Question: What do you miss most about Texas?
The vastness, the long country roads, the sports culture, guacamole, salsa, cheap red wine, the familiarity, the smell of hay and cows, cowboy boots, muscles, everybody knowing English, seeing the flag everywhere, Lake Kiowa, being able to eat oatmeal, wheat germ, hummus, and spinach everyday, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, hearing y'all, Barnes and Noble, as Good as Gold Toffee, fireplaces, yards, barbed wire fences, my car, Mom's deliciously unsweet spaghetti*, Mom's strong coffee, Mom's dump cake, Mom's peanut butter cookies, Mom's lucky cats, Mom and Dad's back porch, Dad's grilled vegetables, and jalapenos.
It goes without saying, of course, that my family, dogs, and friends are at the top of the list. :)
Question:What do you wish you had in Texas that you have in Korea?
Subways and buses everywhere, unlimited healthy side dishes with every meal, kimchi, kimchi pancakes, tofu soup, crazy fast internet, K-pop, cute Korean guys, the ability to walk around with just white noise because I don't understand what everyone around me is saying, mountains and rivers everywhere, cheap cute socks, scarves, earrings, and rings, Konglish!**, Laurie, Keara, Alex, Jodi, Misty, Rosalyn-to name a few, a free furnished apartment, extremely affordable health care, the ability to not ever be affected by advertisements, cheap popcorn and coke zero at the movie theaters, street food, fall colors, a real winter with snow, having a pizza place, rice porridge restaurant, and kimbap restaurant on the first floor of my apartment building, noraebangs, and my walk to work.
*Korea's tomato sauce is SUPER sweet...like you can feel the granules of sugar in the sauce. Gross.
**Konglish-the use of English words in a Korean context aka hilarious phrases that make no sense, but somehow, make sense. You will most likely see some examples on my clothes when I return. Buying sweat shirts with funny Konglish phrases is my new hobby.
30 November 2010
Answers Part Dul
Question 1: Have you been dating, and, if so, who's the lucky lad?
No. I'm beginning to think I'll never date again. Or even meet a single cute smart funny interesting guy who isn't condescending and arrogant. I've met single guys. and cute guys. and funny and interesting guys. and arrogant and condescending guys. But none who fit all of those qualities (minus the last two of course).
I'm not bitter at all though. Clearly.
Next question!
Question 2: What's the nightlife like?
Before I answer this, it should go on the record that I'm not really a "nightlife" person. I'm more of a "lets go get coffee and read/chat person". I did go to a few bars and clubs in Daegu for Halloween, and it was pretty similar to the ones back home. I even got to play fooseball! But the epitome of Korean nightlife is in Seoul (in Hongdae), and its apparently a real happening place. It's close to a lot of the major universities, so there's tons of dance clubs and bars. Also, the subways close around 11:30! You would think this would make people leave earlier. But, it actually just means everybody stays out until the following morning. Clubs and bars don't have a specific closing time. They can stay open as long as they want. Also, the noraebangs (karaoke) and DVDbangs are open 24 hours a day.
One night, my friends and I went to Sinchon (right next to Hongdae) and stayed at a bar until around 1am. Since we couldn't get home cheaply, we went to a DVDbang until 5am when the subways open.
They have tons of movies to choose from. You pick one, they put it in for you, and it shows up on a big projector screen in your room. Although they tend to be popular for couples (if you know what I mean), ours was very clean.
Korea is also famous for their public baths or saunas. These are open 24 hours a day, and usually cost about 6,000 won to get in ($6). I haven't been yet, but there's hot tubs, pools, and nap rooms. The thing is...you take a shower first, and then you're naked! I get stared at so much with my clothes ON. I don't want to think about the stares I would get if they could see ALL of my white skin.
As much as Korea has a variety of fun things to do at night....my friends and I went out in Suwon last weekend (city of 3 million people and 14 universities). Every single place was D.E.A.D. I asked a girl I know who has lived in Korea for 2 years why, and she said "Everybody works hard during the summer to get a boyfriend/girlfriend, so they just stay in together during the winter when its cold." Come to think of it, this paragraph should probably be moved to question 1.
Question 3: Do you live near a U.S. military base? Do you ever run into any U.S. soldiers?
A) Not really. There's an air force base maybe 30 minutes away, but I never go that far south on the subway.
B) I met one guy (his fiance is an english teacher) in the army, and he is a really cool, nice, down to earth guy. But he's from Texas, so that's a no brainer.
However, unfortunately, the other soldies I've come across have been complete jerks. I realize they didn't choose to live in Seoul, but they were embarrassingly rude to other Koreans and extremely close minded about other cultures.
I KNOW I KNOW I KNOW that's not how most of the soldiers are, but I've only come across a very small group, and they were all like that. Which is probably why they were all hanging out together. But really-I know a girl who used to be stationed here, and she is nothing but nice and polite, so please don't get the wrong idea!
