28 September 2010
Red bean. It's what's for dinner.
On my way home today, I decided I didn't want to cook. But I also didn't want to spend the money to eat out. So I bought some corn and these red bean filled fish things off the street. Here in Korea, they use sweetened red bean like its chocolate. It took me a while to get used to it, but it's definitely starting to grow on me. While this wasn't the best meal I've had in Korea, a full stomach for under $4 isn't bad. Especially when I didn't have to cook!
27 September 2010
Is This Just a Learning Curve?
Will I eventually hit the ball out of the park? Or will I always strike out from the curve ball?
Teaching is hard. I never thought it could be this hard. Young kids show their love. Older kids are motivated and more mature. But the in-the-middle kids? They are hard to read! Sometimes they seem so bored in my class, yet afterwards they are so friendly to me. Others participate, but never say hi to me outside of class. I just don't know what to make of this new life. Constantly having to come up with new games and activities, always speaking in front of 40 kids, having the class schedule change last minute- from a high level class to the lowest level. Being told I need to prepare 20 lessons (on top of everything else) to give to the head English teacher for my semester long afternoon class...that starts in 2 weeks. All the while, I never know if I'm doing the right thing or not. Meanwhile, accounting principles (for the most part) stay the same. When accounting standards change, you get the memo, and go with it. Numbers don't lie. They all make sense...most of the time. Mmmm...
On a better note, I am taking an online Korean class, and enjoying it so far! I definitely need some practice with pronunciation, but maybe, if I ever feel energetic enough outside of work, I can work on it more.
I have a 3 day GEPIK teacher orientation this week, and really hope it will put my mind more at ease.
Off to read more of Lone Survivor...I highly recommend it to everybody.
Is there a job that lets me read for a living?
Teaching is hard. I never thought it could be this hard. Young kids show their love. Older kids are motivated and more mature. But the in-the-middle kids? They are hard to read! Sometimes they seem so bored in my class, yet afterwards they are so friendly to me. Others participate, but never say hi to me outside of class. I just don't know what to make of this new life. Constantly having to come up with new games and activities, always speaking in front of 40 kids, having the class schedule change last minute- from a high level class to the lowest level. Being told I need to prepare 20 lessons (on top of everything else) to give to the head English teacher for my semester long afternoon class...that starts in 2 weeks. All the while, I never know if I'm doing the right thing or not. Meanwhile, accounting principles (for the most part) stay the same. When accounting standards change, you get the memo, and go with it. Numbers don't lie. They all make sense...most of the time. Mmmm...
On a better note, I am taking an online Korean class, and enjoying it so far! I definitely need some practice with pronunciation, but maybe, if I ever feel energetic enough outside of work, I can work on it more.
I have a 3 day GEPIK teacher orientation this week, and really hope it will put my mind more at ease.
Off to read more of Lone Survivor...I highly recommend it to everybody.
Is there a job that lets me read for a living?
25 September 2010
Namsan Seoul Tower
This past week, I caught up with my two friends I hadn't seen since Thailand, and spent more time with my new fabulous friends. We visited a few different areas of Seoul, but the chart topper was definitely the Seoul tower.
The view was amazing even at the bottom of the tower.
We took a taxi up most of the way since we were pressed for time, but many people walk all the way up the hill. Once we got to the top, there were many things to see and do while waiting for our ticket number to be called. Outside under some trees are strings of prayer ribbons. They were all written in Korean, but still very cool to look at.
Now, I've noticed how romantic and coupled up these Koreans are. But I still wasn't prepared for this level of love here on the tower. Think the Eiffel tower is romantic? You ain't seen nothing until you've been to the Seoul tower. It's Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve, and Christmas all combined...and its like that every single day.
People write little love messages or dates on their locks, and lock them to these trees or the fence. The outside area of the tower was just covered with these.
And in case the thousands of locks weren't enough, the walls inside the tower are covered with tiles couples buy and put their pictures and messages on them.
We wanted to see the view from the top at sunset, but the wait was too long. We still had an amazing view of it from the bottom.
After it was dark, we went inside. There is ALWAYS something to look at in Korea. There were stores, a teddy bear museum, some arcade games, and a Twosome Cafe. Yes, there are even cafes just for "twosomes". They also had Turkish ice cream!
Turkish ice cream is chewy, but yummy!
Finally, we rode the elveator to the observatory.
Unfortunately, they didn't have Dallas anywhere. They had cities from all over the world on the windows, and even the South Pole.
I can't wait to visit here again in the fall with Laurie!
The view was amazing even at the bottom of the tower.
We took a taxi up most of the way since we were pressed for time, but many people walk all the way up the hill. Once we got to the top, there were many things to see and do while waiting for our ticket number to be called. Outside under some trees are strings of prayer ribbons. They were all written in Korean, but still very cool to look at.
Now, I've noticed how romantic and coupled up these Koreans are. But I still wasn't prepared for this level of love here on the tower. Think the Eiffel tower is romantic? You ain't seen nothing until you've been to the Seoul tower. It's Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve, and Christmas all combined...and its like that every single day.
People write little love messages or dates on their locks, and lock them to these trees or the fence. The outside area of the tower was just covered with these.
And in case the thousands of locks weren't enough, the walls inside the tower are covered with tiles couples buy and put their pictures and messages on them.
We wanted to see the view from the top at sunset, but the wait was too long. We still had an amazing view of it from the bottom.
