Thursday, December 17, 2009
Last day of the semester
T minus 30 minutes til I am officially done with school for the year (starts up again in Feb). I leave tomorrow for Hawaii... 21 days... SO excited :)
Monday, December 14, 2009
I am so thankful for my little jem of a city out in the boonies - Chuncheon.
It took me about 6 hours to get home from Seoul with all the public transportation (bus, subway, train, and a LOT of walking)...
I really felt like I was home when I got back here!
I learned a great deal about Korea at the conference - this really is a developing country. There are a few metropolitan cities, but the rest is undeveloped to differing extents.
I guess you could call Korea a 2nd world country?
My official new goal before I leave Korea: go to the DMZ (demilitarized zone on the border between the North and South), and if possible go into ya know, that place above me.
The USO offers tours to of the DMZ and depending on the current political situation also of the border... it's really complicated though. It's a UN operation, so there's an intense process for signing up. The hatred for Americans is so great that I might not even be allowed to cross over, but I really want to try!
It took me about 6 hours to get home from Seoul with all the public transportation (bus, subway, train, and a LOT of walking)...
I really felt like I was home when I got back here!
I learned a great deal about Korea at the conference - this really is a developing country. There are a few metropolitan cities, but the rest is undeveloped to differing extents.
I guess you could call Korea a 2nd world country?
My official new goal before I leave Korea: go to the DMZ (demilitarized zone on the border between the North and South), and if possible go into ya know, that place above me.
The USO offers tours to of the DMZ and depending on the current political situation also of the border... it's really complicated though. It's a UN operation, so there's an intense process for signing up. The hatred for Americans is so great that I might not even be allowed to cross over, but I really want to try!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
So when I first got to Seoul, I thought "Gee, I wish I lived here!" Two days later, I am so thankful I do not. The big city is fun for a time, but I am ready to go back to the "Geneva of Korea".
Today we went to the Korean National Museum and then to the Korean War Memorial... where I realized just how recent the horrible heat of the battle was, and how close I am to our neighbors to the North, who are still trying to attack us every day.
Yeah.
After the museums they took us to a performance of "Nanta" - it's a show kind of like "Stomp" that was created in Korea and is now world famous. It was fun.
Then they treated everyone to dinner at a sea food buffet. The food was pretty good... I ended up sharing a table with like 10 guys, so it was definately interesting ha! So many different personalities, accents, nationalities, experiences, etc at this conference - pretty cool!
Then I took the subway to Myong Dong to try and find some clothes at Forever 21... I tried on half the store. Everything was definately made for Koreans :( :( :( All my experience thus far assures me there is no chance of me finding clothes in Korea that actually fit me. Bummer.
I'm not gonna lie, I am so excited to leave here for 3 weeks. My attitude toward Korean culture has not been good lately. I'm just really frustrated and homesick and uncomfortable :( But once I get back from Hawaii, I'll be 1/4 done with my contract - wow.
Tomorrow I go back home. Myong Dong is on my way, so I might stop at Zara (my last hope for clothes ha).
Good night!
Today we went to the Korean National Museum and then to the Korean War Memorial... where I realized just how recent the horrible heat of the battle was, and how close I am to our neighbors to the North, who are still trying to attack us every day.
Yeah.
After the museums they took us to a performance of "Nanta" - it's a show kind of like "Stomp" that was created in Korea and is now world famous. It was fun.
Then they treated everyone to dinner at a sea food buffet. The food was pretty good... I ended up sharing a table with like 10 guys, so it was definately interesting ha! So many different personalities, accents, nationalities, experiences, etc at this conference - pretty cool!
Then I took the subway to Myong Dong to try and find some clothes at Forever 21... I tried on half the store. Everything was definately made for Koreans :( :( :( All my experience thus far assures me there is no chance of me finding clothes in Korea that actually fit me. Bummer.
