I haven't had another umbrella incident, but I did have another crier. My students are obsessed with being first in line (I vaguely remember those days) so when it comes to lining up at the end of class, it's a big deal.
I try to switch it up with different games, calling on good students, etc. On this particular day, I was in a great mood and played a game with them. Of course it was an educational game so I ask students questions from the book and whoever gets the most questions right gets to line up first. Sounds fair right? Here's the catch. I only call on students who raise their hand, are quiet, and are sitting still. Well, one student, who always yells out and can't sit still put his head on his desk and started crying. Oy. I dismissed the rest of the class and tried to calm this one student down. Now this wasn't just a tear drop-here's a tissue-wipe it away-type cry, this was a hyperventilating-can't breathe-what have I done-type cry. He stayed after class for a good five minutes while I tried to fix the situation. He pointed to his hand and made an X with the other one, which meant I didn't call on him enough. First, I told him to breathe, then I explained the rules that he had to be quiet and raise his hand, and finally I turned the situation into a positive one and pointed out that he did answer one (ha) question right. I don't think that helped though. He is famous for his monkey dance so I asked him if I could see it hoping that would help cheer him up. I got denied. What was supposed to be a fun game, turned into another sob story. Tear.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Celebrate Good Times, Come On!
A few weeks ago was a weekend full of reasons to celebrate:
-February Birthdays
-Lunar New Year
-Welcoming J to Korea
-Valentine's Day
-The Olympics
Lunar New Year is one of the biggest holidays in Korea so I had a day off and headed to Seoul for the long weekend. My KTX experiences have definitely improved which makes traveling to Seoul super easy and I've even learned how to pack light. I arrived in Seoul early Saturday morning which was S's birthday. We met up with a good group of people and headed to the Bau House. S had been ranting and raving about this "dog cafe" that she wanted to go to on her birthday. I was hesitant at first because I refuse to eat dog so I had no idea what I was getting myself into agreeing to go to this mysterious place. Well, it happened to literally be a dog cafe, but no dogs were harmed in the process. It was basically a room full of dogs roaming around. There were about 15 permanent dogs and then people can also board their dogs there. Pretty cool concept minus the wet dog smell. All of the dogs were really well behaved and got along great. There were paint roller sized lint brushes and the employees were stocked with a variety of cleaning supplies. There's also a cat cafe that I'll have to check out next time too. Oh, and among all of these dogs there was ONE cat. Now some cats get along great with dogs and even consider themselves dogs, but this poor cat in the DOG cafe was not one of them. Poor thing.
Next on the agenda was swing dancing! I may be a Maple Motion alum, but swing dancing was a whole new thing for me. One of S's friends is a great swing dancer and surprisingly a lot of people we were with took ballroom and swing dancing classes in college. I felt like I was on Dancing with the Stars and I learned a few key steps such as the Charleston and the Virginia (I think I just made that one up). But it was something new and super fun.
One of my older posts was about six degrees of separation and how I can't get over how many people I keep running into... in Korea of all places. Well, this one definitely tops the list.
J had just arrived in Korea from Switzerland so I wanted to show her a good time in Seoul. We were walking around Hongdae when all of a sudden I heard my name being called. I looked around and didn't see anyone familiar. Then I heard my name again. Still nothing. We stopped in front of this group of foreigners and this guy looked at me and said you don't remember do you? I was going through everyone I knew in my brain and I just couldn't think of who this guy was. He definitely knew me, but I still couldn't put a name to a face or a face to a name. Awkward. Finally, something clicked and I realized it was this guy I was in youth group with waaay back in the day. I probably haven't seen him since middle school, but we ended up going out together the rest of the night. It was great catching up with him and reminiscing about our past together. He arrived in Korea a few days after me and is teaching English in a city near Busan. I still can't believe he recognized me among all of the Koreans on the streets of Hongdae. Small world.
As usual, the weekend went by way too fast and I didn't even go shopping in Seoul, but I'll be back!
-February Birthdays
-Lunar New Year
-Welcoming J to Korea
-Valentine's Day
-The Olympics
Lunar New Year is one of the biggest holidays in Korea so I had a day off and headed to Seoul for the long weekend. My KTX experiences have definitely improved which makes traveling to Seoul super easy and I've even learned how to pack light. I arrived in Seoul early Saturday morning which was S's birthday. We met up with a good group of people and headed to the Bau House. S had been ranting and raving about this "dog cafe" that she wanted to go to on her birthday. I was hesitant at first because I refuse to eat dog so I had no idea what I was getting myself into agreeing to go to this mysterious place. Well, it happened to literally be a dog cafe, but no dogs were harmed in the process. It was basically a room full of dogs roaming around. There were about 15 permanent dogs and then people can also board their dogs there. Pretty cool concept minus the wet dog smell. All of the dogs were really well behaved and got along great. There were paint roller sized lint brushes and the employees were stocked with a variety of cleaning supplies. There's also a cat cafe that I'll have to check out next time too. Oh, and among all of these dogs there was ONE cat. Now some cats get along great with dogs and even consider themselves dogs, but this poor cat in the DOG cafe was not one of them. Poor thing.
