The class that wouldn't talk.

So the week has ended. I'm thrilled! It's about time.

My last post was pretty rough---I had a rough day on Tuesday. Luckily my days got progressively easier. I have to admit that I took the emotional way in dealing with my class that wouldn't talk. I sat back, realized that I looked like a wuss, and thought up a plan. Then I followed through.

On Thursday, I saw that same class again. It's the GB class I call, "The non-talkers." Alas, I realized after that class, I couldn't just expect my students to talk---even if their writing level is high, their speaking level was pretty low. So I had to start small. I copied off some really easily Time magazine kids edition, and found come interesting articles that I figured all of my G-level classes would enjoy. And they did. We talked about Aliens. And the fact that we have more than 400billion stars in our Galaxy, the Milky Way. Not just that, but there are something like 100billion OTHER galaxies besides ours, each with their OWN share of 400billion stars, plus. Crazy huh?

After I lectured, and continued lecturing, without a hint of response---I decided to take my class to the next level. With 10 minutes remaining in the class, I told them, they had an option. With a whiteboard filled with information that I had written and drew, describing radio telescopes, how they work, satallites transmitting information from one telescope to another so we could watch shows from other countries; about galaxies and of our own, including stars, and our solar system...I proceeded to tell them they either had to tell me one complete sentence of what they had learned from my lecture, OR, they would get 5 pages/sheets of homework to do over vacation. Needless to say, they ALL wanted to talk, but they didn't know what to say. I counted the minutes, while uncomfortableness set in, and the kids twitched in their seats. I said you have 5 minutes. You make a choice: You talk or you get homework. 5 pages worth! All I am asking is one sentence... what did you learn? What is a planet? What is the name of our Galaxy? How many stars do we possibly know about in our Galaxy? Just one simple sentence.

Then it came. "I learned that our galaxy is called the Milky Way." Bravo. I said, "Thank you, Betty. Well done. You may be excused. Have a nice vacation. See you next week." And I bursted with enthusiasm. The others looked at me. Their eyes told me they knew they had to say something because they didn't want vacation homework. Then the next sentence came, and another. "I learned there are 400 billion stars in our galaxy." Wham. "Telescopes gather information to find life on other planets." Wow. It was awesome.

Finally I got them to talk. "Thanks everyone. See what happens when you talk? See you next week." And with that, I started to consider myself a teacher.

The worst & the best, all in a Cornflakes cereal bowl!

Today. The whole bowl of cornflakes, wrapped up in one. I believe I have just lived both the worst day and the best day of my stay thus far in Korea. All in one day. Here's why.

First the worst. So, regular readers know that I am a first-year (first-month!) American ESL teacher here in Seobyeondong, Daegu. Ok. Much of what I have not yet gone into detail about is my teaching. This is precisely due to the fact that I am and have been catering my classes to 'what I feel.' Meaning, I've had nearly zero instruction on what to do, sauf my fellow Korean English teachers telling me that 'such and such class is on page blah blah or book number blee blee. Basically, my first month has been touch and go, trial and error. On the first day of classes--this will give you an idea of how clueless I was---I gave my fantasy class (which is the very beginning of studying English, so just book 1 to book 3. example: I see red! I see blue! I see yellow! What color is the house? The house is blue!) I gave this very beginning class a worksheet that I had made on the body parts. I proceeded to give them this 2 page worksheet on body parts--pictures that they would have to identify and actually write the name of the bodypart, or fill in the blank with sentences. Needless to say, they were dumbfounded. So was I.

Back to why today was the worst. Now, up to this point, I've felt pretty confident about my classes. I finally have a system down---since I see ALL the students at the school (roughly 80) together in classes for a total of 1 and 1/2 hours per week, I've had to resort to a system to remember everyone's names and to keep my head on straight! This type of teaching where I only meet with the students a total of 1 and 1/2 hours per week (one day for 25 mins, another day for 50 mins total), it doesn't allow much time to really get to know the students, realize they're progress, let alone really keep track of the content that I'm teaching them.

By the same respect, I've also felt too eager in teaching too much to these students. Whilst the Korean teachers see the same kids, everyday, at the same time each week, I see a different class, at a different level, at different times, every week. Ok, so luckily every week is the same. But everyday is different. It's really hard on me to have to keep track of everything day by day, but also for the students too---who rarely finish the homework I assign them from one week to the next. This method is not idea. But today, today proved to be the blow of all blows to this method.

My GB class (second to highest level class, all middle-schoolers, so around the age of 14 to 15.) I recently changed from this Streamline book which gave the student scenarios to read about, questions to answer, and general questions to test comprehension---to a kids book of Time magazine that gave articles on specific subjects, where the student would read it, think about the content, and then we would discuss it in class. I wanted to change the structure of my G-level classes from answering questions, focusing on grammar, and the like, to interactive discussion classes which would enable them to broaden their vocabulary, thus speak better overall. Well, at least for this GB class, I was wrong.

