Well hello hello hello......
Happy New Year to everyone!! I can't believe it is the year 2010, 2009 brought so many changes I really wonder what this year will bring. I hope it is great and wonderful for everyone! It is weird to think I will be spending the majority of the year in Korea......
Last week at my school was crazy....thank gosh it was only a three day week! We had all the final testing and report cards to do. That was madness in itself but we also played a lot of games with the kids so class time was kind of fun. We had drawing day one day with my Wake Up class. There are about four kids- three boys and one little girl in this class. They are between 7-8 years old. My crazy death obsessed kid named Cole is one of the boys. He is so funny. We have a dance party now almost everyday. He is such a ham and sings K-pop songs through his cell phone and does (sometimes perverted!) dances around the room. It's also really funny because he is such a smart ass and terror in class but he wears purple glasses and a shirt that says "Little Bride"....lol I want to tell him what that means sometimes, but I figure that is probably too cruel. Anyways- we had a drawing day and I decided to draw the little girl in class. I am no artist, but I personally thought the picture resembled her quite nicely....it even had two front teeth missing like she does. When I was finished I held the picture up for my kids to guess who it was and they all screamed in unison "CHUCKY!!!!".......no it was Taylor, not the crazy serial killer doll that comes to life Chucky. I guess art is not my strong point.
On Tuesday after work our director took us out for a dinner. I really hate these situations in Korea because it is always BBQ and really hard for me to eat. This one wasn't bad because they had rice, onions, garlic, some sweet potatoes and squash for me to snack on. My director knows that I'm a vegetarian so he ordered me a speciality soup......... Of course this "vegetarian" soup had a full oyster in the middle of it and was kimchi based. He was sitting right across from me so I had to smile and take a few spoon fulls trying to avoid the oyster.....yuuuuummm just another day in Korea. ;-p
For New Years Eve we meet up with friends and hoped a couple bars. We each paid $18 to get into this bar that had live music all night, and this was supposed to also cover free champagne and transportation to see the sunrise on the beach....and a free breakfast burrito. The bar was soo crowded we couldn't even move. It was packed with westerners!!! It was just like being back home, except everyone was way more aggressive with trying to find someone to date. We stayed there for a bit..... and then a friend dragged us to another bar in KSU that was dead. Andrew and I ended up passing out and had to be sent home!...It was a little bit of a waste of money, but we had fun and an entire bottle of champagne AND Andrew almost cried real tears of joy when they played The Beach Boys at midnight. So happy 2010!!!!
New Years Day was pretty chill. We went walking around Nampo-dong and saw Sherlock Holmes. It was really good. We than went on an adventure to try and find a Korean restaurant that served vegetarian food and after walking out of five places we found one! I will post pictures (when Jason's computer will let me). It was a cute restaurant lots of tables and a nice staff that kind of understood "no meat". We took of our shoes, were put in a corner alone and indulged!!
Saturday was a little crazy but fun. We had a late start, but ended up going to Centum City to check out an art museum. What was saw was really cool, but we were only there for about 40mins before they had to close. We then made our way to Costco for some pizza and delicious cokes with whiskey lol. Free refils + Costco cheap alcohol prices = fun times with a discount. After our dinner we exploring around Haeundae. We walked along the beach and stumbled into a carnival for a bit. Andrew, Jason and Ben all road a bull....again pictures hopefully soon. They have some really adorable and hilarious rides in Korea. After a bit we left in search of Mexican food but since Taco Senora was closed we found ourselves at the bar next door. It was a really small but awesome bar. The owners were young and spoke some English. They made our drinks strong and let us pick the music. We were there for a long time and then drunks started making decisions and our night got a little sloppy. We ended up at a club that wanted to charge us $50 per person as cover but ended up letting us get in for free. It was really expensive, Jason and I danced a lot, Apparently we made friends and then enemies with some Korean gangsters (no fights- don't worry!)..... Our friend Shin kept poking my cheeks all night, because he is not used to people with chubby cheeks lol....and I ended up using the Men's bathroom! It was really weird and in the middle of the club....I didn't see ANY signs. I figured it was unisex so I did my stuff and was washing my hands when I realized there were a lot of men around me. I still didn't think anything of it, until I walked out and all of the Korean girls were pointing and laughing and explained to me I just used the Men's bathroom! Live and learn I guess! Anyway Jason's insane dance moves were just too much for Korea and we ended up getting kicked out (don't worry Jason- it was obviously jealousy). Well everyone except Andrew and I got kicked out....so we had to leave too.
Today is chill. I think I'm going to attempt to make spaghetti tonight! Oh I really have to update this blog more often. So many funny things happen that I forget to share!!!! Korea is growing on me....really the food is the hardest part, but we are learning more and more everyday. I can't wait to post pictures!!!
Love you all!! <3
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Saturday, December 26, 2009
12.26.09
Well it has been a while since I was able to update this, so there is lots to share.......
Lets see, last weekend Andrew was just getting over his weird stomach sickness/food poisoning. We have learned that apparently you should not mix crazy Korean pills with alcohol. This of course was done unintentional but nevertheless Andrew felt the pain of the combination. Saturday Andrew and Jason had their first band practice with Jinu. It went well....they practiced at the bar and I watched them and drank! A friend met us up and after the practice we ended up bar hoping and of course drinking soju. The night went well except for the fact that I kept falling asleep at every single place we went to. The night ended with Andrew scraping his forehead and the top of his head on lord know what, because none of us can remember what happened lol. He was very bloody....and the children were very concerned at school. Naturally we explained that he was walking carelessly and that darn low tree limb just scraped his head! Andrew being the handsome giant that he is can get away with a lot in Korea.....we will just leave it at that. :-D
Sunday we decided to venture out yet again to Costco. I needed more supplies (and by that I mean survival food) and everyone was in the mood for cheap and amazing pizza. This time we dragged our friend Ben out. The bus ride over was an adventure in itself..... The very bumpy roads of Korea mixed with the the typical Korean driving (I'm not being mean....it really is horrible) = me being very motion sick on a bus. I guess it didn't help that we were in the back seats. All was going well when the bus was pretty vacant and our little celing window was open. Then a weird looking dude come aboard the bus......looks around at every empty seat on the bus, and practially runs to get the very back window seat next to me. He didnt even give me a chance to stand up to let him in. He ran up the two stairs, put his right foot over my head, proceeded to stick his rump in my face and awkwardly wiggled and squirmed his way into the seat next to me. My reaction was something of a mix of shock and hysteria. Let me be very clear on one fact- the bus was empty.....this means that were were plenty of other unoccupied seats available. Once I was able to gain my composure I still was managing to have a decient bus ride when this crazy man abruptly reached over me to slam shut the window blowing a nice breeze in my face. About 20 minutes later we had to get off the bus way before our stop so I wouldn't vomit everywhere. Eventually we did make it to Costco and I think Ben may have feel in love..... Costco is a beautiful thing in most places in the world but in Korea.....it litterly is a heaven on earth.