Next on the agenda was swing dancing! I may be a Maple Motion alum, but swing dancing was a whole new thing for me. One of S's friends is a great swing dancer and surprisingly a lot of people we were with took ballroom and swing dancing classes in college. I felt like I was on Dancing with the Stars and I learned a few key steps such as the Charleston and the Virginia (I think I just made that one up). But it was something new and super fun.
One of my older posts was about six degrees of separation and how I can't get over how many people I keep running into... in Korea of all places. Well, this one definitely tops the list.
J had just arrived in Korea from Switzerland so I wanted to show her a good time in Seoul. We were walking around Hongdae when all of a sudden I heard my name being called. I looked around and didn't see anyone familiar. Then I heard my name again. Still nothing. We stopped in front of this group of foreigners and this guy looked at me and said you don't remember do you? I was going through everyone I knew in my brain and I just couldn't think of who this guy was. He definitely knew me, but I still couldn't put a name to a face or a face to a name. Awkward. Finally, something clicked and I realized it was this guy I was in youth group with waaay back in the day. I probably haven't seen him since middle school, but we ended up going out together the rest of the night. It was great catching up with him and reminiscing about our past together. He arrived in Korea a few days after me and is teaching English in a city near Busan. I still can't believe he recognized me among all of the Koreans on the streets of Hongdae. Small world.
As usual, the weekend went by way too fast and I didn't even go shopping in Seoul, but I'll be back!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Just Another Hallmark Holiday
I hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day! In Korean culture there are a handful of romantic holidays throughout the year. When I say a handful, I mean the 14th of every month. The 14th of every month marks a love-related day including: Candle Day, Valentine's Day, White Day, Black Day, Rose Day, Kiss Day, Silver Day, Green Day, Music Day, Wine Day, Movie Day, and Hug Day.
The most recent one on Feb. 14th (Valentine's Day) women give chocolate to men and then on March 14th (White Day) men give non-chocolate candy to women. On April 14th (Black Day), people who didn't receive anything on the 14th of Feb. or March go to a Chinese restaurant to eat black noodles and "mourn" their single life. Talk about depressing.
Koreans also celebrate Pepero Day on November 11th, when young couples give each other Pepero cookies. The date '11/11' is intended to resemble the long shape of the cookie.
Fortunately, I don't have to worry about eating black noodles on April 14th because I DID receive chocolates from students and coworkers. One student, Julie, wrote me this note and attached it to some candy... so cute:
It's a little hard to read, but it says:
To: Teacher From: Julie (with a heart over the "i"... I've taught her well, just kidding, I don't do that.)
Hellow
You tired with me and student?
I'm prepare one of the small confectionary. (smiley face)
Good New Year's Day
Always Thank You
[My] Translation:
To: Teacher From: Julie
Hello
You've helped me [become a better] student.
Here's some candy for you.
Happy New Year!
Thank You
How cute is that?! Oh and to top it off, she has the cutest Hello Kitty bag.
What do you think she's trying to say?
The most recent one on Feb. 14th (Valentine's Day) women give chocolate to men and then on March 14th (White Day) men give non-chocolate candy to women. On April 14th (Black Day), people who didn't receive anything on the 14th of Feb. or March go to a Chinese restaurant to eat black noodles and "mourn" their single life. Talk about depressing.
Koreans also celebrate Pepero Day on November 11th, when young couples give each other Pepero cookies. The date '11/11' is intended to resemble the long shape of the cookie.
Fortunately, I don't have to worry about eating black noodles on April 14th because I DID receive chocolates from students and coworkers. One student, Julie, wrote me this note and attached it to some candy... so cute:
It's a little hard to read, but it says:
To: Teacher From: Julie (with a heart over the "i"... I've taught her well, just kidding, I don't do that.)
Hellow
You tired with me and student?
I'm prepare one of the small confectionary. (smiley face)
Good New Year's Day
Always Thank You
[My] Translation:
To: Teacher From: Julie
Hello
You've helped me [become a better] student.
Here's some candy for you.
Happy New Year!
