The past two months

Chuseok
This Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) was spent down south in Mokpo, a day on Bigeum-do and a short lunch break in Gwangju. Besides the small hiccup with ferry times combined with little sleep, someone whispering throughout the night (you know who you are) and an uncontrollable aircon, the trip was great!

Sports Day

Every year most schools host a Sports Day, which is a fun day filled with friendly competition and activities for all students, staff, teachers and even family members. Before starting any physical activity I was given a pregame snack - peanuts and sweet potatoes. The days events included tug of war and various kinds of races such as relay races, barrel pushing and even a scavenger hunt race where each student read a piece of paper and followed the directions given. For example, "Find your grandfather and run with them to the finish line." So, yes I saw a few grandparents, parents and even our principle and vice principle running as fast as they could to the finish line. It was hysterical! Even I had to run a few laps. And I really dislike running. But all in all, it was a lot of fun and a nice change from the typical school day!

Cutest field trip ever!

I don't remember when this was, but I traveled to Danyang Ondal Cave with my 4th graders; it literally was the cutest field trip ever. The weather was pretty crappy, but because of this all of my students had massive umbrellas which made them look tiny and so cute! They also wore hard hats while in the cave and that cuteness almost sent me over the edge. It was raining, but with the clouds surrounding the mountains it still was a beautiful day.

Halloween

It's no secret that Halloween is my favorite holiday. I just love it! And because of this love I make sure I have a fabulous Halloween lesson every year. This year was no different. My 4th graders had a costume party. I really wanted them to focus more on creativity and not just buy a costume from the store, which they did! Since it's my 3rd graders first year learning about Halloween (at least with me) I wanted to do a craft and game to introduce the holiday. If you've ever been to my apartment you know I've had a large bag of toilet paper rolls hanging in my entryway. I've been saving them with the idea of doing/making something; I finally found something to make, Halloween candy bags! I was so busy during this lesson I didn't have time to take any pictures, but they all came out really cute. Hopefully my students had fun! Also, thanks to everyone who contributed and added on to my collection. Leo + Grace Hillers, thanks a ton!

That Saturday I was able to celebrate Halloween with other adults which not only equals no yelling and threatening to take away stickers, but also...BEER. It was an 80's Class Reunion Murder Mystery party.

Five Random Confessions

For now on if I happen to write a post on a Friday I will include (if I remember) this new part of my blog. Five random confessions of the week. I'm not sure if this is going to be a good thing, but I have a feeling a lot of these will either do with food or make me look like a psycho.

1. This little 1st grader has been coming to my desk almost everyday for weeks just to say hi. Since she's so young, I actually don't teach her, but for whatever reason we're definitely friends now. My confession - Every time I see her I fight the urge to pinch her cheeks. They're just so chubby and adorable and I want to pinch them away!! But don't worry, I don't. I stick with high fives...for now.

2. It's getting cold. I've had to wear at least three layers of clothing everyday this week and I'm still shivering until I leave at 4:30. I may have to start wearing two pairs of socks next week.

3. I've had dirty dishes in my sink for almost two weeks. 

4. The backpack I use for school is literally falling apart, but I don't care. I really don't want to buy a new one when I will probably stop riding my bike to school in a few weeks.

5. I've had new bras since possibly June or July and have yet thrown out the old ones. Why? Because for some reason I think I can reuse/make something. I have yet to come across a DIY project using old bras.

Summer Vacation - Jeju

Where has the past two months gone? Now looking back I've been insanely busy with vacation, school, field trips/Sports Day, English speech contest, Chuseok, catching up on Castle (finally on season 5), hosting backpackers and of course trying to maintain as much of a social life as possible. We're well into fall and I'm just now writing about my fabulous solo trip to South Korea's most beautiful island, Jeju-do. I've lived in Korea for 2 1/2 years and I finally made my way south to the largest Korean island. Because I had a small traveling budget, but still very much wanted beach time and just a vacation away from the usual Korea, Jeju was the perfect place! After living here for so long I'm no stranger to Koreans going on and on about how things are great for your health and also how "Jeju is the most beautiful place in Korea." I can only try so many fermented vegetables or ginseng food items before I start wondering...is this really good for your health? But after vacationing in Jeju for the first time I totally agree; Jeju is the most beautiful place in Korea.