I'm not gonna lie, I am so excited to leave here for 3 weeks. My attitude toward Korean culture has not been good lately. I'm just really frustrated and homesick and uncomfortable :( But once I get back from Hawaii, I'll be 1/4 done with my contract - wow.
Tomorrow I go back home. Myong Dong is on my way, so I might stop at Zara (my last hope for clothes ha).
Good night!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Writing this from Seoul, Korea...
On a business trip until Monday afternoon.
What a day.
Today I: did my morning routine; packed; taught 4 classes; had to talk to the principle; walked many miles with a too-heavy backpack; took a fascinating train ride; saw my prayers answered in amazing ways; cried because I was happy; cried becuase I was upset; cried because I was desperate; cried because I was amazed and thankful and humbled...
One day at a time.
On a business trip until Monday afternoon.
What a day.
Today I: did my morning routine; packed; taught 4 classes; had to talk to the principle; walked many miles with a too-heavy backpack; took a fascinating train ride; saw my prayers answered in amazing ways; cried because I was happy; cried becuase I was upset; cried because I was desperate; cried because I was amazed and thankful and humbled...
One day at a time.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Bfast- oatmeal!!! Thanks mom :)
Lunch- orange, rice, cabbage and celery soup, kim chi, chicken, other veggies that were too spicy for me :)
Dinner- Probably some awesomely yummy steamed veggies!
Today was exam day, so Yoon Jin and I did not teach any classes. For the first part of the day, we planned the winter English camp. We have the outline complete (the topics for each day) so now it's just a matter of creating the lessons and materials. We also spent a good hour at least just working on pronounciation of vowels (me teaching Yoon Jin). I really have grown to admire and love this lady... she takes good care of me here, and is an all around lovely person. I am thankful! Last night the special ed teacher treated Yoon Jin, one of the 3rd grade teachers, and me to dinner at this nice pasta place. I really enjoy hanging out with my coworkers!
Saturday was the first snow, and today walking back from lunch little flurries started falling from the sky. It was so beautiful!!!!!!!!!!! I don't mind the cold if it is so amazingly gorgeous like that! Learning to appreciate all seasons/weather :)
Lunch- orange, rice, cabbage and celery soup, kim chi, chicken, other veggies that were too spicy for me :)
Dinner- Probably some awesomely yummy steamed veggies!
Today was exam day, so Yoon Jin and I did not teach any classes. For the first part of the day, we planned the winter English camp. We have the outline complete (the topics for each day) so now it's just a matter of creating the lessons and materials. We also spent a good hour at least just working on pronounciation of vowels (me teaching Yoon Jin). I really have grown to admire and love this lady... she takes good care of me here, and is an all around lovely person. I am thankful! Last night the special ed teacher treated Yoon Jin, one of the 3rd grade teachers, and me to dinner at this nice pasta place. I really enjoy hanging out with my coworkers!
Saturday was the first snow, and today walking back from lunch little flurries started falling from the sky. It was so beautiful!!!!!!!!!!! I don't mind the cold if it is so amazingly gorgeous like that! Learning to appreciate all seasons/weather :)
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Bfast- oats, kiwi, strawberries, almonds
lunch- orange, rice, curry, kim chi, mix of mini hot dogs and meat balls
dinner- tofu and veggie stir fry, sweet potato
Today we were at the University to teach the third graders. They are so precious! It's awesome to see them learn!
After eating lunch Yoon Jin told me I had to get my picture taken for the school newsletter... definately caught me off guard! So we went to this really nice, professional photo studio. Then we went and picked Yoon Jin's son up from his elementary school and brought him back to their house. His English name is Harry - so adorable.
I just found out I'm supposed to attend an EPIK (English Program in Korea) training. However, the principle has not given the okay... which means I'm not sure yet if I'm actually going. It would be something like 3 nights and 4 days, and all expenses paid (but I have no idea where it's at ha). Pretty used to just rolling with the punches nowadays ;)
lunch- orange, rice, curry, kim chi, mix of mini hot dogs and meat balls
dinner- tofu and veggie stir fry, sweet potato
Today we were at the University to teach the third graders. They are so precious! It's awesome to see them learn!