After it was dark, we went inside. There is ALWAYS something to look at in Korea. There were stores, a teddy bear museum, some arcade games, and a Twosome Cafe. Yes, there are even cafes just for "twosomes". They also had Turkish ice cream!
Turkish ice cream is chewy, but yummy!
Finally, we rode the elveator to the observatory.
Unfortunately, they didn't have Dallas anywhere. They had cities from all over the world on the windows, and even the South Pole.
I can't wait to visit here again in the fall with Laurie!
I Need Your Help.
The year is 2005. I'm wearing size 8 jeans. I have a six pack. I look good in tank tops, shorts, and swim suits.
Fast forward 5 years of eating too much, not exercising enough, college stress, moving stress, boring jobs, and breakups. All of those things I mentioned before? They are now FALSE.
But, I've decided, to make them TRUES again. On January 28th of this year, I was in Publix after a long day at work. For those of you who haven't lived or been to the southeastern U.S., Publix is the greatest store...on the entire planet. So, I walk to the bakery, which is a gazillion times better than any other grocery store bakery. I go to the usual place where they have cannoli. They are out! I am suddenly irrationally angry that I won't get to eat cannoli and wine tonight. That's what I always eat when I've had a bad day. What am I going to do now? So I settle for something less...an apple pie. I know, I know, this is not a proud moment for me.
So, irritated, I walk to the check out line. In front of me is this overweight, badly dressed, sad looking guy. I feel sorry for him. Then I look down on the runner thing (what is the actual term? somebody tell me), and see it. The last of Publix's cannoli!
I have my epiphany. My "oh shit" moment.
"How the hell did I get like this?"
"I don't want to be like that!"
The next day I got up an hour earlier, walked Motzie further than normal and ran afterwards. For the next 4 months, I got up at 4:30 every morning and was physically active until 6:15. I also gave up chocolate for lent. I also stopped eating after dinner. Did I mention all the fruit, vegetables, and water? I got to where I was running 6 miles in less than an hour and doing abs and weights afterwards.
I was on my way to that 2005 body. I was half way there. Just 15 pounds were left.
Then I went to Thailand, and moved to South Korea.
I can't blame it on the countries. Both have extremely skinny and fit people, healthy food options, and more active lifestyles than in the U.S. Nevertheless, I have completely erased all of my improvements. BUT that stops now! See the picture below?
Those are the size 8 jeans I've had since my sophomore year of high school. I had my Mom send me a lot of my goal clothes, because they are the clothes I SHOULD be wearing. See the gray sweater? I bought that in Thailand on a whim. It is the perfect top: cute, professional, but comfy. And it was only $3.
So starting tomorrow, I'm going to start working out again. I'm going to stop eating sweets. I am going to do a weekly blog to recap on what I did well and not so well each week. Maybe if I know I will have to log everything publicly each week, I will act more responsible. I would like to at least be able to pretend that I can buy clothes here. By Christmas, my goal is to post another blog with the jeans and the gray sweater. Only with a body in them. My body...just in case you aren't paying attention.
So, I need your weekly support! And I welcome you to share your stories if you are also trying to improve your life. Need some pep talks? I can be a real bitch about losing weight if you need that hard slap in the face. I can also give nice and sympathetic ones, but I can't guarantee anything. Especially since I won't be eating chocolate anymore.
Alright now that I'm done rambling about non Korean things, I promise to also start blogging more about...what was it?...oh yeah, Korea.
Fast forward 5 years of eating too much, not exercising enough, college stress, moving stress, boring jobs, and breakups. All of those things I mentioned before? They are now FALSE.
But, I've decided, to make them TRUES again. On January 28th of this year, I was in Publix after a long day at work. For those of you who haven't lived or been to the southeastern U.S., Publix is the greatest store...on the entire planet. So, I walk to the bakery, which is a gazillion times better than any other grocery store bakery. I go to the usual place where they have cannoli. They are out! I am suddenly irrationally angry that I won't get to eat cannoli and wine tonight. That's what I always eat when I've had a bad day. What am I going to do now? So I settle for something less...an apple pie. I know, I know, this is not a proud moment for me.
So, irritated, I walk to the check out line. In front of me is this overweight, badly dressed, sad looking guy. I feel sorry for him. Then I look down on the runner thing (what is the actual term? somebody tell me), and see it. The last of Publix's cannoli!
I have my epiphany. My "oh shit" moment.
"How the hell did I get like this?"
"I don't want to be like that!"
The next day I got up an hour earlier, walked Motzie further than normal and ran afterwards. For the next 4 months, I got up at 4:30 every morning and was physically active until 6:15. I also gave up chocolate for lent. I also stopped eating after dinner. Did I mention all the fruit, vegetables, and water? I got to where I was running 6 miles in less than an hour and doing abs and weights afterwards.
I was on my way to that 2005 body. I was half way there. Just 15 pounds were left.
Then I went to Thailand, and moved to South Korea.
I can't blame it on the countries. Both have extremely skinny and fit people, healthy food options, and more active lifestyles than in the U.S. Nevertheless, I have completely erased all of my improvements. BUT that stops now! See the picture below?
Those are the size 8 jeans I've had since my sophomore year of high school. I had my Mom send me a lot of my goal clothes, because they are the clothes I SHOULD be wearing. See the gray sweater? I bought that in Thailand on a whim. It is the perfect top: cute, professional, but comfy. And it was only $3.
