tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84576646220528927722024-02-19T17:06:15.200-08:00Adventures by Angela!My Life as an Expat Teaching English in KoreaLovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-46899588688291265042016-12-14T04:24:00.002-08:002016-12-14T08:11:30.076-08:00Mom, What do you want for Christmas?<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the first time since 2011, I will be going home for Christmas. Yes, I know, I'm still in Korea and my blog is practically dead, but I will try to do better!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Anyway, I posted the following on my facebook page and so many people asked to share, I thought I'd drop it here. Yes, I wrote it myself. Yes, it is my words. No, I did not copy it from anywhere else. Hear my heart this holiday season.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Mom, what do you want for Christmas?</i></b></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">"Mom, what do you want for Christmas?" Every year my boys ask and I never really tell them the truth. Inspired by a friend's post, here is what I really want for Christmas and this will be my answer from now on whenever my boys ask me, "Mom, what do you want for Christmas?"</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>What do I want for Christmas?</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I want you. I want you to call. I want you to send me notes or letters or cards. I want you to visit me. I want you to ask for my advice. I want you to tell me about your job, your girlfriend, your worries, your joys, your fears, your everything. I want to listen to you talk because your voice is the most beautiful sound on earth.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I want you. I want you to share your adult life with me. I want you to laugh with me or even at me. It makes no difference because I love to hear your laugh and see your smile. Your joy is my joy and I want to share it with you.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I want you. I want to hear about your terrible boss or rude waitress. I want to know how your doctor appointment went. I want to know you are okay and if you are not okay, I want to know that, too.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I want you. I want you to spend your money making a better life for yourself. I want you to have food in your fridge and a comfortable place to call home. I want you to have nice clothes to wear and a reliable car to take you to a job you love.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I want you. I want to know you how much I love you and cherish you. I want to sit back and watch you grow and get married and raise a family. I want you to be happy and healthy.</span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, my sons, what do I want for Christmas? Very simply, I want you because you were the best gifts I ever received and nothing could be better. I love you to the moon and back....infinity.</span></span><br />
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LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-52230630713444941692014-09-18T01:41:00.001-07:002014-09-18T01:41:18.062-07:00Four Years...<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Four YEARS!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Four years since I turned 40.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Four years since I turned my life upside-down and moved to the other side of the planet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Four years since I could walk down the street without seeing a taxi.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Four years since the first time I tasted Kimchi.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Four years since I bought my first scooter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Four years since I learned my first Korean word.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Four years since I said, "See you later!" to American life</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Four YEARS...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wow. What an amazing adventure it has been! I keep so busy these days, that I often forget to update my blog...well, I NEVER remember to update it. I post most thing on my facebook, but I figured a four year anniversary should be worth some sort of entry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What can I say? I have fallen in love with my adoptive country. The people are kind. I have learned to like more and more Korean food. I can even read Korean now, even though I may not have a clue what it means! I understand more than I can speak. There have been more ups and downs than I can even imagine. More "hello's" and even more "see ya later's". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think that is the hardest thing of an expat's life. There are always new people coming and going from your life. Some come just for a short while and make a HUGE impact, while others hang around for a bit. I have made some true, lifelong friends while living in Korea. I am certain I could go anywhere in the world and have a sofa or bed or even just a blanket for the night. It's amazing how quickly we bond and share our lives with one another. But there is always the goodbye part that is so hard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another thing is the reverse culture shock every time I visit the States. Then I come back to Korea and "this" feels like home. I have amazing friends and family in the USA, but sometimes I just feel like I don't belong there anymore. Everything is the same, yet different. My perspective on life is different. My habits are a bit strange to my American friends, yet seem "normal" to me here. It's difficult to explain to anyone who has never lived overseas. I'm not really sure how to describe it. I mean, I'm American. I have lived in America for most of my life. So, why does it feel so foreign to me? sigh...