The week proceeded quite normal....Andrew only threw up once randomly in the morning and I joined a gym! It's called View Fitness. It is very close to my apartment and it's on the 8th floor....when I run on the treadmills I get a fantastic view of the city and mountians! It's a small but clean gym- I think I will enjoy it! Our school was a bit annoying this week- they will be enforcing some really stupid changes soon.....like a seat change. Apparently they are enforcing a seat change in the teachers office.....this is basically just to seperate Andrew and I. I will never fully understand the stupidity of this decission, especially because they assigned us there in the first place....but that's the type of place we work at I guess!!! There is a lot of other drama with the school that I won't even get into. Basically your first year teaching at a Hagwan school = you being their slave. You won't have a say in anything and they will control your life, but you will have a good experience in Korea and after your first year you can make bank at another school.
I was very excited for this weekend because it was Christmas!!!.....Andrew and I went out for a very nice vegetarian meal Christmas Eve and naturally I started vomiting half way through dinner. Perhaps I caught the flu because this vomiting proceeded throughout the night and into Christmas Day. Thankfully I stopped throwing up around Chritmas morning, but I was too achy and feverish to really be able to celebarte the holiday.......unfortunatally this meant that I ruined Andrew's Christmas along with mine! Although I still feel terrible about that, I must say that Andrew is amazing. He turned down all other (and more fun) offers to lay in bed with me allll day and night. He was nothing but a saint and I am so lucky to have him. He really is holding up his end of the bargain promising to take care of me!! I never planned on our first Christmas together being quite like that but, in its own way it was really sweet. I love him.
I did, however, miss everyone back home terribly!!! I am so sad that I wasn't able to skype with anyone!!! Christmas was not the same without being around my family...... <3 <3 <3
Today I feel a lot better and only have a cold! Jason took off to Daegu for a few days so Andrew and I hung out all day. We went to the world's largest department store and then to Heaundae for a strol on the beach. Andrew also purchased a phone there and we got some amazing authentic mexican burritos!!!!!!!!!!! We also went to the Fuzzy Navel bar for an awful margarita which I had trouble chocking down due to the salt content. We are having a pretty chill night tonight, and we might try to go and find some chick peas to make homemade hummas tomorrow!! YAY!!!!
I just want to clarify to everyone that I don't hate Korea.....well it's more of a love/hate situation. It's eaiser to write about the funny and bad things in a blog but Korea does have its highlights! The bars are amazing- not generic like the ones back in the states. Living in a city is great because every night is an adventure, and you never really get bored! We are meeting really great people from around the world. We are surrounded by mountains and the ocean!!! Public transportation is really cheap and really clean. Everything is open REALLY late in Korea- so you never have to worry about bars shuting down just when you were starting to have a good time. Cheap living. Korean kids can be a lot to deal with...but are pretty cute. I now know what it is like to live in a culture and not know a lick of their language (an experience that I believe everyone should have).....it has been really hard because Korea is NOT in the least bit condusive to a vegetarian lifestyle and I am NOT in the least bit willing to give up that lifestyle living here. Korea and I are enimes in the sense. Even when I learn the proper words to say "vegetarian" "no meat" "only vegetables" this is so forgien to Korea that they don't really understand.....there is no ultering the menu. Today I walked into the largest department store in the world and the massive food court only had a small salad to offer me to eat. I don't think people understand that when you can't eat....its really really hard to enjoy yourself. I am learning though. We have found some dishes that I can eat...and even awesome places to eat further in the city. There is a really cool place opening by my school that will serve vegetarian options- so that's helpful. I just have to cook for myself more (which is what I did in the states) and always have food on me. The food thing and missing my family/friends are the hardest parts. I think not having a computer and being able to skype is making that extremely more difficutl.....but hopefully soon that will change. Overall, I am very happy to be here and experience this culture. I am growing as a person, learning more about myself and bettering myself for the future. I have a great sense of accomplishment even though my journey has just started......I am traveling the WORLD just like I have always wanted to do!! ....I now appreciate what I had back home more than anything lol but it is still a great experience. I truly think everyone should have this type of experience.
I hope to talk to you all very soon. I am so lucky to have all of you in my life. Going to Korea hasn't let me forget anyone, in fact just the opposite- I think about you more often than I did at home and I realize how special each of you really are! I love you!!! Update soon! xoxo <3
Lets see, last weekend Andrew was just getting over his weird stomach sickness/food poisoning. We have learned that apparently you should not mix crazy Korean pills with alcohol. This of course was done unintentional but nevertheless Andrew felt the pain of the combination. Saturday Andrew and Jason had their first band practice with Jinu. It went well....they practiced at the bar and I watched them and drank! A friend met us up and after the practice we ended up bar hoping and of course drinking soju. The night went well except for the fact that I kept falling asleep at every single place we went to. The night ended with Andrew scraping his forehead and the top of his head on lord know what, because none of us can remember what happened lol. He was very bloody....and the children were very concerned at school. Naturally we explained that he was walking carelessly and that darn low tree limb just scraped his head! Andrew being the handsome giant that he is can get away with a lot in Korea.....we will just leave it at that. :-D
Sunday we decided to venture out yet again to Costco. I needed more supplies (and by that I mean survival food) and everyone was in the mood for cheap and amazing pizza. This time we dragged our friend Ben out. The bus ride over was an adventure in itself..... The very bumpy roads of Korea mixed with the the typical Korean driving (I'm not being mean....it really is horrible) = me being very motion sick on a bus. I guess it didn't help that we were in the back seats. All was going well when the bus was pretty vacant and our little celing window was open. Then a weird looking dude come aboard the bus......looks around at every empty seat on the bus, and practially runs to get the very back window seat next to me. He didnt even give me a chance to stand up to let him in. He ran up the two stairs, put his right foot over my head, proceeded to stick his rump in my face and awkwardly wiggled and squirmed his way into the seat next to me. My reaction was something of a mix of shock and hysteria. Let me be very clear on one fact- the bus was empty.....this means that were were plenty of other unoccupied seats available. Once I was able to gain my composure I still was managing to have a decient bus ride when this crazy man abruptly reached over me to slam shut the window blowing a nice breeze in my face. About 20 minutes later we had to get off the bus way before our stop so I wouldn't vomit everywhere. Eventually we did make it to Costco and I think Ben may have feel in love..... Costco is a beautiful thing in most places in the world but in Korea.....it litterly is a heaven on earth.
The week proceeded quite normal....Andrew only threw up once randomly in the morning and I joined a gym! It's called View Fitness. It is very close to my apartment and it's on the 8th floor....when I run on the treadmills I get a fantastic view of the city and mountians! It's a small but clean gym- I think I will enjoy it! Our school was a bit annoying this week- they will be enforcing some really stupid changes soon.....like a seat change. Apparently they are enforcing a seat change in the teachers office.....this is basically just to seperate Andrew and I. I will never fully understand the stupidity of this decission, especially because they assigned us there in the first place....but that's the type of place we work at I guess!!! There is a lot of other drama with the school that I won't even get into. Basically your first year teaching at a Hagwan school = you being their slave. You won't have a say in anything and they will control your life, but you will have a good experience in Korea and after your first year you can make bank at another school.
