Let's begin by saying I love my co-worker Christina. She is amazing and a wonderful friend. She takes care of me.
Today, I had 4 classes, which went well and immediately left for Busan.
Christina and I went together. She is spending the weekend with her family and accompanied me on the train.
In route to our destination we took the BUS system. The bus was an interesting experience. We had to hang onto the railings because the bus was already full of passengers. This is going to take time for me to get used to. Once we got to the train station I got some more money for my trip by using my Visa Travel Card.
We got on the train with just a minute to spare. Christina and I played phone games and I showed her pictures of my friends and life in Missoula. (Maybe I should say ex-friends Sam? Steve? since i never hear from you...WTF???))
We got to Busan which is home to over a million poeple. Its the second largest city in Korea. Christina took me to the ferry adn showed me where I need to check in. She made sure i had my hotel room and we wil see each other back at the Academy hopefully Tuesday.
We walked through a rough place in town.....Russians and Korean gangs were out wandering the streets. Since Busan is a port town many Russians come here and are just drunk. She grasped my arm as we walked by. I am thankful none of them said anything to us. But i was ready to throw down....Montana style.
I miss Christina I need someone to take care of me since I am all alone.
Here I am in my hotel room that has a sauna, a computer and a tv and it overlooks the Ocean.
i got to go because tomorrow is a huge day. I dont even know how it will turn out. Thanks Christina for making my Korean experience wonderful and my time at the Academy great beyond words!
Nick
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
M*A*S*H- My Academy Safe Haven
Well, What a life. Tests, Tongus, PC Cafe and Rain
I was about to leave and somebody gave me some coffee. After all I am in a PC cafe. I know that its just to keep me here longer so I can give them more money but whats a dollar.
PC Cafe's are an interesting concept. I think that they are a nice way to generate revenue and to just relax in as well. Especially if you are bored or on a Rainy day.
Speaking of Rainy days...Its the monsoon season and it is pouring rain here. Or as people like to say in America Raining Cats and Dogs.
Umbrella's are so popular here. I have never seen so many. I thought it was weird to even have one. Growing up in the country a little rain never hurt anyone. I think its all about comfort though and personally I now have an umbrella.
I talked to a dear friend of mine today. It had been quite awhile since we had last talked and 20 minutes was just too short. I can't wait until we can meet in person though. I have many promises to keep and thus many miles to go before I sleep.
I am having so much fun with my co-worker Christina. She is Korean. I am the only American and only foreigner who works at YALE. There are 5 of us. I am quite used to being the only foreigner though and don't even notice much less care. Today, we went to McDonalds and she treated me to a Sundae and fries.
I owe her a lot. She takes care of me.
All afternoon I tried to prepare tests for 4 classes. I will admit it, i dont know what I am doing. I am winging it and hoping for a break in the action.
I tried Tongus by accident. Park-I only realized your suggestion was done after I ate it. It is very similar to what I am used to and I like it a lot. Especially with pizza like toppings on it.
tomorrow i am teaching at 9 am. thats too soon. i am also happy to say I will get internet in my room and hopefully a converter because my battery is now dead and nothing works. I hope to have that fixed soon.
Lastly, my academy is literally my life. I live on the top floor and work on the bottom. I have only gone up the mountain once thus far and i only can go up or down the street two or three blocks. I have found some new places to try, once I have money.
I need to save for Japan I think.
I gotta go to bed though before my mind gets more boggled.
And to anyone who asks Am I enjoying myself and or Do I like korea?
I will say Yes, I am choosing to have a good time.
more tomorrow.
I was about to leave and somebody gave me some coffee. After all I am in a PC cafe. I know that its just to keep me here longer so I can give them more money but whats a dollar.
PC Cafe's are an interesting concept. I think that they are a nice way to generate revenue and to just relax in as well. Especially if you are bored or on a Rainy day.
Speaking of Rainy days...Its the monsoon season and it is pouring rain here. Or as people like to say in America Raining Cats and Dogs.
Umbrella's are so popular here. I have never seen so many. I thought it was weird to even have one. Growing up in the country a little rain never hurt anyone. I think its all about comfort though and personally I now have an umbrella.
I talked to a dear friend of mine today. It had been quite awhile since we had last talked and 20 minutes was just too short. I can't wait until we can meet in person though. I have many promises to keep and thus many miles to go before I sleep.
I am having so much fun with my co-worker Christina. She is Korean. I am the only American and only foreigner who works at YALE. There are 5 of us. I am quite used to being the only foreigner though and don't even notice much less care. Today, we went to McDonalds and she treated me to a Sundae and fries.
I owe her a lot. She takes care of me.
All afternoon I tried to prepare tests for 4 classes. I will admit it, i dont know what I am doing. I am winging it and hoping for a break in the action.
I tried Tongus by accident. Park-I only realized your suggestion was done after I ate it. It is very similar to what I am used to and I like it a lot. Especially with pizza like toppings on it.
tomorrow i am teaching at 9 am. thats too soon. i am also happy to say I will get internet in my room and hopefully a converter because my battery is now dead and nothing works. I hope to have that fixed soon.
