 i believe) and works from 11pm until 7am roughly. yes, long hours, great laughs, many memories.
I got the pleasure to meet Hyesung's sister in Seoul. I was invited to help move a few things and it was fun meeting her sister. I did not know that Hyesung went to the best university in Korea...and her sister is there right now! Oh how honored her parents are (i can tell its quite the big deal) and her sis is studying art. As such, i became an instant subject for her next project haha. My long eyelashs and green eyes and gold hair, pictures pictures pictures! haha, i knew she wanted to (i can't blame her, with looks like these??? ha..) nah, but so i was like, go ahead and then it was just a hilarious evening of laughter and sharing of pictures and trading music and ideas (her sister knows english but doesn't speak it easily) but it was fun! Ok so that was fun, had great dinner too, saw a korean set up, felt like college life haha and then the real work..
Due to moving and such, her sister is also moving (they lived together) so its all chaos but fun. She let me borrow her rice cooker!!! I was greatly saddened by how expensive they are here....i bought my cheap one for 15 dollars at Target but here the cheapest is fancy and around 45 USD, so yes, a treasure!!! Carrying it around the subway was funny in my huge bag and fixing rice...glorious.
Now Sunday...I enjoyed the Seoul Metro Museum of Art exhibit from france.
www.pompidou2008.kr
Danny, heather, justin, hyesung and i all enjoyed a fantastic lunch (the best sirloin beef, ever.) and cold noodles, and dah (this chewy rice that i'm coming to loooove!) just ahh, and then on to the museum! The art was fun and audio guide was entertaining. we came outside and it was snowing! very pretty. Oh snow always makes me a kid! Then we drove back to bucheon...danny loves his sport car...haha.
Upon returning, hyesung and i decided to just enjoy a movie and order some chinese! woohoo! haha, and it was really good to rest instead of run around. so its now also time to plan trip to Japan and see risa! more to come... (might update after going in fact...since thats next weekend!)
Goal: Go to the old baths in Kyoto and visit Risa in Osaka. Lots to prepare!
Ah, semester ends dec. 19th! then its 2 days of work, then 4 days off for christmas, then 2 days of work, then 4 days for new year!... yes, lots to prepare!
from the 4th until the end of this week it is Holding period.
Holding period: Avalon cannot assign homework or give detention to any student due to their intense studying for exams at school....so wait, why do these students even come!? Oh wait, only a few come like...maybe....2 per class...
Ah, so its interesting, we can't teach new material if there are only 2 students! And then you ask them why they came or what what and its usually their parents said you better go! or i wanted to talk with you and not study at home (take a break, etc.) me oh my, i never studied that hard! Not saying i'm proud of it or that i'm some genius. just in awe of how hard they work!
its taught me to appreciate the hard work is paying off---a country that some 50 years ago rose out of its dust and has achieved so much! and how impressive.
friday i had the pleasure of relaxing at jusima...a local joint with good food and the greatest guy: young won. haha. and he also is a great man of loyalty to his family and running the business with his parents for the past 5 years (he's around 29 i believe) and works from 11pm until 7am roughly. yes, long hours, great laughs, many memories.
I got the pleasure to meet Hyesung's sister in Seoul. I was invited to help move a few things and it was fun meeting her sister. I did not know that Hyesung went to the best university in Korea...and her sister is there right now! Oh how honored her parents are (i can tell its quite the big deal) and her sis is studying art. As such, i became an instant subject for her next project haha. My long eyelashs and green eyes and gold hair, pictures pictures pictures! haha, i knew she wanted to (i can't blame her, with looks like these??? ha..) nah, but so i was like, go ahead and then it was just a hilarious evening of laughter and sharing of pictures and trading music and ideas (her sister knows english but doesn't speak it easily) but it was fun! Ok so that was fun, had great dinner too, saw a korean set up, felt like college life haha and then the real work..
Due to moving and such, her sister is also moving (they lived together) so its all chaos but fun. She let me borrow her rice cooker!!! I was greatly saddened by how expensive they are here....i bought my cheap one for 15 dollars at Target but here the cheapest is fancy and around 45 USD, so yes, a treasure!!! Carrying it around the subway was funny in my huge bag and fixing rice...glorious.
Now Sunday...I enjoyed the Seoul Metro Museum of Art exhibit from france.
www.pompidou2008.kr
Danny, heather, justin, hyesung and i all enjoyed a fantastic lunch (the best sirloin beef, ever.) and cold noodles, and dah (this chewy rice that i'm coming to loooove!) just ahh, and then on to the museum! The art was fun and audio guide was entertaining. we came outside and it was snowing! very pretty. Oh snow always makes me a kid! Then we drove back to bucheon...danny loves his sport car...haha.
Upon returning, hyesung and i decided to just enjoy a movie and order some chinese! woohoo! haha, and it was really good to rest instead of run around. so its now also time to plan trip to Japan and see risa! more to come... (might update after going in fact...since thats next weekend!)
Goal: Go to the old baths in Kyoto and visit Risa in Osaka. Lots to prepare!
Ah, semester ends dec. 19th! then its 2 days of work, then 4 days off for christmas, then 2 days of work, then 4 days for new year!... yes, lots to prepare!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
mobile phone!
oh my travels...
week at a glance
Last sunday i left off with going to dinner with heather and danny for some great curry. it was an early night and all..
I am really glad i got to meet them and share great memories.
monday and wed classes (middleschool) sucked with not being able to give homework, only 50 minute classes, and "holding" meaning i can't teach a new lesson unless half the class is there...but even then only at a slow pace. Ah, horrible.
So Thursday was thanksgiving! we tested the elementary students and they did fine...regular grading etc...then that night we went to get chicken! (since its the only bird we could find...open after 11pm) It was delish, and ate until around 4am...haha. work on friday was all but a joke... :-x
Friday night i had some what of a get together with the foreign teachers. it turned into more going to a bar but they did come! and have good times and i enjoyed how the night turned out. It was Gia, Christine, and Hye Young. Gia sits next to me in our office, she has a bf and really is amused by me and my (failing) attempt to learn korean. Christine is shy but warms up to friends, and a great girl. hye young is my korean tutor. Then you had justin, angela, Alex, hyesung and I all the usual. So we just frankly broke the ice and i really hope they now take the initiative to make it happen again. All you can do is try.
Saturday...was not a good morning. haha. We spent 3 hours trying to get a phone...great deal and all but after it all he failed to mention he wouldn't have the phone until monday! So 10,000 won ($10) phone and 20,000 a month, and i even get to watch tv on it for free, and it has a 2.0 mpxl camera, and mp3 player, and korean/english dictionary. like whoah. so execellent..but i want it NOW! sooo, to make his customer happy, the guy gave me a poster of the My Sassy girl actress because i'm a kid and just had to ask for it, hahaha, oh me.
Sat night: wow, Jjimjilbang!!! this has got to be the greatest korean cultural glee ever. a hot bath, hot sauna, cold sauna, and salt sauna. like the room is HUGE and its just like 68C... and then a room that doesnt even TELL you how hot it is...just know that koreans seriously dont sweat...and this room made them sweat (a little) while i pretty much took a shower!!! wow, but my pores felt sooo good, and the cold room was -1 C so it was just...oddly felt really clear and crisp. then u top off with the salt rocks room. It has salt rocks on the ground that are way too hot...feels like daytona beach sand on a hot hot day...and i could barely lay down on it. but that air was the best and really healthy for you...not sure why though haha.
