First Term Remembered

With my first term come and gone, I can only hope to see my former students in the hallway. At least I got some pics before they left me. Korean students are the hardest photo subjects, especially the girls!. You'd think with all the mirrors in the subways, cell phones, and generally everywhere, Koreans would be so vain. Well, my Korean kids are so vain that they are too cool for school to take photos. I took photos of each of my classes. Some of them are separated because why would boys take pictures with girls and vice versa? It's clearly blasphemous.

Bridge Reading Thursday Middle School: 5 Boys & 1 Girl

(The Sarcastic Class)

Bridge Reading Middle School Tuesdays

(The Girls Look Away like Aboriginals)

Bridge Reading Middle School Tuesdays
(My Jokey Boys Always Telling Me They Smoke)

Memory Tera Middle School M/F
(The Boys Who Love to Pick on Harry -bowl cut w/ glasses)

Memory Tera Middle School M/F
(Jenny, the 1 Girl with all the Boys who love Harry)

Memory Tera Elementary Girls M/F
(Check out those peace signs! Guess which one is the New Girl?)

Memory Tera Elementary Boys M/F

(Too cool for school)

Memory Giga Elementary T/TH
(My worst, yet crazy class only because they were so rowdy)

Bear-Ninja-Cowboy

Bear kills Ninja

Ninja kills Cowboy

Cowboy kills Bear

These are the rules to the best icebreaker ever! In college, when my friends and I were drunk, we came up with our own version of the timeless and classic game of "Rock-Paper-Scissors." Two people stand back to back. The rest of your friends would count "1, 2, 3, GO!" Next, the two participants would turn around quickly and display either a bear, ninja or cowboy. The bear stance is where both hands are raised in the air imitating a bear attack. The ninja stance is where the body is positioned low with one hand forward and the other hand back ready to do a ninja "chop." The cowboy stance is where both hands are drawn like guns in a duel. Whenever my friends and I would play this game, we would laugh hysterically and have fun.

This week is Week 1 of my 2nd term as an English instructor. With one term under my belt, I've had sometime to reflect and improve my teaching methods. One aspect of teaching that is difficult to accomplish is getting students to trust you and like you. This is best accomplished the first day of class. In the past few days, I've been attending Workshops that demonstrate proper class structure and effective teaching methods. One of the most important parts of the first class is done after explaining the syllabus and before starting the class material: The icebreaker. Most people hate icebreakers because they are cheesy, boring, and a waste of time. The icebreaker is crucial in forming the connection between authority (me) and the punks (the students). In the past, I've used the ever popular 2 truths, 1 lie game. This has been quite effective, but still did not get the students motivated. Nevertheless, I did excite intrigue between us. As my previous posts shows, I would write:

1. I have been to more than 20 countries.

2. I have eaten a spider.

3. I speak Korean.

The lie is that I speak Korean. This lie was helpful because my first and most important class rule is: No Korean. Only English. Then, I would get my students to do 2 truths and 1 lie of their own. The student's creativity is usually limited to:

1. I have a brother.

2. I have a sister.

3. I have been to America.

So now that that I have started a new term, I want to begin shining establishing that connection of trust quickly. The Bear-Ninja-Cowboy worked so well this week. I have only used it with the elementary level students. At the young ages between 9 and13, students seem to be more willing to try different things, are not embarrassed, and want to impress the class. Luckily, I got everyone to participate and the class responded with uproars of laughter. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

With the middle school level students, Bear-Ninja-Cowboy would never work. Middle schoolers are shy: of me & of each other. It's the whole "girl-boy" issue. The 2 truths, 1 lie icebreaker seems to work though. This week, I've gotten more creative responses such as:

1. I have a boyfriend.

2. I have been lost in a jungle at midnight.

3. I speak 4 languages.

The lie is actually "I have a boyfriend." Of course these middle school students wouldn't have boyfriends! They can't even own up to having friends of the opposite gender! One student actually was lost in a jungle because she used to live in the Congo in Africa. Another student did in fact speak 4 languages: Korean, English, Chinese, & Filipino. Unlike American students, Korean students are forced to learn more than 1 language at school and in academies after school.