Beaches
While on Jeju I was able to relax on two different beaches. The first beach (my favorite) is located on the northeast part of the island and is only a short bike ride away from the hostel I stayed at. A secluded beach full of beautiful white sand, clear blue water and Korean men and women sporting their natural free form hair style - dreadlocks. Yes dreadlocks! They were also selling tie dye clothing. It was amazing! The second beach, Jungmun, is about a twenty minute bus ride away from Seogwipo City and well worth the trip. There were definitely more people than the previous beach, but because it's larger there's only a short walk before you find a spot alone away from the masses of people.

Ilchulbong & U-do

When researching places to visit Ilchulbong (also known as Sunrise Peak) and U-do was at the top of my list. I heard amazing things about the two places and wanted to see it for myself. Ilchulbong doesn't take long to climb at all, but because it was insanely humid and hot the day I went I took it slow. As for U-do I was really looking forward to renting ATV's and exploring, but because I don't have an international license I was unable to. However, they do have cheap bus tours available to see the main sites on the island. That was ok, but by the second stop I was over being crammed on a bus. Overall Ichulbong and Udo was good and I'm glad I went, but if I had to do it again I would book accommodation closer to Ilchulbong. For some reason I planned to visit Sunrise Peak and U-do when I was staying in Seogwipo City, which is an hour and twenty minute bus ride to the peak. By the time I made it to U-do I was tired, sweaty, hot and I'll be honest...irritated with everything. And because of this irritation I didn't go to a beach which was originally the plan. However, I was able to eat peanut ice cream. So that was a plus!

Manjunggal Caves & Haenyeo Museum

The Manjunggal Caves weren't amazing, but still a nice break from the sun and humidity. I wasn't originally planning to visit a cave, but it was near my hostel and I thought, why not? Like I said, a great break from the sun and humidity. As for the Haenyeo Museum...I loved it! Unexpectedly, this by far was one of my favorite museums! Observing Korean culture and how women are treated in this country, in my experience, has not always been positive. Women do so much and are rarely recognized let alone appreciated. Haenyeo Museum was the first time I've ever seen women recognized for their contributions to this country. It was nice. And hopefully a step forward.

If you go on Thursdays you can actually see the women dive around 3:30 (possibly 4 pm). I made the mistake of thinking they dive in the water outside the museum, but they don't. They actually dive about a twenty minute bus ride away and by the time I realized this it was too late. So plan accordingly. I was able to see a small presentation a few of the women put on at the museum.

Jeju City

written 8/13/2013
It's the first night in Jeju City and it's been ok. Jeju itself is good, but the city has been boring. It's a pretty small city. This morning at breakfast I met two people who after some convincing are going to Loveland with me. They've already been, but they're going again which is awesome because now I don't have to go by myself. I'm actually waiting for them now at Dunkin' Donuts. Just had my favorite choco honey dipped donut. Delicious! The hostel I'm staying at is really really nice with super friendly staff. The main guy is awesome, but for some reason can't remember his name now.

Today I spent the day at the Jeju National Museum. It was extremely easy to find and FREE! I like free. While there a very nice woman told me about the Folklore and National History Museum and how I could eat Jeju noodles. I was hungry and had nothing else planned so I went. Across from the museum was the noodle restaurant so I first had lunch. I ate 고기국수 which literally means pork (meat) noodles. It was a little bland, but pretty nice. This restaurant also had the spiciest kimchi I've ever eaten! Holy hot! After the Folklore Museum I stumbled upon Samsunghyeol, a shrine of the three founders of Tamna.