No. I'm beginning to think I'll never date again. Or even meet a single cute smart funny interesting guy who isn't condescending and arrogant. I've met single guys. and cute guys. and funny and interesting guys. and arrogant and condescending guys. But none who fit all of those qualities (minus the last two of course).
I'm not bitter at all though. Clearly.
Next question!
Question 2: What's the nightlife like?
Before I answer this, it should go on the record that I'm not really a "nightlife" person. I'm more of a "lets go get coffee and read/chat person". I did go to a few bars and clubs in Daegu for Halloween, and it was pretty similar to the ones back home. I even got to play fooseball! But the epitome of Korean nightlife is in Seoul (in Hongdae), and its apparently a real happening place. It's close to a lot of the major universities, so there's tons of dance clubs and bars. Also, the subways close around 11:30! You would think this would make people leave earlier. But, it actually just means everybody stays out until the following morning. Clubs and bars don't have a specific closing time. They can stay open as long as they want. Also, the noraebangs (karaoke) and DVDbangs are open 24 hours a day.
One night, my friends and I went to Sinchon (right next to Hongdae) and stayed at a bar until around 1am. Since we couldn't get home cheaply, we went to a DVDbang until 5am when the subways open.
They have tons of movies to choose from. You pick one, they put it in for you, and it shows up on a big projector screen in your room. Although they tend to be popular for couples (if you know what I mean), ours was very clean.
Korea is also famous for their public baths or saunas. These are open 24 hours a day, and usually cost about 6,000 won to get in ($6). I haven't been yet, but there's hot tubs, pools, and nap rooms. The thing is...you take a shower first, and then you're naked! I get stared at so much with my clothes ON. I don't want to think about the stares I would get if they could see ALL of my white skin.
As much as Korea has a variety of fun things to do at night....my friends and I went out in Suwon last weekend (city of 3 million people and 14 universities). Every single place was D.E.A.D. I asked a girl I know who has lived in Korea for 2 years why, and she said "Everybody works hard during the summer to get a boyfriend/girlfriend, so they just stay in together during the winter when its cold." Come to think of it, this paragraph should probably be moved to question 1.
Question 3: Do you live near a U.S. military base? Do you ever run into any U.S. soldiers?
A) Not really. There's an air force base maybe 30 minutes away, but I never go that far south on the subway.
B) I met one guy (his fiance is an english teacher) in the army, and he is a really cool, nice, down to earth guy. But he's from Texas, so that's a no brainer.
However, unfortunately, the other soldies I've come across have been complete jerks. I realize they didn't choose to live in Seoul, but they were embarrassingly rude to other Koreans and extremely close minded about other cultures.
I KNOW I KNOW I KNOW that's not how most of the soldiers are, but I've only come across a very small group, and they were all like that. Which is probably why they were all hanging out together. But really-I know a girl who used to be stationed here, and she is nothing but nice and polite, so please don't get the wrong idea!
29 November 2010
Answers Part Hana
Question: How on earth did you ever find out about teaching in Korea?
I knew I wanted to teach english overseas. It, for me, was the easiest way to live abroad and still make money. After going to www.nomadicmatt.com and doing some research, South Korea seemed like the best spot...aka, they are on the upper end of the pay scale. I stumbled upon a TESOL course in Thailand that also guaranteed a job in South Korea, and bam...exactly 4 months after deciding to do this, I arrived in SoKo!
However, it wasn't as easy as it sounds. The application process was long, uncertain, and stressful. If it weren't for my mom, I would not be here right now. She ran errands for me to get the correct documents I needed, shipped some for me, and more importantly, helped me keep my sanity. I had to get background checks from every state I've lived in. And get them apostilled (had no clue what that meant, but I sure do now).It was rough doing it in Florida and having to keep it a secret from my boss. I volunteered to work so many Saturdays just so I could actually use the copier and fast internet. I also had 2 phone interviews. One of which, I forgot the time change was also a day before, so it was unexpected. Luckily, I was at home and not sitting in a movie or something.
Then, once I got to Thailand, my recruiter informed me that I no longer had the position in the central province of Korea. So for almost two weeks, I was searching for jobs in Thailand instead. I did NOT want to work in Thailand, but I really had no choice. One day, I received an email for an interview near Bangkok. Luckily, the next day my Korean recruiter informed he found me a job in Seongnam. Whew, close one!
Alright, so I answered a little more than "how did you find out", but there ya go. And the visa-getting process? Even more stressful. My "Getting There Is the Battle" post in August paints a pretty accurate picture.
Question: Are you raking in some big bucks for this teaching gig?