I was very excited for this weekend because it was Christmas!!!.....Andrew and I went out for a very nice vegetarian meal Christmas Eve and naturally I started vomiting half way through dinner. Perhaps I caught the flu because this vomiting proceeded throughout the night and into Christmas Day. Thankfully I stopped throwing up around Chritmas morning, but I was too achy and feverish to really be able to celebarte the holiday.......unfortunatally this meant that I ruined Andrew's Christmas along with mine! Although I still feel terrible about that, I must say that Andrew is amazing. He turned down all other (and more fun) offers to lay in bed with me allll day and night. He was nothing but a saint and I am so lucky to have him. He really is holding up his end of the bargain promising to take care of me!! I never planned on our first Christmas together being quite like that but, in its own way it was really sweet. I love him.
I did, however, miss everyone back home terribly!!! I am so sad that I wasn't able to skype with anyone!!! Christmas was not the same without being around my family...... <3 <3 <3
Today I feel a lot better and only have a cold! Jason took off to Daegu for a few days so Andrew and I hung out all day. We went to the world's largest department store and then to Heaundae for a strol on the beach. Andrew also purchased a phone there and we got some amazing authentic mexican burritos!!!!!!!!!!! We also went to the Fuzzy Navel bar for an awful margarita which I had trouble chocking down due to the salt content. We are having a pretty chill night tonight, and we might try to go and find some chick peas to make homemade hummas tomorrow!! YAY!!!!
I just want to clarify to everyone that I don't hate Korea.....well it's more of a love/hate situation. It's eaiser to write about the funny and bad things in a blog but Korea does have its highlights! The bars are amazing- not generic like the ones back in the states. Living in a city is great because every night is an adventure, and you never really get bored! We are meeting really great people from around the world. We are surrounded by mountains and the ocean!!! Public transportation is really cheap and really clean. Everything is open REALLY late in Korea- so you never have to worry about bars shuting down just when you were starting to have a good time. Cheap living. Korean kids can be a lot to deal with...but are pretty cute. I now know what it is like to live in a culture and not know a lick of their language (an experience that I believe everyone should have).....it has been really hard because Korea is NOT in the least bit condusive to a vegetarian lifestyle and I am NOT in the least bit willing to give up that lifestyle living here. Korea and I are enimes in the sense. Even when I learn the proper words to say "vegetarian" "no meat" "only vegetables" this is so forgien to Korea that they don't really understand.....there is no ultering the menu. Today I walked into the largest department store in the world and the massive food court only had a small salad to offer me to eat. I don't think people understand that when you can't eat....its really really hard to enjoy yourself. I am learning though. We have found some dishes that I can eat...and even awesome places to eat further in the city. There is a really cool place opening by my school that will serve vegetarian options- so that's helpful. I just have to cook for myself more (which is what I did in the states) and always have food on me. The food thing and missing my family/friends are the hardest parts. I think not having a computer and being able to skype is making that extremely more difficutl.....but hopefully soon that will change. Overall, I am very happy to be here and experience this culture. I am growing as a person, learning more about myself and bettering myself for the future. I have a great sense of accomplishment even though my journey has just started......I am traveling the WORLD just like I have always wanted to do!! ....I now appreciate what I had back home more than anything lol but it is still a great experience. I truly think everyone should have this type of experience.
I hope to talk to you all very soon. I am so lucky to have all of you in my life. Going to Korea hasn't let me forget anyone, in fact just the opposite- I think about you more often than I did at home and I realize how special each of you really are! I love you!!! Update soon! xoxo <3
Friday, December 18, 2009
12.08.09
Ahhhh what a great feeling- my frist relaxed Saturday! No work....no jet lag.....just relaxing and having fun!
This last week has been pretty quiet. I'm finally getting used to teaching. I had to teach 7 classes in a row yesterday, without any real notice. Normally this would freak me out, but I was relaxed and it went well! I am getting attatched to the kids in my class and learning how to teach and discipline them. I like to joke around with them a lot too. The younger kids seem to get it, but my 15+ year olds just look at me like I am crazy.....maybe it's the language barrior?! I will have to get a picture of each of my classes to show back home. Even though some of the kids are little hellions- they are adorable on the outside. This being said...I am REALLY looking forward to having Christmas day off and some time off around New Years. We didn't get paid yet so we can't do any big trip, but I'm sure we will have a local party of some sort.
Poor Andrew has had a rough week. It first started with angioedema in his hand last week. It swelled fast, but thankfully only really lasted one day. We still can not figure out the cause. It's frustrating becuase he is taking his medication regularly, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. At the start of this week he had a really bad head cold and cough. When he was starting to recover from that he either got angioedema in his stomach or food poisoning on Wednesday. He hardly had anything to eat so it couldn't have been angriodema from over indulging. Maybe it was the hot spice of his food? Maybe the egg he had wasn't fully cooked? Either way I felt terrible when he was vomiting all Wednesday night and Thursday afteroon. It was pretty bad- he couldn't leave the bathroom floor. He couldn't make it to school- so as school policy our director took him to our local hospital. They put him on an IV to help rehydrate him and gave him medicine. This helped a lot. He said that the hosipial right next to our apartment buidling is much nicer than the one we went to for our physicals. The doctors and nurses spoke English and it was much more modern. He stopped puking Thursday but his stomach still felt sick and he was weak Friday. He tried to go school but our head teacher ended taking him back to the hospital Firday afternoon for more medicine and another IV. He now feels a lot better, but he is watching what he eats because his stomach still isn't 100%.
Last night I was stir crazy and bascially dragged his sick bum out to Seomong for some food. The fresh air did us both good and we ended up eating at that Turkish diner again. YUMMMMMM! It feels so good not to have to worry about hidden meat in your food! Andrew and I cooked a lot of meals at home last week. I think that is what I will start doing for my dinners. I think we are going to make another Costco run this weekend to stalk up on cheese and bread. The Turkish folk told us where we can purchase chickpeas and I got a pretty sweet recipe from another English teacher on how to make hummus from scratch. If I can pull this off- I will have hummas to snack on at all times and that will be wonderful!