Jeongbang Waterfall & Exploring near hostel
If visiting Seogwipo City, Jeongbang Waterfall is a must see! A very quick and easy walk for such a beautiful well worth it view.

Exploring near Hae Oh Reum Hostel.

Museums Museums Museums

Since I was traveling alone and could only tolerate so much sun before it simply became unhealthy to be in the sun for so long, I had the opportunity to visit an embarrassing amount of museums. Not only does Jeju-do have gorgeous beaches and various outdoor attractions, but they're also known for wacky museums. First stop, Ripley's Believe It or Not. I actually really enjoyed this museum! Looking back on the photos, I'm wondering if being alone for so long started to take it's toll. I was having too much fun taking photos posing by myself with the wax figures.

After wondering through Ripley's I made my way across the street to visit the Teddy Bear Museum. All I have to say is, it was interesting. After that I wondered down the street to find Chocolate Land. I wouldn't go back. There's really nothing to see and actually a waste of my 3,000 won.

Overall I had a lot of fun. It was my first time traveling alone and I now realize I can do it. It's really not as bad as it sounds. I will always pick traveling to a new place by myself over not traveling at all. If I could go back I would definitely explore more less known beaches and beach towns. 

Random Adventures part 2

Jjimjalbang Experience

 I finally went to a jjimjalbang (a public bathhouse) and it only took 2 1/2 years for me to go! When I first arrived in Korea I thought I'd for sure go...one day. But as time passed and the more awkward experiences I encountered the more I thought...maybe not. Living here has definitely tested my patience with personal space. I've literally experienced random strangers touching my hair, rubbing my arms, grabbing my shoulders  while screaming, "TINA TURNER" and yes even attempting to touch my breasts. Yep. That really happened. So as you can see I started to become a little paranoid about going to a public bathhouse where I would walk around completely nude, bare for everyone to not only look but in my experience, touch. The thought of randoms coming up to me and touching what they pleased scared the crap out of me. I obviously worked through that fear because there I was nude for all to see. I only went for one night and it was completely fine. Some did stare, but honestly I was stared at less in the bathhouse than walking out in the streets completely clothed. That was a plus!

This jjimjalbang was set up so the gender separated showers were on the first floor and the sleeping area was located on the second floor. Like I said the shower part was actually fine, but I really disliked the sleeping area. I had a firm block as my pillow and no blanket. There were mats in some areas, but not many. Since I was traveling and staying at a friends apartment the next night luckily I brought my sleeping bag. Honestly, not having a blanket or a nice pillow wasn't what killed me. It was the heat. It was so stinking hot that I never really slept. I literally stayed up all night. I'm not sure if others are like me, but by living through 3 summers in Asia I know I need aircon when sleeping. I literally laid on the floor cursing whoever under my breath. I'm not really a nice person when I'm hot. They did have separate rooms with different temperatures that varied from hot, hotter and really freaking cold (pictured above). I stayed in the main room with no aircon; that ended up being the most "comfortable," but every few hours I ventured to the really freaking cold room to cool down.

I may go to a jjimjalbang again. We'll see. I am a little curious to know how others are set up. Maybe in the near far future I'll try again.

Geoje Island
A while ago myself and a few friends went to Busan to celebrate Buddha's birthday. Our time was mostly spent eating at delicious restaurants and laying on the beach, but we also made time to go to Geoje Island. We ended up starting our day late so we only spent a few hours on the actual island, but we were able to see the Park of Geoje POW Camp. which was interesting. The information provided was pretty good and for the most part the park was nice. There were a few instances where I felt I was in an amusement park which....in my personal opinion is a little strange.

Here's one example of how I thought the park was being a little insensitive. There weren't a lot of these, but just the mere fact these photo opportunities were available I found it to be a little much.

Overall, it was a good experience. I learned a lot and if you have the opportunity to go I strongly recommend it!

