Last night I went to another foreign party. It was a good time. I met some nice girls from Ireland and was with Bryant and Tracy.
I had to work until 9 so I wasn't able to spend too much time out last night. Takng a Taxi at night is kind of expensive. As I said before I am getting used to the Korean system. Taxi drivers are generally so impolite. Korea works on a city district system so for example i live in
Hyung-gok dong all I need to say is Lotteria (korean Mcdonalds) and Hyung-gok Dong and I arrive to my Academy.
After a night of drinks with the Irish lasses and Bryant and Tracy it may appear that I will have a gathering at my place. I love Irish/British accents. just thought I would throw that out there.
We sat on the roof top and enjoyed the quiet city night. For a Friday night it was quiet and surprisingly not rainy.
I am teaching again today in about 2 hours.I have five classes and can't wait until its over.
I am glad that its the weekend ~I need some time to unwind and think about my goals for Asia. I am really behind in a lot of personal matters or at least thats how I feel.
Everyone in Korea including the Irish girls were surprised that I am left handed. Being left handed has its perks...Its rare. I also gave a lecture about Blood Type....A Japanese Doctor links your blood type to your personality. I find that interesting and would like to study that a little bit more.
Some interesting foods that I may or may not have mentioned....
I had raw tuna with raw egg in japan. Ramen noodles both in Korea and Japan are much better than in America. My diet has taken a raw turn and also I have eaten food i never thought I would. I suggest trying Raw horse.
Anyways this entry isn't going as i planned. I had a blast last night. WE talked about Asia and just world travels. So far I haven't had time to think about going home or missing home...I hope that it doesnt start but occassionally I do miss home. I will be in touch again soon.
After tonights job is finished I will be back here.....More wild adventures to follow.
I still hope for a motorcycle ride again....
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
In the Swing of things, and white hair
I have been back for two days now.My excursion to Japan is just a dream, where I am looking forward to the next Dream...Hopefully a trip to Taiwan. I am seriously thinking of weekend getaways once I have money. I am waiting for pay day, which is on the 12th. This is where my Missoula experience comes in handy. I think i need to subsist on Ramen and other very cheap foods for just two more weeks. Once I get money I will be able to live well.
MY computer is up and running so after tomorrow I will have internet. I had to buy a 30 dollar converter but my boss will give me money in advance if I need it.
A note about Asia-
Unlike America the term friend is not used loosely. This concept has both positive and negative results. My boss and I are friends therefore he will do anything he can in order to make sure I am doing well and alright. When it comes to money and or feeding a friend, its like family. My boss has offered me money but I really dont want to accept because I have never liked being in debt. I dont like the feeling of obligation.
When I meet other people its been hard to talk to random people on the street. Helping a Foreigner or going out to make friends is rare.
Anyways back to me and Korea.
I am making my kids laugh and they seem to enjoy me. Atleast my classes on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
I want to beat my kids on MWF because they are so insolent and disrespectful. Discipline isn't my area of expertise but I may be getting better. I unfortunately was put into a fit of rage after I had 3 classes back to back and all of which wouldn't listen. I yelled at them and even got them to shut up for 5 minutes but they didnt take me seriously. There was nothing funny about my expression or tone either. I think its because they dont understand English very well, pretty much at all they dont care what I say or do.
Everyday its an adventure where I am not sure whats next. I know tomorrow is my day to get angry. unfortunately. If Christina wasn't here helping me I dont know what I would do.
Tomorrow I am having lunch in the office with Christina and I believe I am going to see a movie this weekend. I was thinking of making a dash to Seoul but I dont have much money to spend for a couple weeks.
My classroom is reminiscent of my days in Wisconsin when I was with my campers. Often I do miss those days. Towards the end I was getting white hair in Wisconsin and I am hoping Korea doesn't give me that same result.
Its been almost two weeks and pretty soon I am going to need to think about the next step in my life. JAPAN, TAIWAN, somewhere else back in America etc.
Japan was wonderful to me on so many levels. If it wasn't so expensive I would think about working there.
Anyways, I gotta go...
Time flies.
I should have some pictures of Japan and Korea soon.
Its raining again and I need to prepare for work tomorrow.
Talk soon
MY computer is up and running so after tomorrow I will have internet. I had to buy a 30 dollar converter but my boss will give me money in advance if I need it.
A note about Asia-
Unlike America the term friend is not used loosely. This concept has both positive and negative results. My boss and I are friends therefore he will do anything he can in order to make sure I am doing well and alright. When it comes to money and or feeding a friend, its like family. My boss has offered me money but I really dont want to accept because I have never liked being in debt. I dont like the feeling of obligation.
When I meet other people its been hard to talk to random people on the street. Helping a Foreigner or going out to make friends is rare.
Anyways back to me and Korea.