So starting tomorrow, I'm going to start working out again. I'm going to stop eating sweets. I am going to do a weekly blog to recap on what I did well and not so well each week. Maybe if I know I will have to log everything publicly each week, I will act more responsible. I would like to at least be able to pretend that I can buy clothes here. By Christmas, my goal is to post another blog with the jeans and the gray sweater. Only with a body in them. My body...just in case you aren't paying attention.
So, I need your weekly support! And I welcome you to share your stories if you are also trying to improve your life. Need some pep talks? I can be a real bitch about losing weight if you need that hard slap in the face. I can also give nice and sympathetic ones, but I can't guarantee anything. Especially since I won't be eating chocolate anymore.
Alright now that I'm done rambling about non Korean things, I promise to also start blogging more about...what was it?...oh yeah, Korea.
19 September 2010
Silent Hospitality
This week is Korea's Chuseok holiday. Its our Thanksgiving equivalent. Everybody travels to the oldest son's home. So, since I'm not married, I would still go to my Pawpaw's house. If I were married, I would then have to go to my husband's side of the family. If I married an oldest son, after his dad passes away, Chuseok would always be at our house. Kids get out of school for the entire week, and Wednesday is the actual Chuseok day. But, since everybody goes back to their roots, Tuesday and Thursday are busy travel days.
Anyway, the point is, I still have to work this Monday and Friday. I could have used two of my vacation days, but I didn't want to since I'm not going anywhere. So, today it is just the vice principal, two other teachers, an assistant, and me. The vice principal is the only one who can speak any English, albeit very little of it.
But that doesn't stop these Koreans from being the nicest people I've ever met. We speak through smiles and respectful nods. A couple of hours after I've been here, the vice principal brings me a small bowl of traditional rice balls. They are deliciously simple. Then it gets closer to lunch. I'm wondering, will I need to go get something from down the street? Are they going to order in like last time? How will this work since they can't really ask me what I want? I see the two teachers leave together at 12:15, and presume I'll be on my own for lunch.
But 12:30 rolls around, and the teachers come back with kimbap and some delicious hot soup for everybody! We all sit at the table, and the vice principal puts some pieces in a bowl for me so I won't have to reach across the long table. Once I finish what is in my bowl, one of the teachers immediately asks me (through gestures) if I want more. After we finish and clean up, the VP then asks if I want coffee, and procedes to get enough coffee cups and coffee mixers for everybody.
I wrote and posted the above 2 hours ago. Since then, more has come! A student brought in some sliced Korean pears (3 gazillion times better than American pears), some chocolate chip muffins, and this delicious plum/pecan pie from Paris Baguette. I also learned that the Korean word for pear (I can't type in hangul on this computer, but its pronounced pae) is the same word for ship.
I wasn't looking forward to working this Friday.
I am now.
Few words have been spoken to me today, yet I feel as if I'm being spoiled at my grandparent's house. And that, my friends, is silent hospitality.
Happy Chuseok!
Anyway, the point is, I still have to work this Monday and Friday. I could have used two of my vacation days, but I didn't want to since I'm not going anywhere. So, today it is just the vice principal, two other teachers, an assistant, and me. The vice principal is the only one who can speak any English, albeit very little of it.
But that doesn't stop these Koreans from being the nicest people I've ever met. We speak through smiles and respectful nods. A couple of hours after I've been here, the vice principal brings me a small bowl of traditional rice balls. They are deliciously simple. Then it gets closer to lunch. I'm wondering, will I need to go get something from down the street? Are they going to order in like last time? How will this work since they can't really ask me what I want? I see the two teachers leave together at 12:15, and presume I'll be on my own for lunch.
But 12:30 rolls around, and the teachers come back with kimbap and some delicious hot soup for everybody! We all sit at the table, and the vice principal puts some pieces in a bowl for me so I won't have to reach across the long table. Once I finish what is in my bowl, one of the teachers immediately asks me (through gestures) if I want more. After we finish and clean up, the VP then asks if I want coffee, and procedes to get enough coffee cups and coffee mixers for everybody.
I wrote and posted the above 2 hours ago. Since then, more has come! A student brought in some sliced Korean pears (3 gazillion times better than American pears), some chocolate chip muffins, and this delicious plum/pecan pie from Paris Baguette. I also learned that the Korean word for pear (I can't type in hangul on this computer, but its pronounced pae) is the same word for ship.
I wasn't looking forward to working this Friday.
I am now.
Few words have been spoken to me today, yet I feel as if I'm being spoiled at my grandparent's house. And that, my friends, is silent hospitality.
Happy Chuseok!
Gyeongbokgung Palace
This past Saturday, two classes went to Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. I tagged along.
Hesang and me
Some of the students
Cute little girl, hard at work on her field trip
Palace pond
Changing of the guards...they all had visibly fake beards!
So there it is, my first palace in Seoul. It's not really a "palace"; rather, its a compound. There are tons of buildings and gates that all look similar. A lot of the palace was destroyed in the early 1900s, but it was still very peaceful and a great place to peoplewatch.
Hesang and me
Some of the students
Cute little girl, hard at work on her field trip
Palace pond
Changing of the guards...they all had visibly fake beards!
So there it is, my first palace in Seoul. It's not really a "palace"; rather, its a compound. There are tons of buildings and gates that all look similar. A lot of the palace was destroyed in the early 1900s, but it was still very peaceful and a great place to peoplewatch.