More Summer Camp

Last year I worked the Andong summer camp. Read this and see how "fun" it was. I reread that post and I think I was definitely being nice because camp last year was hell. This summer was wonderful. They changed facilities so we had tables and chairs in each classroom as well as whiteboards. And since this facility was newer we had aircon! YAY!! We also had hot showers, another YAY! I didn't talk about the food in my last post, but it wasn't too great whereas at the new facility it was good AND they gave us bread, jam and cereal for breakfast...I wanted to cry! Korea doesn't have different foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner; it's essentially the same. But being foreign I find it really difficult to eat kimchi, rice and spicy meat at 8:30 am. When they brought out the cereal I believe we all literally screamed. I'm just not sure if they realized how nice the gesture was! It definitely made our mornings!

As for the students, this year they were great. All motivated and just nice great kids so it was a pleasure teaching them. There were a lot of laughs, screaming (just a few times) and great memories the first half of the week. The second part of the week demanded a little more from us teachers. Those students attend elementary schools located in the country so their level of English is lower which made it harder to communicate, teach and entertain them. Again, I still had a great group of students. Overall, this year's camp was enjoyable and well worth the extra pay!

Making the team flag.

Team Crayon (pronounced cray-on)

Team A+, take one...

take two...

Closing ceremony

It's currently midnight and I'm exhausted. So I apologize for the many typos because this lady is just too tired to reread anything. Also, I'm getting up early to leave for JEJU-DO, Korea's largest island!!

I'm traveling alone and it's the first time so I'm actually really nervous. Not because of safety, but because I don't want to be lonely. I'm generally ok with being alone and entertaining myself, but when it comes to traveling I would much rather have someone there...hopefully it goes well!

I'M GOING TO JEJU! Happy summer vacation to me.

Random Adventures part 1 + Kookin' in Korea - Kimchi Chigae

It's VACATION time! Ok, it's technically not vacation yet. Although school is out, I have to work a city wide week long summer camp with....6th graders. Yay.  I don't have patience for 6th graders. They're usually grumpy from going through the change. Plus, they always seem to do things my 3rd graders already know not to do. But, I'm hoping with air con at the new facility we'll all be in better moods compared to last year. Cross your fingers!

Since I haven't written anything in awhile I've decided to write two separate post with random stories and adventures from the summer.

Summer camp at my school:
This past week I taught English camp at my school and because I was responsible for making and teaching a few lessons, I was actually quite busy. For the 1st and 2nd graders, since they're so young, we worked on phonics and did a little arts and crafts project I found on pinterest. For a year and a half I've been saving toilet paper rolls and was finally able to use them. For our last class we made toilet paper roll animals! I forgot to take a picture of the animals once they finished, but they all turned out pretty well!

This little guy could have cared less about his octopus. He literally spent the entire class mixing paint and making different colors. I see an up and coming painter!

The 3rd and 4th graders spent their classes learning about and making piñatas. It was very messy, but I hope/think they had a lot of fun!

Step 1: make

 Step 2: paint

Step 3: break

and for the kill...

I didn't take pictures of the 5th and 6th graders since they're very "camera shy." It's also very hard to keep their attention so we played The Price is Right and learned about the five senses. I managed to keep them excited and not bored, but one student definitely tested my patience by always standing up and walking around the classroom in the middle of the lesson.

Cirque du Soleil
A few weeks ago myself and some friends attended the Michael Jackson Cirque du Soleil show. It was my second cirque show and I was originally ecstatic! I don't want to say I didn't enjoy it because in the end I did. But for me it wasn't what you think a cirque du soleil show is. I've attended The Beatles show and it was AMAZING! Just what you think a cirque du soleil show should be....large, magical and takes over the entire venue. Although the MJ show wasn't necessarily this it was still very enjoyable. Instead of large and magical it was more of a stage concert paying tribute to Michael, which in the end was still damn good! I had nosebleed seats at both shows and since the venue for The Beatles show was smaller and the show was larger it was completely fine. However if you want to see more of the MJ show either bring binoculars or pay a lot more for better seats. I love you MJ!