The hot bath, as you've heard probably, is not co-ed and so you get in the tub naked. huuuge room, 3 tubs (1 regular hot water, 1 greentea, 1 ginsing) and then a cold shallow pool and showers and ah, its a bath house but now luxery and comfort all rolled into one. SO yes, it was awkward for the first few minutes when 2 foreigners walk in...but once i got in that water---nothing matters! Alex (angela's bf) did well too of being comfortable, and just really a fantastic relaxing evening after such a horrible morning. Oh, it was Angela, hyesung, alex, and i...so we all were like little kids (among a wholelot of kids running arond the place...at about 1am!!!) and played uno and ate some great snack until around 2:30am and then called it quits. ah, how glorious. this is a place to be revisited.
sunday was moving day for hyesung, she is a korean girl that taught herself english as a hobby while she was in college. She's now teaching at a different hagwon and just moved to bucheon instead of commuting the 2 hours from her place near Seoul. Luckily it was not a bad task at all, just picked it all up in one load (the american champs we get it done!) and half scared her new housemate---she had never heard so much english spoken before! its a nice place and close by, so thats good. She's now moved in and now that she's closer she'll be able to hang out more. i got to admit i'm impressed.
That sums up my week. Some things to take away:
I so want an iTouch 32gig...That's my christmas gift to myself :-D
Asians see things in relationships, not in hard facts. they understand through context in language..not exact words. Such as: While i was eating, he called. This is very clear in english. In korean, time is not as important but implied through context. So it would be: you ate, he called. obviously u missed the call...u were busy eating. ah, fun lessons.
some other things is how much image means to these people...they would buy the same exact thing from the hyundai dept store because its all fancy stores and such...instead of buying it at emart because then they can say "i shop at hyundai" eh, can't blame 'em. In charlotte its like "i shop at nordstrom, southpark, etc... instead of walmart" ah, people are teh same everywehre!
Well, let the new week begin! I get my phone tomorrow and next step...internet!!!!
week at a glance
Last sunday i left off with going to dinner with heather and danny for some great curry. it was an early night and all..
I am really glad i got to meet them and share great memories.
monday and wed classes (middleschool) sucked with not being able to give homework, only 50 minute classes, and "holding" meaning i can't teach a new lesson unless half the class is there...but even then only at a slow pace. Ah, horrible.
So Thursday was thanksgiving! we tested the elementary students and they did fine...regular grading etc...then that night we went to get chicken! (since its the only bird we could find...open after 11pm) It was delish, and ate until around 4am...haha. work on friday was all but a joke... :-x
Friday night i had some what of a get together with the foreign teachers. it turned into more going to a bar but they did come! and have good times and i enjoyed how the night turned out. It was Gia, Christine, and Hye Young. Gia sits next to me in our office, she has a bf and really is amused by me and my (failing) attempt to learn korean. Christine is shy but warms up to friends, and a great girl. hye young is my korean tutor. Then you had justin, angela, Alex, hyesung and I all the usual. So we just frankly broke the ice and i really hope they now take the initiative to make it happen again. All you can do is try.
Saturday...was not a good morning. haha. We spent 3 hours trying to get a phone...great deal and all but after it all he failed to mention he wouldn't have the phone until monday! So 10,000 won ($10) phone and 20,000 a month, and i even get to watch tv on it for free, and it has a 2.0 mpxl camera, and mp3 player, and korean/english dictionary. like whoah. so execellent..but i want it NOW! sooo, to make his customer happy, the guy gave me a poster of the My Sassy girl actress because i'm a kid and just had to ask for it, hahaha, oh me.
Sat night: wow, Jjimjilbang!!! this has got to be the greatest korean cultural glee ever. a hot bath, hot sauna, cold sauna, and salt sauna. like the room is HUGE and its just like 68C... and then a room that doesnt even TELL you how hot it is...just know that koreans seriously dont sweat...and this room made them sweat (a little) while i pretty much took a shower!!! wow, but my pores felt sooo good, and the cold room was -1 C so it was just...oddly felt really clear and crisp. then u top off with the salt rocks room. It has salt rocks on the ground that are way too hot...feels like daytona beach sand on a hot hot day...and i could barely lay down on it. but that air was the best and really healthy for you...not sure why though haha.
The hot bath, as you've heard probably, is not co-ed and so you get in the tub naked. huuuge room, 3 tubs (1 regular hot water, 1 greentea, 1 ginsing) and then a cold shallow pool and showers and ah, its a bath house but now luxery and comfort all rolled into one. SO yes, it was awkward for the first few minutes when 2 foreigners walk in...but once i got in that water---nothing matters! Alex (angela's bf) did well too of being comfortable, and just really a fantastic relaxing evening after such a horrible morning. Oh, it was Angela, hyesung, alex, and i...so we all were like little kids (among a wholelot of kids running arond the place...at about 1am!!!) and played uno and ate some great snack until around 2:30am and then called it quits. ah, how glorious. this is a place to be revisited.
sunday was moving day for hyesung, she is a korean girl that taught herself english as a hobby while she was in college. She's now teaching at a different hagwon and just moved to bucheon instead of commuting the 2 hours from her place near Seoul. Luckily it was not a bad task at all, just picked it all up in one load (the american champs we get it done!) and half scared her new housemate---she had never heard so much english spoken before! its a nice place and close by, so thats good. She's now moved in and now that she's closer she'll be able to hang out more. i got to admit i'm impressed.
That sums up my week. Some things to take away:
I so want an iTouch 32gig...That's my christmas gift to myself :-D
Asians see things in relationships, not in hard facts. they understand through context in language..not exact words. Such as: While i was eating, he called. This is very clear in english. In korean, time is not as important but implied through context. So it would be: you ate, he called. obviously u missed the call...u were busy eating. ah, fun lessons.
some other things is how much image means to these people...they would buy the same exact thing from the hyundai dept store because its all fancy stores and such...instead of buying it at emart because then they can say "i shop at hyundai" eh, can't blame 'em. In charlotte its like "i shop at nordstrom, southpark, etc... instead of walmart" ah, people are teh same everywehre!
Well, let the new week begin! I get my phone tomorrow and next step...internet!!!!
Monday, November 24, 2008
This weekend was great!
Hyesung and I went to meet her best friend and had some tasty tasty curry! you can see pics of it here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2013612&l=36a3f&id=105600042
So that was that...the bus ride was rather long, but owell, it was fun!
hmm, then sunday it was the awesome time always had with danny and heather... we ate and laughed and danny is learning english! So we had some more convo than before..i was also able to use korean words... crazy how little communication u really need! shows you what's really important.
well, now its just tests for the lil kiddies, oh how tired they are! If they get a really good score...they get to go to an english school---and then in hopes of going to USA or europe for highschool/college! And thats like the ultimate dream! (then they end up there and realize it sucks...and never study..and just become american, lol)
me ahnn (sorry)
Hyesung and I went to meet her best friend and had some tasty tasty curry! you can see pics of it here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2013612&l=36a3f&id=105600042
So that was that...the bus ride was rather long, but owell, it was fun!
hmm, then sunday it was the awesome time always had with danny and heather... we ate and laughed and danny is learning english! So we had some more convo than before..i was also able to use korean words... crazy how little communication u really need! shows you what's really important.
well, now its just tests for the lil kiddies, oh how tired they are! If they get a really good score...they get to go to an english school---and then in hopes of going to USA or europe for highschool/college! And thats like the ultimate dream! (then they end up there and realize it sucks...and never study..and just become american, lol)
me ahnn (sorry)
Friday, November 21, 2008
Oh Joy!
Greetings all, its 4:11 here. Just finished watching a fantastic korean film (again) My Sassy Girl. Angela, alex, hye sung and i enjoyed beer, pizza, and a movie. ah, felt like home life.
Lets review:
So after the hongdae...nothin happened sunday ...as well as the week of teaching.. i had a student get 2 detentions and he still misbehaved---korean teacher threated to expel him and wow, it was wild. but eh, now he's a good kid i suppose...better be this thursday because my boss is observing me teaching that class!