These students are top of their class at their regular school. They can follow directions, and they can write, well---ok I guess, for their age group. But they can't speak a darn, and that is what broke me down today. I cried, literally. During class, I realized that only 1/2 the class actually went through a Time article that I had printed out, circled the words that they didn't understand like I asked, and defined them---writing the Korean equivalent--so that they understood the meaning of the word. I asked questions about the article, and they looked at me blankly. I asked one student, why didn't you do the work? And he looked at me as if I were an alien, speaking some strange language. I slowed my words down, spoke simply. He just stared at me. Everyone did. I moved to a more simple article, about a 3 or 4th grade level in the States (mind you, their about in the 7th or 8th grade), so they should be able to comprehend it. They could barely follow my directions, let alone, read the simple lines that I asked them to. I took out my Korean-English dictionary, and translated a few words. That seemed to help, but only a little. I called on them, asking them questions---and they didn't want to answer. It was as if I were talking to the wall!!

So I took my book down, and said, "Do you really want to be here? Are you forced to be here because of your parents, or do you really want to learn English? Because you know what? This is a conversation class. It's not supposed to focus on reading, or writing, like the other teachers' classes. It's about conversation, speaking. S-P-E-A-K-I-N-G!! Do any of you understand me? Nod your head yes, or swing it side to side for no!! Anyone? Hello? Don't all raise your hands at once!..." And still nothing. No response. Blank stares. So I stood there, and smirked at them, as they sat there----looking as if I had just scolded them. Looking at me like I were crazy, which made me feel all the more like a wet noodle. Then I put down my whiteboard marker and walked out. I went to my desk and sulked. I felt like a failure, because they couldn't understand me. And it angered me that they wouldn't even look at me, or try to respond when I was talking to them. I couldn't help but tear up--going back to my desk---Kelly asked me what was wrong. I couldn't contain myself, and I kept wiping the tears away. I told her I was fine, but that she needed to go tell my students that I would see them tomorrow and that they could leave.

That was my first worst day, and I hope it will be my last. If I have to talk to these kids like elementary school students, and use little-kid books (the ones the lower Junior and Fantasy levels use, but my, do they talk so much!!) I sure will. As long as these kids finally respond to me.
.................................................................................................................

It was already too late---Angelina told me afterwork that Michael (the Canadian, and her fiance, whose job I took over) was often angered by this GB class because the students wouldn't talk. I guess the school tried to find a solution to their 'not talking,' but nothing has helped so far. Michael supposedly had these students write sentences, like "I will talk in class, I will talk in class.." dozens of times. If I'll be darned---I should have done the same thing.

For punishment here in Korea, the teachers have the students raise their arms during the whole time that class is in session. Supposedly this hurts and is very uncomfortable for long periods of time. Back home, we send a kid to the corner--but nothing to hurt the kids! (We even have laws now about daring to touch a kid---for fear of sexual harrassment. And to think they allowed bear-bottom spanking with a holey wooden paddle when I was in Elementary school!) Or, here, they hit the kids on the hands with rulers if they say the wrong answer, or misbehave. Wow. I like this punishment system now.

The best day. Coincidentally, I've had the best day too. Afterwork, I when to have an ice cream with Angelina at Baskin Robbins, and we laughed the whole way home. When we went our separate ways, I decided that since it was still light out, I would get on my jogging gear, and walk around to see what I could find. What a find, indeed!

I walked over the bridge to Dongbyeondong, and took a detour. Just down the street, I guess they were having a market---wow, were the streets filled or what! There were local merchants, selling fruits and veggies, clothes and shoes, seafood and strange.....eels or squids too! It was amazing. Tons of people, and lots of good bargins. I immediately when to a cheap clothing rack and found me a few awesome deals. The merchant was really nice, and he said--"For you, ee chaennin reduction! Shop!" I liked this. No tourist price!! So he gave me 2,000 Won off--a bit over 2 bucks--and I bought 2 shirts and a pair of knickers for 13,000 Won! What a deal! Plus, I found a great Konglish shirt---"I hope wish many stars!" but I decided on another, "Can't Buy Me Love" t-shirt. My favorite movie, so I couldn't resist (that's me in the negative picture.)

Then I went to a nearby store, and decided upon some groceries for the rest of the week. With 12,000 Won left (from the 25,000 I had), I bought the following items--which I nearly cannot live without!! They include: these special little liquid yogurt bottles, 요 구 르 트 (don't ask me to pronounce it yet, but it's simply named "yoghurt"--great for a morning perk besides coffee!); this japanese fruit jellow that's serves as a great snack; Grape jam of course (can't go without my tartines!); the green leaves you on the right are actually something like mint leaves--and as you'll see later, I eat the mint leaf with tuna. It's delicious! Last, on the left---I found some SWISS hazelnut chocolate. I'm thrilled!! Plus, I needed a chocolate fix too. :)

Oh, I almost forgot. Cornflakes too! Hooray for POST cereals. And, not to forget, this yummy dish called "Tahmn-yiung"---a kind of 'Daoh,' which is mashed up rice, with sweet red beans in side. It almost looks like wax, but it's really soft and gooey to the taste. It's so delicious! And it's only 2,000 W for a fresh set of... say, 20? Yeah. Tomorrow's another day. I just have to keep thinking---simple!