So while I have gotten used to it, I am still amazed by some Korean's nonchalant ability to stare at us! I'm not sure if it's because we are so different from their culture or because we are offended them...but there is no "ooops you cought me staring, I will look away now" rule with them! Andrew was ordering at McDonalds the other day and was having difficultly expressing that he wanted Spirit to drink. They serve Spirit, but a lot of times if you don't put the proper Korean accent on your words they will have no idea what you are talking about. This is understandable. Anyway, Andrew was trying to order a drink and this Korean college kid jumps the line to stand right next to Andrew, turns toward him and directly stares in his face. We both thought he was there to help and translate what we wanted to the employee...but no. He just stared with a smile on his face, and when Andrew was done ordering he walked back to the end of the line. Last night on the subway I had two old men glaring at me nonstop. One guy actually had another subway passenger stand in his way of seeing me, so he moved from his seat so I could be in his view again! Hmmm could it be that I was drinking a beer publically (allowed in Korea, but frowned upon) or that I am just different? Who knows! Dirty looks are a part of this expereince I guess.
Oh I saw a man peeing in the stairwell of the building I use for internet....damn that soju! ;-)
I can't believe Christmas is almost here!!! It is so hard to get into the Christmas spirit in Korea! I miss everyone so much, but everyday it is getting eaiser. I am very gald I am having this experience- I am learning so much everyday!
Love you ALL!!! <3 xoxoxo
This last week has been pretty quiet. I'm finally getting used to teaching. I had to teach 7 classes in a row yesterday, without any real notice. Normally this would freak me out, but I was relaxed and it went well! I am getting attatched to the kids in my class and learning how to teach and discipline them. I like to joke around with them a lot too. The younger kids seem to get it, but my 15+ year olds just look at me like I am crazy.....maybe it's the language barrior?! I will have to get a picture of each of my classes to show back home. Even though some of the kids are little hellions- they are adorable on the outside. This being said...I am REALLY looking forward to having Christmas day off and some time off around New Years. We didn't get paid yet so we can't do any big trip, but I'm sure we will have a local party of some sort.
Poor Andrew has had a rough week. It first started with angioedema in his hand last week. It swelled fast, but thankfully only really lasted one day. We still can not figure out the cause. It's frustrating becuase he is taking his medication regularly, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. At the start of this week he had a really bad head cold and cough. When he was starting to recover from that he either got angioedema in his stomach or food poisoning on Wednesday. He hardly had anything to eat so it couldn't have been angriodema from over indulging. Maybe it was the hot spice of his food? Maybe the egg he had wasn't fully cooked? Either way I felt terrible when he was vomiting all Wednesday night and Thursday afteroon. It was pretty bad- he couldn't leave the bathroom floor. He couldn't make it to school- so as school policy our director took him to our local hospital. They put him on an IV to help rehydrate him and gave him medicine. This helped a lot. He said that the hosipial right next to our apartment buidling is much nicer than the one we went to for our physicals. The doctors and nurses spoke English and it was much more modern. He stopped puking Thursday but his stomach still felt sick and he was weak Friday. He tried to go school but our head teacher ended taking him back to the hospital Firday afternoon for more medicine and another IV. He now feels a lot better, but he is watching what he eats because his stomach still isn't 100%.
Last night I was stir crazy and bascially dragged his sick bum out to Seomong for some food. The fresh air did us both good and we ended up eating at that Turkish diner again. YUMMMMMM! It feels so good not to have to worry about hidden meat in your food! Andrew and I cooked a lot of meals at home last week. I think that is what I will start doing for my dinners. I think we are going to make another Costco run this weekend to stalk up on cheese and bread. The Turkish folk told us where we can purchase chickpeas and I got a pretty sweet recipe from another English teacher on how to make hummus from scratch. If I can pull this off- I will have hummas to snack on at all times and that will be wonderful!
So while I have gotten used to it, I am still amazed by some Korean's nonchalant ability to stare at us! I'm not sure if it's because we are so different from their culture or because we are offended them...but there is no "ooops you cought me staring, I will look away now" rule with them! Andrew was ordering at McDonalds the other day and was having difficultly expressing that he wanted Spirit to drink. They serve Spirit, but a lot of times if you don't put the proper Korean accent on your words they will have no idea what you are talking about. This is understandable. Anyway, Andrew was trying to order a drink and this Korean college kid jumps the line to stand right next to Andrew, turns toward him and directly stares in his face. We both thought he was there to help and translate what we wanted to the employee...but no. He just stared with a smile on his face, and when Andrew was done ordering he walked back to the end of the line. Last night on the subway I had two old men glaring at me nonstop. One guy actually had another subway passenger stand in his way of seeing me, so he moved from his seat so I could be in his view again! Hmmm could it be that I was drinking a beer publically (allowed in Korea, but frowned upon) or that I am just different? Who knows! Dirty looks are a part of this expereince I guess.
Oh I saw a man peeing in the stairwell of the building I use for internet....damn that soju! ;-)
I can't believe Christmas is almost here!!! It is so hard to get into the Christmas spirit in Korea! I miss everyone so much, but everyday it is getting eaiser. I am very gald I am having this experience- I am learning so much everyday!
Love you ALL!!! <3 xoxoxo
Sunday, December 13, 2009
12.13.09
I can't believe it is Sunday night already!! My very short weekend has ended way too soon. It was a fun one though....
Friday I worked until 9:00pm as usual. Jason and new friends Brian and Ben met up with Andrew and I after work and we took a bus to Kyungsung. It is more popular and western than the area we live in. Apparently talking (especially loudly) is frowned upon in Korea. Of course the boys I was with were a little tipsy and not really that quiet but everyone pretty much hated us! In fact two middle aged Korean couples actually made a college kid tell us to shut up lol. If looks could kill, we would all be dead! Although dirty looks are a part of being American in Korea, so I have come to expect it.
We were originally supposed to say at an all you can drink bar for abotu $12 but for better or worse they were not having that special on Friday. Andrew and I had to grab food and we ended up at a weird but nice bar. It overlooked the city and the lights were dim so I like it! ha! They actually served western food so I got to eat a quesadilla and some fries. I don't understand why beans are so rare in Korea! They are really cheap, last forever and easy to ship? Mexican food without beans is only ok and I'm pretty sure the fries were from Costco but when you are starving and a vegetarian in Korea- any food that you can eat turns into the most amazing meal you've ever had! By the time we joined the boys at the bar they had done several tequila shots and could hardly stand. So of course we naturally drove another 30 minutes to go to a another bar....
The bar was two stories and pretty cool. We saw a live band, met more western teachers and gambled with some cool Korean dudes lol. I have to post the pictures (this week I hope!)!! I a kiss on the cheek and a whisper that I was beautiful by a Korean boxer lol ohhhhhh what a night. Oh and I saw another rat when we were leaving! YUCK! I hhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaattttttteee rats.
After only getting 4 hours of sleep, Andrew and I had to wake up at 8:00am Saturday morning to attend the speech contest at our school. While I was exhausted, I have to admit that the kids were absolutely adorable! I even recieved a rose from one of them!! The kids make teaching at our school managable. Oh did I tell you that in addition to no sick days, only recieving vacation days randomly and picked by our supervisor, we now also don't really recieve health insurance. Apparently whenever we go to the doctor, we have to bring the school our receipt and they will reimburse us. hmmmmmm good to know! So anyway, after the speech contest our director took us out to lunch. It was a nice place. I have to give him credit for trying to feed me, but of course we are in Korea and meat is everywhere. He did get me a ticket to the salad bar and ordered a special vegetarian soup for me.......the only problem came when I went to take my frist sip of soup and picked up the fully crab that was in there. Basically I get sneaked attacked by fish or egg at every meal. I also learned that I am teaching my director's child in one of my classes......this happens to be my very naughty class. The little girl also happens to be the one who I tell to stop whining and that it won't get her anywhere in life....pretty much everyday! ooops!