Yes. Well, I shouldn't say I am. My two credit cards, my bank, and the US department of education are raking in some big bucks. This accounting grad is doing some lesson learning this year! Granted, the debt was worth it...I went to Europe last summer, and lived by the beach last year. So, while my paycheck is pretty nice considering my apartment is free, more than half of it goes straight into my US account and pays all of my bills. So, not really, no.
I knew I wanted to teach english overseas. It, for me, was the easiest way to live abroad and still make money. After going to www.nomadicmatt.com and doing some research, South Korea seemed like the best spot...aka, they are on the upper end of the pay scale. I stumbled upon a TESOL course in Thailand that also guaranteed a job in South Korea, and bam...exactly 4 months after deciding to do this, I arrived in SoKo!
However, it wasn't as easy as it sounds. The application process was long, uncertain, and stressful. If it weren't for my mom, I would not be here right now. She ran errands for me to get the correct documents I needed, shipped some for me, and more importantly, helped me keep my sanity. I had to get background checks from every state I've lived in. And get them apostilled (had no clue what that meant, but I sure do now).It was rough doing it in Florida and having to keep it a secret from my boss. I volunteered to work so many Saturdays just so I could actually use the copier and fast internet. I also had 2 phone interviews. One of which, I forgot the time change was also a day before, so it was unexpected. Luckily, I was at home and not sitting in a movie or something.
Then, once I got to Thailand, my recruiter informed me that I no longer had the position in the central province of Korea. So for almost two weeks, I was searching for jobs in Thailand instead. I did NOT want to work in Thailand, but I really had no choice. One day, I received an email for an interview near Bangkok. Luckily, the next day my Korean recruiter informed he found me a job in Seongnam. Whew, close one!
Alright, so I answered a little more than "how did you find out", but there ya go. And the visa-getting process? Even more stressful. My "Getting There Is the Battle" post in August paints a pretty accurate picture.
Question: Are you raking in some big bucks for this teaching gig?
Yes. Well, I shouldn't say I am. My two credit cards, my bank, and the US department of education are raking in some big bucks. This accounting grad is doing some lesson learning this year! Granted, the debt was worth it...I went to Europe last summer, and lived by the beach last year. So, while my paycheck is pretty nice considering my apartment is free, more than half of it goes straight into my US account and pays all of my bills. So, not really, no.
Curious Readers
It has been a while since my last post. Furthermore, I don't plan on doing anything too terribly exciting until next payday. So, unless I have a random Korean experience, I've got nothing to blog about! But instead of letting my blog sleep for 3 weeks, I have an idea. I'm sure its lame, but sometimes lame is better than nothing.
Here's the plan- I will answer any questions you have. It can be about anything: Korea, weather, chapstick, why students have to say teacher in such a whiney voice, teaching, me, Korean food, beetles, the Beatles, penguins, sleeping...you get the gist. Except I have no idea why students say the Korean word for teacher in such a whiney voice. I do have an idea on how to stop it. But I need duct tape.
Anyways, I'll wait for a few days to see how many questions I get. Depending on how many questions (and how good they are), will determine how many posts I write.
Remember there are no stupid questions. However, if you can ask some, please do so as I always love free entertainment.
Anyong!
Here's the plan- I will answer any questions you have. It can be about anything: Korea, weather, chapstick, why students have to say teacher in such a whiney voice, teaching, me, Korean food, beetles, the Beatles, penguins, sleeping...you get the gist. Except I have no idea why students say the Korean word for teacher in such a whiney voice. I do have an idea on how to stop it. But I need duct tape.
Anyways, I'll wait for a few days to see how many questions I get. Depending on how many questions (and how good they are), will determine how many posts I write.
Remember there are no stupid questions. However, if you can ask some, please do so as I always love free entertainment.
Anyong!
23 November 2010
Santa Never Loses an Address!
I received my parent's care package complete with Christmas presents...
...if only it was December 23rd instead of November 23rd!
...if only it was December 23rd instead of November 23rd!
21 November 2010
Good Intentions
Last weekend, Alex, Jodi, and Laurie came to stay with me on Friday night for an early "Thanksgiving". Alex and Jodi brought pumpkin pie, and Laurie and I were in charge of getting chicken, garlic bread, and making the potatoes.
Laurie got here around 7, and we went straight to Kim's Club to buy everything. After searching (with no success) for chicken, we kept wandering down the aisles. At the check out, we realized what we had bought.
I know, I know, its not Thanksgivingey. But it all looked so good. I hadn't drank red wine or eaten real bread, olive oil, and brie in MONTHS.
As we're eating the delicious food and drinking the fabulous California wine, we just keep chatting and laughing. Alex and Jodi are almost to Seongnam.
The bread? gone!
The brie? what brie?
The wine? barely any left.
We go downstairs to meet them (and to see the pumpkin pie), and reluctantly break the news to them.
Me-"We couldn't find any already cooked chicken."