~ Chelsea

Roma non è stata costruita in un giorno... alas, Rome was not built in a day.

Thoughts of LSU

I miss LSU. Louisiana is sure beautiful!
Plus, I didn't mind the cajun food: Gumbo, Jumbalya, shrimp Po-boys...ah, my mouth waters.
(...but can you blame me? I'm eating rice, and seaweed, and Kimchi, and drinking Soju with delious Korean dishes. Wow...it's a hard toss up!)

Swim Time....feeling waterlogged!

Today I decided to skip the hiking at Gatbawi Mt. (ah! Don't fret--that'll be next weekend, I promise!) So I slept in...really late. I don't think I slept well since I got here. My bed is quite hard. And it didn't help that not only did I go to bed late (like 3:30 am), but I also watched a scary Korean movie! It's about this young girl who's mother kills herself because she's got a mental problem, and the sister imagines all these horrible things happening.. like she kills her sister, her stepmother is wicked, and people are getting killed. I didn't understand but a lick, and that was only through body language---that and squeezing my pillow and hiding my face all-too-often!

So as it were, I finally woke up at about 2pm. Wow. It was a great feeling, but I'd say I overslept a bit. Then Angelina came at about 2:15 to go swimming at the local Bukgu swimming pool. We stopped by there to go swimming yesterday after work, but they were close to closing, so we were too late. But alas, today was the day.. and boy was it crowded!! Tons of people--and I looked like a sore thumb, wearing 2 swim suits (one for drag, so I'd work harder in the water), plus with my white skin, I almost looked like a ghost. I seriously resemble something like an albino compared to these people!

So, more details later--coz Angelina is going to cook me a good chicken dish. I'll be making banana crêpes for dessert---my favorite!! ;) Ta-ta!

The weekend, already.. and more Korean learned, and food too!

Start of the weekend.
Last night I went out with Seung-bo, who, among my little click circle of Korean and Canadian friends, he's considered funny and odd for a Korean. In any event, he turned out to be an interesting guy. We met up downtown, and went to a traditional Korean style restaurant and ate a special dish with green onions, squid, sort of baked in a cream/potato sauce. The result was a big paddy--and it was delicious! I also tried 'Dong Dong Ju' which is a rice-based Korean alcohol, very much like 'Makali' (Korean rice whisky), but higher quality. It was pretty good! We talked about Jesus Christ, philosphy (which was his major in college) and the differences between the American and Korean cultures. I didn't know Koreans were so opinionated--that is, unless you're a Korean philosphy major, which, apparently he is.

More Korean Food.
Then we checked out a Japanese restaurant near the infamous nightclub, The Bubble Club, still in downtown. This time, we tried SOJU (Korean whisky) with a dish called "Seojum".. that was my favorite of all dishes. I'll have my parents try it when they visit. It includes something like 12 'shish-k-bab' sticks, laden with baby squid, chicken hearts, barbeque meat, and gingko beans, all with a splash of cabbage salad in the middle. They give you these little side dishes, equivalent to Kimchi, hot or pickled cucumbers or radish (which is yellow) and corn and baby mushroom strings that you dip and soy and wasabi sauce. The main dish is carmelized, and it definitely hits the spot!

Back to Crew.
Last, we went to Crew for a short while, to catch up on James and a few more Korean friends. I met this really neat Korean girl named Lee, who also teaches. She was so interested in learning about America, and she wanted to find an American friend (like me!) who's also interested in learning about Korea and the Korean culture. The interesting part is that she lives really close to Bukgu--so we exchanged numbers/emails and plan on meeting up again soon.

Prep for Saturday listening test classes.
I'm not really thrilled about working on a Saturday--but I hope it's fun to be worthwhile. I have to think that ANY experience is good experience, paid or not. So why not. I actually didn't know about this until Friday night, the details I mean, and what I will be doing. I guess everyone is meeting at the school, and I am supposed to look over 3 sheets of vocabulary--and instead of explaining words through gestering, I am told to only describe the words using the whiteboard. Serious face only. I don't know if I can do that!!! So, I'm having to work on definitions so that i'll be easier to explain these words, like "fun", "blue", "run" or "book." This will be a challenge for myself, I think, because I am so used to being animated.

Then I get 'advice' and if I'm 'teaching correctly.' Talk about being put up to the whipping post!

(Sigh) We'll see. 1pm we grab lunch together, and classes begin at 2pm. Later!

Ps. Oh, I found superman! HE CAN DANCE!

What summer vacation really means, Korean style..

So this week, today in fact, we started at JCEI what they called "Summer Break Classes." This means, a new schedule.

When I first heard of this, I initally thought that "Summer Break Classes" meant... more free-time, less working hours, perhaps just EVEN one little half-hour break squeezed into my normal 3-9 shift. Actually, it's both better... and worse.

Now that summer break has begun, it appears that Korean kids spend MORE time taking Academy classes (meaning, classes taken above and beyond the normal mandatory school) BECAUSE they have more free time--aka no usual mandatory school. Which, in all sincerity, is baffling to me because the very word vacation gets nullified with the very act of taking more prep/academy classes during regular school break. Isn't vacation supposed to be a break?? Not to Korean kids--or to their parents, shall I say.