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My life in Korea is good. I have a great job at a university, a beautiful apartment, and even bought a car last year. Driving in Korea is NOTHING like driving in the States!! I'll be in big trouble if my horn ever stops working! LOL!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I started a facebook group called Suwon Newbies in September, 2011, and it has grown to over 2,500 members. This group is a place where people can go and ask questions about daily life or get advice on how to do something in Korea. Basically, it acts as a lifeline to our little community and makes one feel less alone. I'm really proud of the group and how people help each other. A while back, I was dubbed, "Mama Suwon". haha...At first I balked at the title, but then I realized it was an honor and a term of love and respect. It feels good to belong to something that is about the greater good of others and not just myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also recently started traveling as a leader/helper with a local travel company. I love going on the beach trips and meeting new people. It seems I have a knack for organizing a kitchen and cooking for vast amounts of people! Who knew??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My youngest son, Bryan, was here with me for the last three years, but is now in the States. It's strange not having him here and a bit lonely at times. It's funny how you get used to what you deem as "normal", then it changes. That's the one thing about expat life...It is ALWAYS changing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm currently under contract at my university until February, 2016, so I know I will be here at least that long. After that, who knows? Of course, life has a funny way of moving us in a different direction than we plan, so I have to leave it up to God to direct me wherever I'm supposed to be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Four years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A lot can happen in four years. I have only scratched the surface on my blog. Just know this. I am so very glad I took a leap of faith and jumped into the swirling waters. I have learned to swim on my own. I have learned to swim against the current. I have learned to be me and people actually LIKE me! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Four years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Where will you be in four years? Care to join me? We always have room for one more!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~Angela a,k.a "Mama Suwon"</span>LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-38233053464180351672013-01-22T04:28:00.001-08:002013-01-22T04:28:09.097-08:00How an American can get a Driver's License in Korea<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First of all I will tell you that driving in Korea is an experience one will never forget. Traffic laws are not always obeyed and buses and taxis think they own the road. It can be quite dangerous and is not for the faint of heart. You MUST always be aware of your surroundings. With that being said, if you still would like to drive, you CAN get a license in Korea.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are two ways one can accomplish this goal. As of January 1, 2013, this information is accurate as some laws have changed.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><b>Option #1: Trade in your foreign license for a Korean licen</b></u><b><u>se</u></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This process seems to be the easiest and fastest. However, a new law took effect on January 1, 2013, which requires you to have an Apostille on a copy of your stateside driver's license. Prior to January 1, 2013, you only needed to have it notarized. That is no longer the case. If you choose to go this route, here is the process:</span><br />
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<ol><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gather all necessary documents to take with you:</span></li>
<ol><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">ARC Card</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Passport</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Valid Stateside License</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Copy of valid stateside license with Apostille</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Three (3) color passport size photos</span></li>
</ol><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Go to your local driver's examination center and find the Foreign Driver's License counter</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Present all documents. You will then be instructed to take a written test. It will be in some form of English and you have to read carefully.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once you pass the written test, they will take your stateside license and issue you a Korean license. Fee for this is 10,000 KRW.</span></li>