18 September 2010
Korea
I'll write a blog about my trip to Gyeongbokgung Palace soon, but for now, I need to get some random happenings down on screen paper before I forget.
After lunch and Starbucks in Insa-dong with Hesang and Lilith, I went to the Kyobo book store. While peacefully browsing in the history section, this guy starts talking to me. At first I thought, oh he's very friendly. 30 minutes later...I'm ready to scream and run away.
Robert is a Seoul University English teacher from New York. He's 37 but looks 28. He happens to be obsessed with Texas. He refused to believe that I didn't know Jailbreak was filmed in Dallas, or that I didn't watch X Files and Walker Texas Ranger growing up. Seriously, he asked me MINIMUM 3 times if I had ever seen Jailbreak, X Files, and WTR. He also went into detail about how Dallas was a good area for prisoners to escape because of the small towns and different racial groups. Why was he telling me this? Why was he telling me about the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers, and football? I'm the one who said "I'm from Texas". Why was he going on and on about these things? Why did he ask me 5 different times if Friday Night Lights is a true depiction of Texas culture? Were my first 3 answers not sufficient?
Did I mention he has never been to Texas? Did I mention he told me he used to wear a cowboy hat during college (in Long Island, NY) because he liked Garth, George, and Clint. This is a SUMMARY of the 1st book store encounter.
2nd book store encounter: I am now in the classics, holding a book, when an old man walks up to me and asks "Is that easy for you?" pointing to the book I'm holding. I had no idea how to answer the question, but I said yes. Immediately he pulls out his English homework. This guy has to be at least 60. He then proceeds to have me check every single one of his answers. I can't just walk away...this is a sweet old man. But geez I was about to scream at this point!
On the subway ride home, a vendor lady is in my car. She is selling a massager for your arms or neck. Two old ladies buy one after testing it out on their arms. Then she walks by me and I see her cart. There's something written in Korean, and below that is the word "orgasm".
One more before I fall asleep...Friday night there was a free salsa lesson nearby. On Facebook it had about 25 white people attending, and I went with two other teachers I met the previous weekend. We get there, and there are only 2 other white people. The rest are Koreans, and they are all dressed to the 9s. We, being grungy westerners, are wearing casual skirts and flip flops. The lesson is in Korean. Toward the end of the lesson we have to rotate partners, so I have to dance with 3 different Korean guys (not young and not cute). Whatever, that's fine. Then the instructor starts bringing out girls to dance with him as he's leading the class. After two different girls, he points to me. I nod my head..no, no,no...he points and motions me to come, then grabs my arm and pulls me into the middle.
I just want to take this time to say sorry to all of the girls at the lesson watching my steps!
After lunch and Starbucks in Insa-dong with Hesang and Lilith, I went to the Kyobo book store. While peacefully browsing in the history section, this guy starts talking to me. At first I thought, oh he's very friendly. 30 minutes later...I'm ready to scream and run away.
Robert is a Seoul University English teacher from New York. He's 37 but looks 28. He happens to be obsessed with Texas. He refused to believe that I didn't know Jailbreak was filmed in Dallas, or that I didn't watch X Files and Walker Texas Ranger growing up. Seriously, he asked me MINIMUM 3 times if I had ever seen Jailbreak, X Files, and WTR. He also went into detail about how Dallas was a good area for prisoners to escape because of the small towns and different racial groups. Why was he telling me this? Why was he telling me about the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers, and football? I'm the one who said "I'm from Texas". Why was he going on and on about these things? Why did he ask me 5 different times if Friday Night Lights is a true depiction of Texas culture? Were my first 3 answers not sufficient?
Did I mention he has never been to Texas? Did I mention he told me he used to wear a cowboy hat during college (in Long Island, NY) because he liked Garth, George, and Clint. This is a SUMMARY of the 1st book store encounter.
2nd book store encounter: I am now in the classics, holding a book, when an old man walks up to me and asks "Is that easy for you?" pointing to the book I'm holding. I had no idea how to answer the question, but I said yes. Immediately he pulls out his English homework. This guy has to be at least 60. He then proceeds to have me check every single one of his answers. I can't just walk away...this is a sweet old man. But geez I was about to scream at this point!
On the subway ride home, a vendor lady is in my car. She is selling a massager for your arms or neck. Two old ladies buy one after testing it out on their arms. Then she walks by me and I see her cart. There's something written in Korean, and below that is the word "orgasm".
One more before I fall asleep...Friday night there was a free salsa lesson nearby. On Facebook it had about 25 white people attending, and I went with two other teachers I met the previous weekend. We get there, and there are only 2 other white people. The rest are Koreans, and they are all dressed to the 9s. We, being grungy westerners, are wearing casual skirts and flip flops. The lesson is in Korean. Toward the end of the lesson we have to rotate partners, so I have to dance with 3 different Korean guys (not young and not cute). Whatever, that's fine. Then the instructor starts bringing out girls to dance with him as he's leading the class. After two different girls, he points to me. I nod my head..no, no,no...he points and motions me to come, then grabs my arm and pulls me into the middle.
I just want to take this time to say sorry to all of the girls at the lesson watching my steps!
13 September 2010
Seoul Subway Speaking Session
I read before coming here that Koreans were friendly. I read they ask questions that we might find intrusive or taboo. I read they would talk to me so they could practice English.
But I had no idea that were actually right. Until Saturday that is.