On to Friday!!! wow, only been a week, eh? Well, ROK for bucheon went down...at Rhythm and Booze so we went there, they did this amazing belly dancing (local girl named Rachel perfermed...she teaches classes) Gorgeous and it was hilarious seeing all the white guys stop everything and just gawk. oh priceless. So that went down, had quiz night---i knew very little but funny things!, then grabbed some 2am dinner? with hyesung and it was delish! hm, that was an excellent night.
Sat. i had the pleasure of grocery shopping with Heather! To see a woman in action, haha. but so we got a few random things, key thing was how to order meat ...how much, etc. now i feel confident to say 300g of sum geeup sal! Ahhh, and as payment for her patience and company, i fixed her dinner! it was simple since Danny was suppose to b there...and we were suppose to go to dinner and watch bond but we pushed it back to sunday since he was tied up with business. so it was hyesung and heather and i and yummy chicken stir fry sort...a little salty but given what i had, it worked. she brought a bottle of wine and that was grand. OOO, i tought them how to play UNO! We played for hours, hahaha, and i had to say the numbers in korean and oh what fun. Well, that was that. Another success.
Then you have sunday. Well, it was glorious from the start---i woke to a snow flurry! it did not stick but to watch from my window was enough! I enjoyed that and had some gorgeous lunch and managed to set up going to coffee with justin, heather, and hyesung---studied a little korean phrases, english phrases and then dinner---KALBI!!! mmm, pork ribs, finally! and then to see 007 james bond. Its wild, i watched casino royale in Ireland i realized and then now solace here. Tis my international flick.
So one thing about the movie...i totally had a moment when the movie finished that i thought i was in regal at stonecrest. It just was so weird, i stood up and was like...just everything was just like back home. ah well, so then it was goodnight and back to the work week. started the week off bad by staying up until 5ish....then monday going to get a little food celebration?
Tuesday angela and i went on a trip to Incheon to get our Alien card. will mail to us in 10 days...yay internet and phone one step closer!!! Um, def said it would take 4 hours...we finished in 1.5. team rocket, blast off! We get it DONE!
hmm, wed i grabbed coffee with hyesung.
friday, today i had my exciting chinese black noodle Joy has been talking about... She and i went for lunch and i was stuffed! So tasty!! so dinner i ate so little...so it was a good thing that we got pizza delivered and then enjoyed staying in with the movie on my laptop. haha. wow, would you believe you can get mcdonalds delivered to your room? And you don't pay tip, and its no extra charge!? same for chinese, pizza, icecream, etc. Wow, i gotta learn how to order on the phone!!
well, korean lessons r going strong. I had a little sickness of stopped up nose but just about everyone got it when it turned so cold so fast. hit 26F at one point. but now i'm use to it!
Think thats about it... sorry for so long a wait! I'm getting on well, big plans and hopefully update more often! Oh, a girl i talked to once in america...amanda stone's party...i told her about goin to Korea cuz she hated her job. so def she sent me a msg saying, hey guess what, i'll be there in dec. Crazy! And used james as the recruitor and everything. ahh good times. well, thats how it goes.
Monday will be 1 month i've been here.
mee chin (crazy)
Lets review:
So after the hongdae...nothin happened sunday ...as well as the week of teaching.. i had a student get 2 detentions and he still misbehaved---korean teacher threated to expel him and wow, it was wild. but eh, now he's a good kid i suppose...better be this thursday because my boss is observing me teaching that class!
On to Friday!!! wow, only been a week, eh? Well, ROK for bucheon went down...at Rhythm and Booze so we went there, they did this amazing belly dancing (local girl named Rachel perfermed...she teaches classes) Gorgeous and it was hilarious seeing all the white guys stop everything and just gawk. oh priceless. So that went down, had quiz night---i knew very little but funny things!, then grabbed some 2am dinner? with hyesung and it was delish! hm, that was an excellent night.
Sat. i had the pleasure of grocery shopping with Heather! To see a woman in action, haha. but so we got a few random things, key thing was how to order meat ...how much, etc. now i feel confident to say 300g of sum geeup sal! Ahhh, and as payment for her patience and company, i fixed her dinner! it was simple since Danny was suppose to b there...and we were suppose to go to dinner and watch bond but we pushed it back to sunday since he was tied up with business. so it was hyesung and heather and i and yummy chicken stir fry sort...a little salty but given what i had, it worked. she brought a bottle of wine and that was grand. OOO, i tought them how to play UNO! We played for hours, hahaha, and i had to say the numbers in korean and oh what fun. Well, that was that. Another success.
Then you have sunday. Well, it was glorious from the start---i woke to a snow flurry! it did not stick but to watch from my window was enough! I enjoyed that and had some gorgeous lunch and managed to set up going to coffee with justin, heather, and hyesung---studied a little korean phrases, english phrases and then dinner---KALBI!!! mmm, pork ribs, finally! and then to see 007 james bond. Its wild, i watched casino royale in Ireland i realized and then now solace here. Tis my international flick.
So one thing about the movie...i totally had a moment when the movie finished that i thought i was in regal at stonecrest. It just was so weird, i stood up and was like...just everything was just like back home. ah well, so then it was goodnight and back to the work week. started the week off bad by staying up until 5ish....then monday going to get a little food celebration?
Tuesday angela and i went on a trip to Incheon to get our Alien card. will mail to us in 10 days...yay internet and phone one step closer!!! Um, def said it would take 4 hours...we finished in 1.5. team rocket, blast off! We get it DONE!
hmm, wed i grabbed coffee with hyesung.
friday, today i had my exciting chinese black noodle Joy has been talking about... She and i went for lunch and i was stuffed! So tasty!! so dinner i ate so little...so it was a good thing that we got pizza delivered and then enjoyed staying in with the movie on my laptop. haha. wow, would you believe you can get mcdonalds delivered to your room? And you don't pay tip, and its no extra charge!? same for chinese, pizza, icecream, etc. Wow, i gotta learn how to order on the phone!!
well, korean lessons r going strong. I had a little sickness of stopped up nose but just about everyone got it when it turned so cold so fast. hit 26F at one point. but now i'm use to it!
Think thats about it... sorry for so long a wait! I'm getting on well, big plans and hopefully update more often! Oh, a girl i talked to once in america...amanda stone's party...i told her about goin to Korea cuz she hated her job. so def she sent me a msg saying, hey guess what, i'll be there in dec. Crazy! And used james as the recruitor and everything. ahh good times. well, thats how it goes.
Monday will be 1 month i've been here.
mee chin (crazy)
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Hongdae University!
Who's been to dublin? Trinity college? Temple bar area? well, this is what's what in Seoul too! Hongdae is the same set up of loads of people, poor college kids, ah the glorious adventures on a saturday! Justin and I had the invitation to enjoy the evening with Heather teacher and bf Danny. They are terrific people!
The train ride was really smooth, impressed that we didnt know where we were going, but we'd figure it out..and that we did! So it was about a 45minute ride. Haha, we met some mormons all the way from Utah doing their...mission. Ugh, go infect some other place! haha, Heather asked "have any problems getting here?" no, just some mormons. okee dah!
So as said, we went and enjoyed some fantastic japanese food! Really nice place he knew. He really gives me a glimpse of a korean friend. and how hard they work! And will spend it all on their friends! like its truly admirable.
A little aside is just heather wanted Justin and i to bring along a date...so i laughed too much that i actually found one cute korean the night before. This other weird guy from NYC told her that if we do end up going, to call him. I thought surely she would ditch that. wow, note to self---communication is fantastic, use it! haha, but owell, so that def downed the evening to me...here i was invited and i invited a "date" (she was cute, and spoke english..but eh, i'm picky) just to have her invite a guy (whichshe made clear was not a date, lol, burn). Long story short, awkward night in that area...but with Danny and Heather, fantastic!