</ol><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You get your license back when you present a plane ticket showing them you are going back to the States.</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh, there is one disclaimer to the written test. If you are a resident of the following states, you have a reciprocity agreement and do NOT need to take the written test:<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 18.664772033691406px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 18.664772033691406px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Texas, Virginia, Washington, DC., and West Virginia</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 18.664772033691406px;">. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><b>Option #2: Take all tests required by Korean law and get your Korean license without giving up your stateside license</b></u>. Bring ARC card, passport, and three passport sized color photos.</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here is the process and the fees associated with each process:</span></div><div><ol><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Complete Safety Education</u> - this is all in Korean and takes one hour. It is mandatory before you can take any tests.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Health Check</u> - very simple eye exam. Be sure to bring your glasses if you wear them for driving. (fee 4,000 KRW)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Apply for Written Exam</u> - request English and complete the exam. If you fail, you may retake it the next day. If you pass, you go on to the next step. (fee 6,000 KRW)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Apply for the Driving Course Test </u>- this is a simple test to see if you can turn on the car, windshield wipers, headlights, turn signals, put car into gear, and react to an accident. You may ask for the instructions to be in English. If you fail, you may retake in 3 days. If you pass, you go on to the next step. (fee 15,000 KRW) After passing this step, you can get your Temporary Driving License which is good for one year (fee 3,000 KRW)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Apply for On-Road Driving Exam </u>- driving road test with instructions in Korean, though the test itself can be requested in English. Be sure to know the laws regarding a U-turn and changing lanes. If you fail, you may retake the test after 3 days. If you pass, you may now get your driver's license. (fee 21,000)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Get Driver's License Issued</u> - take all of your paperwork inside and get your license! (fee: 6,000)</span></li>
</ol></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">License is good for 10 years.</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once you have a Korean license, if you want to, you may apply for an International Permit. Simply take your Korean license, current passport, and ARC to the International Permit counter and present your documents along with one passport sized color photo. They will issue you an International Permit that is good for one year. (fee: 6,000 KRW)</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is one other option worth mentioning. If you don't plan on driving a car and would like to get a license for a scooter or motorbike, that is entirely possible! Visit your local examination center and find out when they give the test for that because it may not be daily. For this license, you simply need your ARC and passport to start the process. The process is as follows:</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><ol><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Take a one hour Traffic Safety Education course. This is all in Korean, but easy to understand with the video.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Complete the written exam.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Complete a short driving course. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">License is valid for 10 years.</span></li>
</ol><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>FAQ's</u></b></span></div></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Q: How do I take the driving test without a car?</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>A:</b> Cars are provided for you. Everyone uses the same type. The same is true for motorbikes; they are provided.</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Q: Are the cars automatic or manual?</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>A:</b> They have both available and you must specify which you prefer. Please note, if you test on an automatic transmission, you may NOT drive a manual car. </span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Q: Was the test hard?</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>A:</b> No, it was not really hard, but confusing at times. </span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Q: Do you have to complete all the tests in one day?</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>A:</b> I completed all the tests in one day because I went to the very first education class in the morning. My son got his motorbike license over the course of two days.</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Q: Do the people speak English?</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>A:</b> Don't count on it! I originally went to the examination center in Gangnam and the information was available in English. I tested in Yongin and the paperwork was all Korean.</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Q: If I get a Korean Driver's License, is it also good for my scooter.?