On the long subway ride from the mall to the welcoming party, I sat down between an older adult male and a younger female student. The man started talking to me first.
"Where are you from?" .... "Texas"
"Why are you in Korea?" .... "I'm teaching English"
"How long have you in Korea?" .... "Two weeks"
"How old are you?" ...."24"...(no typo- they go by the lunar calendar, so I'm 24)
"How much you pay?" .... "Uhh, you mean how much is my salary?"
"Yes, yes!" ...."Ummm...2.1 million won." (I don't mind answering the American taboo question at all. It just feels weird as the secret words are coming out of my mouth.)
"What is your religion?" ....UGH these theological people are annoyingly Southern... "I don't have a religion."
I won't go into further detail, but many more religion questions and tip toeing answers followed ...
He then gives me his business card, and asks for mine. I also read that Koreans were obsessed with business cards. He was a little disappointed when I said I don't have any. But then we arrived at his stop...
The girl gave me no breather. Before he was off the subway, she was already talking to me.
"Excuse me, you engish teacher?".... (very smiley) "Yes, I am!"
"Oh, I want to go to school for flighhhdde addentantey." ...."You want to be a flight attendant?"
"Yes! I have interview for school soon."...."Are you already in university?"
"No, high school."....after I get over my shock from this professionally dressed mature looking girl, I say "Oh well that's great!"
"Can you practice me English?" ....We exchange phone numbers and agree if I can we'll have to meet in between our subway stops as they are pretty far from each other.
No complaints here. Peace out girl scout.
But I had no idea that were actually right. Until Saturday that is.
On the long subway ride from the mall to the welcoming party, I sat down between an older adult male and a younger female student. The man started talking to me first.
"Where are you from?" .... "Texas"
"Why are you in Korea?" .... "I'm teaching English"
"How long have you in Korea?" .... "Two weeks"
"How old are you?" ...."24"...(no typo- they go by the lunar calendar, so I'm 24)
"How much you pay?" .... "Uhh, you mean how much is my salary?"
"Yes, yes!" ...."Ummm...2.1 million won." (I don't mind answering the American taboo question at all. It just feels weird as the secret words are coming out of my mouth.)
"What is your religion?" ....UGH these theological people are annoyingly Southern... "I don't have a religion."
I won't go into further detail, but many more religion questions and tip toeing answers followed ...
He then gives me his business card, and asks for mine. I also read that Koreans were obsessed with business cards. He was a little disappointed when I said I don't have any. But then we arrived at his stop...
The girl gave me no breather. Before he was off the subway, she was already talking to me.
"Excuse me, you engish teacher?".... (very smiley) "Yes, I am!"
"Oh, I want to go to school for flighhhdde addentantey." ...."You want to be a flight attendant?"
"Yes! I have interview for school soon."...."Are you already in university?"
"No, high school."....after I get over my shock from this professionally dressed mature looking girl, I say "Oh well that's great!"
"Can you practice me English?" ....We exchange phone numbers and agree if I can we'll have to meet in between our subway stops as they are pretty far from each other.
No complaints here. Peace out girl scout.
12 September 2010
My Weekend
Oh what a wonderful weekend.
I went to Seoul for the first time. I went to the COEX mall with Hesang and Eunji for window shopping and lunch. For the first time in, oh I don't know, FOREVER, I had American food! Outback Steakhouse to be exact. Although we did still eat Korean style, the bread tasted exactly the same and the seafood pasta and coconut shrimp were divine.
Then I went to the Sinchon area for the teacher welcoming party hosted by Korvia. I'm so glad I went, because I met a lot of cool people...especially some girls who are just as awesome as I am. The one bad thing about Seoul is the subway closes early. So we left a little after 11pm, but when we got to our transfer station, the subway closed! Luckily we weren't that far from Seongnam, so we all took a cab and it was pretty cheap.
But the main thing I want to talk about is tonight's dinner. One of the english teachers at my school invited me to her apartment for a typical Korean family dinner. It was SOOO good! She and her husband picked me up and drove me to Yuldong park first. I keep asking her about the parks here, so she finally wanted to shut me up by taking me to one. :) We walked around for a little bit, saw the book theme park (lame), then drove to her apartment. She told me her apartment is average for Korean families. They have a view of the mountains. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, the kitchen was small but very nice. No oven, but I think under the stove was a small toaster oven. Her two sons are 13 and 11, and they were just adorable. The TV was not on, and we ate at the table...you know, how Americans did in the 50s? I was so bummed I forgot my camera, because I would have taken a picture of dinner. But I'll do my best to describe it.
She fixed bibimbap since she knew it was my favorite dish. This is simply rice with different veggies, and meat, eggs, or tofu (or all 3!). The rice and veggies were already prepared, so her husband fried some eggs, while she cooked bulgogi. Bulgogi is marinated meat and mushrooms, but I've never tasted anything like it. Yes I know its meat, but the flavor was amazing. Her husband also made kimchi pancakes and he could flip them in the air! I felt like a little kid again watching him. Ok, I could keep going on in detail but you have things to do, & I'm tired so I'll just list everything we had.
Bibimbap:
rice
green pumpkin
bean sprouts
carrots
spicy chinese cabbage
hot pepper paste
sesame seed oil
egg
Bulgogi
Kimchi soup with tofu
Kimchi pancakes (I couldn't get enough of these...freaking amazing)
Kimchi- chinese cabbage and red pepper powder
Kimchi- some type of leafy green or maybe green onions?