Although it's only Day 2 of Week 1, this term feels like it's going to be great. I'm guessing I received good evaluations and recommendations from my head instructors and the students from last term because this term I am teaching 27 hours and all Eagle Reading & Listening class, plus 2 Memory Giga classes. Eagle is one of the top levels. The hierarchy is as follows:

Albatross
Eagle
Birdie
Par
Bridge
Memory Tera
Memory Giga
Memory Mega

I was surprised I was given a listening class because I have never taught it nor have I been trained. My favorite classes last term were my Bridge Reading classes. Everyone warned me in the beginning that Bridge Reading Middle Schoolers are the worst to teach because they sit like rocks. These classes ended up being my favorite because I felt like what I was teaching was not only getting across to the students, but also being retained. Plus, we would crack each other up with quips about each other, such as the boys having too many girlfriends, smoking cigars, or drinking too much soju.

The best part about Week 1 is seeing my former students. As much laughter, grief, or silence any of them gave me, they all have greeted me warmly before and after class and during the breaks. Many of my colleagues have come up to me saying, "'I have ________ in my class. He/She loves you and won't stop talking about you!." There is no better feeling when a student not only can remember your name, but also has positive things to say about you to his/her current teacher. Many of my kids have popped into my new classroom, tugged on me in the hallway, and even given me hugs. I hope my euphoria lasts 12 more weeks...

Chi-Pa-Moo = Scissors, Paper, Rock & Other Teaching Tips

Chi-Pa-Moo (Ki-Pai-Bo) is the official decider of everything Korea. Young children will bust out their rock-paper-scissors for anything ranging from getting to say an answer to who gets the last piece of candy. I have even see groups of old drunk men use their rock-paper-scissor skills to decide who gets the first cab after a night of soju and megju. I have used this tactic against my students if they want to use the restroom or get water.

A very popular game I play, which my students have so lovingly called, is Eye Fight. Basically it is a staring contest between me and one of the students. However, there is a catch--No Blinking & No Smiling. My record is perfect. It's quite funny watching my students try to Eye Fight with me because their eyes are already so small, so when they are struggling, their eyes seem to disappear, but are in fact still open! This is a very good tactic for bathroom and water requests or to just get off on a tangent from teaching and play.

At the end of the Memory lessons, there is a module called Writing Check where the students have to place 8 out of order sentences in order. The book will provide 2 answers. When we come up to the ones already given, I will call out, "Who is the genius? Who wants to be the hero?" The students jump out of their seats, yell, and wave wildly. Lately, they have become bored with the titles, so I have had to become more creative. I have used, "Who can jump the highest?" and "Who can jump the farthest?" creating a long jump pit in the middle of my u-shaped classroom.

Now that it's Week 13, the last week of my first term, I have done a considerable amount of reflection on my first term. As this last week ends, the head instructors have been forcing loads of information on us at workshops. Although they seem to be tedious and irrelevant, I have been impressed with some of the mock teaching done by veteran instructors. Teaching is one of the most evolving professions that thrives on being copied and then revamped with a twist of personal style. I have taken pointers from watching my fellow colleagues and their "performances" have really helped me. Being a teacher is not merely pushing concepts and finishing modules, but also being able to connect students beyond the academic realm. One of my HIs had a end of term meeting with me to go over my strengths and weaknesses. He said I have done well with the class (70%), but the other part (30%) is getting that "Zzsa Zzsa Zsoo"--Sex & The City reference. It's about being ON, getting the kids excited about the material, and overall just being a crazy. He referred to this aspect of my job as being a "teacher-tainer." For someone who is usually a lot of energy, I have had to really grapple with this aspect of myself. I have discovered that I am a teacher who cares more about accomplishing my objectives, finishing modules, and getting that satisfaction from students from them getting their "Eureka!" moments. I want that light bulb to go off in their heads and be able to go further with their ideas and apply them critically.

The Chung Dahm motto is: Passion for Teaching. Compassion for Learners. As a teacher, these concepts are what I and every other teacher should strive for. It is the balance between being a conceptual and relateable teacher. My second starts next week (11/24). Although this is the term where I am considered for a salary raise, being a better instructor is more than just the extra 1,000 won/hour reflected on my pay stub. I really want to be able to connect. I want my students to be at the very least not yawning or looking away. Most of my classes this term have been above average. The students have been quizzical, intrigued, funny, and at the very least tolerable. I am sad to see that our time is over, but as a teacher, I could not ask for anything more than to see my former students level up and move on in the English language. I hope that when I see them in the hallways, they recognize me and wave at least. One of the worst things that could happen is when a student rushes past you although they know you are there.

