these children are not normal...

...quoted from one of my co-teachers today. Allow me to list the most recent reasons:

#1. Seosan was hit with more snow again last night. When we asked the students this morning why they came to school instead of staying home to play in the snow, they said they would rather study!

#2. In the States, when my students wanted to suck-up they would bring me cookies. The morning one of my students brought me a packaged cheese slice hoping to make my day.

#3. We have kindergarten graduation next week that will put my high school graduation to shame. Each student is to memorize a 10 minute speech to present at the ceremony, write an essay for the paper, and memorize all of their lines for the Snow White play...they are 7 years old! Baby geniuses!


I've really been enjoying myself and this country lately. Jackie's mom came to Korea for a week! This past weekend was Lunar New Year and we went to a Folk Village where there was traditional music, equestrian, a wedding, outfits to try on, weapons to fight with...and much more!  

Jackie and I enjoying the energetic music

You should fear us

For Jackie's birthday a group of friends went on a cruise down the Han River in Seoul. We all met up for cake and pizza before setting sail. Once on board with drinks in hand, we danced the night away while sailing down the beautiful river!

the ladies

om shakti om

I apologize for my absence in posts lately. I have been extremely busy with work and the stress of life in Korea. All is well...just busy! 

My friend Eric from Indiana came over to Korea for a couple days while in transit to China! It was so wonderful to have a friend visit! His timing couldn't have been better. His fresh set of excited eyes were a huge pick me up. I enjoyed showing him my "home" town, introducing him to my new friends, demonstrating proper chopstick use, and enlightening him with what I know about the culture, food, and language thus far. I am now a prepared tour guide and ready for more visitors!!! 

Eric and I at Dr. Fish

the 3 of us getting our feet done 

The first couple days Eric was here, he spent time with me in Seosan. He was able to visit my school and observe a few of my classes. He was definitely exhausted after entertaining my little students.  We went up to Seoul for the weekend to meet up with Jackie. The three of us met in Kenya a couple years ago when we were teaching and living on the farm in Bungoma. It was awesome to reconnect in a new continent and share updates and crazy stories from all of our recent adventures. 

Jack and Sam-Korea

Eric and Becca prepare for our meter of beer 

Saturday night we took Eric to the norebang for a real Korean experience. We broke out the tambourines and dancing shoes while we rocked out to our favorite songs from the 90's! 

rockstars

Hangin' Tough?!?!

the girls breakin it down

Sunday morning, Jackie and I put Eric on a bus and sent him on his way to China. Then we were off to meet our friends for Sushi Sunday!!!

my sushi!

Come March, I will no longer be a kindergarten teacher...can I get a hallelujah?!?!?! As shocking as this may be, my director noticed that I'm not the best with the little ones...haha, who knew? Therefore, she gave me the option to switch my hours and teach "night" classes once my students graduate in February. My new schedule will be from 1-8 and I will teach students ranging in age from late elementary up through high school. I think I will really enjoy my new schedule. Since I will not have to be to work until 1, I will be able to take pleasure in the morning sun while sitting on my roof reading a book. I'm ready for March!

adaptation

I have now been in Korea for nearly two months. The time is flying. Even though I am still considered to be a "newbie", I have realized that I am rapidly adapting to life in Korea. When I think about some of the strange things I encountered when I first arrived, I chuckle at how normal they have become. At this pace I'll be coming home acting like a huge goober. Here is a list of changes already being made within my first couple months:

I no longer bother picking corn off my cheese pizza.

My apartment is no longer small-it’s quite cozy.

I have graduated from wooden chopsticks, and can now grasp a single noodle with stainless sticks!

What is a fork? Sounds like a foreign object.

I no longer have leg cramps from sitting cross legged on the floor.

I have considering buying a knitted, sequinned, Disney character sweater.

Korean cops no longer look like boy scouts.

I am immune to the smell of "the kimchi breath."

My back is sore from bowing.

I walk down the street holding hands with my Korean friends.

I am no longer frightened when the cab driver makes a left turn looking only to the right.

I look forward to the Lunar New Year.

I realize that it is safer to "J" walk than use a pedestrian crosswalk.

I’ve crawled back into my house to get forgotten items, rather than take my shoes back off and walk on the floor with shoes on.

I caught myself humming the tune the crosswalk signal lights/subways play.

I believe that I can blend into a large crowd of Koreans.