Kimchi- sesame seed leaf and red pepper
More of the dead minnows...I gladly did not try them.
Actually, I don't think anybody did.
PS- There's about 100 types of kimchi. And they have an entire refrigerator (same size as a small deep freezer) for only kimchi (the normal cabbage kind). Koreans eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Yes, BREAKFAST, LUNCH, and DINNER. Everyday. I can see why too. I love it!
Her Mother-in-law makes her family a lot every year. She spends about 3 days just making kimchi, and then it ferments as it sits in the fridge. Like wine, it gets better with time.
Since I didn't take pictures, here are some I found online. They don't do Songsook's dinner justice of course, but you get the picture (figuratively and literally).
Bibimbap
Kimchi pancake!!! Her youngest son and I were constantly eating from this plate.
Kimchi
Kimchi
After we ate this huge dinner, we sat in the living room and watched her favorite Korean TV show. As a skeptic of reality TV, it was actually pretty good. For dessert, we had fruit and some traditional Korean "cookies". They eat their dessert on a low table on the living room floor. We had...
Korean melon
As well as apples and a Korean pear. A Korean pear is nothing like our pears. Its the size of a grapefruit, brown, and tastes more like an apple than a pear.
Traditional cookies...they are very sticky and not sweet.
That's all folks!
I went to Seoul for the first time. I went to the COEX mall with Hesang and Eunji for window shopping and lunch. For the first time in, oh I don't know, FOREVER, I had American food! Outback Steakhouse to be exact. Although we did still eat Korean style, the bread tasted exactly the same and the seafood pasta and coconut shrimp were divine.
Then I went to the Sinchon area for the teacher welcoming party hosted by Korvia. I'm so glad I went, because I met a lot of cool people...especially some girls who are just as awesome as I am. The one bad thing about Seoul is the subway closes early. So we left a little after 11pm, but when we got to our transfer station, the subway closed! Luckily we weren't that far from Seongnam, so we all took a cab and it was pretty cheap.
But the main thing I want to talk about is tonight's dinner. One of the english teachers at my school invited me to her apartment for a typical Korean family dinner. It was SOOO good! She and her husband picked me up and drove me to Yuldong park first. I keep asking her about the parks here, so she finally wanted to shut me up by taking me to one. :) We walked around for a little bit, saw the book theme park (lame), then drove to her apartment. She told me her apartment is average for Korean families. They have a view of the mountains. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, the kitchen was small but very nice. No oven, but I think under the stove was a small toaster oven. Her two sons are 13 and 11, and they were just adorable. The TV was not on, and we ate at the table...you know, how Americans did in the 50s? I was so bummed I forgot my camera, because I would have taken a picture of dinner. But I'll do my best to describe it.
She fixed bibimbap since she knew it was my favorite dish. This is simply rice with different veggies, and meat, eggs, or tofu (or all 3!). The rice and veggies were already prepared, so her husband fried some eggs, while she cooked bulgogi. Bulgogi is marinated meat and mushrooms, but I've never tasted anything like it. Yes I know its meat, but the flavor was amazing. Her husband also made kimchi pancakes and he could flip them in the air! I felt like a little kid again watching him. Ok, I could keep going on in detail but you have things to do, & I'm tired so I'll just list everything we had.
Bibimbap:
rice
green pumpkin
bean sprouts
carrots
spicy chinese cabbage
hot pepper paste
sesame seed oil
egg
Bulgogi
Kimchi soup with tofu
Kimchi pancakes (I couldn't get enough of these...freaking amazing)
Kimchi- chinese cabbage and red pepper powder
Kimchi- some type of leafy green or maybe green onions?
Kimchi- sesame seed leaf and red pepper
More of the dead minnows...I gladly did not try them.
Actually, I don't think anybody did.
PS- There's about 100 types of kimchi. And they have an entire refrigerator (same size as a small deep freezer) for only kimchi (the normal cabbage kind). Koreans eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Yes, BREAKFAST, LUNCH, and DINNER. Everyday. I can see why too. I love it!
Her Mother-in-law makes her family a lot every year. She spends about 3 days just making kimchi, and then it ferments as it sits in the fridge. Like wine, it gets better with time.
Since I didn't take pictures, here are some I found online. They don't do Songsook's dinner justice of course, but you get the picture (figuratively and literally).
Bibimbap
Kimchi pancake!!! Her youngest son and I were constantly eating from this plate.
Kimchi
Kimchi
After we ate this huge dinner, we sat in the living room and watched her favorite Korean TV show. As a skeptic of reality TV, it was actually pretty good. For dessert, we had fruit and some traditional Korean "cookies". They eat their dessert on a low table on the living room floor. We had...
Korean melon
As well as apples and a Korean pear. A Korean pear is nothing like our pears. Its the size of a grapefruit, brown, and tastes more like an apple than a pear.
Traditional cookies...they are very sticky and not sweet.
That's all folks!
10 September 2010
Rice Cake
All of the teachers got a rice cake today. I think it was because we had an English Theme Contest, and the parents were thanking us. But I'm not 100% certain about that...it was so busy today I never got a chance to ask. Anyway, rice cakes like the one below are traditional in Korea. People give them when something very happy or sad has happened. Sorry I forgot to take a picture until after I had already started eating it. I was hungry!