I am making my kids laugh and they seem to enjoy me. Atleast my classes on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
I want to beat my kids on MWF because they are so insolent and disrespectful. Discipline isn't my area of expertise but I may be getting better. I unfortunately was put into a fit of rage after I had 3 classes back to back and all of which wouldn't listen. I yelled at them and even got them to shut up for 5 minutes but they didnt take me seriously. There was nothing funny about my expression or tone either. I think its because they dont understand English very well, pretty much at all they dont care what I say or do.
Everyday its an adventure where I am not sure whats next. I know tomorrow is my day to get angry. unfortunately. If Christina wasn't here helping me I dont know what I would do.
Tomorrow I am having lunch in the office with Christina and I believe I am going to see a movie this weekend. I was thinking of making a dash to Seoul but I dont have much money to spend for a couple weeks.
My classroom is reminiscent of my days in Wisconsin when I was with my campers. Often I do miss those days. Towards the end I was getting white hair in Wisconsin and I am hoping Korea doesn't give me that same result.
Its been almost two weeks and pretty soon I am going to need to think about the next step in my life. JAPAN, TAIWAN, somewhere else back in America etc.
Japan was wonderful to me on so many levels. If it wasn't so expensive I would think about working there.
Anyways, I gotta go...
Time flies.
I should have some pictures of Japan and Korea soon.
Its raining again and I need to prepare for work tomorrow.
Talk soon
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
So I just got back from Japan where I had the time of my life.
I had to go get my Working Visa in Fukuoka and so my boss told me at the last moment I was going to be leaving for Japan on Sunday.
I didnt really pack to much. Some money and the clothes on my back.
Saturday
I went with Christina to Busan. We took the train there. During the trip we played games and ate some food. I am glad that I had company. She helped me make sure I got to my destination -Busan Ferry Service.
Japan-Tall Building, Very Metropolitan and many modes of Transportation.
In Japan I took the train, a bus, the subway, a car, and a Taxi as well as the ferry.
My friend (TOMODACHI)JUN had given me instructions on how to meet him in Kumomoto.
I had to take a taxi to the bus station, and then a bus to Kumomoto. I left Korea at 6 am and arrived to Kumomoto at 3. I hadn't had any time to eat. Jun told me specifically to meet at the bus station but I was so hungry and confused that I got offa few stops to early. I had some people call Jun in McDonalds to give him the directions to find me.
Jun found me! He drives a nice sports car so we cruised around in that! Kumomoto is a wonderful place. It is the perfect size. During my time with Jun we went to a Mexican restaurant, Sang Karaoke, met up with another friend of mine-Atsushi, and went to a Japanese restaurant.
Jun also took me to Kumomoto castle. Unfortunately I didnt take any pictures because it was raining. Its a Monsoon here.
I tried Raw Horse later that night. I highly recomend it. Jun, my Ni-san (Brother) treated me to the entire evening. The horse meal cost 80, 000 yen which is more or less 80 dollars. YEs, I am eating and living like Royalty~at times. Japan was a premature vacation.
We also met my other brother Shogo but unfortunately we were only able to visit for an hour.
Reiko, my japanese mother took me under her wing. Around midnight we left Kumomoto and made our way to her house in Tamana.
Her house is very quaint. It is also very traditional. Buddhist statues, bamboo curtains, and sliding walls. I loved it. I am going to go back to her place sometime.
Monday
After going to bed at 2am we had to get up at 7 in order to get to Fukuoka around 10. I had to get my Visa issuant number dropped off. The rest of the day was sightseeing...
Reiko was with a friend who doesn't speak english. I really liked her friend though she was so nice to me. They would talk in japanese and after half a day I began to understand what they were saying. She was really worried that I wouldnt be able to find my way around japan alone and made sure I understood everything that Reiko told me to do. Mothers~ they tend to worry, and thats why they are loved among other reasons.
My Karaoke Experience
WE went to a restaurant and had some biru (beer) and Sake. I met yet another friend I knew in Missoula Yuki Tonaka. I didnt know him in Msla very well, but we knew each other. I will see him again if I go to Japan.
We sang a lot of Karaoke.
I did mostly Beatle Songs- In my Life, Yesterday and Let it Be. I also did a song that I dedicated to Pei-chen (Reiko and I both know Pei, as does Yuki and her friend Tomoka? gomenasai. ) anyways that song was MY GIRL by the Temptations.
I love Karaoke.
Yuki and I sang Let it Be and Yesterday together.
Tuesday in Japan....
This was the day I was on my own for at least half the day.
I had to take the Subway alone and go get my visa. The Subway is easy to use. I got around the city and HAkata Eki (bus station) using broken Japanese.
Personally I think I should've gotten a job in Japan because I dont know Korean, not yet.
I will tell more about this day later.
After getting my Visa I changed my departure schedule. I left Japan at 2pm. I arrived in Busan at 6.
I ended up helping a wonderful Japanese lady with her luggage. She treated me to some beverages and gave me a ride from her Ni-san (brother) to the train station. I am eternally grateful.