Alex-"What? So buy raw chicken. Put it in a pan, turn the heat on...cooked chicken!"
Jodi-"How did the potatoes turn out?"
Laurie-"They will taste good. I just have to make them."
Jodi-"No potatoes either?! Weren't we coming here for a Thanksgiving meal?"
...you can guess how the rest of the conversation went.
However, after a couple glasses of wine and many apologies, they forgave us. Laurie made mashed potatoes, and the fried chicken place directly below my apartment increased their revenue. But most importantly, the pumpkin pie was opened!
As if we aren't goofy enough, we took some self portraits.
Serious self portraits. Laurie, really? All that's missing is a gold gaudy frame!
And then we put my loft to good use.
Happy Thanksgiving week everybody!
Laurie got here around 7, and we went straight to Kim's Club to buy everything. After searching (with no success) for chicken, we kept wandering down the aisles. At the check out, we realized what we had bought.
I know, I know, its not Thanksgivingey. But it all looked so good. I hadn't drank red wine or eaten real bread, olive oil, and brie in MONTHS.
As we're eating the delicious food and drinking the fabulous California wine, we just keep chatting and laughing. Alex and Jodi are almost to Seongnam.
The bread? gone!
The brie? what brie?
The wine? barely any left.
We go downstairs to meet them (and to see the pumpkin pie), and reluctantly break the news to them.
Me-"We couldn't find any already cooked chicken."
Alex-"What? So buy raw chicken. Put it in a pan, turn the heat on...cooked chicken!"
Jodi-"How did the potatoes turn out?"
Laurie-"They will taste good. I just have to make them."
Jodi-"No potatoes either?! Weren't we coming here for a Thanksgiving meal?"
...you can guess how the rest of the conversation went.
However, after a couple glasses of wine and many apologies, they forgave us. Laurie made mashed potatoes, and the fried chicken place directly below my apartment increased their revenue. But most importantly, the pumpkin pie was opened!
As if we aren't goofy enough, we took some self portraits.
Serious self portraits. Laurie, really? All that's missing is a gold gaudy frame!
And then we put my loft to good use.
Happy Thanksgiving week everybody!
19 November 2010
Open Class, Close Fall
I had my open class today. Aside from the lesson taking a little longer than 45 minutes, everything was good. One of my favorite students came up to me before the class and said "Teacher, relax, you will be great." and after class he said "Teacher, did we do good?"...if only all students were as sweet as him.
Anyway, the evaluation conversation part lasted about 5 minutes followed by 20 minutes of eating cookies and jeju oranges while the other teachers chatted in Korean. It was nice. I knew I was stressed about this, but wow there's a huge difference in how I feel just from having gotten it over with!
I'm so glad its over. Now I can enjoy my weekend with my friends, and not have to worry about next week's lessons. Why? Because its Thanksgiving lesson week, chello!*
Remember this picture from last week?
That was Fall gathering its keys and phone...
So even though Fall is still at the party,
Winter is running up the sidewalk, about to knock down the front door.
*Chello- Think Jack Black in School of Rock...call Hannah if you need to hear an example.
Anyway, the evaluation conversation part lasted about 5 minutes followed by 20 minutes of eating cookies and jeju oranges while the other teachers chatted in Korean. It was nice. I knew I was stressed about this, but wow there's a huge difference in how I feel just from having gotten it over with!
I'm so glad its over. Now I can enjoy my weekend with my friends, and not have to worry about next week's lessons. Why? Because its Thanksgiving lesson week, chello!*
Remember this picture from last week?
That was Fall gathering its keys and phone...
So even though Fall is still at the party,
Winter is running up the sidewalk, about to knock down the front door.
*Chello- Think Jack Black in School of Rock...call Hannah if you need to hear an example.
17 November 2010
Miscommunication? Try No Communication.
This should have tipped me off.
But my coordinator told me I had to come to school today. And at dinner last night with three of my co teachers, they all seemed confused when I told them I still had to go to work and said they were sorry.
This also should have tipped me off.
You see, today is Korea's national SAT day. So instead of having the SAT on multiple Saturdays throughout the year for high school students to take, they only have one and every high school student takes it on that one day. Its an all day event. So it has kind of turned into a holiday for everybody else, even middle schools. I knew this, but since my coordinator said I still had to come to school, I woke up, got ready, stopped at Starbucks, and headed out a little later than usual. Since, you know, there wasn't any reason to get there as early as I normally do.
20 minutes later, with a now cold scone in my purse and my toffee nut latte at slightly less than room temp, I walk up to the school. It's locked. The halls are dark. No cars are there. But, I'm not fooled. I was told by multiple people I still had to come to work. I was looking forward to this. A full day of no interruptions so I could lesson plan and prepare the room for my open class.
But like I said, the halls were dark. The doors, locked. I rang the bell.