We were with our school until about 2 or 3. Andrew and I did a Lotte Mart run and rested for a bit after that. Around 7:00 Brian and Jason showed up at our door to take us to a toga party in Centum City. That was a lot of fun!!! I met a bunch of western teachers who live close!! This makes me very happy. Around midnight we all went to a bar and met up with even more western teachers and fun Koreans. It was a very funny and fun night. Like I said before...hopefully pictures this week!
Today Andrew and I climbed Mt. Hadan. It was huge and we walked through the university (located in the mountain) to get to the top! What we thought was an hour hike ended up taking about 5 hours. Who thinks that trying new trails to get to the bottom is a good idea? Apparently we do....it didn't work out so well. The view at the top was amazing. It was sooo incredible and peaceful up there. Our town is completely surrounded by large mountains and the sea. We were wearing a tee-shirt and pants and sweating! The weather is awesome here- I just wish it was a little more clear today....but next hike hopefully! So Korean's are amazing hikers. I think Andrew and I were the youngest people by about 20 years and we were sweating through our shirts and weezing....the Korean's didn't even have a drop of sweat on their forheads! I'm sure it didn't help that we were both hungover but still! At one point I got really dizzy. It is soo crazy to be that high with not railing or actual stairs. It was very therapeutic but it would never fly in America! You are literally on your own up there!
After our 5 hour hike, Andrew took me out to a cute restaurant called "Mr. Pizza." We were only allowed one glass of pop and one bowl to share for salad but it was really really good! The salad bar had loads of fruit and vegetables WITH OUT meat and we were able to order a vegetarian pizza!!!!! The only different part about it was that it had corn on it, but it was yummy! Next time we go there we are getting cheese actually cooked inside the crust! Ahhhhh to be a fat American. It's funny, I didn't think I would be able to get cheese or pizza in Korea and that is practically what I am living off of. I feel so unhealthy. Fiber is no where. Everything is super sweet or salty. Koreans have a ton of vegetables, they just don't understand why anyone would want them without meat lol. I'm sure it would be eaiser if I actually spoke Korean.
I took Andrew out for an ice cream tonight and we are now sitting at a PC Bong. I am so lucky to have Andrew. I had the best day just hanging out with him. He is so caring and wonderful for my vegetarian needs! He doesn't have a good time unless he knows I am happy. I don't want him to suffer for me, but I think it's pretty adorable that he cares that much. Pretty perfect that one! <3
Jamie I wish I had my computer so I could talk to you and the family!!! When love? When you ship it could you please ship yourself in the box as well???? Poor Dondell misses her beeeeeesssstttt friend.
I LOVE YOU ALL!!! I wish I could be enjoying the Christmas preparations with everyone! <3 <3 <3
Friday I worked until 9:00pm as usual. Jason and new friends Brian and Ben met up with Andrew and I after work and we took a bus to Kyungsung. It is more popular and western than the area we live in. Apparently talking (especially loudly) is frowned upon in Korea. Of course the boys I was with were a little tipsy and not really that quiet but everyone pretty much hated us! In fact two middle aged Korean couples actually made a college kid tell us to shut up lol. If looks could kill, we would all be dead! Although dirty looks are a part of being American in Korea, so I have come to expect it.
We were originally supposed to say at an all you can drink bar for abotu $12 but for better or worse they were not having that special on Friday. Andrew and I had to grab food and we ended up at a weird but nice bar. It overlooked the city and the lights were dim so I like it! ha! They actually served western food so I got to eat a quesadilla and some fries. I don't understand why beans are so rare in Korea! They are really cheap, last forever and easy to ship? Mexican food without beans is only ok and I'm pretty sure the fries were from Costco but when you are starving and a vegetarian in Korea- any food that you can eat turns into the most amazing meal you've ever had! By the time we joined the boys at the bar they had done several tequila shots and could hardly stand. So of course we naturally drove another 30 minutes to go to a another bar....
The bar was two stories and pretty cool. We saw a live band, met more western teachers and gambled with some cool Korean dudes lol. I have to post the pictures (this week I hope!)!! I a kiss on the cheek and a whisper that I was beautiful by a Korean boxer lol ohhhhhh what a night. Oh and I saw another rat when we were leaving! YUCK! I hhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaattttttteee rats.
After only getting 4 hours of sleep, Andrew and I had to wake up at 8:00am Saturday morning to attend the speech contest at our school. While I was exhausted, I have to admit that the kids were absolutely adorable! I even recieved a rose from one of them!! The kids make teaching at our school managable. Oh did I tell you that in addition to no sick days, only recieving vacation days randomly and picked by our supervisor, we now also don't really recieve health insurance. Apparently whenever we go to the doctor, we have to bring the school our receipt and they will reimburse us. hmmmmmm good to know! So anyway, after the speech contest our director took us out to lunch. It was a nice place. I have to give him credit for trying to feed me, but of course we are in Korea and meat is everywhere. He did get me a ticket to the salad bar and ordered a special vegetarian soup for me.......the only problem came when I went to take my frist sip of soup and picked up the fully crab that was in there. Basically I get sneaked attacked by fish or egg at every meal. I also learned that I am teaching my director's child in one of my classes......this happens to be my very naughty class. The little girl also happens to be the one who I tell to stop whining and that it won't get her anywhere in life....pretty much everyday! ooops!
We were with our school until about 2 or 3. Andrew and I did a Lotte Mart run and rested for a bit after that. Around 7:00 Brian and Jason showed up at our door to take us to a toga party in Centum City. That was a lot of fun!!! I met a bunch of western teachers who live close!! This makes me very happy. Around midnight we all went to a bar and met up with even more western teachers and fun Koreans. It was a very funny and fun night. Like I said before...hopefully pictures this week!
Today Andrew and I climbed Mt. Hadan. It was huge and we walked through the university (located in the mountain) to get to the top! What we thought was an hour hike ended up taking about 5 hours. Who thinks that trying new trails to get to the bottom is a good idea? Apparently we do....it didn't work out so well. The view at the top was amazing. It was sooo incredible and peaceful up there. Our town is completely surrounded by large mountains and the sea. We were wearing a tee-shirt and pants and sweating! The weather is awesome here- I just wish it was a little more clear today....but next hike hopefully! So Korean's are amazing hikers. I think Andrew and I were the youngest people by about 20 years and we were sweating through our shirts and weezing....the Korean's didn't even have a drop of sweat on their forheads! I'm sure it didn't help that we were both hungover but still! At one point I got really dizzy. It is soo crazy to be that high with not railing or actual stairs. It was very therapeutic but it would never fly in America! You are literally on your own up there!