</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A:</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> According to the clerk I asked in Yongin, yes. He did say to keep an eye on the laws because that could change in the future.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Final Thought:</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Don't be afraid to go and try. The people were very kind to me and sometimes ushered me from place to place as there are stations for each part of the process and it can be confusing to try to figure out where to go. They want you to be successful. Give it a go! What have you got to lose?</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For additional, up-to-date, accurate information please visit the Koroad Road Traffic Authority by clicking <a href="http://dl.koroad.or.kr/license/en/sub/application.jsp" target="_blank"> here.</a> Happy driving and stay safe!!</span></div>LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-19997296625316558252012-12-31T23:03:00.000-08:002012-12-31T23:03:03.959-08:00Thoughts for the New Year...<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">January 1, 2013</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">It has been a long time since I last posted and so many things have happened! I am not even sure where to begin! The thing about blogging is I have a problem with trying to catch up when I get behind, then I am soooo far behind that catching up is impossible. So, with this new year comes a new post and, hopefully, more regular updates!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">This journey started in Summer, 2010. When I came to Korea, I planned on staying one year, then returning home. When that year came to a close, jobs were difficult to come by back home, so I made the decision to stay in Korea and took a position in Suwon at a university where I teach English to young adults. I can honestly say, I love my job! It is rewarding and challenging and different every single day. Again, when taking the position at the university, I was uncertain as to how long I would stay. Now, the longer I stay, I find it more and more difficult to even imagine leaving! I mean, I have wonderful friends, a fantastic job, a beautiful apartment, a loving boyfriend, and a good, good life here. On the other hand, I greatly miss my friends and family back home, but it all seems to come down to this one thing: a job. </span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">The Ever-Present Question</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">"When are you coming home?" I swear, I get asked this at least twice a week if not more! The answer is simple. I have no idea. I know I will be in Korea until at least the end of 2013, and it is highly likely I will stay another year beyond that...maybe longer. Honestly, I really just don't know. It is hard to compare my job now and my lifestyle to my counterparts in the States. While my life is not a bed of roses and far from perfect, it is comfortable and relatively stress-free. </span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">Why I Stay</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">While it is not always easy living in another country, there are many perks that I do not have in the USA. While living in Korea, I can travel to other countries relatively cheaply, I am experiencing cultures I have only read about in textbooks, and I am providing an avenue for my sons to experience life outside of the United States. My oldest son, Brandon, has visited Korea twice and seen things he has only dreamed about. My youngest, Bryan, lives here in Korea with me. We vacationed in Taiwan last summer and he is making international friendships that will last a lifetime. My boys are learning to respect people from all walks of life and they try to understand cultural differences and respect those differences. It's so fun to watch them experience life this way!!</span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">Thoughts for 2013</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">As we move into 2013, I hope that my experience in Korea continues to be positive. I never imagined when I came here almost two and a half years ago that I would have the experiences I have had. I have met some amazing people from around the world and now have friends in virtually every corner of the globe. The decision to move to Korea did not only affect me, but also my family. Fortunately, it was a good decision and has been a remarkable journey for me and my boys. I hope that you will find the curiosity rising in you and you, too, will do something a little crazy this year. You never know where you may end up and the adventure that awaits you!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">Happy New Year!</span></span><br />
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<br />LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-44290373901155861552011-09-10T23:59:00.000-07:002011-09-10T23:59:48.005-07:00Settling in Suwon...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Less than two weeks ago, I made the move to my new city...Suwon, South Korea, and embarked on another chapter of my life in Korea. I have a new apartment (with no furniture at the moment), a new job (which I am completely happy with), and a new city to explore (which is MUCH bigger than my sweet little town of Uljin!). </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Here are just a few things I have experienced in the past few weeks.