Thank You
How cute is that?! Oh and to top it off, she has the cutest Hello Kitty bag.
What do you think she's trying to say?
G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S
Korean fashion inspires me to expand my fashion horizon (or lack there of) beyond cardigans, tanks and leggings.
Here's an article from The Korean Herald about Korean fashion designers making their debut at NY Fashion Week:
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2010/02/12/201002120059.asp
One of my favorite past times is people watching. I would say the best place to people watch is Cedar Point, but a close second is Seoul. Everyone is so stylish. I’ve caught myself staring at oversized bags and five-inch heels numerous times on the subway. It might help that Korean women are so tiny, but I feel like they could wear anything and make it look good. I would say their style is conservative and polished, yet fashion forward and innovative. Even in the dead of winter the majority of women wear skirts or shorts with tights. I’ve tried to buy cute skirts here, but they are literally the size of washcloths. I will have to keep looking. I find it interesting that women are very conscious about not showing cleavage, but they show as much leg as they want to. They also love accessories, especially hair accessories. From headbands, bows, barrettes, and hats… they're all fabulous; however, the scrunchies, bun covers, and extra large banana clips circa 1994 have to go. I especially love when my students come to class wearing a headband, barrette, bow, annnd scrunchie. I don't know how they pull it off. Men are also very fashionable. I love their murses- male purses, everyone has one.
Project Runway: Korea is on TV all the time! I love it. The second season just started and it’s just as good as the American version. Even though I can’t understand Korean, I’ve watched PR enough times to know the structure of the show. The clothes the designers make are incredible and (American) season 1 finalist, Austin Scarlett, is a judge! He’s in a promo for the show and speaks Korean. I feel like if I don’t learn any Korean (which I will!) at least I will know the Project Runway promo!
Always remember to “KIP: Keep It Pretty!” –Gary, contestant on MTV’s Styl’d
Here's an article from The Korean Herald about Korean fashion designers making their debut at NY Fashion Week:
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2010/02/12/201002120059.asp
One of my favorite past times is people watching. I would say the best place to people watch is Cedar Point, but a close second is Seoul. Everyone is so stylish. I’ve caught myself staring at oversized bags and five-inch heels numerous times on the subway. It might help that Korean women are so tiny, but I feel like they could wear anything and make it look good. I would say their style is conservative and polished, yet fashion forward and innovative. Even in the dead of winter the majority of women wear skirts or shorts with tights. I’ve tried to buy cute skirts here, but they are literally the size of washcloths. I will have to keep looking. I find it interesting that women are very conscious about not showing cleavage, but they show as much leg as they want to. They also love accessories, especially hair accessories. From headbands, bows, barrettes, and hats… they're all fabulous; however, the scrunchies, bun covers, and extra large banana clips circa 1994 have to go. I especially love when my students come to class wearing a headband, barrette, bow, annnd scrunchie. I don't know how they pull it off. Men are also very fashionable. I love their murses- male purses, everyone has one.
Project Runway: Korea is on TV all the time! I love it. The second season just started and it’s just as good as the American version. Even though I can’t understand Korean, I’ve watched PR enough times to know the structure of the show. The clothes the designers make are incredible and (American) season 1 finalist, Austin Scarlett, is a judge! He’s in a promo for the show and speaks Korean. I feel like if I don’t learn any Korean (which I will!) at least I will know the Project Runway promo!
Always remember to “KIP: Keep It Pretty!” –Gary, contestant on MTV’s Styl’d
Friday, February 12, 2010
I Love Lists
Here’s a list of things I want to do in Korea in no particular order:
Festivals- It all started with my love for NachoFest and interning at The Old Town Commercial Association. I love themes and festivals are like one big, themed celebration. Korea has a variety of festivals happening year-round, but a few that sparked my interest include: Boryeong Mud Festival, Chuncheon International Mime Festival, Hampyeong Butterfly Festival, Pusan International Film Festival, and the Gwangju Kimchi Festival.
Busan Beaches- I’m not a big beach person because I hate sand, but all I hear about Busan is how amazing their beaches are. I figure I can’t live in Korea and not visit a beach. Plus I can go swimming in the sea!
Jeju-do Island- A definite must see. There are waterfalls, volcanic craters, and one of the world’s largest lava tubes on the island. Jeju was one of the finalists for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Busan Aquarium- Last year my dream came true when I swam with dolphins in Mexico. It’s time to up the ante though and take on SHARKS. In my Lonely Planet book, one of the things you can only do in Korea is dive with sharks at the Busan Aquarium. Bring it on, Bruce (shark leader from Finding Nemo).