Security dude: confused look on his face, nods his head no
Me: confused look on my face, pointing upstairs "me, teacher, work"
Security dude: makes the ex-uh gesture with his hands (no)
Me: see above
Security dude: Hakyo (school), NO! again makes the no gesture with his hands
Me: annoyed look on my face, ok.....
I text my coordinator to let her know what happened and that I will work from home, but she's supervising the SAT all day. So, obviously, there won't be a reply.
I start walking back, and see some of my students near the sidewalk practicing Shinee's Hello dance...I'm tempted to join them, but I don't want make them feel bad with my awesome Kpop moves when its their day off from school.
Middle school girls: "Teacher, you no have to work today. Test day!"
Me: "Well I was told I had to come to work, but you're right, nobody is there. So, if anybody asks tomorrow, will you tell them that you saw me here?"
Middle school girls: "Yes, yes!"
So I walk back getting more annoyed with each step. I text my friend who teaches middle school nearby. She tells me her school told her to come in at 10am.
Is that the case? If so, my school is going to be one English teacher short today when 10am rolls around.
But my coordinator told me I had to come to school today. And at dinner last night with three of my co teachers, they all seemed confused when I told them I still had to go to work and said they were sorry.
This also should have tipped me off.
You see, today is Korea's national SAT day. So instead of having the SAT on multiple Saturdays throughout the year for high school students to take, they only have one and every high school student takes it on that one day. Its an all day event. So it has kind of turned into a holiday for everybody else, even middle schools. I knew this, but since my coordinator said I still had to come to school, I woke up, got ready, stopped at Starbucks, and headed out a little later than usual. Since, you know, there wasn't any reason to get there as early as I normally do.
20 minutes later, with a now cold scone in my purse and my toffee nut latte at slightly less than room temp, I walk up to the school. It's locked. The halls are dark. No cars are there. But, I'm not fooled. I was told by multiple people I still had to come to work. I was looking forward to this. A full day of no interruptions so I could lesson plan and prepare the room for my open class.
But like I said, the halls were dark. The doors, locked. I rang the bell.
Security dude: confused look on his face, nods his head no
Me: confused look on my face, pointing upstairs "me, teacher, work"
Security dude: makes the ex-uh gesture with his hands (no)
Me: see above
Security dude: Hakyo (school), NO! again makes the no gesture with his hands
Me: annoyed look on my face, ok.....
I text my coordinator to let her know what happened and that I will work from home, but she's supervising the SAT all day. So, obviously, there won't be a reply.
I start walking back, and see some of my students near the sidewalk practicing Shinee's Hello dance...I'm tempted to join them, but I don't want make them feel bad with my awesome Kpop moves when its their day off from school.
Middle school girls: "Teacher, you no have to work today. Test day!"
Me: "Well I was told I had to come to work, but you're right, nobody is there. So, if anybody asks tomorrow, will you tell them that you saw me here?"
Middle school girls: "Yes, yes!"
So I walk back getting more annoyed with each step. I text my friend who teaches middle school nearby. She tells me her school told her to come in at 10am.
Is that the case? If so, my school is going to be one English teacher short today when 10am rolls around.
16 November 2010
The Truth
All my life my "need" and "should" switches have been turned on. I should go away to college. I should stay with him because we've been together for so long. I should get an Accounting degree because its practical. I need to just get a job at a bank in Florida, since I already have experience. I should want to have a social life like my sister's. I need to meet someone soon, because all of my friends have. I should travel the world before I settle down. I should want to do things in the evenings while I'm here in Korea. I need to be more social during the week, like a lot of my friends here.
But I don't want to.
So instead of feeling guilty or lazy, I'm going to enjoy myself and do what actually makes me happy. Of course, I enjoy dinner and drinks with my friends...but once, or sometimes twice, a week is enough for me.
It doesn't matter what country, or even continent, I'm in. When I get off work, I like to go home. I like to read, watch TV, and go to sleep early. Do I wish I had someone to come home to? Yes, but I also don't want to spend my evenings out possibly finding him when I could be at home in my PJs.
If I can't spend my evenings with Jessica, Rachael, Laurie, Ashlee, Hannah, my parents, Bobby, Alex, Jodi, Keara or whoever else I absolutely love hanging out with, then I don't want to be around anybody.
I rather enjoy spending my evenings watching American TV shows and movies and eating pizza. I figure, I'm getting enough culture during the day and on weekends. What's the harm in traveling back to the U.S. on weeknights?
So while some of my friends here are eating out every night, going bowling, playing soccer, going to Seoul, and whatever else, I'm content with staying in. Hell, even on the weekends, Laurie and I usually are chilling out in one of our apartment's by 8 or 9pm.
Like I've always told my Mom, I can't wait until I'm 40. I might finally fit in with the norm.
Well, would you look at the time? It's almost 7pm! Time for some more reading The Count of Monte Cristo and watching Friends! :)
But I don't want to.