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Renting an Apartment:</b> It sucks! Housing in the city is very difficult to acquire...well, decent housing. I think I should do an entire blog post on renting in Korea, but I must say here that it is a challenge not meant for the weak-minded. Everything from the deposit to the actual rent is negotiable and can change on a moments notice. Oh, the things I could say! Regardless, I did find a very, very nice place in the center of the city close to shopping and other amenities. Ok, so finding the apartment sucks, but the actual apartment is FABULOUS!!!</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Moving:</b> It sucks! That's about all I can say about that. I moved from Uljin to my friend's apartment while waiting for mine to be ready, then moved into mine. Additionally, I still had stuff in Uljin that had to be moved to Suwon. This is NOT an easy feat! Through another friend, I was able to secure a mover and got all of my belongings in one place. Whew! While challenging, it was managed and now all of my things are in my new apartment. I just have to unpack...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Driving in the City</b>: It sucks! The traffic in Suwon is insanely busy and not at all like my sleepy Uljin town. It is going to take some getting used to, but I think I may be a bit too scared to actually drive my scooter here. Oh, how I love my little scooter, but I love living more and don't want to find myself plastered to the pavement. I am considering selling him to a new, less-afraid, driver, but I must think on this some more. Regardless, traffic is insane, but still nothing compared to Seoul!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Purchasing Appliances and Furniture:</b> It sucks! Not being able to speak Korean can make this a bit challenging. Even if one manages to find a good deal on something, a truck of some sort must be procured in order to move said items to new abode. Ugh. However, it has been kind of fun scouring the second-had stores and looking for good items. I also managed to find a lovely Korean high school girl who has been acting as a translator for me. Oh, Katy! I am soooo happy you are here!</span></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Riding buses and subways and cabs-Oh my! </b>It doesn't totally suck, but it can be frustrating to get on the wrong bus going the wrong way at the wrong time...ugh!! On a positive note, I have discovered many useful places and things on my little mishaps including a Goodwill and good restaurants. See, it's not all bad~</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">This transition has been a bit more challenging than my initial transition to Korea. I think it is because of two things. One, I was scheduled to fly home this weekend after completing my one year contract. I was looking forward to seeing family and friends, especially my oldest son, Brandon, but I could not secure a job in the States. Second, I have had to do many more things on my own, such as finding an apartment, securing furnishings, finding my way around a big city. Overall, I cannot complain. I have a great job in a beautiful city. I'm living in a three bedroom/two bath apartment near a gorgeous park for the same price as I would pay for a studio back home. I have my youngest son here with me and friends across the country and around the world. This is one wild ride, but at least it is an awesome adventure! :-)</span></div><div><br />
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</div>LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-1513384042685157332011-09-03T08:02:00.000-07:002011-09-03T08:08:29.430-07:00Saying Farewell to Uljin<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is hard to believe a year has passed since I first began preparations to come to Korea. Now, the time has come to bid farewell to my little seaside town and the precious friends I have made here. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqqzjrQ56awke_VU3NUbgrPf1FbSGif7pF_ojuWHEJKMgnTOLaIW7FpoJS-rgAQ6Cr_v2GCpVHROhtO5gN-7spoxI9F6P6U__igj_4wpv4Dy3XGbACG4EOvL9gHWQf7F5oTzqyD1DREw/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqqzjrQ56awke_VU3NUbgrPf1FbSGif7pF_ojuWHEJKMgnTOLaIW7FpoJS-rgAQ6Cr_v2GCpVHROhtO5gN-7spoxI9F6P6U__igj_4wpv4Dy3XGbACG4EOvL9gHWQf7F5oTzqyD1DREw/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To process the thought of leaving my comfortable place, knowing I will never live here again, I began reflecting on the past year and what it has brought to me.There have been times of emotional highs as well as times of devastating, overwhelming sadness. Never will I forget the late nights of noraebang with my friends or the thought provoking trivia nights. The drives on my scooter up and down the east coast brought me so much joy with the warm sun on my face and the incredible scenery to take in! Walking to the market from my little apartment to get fresh fruits and veggies as well as the best chicken in town or taking my hot pink bicycle out for a spin were just little joys that put a smile on my face. Walking to work and having children shout, "Angela Teachuh", then running up to me so we could share some time as we walked to school together is simply priceless. Having a great job with a fabulous boss was icing on the cake. So many of my expat friends had difficult working conditions. My school was excellent! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I also had the privilege of having one of my friends, Jen, come to Korea and visit me in April! That trip did wonders for me! It was so nice to have a little slice of home here with me and sharing my little joys of Korea was so much fun! The arrival of my 16 year old son, Bryan, to Korea in June brought me unspeakable joy! Sharing my simple life here with him brings me joy that is beyond words. Watching my friends accept my son and embrace him as the "little brother" of our tight-knit group brought on feelings I cannot even describe. They are wonderful people and memories will be forever cherished.