After our 5 hour hike, Andrew took me out to a cute restaurant called "Mr. Pizza." We were only allowed one glass of pop and one bowl to share for salad but it was really really good! The salad bar had loads of fruit and vegetables WITH OUT meat and we were able to order a vegetarian pizza!!!!! The only different part about it was that it had corn on it, but it was yummy! Next time we go there we are getting cheese actually cooked inside the crust! Ahhhhh to be a fat American. It's funny, I didn't think I would be able to get cheese or pizza in Korea and that is practically what I am living off of. I feel so unhealthy. Fiber is no where. Everything is super sweet or salty. Koreans have a ton of vegetables, they just don't understand why anyone would want them without meat lol. I'm sure it would be eaiser if I actually spoke Korean.
I took Andrew out for an ice cream tonight and we are now sitting at a PC Bong. I am so lucky to have Andrew. I had the best day just hanging out with him. He is so caring and wonderful for my vegetarian needs! He doesn't have a good time unless he knows I am happy. I don't want him to suffer for me, but I think it's pretty adorable that he cares that much. Pretty perfect that one! <3
Jamie I wish I had my computer so I could talk to you and the family!!! When love? When you ship it could you please ship yourself in the box as well???? Poor Dondell misses her beeeeeesssstttt friend.
I LOVE YOU ALL!!! I wish I could be enjoying the Christmas preparations with everyone! <3 <3 <3
Friday, December 11, 2009
Hello all!
Well dinner with other teachers in Korea went well. The place we wanted to go to ended up being closed so we went to a sushi place two doors down from my apartment. It was really cute and cozy. We sat on the floor and of course there was dim lighting! It was nice because with the help of a friend, I was able to order sushi with only tofu and rice in it. The sauces and side dishes were amazing.
That night Andrew started to get fat hand again....... He was pretty upset because we can't figure out what caused it. Usually his swelling only happens when he strains himself, but in this case he didn't. Was it something he ate? The stress of a new country? I wish we could figure this out!!! I was nervous because the swelling happened really fast, and I don't even know what we would do if an emergency occured in Korea! We have to find an allergist ASAP! Luckly his swelling went down pretty fast and though it is still fat he has regained function in his fingers again! The swelling also only went half way up his forearm too, so I guess that can be considered a good thing.... :-/ POOR ANDREW!!! <3
I just finished another week of teaching! YAY! Tomorrow I have to go to school early though, to be a judge for our kid's speech contest. They are cute so I guess it won't be too bad. It just sucks that I have to give up one of my weekend nights! BOO. Teaching is getting eaiser everyday. I am starting to realize that we are basically babysitters and slaves for the school. The kids have good days and bad, but mostly they are cute and hilarious! They are also always amazed that Andrew and I are dating. They are obsessed with asking if we kiss lol.
Last night was cool because we met a fellow named Ben. Andrew, Jason and I went exploring Jason's neighborhood to see what we could find. We ran into Ben and ended up going out with him until 2am. He introduced us to a very cozy bar near Jason called "The Western Bar." lol very original- I know. Most bars in Korea are like that- David's Bar, The Western Bar, The Bar.... The Western Bar was themed like a country bar. They played random American music....like Celiene Dion and Arthrea Franklin lol. The beers were cheap and the company was good so we had fun.
Mom you would have died. When we were walking home from the bar, I saw a full-blowen RAT!!!! A freaken RAT!! Omg. He ran right across the side walk and naturally I started screaming, jumping and freaking out. The boys (especially Ben) seriously thought I was nuts. "It's just a rat" is not a phrase that I am comfortable with or ever want to hear again! Ugh SOOO gross!
So I promise pictures are coming very soon. I really want to show everyone how awkward going to the bathroom is in Korea. While I have come to accept peeing in a hole, and taking load of toilet paper in front of everyone at my school every time I have to pee.....I HATE the way most public restrooms are set up! First of all they are every OCD person's nightmare! IF there is soap, it is only a bar of hand soap that can be used with freezing cold water and maybe (if you are lucky) a common hand towel. If that isn't bad enough (and for me it is), the "girls restroom" or "men's crapper" is located IN the men's bathroom!!!! So you walk into a room (again lucky if you have a door)- see urinals and a sink....then there is another room WITH a door. That's where the hole to pee or poop is (yes you poop in a hole....I haven't tried that yet lol). So la la la I am peeing and I walk out and HELLO there is a man peeing right next to me while I wash my hands! Hi Sir! How are you today? I've noticed that you really should be drinking more water....it's looking a little dark there.... lol what!? crazy crazy Korea!
I miss home. There is a good chance Andrew and I will be back for Christmas next year! But I have to laugh, because in the words of Jamie "this has been an experience!"
<3 xoxox
Well dinner with other teachers in Korea went well. The place we wanted to go to ended up being closed so we went to a sushi place two doors down from my apartment. It was really cute and cozy. We sat on the floor and of course there was dim lighting! It was nice because with the help of a friend, I was able to order sushi with only tofu and rice in it. The sauces and side dishes were amazing.
That night Andrew started to get fat hand again....... He was pretty upset because we can't figure out what caused it. Usually his swelling only happens when he strains himself, but in this case he didn't. Was it something he ate? The stress of a new country? I wish we could figure this out!!! I was nervous because the swelling happened really fast, and I don't even know what we would do if an emergency occured in Korea! We have to find an allergist ASAP! Luckly his swelling went down pretty fast and though it is still fat he has regained function in his fingers again! The swelling also only went half way up his forearm too, so I guess that can be considered a good thing.... :-/ POOR ANDREW!!! <3
I just finished another week of teaching! YAY! Tomorrow I have to go to school early though, to be a judge for our kid's speech contest. They are cute so I guess it won't be too bad. It just sucks that I have to give up one of my weekend nights! BOO. Teaching is getting eaiser everyday. I am starting to realize that we are basically babysitters and slaves for the school. The kids have good days and bad, but mostly they are cute and hilarious! They are also always amazed that Andrew and I are dating. They are obsessed with asking if we kiss lol.
Last night was cool because we met a fellow named Ben. Andrew, Jason and I went exploring Jason's neighborhood to see what we could find. We ran into Ben and ended up going out with him until 2am. He introduced us to a very cozy bar near Jason called "The Western Bar." lol very original- I know. Most bars in Korea are like that- David's Bar, The Western Bar, The Bar.... The Western Bar was themed like a country bar. They played random American music....like Celiene Dion and Arthrea Franklin lol. The beers were cheap and the company was good so we had fun.
Mom you would have died. When we were walking home from the bar, I saw a full-blowen RAT!!!! A freaken RAT!! Omg. He ran right across the side walk and naturally I started screaming, jumping and freaking out. The boys (especially Ben) seriously thought I was nuts. "It's just a rat" is not a phrase that I am comfortable with or ever want to hear again! Ugh SOOO gross!