When I asked one of my students today, why they've piled up the academy classes during summer break---when they should be taking a rest from so much studying---he simply replied, in broken English, "because we must to do this." I gave him a blank stare, and returned to our grammar exercises.

Then I realized, Korean kids nearly live and breath school by the time they get to highschool. School supposedly starts at 6 or by 7am, and can sometimes last until 9 or 10pm--sometimes including Academy, sometimes it's just regular school hours! I've begun to have a bit more sympathy for my kids now. In fact, I almost feel guilty giving them homework.

Then I decided to focus more on speaking than writing; as the story goes, Korean teachers focus heavily on reading, writing, and comprehension. But the speaking part goes down the drain. That's where I come in.

I'll be damned if I can't get my highest English class to finally reply to me in a complete sentence when I ask them a question!!! I no longer want "Yes" or "No" for an answer!

But I've made progress, see? I gave my 2nd highest English level students an example. I say, "Now, listen. I am American, and I don't speak Korean very well, BUT I am learning. What would happen if someone asked me, in Korean, 'Do you like Korean Kimchi?' Naturally, my reply would be, "Yaeh" (with a Korean accent). Now what if they asked me, 'What do you like about Kimchi?' What if my only reply would be, 'Yaeh?'" (I continued with numerous other questions, but each with the same reply: 'Yaeh.' They laughed hysterically, but they got the point.

I'm trying to teach them to RESPOND to me, not just reply. I want a good, detailed answer, with the noun, the action verb and the object included in the response. I don't think that's much to ask---I even told my 'G' level students (the highest) that my 'J' level students (middle level) give me better answers than they do! I think that perked them up. Plus, it helps that I gesture to them, speaking loudly and using strange facial expressions--they must think I'm some baboon! BUT, again, I get my point across...

What a summer vacation this will be!

This is how it all began...

Today I'll post my update email that I sent out to all my family and friends.. so for those of you who haven't recieved it---read on!

Dear friends and family,


First of all, I apologize for this general email. I prefer personal emails---but it sure saves alot of time in writing more than a hundred or so! Now, with that said, I wanted to take a minute and email you all with an update on my life here in Daegu, South Korea. To some of you, it will be a shock finally hearing of me! So, I'm sorry in advance---I know there are many of you of whom I have not spoken to you in quite sometime! This is why I'm sending you this email :)

Now to the interesting part, the pre-Korea part on how I ended up here in the first place, to take, essentially, the road not taken.
I found myself, just about a month ago, a little unhappy. Unhappy work-wise, that is.

This feeling goes back to when I first moved from Alexandria, Louisiana (where my folks live, and where I found a job working as Assistant Manager of a bookstore after graduating LSU in May of 2004). To paraphrase, I decided that in December of 2004, I would move back up to Washington because, simply, I hadn't been home in nearly 4 years. I couldn't believe it had been nearly 4 years since I came back from Switzerland in July of 2001, then turned around to leave once again in October 2001, for beautiful Baton Rouge, LA to finish up my university education. So, after all this traveling, it was about time that I went up to see my family and friends again.

Unfortunately, when I moved back up to Washington, I felt the job market didn't respond well to my search in finding a full-time job; or, perhaps I didn't respond well to the aimless sales jobs available, and nothing that fit my educational interest and desire. Perhaps I saw the world through 'rose colored glasses,' expecting that finding a full-time job after graduating college would be easy. Meanwhile, I found employment working at my childhood church (ELC off of Perry, in E. Bremerton), and as well, the Kitsap Family YMCA, where I used to go workout as a youngster (Go YMCA!!) I also found myself working occasionally as a part-time paraeducator for the Bremerton school district; but that was very infrequent.

While I worked as secretary for my church, and as welcome staff/cycling instructor at the YMCA, I was too busy scrambling between nearly 3 part-time jobs, and I felt I never had the time to sit down, relax, and really enjoy life with my family and friends. Not, of course, to the extent that I had hope for when I moved back up to Washington. So, as I began searching around for other employment opportunities, I came across a childhood buddy of mine who had just came back from teaching a year in Korea.