Ok, so we enjoy our time, go to Noribang and sing some great classics! Love this culture! Sadly my camera died...so i only have like 3 pictures to show this time. As such, you should believe that these 2 have to be my favorite koreans thus far. So inviting and even though Danny doesn't speak a lot of korean, his delight is so profound in his action/gestures! So, hats off to Danny, and to a fantastic evening of friends and letting the little things figure themselves out!
make the most of these nights, for they're here now!
The train ride was really smooth, impressed that we didnt know where we were going, but we'd figure it out..and that we did! So it was about a 45minute ride. Haha, we met some mormons all the way from Utah doing their...mission. Ugh, go infect some other place! haha, Heather asked "have any problems getting here?" no, just some mormons. okee dah!So as said, we went and enjoyed some fantastic japanese food! Really nice place he knew. He really gives me a glimpse of a korean friend. and how hard they work! And will spend it all on their friends! like its truly admirable.
A little aside is just heather wanted Justin and i to bring along a date...so i laughed too much that i actually found one cute korean the night before. This other weird guy from NYC told her that if we do end up going, to call him. I thought surely she would ditch that. wow, note to self---communication is fantastic, use it! haha, but owell, so that def downed the evening to me...here i was invited and i invited a "date" (she was cute, and spoke english..but eh, i'm picky) just to have her invite a guy (whichshe made clear was not a date, lol, burn). Long story short, awkward night in that area...but with Danny and Heather, fantastic!
Ok, so we enjoy our time, go to Noribang and sing some great classics! Love this culture! Sadly my camera died...so i only have like 3 pictures to show this time. As such, you should believe that these 2 have to be my favorite koreans thus far. So inviting and even though Danny doesn't speak a lot of korean, his delight is so profound in his action/gestures! So, hats off to Danny, and to a fantastic evening of friends and letting the little things figure themselves out!
make the most of these nights, for they're here now!
Korean Health Check
Thursday morning, I woke up and met up with my other new co-worker around 10am. Our mission: to find the hospital and get a health check.
11:20 we finally find hte place...we found a pregnancy care center and the nurse thought we were a couple and she was pregnant, it was priceless! Oh communication is funny, even without knowing the language you can gather so much!
Okeedah!
We made it to the hospital and wow, what a sight! All ages, all sorts, everything in one spot. We get a blood sample...multiple...and urine, and height and weight and eye sight---haha, it was korean characters... and then we did a dentist check haha, but very up to date, and then finally xray of our lungs. 67$...not too bad, eh? all in one spot too, great efficient way!
So, that's that. Oh and i also got a TV...hilarious old school. and a desk and 2 chairs...so i now can have company and such!
haha, there's an update!
nah sayo! (bad)
11:20 we finally find hte place...we found a pregnancy care center and the nurse thought we were a couple and she was pregnant, it was priceless! Oh communication is funny, even without knowing the language you can gather so much!
Okeedah!
We made it to the hospital and wow, what a sight! All ages, all sorts, everything in one spot. We get a blood sample...multiple...and urine, and height and weight and eye sight---haha, it was korean characters... and then we did a dentist check haha, but very up to date, and then finally xray of our lungs. 67$...not too bad, eh? all in one spot too, great efficient way!
So, that's that. Oh and i also got a TV...hilarious old school. and a desk and 2 chairs...so i now can have company and such!
haha, there's an update!
nah sayo! (bad)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
So I got an address you can send things to me! it will go to my school...which is bigger and easier to find than my apt... since i certainly don't understand how they find anything here! (always just say, draw me a map!")
it should get here..haha,
Joel Oliver
Avalon
1031-2 Golden Bell Tower 2nd Floor
Jung-4-dong Wonmigu
Bucheon Kyeonggi, South Korea 420-020
That's a mouth full.. and yah, putting me on there it will get to me...Agnus will take care of me. She got me a table and 2 chairs taken to my apt today. And tomorrow i get my physical at hte hospital. oh boy! Of course it costs 67$ though... guess its because i don't have insurance?? just way too much after the visa...and then ANOTHER visa charge for 45.. oh the small charges. But hey, nothing compared to the plane ticket over here! And I'm getting free dinner from the best home style cooking chef's the ladies ROCK! I might try to steal a picture of them! And today my tutor made me authentic rice...dough? Its like a chewy bread dough that is a tasty snack they eat for breakfast i suppose? With oranges? At least that's what she gave me as a joke because i skip breakfast for our lesson and such..
Okee dah! (joke)
Na say okee dah nikka?.
"I am funny?"
Ahh, my first sentence!
good times...
it should get here..haha,
Joel Oliver
Avalon
1031-2 Golden Bell Tower 2nd Floor
Jung-4-dong Wonmigu
Bucheon Kyeonggi, South Korea 420-020
That's a mouth full.. and yah, putting me on there it will get to me...Agnus will take care of me. She got me a table and 2 chairs taken to my apt today. And tomorrow i get my physical at hte hospital. oh boy! Of course it costs 67$ though... guess its because i don't have insurance?? just way too much after the visa...and then ANOTHER visa charge for 45.. oh the small charges. But hey, nothing compared to the plane ticket over here! And I'm getting free dinner from the best home style cooking chef's the ladies ROCK! I might try to steal a picture of them! And today my tutor made me authentic rice...dough? Its like a chewy bread dough that is a tasty snack they eat for breakfast i suppose? With oranges? At least that's what she gave me as a joke because i skip breakfast for our lesson and such..
Okee dah! (joke)
Na say okee dah nikka?.
"I am funny?"
Ahh, my first sentence!
good times...
Monday, November 3, 2008
Halloween Weekend! Korean Style!
Ok, so first things... friday... I survived the week to face new classes I had not had before...ew...but Hey i only teach 2 classes---and only once a week! So friday's suck in difficulty, but rock in the "light teaching load". Sure once i get a system down, its easy cheezy.
That night I thought would be typical as every fri night...until Joy asked me if I would like to join them for a very spicy dinner! (Koreans believe the spicier it is, the more you sweat, the more stress you "release", perhaps its true...or maybe its the soju...) either way, I felt terrible for breaking my plans with Justin and the americans...but to experience spicy octopus??? I'm no fool! (and it was Joy's bday sunday...and she asked me, and again, i'm not a fool, lol). So it was her, her old friend that worked at avalon (got a better job), and this precious younger girl that works at the front desk. Its 11:30pm remember.
We found a place that gave it hot! frankly it wasnt as spicy as they made it out to be, but man was it delicious! That's the way i like my octopus, grilled and spicy! Had the best combination, frankly i find the foot delicious but no starches...so its no wonder I havnt seen a SINGLE "large" person here. Like literally...not a single one. Ok, so we ate, and ate and drank this girly soju ...like floral soju, and supposidly "healthy" and less calories i imagine. ahh, def was like, u all r beautiful, no worries! Oh, and then we ate beef...they had never had it before! wow, kind of like grilled steak strips, wasn't quite a nice juicy steak...but they loved it and beef from america has a bad name--all the hormones, etc. but that's changed in the past like..literally months. Ok, after eating around 1am, the 3 wanted to go to a noribang (karaoke private rooms) like the coolest thing, private singing room and like literally EVERY song! **Just for Brandon Turner, i sang Higher - Creed. made me laugh they had it! no dave matthews :( really could have gotten 'em with "crash"... mais, c'est la vie.