Lastly, my academy is literally my life. I live on the top floor and work on the bottom. I have only gone up the mountain once thus far and i only can go up or down the street two or three blocks. I have found some new places to try, once I have money.
I need to save for Japan I think.
I gotta go to bed though before my mind gets more boggled.
And to anyone who asks Am I enjoying myself and or Do I like korea?
I will say Yes, I am choosing to have a good time.
more tomorrow.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Taxi Ride
Today I decided to venture out of my humble abode and go on a jaunt in the outer city of Gumi. I thought I was brave. I thought I was going to be successful in finding a converter so I could hook up my computer in my room. I was dead wrong.
I am a country bumpkin and unfortunately it shows. Part of my korean experience is to rub away that ignorant free thinking without a care in the world attitude. Lets face it-Montana is sheltered. Street smarts and city lingo and having an understanding of how urban dweller live is lacking in Montana.
In Montana I was lazy and had everything at my beckon whim. I didnt have to go far. Complaining about driving 7 miles to Kalispell (the nearest city) and how bad the traffic is, is a huge joke. I have seen people drive backwards.
My first taxi ride the driver almost collided with another car.
Today was my first solo ride with the Taxi driver. They dont know English at all. It would have been really smart to have known Korean before I came but if and thats a big IF I survive than I am living proof that nonverbal communication is all that the world needs and I am not talking about the middle finger.
I went to the E-mart and later Latte Mart in hopes to find a converter from HP. I was able to find a salesman who knew english and also talked on the phone with someone who knows english.
Korea and I am sure Asia in general are so polite and respectful. All I have to say is an yung ha se oh (Hello) and bow my head and then say Kan sam ne da (THank you) or Ano (Goodbye).
In the Department Store this is all I said. I understood what they were saying in Korean:
We dont have a Converter here. You will have to contact HP.
I took my Taxi back to my apartment and the only way I could find it was showing them my boss' business card. Unfortunately its going to take me a long time to find my way around here.
Other Words I know
Chin gu....Friend
Col ...nose....I have a big nose I guess and there is a saying which I will include because its a Korean saying. (Some guy told me at the party and be warned if you dont want to know please skip the next paragraph.....).
"We say in Korea that someone with a big nose has a big dick..."
So, in other news I had 4 classes today. My classes were wonderful. I am a little behind my lesson plans but somehow have learned to wing it. Its going alright. I am going to be really swamped with work tomorrow.
I think I am going to take tonight easy. I was going to go to a bar and have a drink but I think I should save some money.
Speaking of Drinking another tidbit of information that came out of the FOREIGN party was that I have a huge apartment.... In other words, I think I have been named the new host for American parties.
My coming to Korea and Asia was a hope to leave behind my American way of life and clear my head from some of the things that haunt me. In other words I dont really want to start my old life up again because I wanted a year or just sometime to think about what everything meant --being removed from the situations has given me time to reflect.
I am a country bumpkin and unfortunately it shows. Part of my korean experience is to rub away that ignorant free thinking without a care in the world attitude. Lets face it-Montana is sheltered. Street smarts and city lingo and having an understanding of how urban dweller live is lacking in Montana.
In Montana I was lazy and had everything at my beckon whim. I didnt have to go far. Complaining about driving 7 miles to Kalispell (the nearest city) and how bad the traffic is, is a huge joke. I have seen people drive backwards.
My first taxi ride the driver almost collided with another car.
Today was my first solo ride with the Taxi driver. They dont know English at all. It would have been really smart to have known Korean before I came but if and thats a big IF I survive than I am living proof that nonverbal communication is all that the world needs and I am not talking about the middle finger.
I went to the E-mart and later Latte Mart in hopes to find a converter from HP. I was able to find a salesman who knew english and also talked on the phone with someone who knows english.
Korea and I am sure Asia in general are so polite and respectful. All I have to say is an yung ha se oh (Hello) and bow my head and then say Kan sam ne da (THank you) or Ano (Goodbye).
In the Department Store this is all I said. I understood what they were saying in Korean:
We dont have a Converter here. You will have to contact HP.
I took my Taxi back to my apartment and the only way I could find it was showing them my boss' business card. Unfortunately its going to take me a long time to find my way around here.
Other Words I know
Chin gu....Friend
Col ...nose....I have a big nose I guess and there is a saying which I will include because its a Korean saying. (Some guy told me at the party and be warned if you dont want to know please skip the next paragraph.....).
"We say in Korea that someone with a big nose has a big dick..."
So, in other news I had 4 classes today. My classes were wonderful. I am a little behind my lesson plans but somehow have learned to wing it. Its going alright. I am going to be really swamped with work tomorrow.
I think I am going to take tonight easy. I was going to go to a bar and have a drink but I think I should save some money.
Speaking of Drinking another tidbit of information that came out of the FOREIGN party was that I have a huge apartment.... In other words, I think I have been named the new host for American parties.