And with all due interest, I started looking around on the internet for programs, employment opportunities, and general information relating to teaching English in Asia. Then it happened. I contacted one particular agency (example, but written by my coordinator, Kate), and they found a company looking for an American to teach in their English academy. They liked my credentials, and a franchise school called JungChul English Institute (sorry, website is in Korean!) offered me a job. I left bright and early on June 28th. And from that day forward, I knew my life would indeed follow, hence, the road not taken; which I coined from the similarly titled Robert Frost's poem, The Road Not Taken, (Mountain Interval, 1920) as a feeling of following one's own path, hence, their own road, and the road they are destined to walk upon. It's simply following our own road on the path of the road not taken.
~~~

So that's the pre-Korea story in a nutshell! Now here I am, teaching in this beautiful, muggy city of Daegu, and I've really enjoyed my stay here so far. I actually live on the outside of the city, in a little sub-region called Bukgu, and it's quite interesting, to say the least!

My apartment is but a 5 minute walk from the school. In just 3 short weeks, I've tasted many, many Korean dishes (some, like Kimchi, very hot and spicey!), others---like chicken hearts, and 'tiny squid on a stick'---where many foreigners are hesitant to try. Everyday, I learn new Korean words; and while French was my major in college, and I love languages, I've got to admit that learning Korean (the Korean characters particularly, called Hangul) brings me more than just a challenge, but often serves as a language barrier between the locals and I. I still have a hard time getting around as I am but a baby in reading Korean. Thank goodness people are so friendly when you show them that you're trying to learn their language!

Towards the people that I work with---I find that I love my job more and more each day. My boss, Susan, is really a hard worker; and similarly, the other ladies that I work with have helped through this entire process of acclimating myself to the Korean culture. As far as the children I teach--- I find these Korean kids utterly amazing, and they are so very bright and resiliant in learning English. I am no less than surprised everyday. Even on the days when I'm tired and work on endorphins to get through my class schedule---these kids make me smile, and they teach me, just a little each day, of what being a Korean is all about.
~~~

I hope you enjoyed this little update, just as much as I have had fun writing it! I certainly look forward to hearing from each one of you--please write me when you get the chance! And if there is anyone else you think might want to hear from me that I have accidentally missed, please pass this email on to them. In the meantime, check out --> my website <--, as I update nearly everyday---'blogging' my new experiences, and uploading pictures of my school, the kids, and the neighbourhood Korean life that often strikes my interest to go and take walks about. Enjoy!

~ 16 hours ahead, still on the road not taken---until next time!

Thanks for reading,

Chelsea

Residence: (censored)

WEBSITE: The Korean Experience (just click, as you'll be taken to the website)

* There's a link on the right column labeled My Korean Photo Experience where you can see my digital photos of Korea!

* And you can usually find me on MSN messenger, using seminormale@hotmail.com :) or using this reply-to email address, (censored) :)

-------------------------------------------
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."

Robert Frost: The Road Not Taken (1915)

Tuesday, Day 21 (minus 16 to PST)

Exactly 3 weeks and 16 hours ago, I was hanging out with my friends Jenn and Greg, the night before I departed to South Korea. I miss them bunches!

Today is a hot day. I took the lloooooooooooong way to work, an extra 20 minutes, just walking around, and seeing what my eyes could see. In fact, I stopped into a little clothing outlet, and before I could say anything to her, she say, "Everything too small!" and gestering her hands to the exaggerated small size. Wow, did that make me feel big or what! And all I wanted was a little vest to cover up my shoulders. Boy..

I can't wait to upload my pictures tonight. I've got plenty, and I'll take more on route to walking home after work. I was worried the cleaning people that come in early to clean the school may think to picking it up--but alas, they're are righteous people here! (Plus, I'm sure they know who the 'foreigner's desk is' and that I would have squacked if anything was missing.)

I've finally catered my website to how I like it. I like learning html, but it's a bit of a pain, and very time-consuming to tweek the little things without formal education on writing the darn computer language.

I think I'll end today's entry with a little notable:

I remember how groggy I felt when I got off that airplane and onto collecting my baggage at the Incheon airport. I couldn't believe I was near Seoul. I could believe I was in South Korea! I weather was muggy, and I bet I wasn't the only foreigner lost and sleepy after such a long flight, and only 3 or 4 hours of shut-eye.

I met a Korean expat that kept me company while we waited for our baggage, and checked into immigration with our passports. I felt reassurance knowing that I wouldn't quite be shocked by the language barrier, the foreign faces, and my first encounter with the strange writing that I would finally see in the flesh, called Hangul. I had studied at least a handful of hours on Hangul, but that didn't prepare me for being overwhelmed by understanding NOTHING!

Then came meeting Kal, my director's brother and the Vice-President of the school. He took me to eat my first bowl of seaweek--which I choked down! 5 hours of driving later, when I was told about an hour and a half; nearly 85% of that driving I was asleep...we finally arrived in Daegu.

The ladies greeted me, and I met Ellen, Angelina, Kelly and Susan for the first time, along with the school, and the very location that I would eventually call home. What an experience.

Now, today, three weeks later, I am feeling more comfortable in my skin, and these foreign surroundings are becoming less foreign by the day. I greet my school and the ladies with a smile, and I reward myself when I remember a Korean word, and it's meaning--and somehow get the pronounciation right.

Such is the nastalgia of my first days here in South Korea, and it will always remain bittersweet in my mind.

Monday, Day 20 (from day of departure, minus 16 hours for PST)

Daily observations. It's amazing what you'll find different from your own country, when you've put yourself in the position of observing another. You'll find the differences if you only take a minute and ask, "Why?" Today I did. Several times, too.

For example, let's talk about the heat and the muggy weather in Daegu.

