Waegookin

Well I believe today officially marks my first month in Korea!

Yesterday, I went for a walk to continue my personal exploration of the surrounding area. Looking out my window the view is really pretty. The skyline is a pretty yellow sunset and the mountains are a lush green. Directly behind them is a mountain thats rocky with a slight purple hue.

In the evenings I want to go for a walk because I feel like I am "cooped up" here in my house. I went the furthest I had gone away from my home last night. Relatively it wasn't that far but I am making progress. kids always practice their english with me. They say hi, or Hi, how are you and may come running up to me and shake my hand. I love the attention sometimes but I also feel a little uncomfortable because when people look at me I often dont know if they hate me simply because I am Waegookin.

I listen to Simon and Garfunkel's song Foreign Man when I go on these walks. Sometimes the song makes a lot of sense but I am slowly evolving...

My new name is Jin^^

(Kind, Caring, Honest)

There are some days when I am reminded that I am a Foreigner but most of the time I am now comfortable and used to my Korean life....

I tell Christina I saw a Waegookin today....we passed each other in the street etc etc.

Speaking of Waegooks I saw one in the Movie Rental area on my walk. She looked at me and we had a small very brief pause and then we both decided to not bother talking to each other. I continued browsing for books and hopefully a good movie but upon not seeing any I checked out and made my way home.


Its now Sunday Morning and I got up relatively early (6:30)...

I am getting ready to leave shortly. I am going to be taking a taxi where I will say:

"Bus Terminal ga ju say yo." Literal Translation: Go to the Bus Terminal, please.


I think I am real polite: I say Anyung Ha say yo to people in the grocery store or other places I go to briefly. This means Have a good day, Good bye. To my kids I just should say: Anyung....Hi, or later.

To my Boss and people who are real older than me i should say Anyung Ka say yo.

So, thats my night in a nut shell.

Its 9 right now and I will be leaving in about an hour.


My boss is here. He is still asleep. He sleeps here if he works real late. Yesterday, I was done with work at 2 and I think he worked most of the day.


More Stories later. I hope I can figure out how to put pictures on this ....soon

Dream State 1

Its now Saturday afternoon and I am done teaching until Monday. Last night after finishing classes my boss and I went to a restuarant/bar called Finlander Hof. We ended up sharing a pitcher of beer and having some chicken.

I went to bed around 1 which is relatively early for me. Since getting here I am averaging 1 or 2 am when I finally get around to going to bed.

I got up at 7:30 in order to get ready for teaching my 4 classes today.


They all went well. I am trying to take my boss' talk to heart and improve my teaching. I am now summarizing the lectures and begining a journal for homework. I still have a lot of improvement to do but thats ok.


There is a girl in my TD2 class who really enjoys talking to me. Unfortunately she only comes on Saturday but her English is really good. She is going to bring me the Harry Potter books and I am going to give 'em a shot.

I want to go see the movie someday ....during my freetime.

When I sleep I feel like I am still awake. I am in between worlds as I often picture myself in Missoula but Christina and other things are also there as well.

I sometimes wake up not knowing what is real.

I am glad today is Saturday and as I haven't done anything I now believe I will take a nap.


I am so excited for tomorrow and going to Daegu with Christina. ...I need to make sure I get some extra sleep! Well more later when I am more awake...

Dream State 1

Its currently Saturday afternoon.

Its been a wild time since I last signed in. I went out late last night with my Boss. We went to a restaurant Bar called Finlander Hof. Unfortunately we were there way too late. Like I have said half a dozen times Work and Play are intermingled 24 7. When I have break time its culturally acceptable to discuss work, especially over alcohol.

My boss and I split a pitcher and had some chicken. This was my second dinenr of the evening.

I ended up getting up at 7:30 in order to prepare for teaching. Sometimes I have glimmers of being able to teach well but other times I see myself still needing to find time to change.

I taught lessons until 1 where I set out to go shop for groceries and get some money from the bank. Unfortunately 1. I am too tired and 2. The bank isn't open.

I am going to Daegu tomorrow and after much debate I decided to get some money from my boss. I will be paying him back on Monday but I really don't like asking for money regardless of the situation.

Korea is often like a Dream for me. I dont know how Koreans feel in Missoula but for me I feel like I am moving through a dream.

When I sleep I often wake up holding my clock or some other object. Sometimes I have dreams of people in Korea and also people in Missoula. I often feel that they are so real I wake up and feeling more shock than when I am actually supposed to be awake.


Today, is Saturday and i am looking forward to tomorrow more than anything!