My coming to Korea and Asia was a hope to leave behind my American way of life and clear my head from some of the things that haunt me. In other words I dont really want to start my old life up again because I wanted a year or just sometime to think about what everything meant --being removed from the situations has given me time to reflect.
Monsoon
I am just begining the Monsoon season. I think its a nice change from the humidity. I wish it would be a little bit more cool, like missoula.
Its time for umbrella's. I have never really used one before. I guess it will be raining here more or less for at least a month.
I worked for 8 hours today and walking here i immediately was drenched in rain. I live only a block away from here.
Its time for umbrella's. I have never really used one before. I guess it will be raining here more or less for at least a month.
I worked for 8 hours today and walking here i immediately was drenched in rain. I live only a block away from here.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Popping Sue's
I forgot to add another tidbit of information....
My wonderful co-workers introduced me to some new things yesterday. We had lunch together at the offfice....I had some fried pork with some sort of pizza toppings on it. As usual there are many side dishes that accompany it.
After lunch I had a poppping sue. VERY Good I love it and can't have enough of them. Its similar to a slushi with many fruits on top. Add Whip cream and red beans and its DELUXE!
My wonderful co-workers introduced me to some new things yesterday. We had lunch together at the offfice....I had some fried pork with some sort of pizza toppings on it. As usual there are many side dishes that accompany it.
After lunch I had a poppping sue. VERY Good I love it and can't have enough of them. Its similar to a slushi with many fruits on top. Add Whip cream and red beans and its DELUXE!
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
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
Monday, June 18, 2007
Wilderness Bound
Gumi-city Korea~
There are many surrounding Mountains outside the city of Gumi. Each morning I am free until I begin teaching. After getting acculturated to the city I ventured into the mountains. (pictures will be posted later)
I am needing to speak in broken English or rudimentary korean in order to find my way around the town. After being pointed to the general vicinity of the Mountain I took the first trail that apeared to me. I believe I hiked approx. 2 miles and reached the summit of one mountain. It took me about a half hour.
It was definitely some great mountain air that I have missed thus far.
Between the Mountain and the Academy my korean life as been relatively calm.
There are many surrounding Mountains outside the city of Gumi. Each morning I am free until I begin teaching. After getting acculturated to the city I ventured into the mountains. (pictures will be posted later)
I am needing to speak in broken English or rudimentary korean in order to find my way around the town. After being pointed to the general vicinity of the Mountain I took the first trail that apeared to me. I believe I hiked approx. 2 miles and reached the summit of one mountain. It took me about a half hour.
It was definitely some great mountain air that I have missed thus far.
Between the Mountain and the Academy my korean life as been relatively calm.
Routines
Its been 5 days since I arrived in Gumi! I am happy to say that my jet lag experiences are over. I had nasty headaches and felt dizzy. I also thought I was in many places at once. I felt like I had been transported to korea in an instant and time had stopped and I was just waiting for it to catch up.
Language~
I have always been accostumed to different languages. Even with langauges I dont understand. Its my goal to learn Korean though. I am hoping to experience a 13th warrior moment and all of a sudden break out in Korean. I had a dream where i was speaking in Korean but I couldnt remember the words when I woke up.
My conversations are always half in Korean though. I feel I already understand what they are trying to express. My answers are simple.
My Apartment
In case I failed to mention I am currently living alone in a 3 bedroom apartment. I may get a roommate next month but at the moment its mine to enjoy. come and visit me -anyone!
I have cable but I dont understand anything unless its Sports or an American movie. i live on the 5th floor and my Academy is on the 2nd Floor.
McDonalds and Lotteria
These are two Chain restaurants. Lotteria is the Korean version and i almost prefer it. I think I will get sick of burgers though soon.
Lastly,
Drinking is a huge social thing here. I like the beer its taste is closest to Budweiser. I had some Hite and also some Cass both are very good. Definitely not as good as Hefeweisen but then again nothing ever will be. I had a drink with my boss over some Boiling chicken and starch pasta. This meal was really good. I think I will have to try it again soon!
Language~
I have always been accostumed to different languages. Even with langauges I dont understand. Its my goal to learn Korean though. I am hoping to experience a 13th warrior moment and all of a sudden break out in Korean. I had a dream where i was speaking in Korean but I couldnt remember the words when I woke up.
My conversations are always half in Korean though. I feel I already understand what they are trying to express. My answers are simple.
My Apartment
In case I failed to mention I am currently living alone in a 3 bedroom apartment. I may get a roommate next month but at the moment its mine to enjoy. come and visit me -anyone!
I have cable but I dont understand anything unless its Sports or an American movie. i live on the 5th floor and my Academy is on the 2nd Floor.
McDonalds and Lotteria
These are two Chain restaurants. Lotteria is the Korean version and i almost prefer it. I think I will get sick of burgers though soon.
Lastly,
Drinking is a huge social thing here. I like the beer its taste is closest to Budweiser. I had some Hite and also some Cass both are very good. Definitely not as good as Hefeweisen but then again nothing ever will be. I had a drink with my boss over some Boiling chicken and starch pasta. This meal was really good. I think I will have to try it again soon!
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