Hot Springs- One of the most popular hot springs in Korea is in Daejeon. I see the stop for Yuseong Spa every time I’m on the subway.
Temples, Palaces, and Fortresses- I’m always up for some Korean history.
Lotte World/Everland- Theme parks equivalent to Disney World!
Olympic Park- The 1988 Summer Olympics were held in Seoul and there is an Olympic Museum, a fortress, parks, gardens, and a variety of stadiums. I’ve stood on two Olympic podiums (Lake Placid, NY and Sydney, AUS) so perhaps I can make it three!
Rock Climbing/Bungee Jumping- My friend’s sister is a certified rock-climbing instructor and is visiting in July. She has already been researching places to go. My other friend’s brother teaches in Daegu and I saw that he went bungee jumping. I could check both off of my bucket list.
DMZ- I went here when I studied abroad, but I don’t think I appreciated it at the time so I wouldn’t mind visiting it again.
Festivals- It all started with my love for NachoFest and interning at The Old Town Commercial Association. I love themes and festivals are like one big, themed celebration. Korea has a variety of festivals happening year-round, but a few that sparked my interest include: Boryeong Mud Festival, Chuncheon International Mime Festival, Hampyeong Butterfly Festival, Pusan International Film Festival, and the Gwangju Kimchi Festival.
Busan Beaches- I’m not a big beach person because I hate sand, but all I hear about Busan is how amazing their beaches are. I figure I can’t live in Korea and not visit a beach. Plus I can go swimming in the sea!
Jeju-do Island- A definite must see. There are waterfalls, volcanic craters, and one of the world’s largest lava tubes on the island. Jeju was one of the finalists for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Busan Aquarium- Last year my dream came true when I swam with dolphins in Mexico. It’s time to up the ante though and take on SHARKS. In my Lonely Planet book, one of the things you can only do in Korea is dive with sharks at the Busan Aquarium. Bring it on, Bruce (shark leader from Finding Nemo).
Hot Springs- One of the most popular hot springs in Korea is in Daejeon. I see the stop for Yuseong Spa every time I’m on the subway.
Temples, Palaces, and Fortresses- I’m always up for some Korean history.
Lotte World/Everland- Theme parks equivalent to Disney World!
Olympic Park- The 1988 Summer Olympics were held in Seoul and there is an Olympic Museum, a fortress, parks, gardens, and a variety of stadiums. I’ve stood on two Olympic podiums (Lake Placid, NY and Sydney, AUS) so perhaps I can make it three!
Rock Climbing/Bungee Jumping- My friend’s sister is a certified rock-climbing instructor and is visiting in July. She has already been researching places to go. My other friend’s brother teaches in Daegu and I saw that he went bungee jumping. I could check both off of my bucket list.
DMZ- I went here when I studied abroad, but I don’t think I appreciated it at the time so I wouldn’t mind visiting it again.
Vampire Weather
I named this entry Vampire Weather for a few reasons:
1.) It has been rainy and cloudy all week.
2.) Birthday shout out to Taylor Lautner. Team Jacob all the way.
3.) I don’t have much else to talk about.
I was actually dreading the weather this week. Not because of the lack of vitamin D I would be receiving, but because I knew my students would bring ridiculously, big umbrellas to class and I didn’t want another infamous umbrella incident. Well, so far, so good, but I have one day left in the workweek so I don’t want to jinx myself. I have had to tell a few students to stop swinging their umbrellas around above their head and to stop “sword fighting” with each other, but so far there hasn’t been any sign of blood or tears… yet.
Actually, this morning I had an umbrella incident myself. Due to the Korean New Year this weekend, I went to Daejeon Station this morning and purchased my KTX tickets to and from Seoul before they sold out. As I was riding the escalator, my umbrella got stuck in the railing. So as I was moving up the escalator, my poor, travel sized (key word here) umbrella was not moving up it with me. Usually I wouldn’t care (ie: Chicago ahem… KAS), but I knew travel sized umbrellas are a rarity in Korea so I didn’t want to lose my luxury item. I couldn’t run back down the escalator because there was a man standing right behind me, the umbrella handle was now extended all the way and my arm couldn’t stretch any further. So I did the unthinkable and let go. Luckily when I let go, my umbrella got unstuck and a nice man picked it up for me. Thank you, umbrella gods.
1.) It has been rainy and cloudy all week.
2.) Birthday shout out to Taylor Lautner. Team Jacob all the way.
3.) I don’t have much else to talk about.