Utter Bliss

Well I am fast approaching my first completed month in Korea! I am actually surprised at myself. I have gotten used to living on my own throughout the years such as going to Wisconsin, staying in Missoula and now Asia. The Transformations that I have gone through in each one of these stages has been phenomenal each in its own way.


It took me only a few weeks to get situated and used to the lifestyle here in Korea. I saw many international students in Missoula have to return early due to Culture Shock. I also took classes that taught us about differences and how to brace ourselves for them. Peronally, I dont think you can. I think you have to take everything as it comes. Life isn't expected.


I have developed a nice routine here. Every morning I wake up waiting for Christina:)
We have our breakfast and relax before meeting our kids. Today I got up at 10 in order to cook her breakfast. I watched closely yesterday to how she cooked our rice dish.

I was so happy when I actually followed her recipe correctly. It was the first time in the kitchen where I actually felt like I was preparing a decent meal. Our meal was fried rice with green peppers, onion, sausage, mango, and egg. I love cooking and more so I love to cook for her.


Classes were alright. I am desperately needing to work harder in order to catch up. If Christina wasnt there I think I would pull out all of my Mori (hair) and walk away.

I often stand in front of my class and just watch the kids speak Korean because I am too tired and angry to yell Be Quiet or Sit Down anymore. In America, I would totally disregard these children and not care but in Korea I need to try to be more plesant and help everyone. more later on that.


I told Christina that the kids see an Angel in her so therefore they must see me as the "Wae Gookin" (Foreigner) Devil.

I love my TC1 class and we always joke around. There is a girl named Reyne who asked me if i am familiar with that word for foreigner and I was and so I told her...I am Korean actually and you,,, you aren't Korean or Wae Gookin you are Alien.

I am on a joking level with many students and sometimes I lose control of my class because of it but what can a non-native speaker do. Sometimes I need their attention so I make fun of them but its all in a days work.


Christina and I stayed at work until 9:30. After work I went home and currently I am eating a big bowl of Ramen noodles.

Tomorrow I work at 9 and will finish at 1 hopefully. I am going to Daegu this weekend with Christina to just have fun. I am anxiously waiting Sunday.

Time continues to move to fast for me and sometimes I fall behind like right now. But in the middle of all of this Chaos there is a light (Christina) at the end of the tunnel that is filling my void with love and happiness....


Just for fun...

Am I a poet or artist ^~^

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Days Go By

Well let me start out by saying how much I love Thursdays! Its the only day of the week where I have breaks and only four classes. I also get to see my younger brother Chrono and teach that class. I had so much fun as always early in the Morning. Christina and I have lunch, drink coffee and talk about life and such before the kids come. When the kids come we also have a lot of playtime in the office and the kids are starting to love me. I love kids again! I had a lot of them stand by me while I was typing up a test today and even one who sat on my lap. The girls always ask me to read and answer questions. I talked to my dad today for an hour. I can't wait until I can get my phone and get more situated. Classes~ My classes which are TC1 TC2 TD1 and TD2 went well. My younger brother Chrono is in that class and I enjoy most of them. I can make fun of them too. There's a girl Reyne who I just love to tease especially because she give me and Christina a hard time all the time^^ My TD classes which are the eldest didnt go as well. I dont give enough homework and my boss had to tell me more after classes. One kid was too tired to even participate today. I swear I think Koreans work too hard sometimes. Now I am going to have to work even harder because I have a lot of room for improvement. Christina is so special and amazing beyond words. I love her so much. We had dinner together at my house. She cooked a fried rice mix. I am going to cook it again for tomorrow. I hope I can. I am wanting to better myself for her. I am learning Korean and its coming along nicely I think. I memorized most of the alphabet already! I can read Korean and it only took me 2 days! So, I have been here for almost a month. I think its hard to believe. I have gone through so much and have yet so much more to do. I can't wait until this weekend. I think I am going to stay here in Gumi and get situated. I may go and buy some books on Saturday after work. Well I have a slittany of things to do and times a wasting. Its now almost 10:30 pm and I am going to be up for at least 3 more hours. more later

Days Go By

Let me start off by saying I love Thursdays!

It is the only day of the week that I get to see my younger brother. I also have only 4 classes and a few breaks.

I always have a wonderful time in the office. I enjoy it especially before classes officially start. Christina and I practice Korean. Before the kids come we always have lunch together.

Today, some of my favorite kids stood by me as I worked. They always ask me questions about their homework and I always say things that make them laugh. I am now loving kids again! One kid sat on my lap as I typed up a test for another class.