So I promise pictures are coming very soon. I really want to show everyone how awkward going to the bathroom is in Korea. While I have come to accept peeing in a hole, and taking load of toilet paper in front of everyone at my school every time I have to pee.....I HATE the way most public restrooms are set up! First of all they are every OCD person's nightmare! IF there is soap, it is only a bar of hand soap that can be used with freezing cold water and maybe (if you are lucky) a common hand towel. If that isn't bad enough (and for me it is), the "girls restroom" or "men's crapper" is located IN the men's bathroom!!!! So you walk into a room (again lucky if you have a door)- see urinals and a sink....then there is another room WITH a door. That's where the hole to pee or poop is (yes you poop in a hole....I haven't tried that yet lol). So la la la I am peeing and I walk out and HELLO there is a man peeing right next to me while I wash my hands! Hi Sir! How are you today? I've noticed that you really should be drinking more water....it's looking a little dark there.... lol what!? crazy crazy Korea!
I miss home. There is a good chance Andrew and I will be back for Christmas next year! But I have to laugh, because in the words of Jamie "this has been an experience!"
<3 xoxox
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Hello Hello Heloo!
So I just finished another day of teaching and I must say that it gets eaiser every day! Of course I have good days and bad days depending on the kids and lessons but I am getting the hang of the overall flow of things. I think that most of the lessons are really silly and usually end up being 5 minutes of work for a 40 minute class- so I am learning how to be creative and the art of language games! I am growing very fond of my Korean kids...when they are not being naughty! :-)
I have already run into my first argument/situation at my school! Geesh! Only the second week!!! As you know last Friday I was extremely sick due to being in a new culture for the first time and having zero time to adjust...I was trowing up constantly and therefore had to miss a day of teaching. I sent Andrew to tell the school of my situation and they basically freaked out and treatened to not pay me for the day. This wouldn't have been a big deal if the school themselves hadn't revised my contract stating that instead of 10 vacation days I would only have 7 and the other 3 days would be used as PAID sick days! I brought this point up to my supervisor and basically had a intense discussion that went in circles. She said that "this has never happened before in the history of the school" and "you didn't give us very much notice".....was I supposed to email them a week before when I was in America letting them know I will be sick friday 12/4?!! I fear they do not really understand the concept of sickness. My contract requires that I have a medical consent form but I didn't have insurance at the time.....when I went to the hospital for my checkup the director and my supervisor said I didn't need to worry about getting a note! So my supervisor actually has the gull to tell me I needed a note, needed to give them more notice, and that because of this they weren't going to pay me. I brought up the fact that I couldn't give more notice......you told me not to get a note......and it is in my signed contract that I will recieve paid sick days. Well this conversation lasted about 30 minutes and nothing really came of it. She pulled me aside today and told me that the director has decided to pay me (gee thanks) but I should never get sick again.......... hmmmm korean way?
Yesterday one of my youngest kids did something really inappropriate asking what the word for my ummmm chest was and went so far as to demonstrate hand gestures......thanks again cole! I wish I could show you his drawings....they are all SO morbid! Guess you will have to wait until we are in person again!
I am having fun exploring Hadan with Andrew and Jason. They had some fried chicken from a very snazzy place with white chiars and dime lights. The chicken came with a complementary friut salad which I enjoyed! In my excitement to explore I think I accident dragged Andrew and Jason to a ummmmmmmm prostitue parlor?!!!?!?!? Don't worry we ran right away instantly.... except for Jason, he stayed. hahhahhahah just kidding!!! We all ran away. Crap like that is EVERYWHERE in Korea!
I am also terrified of Korean driving! I fear for my life everyday. I thought walking was bad enough, but actually driving in a car with a Korean driving is a life or death situation. I don't think they look before they pull out....in fact I'm not sure they look period. There are no driving rules in Korea as far as I can see!
Tonight we are going to go out to eat with a the western teachers I work with and other near where we live! I'm excited because we are going to a diner where they actually serve vegetarian food! FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!! I will let you know how it goes!
PICTURES COMING SOON!!! <3
So I just finished another day of teaching and I must say that it gets eaiser every day! Of course I have good days and bad days depending on the kids and lessons but I am getting the hang of the overall flow of things. I think that most of the lessons are really silly and usually end up being 5 minutes of work for a 40 minute class- so I am learning how to be creative and the art of language games! I am growing very fond of my Korean kids...when they are not being naughty! :-)
I have already run into my first argument/situation at my school! Geesh! Only the second week!!! As you know last Friday I was extremely sick due to being in a new culture for the first time and having zero time to adjust...I was trowing up constantly and therefore had to miss a day of teaching. I sent Andrew to tell the school of my situation and they basically freaked out and treatened to not pay me for the day. This wouldn't have been a big deal if the school themselves hadn't revised my contract stating that instead of 10 vacation days I would only have 7 and the other 3 days would be used as PAID sick days! I brought this point up to my supervisor and basically had a intense discussion that went in circles. She said that "this has never happened before in the history of the school" and "you didn't give us very much notice".....was I supposed to email them a week before when I was in America letting them know I will be sick friday 12/4?!! I fear they do not really understand the concept of sickness. My contract requires that I have a medical consent form but I didn't have insurance at the time.....when I went to the hospital for my checkup the director and my supervisor said I didn't need to worry about getting a note! So my supervisor actually has the gull to tell me I needed a note, needed to give them more notice, and that because of this they weren't going to pay me. I brought up the fact that I couldn't give more notice......you told me not to get a note......and it is in my signed contract that I will recieve paid sick days. Well this conversation lasted about 30 minutes and nothing really came of it. She pulled me aside today and told me that the director has decided to pay me (gee thanks) but I should never get sick again.......... hmmmm korean way?
Yesterday one of my youngest kids did something really inappropriate asking what the word for my ummmm chest was and went so far as to demonstrate hand gestures......thanks again cole! I wish I could show you his drawings....they are all SO morbid! Guess you will have to wait until we are in person again!
I am having fun exploring Hadan with Andrew and Jason. They had some fried chicken from a very snazzy place with white chiars and dime lights. The chicken came with a complementary friut salad which I enjoyed! In my excitement to explore I think I accident dragged Andrew and Jason to a ummmmmmmm prostitue parlor?!!!?!?!? Don't worry we ran right away instantly.... except for Jason, he stayed. hahhahhahah just kidding!!! We all ran away. Crap like that is EVERYWHERE in Korea!
I am also terrified of Korean driving! I fear for my life everyday. I thought walking was bad enough, but actually driving in a car with a Korean driving is a life or death situation. I don't think they look before they pull out....in fact I'm not sure they look period. There are no driving rules in Korea as far as I can see!
Tonight we are going to go out to eat with a the western teachers I work with and other near where we live! I'm excited because we are going to a diner where they actually serve vegetarian food! FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!! I will let you know how it goes!