It tastes like couscous and angel food cake combined. I know that doesn't sound good (or look good), but it actually grew on me. This one had raisins and nuts mixed in.
Back to the English Theme Contest, I was one of the judges for the story telling part. These kids wrote a little over a page, memorized it, and delivered it to us. They were so cute! When we were done, the Pop Song Contest was still going on, so we rushed down there. These kids (girls AND boys) belt these pop songs out like they are in the shower. And they are doing it in front of all their peers! There's nothing like a middle school boy singing a love song in key to end the day.
It tastes like couscous and angel food cake combined. I know that doesn't sound good (or look good), but it actually grew on me. This one had raisins and nuts mixed in.
Back to the English Theme Contest, I was one of the judges for the story telling part. These kids wrote a little over a page, memorized it, and delivered it to us. They were so cute! When we were done, the Pop Song Contest was still going on, so we rushed down there. These kids (girls AND boys) belt these pop songs out like they are in the shower. And they are doing it in front of all their peers! There's nothing like a middle school boy singing a love song in key to end the day.
09 September 2010
Because I Feel Like It
After school today, I walked home. Then I ran down the Tancheon River...while it was raining. Then I did a load of laundry. Then I made dinner. I just ate dinner and am now watching Friends. Meanwhile there's an activity book, my planner, and a list of things I need to prepare for next week. But I don't wanna! So I'm randomly blogging.
I got the sweetest Facebook message from a good friend today. It really made my day! I love my friends. They are better than yours. :)
Lunch was excellent again (whew!). And I'm getting miraculously better at chop sticks.
I had to give up my passport again today while I wait for my Alien Registration Card. AND it turned out that I had the wrong visa, so I had to pay 50,000 won for them to add a 1 next to the M. Is a 1 really that vital?
I'm so boy crazy right now. But there are no cute boys in sight...that I can have more than a 2 sentence conversation with...or one with a name I can pronounce without him laughing at me. I could really use a hot Texan right about now. Or a hot Korean who can speak English. Really just a hot male. mmmmm that looks like hot tamale.
I want tamales.
I had three really good classes today, and my first bad one. I shouldn't say bad...the ones who don't want to learn English. It was brutal. And boring. I hate text books. One of my students told me her aunt lives in...wait for it...Dallas! She is now my favorite student.
I was on TV today. Ok, it was on the Imae Middle School local station. Although I think its only played on the 1st 3 floors. Still, I felt like Katie Couric.
I am now booked for Saturday. First, I'm having lunch and shopping with two of my awesome co teachers. Then at night I'm going to Seoul for the GEPIK welcoming party. Luckily, a Korean teacher from the Facebook event group is going to meet me at a nearby subway station and we are taking a bus to get there. It should be a lot quicker, and maybe I can get over my fear of city buses. Maybe?
On Sunday I am going to Songsook's apartment for dinner. I'm pretty excited about getting to see how a real Korean family lives. Her sons speak English fairly well too, so maybe I can get some "cool teacher" tips from them.
OK, after this Friends episode I WILL start working on stuff. Unless this lavender tea works.
I got the sweetest Facebook message from a good friend today. It really made my day! I love my friends. They are better than yours. :)
Lunch was excellent again (whew!). And I'm getting miraculously better at chop sticks.
I had to give up my passport again today while I wait for my Alien Registration Card. AND it turned out that I had the wrong visa, so I had to pay 50,000 won for them to add a 1 next to the M. Is a 1 really that vital?
I'm so boy crazy right now. But there are no cute boys in sight...that I can have more than a 2 sentence conversation with...or one with a name I can pronounce without him laughing at me. I could really use a hot Texan right about now. Or a hot Korean who can speak English. Really just a hot male. mmmmm that looks like hot tamale.
I want tamales.
I had three really good classes today, and my first bad one. I shouldn't say bad...the ones who don't want to learn English. It was brutal. And boring. I hate text books. One of my students told me her aunt lives in...wait for it...Dallas! She is now my favorite student.
I was on TV today. Ok, it was on the Imae Middle School local station. Although I think its only played on the 1st 3 floors. Still, I felt like Katie Couric.
I am now booked for Saturday. First, I'm having lunch and shopping with two of my awesome co teachers. Then at night I'm going to Seoul for the GEPIK welcoming party. Luckily, a Korean teacher from the Facebook event group is going to meet me at a nearby subway station and we are taking a bus to get there. It should be a lot quicker, and maybe I can get over my fear of city buses. Maybe?
On Sunday I am going to Songsook's apartment for dinner. I'm pretty excited about getting to see how a real Korean family lives. Her sons speak English fairly well too, so maybe I can get some "cool teacher" tips from them.
OK, after this Friends episode I WILL start working on stuff. Unless this lavender tea works.
07 September 2010
What the hell did I just eat?
Until now, I have been amazed at how good Korean food is. Like I said, until now.
It started out as a normal lunch. I walk down to the 1st floor, into the teachers' lunch room, and start to fill my tray. First I see this weird dish. It was the dried salty shrimp like in Thailand, but it went a step further. Dried dead minnows. Not the meat of dead minnows. Full out dead dried minnows. They had eyes. And there were some nuts mixed in, but really, who is paying attention to nuts when there's salty dried shrimp and minnow eyes.
So anyway, I skip that bowl and fill up with everything else. The typical Korean lunch is kimchi, rice, soup, and two other side dishes. Normally its different veggies. Today it was the dried seafood medley and some eggs. Everything else was delicious as usual...yes, the kimchi IS delicious!