Pics of Joy's bday:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2013318&l=2c817&id=105600042
We finished singing around 2am...yes, hours of it, glorious! But they are exhausted, had a great time with the drinks and singing and dancing and haha, my mickey mouse ears. We went our ways and then its on to Halloween costume party at Rhythm and booze*. I wore my shirt that reads "Mr. Right (now)" with minnie mouse ears for a wonderful action of i'm good, honest. lol, good times and played loads of pool, finally met some of the regulars/americans. I saw justin and he gave me a hard time...but understood why i stood him up. Again we enjoyed the evening just talking all night--good company, something around 6am. :-x This concludes Friday night
Saturday was 7:30 meet James at avalon to have dinner with americans. He's our Recruiter. we went to this amazing ...kind of like Melting pot, pot of boiling soup and veggies...and u drop meat in and it cooks in seconds. really good. didn't like using chopsticks on raw meat, but owell they're stainless steel (historic value, rice bowl is always metal, and chopsticks) also cleaner. but so we ate thatahhhh, so good. (sadly 2 koreans weres uppose to join us, but miscommunicated so they waited for us IN avalon, while we were outside...perhaps better because we were rude americans, lol, but the two girls went for me ^.^ le sigh). lol, jk. but did feel terrible, wrote a note on my desk and everything! So we finished dinner, and again R&B rhythm and booze is our home place. we talk and hang and I get to meet Jio ....a tall hispanic girl from miami that loves bleach and draws anime. haha, so, of course we just delve into all these deep convos about life and such and hit it off---instant friends. Again, finish talking around 6am? When you wake at 2pm, you really don't live the normal schedule! ahha (and buses close down from 12 - 5am so its agood thing)
So, let's continue... Sunday morning there is actually a church that is close to me...hopefully i'll get on amore stable schedule and perhaps attend! A few of the americans go and its in english...hm. but then go figure the jerk is the one that goes... so kinda makes me wonder. So sunday i woke at 2pm and met Jio to go to the coolest place EVER! Imagine...10 floor building, 1 floor of laptops, 1 floor of cameras, 1 floor of appliances, 1 floor of video games...etc. building the size of walmart. like HUGE. and soo much competition! And done RIGHT! So i'm thinking of getting a PSP for $170 hacked, every game, glorious. Researching it now, but i still love my DS LITE. just the value of watching movies on the go..yah, hottness. So Jio ( G - O) and i explored our way back on the train and bus....didnt get lost, pretty sweet. we talked about the fun times, and were tired so went our ways.
I then remembered i was suppose to meet Justin and Heather teacher for coffee at 5:30---it was def. 7pm. Owell, i show up and they're gone, i see a white guy so i ask him if he saw a redhead (of course he stands out). He remembers, lets me borrow his fone...no answer, we talk about life. He's swedish, name is thomas, 55ish and major position in a german company here....and he is married to a korean wife and has a daughter and we talked about obama and mccain... He spoke french, german, korean, and english! Ended up getting around 8:30 and we then decided to go to dinner! So random, so awesome! So we had a fantastic dinner, he showed me a new spot...i wanted korean short ribs but we couldnt find them...so go where the koreans eat! haha, and then he paid for it and it was seriously quite a salvaged night! So after the tasty dinner and tasteful dinner conversation, we parted our ways and again R&B was my "living room" is what i'm becoming to call it. Played a game of pool against JFK (korean guy that is a regular ...hilarious guy, not as good as Mr. Parks at pool tho) and then...surprised that I met a floor mate! This canadian lives literally 2 doors down from me and so we walked back from the bar and she showed me how to use the laundry machine! Exciting! Hopefully she'll get her E-2 visa renewed and stay longer, if not, she's leaving Korea... :( new found friend! nooo, haha, so we talked again until around eh...1am this time. I had to wake up early to go to my first Korean Lesson!
Korean lesson! My co-director asked the front desk lady if she wanted to learn english and teach me korean...so in me learning korean, she's learning a lot of english! We just exchanged words and it was great! I have a LONG way to go before i even understand the sentense structure, but i'm farther off than the other people...i already have a tutor. I'm sure nothing happens for coincidence, but eh, i'm just enjoying! Learning is fun. That's the way i see it. Keep it simple stupid. I thought there was a time zone change, so i was late....felt horrible (especially with sat, and sun messing up...3x a charm!) but all went well. now its every mon, wed, fri morning 10am. so i'll have to get to bed early..booo.
well, that brings us to classes. they went smooth, got a system down---my own system. works good for the classes i have. friday is a nother beast, figure that out when i get there. def good motto of "one day at a time" able to live in the present! dont worry bout past or worry about future.
So, here's to a truly good time with new found friends! Kampa!
Ch' upda! (cold) it was very cold tonight, i loved it!
*Rhythm and Booze: This has to be the best bar atmosphere! It is an american and korean partnership. It plays american music, has free pool, darts, really cheap beer and AMERICAN food, american breakfast (2 sausage, egg, hashbrowns, and toast ahhh!), regular "hamburger and fries" and other great "home foods". Its seriously your house...no one feels home sick with a place like that! They have poker night, wii, just can sit and no one bug you, at least one american in there...always. And everyone just chills, and some koreans come..those that are brave and those that wish to pwn us in pool (Mr. Park, this dude is like 60s and never drinks, just plays pool, total master).
That night I thought would be typical as every fri night...until Joy asked me if I would like to join them for a very spicy dinner! (Koreans believe the spicier it is, the more you sweat, the more stress you "release", perhaps its true...or maybe its the soju...) either way, I felt terrible for breaking my plans with Justin and the americans...but to experience spicy octopus??? I'm no fool! (and it was Joy's bday sunday...and she asked me, and again, i'm not a fool, lol). So it was her, her old friend that worked at avalon (got a better job), and this precious younger girl that works at the front desk. Its 11:30pm remember.
We found a place that gave it hot! frankly it wasnt as spicy as they made it out to be, but man was it delicious! That's the way i like my octopus, grilled and spicy! Had the best combination, frankly i find the foot delicious but no starches...so its no wonder I havnt seen a SINGLE "large" person here. Like literally...not a single one. Ok, so we ate, and ate and drank this girly soju ...like floral soju, and supposidly "healthy" and less calories i imagine. ahh, def was like, u all r beautiful, no worries! Oh, and then we ate beef...they had never had it before! wow, kind of like grilled steak strips, wasn't quite a nice juicy steak...but they loved it and beef from america has a bad name--all the hormones, etc. but that's changed in the past like..literally months. Ok, after eating around 1am, the 3 wanted to go to a noribang (karaoke private rooms) like the coolest thing, private singing room and like literally EVERY song! **Just for Brandon Turner, i sang Higher - Creed. made me laugh they had it! no dave matthews :( really could have gotten 'em with "crash"... mais, c'est la vie.
Pics of Joy's bday:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2013318&l=2c817&id=105600042
We finished singing around 2am...yes, hours of it, glorious! But they are exhausted, had a great time with the drinks and singing and dancing and haha, my mickey mouse ears. We went our ways and then its on to Halloween costume party at Rhythm and booze*. I wore my shirt that reads "Mr. Right (now)" with minnie mouse ears for a wonderful action of i'm good, honest. lol, good times and played loads of pool, finally met some of the regulars/americans. I saw justin and he gave me a hard time...but understood why i stood him up. Again we enjoyed the evening just talking all night--good company, something around 6am. :-x This concludes Friday night
Saturday was 7:30 meet James at avalon to have dinner with americans. He's our Recruiter. we went to this amazing ...kind of like Melting pot, pot of boiling soup and veggies...and u drop meat in and it cooks in seconds. really good. didn't like using chopsticks on raw meat, but owell they're stainless steel (historic value, rice bowl is always metal, and chopsticks) also cleaner. but so we ate thatahhhh, so good. (sadly 2 koreans weres uppose to join us, but miscommunicated so they waited for us IN avalon, while we were outside...perhaps better because we were rude americans, lol, but the two girls went for me ^.^ le sigh). lol, jk. but did feel terrible, wrote a note on my desk and everything! So we finished dinner, and again R&B rhythm and booze is our home place. we talk and hang and I get to meet Jio ....a tall hispanic girl from miami that loves bleach and draws anime. haha, so, of course we just delve into all these deep convos about life and such and hit it off---instant friends. Again, finish talking around 6am? When you wake at 2pm, you really don't live the normal schedule! ahha (and buses close down from 12 - 5am so its agood thing)
So, let's continue... Sunday morning there is actually a church that is close to me...hopefully i'll get on amore stable schedule and perhaps attend! A few of the americans go and its in english...hm. but then go figure the jerk is the one that goes... so kinda makes me wonder. So sunday i woke at 2pm and met Jio to go to the coolest place EVER! Imagine...10 floor building, 1 floor of laptops, 1 floor of cameras, 1 floor of appliances, 1 floor of video games...etc. building the size of walmart. like HUGE. and soo much competition! And done RIGHT! So i'm thinking of getting a PSP for $170 hacked, every game, glorious. Researching it now, but i still love my DS LITE. just the value of watching movies on the go..yah, hottness. So Jio ( G - O) and i explored our way back on the train and bus....didnt get lost, pretty sweet. we talked about the fun times, and were tired so went our ways.