I had a meeting with my boss about my teaching after I finished my last class. Unfortunately I have a lot of room for improvement. Please keep in mind my teaching is limited and I have no previous experience. I also wasn't told in a formal meeting what I should do. I have a slittany of work to do now and may even have to start working at night at my home.


Work around the clock.


Christina cooked me a wonderful meal of fried rice and veggies. We had a late start since my boss kept me after work but none the less enjoyed our time together. She is so special its beyond words. I think she is amazing and I am looking forward to spending more time with her in the time to come.

I have been here almost a month and its time I look at myself long and hard in the mirror and become better at everything I do. MY teaching is in need to change and hopefully it will get better. I personally am not happy with my teaching because I often think the kids aren't learning anything from me.


My Korean lessons are getting much better as well. I now know most of the Alphabet! I can read a lot too.

In Just 3 days!

My goal of Korean and Japanese and Chinese isn't too far off of becoming a reality.


I am amazed at how fast the time goes by here. So much things that I have done and so much more yet to do.

More later.

Kimpop and Classes and letters from home

~Today Christina and I made Kimpop again. As always its a very enjoyable time. WE have a few hours before work and my new goal is that Christina and I can make Kimpop and drive the business across the street out of business.


Christina is amazing. She is a wonderful cook and I think she practically does everything. I sliced the cucumbers and helped fry the eggs. Mom, you would be happy to know that I can flip the egg. The egg is huge we use 3 of them and its just one big pancake. I know an easier way to make it a firm egg instead of turning the pan. Christina simply puts holes in the middle until the yoke runs through.


Today marks the first day of my korean lessons. I have the best teacher in the world~Christina. I am going to try really hard to learn Korean especially for her. I want to be able to speak Korean by my birthday.

I am going to go back to America and be able to speak 1). British Proper English. 2)Korean 3). Japanese 4). Hopefully, Chinese.

1). I am starting to use more proper annunciation and more proper British verbatum.
For example, I say I am going to take a cab instead of taxi. I wear a cap now instead of hat. I think I need a new pair of trousers. ...etc. etc.
Secondly, If you are from Montana try your pronounciation....
Jack this one is for you.

Say Betty...Do you say D or T. I used to say dd.. like "beddy"...WRONG.

Also, speaking of Betty I hope Betty is doing better. I wrote a post card that I want to send but I have no stamps. Tell the Walkers I send my regards. I really hope that Betty is comfortable.
I also know how to cook rice successfully.

We sit and talk about family, feelings and ways of life in America and Korea for hours. It makes going to work so hard because I am in a peaceful state of being.

Class time is always interesting. I love the kids a lot even the ones who anger me. ...
I went to Christina's class for a little bit because the kids wanted me to go. I wanted to stay but I felt compelled to leave so I could focus on my work.

I had 6 classes of my own today and personally I feel at a loss still. I have almost been here for an entire month. Can you believe it? Sometimes my kids dont really understand me and I can yell until I AM BLUE IN THE FACE....(Wow sometimes I still can use slang, i dont usually). I say "Please Be Quiet, you know what happens everytime I have class...We do Vocabulary, Take Attendance, and I give you your lesson, then I check Homework and give you your new assignment. Please quit talking. " I can also say a lot worse but it doesnt matter.
When its time to go I am trying to tell them to walk and to not be in a hurry when you exit my classroom. I unfortunately always finish early too and still need a lot of practice. In my experience if you dont listen you will make mistakes later in life in the future.

I made a student cry today and I dont even feel bad. This girl gave me her report card which was signed by her parents and I had a student take it and read it. I have it in my basket and my students should know that my basket is off limits to them. Unfortunately, he read it and she started to cry so I had to yell at him.


This entry or story is getting long.

I am going to hoepfully write another one but I need to go get something to eat and study some Korean.

Lastly, I got some letters from home. It was nice to hear from my dad. And my moms letter I got in the mail, from the mail carrier. Some of the things going on at home are surprising to me.
I want to hear more about my old stomping grounds. more on this later.

Also, I decided to forgive an old friend today. Its time to let by gones be by gones.

Kind Charming Christina, Cool Chrono, and Dreams

After a rough night of sleep I got up at 9. I made it to Mcdonalds before my appointment which was at 10. I had an interesting time. I had a conversation in broken Japanese again. I can definitely distinguish the difference between Nihon (Japanese) and Hangul (Korean).

I am hoping that I can practice often with them. I need some more hobbies to do here.


