Homecoming Reunion

My first full week in Korea has come to a screeching halt. I still have so much to learn especially Korean. I also need to find a new place for Breakfast other than Mcdonalds.

Last night, was a foreigner night out. My friends Tracy and Bryant invited me over to spend a few hours with some American company. The night began when Bryant came and picked me up on his Motorcycle.


I WANT ONE! I think I may get one too....

Korean drivers are by far the worst drivers on the planet. I would even prefer women drivers....haha just a joke to some of my friends nothing personal. I have seen koreans drive on the wrong side of the road pull in front of others, drive backwars on the otherside and many other oddities...The worst part is this is considered the standard norm.

That all being said I want a bike to drive to see my friends in Seoul. I can do it I know I can. If all goes as planned I may buy the bike from Bryant before he leaves for America in November.


Anyways.....sensitive material ahead be forewarned.

Bryant drove me 20 minutes away from where I live. I just sat on the back and enjoyed the nice breeze. Its so hot and humid here. As I write I dont know if my hands are sticky because of McDonalds or the humidity. This is my first time on a bike and I wish I had had previous experience back in the states but a motorcycle is a crazy thing especially in Korea. WE squeezed by traffic with ease on a 4 lane highway. this place is definitely an urban sprawl just an FYI. i wasn't wearing a helmet and the only thing keeping me on the bike was holding on to Bryant. But in case your heart skipped a beat I would do it again!


Anyways its back to teaching....

Apparently I learned that discipline measures are pretty lax in this country. I can punish the children with what Americans would say cruel and unusual punishment. For example, I can take a child place them on my legs and use them as my teaching desk until I feel that they have learned their lesson. I was told this by other foreign teachers. I am not a disciplinarian and I have come to the conclusion that if they dont want to pay attention to me thats their loss...I am loaded with information ...whatever.

I was never told about the system of teaching here. Everything I have learned has been through trial and error. Each class is 40 minutes long and I usually finish the lecture/lesson in 20 minutes. The lessons are so narrow and basic that I can only talk so long about A, An or The or whatever the main point is.

Each lecture entails new vocabulary, and dialogue practice which is hard to follow. I have the kids read and or repeat what I say and other than hearing them speak I dont completely understand the concept.

Also, me and my two collegues rotate our classes so What I teach is supplimentary to what they teach. However, the only way I can tell what they taught was reading the Class Planner. Half of it is in korean. Thus far, we havent had any meetings.


My boss is a great guy. he has set me up with a wonderful apartment, given me food and support as a friend and is very understanding. I am sure I have the greatest boss in all of Korea. However, as I said he is too busy to get me entirely situated so I am still secluded and need more time to adapt.

I have called a friend of mine who lives in Seoul a few times and wish I could find sometime to go visit her. I am hoping soon though.

I should also be headed to Japan in order to get my Working Visa sometime in the near future.

more later