PICTURES COMING SOON!!! <3
Monday, December 7, 2009
Getting Got in Korea
Hello! I have a couple more Costco stories that I forgot to share in my blog last night. First- The food court at Costco was even crazier than the store itself. People were everywhere and finding a seat almost impossible. Apparently it is very popular to order full pizza's instead of the individual slices that American's get. Also, Korean's like to put loads of chopped onion, mustard and ketchup on their pizza!! It was soo weird!
It was also quite the adventure trying to find Costco itself. Thanks to Jason's famous maps (;-p), we weren't really as close to it as we thought we were once we left the subway. This wasn't really an issue for me because I got to explore more of Busan and see the probably hands down the most adorable dogs in the world. They were about the size of kittens! Apparently Korea breads minature cats/dogs as their pets! I wish I thought to take pictures!!! My new quest is to find a pet store near my apartment. I make no promises that I will not come home with a new minature dog....
Getting to Costco itself was alother feat! We tried asking directions on the street but no such luck. We came across a cop and a security booth who were under the impression that we either meant "Bosco or Posco".....when Andrew finially showed them his Costco ID they flipped out! Apparently everyone world wide goes is obsessed with Costco as Americans! The older men hailed down a taxi and explained where we wanted to go. When the cab driver didn't know where Costco was- they went nuts! I would have paid money for that reaction! Two Korean older men shouting in Korean "COSTCO" "MART!" and doing large hand motions of big shopping buildings! HA! Even the smallest things seem like a big deal in Korean. We found Costco. Just saying...we are a pretty big deal here in Korea :-p
So I think Korean's are playing mind games with me. I don't know if they don't want to speak English because we are obviously in Korea (I get that) or if they just want to mess with my head... Andrew and I have become regulars at this tiny cheap (but yummy) orange dinner (orange hole they call them) right next to our apartment. One younger guy there is VERY nice and makes all of our food. Andrew ran into him on the elevator (they deliver) in my apartment complex last week and tried speaking with him. The Korean dude held up his hands and said "oh no! No English!" with a smile. Last night we tried explaining that I wanted a sushi roll without meat and that I was a vegetarian, and the Korean dude responded "no meat? no fish? no egg? yeah all vegetables. I know!".....!?!!?! While I was super excited that I finially found a place that can cook for me, I was competely suprised that he just spoke perfect English with us? This also happened today at the bank. Anderw and I were went there to exchange some American money that we brought and the bank teller (?) tried asking me my name. She of course askes me this in Korean. I expected that. She then tried sounding it out like "HAAAA, SHHHAAA" since my name is Danielle, I was confused and thought she was talking about something else. I turned to Andrew and gave him the confused/panicked look I give him 25 times a day, and the band teller looked at me rolling her eyes and said " What is your name?"....in flawless English! What? Did she see me and my 6'5 blond boyfriend and think "You know what? I speak English, but lets try a round of Korean first..see where it takes us." I am getting got by Korea and Korean's. It's that simple.
I just finished my second day of teaching by myself. It went pretty well! I was more strick with my very very bad kids and it seemed to work! Andrew and I also had to go to the hospital today for our drug testing and physical. While I do not know for sure, I am going to say that Korea might be behind American when it comes to the medical system. We had to pee in an open paper cup..which was just sitting on the table by everyone throughout the entire hour we were there AND I had to give an old school x-ray! I felt like I was fuming radiation when we left there. Actually, I still do. Ugh! If I am a health nut my whole life and die from cancer caused by a Korean hospital- I will be pissed!
Well I should probably go now! I just wanted to let everyone know that I live for your messages and emails! It makes me feel like I am still a part of your lives! Love and miss you all! xoxoxoxoxo
It was also quite the adventure trying to find Costco itself. Thanks to Jason's famous maps (;-p), we weren't really as close to it as we thought we were once we left the subway. This wasn't really an issue for me because I got to explore more of Busan and see the probably hands down the most adorable dogs in the world. They were about the size of kittens! Apparently Korea breads minature cats/dogs as their pets! I wish I thought to take pictures!!! My new quest is to find a pet store near my apartment. I make no promises that I will not come home with a new minature dog....
Getting to Costco itself was alother feat! We tried asking directions on the street but no such luck. We came across a cop and a security booth who were under the impression that we either meant "Bosco or Posco".....when Andrew finially showed them his Costco ID they flipped out! Apparently everyone world wide goes is obsessed with Costco as Americans! The older men hailed down a taxi and explained where we wanted to go. When the cab driver didn't know where Costco was- they went nuts! I would have paid money for that reaction! Two Korean older men shouting in Korean "COSTCO" "MART!" and doing large hand motions of big shopping buildings! HA! Even the smallest things seem like a big deal in Korean. We found Costco. Just saying...we are a pretty big deal here in Korea :-p
So I think Korean's are playing mind games with me. I don't know if they don't want to speak English because we are obviously in Korea (I get that) or if they just want to mess with my head... Andrew and I have become regulars at this tiny cheap (but yummy) orange dinner (orange hole they call them) right next to our apartment. One younger guy there is VERY nice and makes all of our food. Andrew ran into him on the elevator (they deliver) in my apartment complex last week and tried speaking with him. The Korean dude held up his hands and said "oh no! No English!" with a smile. Last night we tried explaining that I wanted a sushi roll without meat and that I was a vegetarian, and the Korean dude responded "no meat? no fish? no egg? yeah all vegetables. I know!".....!?!!?! While I was super excited that I finially found a place that can cook for me, I was competely suprised that he just spoke perfect English with us? This also happened today at the bank. Anderw and I were went there to exchange some American money that we brought and the bank teller (?) tried asking me my name. She of course askes me this in Korean. I expected that. She then tried sounding it out like "HAAAA, SHHHAAA" since my name is Danielle, I was confused and thought she was talking about something else. I turned to Andrew and gave him the confused/panicked look I give him 25 times a day, and the band teller looked at me rolling her eyes and said " What is your name?"....in flawless English! What? Did she see me and my 6'5 blond boyfriend and think "You know what? I speak English, but lets try a round of Korean first..see where it takes us." I am getting got by Korea and Korean's. It's that simple.
I just finished my second day of teaching by myself. It went pretty well! I was more strick with my very very bad kids and it seemed to work! Andrew and I also had to go to the hospital today for our drug testing and physical. While I do not know for sure, I am going to say that Korea might be behind American when it comes to the medical system. We had to pee in an open paper cup..which was just sitting on the table by everyone throughout the entire hour we were there AND I had to give an old school x-ray! I felt like I was fuming radiation when we left there. Actually, I still do. Ugh! If I am a health nut my whole life and die from cancer caused by a Korean hospital- I will be pissed!
Well I should probably go now! I just wanted to let everyone know that I live for your messages and emails! It makes me feel like I am still a part of your lives! Love and miss you all! xoxoxoxoxo
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