My last classes this week have been met with both gratifying satisfaction and annoyance. Each class has bugged me about having a pizza party or watching a movie. My FM stated that we could only give 2 parties that include food and an hour and a half movie. Two other classes may have a 45 minute movie and 1 class my have 25 minutes of a movie leaving the last class with nothing. These rewards are based on how well their E & M learning rates are. E & M learning are online homework components done in addition to workbook homework. It really is insane what Korean parents will put their child through! I took pictures with each of my classes. For some odd reason, all the boys were begrudging yet willing to take pictures. The girls completely refused and would hide under the hoodies or arms. These are the middle schoolers. The elementary, on the other hand, were willing to take pictures! One of my elementary school students, Amy, gave me a bag today and said, "From my father's factory." Guessing her father was a higher-up in the company because you'd have to be if you can afford Chung Dahm, I took the bag with surprise. In the bag was 4 knit tops and a long wrap sweater! A student actually gave me a new wardrobe for my end-of term-present! I was not expecting any gifts, especially since I am a brand new instructor, who could have met with mixed reviews from the students, but I am definitely not complaining. Grrr, I wish I could teach her next term!

After I took pictures, I told the students how I much I enjoyed teaching them and that I'd hope to see them around next term although I am not teaching any of their classes next term. They gave me such blank looks, but I'm hoping they think my words are sincere. All I can gage this by is how I'm received when I do see them in the hallways or what they tell their friends. After waving goodbye and saying goodluck to them, I am satisfied and feel accomplished in this term. I've had students tell me personal anecdotes, ask for love advice, and even hugs! I did my job and got a lot of new pupils/friends.

Next term, I will be teaching Eagle Reading & Listening, both very high levels. In addition, I will be teaching 2 courses of Memory Giga. I taught Memory Giga this term and they were my worst class because of behavior. I'm getting more comfortable with Memory classes because they are so high energy, fun, and need virtually no prep. However, I am frightened of teaching these high level reading and listening classes. They require tons of prep and also require that I play devil's advocate and create debates by eliciting responses out of the students. Although, at these high levels, the students should almost be like native speakers, I am scared that these students are going to read right through me and think I'm a chump. Tomorrow, I have more workshops and training on listening, which I have never taught before. I am still so perplexed as to why my FM would schedule me, an inexperienced listening teacher, to teach one of the highest levels of listenings. I'm sure it'll all be fine in the end. All I can hope for is that my icebreakers go well and I am handle a whopping 30 hours of work/week. I can already tell I am going to be a hermit this winter. PS It snowed for the first time in Seoul today! (11/20/08)--I am very bittersweet about this.

Junggye Branch Bonding

Me, Marc, & Paula : The Faculty Manager with the newest Englishee teechuhs!

The 3 month mark has hit! It seemed like not too long ago when teaching in Korea was just a thought or backup plan. Now a quarter of my year in Korea is gone! I was skeptical of my new placement, my coworkers, my classes, and my life in general in a foreign country, but my first 3 months have proven that I can make it here.

Kristen & Shadiyah Sandwich with a Slice of Eugene

More Junggye Love: Kristen, Me & Eugene

Lucretia, Kristen, & Me

Lucretia, Kristen & Me: Rarrrrr!

Me & Shakha: Isn't that the sweetest name?

Eugene & Jenny: We Just Wanna Dance

Branch Bowling Tournament: Captain in Stretch Pants

Every November, Chung Dahm gets the 7 main branches together for a bowling tournament. The winner gets to split a pot of 500,000 won between 10 players. I, who is always down for some competitive fun, decide to show up. My Faculty Manager (FM) decides to make me captain of the A team. As the most unskilled branch at the tournament, our strategy was to make the A team the bad team and the B team the winning team. Not even strategy could help us. The A team ended with a total score from 2 games of 600ish, while every other branch had well over 1200. The B team almost made it to playoffs, but were ousted by a mere 100 or less. We were not sore losers, but left our mark at the bowling tournment with empty soju, orange juice, and cider bottles. We were clearly the worst team, but the most fun--and drunk. Nevertheless, it's about sport, fun, and branch bonding. Hopefully next year, we recruit better talent.