I was actually dreading the weather this week. Not because of the lack of vitamin D I would be receiving, but because I knew my students would bring ridiculously, big umbrellas to class and I didn’t want another infamous umbrella incident. Well, so far, so good, but I have one day left in the workweek so I don’t want to jinx myself. I have had to tell a few students to stop swinging their umbrellas around above their head and to stop “sword fighting” with each other, but so far there hasn’t been any sign of blood or tears… yet.
Actually, this morning I had an umbrella incident myself. Due to the Korean New Year this weekend, I went to Daejeon Station this morning and purchased my KTX tickets to and from Seoul before they sold out. As I was riding the escalator, my umbrella got stuck in the railing. So as I was moving up the escalator, my poor, travel sized (key word here) umbrella was not moving up it with me. Usually I wouldn’t care (ie: Chicago ahem… KAS), but I knew travel sized umbrellas are a rarity in Korea so I didn’t want to lose my luxury item. I couldn’t run back down the escalator because there was a man standing right behind me, the umbrella handle was now extended all the way and my arm couldn’t stretch any further. So I did the unthinkable and let go. Luckily when I let go, my umbrella got unstuck and a nice man picked it up for me. Thank you, umbrella gods.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Every Rose has its Thorn
Now I don’t have much to complain about in Korea, but the following definitely top the list:
Traffic, Traffic, Traffic- Luckily I live in Daejeon, which is the fifth largest city in Korea, so it’s not too bad here, but the traffic in Seoul is out of control. I remember being at the top of Seoul Tower and looking out and being able to see a line of lights from all of the traffic. Korea is about as big as Indiana and there are 10 million people in Seoul alone which is about half of Korea’s population. To put it in prospective, there are more people in Seoul in a smaller area compared to New York City. Oh well, bad traffic comes with any big city.
Crosswalks- Or lack there of. Pedestrians definitely do not have the right away. Watch out.
Traffic Lights- Two things: they’re optional and they last forever. If a crosswalk light is counting down and hits one you better make a run for it or else you’ll be standing on that side of the street for a long time. Traffic lights are just a suggestion. If the light is red, oh well. I’ve been in numerous cabs that go right through them. It’s funny because I’ve had to explain “laws” to my students and I always use traffic laws as an example. Then I think to myself, oh wait, that’s a bad example because traffic laws don’t really exist in Korea.
Spitting- Yuck. It doesn’t matter if it’s inside or outside, Koreans spit.
Dryers- They don’t exist. I have a dish dryer system, but no clothes dryer. I shouldn’t complain because I do have a washing machine, and plus without a dryer, I don’t have to worry about shrinking my clothes, just wrinkling them. Which brings me to my next complaint… ironing. I actually don’t own an iron yet (thank goodness for Downy Wrinkle Releaser), but I hate ironing and wrinkly clothes.
Sales Employees- They follow you when you shop. If you’ve ever shopped with me before, I’m a looker. I like to look at all of my options before I buy something. So it drives me crazy to have someone hovering over my shoulder when I’m just browsing. Talk about stage five clingers.
Traffic, Traffic, Traffic- Luckily I live in Daejeon, which is the fifth largest city in Korea, so it’s not too bad here, but the traffic in Seoul is out of control. I remember being at the top of Seoul Tower and looking out and being able to see a line of lights from all of the traffic. Korea is about as big as Indiana and there are 10 million people in Seoul alone which is about half of Korea’s population. To put it in prospective, there are more people in Seoul in a smaller area compared to New York City. Oh well, bad traffic comes with any big city.
Crosswalks- Or lack there of. Pedestrians definitely do not have the right away. Watch out.
Traffic Lights- Two things: they’re optional and they last forever. If a crosswalk light is counting down and hits one you better make a run for it or else you’ll be standing on that side of the street for a long time. Traffic lights are just a suggestion. If the light is red, oh well. I’ve been in numerous cabs that go right through them. It’s funny because I’ve had to explain “laws” to my students and I always use traffic laws as an example. Then I think to myself, oh wait, that’s a bad example because traffic laws don’t really exist in Korea.
Spitting- Yuck. It doesn’t matter if it’s inside or outside, Koreans spit.
Dryers- They don’t exist. I have a dish dryer system, but no clothes dryer. I shouldn’t complain because I do have a washing machine, and plus without a dryer, I don’t have to worry about shrinking my clothes, just wrinkling them. Which brings me to my next complaint… ironing. I actually don’t own an iron yet (thank goodness for Downy Wrinkle Releaser), but I hate ironing and wrinkly clothes.
Sales Employees- They follow you when you shop. If you’ve ever shopped with me before, I’m a looker. I like to look at all of my options before I buy something. So it drives me crazy to have someone hovering over my shoulder when I’m just browsing. Talk about stage five clingers.
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