1. There's no use in washing your hair everyday. I like to call this particular syndrome of after just having walked out of the shower, you find yourself already sweating from the heat: the after-shower sweating syndrome. Not fun. I experienced this in Baton Rouge/Alexandria, Louisiana, and now once again in beautiful Bukgu Daegu, South Korea. The most important thing to remember is to always wash. Foam up with good antibacterial, deordorant soap. Sweating is not always a nice smelling natural body function. In fact, I think the smell of sweat gets worse, the more the body has to kick up the inner-cooling system. Unfortunately, the body doesn't allow us to just 'turn off the sweating' function just for the vanity of not feeling sticky and sweaty--hence, thanks to our local drug stores, there's plenty of deordorant readily available. Vital last point, one is not to forget the deodorant in this muggy weather.

2. So, because it's so hot and humid in Daegu, I find it quite natural to want to always kick on my fan or crank up the AC. Bad idea, for a couple of reasons. Interestingly enough, I came across this idea that Koreans believe that fans can kill you in your sleep. Read more to find out why. I think it's just a myth. Ok, aside from that funny note, fan causes dust to fly around. I noticed I have more dust around my apartment than ever before. This is crazy! Plus, if I leave my fan on during the night, I find that I keep turning it off and on constantly. Either I'm too hot or I'm too hold.

In comes the AC. I use the circulation mode more than anything else--but if God didn't help us invent this neat contraption, than I'll be darned. I have a remote control that allows me to turn on my AC with a push of a button. And, not only that, but it makes a cute chirping sound to let me know whether I'm turning it on or off. Talk about neato!

3. And my washer, on that note, makes a cute ringtone when the cycle is done. I have to say though, that even after almost 3 weeks of being here in South Korea, I still don't know how to quite use my washer. I think I just need to ask Angelina next door instead of guessing. the truth is, my whites aren't just as white as they should be! No lie. But the washer is cute, anyway. See:

Then comes the idea that I take my dryer back home for granted. Point is, I don't have a dryer here. I have to hang up my clothes. Then when they're dry, I iron the wrinkle out. What a painstaking process! You know, I had to do this during the year that I lived in Switzerland--the clothes would come out damp, even from the dryer, THEN I would be required to iron them still. Back then it was easy--well, sorta. I had to iron for a family of five, which included myself. But there was space. You see in the picture, THERE AIN'T ANY ROOM TO IRON IN THE DINKY HALLWAY! So, I iron in my room, on my bed, with a little iron board I bought for $7 bucks. Yay. At least I take my clothes for less granted too.

4. Last notable observation for this evening--because I forgot my camera at work, and I can't upload my new pictures that I took from this past weekend, I'm having to dig deep and write a bit about my daily observations, which is wonderful. I finally get to put a few things in perspective. While I miss home and the 'ordinary'.. family, boyfriend, my car, the things I took for granted--I have to say that I'm really liking this country. Despite the hot weather, and the Korean characters, Hangul, which I can still barely read, and the differnt food, the sometimes unwelcoming mannerisms of these Daegu Koreans...I find myself becoming more of a Korean everyday. I like Kimchi, and I search for the spicey foods. I eat less foods like home, and I crave to try something new. The girls at work must think I'm insane because I want to acclimate myself to this culture---but then again, that's normal for me. That's why I'm here.

People are starting to respond to my eagerness and desire to learn Korean. I've walked on the playground, next to the school where I live, along with the neigbourhood Koreans who go out after work to exercise and play with their kids---simply because I want to fit in and be like them too. I've made a retard of myself, ordering a plate of food at a take-away joint, trying to learn the Korean name of what I'm ordering, meanwhile risking the fact that I look silly. And the more I smile and gesture hello to passer-by's, the more smiles and hello in both Korean and English, that I get in return. It's like a little progress everyday. And what's more enjoyable, is witnessing these awesome kids that I teach, learn a new word---and in return, they teach me a new Korean word or two. It's really fun stuff, and I cannot believe I came across this place nearly 3 weeks ago.

My body still hasn't gotten used to this weather, nor the time, either. It's already past 2am, and while I want to continue writing, I only have a half-hour left on my laptop battery before it runs out of juice. Yessirree, I left my US plug to Korean outlet converter at work with my camera. And I thought I was going to bed early too! (well, I ended up going grocery shopping tonight, and cleaning my gruesome bathroom from top to bottom. The smell was overpowering--yay, for Tilex!)

Cheers to a good night :)

Back to the grind.

Weekend Recovery
What an interesting weekend.

I definitely filled my need to check out the downtown--at least for awhile. And I think I've met more foreigner English teachers from Canada, Australia and New Zealand than I ever have before in my life! But I have to admit that I won't be frequenting the Daegu party scene for awhile. The mixture of soju (Korean whisky), beer, hard alcohol and this milky korean liqueur--combined with the extra cash flow required to stay up all night...means this weekend won't be quite repeated but once a month, if that.

Angelina tells me that Koreans are known for staying up all night, when serious partying is due. Well, that's only part. Canadians know how to party too! Karyoke, finger food one bar after another, and night clubs that never stop. But alas, my Sunday was spent in recovery, aka sleep. Monday I'll get up at a decent hour to prepare my classes for the week, chat with Juan, and finally get my Korean Experience newsletter out to friends and family. They've been wondering, and I've been needing to put my experience thus far in order. Looking at South Korea from afar is one thing. Living it, certainly in my position, is another.