Clear Confusion Of Who Is On What Team

This week is Week 13--the last week of the term. I finally made it a whole term! This week should be cake because the students already know if they leveled up and really don't care about the lessons. They just want the party and movie. The first few weeks of the term, I was a horrible teacher, according to my head instructors. Now, I'm a lot more comfortable and have grown quite close with my students. We can joke and they understand me. We can play and stay on task. A lot of them leveled up to Bridge Reading, which I won't be teach next term sadly because I could have had the same students. I've developed such relationships with these students and now I have to start all over again with a new batch of 60+ students next week. Oh icebreakers...

Teach-uhh! Hallow-ween-uhh!

Agima: Korean Old Lady

Visor, Obnoxious Dress, Long Sleeves, Curly Hair, Pollution Face Mask, & Socks with Sandals

Sadly Korea does not celebrate one of the best holidays of all: Halloween! Fortunately, there are way too many foreigners to nix the holiday. All my friends from CDI training and reunited in Boemgye (South Seoul & completely opposite of where I live in NE Seoul at Taereung). I went to the party with Ben and Christie, who had the best costume of the night--sexy kimbap. We rode the subway train with the most intense stares from the other Korean passengers. They just couldn't understand why Christie was holding a seaweed skirt and a Ramen noodle cup bra. We were actually approached by our first Koreans on this trip down to Boemgye. The first curious one offered Christie and I oranges and asked what we were doing with the seaweed skirt and Ramen bra. We explained that we were going to a Halloween party, although it was already November 1st. On October 31st, we had a the un-Halloween celebration because we get off work at 10pm and nothing ever goes down until after midnight in Seoul on Fridays. We did manage to wine it up in Itaewon and get real saucy. He spoke English pretty well and rode with us for about 10 minutes. The second curious Korean was a 23 year old in the Korean military. I had my first cell number exchange with a Korean! His name is Seo and was very cute. He offered to take me to the base whenever I wanted. Visits to the military bases in Korea are coveted because they offer western amenities such as the beloved Taco Bell and grocery stores that sell cheese, deodorant, and Crest--a few uncommon things in Korea. Maybe I will take him up on the offer. I do miss me some Cheesy Gordita Crunch. The best part about the subway ride was exiting. I found a stall selling socks for 1,000 won! I bought panda socks with ears! PS Koreans love their socks and visors.

The Agima Squat

Korean old ladies squat like this for hours and develop strong legs and bad backs

Dave and Audrey hosted the party. We had a good turnout of CDI training buddies and new friends from their branch at Pyeongcheong. For living in a country that does not celebrate Halloween, we all came up with very impressive costumes ranging from notable movie characters to mocks of Korean life. We had the apartment party until midnight. We played flip cup and beer pong (on the floor--check the triangle). Sadly there are no Solo cups in Korea. Afterwards, we took the party to the Norebong and sang our hearts out. Christie's karaoke cherry was popped when we sang a soulful rendition of Dancing Queen by ABBA. Classic choice eh? --Canadia speak because there are so many in Korea! The night ended by 4am for me. Some of the hardcore Halloweeners took the party to yet another Norebong! Apparently on karaoke session is not enough especially if you are led by Dave, a Filipino --Filipinos are obsessed with karaoke.

Tiff the bird?, Dave as the Joker, & Me the Agima

Sharing a piece of Christie's Sexy Kimbap Skirt

Me & Rachel--the Samoan, except she is a Kiwi Korean

Me & Michael--Harry Potter with the "magic wand"

Group Shot: Joke, Sexy Kimbap, Vampire, Harry Potter, Agima, Pimp, Mummy, & T Money Card (Subway card)

Seoul Filipino Besties: Karaoke Ring Leaders

The next morning we woke up in Dave and Audrey's apartment filled with seaweed, soju, and pieces of costumes. We nursed our hangover with the spiciest chicken potato casserole at a restaurant. Bad choice. We should have just gotten Lotteria or McDonalds. After separating ways, we vowed to hang out again soon or atleast have Thanksgiving in the works. It was a soju filled Halloween made better by the most fun and creative English teachers in Seoul.

Girls Weekend in Jeonju

After my Busan "break-up", I needed a getaway. Christie suggested that we go to Jeonju. She had found a magazine for foreigners in Itaewon with an article about Jeonju. Apparently it is the "San Diego of Korea." With the fall weather coming in, we wanted to see the coast, some cultural sites, and more importantly, get out of the city for the weekend. In the article, the pictures of Jeonju showed it on a coast with massive ancient structures. Also, the draw was that it was known for being the creating the bibimbap dish. The dish can either be hot or cold. It is a bowl filled with various vegetables, rice, sauces, and topped with an egg. When served, the eater will mix the bowl creating a Korean style rice pilaf.