So instead of feeling guilty or lazy, I'm going to enjoy myself and do what actually makes me happy. Of course, I enjoy dinner and drinks with my friends...but once, or sometimes twice, a week is enough for me.
It doesn't matter what country, or even continent, I'm in. When I get off work, I like to go home. I like to read, watch TV, and go to sleep early. Do I wish I had someone to come home to? Yes, but I also don't want to spend my evenings out possibly finding him when I could be at home in my PJs.
If I can't spend my evenings with Jessica, Rachael, Laurie, Ashlee, Hannah, my parents, Bobby, Alex, Jodi, Keara or whoever else I absolutely love hanging out with, then I don't want to be around anybody.
I rather enjoy spending my evenings watching American TV shows and movies and eating pizza. I figure, I'm getting enough culture during the day and on weekends. What's the harm in traveling back to the U.S. on weeknights?
So while some of my friends here are eating out every night, going bowling, playing soccer, going to Seoul, and whatever else, I'm content with staying in. Hell, even on the weekends, Laurie and I usually are chilling out in one of our apartment's by 8 or 9pm.
Like I've always told my Mom, I can't wait until I'm 40. I might finally fit in with the norm.
Well, would you look at the time? It's almost 7pm! Time for some more reading The Count of Monte Cristo and watching Friends! :)
10 November 2010
11-11 = 2-14
No, I'm not saying that 0 is equal to -12.
On November 11th, Korea celebrates Pepero Day. Pepero cookies look like a 1, which is why they are celebrated on....you guessed it! 11-11. This is basically a second Valentine's Day as far as I'm concerned. The girls have been excited all week.
The girls have all been talking about making pepero sticks.
The guys haven't.
There's been gaudy displays in every store, with people always crowded around them.
And its become even more clear this week that Pepero Day is not for single population. While I will reap some benefits due to suck-up students and the fact that the family mart downstairs is selling them, I have a feeling it will still be a day where I feel like the third wheel everywhere I go.
But I'll deal with it. Because they are covered in chocolate.
The end.
On November 11th, Korea celebrates Pepero Day. Pepero cookies look like a 1, which is why they are celebrated on....you guessed it! 11-11. This is basically a second Valentine's Day as far as I'm concerned. The girls have been excited all week.
The girls have all been talking about making pepero sticks.
The guys haven't.
There's been gaudy displays in every store, with people always crowded around them.
And its become even more clear this week that Pepero Day is not for single population. While I will reap some benefits due to suck-up students and the fact that the family mart downstairs is selling them, I have a feeling it will still be a day where I feel like the third wheel everywhere I go.
But I'll deal with it. Because they are covered in chocolate.
The end.
08 November 2010
Monday
It's a Monday for sure. After a fun relaxing weekend, Mondays just tackle me. There's no penalty flag thrown either. It gets away with everything!
But I've made it through the day. Granted, I did spend my entire afternoon class playing hangman and watching two parts of A Cinderella Story instead of one.
But I was able to get back up and run towards the end zone.
This was my walk home from school...
I stopped to buy some Jeju oranges, some bread to make a PBJ, and bought a delicious cinnamon thing from a street vendor. The rest of this Monday will be spent in bed eating peanut butter and watching movies.
Take THAT Mondays!
But I've made it through the day. Granted, I did spend my entire afternoon class playing hangman and watching two parts of A Cinderella Story instead of one.
But I was able to get back up and run towards the end zone.
This was my walk home from school...
I stopped to buy some Jeju oranges, some bread to make a PBJ, and bought a delicious cinnamon thing from a street vendor. The rest of this Monday will be spent in bed eating peanut butter and watching movies.
Take THAT Mondays!
04 November 2010
Friends, Makgeolli, & Johnny Depp
Last weekend was Halloween. Back home, I never really celebrated it. But, having said that, I must say I had tons of Halloween themed fun in Daegu!
But the fun didn't start in Daegu. Oh, no. It began in good ole Seongnam-si. I left school at 5pm, and rushed to get everything I needed for the 6pm bus ride.
Clothes? Check.
Book for the bus? Check.
Kimbap, oranges, and other goodies for dinner? Check.
Makgeolli? Definitely check.
Shoes? Check.
Money? Check.
Laurie?
Laurie?
Mmmmm...it was 5:55 (our bus was leaving at 6), and Laurie was nowhere close. This was not her fault by the way. She left straight from her school for Seongnam, but sometimes the buses turn on their "piss off foreigners" sensors. This was one of those days. The bus came late, and there was tons of Friday afternoon traffic. It was obvious we weren't going to make it on time. But all was ok!
Because we had Makgeolli.
In case you are wondering, or didn't read my Morning Calm post, Makgeolli is Korean rice wine, and it is the most delicious thing on earth (besides chocolate, OBVIOUSLY).