Kookin' in Korea - Kimchi Chigae (김치찌개)

Kimchi chigae (김치찌개) is a very popular korean dish which literally means kimchi soup. It's one of my favorite dishes in Korea. I ate this soup so much my first year I literally became sick because of it...no bueno. In the past I've attempted making this soup, but because I used any kimchi it was not good. Like, not at all. This time around it turned out pretty well and is actually a really easy recipe.

I've wanted to learn how to cook kimchi chigae for a very long time and after months of bothering my coworker he suggested I come over and his mother teach me. So one random Sunday I went to his home and was taught how to properly cook kimchi chigae!

Need:

fermented kimchi, 2 cups chopped

green onions, 2 strands

hot green chili pepper, 2-3

smashed garlic, 2 tbsp not pictured

1/2 white onion, chopped

pork, 6-8 oz

red dried pepper powder/flakes, not pictured

water

serves: 4 people         time: 1.5 hours

The most important part of this recipe is the kimchi. In order to achieve the proper taste, you must purchase the correct type
발효된김치(fermented kimchi). You basically need a well ripe/fermented red kimchi. There is something known as white kimchi. DON'T use this!

1. In one large pan, fry the pork pieces and fermented kimchi together without oil. I was told you fry the two ingredients together for flavor. Cook for ~5 minutes or until meat starts to change color. Other optional meat include tuna and tofu. If you choose to use tofu add at the end (about 10 minutes before finishing) to prevent over cooking. If using tuna, you may cook at the beginning with the kimchi.

2. Once you see the meat change color pour enough water in the pot to cover all pork and kimchi. Cover with lid and let boil.

3. While the meat and kimchi are boiling cut all other vegetables: onions, green onions and peppers. Optional vegetables include mushrooms, sprouts and sesame leaves.

In the past I've attended a Korean cooking class and was instructed to cut an onion. EASY. Except as I started to cut the onion like this...

the instructor slapped my hand and said, "America, good! Korea, no good." I was then instructed to cut the onion like this...

 So, for a more authentic looking dish you can cut your onion in long strands like the picture above and below.  Also, when cutting the green onion I was told to cut at an angle.

After you've finished cutting all vegetables put everything in pot including garlic and add more water. Add enough water to cover everything in the pot. Cover with lid and let boil. Cook for about 40 minutes to an hour.

For extra spice and flavor you can add red chili flakes or red pepper. Enjoy!

My favorite class

It's been a while hasn't it? Unfortunately, I still don't feel like writing anything so I'll leave you with this!

Every now and then my co-teacher and I have our students role play. This particular role play is Cinderella which focus on the phrases, "What time is it?" and "It's ____ o'clock." This class is awesome and even brought costumes and props from home. We didn't even ask them too. That's how awesome they are!

My mom is awesome in the fact she helps me take care of things at home since I am not there to do it myself. One of many things include activating my new VISA card and sending it to me. To mask the fact she was sending a debit card I suggested she find something to put it in. In a sneaky I have something to hide voice she says, "oh don't you worry. I got a plan." I received this blanket today. My co-teacher saw it and screamed, "RUG" then attempted to pull it from my hands and place it on the ground.  Our classroom floor is very dusty and I didn't want my new ISU blanket on the floor! Not only did I panic, but I didn't let go of the blanket. For about 15 seconds we played tug-of-war while she giggled and I repeated, "no, no, not, no, no." She finally realized what I was trying to say and let go of the blanket, slapped me on the back and said with a huge smile, "University. Fun!" We then just looked at each other and laughed.

If you've ever wondered how people move from high rise apartments (at least in Korea). Here you go. I actually live in the building to the left. These buildings are more low rise apartments, but I've seen these trucks used in various size apartment buildings.