Bibimbap: Traditonal Korean Dish

We took a bus from the Express Bus Terminal on a Saturday morning at 10am. We had missed our 9am bus because the night before was supposed to be a easy night in Hongdae with wine and hookah, which turned out to be a dance party drunk fest until 5am. Christie had a friend, Keyonna, from the states visiting for 3 weeks and this was her last weekend in Korea. In retrospect, you can't really hold back if it is your last weekend anywhere. Jessie met us and we nursed our hangovers with disgusting Lotteria--Korean version on McDonalds or fast food. It is the worst fast food I have ever eaten, but Korean food is not the alternative when you need to nurse a hangover. Our bus ride was 3 hours from Seoul. When we got to the bus terminal we hopped in a taxi and asked for Bookdae. I had met a guy in Busan in my last visit who had lived in Jeonju. He told me that Bookdae was the university area where all the "life" is. We told the driver to take us to Bookdae, which was down the street. At first he took us to the Lotte Department store. Our Konglish isn't very good yet. We finally got the point across that we wanted to go to the university area, Thank goodness Jeonju is so small that a taxi anywhere is 2,000 won. The first thing we did was look for a place to sleep. For foreigners, the most popular choice is to stay at the love motels. These are motels meant solely for the hookup. Cars driving plates will be covered so that no one knows who is there. In the rooms are yos--korean floor mat for sleeping, and everything you'd need for grooming (combs, shaving cream, shampoo, soap, deodorant plus plenty of tissues.) These love motels are shady motels for Koreans to do their "business" equipped with everything you'd need to keep appearances afterwards. For foreigners, these love motels are ideal because they are typically 30,000 won per night and have everything you'd need if you didn't pack correctly. Plus, you can stuff as many people as you want inside. We had 4.

After an hour of walking, we found a love motel tucked away in an alley. It was 40,000 won for the night and we took it. After settling in, we ventured in Jeonju. We were hungry after the 3 hour bus ride, so we decided to get that famous bibimbap. We went to a a seemingly descent perhaps even higher class restaurant and ordered what looked like bibimbap in the picture. It turned out to be roughly hot dog soup. We sat on the floor as usual and on our table was a huge pot filled with pork, hot dogs, ramen, rice cake, and spices. Never again.

Filled to the brim with hot dog soup, we walked it off at the famous battle fortress, which was less than impressive. It was literally a brick wall with a roof. Walking towards sounds of life, we passed by the famous catholic church. It was actually an impressive church and looked much like a smaller version of the Notre Dame in Paris inside. They started having service and we walked out. We followed the sounds of life and walked to the Hanuk Village. A section of Jeonju has a traditional village with cultural stores and ancient artifacts such as ancient riding carriages, photos, and emperors thrones. When we walked in, we were greeted by a massive motorcade of Harley Davidson motorbiking Koreans. They too were tourists and visiting the Hanuk Folk Village. Intrigued by us and our western looks, they insisted on taking pictures. We met the head of the pack, Tony. Despite the rough gruff motorbike look he sported, he was actually a doctor and professor at Korea University in Seoul. Unwilling to give him my phone number, I lied and said I left my phone. I did take his number and their homepage on Naver--the Korean google. These guys were something out of a bad movie. They were wearing jean cutoff jackets with rebel flags on the bag, which I wonder if they know anything about American history. They all did drive Harleys. They offered us a ride. We accepted, but ended up just talking and waving goodbye to them. Only in Jeonju..

Hanuk Folk Village

New Friends: Korean Harley Davidson Hell's Angels

Late in the evening and bored with the village, we left and walked around Jeonju's market. It was not a market, but a rotund of shops where you could haggle for items such as visors--Koreans love their visors. Christie was freezing and forgot to bring a coat to Korea. Damn those airlines and their two 50lb bag limit. We found our first thrift store. She managed to find a sweater and I was even more lucky! I found my Halloween costume! Korea doesn't celebrate Halloween, but just because I am in Korea doesn't mean I won't celebrate. I bought a bright "Lisa Frank" style dress that Agima's (Korean old lady) would wear. Next door, I bought a matching visor, that could double as a welding mask. I finally have my very own visor! The market was terrible, but I managed to get a costume. Yay!