I then remembered i was suppose to meet Justin and Heather teacher for coffee at 5:30---it was def. 7pm. Owell, i show up and they're gone, i see a white guy so i ask him if he saw a redhead (of course he stands out). He remembers, lets me borrow his fone...no answer, we talk about life. He's swedish, name is thomas, 55ish and major position in a german company here....and he is married to a korean wife and has a daughter and we talked about obama and mccain... He spoke french, german, korean, and english! Ended up getting around 8:30 and we then decided to go to dinner! So random, so awesome! So we had a fantastic dinner, he showed me a new spot...i wanted korean short ribs but we couldnt find them...so go where the koreans eat! haha, and then he paid for it and it was seriously quite a salvaged night! So after the tasty dinner and tasteful dinner conversation, we parted our ways and again R&B was my "living room" is what i'm becoming to call it. Played a game of pool against JFK (korean guy that is a regular ...hilarious guy, not as good as Mr. Parks at pool tho) and then...surprised that I met a floor mate! This canadian lives literally 2 doors down from me and so we walked back from the bar and she showed me how to use the laundry machine! Exciting! Hopefully she'll get her E-2 visa renewed and stay longer, if not, she's leaving Korea... :( new found friend! nooo, haha, so we talked again until around eh...1am this time. I had to wake up early to go to my first Korean Lesson!
Korean lesson! My co-director asked the front desk lady if she wanted to learn english and teach me korean...so in me learning korean, she's learning a lot of english! We just exchanged words and it was great! I have a LONG way to go before i even understand the sentense structure, but i'm farther off than the other people...i already have a tutor. I'm sure nothing happens for coincidence, but eh, i'm just enjoying! Learning is fun. That's the way i see it. Keep it simple stupid. I thought there was a time zone change, so i was late....felt horrible (especially with sat, and sun messing up...3x a charm!) but all went well. now its every mon, wed, fri morning 10am. so i'll have to get to bed early..booo.
well, that brings us to classes. they went smooth, got a system down---my own system. works good for the classes i have. friday is a nother beast, figure that out when i get there. def good motto of "one day at a time" able to live in the present! dont worry bout past or worry about future.
So, here's to a truly good time with new found friends! Kampa!
Ch' upda! (cold) it was very cold tonight, i loved it!
*Rhythm and Booze: This has to be the best bar atmosphere! It is an american and korean partnership. It plays american music, has free pool, darts, really cheap beer and AMERICAN food, american breakfast (2 sausage, egg, hashbrowns, and toast ahhh!), regular "hamburger and fries" and other great "home foods". Its seriously your house...no one feels home sick with a place like that! They have poker night, wii, just can sit and no one bug you, at least one american in there...always. And everyone just chills, and some koreans come..those that are brave and those that wish to pwn us in pool (Mr. Park, this dude is like 60s and never drinks, just plays pool, total master).
Thursday, October 30, 2008
quick update here..
I have finished my first week teaching and it looks like i have a grasp on what to do and where to take the class. Its quite interesting putting grades on the internet...i tackle that tomorrow morning! haah, as such, I was able to find a card reader so i could upload pictures finally! only a few because i knew i didnt have a reader----also i wanted to have bought a camera already. Owell, still not pleased with prices...was expecting 100usd value, instead its more around 180 :(
Today we went to starbucks before work to discuss our lives...just a few of the teachers that it was obvious were interested in getting to know us better. ah, funny stuff. but it was enjoyable, they asked how old i was and were very shocked that i was such a "spring chick" haha, owell, makes it easier i suppose. but then i guess i passed some sort of test with the married one---i now have a tutor! haha! She also wants to learn english so they said the best way is to go eat! i was like, no worries there!... hm, why do i feel set up? why should i care! haha.
So on to halloween weekend! We're having a party...or i'm hosting the costume part, james---my recruiter is coming in to check on me, etc. So he's taking us out, kinda scary the stories i hear..but no worries, just getting use to the stay up real late, wake and go to work at 3pm.
Enjoy the photos! just of my apt and such, more to come...
choi yo! (good!)
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30411605&l=15bab&id=105600042
I have finished my first week teaching and it looks like i have a grasp on what to do and where to take the class. Its quite interesting putting grades on the internet...i tackle that tomorrow morning! haah, as such, I was able to find a card reader so i could upload pictures finally! only a few because i knew i didnt have a reader----also i wanted to have bought a camera already. Owell, still not pleased with prices...was expecting 100usd value, instead its more around 180 :(
Today we went to starbucks before work to discuss our lives...just a few of the teachers that it was obvious were interested in getting to know us better. ah, funny stuff. but it was enjoyable, they asked how old i was and were very shocked that i was such a "spring chick" haha, owell, makes it easier i suppose. but then i guess i passed some sort of test with the married one---i now have a tutor! haha! She also wants to learn english so they said the best way is to go eat! i was like, no worries there!... hm, why do i feel set up? why should i care! haha.
So on to halloween weekend! We're having a party...or i'm hosting the costume part, james---my recruiter is coming in to check on me, etc. So he's taking us out, kinda scary the stories i hear..but no worries, just getting use to the stay up real late, wake and go to work at 3pm.
Enjoy the photos! just of my apt and such, more to come...
choi yo! (good!)
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30411605&l=15bab&id=105600042
Monday, October 27, 2008
Avalon: Day One.
Wow what a Monday.
That about sums up what you think: Murphy's law too...
So I went in early to get a handle on the lesson, the feel of teaching--since i knew Alex teacher (yes, everyone is ___ teacher, quite precious) would make me start working instead of giving me another observation.
So great, I'm prepared to teach lesson 6 on sports. Simple enough. Oh wait, the previous teacher got ahead of the curriculum and is on lesson 7! Splendid! First class and I'm already winging it! By the 4th class (all the same to middle schoolers about age of 14... so 13 american) I was a pro! relaxed, joking with the students, showing them pictures of my family, friends, house, animals, "my many many girlfriends" haha, owell, thanks ladies! ;)
So now that I'm a star, I enjoyed some of the comments. THey loved my curly long hair...called my dad's red hair "gold hair". a boy told me my eyes are beautiful, guys are allowed to be more affectionate to same sex and it somewhat is easier to handle. The girls think i'm rich and noble because i have a huge house (especially since its a house with land, a pond, and 2 story...everyone and i mean EVERYONE lives in an apt).
So the pictures were a major hit, showed also christmas, thanksgiving, and other things to boot.
Easy part done, now its the clean up and catch up of getting the students to not slack and learn English. I had a fantastic laugh with the korean co-workers about lip gloss and well...girls will be girls in any culture :-D They're so kind and helpful with any questions.
OH, I don't know if i mentioned but Avalon has its own kitchen and 2 cooks! So all the teachers get fed some yummy authentic home style food! Sometimes its ....well, certainly not homecookin but its free and the 2 ladies adore Justin teacher and I. Him with his red hair, and I with my hazel eyes. I think i might actually be allergic/sores open in my mouth to something...perhaps the kimchi. Perhaps nothing but horrible considering kimchi is basically more staple to korea than rice!