After eating lunch Yoon Jin told me I had to get my picture taken for the school newsletter... definately caught me off guard! So we went to this really nice, professional photo studio. Then we went and picked Yoon Jin's son up from his elementary school and brought him back to their house. His English name is Harry - so adorable.
I just found out I'm supposed to attend an EPIK (English Program in Korea) training. However, the principle has not given the okay... which means I'm not sure yet if I'm actually going. It would be something like 3 nights and 4 days, and all expenses paid (but I have no idea where it's at ha). Pretty used to just rolling with the punches nowadays ;)
Bfast- oatmeal, kiwi, yogurt, almonds
lunch- rice with black beans, oyster and tofu soup, kimchi, zucchini, mini eggs and potatoes
dinner- bean sprouts, mushrooms, lettuce, lentils, strawberries
The student teachers left last Friday, so we are back to normal at school. I must say it's a huge relief :) I really enjoy teaching, and didn't get to do hardly any of it the whole month of November.
In my opinion, the curriculum used here for English (it's regulated throughout the whole country) is kind of ridiculous... It would be easy to just teach every class straight from the curriculum. No thinking required. However, I am not doing any of this because it's "easy". I'm here to make sure these kids learn English they can use!
I have already seen the difference in the attitudes of the students when the lessons are relevant and interesting to them... today in 4th grade they learned "How Much is that Doggie in the Window," and in 6th grade they learned the "So Long, Farewell" song from Soung of Music. I have had those two stuck in my head all day (especially after teaching the 6th grade lesson THREE times! ha).
Yoon Jin went home after lunch, because she is having a problem with her eye :( So, when the kids saw she was gone, they attacked me (in a good way). We had fun. I only had to plan one lesson for tomorrow (3rd grade class X 3). I learned a lot of new words and a couple of the girls finished off my disposable camera... those pictures should be interesting! I'll have to get them developed in Hawaii :)
Both my little guy and Nu Gyun (awesome 6th grade girl) walked home with me... little guy went to piano and Nu Gyun and I went to the library accross the street from my house. It was my first time in there... what a wonderful place! It's beautiful and pretty big! I think I will end up spending quite a bit of time in there :)
lunch- rice with black beans, oyster and tofu soup, kimchi, zucchini, mini eggs and potatoes
dinner- bean sprouts, mushrooms, lettuce, lentils, strawberries
The student teachers left last Friday, so we are back to normal at school. I must say it's a huge relief :) I really enjoy teaching, and didn't get to do hardly any of it the whole month of November.
In my opinion, the curriculum used here for English (it's regulated throughout the whole country) is kind of ridiculous... It would be easy to just teach every class straight from the curriculum. No thinking required. However, I am not doing any of this because it's "easy". I'm here to make sure these kids learn English they can use!
I have already seen the difference in the attitudes of the students when the lessons are relevant and interesting to them... today in 4th grade they learned "How Much is that Doggie in the Window," and in 6th grade they learned the "So Long, Farewell" song from Soung of Music. I have had those two stuck in my head all day (especially after teaching the 6th grade lesson THREE times! ha).
Yoon Jin went home after lunch, because she is having a problem with her eye :( So, when the kids saw she was gone, they attacked me (in a good way). We had fun. I only had to plan one lesson for tomorrow (3rd grade class X 3). I learned a lot of new words and a couple of the girls finished off my disposable camera... those pictures should be interesting! I'll have to get them developed in Hawaii :)
Both my little guy and Nu Gyun (awesome 6th grade girl) walked home with me... little guy went to piano and Nu Gyun and I went to the library accross the street from my house. It was my first time in there... what a wonderful place! It's beautiful and pretty big! I think I will end up spending quite a bit of time in there :)
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