Christie and Me: New Visors & Possible Christmas Card

Exhausted, we decided that a jimjilbong visit was in order. A jimjilbong is a Korean bath house that costs less than 7,000 won. Many people, or at least drunk people, tend to sleep there because they are open 24 hours and provide yos. They have multiple rooms with various saunas, baths, and massages. We took a cab out of Jeonju to their famous jimjilbong according to Lonely Planet. Turns out, this specific jimjilbong was being renovated. Boo. 30 min 30,000 won cab for nothing. Defeated, we retreated to our love motel, ordered fried chicken and pizza thanks to the agima at the front desk. We ate to our stomach's content. To fill our heart's content, Coyote Ugly was on TV! After we all fell asleep to Korean anime porn. Yes, there are soft core porn cartoons after midnight on cable. Gross.

Girls Weekend Warriors: Keyyona, Christie, Me, and Jessie

The next day, we woke up around 1pm. Living in Korean leaves very little room for one of life's basic necessities--sleep. Guided by the Lonely Planet, we went to a restaurant famous for its bibimbap. Way too overpriced, we ate mediocre bibimbap for 10,000. Jessie couldn't eat because she was feeling sick. She wasn't used to eating fried chicken and pizza like Christie and I were. After lunch, we went back to the Hanuk fold village thinking we were going to get traditional acupuncture treatment. The place turned out to be an information center on traditional medicine. At least, Christie made traditional soap. Disappointed, we decided to make our own soju--popular Korean drink. We went to the building where this was done, but apparently they weren't doing it that day because it was a holiday. We did buy some tasty cinnamon soju that was served to us at the bibimbap restaurant. It tastes like cinnamon cider wassail. Delish! Done with Jeonju, we exchanged our 8pm bus tickets for an earlier bus at 4pm. We took the 3 hour bus trip back to Seoul exhausted and uncomfortable on the non-airconditioned bus.

Christie, Me, and Keyyona: Sippin' Cinnamon Soju

At no point did we see the coast, the massive ancient structures, or have any of the famous tasty bibimbap. Nevertheless, the girls weekend away in Jeonju was great because I got to have girl time, gossip, drink, sleep for hours, and I found a Halloween costume in a country who doesn't celebrate Halloween!

Englishee Teecha vs. Wild

After a night in Hongdae, Christie dragged me out of my bed at noon to shower off the smokey grunge that was my body. I had promised her all week that we would go hiking at Suraksan Mt. We have had a rough week and decided we needed to do something productive in Seoul rather than just party. Although I was hungover from the night before, I put on my best hiking gear (running capris, sneakers, tshirt, and fleece sweater--not even close to Korean hiking standards). Koreans are hardcore about hiking. They are fully decked out with their hiking boots, zip ups, visors, walking sticks, and backpacks. Hopefully in the future, I will have invested in the total package.

We live in Taereung, which is only 5 stops from Suraksan subway stop. When reached street level, dozens of food stalls and hiking gear stalls lined the street. We bought cut up pork, kimbap, Korean style Funyuns, rice cakes filled with sweet yam, and mok kolee (carbonated wine that gives you wings). As we made our way through the stalls towards the mountain, it was amazing to see that the most common hiker was over 60. These Koreans are in such good shape! They climb everyday of the week. If you ever ride the subway in Seoul, you'll know why they're in such good shape. There are mountains of stairs everywhere! When we reached the mountain, it seemed like everyone was on their way down. Christie had gone a couple days before to relax before work, but this path was new to her. The best thing to do in this situation is follow the Koreans.