I bought the softest micro fiber pillow at Emart, along with a floor pillow to enjoy sitting on teh floor...much more comfortable but still not able to wake up not sore or sit for a long amount of time comfortably.
All in all, i've survived, def felt at home, and learning loads of korean...forgetting equal amounts as well!
Sweetest thing from one of a teacher, she brought me dishes to use! we all sit in a row of desks...about 6 in a row, so about 18 of us in the "teacher work room" all crammed in comfortably. Its 4 americans, 2 guys 2 girls, and then 10 korean girls, 2 guys, and some more girls but they're reception or other workers. Trying to break the formality but hey, it's only been 2 days.
Kaja! (let's go!)
That about sums up what you think: Murphy's law too...
So I went in early to get a handle on the lesson, the feel of teaching--since i knew Alex teacher (yes, everyone is ___ teacher, quite precious) would make me start working instead of giving me another observation.
So great, I'm prepared to teach lesson 6 on sports. Simple enough. Oh wait, the previous teacher got ahead of the curriculum and is on lesson 7! Splendid! First class and I'm already winging it! By the 4th class (all the same to middle schoolers about age of 14... so 13 american) I was a pro! relaxed, joking with the students, showing them pictures of my family, friends, house, animals, "my many many girlfriends" haha, owell, thanks ladies! ;)
So now that I'm a star, I enjoyed some of the comments. THey loved my curly long hair...called my dad's red hair "gold hair". a boy told me my eyes are beautiful, guys are allowed to be more affectionate to same sex and it somewhat is easier to handle. The girls think i'm rich and noble because i have a huge house (especially since its a house with land, a pond, and 2 story...everyone and i mean EVERYONE lives in an apt).
So the pictures were a major hit, showed also christmas, thanksgiving, and other things to boot.
Easy part done, now its the clean up and catch up of getting the students to not slack and learn English. I had a fantastic laugh with the korean co-workers about lip gloss and well...girls will be girls in any culture :-D They're so kind and helpful with any questions.
OH, I don't know if i mentioned but Avalon has its own kitchen and 2 cooks! So all the teachers get fed some yummy authentic home style food! Sometimes its ....well, certainly not homecookin but its free and the 2 ladies adore Justin teacher and I. Him with his red hair, and I with my hazel eyes. I think i might actually be allergic/sores open in my mouth to something...perhaps the kimchi. Perhaps nothing but horrible considering kimchi is basically more staple to korea than rice!
I bought the softest micro fiber pillow at Emart, along with a floor pillow to enjoy sitting on teh floor...much more comfortable but still not able to wake up not sore or sit for a long amount of time comfortably.
All in all, i've survived, def felt at home, and learning loads of korean...forgetting equal amounts as well!
Sweetest thing from one of a teacher, she brought me dishes to use! we all sit in a row of desks...about 6 in a row, so about 18 of us in the "teacher work room" all crammed in comfortably. Its 4 americans, 2 guys 2 girls, and then 10 korean girls, 2 guys, and some more girls but they're reception or other workers. Trying to break the formality but hey, it's only been 2 days.
Kaja! (let's go!)
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Hello from Korea!
Wow do I have a lot to update from this weekend!
Wed. 6:45 I leave with Robbye to the airport...blessing in that she happen to hear on radio that there was an accident on 485 so we avoided it smoothly to get there with plenty of time for me to get to the plane and begin my journey.
I arrived 11pm Thursday night at Avalon school, the taxi driver picked me up with no hitch...luggage and all, and i met my boss and things went surprisingly smooth. I went back to my room after 25 hours of travel and after 2 more hours of unpacking...i slept.
I slept on one hard bed. It may be healthier but something comforting to sinking into a nice soft bed...Still have not had a solid 8 hour sleep on this bed.
The shower is nice and cute, along with the rest of the facilities, american toilet and all those important things. THe kitchen is mighty small, seems like I might grab dinner out most nights. We'll figure that one out later. For now its good to have the necessities (RAMEN!) haha, but i STILL don't have a bowl or trashcan, so that sort of is a problem...
Its really interesting with the stairs to the "loft" upstairs, you can sleep up there but its only like 4ft. tall, might explore that when/if it gets to be really cold. But the A/C and such is just great, and the huge window view is more than i can ask for...Oh, and i'm on the 9th floor. So its nice and quiet and I like the towers and how they live. It's efficient.
So woke up Friday. THe door was locked and i set off an alarm and got locked in my room. It was actually quite commical, finally I figured it out (being all in korean...trial and error was the only way). Walked around, tried to get familar with my new home. I know 2 major streets, and that Avalon is only 5 minutes from my apt. I observed classes and survived the 3pm to 11pm hours...certainly remarkable these students have such stamina! I figure if that is the only job i have here, its very do-able....just have to keep focused, etc.
After work at 11 Justin-teacher from Ohio showed me the night life. Haha, oh my, soju is the korean vodka stuff and so he insisted upon introducing me to it. That was fine enough, we went to a Karaoke bar and sang a lot and a lot, very much like guitar hero...even had bongos! hahah, just played with it until around 4am. Slept. Saturday was a waste of just getting use to the place, watching my Smallville series ^.^ and sleeping more.
Today is Sunday, I now feel quite ...comfortable if that is possible. I went to my first restaurant here and asked for...who knows what, i got pork, cabbage, kimchi, tiny fish with okra, soup, rice, and squid. I only remembered how to ask for tagugee bap (pork and rice) so, i think i faired quite nice. Best part of it all? Cost only 6000 Won, (6 dollars). And we're talkin a SPREAD. fancy and yum. Well, after that accomplishment, i found a YMCA...hope to explore that and perhaps begin swimming again. And then talked to my parents on Vonage. Everyone feel free to contact me for free:
704.644.0831
its a charlotte number, just need internet and i can talk from anywhere in the world. Ah technology ^.^
I hope to get a mobile soon, after getting my alien card. I start teaching monday the 2nd part of classes...so not muchtime to waste around! I have my first "american" expresso in a bit with Justin and friends, so i shall update more later. Here's to the first weekend in Bucheon!
ahn ya sayo!!
Wed. 6:45 I leave with Robbye to the airport...blessing in that she happen to hear on radio that there was an accident on 485 so we avoided it smoothly to get there with plenty of time for me to get to the plane and begin my journey.
I arrived 11pm Thursday night at Avalon school, the taxi driver picked me up with no hitch...luggage and all, and i met my boss and things went surprisingly smooth. I went back to my room after 25 hours of travel and after 2 more hours of unpacking...i slept.
I slept on one hard bed. It may be healthier but something comforting to sinking into a nice soft bed...Still have not had a solid 8 hour sleep on this bed.
The shower is nice and cute, along with the rest of the facilities, american toilet and all those important things. THe kitchen is mighty small, seems like I might grab dinner out most nights. We'll figure that one out later. For now its good to have the necessities (RAMEN!) haha, but i STILL don't have a bowl or trashcan, so that sort of is a problem...
Its really interesting with the stairs to the "loft" upstairs, you can sleep up there but its only like 4ft. tall, might explore that when/if it gets to be really cold. But the A/C and such is just great, and the huge window view is more than i can ask for...Oh, and i'm on the 9th floor. So its nice and quiet and I like the towers and how they live. It's efficient.
So woke up Friday. THe door was locked and i set off an alarm and got locked in my room. It was actually quite commical, finally I figured it out (being all in korean...trial and error was the only way). Walked around, tried to get familar with my new home. I know 2 major streets, and that Avalon is only 5 minutes from my apt. I observed classes and survived the 3pm to 11pm hours...certainly remarkable these students have such stamina! I figure if that is the only job i have here, its very do-able....just have to keep focused, etc.
