October Schoolday in Korea

They were so good today. I tried out a new technique. I used a slow voice (like a lobotomized history professor) and it worked like a charm. Usually they're on a sugar high.. note the devil chugging a can of pop. The voice put them to sleep.

The photo on my desk has recieved numerous queeries. They want to know if the men are a.) my friends, b.) my father(s), c.) my boyfriend(s).

When people order food to go at Korean restaurants, it's wrapped in half a roll of plastic.

View from my classroom window.

There's nothing better than children's art. I want a house full of it!

A roll of kimbap cut up for a hungry customer

2 seconds later they broke into a Chigago dance number (may have been a daydream)

Pow Pow, Tripods & the Korean Spirit

Yesterday was the last day of the Suwon festival, so Tae Hun and I went for a walk up Paldal Mountain (the West side of Hwaseong Fortress). We caught the tail end of the fireworks, pretended to ring the massive bell, pour hot water, throw stones and shoot bow and arrows to ward off the invaders. Pow pow! I felt like a kid. My cheeks were rosy from the cold.

We also had a nice talk. I said I came to Korea to experience culture other than what Mark calls, "tv culture." There is a strange dynamic in Korea because it has a long, rich history, and yet it's only starting to attract modern hobbies and culture. Koreans are influenced by tradition, yet their lives are so hectic with work that many spend off-time staring numbly into a computer, TV, or cell phone.

In a note, Tae Hun wrote, "Buddhism states when you meet once, you will meet again." He hopes to one day visit Canada, but admitted he can't imagine having the time.

When travellers leave Korea for other parts of Asia, they often say they miss the spirit of the Korean people, the unity, the warmth and generosity, the sense of safety.

Tae Hun and I discussed the land mass to population ratio in Canada/Korea, and I realized I've become acustomed to living ontop of my neighbors, being able to step out my door at 2am knowing the streets will be lit, and lively.

***

I had the flu (or something like it) yesterday, and our trip to Dunkin Donuts for hot chocolate over camera-talk wasn't the best idea. I felt sick again. But smiled because Tae Hun got me a present. He pulled a remote control and a tripod out of an oblong box.

He says my night photos are terrible. They are; I haven't had much practice yet. I was proud of the kit-deal I got at Yes camera shop in Namdemoon, but they didn't give me a UV filter (I bought my own), nor did they hand over a tripod, or a remote.

What a fun toy! My camera died during "instruction time," but I'm on my way to taking good night shots. Do you like taking photos at night? Do you have any advice?

PS: Cool pics of Suwon Fortress that I found on FLICKR:

Am I in Korea or Montreal?

Below are a mix of me in Korea, and hilarious photos Josh e-mailed me of his apartment in Montreal. I take back everything I said about it being a bachelor's pad. I don't know what it is, but I can.. picture myself there!

Wow, my student Anny will be shocked when I tell her she's been to Canada!

(Care to insert a witty caption under this photo?)

Lovely little ones.

I am writing this because my middle of the night glass of green tea was a bad idea! I can't get back to sleep.

I love you because you are the "Juice Monster." You bring sticky bottles of sugar water to class everyday, and pour some into the cap to share with your classmates, maintaining your popularity. We have history, and I've been lucky enough to watch you grow up over the year- and develop your English. I love you because you rest your head against my arm during storytime. I know you're sensitive even though you put on an act in front of the other boys. And you never cease to stump me with the most clever hide and seek spots.

I didn't have a little sister until I met you. More than teacher and student, we are friends. I will miss treating you to ice cream, the pride I've felt strolling down the street with my little ballerina, a bright spot in everyone's day. I'm sorry I was too clumsy to master your dance moves. I hope you are always playful and quick to laugh.

You have served as an inspiration to me. You've come through hardships stronger than any adult I know, totally unconcerned with public perception. You say the most poignant things when I least expect it and you look at me like you see right through.

What is this, 1920?

Debate in my class yesterday. 16 year old boys.

What I asked them to argue-
Team 1: Women are not good candidates for the military service.
Team 2: Women are good candidates for the military service.

TEAM 2's Arguments -
Women can provide services like cooking for the soldiers, and perform first aid.
Women can distract the enemy with their beauty.
Equipment is lighter nowadays.
Women can use their intelligence to think tactically.

TEAM 1's Arguments-
Women are physically weaker than men.
Women are overly emotional.
Women might get raped or abused.
My favorite: Women have the ethical duty to bear children.

PS-

(What they were doing before class?)

Archives time!

HONG KONG

Oh man Hong Kong is gorgeous! I can't wait to inhale the fishy air and take photos. I'll be there for nearly a month. The friend I'm staying with lives an adventurous lifestyle, so expect beautiful photos and curious posts.

Since my year is coming to an end and I haven't yet had time to sum it up (I have some "interview-style" posts I want to type, etc.) I thought I'd refer you to my "all time favorite" posts. Or... the entertaining ones, anyway.

HOW TO PEE in Korea

****** English KEY PHRASES Koreans learn. So funny!

SUPERFICIALITY in Korea at its worst! Sunny (a Korean guy) talks about how his friend has oily skin and never changes his hat. Deplorable really. Check it out. PS- my voice isn't that annoying in real life.

"I won't touch your privacy." (My Korean company had learned that Canadian girls are independant.)

Do Asians think all blonds look identical?

Trip to Gangwon Province with Tae Hun's family

LUNAR NEW YEARS and DINNER in Korean homes.

E-mail from my first Korean friend, Chung Lim Jang.

Korean GOSSIP, social stories.

Ear Wax in Korea

The KINDNESS OF KOREANS (or my own desperation.) Fed for nothing at a restaurant.

Playing "Headbandz" with my students

Wandering in the traditional Korean Markets

Stay safe in Korea, for the women in the house

Dying Tae Hun's hair

.... I will add more later !! Now I must sleep.

Cheap restaurant in South Gate, Seoul, often used as a backdrop in Korean films

PS - Tae hun wants you all to tell him he's beautiful one last time.