I select shoes based on how easily you can get them on and off.

I answer "Nhe" even when speaking English to non-Korean friends.

I don't freak out when the salad arrives with octopus legs still wiggling on top of it.

I am no longer embarrassed when old ladies are standing in a bus while I am sitting down.

I have a favorite Korean commercial.

Seaweed and beer is a decent combo (although, I have caught myself with a few wine/cereal combos back home).

A roll of toilet paper at the dinner table no longer confuses me.


purse update: The police are aggressively investigating the "case". If they catch the thief and he is foreign, he will be deported immediately. It is becoming an extremely long/drawn out process to replace the money in my bank account.

singing in my lifeboat

Another year over, a new one just begins.... Now is the time to reflect upon the year just gone by and look towards our year ahead. What will I discover, where will I explore, and how will I make positive changes in the life I live. I hope to create an exciting year by following my dreams and desire for adventure.


On New Years Eve, a situation occurred that could have ruined the beginning of the New Year. My purse containing all of my belongings was stolen downtown Seoul. Everything-cash, debit cards, id’s, camera, phone, ipod, house key, you name it. Thus leaving me broke and homeless for a couple of days. The jerk then proceeded to use my debit cards on numerous accounts, and made phone calls from my phone. Thank goodness I have made wonderful friends to help sort this situation out. I have been keeping a positive mind, and looking at the situation as a way to start the New Year completely fresh. Life never presents us with anything which may not be looked upon as a fresh starting point. And I believe in karma...


*because my camera was stolen, all pictures you will see have been taken by Jackie!*


Needless to say, I had a great winter vacation! I spent the week in Seoul with my friend Jackie as we explored the city and enjoyed being tourists. Our first experience led us to Dr. Fish. This is a coffee shop where there are little fish tanks built into the floor. Once you plunge your feet into the tank, the little fishies swarm your feet and eat off all of your dead skin. I was way too ticklish to thoroughly enjoy the experience, but it was definitely worth going!

the fish eating my feet

the fish nibbling at Jackie's feet

Jackie enjoying her pedicure!

After our fish pedicures, we went to an aquarium. This aquarium was definitely the strangest I have ever seen or imagined. They had “fish tanks” made out of anything you could put water in. I have never laughed so much at an aquarium...

fire extinguisher fish tank

fish in a toilet!
 

For New Years Eve, we made our way along with thousands of people to watch the countdown and ringing of the bell in downtown Seoul. It was like being in the crowds at Time Square. There was live music, a countdown, and masses of fireworks to bring in 2010.

we had to take turns to see!
 

Huge crowds of people
 

Jackie and I are both intrigued by Buddhist culture and decided to check out the largest Buddhist temple in Seoul. We definitely felt a bit lost since we did not know the “proper routines,” but there was such serenity in the place that it hardly mattered. It was fascinating to watch people worship and to be completely absorbed in the peace of my surroundings. We were lucky to meet a man who showed us around and explained the symbolism of what we were seeing.

illuminating the evil and darkness of the world
 

sending my wishes up to heaven
 

the 3 Buddhas-each with a specific role
 

ringing the bell to wake up the humans

After the temple, we met up with a bunch of girls and walked around the “wedding street” near the women’s university. The street is lined with over 200 wedding shops full of both beautiful and insanely repulsive wedding attire. We wondered into a wedding café where we drank chocolate milkshakes while modeling old, poofy wedding dresses.

mom-frame this one, it could be your only shot!

bride wars
 

pure insanity

Following that afternoon full of fun and laughter, we met up with friends for drinks and hookah. It was a perfect ending before heading back to the chaos of my job and un-ending attempts of piecing my identity and bank accounts back together.

You only get one chance at life, make it great!

"teacher, more seaweed please!"

Yes, this is a normal request from my 6 year old students at lunch. Seaweed with rice is one of our favorite meals! Honestly, I enjoy it...tastes like popcorn. Maybe my taste buds are already damaged. I'm just excited when meals are anything but moving sea creatures or dog soup! 

This past weekend was Christmas! It was a bit difficult being away from home. My mom and dad had two separate family gatherings at their house, so I got to Skype in and talk with my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. It was wonderful to see their faces and hear their voices! If only we could pass hugs and food through the computer monitor...