It's amazing how just 2 short nights of going out can cause one HUGE weekend of recovery, and one body in serious need of getting back to the grind.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

A few notables..
1. From what I've noticed so far, 'cool' Korean dress is over the top. By this, I mean, the club scene wear. It's a mixture between New York runway gone bad, hip-hop J.Lo style, mixed with a little sex and the city meets salvation army. Example: cut-off jeans made into shorts, with a white wife-beater t-shirt and high heels, baret hat and an oversized belt supporting the already baggy pants-made-into-jeans. Ouch. I feel sorry for this girl.

2. Koreans smoke way too much. Oh, and Canadians do to--even if they call themselves social smokers! I come home from a night out and I smell like a rotten garbage bin, something similar to what you would have found if South Korea still had garbage bins in the designated garbage pick up sites, along the street. Now all you see is smelly trash. Which reminds me..

3. Haven't Koreans heard of GARBAGE CANS??? Angelina tells me that the President decided to take back the use of large garbage cans/bins, and implementing the use of special plastic bags (in 10, 20, 30, 40 liter increments)required by law to use instead of garbage cans/bins (Meaning, you leave it on the side of the road, in a designated location. Talk about harvesting stray cats!?) Which, obviously, does not work. People are naturally consuming more. Taking away the garbage bins won't cause them to think, "Oh, well if there are no large garbage bins to use, then I guess we'll have to consume less." The result: more trash AND (pardon my frankness) more stray cats and dogs being sold to restaurants for food.

4. On the topic of gross, I now know why Koreans have feet problems. By feet problems, I mean, I've seen cases of exposed feet blessed with odor, athlete's foot, cracking problems and yellow, fungal-laden toe nails--all in the vicinity of my food market. That's gross! But, if normal Korean apartment dweller bathrooms are like mine---where you wear bathroom slippers while you take a shower right in the present of your sink and toilet--you're bound for foot problems. This is probably due to the bacteria that grows on the bathroom floor, and hence, your bathroom slippers. And the bathroom doesn't smell too hot either; I've already had to clean my bathroom from top to bottom like 5 times in the 2.5 weeks I've been here in S. Korea!

5. Koreans are way too hooked to their gadgety cell-phones. Angelina uses her cell phone in the course of a working day no less than 7 times, I've counted. That goes for Ellen, too.. and it's utterly amazing! I walk on the streets, people are on their cell phones. I'm in the super maket buying food, and I see more cell phone users. Heck, even in the freaking bathroom, women on babbling on their cell phones. I thought the US was bad, or better, Switzerland when I was there; it appeared that every man, woman and child had a cell phone or two. I think Koreans are worse--but, don't take my word for it. I've only been here for 2 weeks. And, last, I would say this applies to the gadgety-clad Koreans who, a) can afford to keep a cell phone because the plans are cheap (once you get over the initial 300-500,000 Won required to buy the phone), b)the young kids whose parents buy them a cell phone to 'stay in touch', and c)the majority of the younger population--so elementary school (aged 10 or so) through the very young Baby boomer adult (about 40 to 45). I still think it's ridiculous that kids aged 10 are having cell phones. Perhaps I'll think differently when I have my own kids.

But such as it is, this Korean life in Daegu is no less than interesting. I'm learning something new everyday, and it's quite surprising---so back to the grind I go, Monday morning. Look out kids!

It's funky me!

Going back downtown...

Hey ya! Last night was completely awesome! I met a few Canadians named James and Jeff with Angelina and her cousin Moon. Oh, and the funny, big Korean guy, name "Samsung" or something. What a crazy night!

I'll fill in the details later---but in a nutshell, the night started off with Angelina, Moon and I eating Japanese style food. I ate chicken heart for the first time--It was SO good!

After walking the streets in downtown Daegu, Angelina, Moon and I decided to check out some clubs. Gypsy Rock was the first place. Then after mindless dancing and pool playing, we went over to The Crew for a few drinks. That's where we met James (the RedHead.. aka Eric the Leaf!) and Jeff (picture taking, dark haired, 'one-shot' guy), and their Korean friend--supposedly they found him sleeping on the side of the street, "Samsung" or something. He was the real kicker!

More soju, then to another place for drinks, Kimchi and muscles with another Korean "milky drink". The nightclub "Bubbles" was already closed as it was 6am.. man, what a night! Then to a Karyoke bar---funny singing later, we went over to James' house to play JENGA!

Angelina and I didn't get home until 10:30am!!

We were all very tired and bushed--and I slept until 7pm. So tonight, I'll head back to downtown Daegu, on my own, and hopefully meet up with James and Jeff again... this time, I won't stay up so late! Angelina is off to meet her sister in "Poh-hah".. and I'll call her up to get directions down to the "Shee-nae", where we all started last night.

Wish me luck! Night ya'all! ;)

Hittin' the streets...

Tonight is the night. Angelina invited me to go to "Shee-nae" (downtown) Daegu after work. I'm thrilled. I've been wanting to hit the streets for at least a week. Now I'll be able to.