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOOjs4fuq0gl-WIbsSX3SXgpUSVkkPV2B1I-hGC1fvViZv-wc73JQNy4noFisZ5qmFL4eexismhXIY5rNEe2ITV-_MFKX_kxKq4h4nTP8r5Z8pxX7kTagSFGpus7RplcLaHwQdX0cpSY/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Being alone in a foreign country can also be quite sad at times. There are days where homesickness is overwhelming and just thinking about the distance separating you from your family and friends back home is exasperating and terrifying. The time sometimes seems to go fast and other times it seems to crawl. However, I have to admit, the good times over the past year far exceed the sad.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOOjs4fuq0gl-WIbsSX3SXgpUSVkkPV2B1I-hGC1fvViZv-wc73JQNy4noFisZ5qmFL4eexismhXIY5rNEe2ITV-_MFKX_kxKq4h4nTP8r5Z8pxX7kTagSFGpus7RplcLaHwQdX0cpSY/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOOjs4fuq0gl-WIbsSX3SXgpUSVkkPV2B1I-hGC1fvViZv-wc73JQNy4noFisZ5qmFL4eexismhXIY5rNEe2ITV-_MFKX_kxKq4h4nTP8r5Z8pxX7kTagSFGpus7RplcLaHwQdX0cpSY/s320/076.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Though it is hard for me to say "farewell" to my little seaside town, I am excited about my next adventure as a university professor. It has been a dream of mine to teach on the university level and now I will. The good thing is that I will still be in Korea and can visit Uljin any time I want. I must remember that this is not "goodbye"; it is only "until we meet again". So long, Uljin. You will forever have a special place in my heart and will never be forgotten.</span>LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com2Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea36.9930661 129.400419536.7199106 129.19012899999998 37.2662216 129.61071tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-24909573239458884182011-07-29T09:41:00.000-07:002011-07-29T09:41:05.217-07:00My next move...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">The time finally arrived when I had to make a decision...do I stay or do I go? After being in Korea for close to one year, one has to weigh all options and decide if it is time to return to the homeland or stay a bit longer and see what happens. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7esNVB10zKaMXPfEH1DYk8tN2Lry0ral3cPb5ko15wu61w9jIK-aRoM7mquM2ZZCAbZmqMeeFBAi8wbzmE9bL_WKtGKPzki1malEch1tLmuC8HpSdeEw6YM9g0s_Rw76fxvmL8izrwE/s1600/prof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7esNVB10zKaMXPfEH1DYk8tN2Lry0ral3cPb5ko15wu61w9jIK-aRoM7mquM2ZZCAbZmqMeeFBAi8wbzmE9bL_WKtGKPzki1malEch1tLmuC8HpSdeEw6YM9g0s_Rw76fxvmL8izrwE/s1600/prof.jpg" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I have spent the last two months combing job boards (mostly <a href="http://www.eslcafe.com/">www.eslcafe.com</a>) and applying for positions both in Korea and back home. I applied for several types of positions, including private academies, public schools, and universities. I was interviewed and offered one position at a public middle school. I turned it down because of money and benefits. I then was accepted by EPIK (English Program In Korea) to teach in the public school system in the city of my choice. This looked like a good option, so I hung on to it for a minute, then decided it was just not what I wanted. Then came the offer from a private academy near Seoul. Hmmm..good pay, good housing, benefits not bad, but it still seemed like a dead end. What exactly did I want? None of these jobs were "bad", they just were not the right fit. Oh, and as far as jobs back home, I did not get so much as one single rejection letter.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I decided to really think about what I wanted in my next job. I decided on the salary I would accept and the benefits that were negotiable and non-negotiable. I created a target: University positions only. Now, let me explain how this works. Universities don't use recruiters. The easiest way to get in is to know somebody who knows somebody who can put in a good word for you. Then, you have to be in the right place at the right time. Competition is fierce and I was told by anyone and everyone who currently works in a university that this was the case. They were right. I cannot tell you the amount of resumes I sent out. Then I started getting responses from these universities. Then interviews. Then an offer! Then a better offer!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I have finally settled on a position and will start the next phase of my career as a University Professor at a well-known university in South Korea. I'm excited, blessed, happy, and content with this decision. I'm looking forward to another year in Korea and advancing my teaching career in a new way.</span>LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-81267556204868754152011-07-12T07:55:00.000-07:002011-07-12T07:55:31.845-07:00So, you want to teach in Korea??<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I seem to have been contacted fairly often lately by people wanting to work in Korea. I always find myself offering the same advice over and over, so I am putting it here so everyone can use it!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Now, on to the questions...</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Q: What should I expect in terms of pay?