Co-teaching, I'm exhausted.

written May 10th, 2013
I don't like using this blog as a resource to vent. I really really don't. However, I do want this blog to be an accurate and honest portrayal of my life and how living in a foreign country truly is. Like anyone else I have great days. I have alright, or as we say in Korea, so-so days. And I too have absolute horrible days where I want nothing else to do, but lay in bed with a pillow over my head and scream. The past three days have been that day. So, like the ups and downs of life in general (and especially for those abroad) I want my blog to resemble just that; an emotional roller coaster filled with language barriers, jjimdak, soju and screaming kids running down the halls.

This week. I'm exhausted.

I work in a public school which means I am employed by the Province of Education (POE). I work in an elementary school teaching both 3rd and 4th grade. This is important to know because the issue...actually lets not use that word. It's not necessarily an "issue". Let's call it, frustration. The frustration I encounter working in a public elementary school is different than those working at a hagwon, a privately owned school and probably even those who work in a public high/middle school. Now, since I teach English in a public school I have co-teachers. Co-teaching is basically self explanatory; two teachers working together to teach the class. For each grade the native English speaking teacher works side-by-side a Korean teacher to teach their class. I teach two grades therefore I have two different Korean co-teachers.

This week. I'm exhausted.

I want to first say I really do enjoy the two women I work with. They are awesome human beings and great teachers. They both care tremendously about our students and want them to learn as much as possible. They also try to understand me and my cultural differences as I too try to understand them. I've met and know other foreigners who do not get along with their co-teacher(s) and as you can imagine because of that, it's a very difficult work environment. So yes I realize I'm very lucky to have the co-teachers I do.

This week. I'm exhausted.

My frustration is not 100% with my co-teachers. For a long time I thought it could be. Maybe we weren't meshing well? Maybe we have different teaching techniques and we need to figure each other out? In the beginning I thought maybe they didn't like me? I realize now that's silly...we share many laughs together. They like me. Plus, I sometimes bring them breakfast!

Today I realized I'm frustrated with everything co-teaching. And for the first time ever I thought...it's time to go home. I've never EVER left work thinking I can't do this anymore. This week was the first time and seeing how my third year long contract is just starting, it scared me.

I'm just so tired of dealing with the power struggle two teachers teaching in the same class can bring. I'm exhausted of finding, yet again, a way to work with a new teacher. I want the ability to freely teach and my students to get as much as possible from my class. This can be extremely difficult with two different people having two different agendas. My agenda has always been and will always be, learning. At my hagwon (first year in Korea) I felt the main priority was keeping the parents happy so they would continue to pay. Now, I feel the priority is with completing busy work and not necessarily on learning.

I'm not really sure what the next few months will bring; let alone the next few days. As of now I'm frustrated and exhausted.


written May 21, 2013
I reread the above post and for the most part I feel the same. Co-teaching is a struggle. I'm not sure if I'll stay and work in public schools my fourth year. I may move on to working with adults. Or I may even decide it's time to move on from Korea. I'm not sure. Although I'm looking into other options, I'm not entirely convinced I'm finished with my time in Korea. And between a great Teacher's Day and weekend in Busan, I'm pretty convinced Korea and I still have some things to finish.

May 15th was Teacher's Day. This day was spent with most teachers in Andong getting together for a small volleyball tournament. It was surprisingly a great day. Not only was I able to see my other foreign friends, but it was nice to see them interact with their co-workers. 

The next day one of my favorite students came in to give me a small heart-shaped letter and a flower! Of course I gave her candy after this.

I also must share this. This student...another favorite, always and I mean always says this while touching my hair. I could be walking down the hall and she runs up to touch the curls and says, "곱슬 곱슬." Or like in the video, I'm sitting at my desk and she literally pops out of nowhere. I never realize she's around until I feel hands in my ponytail and hear "곱슬 곱슬."