It started first with the "tomato hot sauce". I saw what looked like a hot sauce bottle, and decided not to put any on my eggs. Silly me. It's not for eggs. It's for the rice. Oh, and its not hot sauce. It's ketchup. Yes, ketchup on rice. I'm not one of those weird Americans who eat ketchup with mashed potatoes or corn or macaroni and cheese. But when a teacher pours it on my rice for me, I guess I automatically become one of the weirdos I always made fun of.
But, I can handle the rice with ketchup.
Then the principal noticed I decided not to partake in the minnow faces and shrimp skins. She asked "Do you not like it?" "You should try it." Every thing I've read about Korean culture always mentions that elders are highly respected, and you should try everything and eat everything on your plate. So I got up with trepidation and walked over to the bowl of morose fish. I took a tiny spoonful, and sat back down. This is the moment when I actually noticed the minnows still had eyes. While I was sitting near the principal knowing I had to eat this. Somehow, I took bites. Chewing very fast. Lusting after my banana next to my tray.
I'm beginning to learn why the previous teacher did not eat seafood. I'm feeling a sudden diet change coming on for the time being. Excuse me now while I throw up.
It started out as a normal lunch. I walk down to the 1st floor, into the teachers' lunch room, and start to fill my tray. First I see this weird dish. It was the dried salty shrimp like in Thailand, but it went a step further. Dried dead minnows. Not the meat of dead minnows. Full out dead dried minnows. They had eyes. And there were some nuts mixed in, but really, who is paying attention to nuts when there's salty dried shrimp and minnow eyes.
So anyway, I skip that bowl and fill up with everything else. The typical Korean lunch is kimchi, rice, soup, and two other side dishes. Normally its different veggies. Today it was the dried seafood medley and some eggs. Everything else was delicious as usual...yes, the kimchi IS delicious!
It started first with the "tomato hot sauce". I saw what looked like a hot sauce bottle, and decided not to put any on my eggs. Silly me. It's not for eggs. It's for the rice. Oh, and its not hot sauce. It's ketchup. Yes, ketchup on rice. I'm not one of those weird Americans who eat ketchup with mashed potatoes or corn or macaroni and cheese. But when a teacher pours it on my rice for me, I guess I automatically become one of the weirdos I always made fun of.
But, I can handle the rice with ketchup.
Then the principal noticed I decided not to partake in the minnow faces and shrimp skins. She asked "Do you not like it?" "You should try it." Every thing I've read about Korean culture always mentions that elders are highly respected, and you should try everything and eat everything on your plate. So I got up with trepidation and walked over to the bowl of morose fish. I took a tiny spoonful, and sat back down. This is the moment when I actually noticed the minnows still had eyes. While I was sitting near the principal knowing I had to eat this. Somehow, I took bites. Chewing very fast. Lusting after my banana next to my tray.
I'm beginning to learn why the previous teacher did not eat seafood. I'm feeling a sudden diet change coming on for the time being. Excuse me now while I throw up.
06 September 2010
Christmas Came Early!
Oh, How I love my parents...
After 6 weeks of living out of a backpack, this felt like Christmas! All my clothes, and I have an actual closet to put them in too. And I especially enjoyed the other vital things, like the Texas Magazine, an American flag, a Texas yo-yo, and most of all, the Lake Kiowa Communique.
As you can see, the Texas/Oklahoma battle still remains...even in Korea.
Thank you Mom and Dad!!!!!!
After 6 weeks of living out of a backpack, this felt like Christmas! All my clothes, and I have an actual closet to put them in too. And I especially enjoyed the other vital things, like the Texas Magazine, an American flag, a Texas yo-yo, and most of all, the Lake Kiowa Communique.
As you can see, the Texas/Oklahoma battle still remains...even in Korea.
Thank you Mom and Dad!!!!!!
04 September 2010
Seongnam
Sorry its taken me all week to get some pictures up. I've been a little busy with a new apartment, new job, new profession actually, and a new city. But, after a leisurely Sunday two hour walk, I finally have some pictures to show you!
Hiking trail...literally IN the city
And just in case hiking isn't enough, there's exercise machines along the trails.
What a view.
See previous comment.
This is the Tancheon River which runs into Seoul's Han River. I run along the trails here and can walk to school this way.
Imae Middle School
Tancheon River
My street...if my camera was better, you could see the small Starbucks sign :)
One of the many small streams that run into Tancheon. I also run on these trails.
Seongnam is a gorgeous and clean city. I couldn't ask for anything better. I have stores, movie theaters, starbucks, and subway to Seoul at my front door, and parks, mountains, and rivers with trails at my back door. Now if I can just figure this teaching thing out...
Stay tuned!
Hiking trail...literally IN the city
And just in case hiking isn't enough, there's exercise machines along the trails.
What a view.
See previous comment.
This is the Tancheon River which runs into Seoul's Han River. I run along the trails here and can walk to school this way.
Imae Middle School
Tancheon River
My street...if my camera was better, you could see the small Starbucks sign :)
One of the many small streams that run into Tancheon. I also run on these trails.
Seongnam is a gorgeous and clean city. I couldn't ask for anything better. I have stores, movie theaters, starbucks, and subway to Seoul at my front door, and parks, mountains, and rivers with trails at my back door. Now if I can just figure this teaching thing out...
Stay tuned!
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