Work was alright. I had 5 classes with some breaks.

I enjoy the time when I am not teaching and just relaxing in the office. The kids are wonderful. I love talking to them and most of the time not understanding their korean. But they like me a lot I think and find me very funny and interesting. I definitely have some favorites and sometimes give them snacks.

Chrono, is my brother. Everyone knows that. He is a wonderful brother. Not that my real brother isn't. I like to see him and he is very funny. *I told Christina I want to get him something. He really likes me and thinks I am funny.
So far I think I have made a good impression on the kids here. I haven't had time to corrupt their innocent minds yet. Maybe in time. So far I am very Jung jae kan with my kids.

Being around Kids again is wonderful. I used to work in Wisconsin and I liked being around the kids while I was there. i am often reminded of my time there and sometimes I miss Wisconsin. Wisconsin taught me great values and I built many lasting relationships there-

I opened up my banking account in the middle of the day while I had a break from classes.


Christina and I~ had a wonderful day. We spent the afternoon slaving away with the kids and in the evening we went to a Chicken restaurant. We talked a lot about family traditions and values.

I am happy to talk about family with Christina. Our family history's are interesting. Our families both have strong family values. I am scared to meet her family actually but hopefully someday...probably later the better.

WE had Duck and Rice Cake. I want to have rice cake when I go back to the states.

Unfortunately our evening ends and I go up to my room and Christina goes home:(

She has to be home by a certain time.


I am amazed at how fast the time goes.

My life in Montana and Missoula is becoming a distant memory and only at times does it ccome back to remind me in my sleep. Unfortunately, when i wake up (Early) there is no email. Apparently no one really notices or cares that I am no longer in Missoula.

The life is much faster here than in America. I work literally around the clock. My down time is spent in my home writing in my blog and also relaxing as much as I can between shifts at work. When I was in America I would complain of boredom and didnt know what to do with my Time. I know exactly what I should do here and I think my work ethic has improved a lot.

There is more to say but I will talk later. Anyways, until later on....

I think I should get some restful sleep and prepare for another great day tomorrow!

Breakfast Club

So yesterday Christina and I made kimpop.


Christina practically did everything. She rolled the sushi, cut the veggies and I did some of the dishes. I enjoy her so much. I have 4 hours before work everyday just to relax. My house is wonderful and I am enjoying having Christina come over and eat together before we go to work. I am also looking forward to cooking more and improving my somewhat limited ability. Rice is now easy for me.



I am now finally situated and doing well. Today is actually pay day and I am unfortuantely not expecting very much since I have had to spend a lot of money this first month that I have been here.

Unfortunately yesterday I didnt sleep very well and I am currently having too much on my mind. Classes were so-so and kind of challenging for me. I still question my ability but sometimes it because of the kids and sometimes its just me.

There are many things that I could add to this story but for right now I dont know what to say.
I am currently struggling with understanding certain concepts, beliefs and ideas mainly because of Communication.

I studied Geography because I wanted to better understand people but right now I am left wth more questions than answers. I will talk more about that later.


Today, I went to McDonalds to meet some people who are learning Japanese. This meeting will happen every tuesday for me and it made me even more determined to study Language.


Currently, I am facing some dilema's that I may talk about later or not. I want to learn Korean ASAP and believe that it will come easy to me. I already understand what people say if they talk slowly to me.

Here I am now ready to go to work.

i will be getting a phone very shortly. I may even have it today.


Today is yet another day in the Monsoon period. Its gray and cloudy out and its but a shadow of what my mind is at.


....

I am sure i will be back later on tonight to talk more...

Enchanting Beauty

As usual I woke up to the rhythmic hum of traffic in the never ending busy city of Gumi.

I love Sunday's though~ It the one day of the week where my hectic busy schedule can be put on hold.


Today Christina and I went hiking up Mount Guomo. Even though its hot and humid the day was wonderful.

We took a Gondola up the Mountain side and hiked to a Majestic waterfall. I could have sat up there for hours. Christina is my Angel here and spending the afternoon with her is about the best thing I can do in Korea^^


After hiking the Mountain we went to a local cuisine and had lunch. We went to a place cnear Kumoh Mountain and I had bibimbab which is a rice with kim (seaweed) and egg, and Christina had a hot soup called uk gae jang


When we got back from hiking we had some coffee and talked about life. I honestly think that today may have been the best day in Korea for me so far.

In the evening I wrote some email, watched a movie, talked to some friends of mine and I am attempting to make Kimpop. I will do more later!