I have to admit that it was silly being scared and alone here. There's way to many foreigners here, and PLENTY of English teachers to say the least. Afterall, you don'e have to take my word for it!

A few more words to ad to my vocabulary today:
1) "Choo-get chu-sae-o".. give me the eraser, please.
2) "Oot-ah"is laughing, and "Oot-a-gi-ma" is no laughing.
3) "Ha-poom" is yawning, and "Ha-poom-a-gi-ma" is no yawning.

Wow. More words to add to my vocabulary. I think I'm up to 12 now! (words/phrases, combined).

So--wish me luck for tonight. This'll be a fun ride....... ;)

Check out my photos!

New photo site addition. Also located on "Korean Photo Experience" in links.

Tell me what you think!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/96194415@N00/

First post: Finally settled on the road not taken...

Welcome to my blog! yay! I'm a bit excited now. I've finally got the blog!

So here's the scoop. I'm cross-blogging with http://theroadnottaken.journalspace.com , which I've decided to make more of a poetry, streaming-thought blog site for my adventure here in Korea.

That's right. I'm exactly 2 weeks and 2 days fresh as an ESL teacher in Daegu, South Korea. It's exciting, and nerve-racking too. There's still so much to see.. and I'm feeling a bit too lonely. But that homesickness usually gets curtailed by the first month. I think (fingers crossed).

Aside from the different food, I'm feeling a bit more acclimated to my surroundings. I have a great boss, Susan, and a great couple of co-workers--Angelina (who lives right across the street from me, and whose Canadian Fiancé lived in the apartment that I am currently living in), Ellen (the official princess) and last, the refined, yet veteraned Kelly (the oldest of the group, whose married with a baby)... so pictures of them will be uploaded soon.

I almost don't know where to begin. I guess this is just the first entry. TaDa!

It's amazing how late my evenings have become. It's now past 4am and I SWORE to myself that I would go to bed early. Fat chance! At least I made some head-way on my writing. It looks like I'll have to back-date a few entries to get everyone current on my experience thus far!

Comme toujours...I miss everyone. More updates during the waking hour.

~Cdp

Backdating: My First Entry

{Back dating: This is my very first post, which I blogged using journalspace and have since decided to use Blogger. 071605}

"It's amazing. Here I am, sitting in the middle of this crazy, so-different civilization and I feel enclosed. As if my apartment provides a special 'safe' barrier for my scared self. And I don't know why the hell I should be scared. I've wondered this Asian soil for more than 2 weeks, and yet, everytime I gather my teaching materials, put on my hat, grab my keys, and embark outside---I always feel a bit unsure of where my day will take me.

I hear a stern call from way out yonder, saying "Wake up sista! Get your ass out of bed and meet people! Maybe you need to find other English teachers like you?" I put my foot in my mouth. Pfft!

Alas, first entry. Where to begin? I've seen so little by foot, but I've encountered so much in just 2 weeks and counting. And in this little bit of time (arriving June 29th) I can proudly say... (gasping)

(1) I've not only tasted KIMCHI, but I liked it too, and I want more!
(2) I've taught for 2 full weeks to a bunch of awesome, fun and quirky Korean kids...and well, I can't understand them. But, oh well! It's all fun and games!
(3) I've gotten a pretty comfortable feel of my surroundings (about a 3 mile radius, until I figure out the buses!) Which means, I know where to buy food, where the post office is, where a pay phone is to call home, and where--thank God--I need to put out my trash so the Korean garbage guys (or gals?) will pick it up and take it to God knows where. Garbage heaven I assume.
Oh, I almost forgot...
AND..(5) I've witnessed the strangely odd Korean porn channel (Pause. Blank stare--it's really lame, actually. And it looks like it hurts...I don't recommend it!)

And I would say, you're not fully "Koreanized" until you've experienced ALL of these either.

So, South Korea. This place has a different ring to it now. I've traveled to many places--France, Switzerland and Belgium being my most favorite--and I've always felt comfortable in new environments. That's the fun part. Sure, it helps to speak the language--but isn't that why I took this adventure in the first place? Sometimes I see myself as a cameleon, able to acclimate myself to practically any surroundings. Until now, that is.

This Asian culture has struck me. It's different food, different people, and a different language, all wrapped up in one ball of wax. It's nerve-racking actually. I speak 5 languages (ok, 2 fluently, tid-bits of others..), and yet, I feel like a failure knowing I can speak but a half-dozen Korean words. That's all. Perhaps I'm being tooo hard on myself?

And to think an old junior high buddy of mine just came back from South Korea after a year teaching, and supposedly didn't even learn a lick of Korean. How in the world did he even get by???

Maybe I just need to shut the hell up and get out of my apartment and wander.

Ahh, yes..perfect timing. I need to get dressed and head off to work. What a way to end today's first entry! Hmm.. now, what shall I wear? Black slacks, pink tank top, sunglasses. Damn, it's hot.

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I---.. and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." I love this quote. Thanks Frost.

That's just one little part of me...taking simply, the road not taken."