We started our ascent at 2:30pm. As we went up the way everyone was coming down, we realized this wasn't the easiest path to the top. We traversed through thick brush, unsteady rocks, grabbing onto any branch in site. It took us about an hour and a half to reach what we thought was the top. We finally stopped around 4pm on a large rock where other groups had stopped since it was the first major lookout from Suraksan. We could see the whole of Nowongu. At mid afternoon, the sky was still hazy and the sun was bright. I had to take off my sweater I was so hot from the trek up. We sat down and had our feast. The pork and kimbap turned out to be full of fat and dry respectfully. The rice cakes were amazing though. Not wanting to give up, I wanted to make sure that we were at the "top." We decided to go up further and see what was at the rock above us. We find that at the rock, the trail continued. We ascended another 45 minutes. Christie felt like her lungs were collapsing. The air is so much better in the mountains, but it does get thinner. I told her that this was a sign of her getting stamina. He he. When we finally did reach the top at 5:30pm, there was an ancient-style Korean pavilion filled with the few Koreans left hiking. We sat down and chatted with a Korean couple who could not understand anything we said and vice-versa. We used body languagee instead. He said we were not dressed properly and it was cold. This is the best of our conversations with the locals by the way. From the pavilion, we saw a huge mountain face lined with stairs, rope and fencing. It looked like a scene from Indian Jones. We decided that the next time we hiked, we would go all the way to the top of the face and claim Suraksan mission accomplished. As we looked out with the sun setting, we could see more of Seoul. Bright lights and white buildings filled our panoramic view. I thought to myself, "I am really in Korea and this is the best thing I've done yet."

At this point, it was getting cold and my fleece sweater was not going to hold up to the bitter evening. Since our trip up was so rough and torturing to our hamstrings, we wanted the descent to be slow and relaxing. Unfortunately, we were racing the sun. We needed to get back to civilization and there weren't any Koreans around. If they aren't around, then you should panic. As we climbed down, there was a lot of scooting on our butts, tripping over tree roots and I actually managed to slip and fall and roll down the side of the mountain--at least 2 meters. I froze thinking I broke something. Christie stopped breathing and got lightheaded--ya know because she stopped breathing. Luckily, my butt broke my fall and I had only slightly rolled on my right side. I truly wanted to conquer Suraksan without a scratch, but of course it was my damned "hiking gear." Advice: never hike with sneakers. We continued our descent and were getting nervous about never getting back. An interesting part down had a rope connected between two trees. We had to straddle the rope--because Christie had seen this done on Discovery Channel--and climb backwards holding onto the rope. This is when we truly felt like mountain women. After 45 minutes of climbing down, we gained slight night vision, but that was not going to get us down. We finally actually saw some life. Christie held me back and said, "We can't go over there! I think that's a mountain lion." I saw it stand and raise its arms, so I thought it was a bear. Actually, it was a Korean man getting out his flashlight. How smart of him! Thank goodness we found him because I was mentally preparing myself for a night in the wilderness of Suraksan cuddling next to mountain lions. Speaking absolutely no Hangul or English, we traversed down in the unsettling night. Christie led as I followed, while the Korean man took the caboose to light the way. It took us only 45 minutes to go from the top all the way down to the street stalls. When we were racing the sun and darkness, it felt much more like hours because our minds were racing with the possibilities of being lost or eaten. All we wanted to do was see Taereung and lay in our comfortable yo-topped beds. FYI--a yo is a Korean floor mat used for sleeping. Actual beds with mattresses are so uncomfortable that laying a yo between the mattress and fitted sheet makes a mattress feel like heaven. Seeing the bright lights and signs of Korean life on the street made us feel so happy. I couldn't believe I was actually stepping on pavement. After a day of sweating, huffing and puffing, eating gross pork, falling down the mountain, dirty and beat up, and being lost, I would say that it was all very worth it. This experience was truly the best experience I've had in Korea. The experience was made better because I had my Korea bestie Christie to share it with. My Korea enlightenment has been reached and I found it at the peak of Suraksan.

Subway Ettiquette

Coming back from Korean lessons at City Hall, I rode the Metro (Seoul subway). I have used this many times. I probably ride the subway 3-5 times a week. Today, I was actually yelled at by an old man. I was riding with my friend Wesley, who I take classes with. He had been gone to Daegu all weekend to see his boyfriend and I wanted to catch up with him. I too, had a very fun and interesting weekend full of embarrassing things to update him on. Maybe I was talkin a bit loud, but I have to say the subway is a loud even if no one is talking. I have used asian public transportation before. Usually, you are not supposed to talk. Korean subways are different. People are talking on their phones, playing games, and conversing with one another. Do as the "Romans/ Koreans" do right? So I'm sitting and Wesley is standing and we're talking. Of course I have to be a little bit louder so that he can hear me. The next thing I know, I have a senior citizen Korean man yelling at me and the entire subway is staring at me. I nod my head, as customary towards your elders in Korea, and covering my mouth. Wesley starts talking louder and says, "He doesn't know what I'm saying anyways." I agree with him, yet I don't think I should have been yelled at! The old man ends up getting off at the next stop! I believe he could have tolerated a minute more of our banter. Furthermore, the Seoul subway trains have special seats for senior citizens. They are located at the ends of the cars where they are removed from high traffic (riders coming in and out or people talking). In my classes, the topic of pollution always seems to be the topic of conversation. After today, I guess I'm sorry for the sound pollution, but the old people should know where they "stand" or sit. -pun