So we went to the bus terminal, and saw a 6:40 bus. However, after refunding (we think anyways) and purchasing new tickets, we realized we were leaving at 7:40. Apparently Seongnamers can't get enough of Daegu on the weekends, and everything was sold out. So, we sat down to enjoy our dinner and Makgeolli and started talking about our week.
See, Laurie and I don't see each other or talk a lot during the week since we live in different cities. So the weekends are filled with catching-up girl talk, which is one of the best things about my weekends! Anyways, we quickly finish the bottle and realize we need more. A lot more. We then make the genius decision to drink during the whole bus ride so we can show Alex and Jodi what we are all about this weekend.
Now its 7:20, and Laurie leaves to find Makgeolli. A homeplus is on the 3rd floor (like a Wal Mart) so she sprints through the store, miraculously finding the Makgeolli, and buys 3 big bottles. By the time she comes back, its almost 7:40! Yes, we almost missed the bus for the 2nd time.
We sit down in the last row, get settled, and crack open the next bottle.
Then my stupid quotes started to tumble out of my mouth.
Me, motioning my hands in the same direction as the bus is moving: "Wait, are we going this way?"
In my defense, we were going west and we were supposed to be going southeast. Still, it was pretty funny. Or maybe it wasn't and we just thought it was. Anyways...
About 10 minutes in, I got the hiccups! I hate hiccups. They suck. We each had our cups filled with Makgeolli, so I was trying to slowly drink it in hopes it would relax me.
Laurie: Is your cup empty?
Me: No, why?
Laurie: Oh, I was going to scare you if it was.
Me: Oh, ok.
A few minutes pass...I finish my cup and my hiccups are gone...
Me: Ok, my cup is empty now. Scare me.
Laurie just looks at me before cracking up. I don't speak for the next 30 minutes due to shame.
After a much needed bathroom break 2 hours in, we spot some rides. Photo op!
Laurie just hopped on top like a normal person.
I got all the way in, like it was actually about to fly off into the night.
As we were getting close to Daegu, we started passing tire shops. For some reason, Korea wraps their tires in with bright gold and silver aluminum foil looking stuff.
Laurie: Oh, I see those everywhere in Suwon. What's up with those?
Me: You've seen those in Suwon? I haven't seen them on any of the cars in Seongnam.
Laurie gives me the same stare after the scare me comment before dying laughing.
We somehow got there early, so we walked across the street to the Lotteria (which is a generic McDonald's...you can just imagine how delicious that is). We had drank the 3 bottles on the bus, plus the one in the terminal, so what did we need? Another bottle to go with our fancy Lotteria meal, duh. I pop over to the FamilyMart while Laurie orders an order of cheese sticks and sweet potato balls.
This is what comes to our table.
We're on our 5th bottle of Makgeolli, and we just got two whole cheese sticks for an order. This apparently is the funniest thing on earth, because we can't stop laughing. I still have no idea why Alex and Jodi picked us up and actually brought us back to their apartments. They are just that good of friends.
The following day after we woke up, we went downtown for lunch and shopping.
Downtown during the day...it gets busy at night.
The first arrow says: krispy kreme doughnut, bacon, zisomething, cheese
This hoodie says "Do you have any girlfriends?" and "The girl dances very well these days because of the ballet lessons."
I have no idea what to write here.
Saturday night, we went to a murder mystery play that Alex was in.
Regardless of what they said, I still think Alex did it.
Afterwards, we took Daegu by storm. Lots of fun bars and dance clubs. One bar even had...
...so you know this was a good place!
There were also some cute Halloween costumes...
Who knew a Korean could look so much like Johnny Depp?
In conclusion: We had a blast! Thanks to Alex and Jodi for the great weekend. :)
ps-We did manage to find a bar that had a "traditional" Korean dance performance. I'll show the video soon. It deserves its own post!
But the fun didn't start in Daegu. Oh, no. It began in good ole Seongnam-si. I left school at 5pm, and rushed to get everything I needed for the 6pm bus ride.
Clothes? Check.
Book for the bus? Check.
Kimbap, oranges, and other goodies for dinner? Check.
Makgeolli? Definitely check.
Shoes? Check.
Money? Check.
Laurie?
Laurie?
Mmmmm...it was 5:55 (our bus was leaving at 6), and Laurie was nowhere close. This was not her fault by the way. She left straight from her school for Seongnam, but sometimes the buses turn on their "piss off foreigners" sensors. This was one of those days. The bus came late, and there was tons of Friday afternoon traffic. It was obvious we weren't going to make it on time. But all was ok!
Because we had Makgeolli.
In case you are wondering, or didn't read my Morning Calm post, Makgeolli is Korean rice wine, and it is the most delicious thing on earth (besides chocolate, OBVIOUSLY).