After work at 11 Justin-teacher from Ohio showed me the night life. Haha, oh my, soju is the korean vodka stuff and so he insisted upon introducing me to it. That was fine enough, we went to a Karaoke bar and sang a lot and a lot, very much like guitar hero...even had bongos! hahah, just played with it until around 4am. Slept. Saturday was a waste of just getting use to the place, watching my Smallville series ^.^ and sleeping more.
Today is Sunday, I now feel quite ...comfortable if that is possible. I went to my first restaurant here and asked for...who knows what, i got pork, cabbage, kimchi, tiny fish with okra, soup, rice, and squid. I only remembered how to ask for tagugee bap (pork and rice) so, i think i faired quite nice. Best part of it all? Cost only 6000 Won, (6 dollars). And we're talkin a SPREAD. fancy and yum. Well, after that accomplishment, i found a YMCA...hope to explore that and perhaps begin swimming again. And then talked to my parents on Vonage. Everyone feel free to contact me for free:
704.644.0831
its a charlotte number, just need internet and i can talk from anywhere in the world. Ah technology ^.^
I hope to get a mobile soon, after getting my alien card. I start teaching monday the 2nd part of classes...so not muchtime to waste around! I have my first "american" expresso in a bit with Justin and friends, so i shall update more later. Here's to the first weekend in Bucheon!
ahn ya sayo!!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Wecome to Korea
I just returned from Atlanta and Asheville this weekend. Depart Thursday, spent the night with dears from Mars Hill. Great to see old friends!
Embassy interviewed me with questions about why Korea, etc. Mailed my passport to me today and I depart Wednesday 22nd, 9:20am!
I will arrive around Thursday night. Start observing Friday at 3pm...then enjoy the weekend...to start teaching Monday!
there is a LOT to be done before then. Time is of the essence! Basically hope you enjoy the blog, here's to the beginning! Next post: in Korea!
j
Embassy interviewed me with questions about why Korea, etc. Mailed my passport to me today and I depart Wednesday 22nd, 9:20am!
I will arrive around Thursday night. Start observing Friday at 3pm...then enjoy the weekend...to start teaching Monday!
there is a LOT to be done before then. Time is of the essence! Basically hope you enjoy the blog, here's to the beginning! Next post: in Korea!
j
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Packing!
Back on track, its time to get ready! Departure undefined, start date = October 20th.
Update: I interviewed with the director from Bucheon and he liked what he heard and agreed that even though my forte is kindergarden, I'm good to go. With an open mind and willingness to work hard, what do I have to lose?
I will be teaching 10-15 yr olds (5th to 9th graders) English from 3pm until 11pm. 4 80 minute classes with 10 minute breaks Mon, Wed, Thurs. Tues, Thurs I will teach perhaps only 2 courses. This is good and bad. I have a lighter load but still have to remain there the entire time (prepare lesson plans, etc.) and means I may have a harder load the next 3 month cirriculum cycle. Any further questions, feel free to ask away, easier here than individually!
It rained today so I was unable to play soccer. Taking all that energy, I applied it to packing. Its all neatly folded and now just to make it all fit. I was trying to avoid 2 bags but it may be inevitable. Thought a great idea from the internet was someone mentioning to bring Guess Who and other board games. Who knows?
Still working on getting a camera and video camera. Truly think it will be better to get one over there. Here's to a productive day!
Update: I interviewed with the director from Bucheon and he liked what he heard and agreed that even though my forte is kindergarden, I'm good to go. With an open mind and willingness to work hard, what do I have to lose?
I will be teaching 10-15 yr olds (5th to 9th graders) English from 3pm until 11pm. 4 80 minute classes with 10 minute breaks Mon, Wed, Thurs. Tues, Thurs I will teach perhaps only 2 courses. This is good and bad. I have a lighter load but still have to remain there the entire time (prepare lesson plans, etc.) and means I may have a harder load the next 3 month cirriculum cycle. Any further questions, feel free to ask away, easier here than individually!
It rained today so I was unable to play soccer. Taking all that energy, I applied it to packing. Its all neatly folded and now just to make it all fit. I was trying to avoid 2 bags but it may be inevitable. Thought a great idea from the internet was someone mentioning to bring Guess Who and other board games. Who knows?
Still working on getting a camera and video camera. Truly think it will be better to get one over there. Here's to a productive day!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Talk about confusion!
So I woke up this morning to bad news: Choo Choo Train was not up to par and was questionable as to its stability. My HR (James) told me it would be much better to plug me into avalon.
http://english.avalon.co.kr/ava/intro.html
Right away you can tell it is more professional and solid. It has a website, they're talking with me tomorrow, I'm living closer to James and this other guy Matt that is from Pitts. ---basically it seems all around like a blessing in disguise. As such, I will be rushing to keep on the same time line...the 20th is when they want me to start my first day meaning---probably still the 18th departure. Sort of the whole "rush to wait" prepared. Well, I know I was extremely upset earlier today but that all is over---just have faith!
More details later. For now just remember everything has a reason :)
j
http://english.avalon.co.kr/ava/intro.html
Right away you can tell it is more professional and solid. It has a website, they're talking with me tomorrow, I'm living closer to James and this other guy Matt that is from Pitts. ---basically it seems all around like a blessing in disguise. As such, I will be rushing to keep on the same time line...the 20th is when they want me to start my first day meaning---probably still the 18th departure. Sort of the whole "rush to wait" prepared. Well, I know I was extremely upset earlier today but that all is over---just have faith!
More details later. For now just remember everything has a reason :)
j
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Ren Fest
Just got back from the Renaissance festival 2008 and it continues to be tradition!
Robbye kept up with me as we dashed around watching the Tartuga Twins and enjoying the jousting. Plenty of exercise in the old times! First time I could have ale, ah, the glory.
As every year, I pick out a leather rose to add to the collection. This time I had to go ahead and purchase the Twins DVD since it's going to go with me everywhere! I cannot express it enough how much I love their humor... yes, its outrageous, naughty, crosses the line, outright crude innuendos! True oral masters of the English langugage! Onto other things...
Plane ticket on monday
collecting final last necessities.
enjoy
Robbye kept up with me as we dashed around watching the Tartuga Twins and enjoying the jousting. Plenty of exercise in the old times! First time I could have ale, ah, the glory.
As every year, I pick out a leather rose to add to the collection. This time I had to go ahead and purchase the Twins DVD since it's going to go with me everywhere! I cannot express it enough how much I love their humor... yes, its outrageous, naughty, crosses the line, outright crude innuendos! True oral masters of the English langugage! Onto other things...
Plane ticket on monday
collecting final last necessities.
enjoy
Thursday, October 2, 2008
There and back again...
Greetings to all my readers. It is a pleasure to share my journey with you. As you come to this website, you already know 3 facts. I'm going to Bucheon, S. Korea. I'm going to teach kids for a year. I'm excited.
I have been packing for this adventure for what seems like forever! Never packed for a year...here's the run down:
Preparing:
Advice from friends/contacts=
bring a towel, they aren't big enough in Korea.
bring extra deoderant...a whole year supply.
have new socks, you'll be surprised how often you won't wear shoes (hurrah!)
there's a frisbee team that plays in a park in Seoul. Must investigate..
2 weeks of clothing. A gift for your boss. Pillow?
I'm glad to know this adventure is on the road to becoming a reality.
live LOUD!
I have been packing for this adventure for what seems like forever! Never packed for a year...here's the run down:
Preparing:
Advice from friends/contacts=
bring a towel, they aren't big enough in Korea.
bring extra deoderant...a whole year supply.
have new socks, you'll be surprised how often you won't wear shoes (hurrah!)
there's a frisbee team that plays in a park in Seoul. Must investigate..
2 weeks of clothing. A gift for your boss. Pillow?
I'm glad to know this adventure is on the road to becoming a reality.
live LOUD!
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