I bought myself a ticket and am now familiar with the train system. I ran past the vast amount of people and made it to the train. When I bought my ticket I only had 3 minutes to get to the train. For not speaking the language and not knowing Korea yet I was happy to be on that train and ready for Gumi.
I got to Gumi just wanting to take Christina out to dinner and writing some messages. I am happy to see her again.
Christina and I had Tongus(fried Pork) and here I am.
I am happy to be back in Gumi after such a great time!
I will write more about this later but I have had my contacts in for3 days, been in 2 countries, 5or 6 different modes of transportation and am mind boggled that I can speak Japanese well enough to get by.
more later
I had to go get my Working Visa in Fukuoka and so my boss told me at the last moment I was going to be leaving for Japan on Sunday.
I didnt really pack to much. Some money and the clothes on my back.
Saturday
I went with Christina to Busan. We took the train there. During the trip we played games and ate some food. I am glad that I had company. She helped me make sure I got to my destination -Busan Ferry Service.
Japan-Tall Building, Very Metropolitan and many modes of Transportation.
In Japan I took the train, a bus, the subway, a car, and a Taxi as well as the ferry.
My friend (TOMODACHI)JUN had given me instructions on how to meet him in Kumomoto.
I had to take a taxi to the bus station, and then a bus to Kumomoto. I left Korea at 6 am and arrived to Kumomoto at 3. I hadn't had any time to eat. Jun told me specifically to meet at the bus station but I was so hungry and confused that I got offa few stops to early. I had some people call Jun in McDonalds to give him the directions to find me.
Jun found me! He drives a nice sports car so we cruised around in that! Kumomoto is a wonderful place. It is the perfect size. During my time with Jun we went to a Mexican restaurant, Sang Karaoke, met up with another friend of mine-Atsushi, and went to a Japanese restaurant.
Jun also took me to Kumomoto castle. Unfortunately I didnt take any pictures because it was raining. Its a Monsoon here.
I tried Raw Horse later that night. I highly recomend it. Jun, my Ni-san (Brother) treated me to the entire evening. The horse meal cost 80, 000 yen which is more or less 80 dollars. YEs, I am eating and living like Royalty~at times. Japan was a premature vacation.
We also met my other brother Shogo but unfortunately we were only able to visit for an hour.
Reiko, my japanese mother took me under her wing. Around midnight we left Kumomoto and made our way to her house in Tamana.
Her house is very quaint. It is also very traditional. Buddhist statues, bamboo curtains, and sliding walls. I loved it. I am going to go back to her place sometime.
Monday
After going to bed at 2am we had to get up at 7 in order to get to Fukuoka around 10. I had to get my Visa issuant number dropped off. The rest of the day was sightseeing...
Reiko was with a friend who doesn't speak english. I really liked her friend though she was so nice to me. They would talk in japanese and after half a day I began to understand what they were saying. She was really worried that I wouldnt be able to find my way around japan alone and made sure I understood everything that Reiko told me to do. Mothers~ they tend to worry, and thats why they are loved among other reasons.
My Karaoke Experience
WE went to a restaurant and had some biru (beer) and Sake. I met yet another friend I knew in Missoula Yuki Tonaka. I didnt know him in Msla very well, but we knew each other. I will see him again if I go to Japan.
We sang a lot of Karaoke.
I did mostly Beatle Songs- In my Life, Yesterday and Let it Be. I also did a song that I dedicated to Pei-chen (Reiko and I both know Pei, as does Yuki and her friend Tomoka? gomenasai. ) anyways that song was MY GIRL by the Temptations.
I love Karaoke.
Yuki and I sang Let it Be and Yesterday together.
Tuesday in Japan....
This was the day I was on my own for at least half the day.
I had to take the Subway alone and go get my visa. The Subway is easy to use. I got around the city and HAkata Eki (bus station) using broken Japanese.
Personally I think I should've gotten a job in Japan because I dont know Korean, not yet.
I will tell more about this day later.
After getting my Visa I changed my departure schedule. I left Japan at 2pm. I arrived in Busan at 6.
I ended up helping a wonderful Japanese lady with her luggage. She treated me to some beverages and gave me a ride from her Ni-san (brother) to the train station. I am eternally grateful.
I bought myself a ticket and am now familiar with the train system. I ran past the vast amount of people and made it to the train. When I bought my ticket I only had 3 minutes to get to the train. For not speaking the language and not knowing Korea yet I was happy to be on that train and ready for Gumi.
I got to Gumi just wanting to take Christina out to dinner and writing some messages. I am happy to see her again.
Christina and I had Tongus(fried Pork) and here I am.
I am happy to be back in Gumi after such a great time!
I will write more about this later but I have had my contacts in for3 days, been in 2 countries, 5or 6 different modes of transportation and am mind boggled that I can speak Japanese well enough to get by.
more later
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