On Christmas Eve at school, we had a Christmas party with the kindergarten. I was in charge of the card making station...GLUE, COLORING, GLITTER....OH MY!!! After my bath in glitter, Santa Claus made an appearance and delivered gifts to all of the students. I really enjoyed the relaxed day with my students, and getting to see their creative side. 

enjoying the festivities with my class

Santa Claus giving gifts to my class! The boys got guns and legos!!!

After school, I raced up to Seoul to see the Nutcracker with Jackie! I have always wanted to go to the Nutcracker on Christmas Eve. This was even more special because it was performed by the Bolshoi Ballet (from Moscow, Russia) and choreographed by the controversial Yuri Grigorovich. What a dream come true. It was extremely beautiful, even bringing tears to my eyes during the most notable acts. 

Jackie and I after the ballet

In the temple of lights outside the theatre

On Christmas day I was quite sick. I had been for almost a week. Complaining aside, my apartment had been without heat for more than a week in this freezing cold weather. Once it was finally "fixed" for a day, it went out again this weekend...ugh! Therefore, I was bound to get sick since I was constantly shivering and covered in goosebumps. Since it was Christmas, I toughed it out and went over to my friend Daniel's for a wonderful Christmas dinner! We had chicken, potato salad, carrots, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cake, and wine. It was a great meal, followed by dirty santa, then a game of movie charades. It ended up being a splendid Christmas with friends away from home! 

Christmas dinner

Me and my friend Tom enjoying dinner

This week is winter vacation!!! I am heading back up to Seoul to spend the week with Jackie and discover the city. We have plans to go visit the aquarium, soak our feet in a fish tank, get a massage, go to the ice bar, and just be tourist for the week. It should be a great week to enjoy our friendship and this new country...and no children!!! 

I like boring things.

I just had a wonderful day in Seoul. My original plans were to go to Seoul for a good lunch with a few of my friends from Seosan, then head right back home. Well, Jackie ended up meeting us for lunch and invited me to go see the Warhol exhibit at the Seoul Art Museum. Of course I decided to go, best decision of the day! My mind and body were in desperate need to escape the monotony of life in Seosan. For a few hours at the museum, my thoughts were completely absorbed in the simple, yet imaginative art by Andy Warhol.

A few of my favorites quotes of the day:

I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that anybody could ever want to own.

I'm afraid that if you look at a thing long enough, it loses all of its meaning.

Isn't life a series of images that change as they repeat themselves?

People need to be made more aware of the need to work at learning how to live because life is so quick and sometimes it goes away too quickly.

They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.

The world fascinates me.

I think everybody should like everybody.

Loving on Warhol, the Greatest

We have been hit with quite a bit of snow in Korea...ugh! As I slip and slide around in my snow boots, the women here continue to wear skirts, heels, and carry an umbrella (leading to hilarious wipe outs)...God bless them. They think they look good, but from my perspective, they have more of a resemblance to a circus clown trying to balance on a tight rope.

At work, we use special programs for our English classes and the lessons are all scripted, leading to very little lesson planning on my behalf! This week I was supposed to discuss the meaning and importance of Christmas. The book wanted me to tell the children about Jesus being born and that the holiday is to celebrate His birth. In class I asked the children if they knew who was born on Christmas and they responded with "Santa Clause!" and "Rudolph!"...ha! And that's where the lesson ended, sorry. The only reason why they even celebrate "Christmas" in Korea is to give gifts and have an excuse to be more like America. Most decorations and cards do not say "Merry Christmas", sometimes they say "Seasons Greetings", but usually they say "Happy New Year". Anyway, I was both surprised and excited that the lesson wanted me to discuss the meaning of Christmas. It almost saddens me to think that a school in Korea, a predominately buddhist country, wants me to discuss the importance of a Christian holiday. Whereas in the United States I could probably lose my job, and where some schools are now banning the Christmas tree. Ridiculous.

I have had about enough of the crying children everyday. Maybe I should just give in a try to be nice, but I will not be defeated by a few six year olds. They will learn to follow my rules, like it or not. I was obviously not cut out to teach small children-I miss my students back home!

This experience will definitely challenge me in many ways, and force me to be very patient. My patience is tested not just daily, but hourly. Mostly due to the combination of constantly spitting men, rancid nonchalant flatulence, loudly slurping noodles, and a general lack of logic in every common situation. I feel like I am constantly frustrated to my breaking point every day. I am trying to keep an open mind, but I find some things to just be rude and annoying.