So we went to the bus terminal, and saw a 6:40 bus. However, after refunding (we think anyways) and purchasing new tickets, we realized we were leaving at 7:40. Apparently Seongnamers can't get enough of Daegu on the weekends, and everything was sold out. So, we sat down to enjoy our dinner and Makgeolli and started talking about our week.
See, Laurie and I don't see each other or talk a lot during the week since we live in different cities. So the weekends are filled with catching-up girl talk, which is one of the best things about my weekends! Anyways, we quickly finish the bottle and realize we need more. A lot more. We then make the genius decision to drink during the whole bus ride so we can show Alex and Jodi what we are all about this weekend.
Now its 7:20, and Laurie leaves to find Makgeolli. A homeplus is on the 3rd floor (like a Wal Mart) so she sprints through the store, miraculously finding the Makgeolli, and buys 3 big bottles. By the time she comes back, its almost 7:40! Yes, we almost missed the bus for the 2nd time.
We sit down in the last row, get settled, and crack open the next bottle.
Then my stupid quotes started to tumble out of my mouth.
Me, motioning my hands in the same direction as the bus is moving: "Wait, are we going this way?"
In my defense, we were going west and we were supposed to be going southeast. Still, it was pretty funny. Or maybe it wasn't and we just thought it was. Anyways...
About 10 minutes in, I got the hiccups! I hate hiccups. They suck. We each had our cups filled with Makgeolli, so I was trying to slowly drink it in hopes it would relax me.
Laurie: Is your cup empty?
Me: No, why?
Laurie: Oh, I was going to scare you if it was.
Me: Oh, ok.
A few minutes pass...I finish my cup and my hiccups are gone...
Me: Ok, my cup is empty now. Scare me.
Laurie just looks at me before cracking up. I don't speak for the next 30 minutes due to shame.
After a much needed bathroom break 2 hours in, we spot some rides. Photo op!
Laurie just hopped on top like a normal person.
I got all the way in, like it was actually about to fly off into the night.
As we were getting close to Daegu, we started passing tire shops. For some reason, Korea wraps their tires in with bright gold and silver aluminum foil looking stuff.
Laurie: Oh, I see those everywhere in Suwon. What's up with those?
Me: You've seen those in Suwon? I haven't seen them on any of the cars in Seongnam.
Laurie gives me the same stare after the scare me comment before dying laughing.
We somehow got there early, so we walked across the street to the Lotteria (which is a generic McDonald's...you can just imagine how delicious that is). We had drank the 3 bottles on the bus, plus the one in the terminal, so what did we need? Another bottle to go with our fancy Lotteria meal, duh. I pop over to the FamilyMart while Laurie orders an order of cheese sticks and sweet potato balls.
This is what comes to our table.
We're on our 5th bottle of Makgeolli, and we just got two whole cheese sticks for an order. This apparently is the funniest thing on earth, because we can't stop laughing. I still have no idea why Alex and Jodi picked us up and actually brought us back to their apartments. They are just that good of friends.
The following day after we woke up, we went downtown for lunch and shopping.
Downtown during the day...it gets busy at night.
The first arrow says: krispy kreme doughnut, bacon, zisomething, cheese
This hoodie says "Do you have any girlfriends?" and "The girl dances very well these days because of the ballet lessons."
I have no idea what to write here.
Saturday night, we went to a murder mystery play that Alex was in.
Regardless of what they said, I still think Alex did it.
Afterwards, we took Daegu by storm. Lots of fun bars and dance clubs. One bar even had...
...so you know this was a good place!
There were also some cute Halloween costumes...
Who knew a Korean could look so much like Johnny Depp?
In conclusion: We had a blast! Thanks to Alex and Jodi for the great weekend. :)
ps-We did manage to find a bar that had a "traditional" Korean dance performance. I'll show the video soon. It deserves its own post!
03 November 2010
A Happy Day for China
Visit me! --> www.whatthefuckhasobamadonesofar.com
1993: Clinton
1994: Clinton
1995: Clinton
1996: Clinton
1997: Clinton
1998: Clinton
1999: Clinton
2000: USA budget SURPLUS = $46 billion
2001: Bush
2002: Bush
2003: Bush
2004: Bush
2005: Bush
2006: Bush
2007: Bush
2008: USA budget DEFICIT = -$438 billion
We tried it one way for 8 years...lets give them a little more than 2 years, eh?
1993: Clinton
1994: Clinton
1995: Clinton
1996: Clinton
1997: Clinton
1998: Clinton
1999: Clinton
2000: USA budget SURPLUS = $46 billion
2001: Bush
2002: Bush
2003: Bush
2004: Bush
2005: Bush
2006: Bush
2007: Bush
2008: USA budget DEFICIT = -$438 billion
We tried it one way for 8 years...lets give them a little more than 2 years, eh?
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