Ho Bar Birthdays

Birthday celebrations are never limited to the date of your birthday, or the one party you have on your birthday. It is truly best played out as a gathering of your friends and loved ones who are willing to buy you drinks and wish you a happy birthday more than once.

Birthday Girls: Kristen (24) & Me (23)

Hongdae has the best stores!

Baskin Robbins Birthday Cake + Shot

Having our cake & eating it too!

Trying to get Shaun (head instructor) in the action.

Drinks from a street stall. Only 3,000 won for a strong drink from the street!

Me, Paula, & Kristen: The October Birthdays

This year I had 2 birthday celebrations. Kristen, a fellow colleague at Junggye, was born on Oct 2nd and I was born on Oct 4th. Instead of having separate birthday celebrations, we decided to have one blowout celebration at Ho Bar in Hongdae. Hongdae is the a very popular "hipster" scene in Korea. Because Hongik University is in Hongdae, the area boasts a heavy young clubbing/bar hopping crowd who dress way more trendy than I ever did in college. Ho Bar is so famous in Hongdae that there are 5 of them! We went to Ho Bar 3, which is one of the larger bars with great lounge and booth seating. Everyone chipped in for 2 bottles of Absolut. The best part is that each come with humongous fruit platters. Also, Kristen's friends surprised us both with a cake from Baskin Robbins. The Thursday evening was a success. We had about 10 instructors plus 3 head instructors come celebrate us. Needless to say, it may not be the best idea to drink with your bosses because you can lose all inhibition. You end up revealing way more that you want to to the people who grade your CCTV and are in charge of promotion or demotion. The conversations were a little embarrassing, but were more funny to think about the next day especially when facing the head instructors at work.

Birthday, Boozing, & Fireworks

Happy 23! Mocha Cake Mmm!...with cherry tomatoes? (It's a fruit here)

Every year since I was 16, I have been trying to top the last year's birthday. At 18, I took my first road trip to Austin, TX and went skydiving. At 20, I had a blowout birthday limo that took 30 of my friends around Times Square in NYC. At 21, I was on the Semester at Sea ship docked in Singapore. At 22, I was a a CEOs & Tennis Pro's Senior Night (college costume party).

This year has definitely topped the last. October 4, 1985 is my birthday. On October 4, 2008, I had the best day I've ever had in Korea. Christie created an event to get all the people we had met over the past few weeks together at Yeoido Island. It's like Randall's Island in New York City. The October 4th weekend is a Korean holiday.

Thousands gathered starting at 2pm on Yeoido Island to watch Fireworks at 7pm

Fireworks on Yeoido Island

New Friends & Birthday Girls: Me & Leslie

It's getting dark. I'm happy until...I had to wait an hour in the port-o-potty line

Birthday Roman Candle

Me, Christie, & Matthew enjoying the fireworks

Brandon & I with the CDI April mug

Nayoung: 1st Korean Friend

Korean Girl Pose: Somehow...Elliot & Dan found us in crowds of thousands!

Chris, Nayoung, Elliot, Me, & Dan

Elliot, Chris, Me, & Dan

After the fireworks, we went to Taereung, where Christie, Wesley, and I live and had galbi (Korean BBQ) and a rooftop party. It was so nice gathering all the people I had met over the past 2 months I've been in Seoul to celebrate my birthday. It's amazing how foreigners attract each other. Everyone I meet is so willing to do anything and have fun. Although I have known these people just a few short weeks, they all came out and celebrated with me, took me out to dinner, bought me a cake, and had a rooftop party. I am truly blessed to have met such nice people.

Me, Meg, Brandon, & Darcie on the roof

Hoodie Buddies: Darcie, Me, & Brandon

Darcie, Nayoung & Me: We have the best interpretive dances.

What better place to celebrate my birthday than with all my new friends in South Korea! Happy 23rd or as Catherine would put it: "Happy 21st for the second time!"