Thankfully, my friend Tom is allowing me to borrow his guitar until I am able to buy one here. Unfortunately, due to my loud playing and singing, one of my friendly neighbors has decided to shut off my heat. Now I sit and shiver while playing my music as loud as possible with my new speakers just despite them. However, playing guitar in the evening while the snow is falling outside has brought some peace to my life.

A few things that make me smile everyday:

1. Every morning on my walk to work, I pass the same two old men walking in the opposite direction. They both light up with smiles when the see me and we exchange hellos full of excitement.

2. My giant hugs from Tess and Tyler every morning!

3. Loving messages (and packages) from home!

4. Inspiring music/lyrics on my ipod.

5. My students call me "sir" and say "yes sir" when I tell them to do things. I should correct them, but I love it and they make me giggle.


Miss you!

let it snow

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoyed your time with family! I apologize for the absence of an update. The past couple weeks have been difficult, but as I begin to reflect back I realize how much I am beginning to grow and get accustomed to life in Korea. 

A couple weekends ago I made the trip up to Seoul to visit Jackie. It was so great to be with a friend and have a "normal" weekend while trying to adjust to this new way of life. We ate some great food, shopped, and danced the night away. I am really looking forward to spending Christmas and winter break with her! 

I'm not quite sure on my feelings for being away from home for the holidays. Christmas decorations are now up all over the city, while Christmas music is played around the clock in every venue (even the bar on a saturday night). The intent is to bring cheer. Call me Scrooge, but I will be much more cheerful when it all goes away...

Anyway, I finally started my job! The school is run like a business, more so than a school. I will do my best to explain the set up and schedule at work. It's a bit of a challenge, because things are run much different than the normal school day for American kids.  The kindergarden students have class from 9:40-2:10. The largest class has 10 students which makes both learning and teaching extremely beneficial. I teach two of these classes in the morning, the classes are 80 minutes each. My morning students are 7 years old and full of energy. After my second class, I serve them lunch...ugh! This would be the low point of the day. On monday, tuesday, and friday, I teach a special science class right after lunch which provides me with no break at all! Then monday, wednesday, and friday afternoon I teach 4 different classes back to back until 5:30. Tuesdays and Thursdays I teach 2 different classes until 4. We have a staff meeting every tuesday at 6:20-8pm. So my days are exauhsting, but the work is fairly easy.

Here is the schedule for the life of a normal child in Korea: regular school during the day, tae-kwon-do lesson, then come to SLP for 80 minutes of English class, violin lessons, then whatever other crazy classes or lessons the parents make them do. It's no wonder I have at least a handful of my 7 year old crying every morning. My babies SOB if they don't get a perfect score on spelling tests, or if they don't win a stupid game. It's rather pathetic how much pressure is put on the little kids to do everything right and be at the top of the class. Yes, they are all baby Einstein's, but non of them get to be kids. (check out my pictures on facebook for some of their cute faces!). 

As I said before, appearance is everything in Korea. Going to the saunas is a big part of this and is a normal weekend activity for most families. I decided to have a little cultural experience last weekend and wanted to check out the saunas with my Korean friend Gabby. Spa etiquette: enter the women's room, strip down to nothing, then scrub every inch of yourself in the showers for a good 30 minutes before jumping into the communal baths. Being the only foreigner in a bathing room with 100's of naked Koreans, I definitely received my fare share of stares to last for a while. I just kept telling them they were jealous of my booty. Oh yeah, and only gang members have tattoos in Korea.  So, I was the white, big bootied, gangster for the day. No wonder they couldn't keep their eyes off me. The place also had a co-ed floor with sauna rooms. Simply slip into the gigantic white t-shirt and shorts supplied upon arrival and sauna hop. Each sauna was a different temperature, scent, and decor. My favorite was the large room made of geodes. It was the hottest room and completely psychedelic. Once I was transformed into a giant prune and had completely dehydrated myself we went out to dinner and re-hydrated. It was definitely an interesting experience to say the least. 

I am slowly getting into the grove of life here. I received my Alien Registration card this past week. This means I am reconnected with the world again via internet and cell phone! I have also joined a gym near my house. The owner of the gym loves me and constantly points at me and smiles, while nodding his head in favor of every time I life a weight. I am also meeting some really cool people that live in my area. It's so nice to be able to go out and grab some coffee and have a conversation with people in English! They are also able to make me laugh, which is indeed the best medicine.