</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">A: Most private academies start around 2.1 or 2.2 million won per month which equates to about $2,000 USD per month (give or take a few bucks). Public school pay varies greatly depending on experience and location. The lowest for your first year would be 1.8 million won and can go up to about 2.3 or 2.4 million won. Again, this varies by location. Visit this site for more detailed information. <a href="http://www.teachaway.com/content/epik-english-program-korea-public-school-jobs-korea">http://www.teachaway.com/content/epik-english-program-korea-public-school-jobs-korea</a></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Q: What about benefits?</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">A: Free, furnished housing along with airfare and insurance are pretty standard. There is a pension plan also which, as Americans and Canadians, you get back upon departure. Vacation at hagwons (private academies) is usually 10 days, however, public schools start at 18 days and go up from there depending on location.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Q: How do I know if it is a good school?</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">A: My first stop would be <a href="http://hagwonblacklist.tripod.com/public_html/list.html">http://hagwonblacklist.tripod.com/public_html/list.html</a>. If the school you are considering is on this list, steer clear! Of course, you can always check the "green" list for good schools, though this is not updated as often. <a href="http://greenlist.tokyojon.com/">http://greenlist.tokyojon.com/</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Once you have checked this list, I <b>STRONGLY</b> advise speaking to the current foreign teacher. If they refuse to allow you to speak to them, steer clear.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Q: What should I ask the current foreign teacher?</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">A: Here's the list of <i><u>"must ask"</u></i> questions:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">1. How long have you been there? (If they have been there for over one year, the school is probably doing something right)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">2. Are you paid on time? (no brainer here...common problem at hagwons)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">3. Tell me about the housing. (many of us put up a video on youtube)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">4. Do you get along with the Korean teachers? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">5. Tell me about the curriculum. (If they say, "Oh, you just do whatever you want", run!!)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">6. How do you schedule your vacation time? (Many hagwons have specific time your vacation is allowed. Find out if it is only when the school is closed for summer and winter break or if you can take a vacation when you need it.)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">7. Why are you leaving the school? (if applicable)</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Q: Should I use a recruiter or just get hired by the school?</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">A: That is totally up to you, but I would advise getting a recommendation for a good recruiter from someone who is already teaching in Korea. Additionally, never, ever, ever pay a recruiter to find a job for you. Nope, nope, nope....don't do it! I recommend my recruiter at People Recruit <a href="http://www.peoplerecruit.com/">http://www.peoplerecruit.com/</a> and many people have had a good bit of luck with Footprints Recruiting <a href="http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/">http://www.footprintsrecruiting.com/</a> .</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I think that just about covers the basics. Of course, I have only worked at a hagwon, so there may be other things to do/ask when applying for a public school position. Regardless, speaking to the current teacher is highly recommended. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">If you have any specific questions, please leave a comment and I'll get back to you! Good luck!</span><br />
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</span>LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-19284770455953129952011-07-05T20:17:00.000-07:002011-07-05T20:17:40.964-07:00So long, for now...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiNFFQRbjwjVfFjFhLY6uTkvMNaDulwXUFI-dIU29EZdCdw2rSnGrFfe74299iwfV0m7ur9a1flJm6n79v9oB2SzZlz7SvfUV9qr9o0EWZ2yAn9mKCrlhDbGirffhh6w9jOeq8s0Hfa0/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiNFFQRbjwjVfFjFhLY6uTkvMNaDulwXUFI-dIU29EZdCdw2rSnGrFfe74299iwfV0m7ur9a1flJm6n79v9oB2SzZlz7SvfUV9qr9o0EWZ2yAn9mKCrlhDbGirffhh6w9jOeq8s0Hfa0/s200/043.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Subway in Seoul</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Making good friends can be challenging as an expat and not having one of those good friends around can be even more difficult. This morning I bid farewell to yet another good friend I met here in Korea who is returning to the States for a month-long visit, then returning to another city about four hours from me. Megan is quite a bit younger than me, but we have had some incredibly good times together. She says when she first met me outside that little coffee shop in Pohang, she thought of me as "the cool aunt". LOL... We have laughed together, cried together, stayed up way too late together, and just acted plain silly. She has a joy about her that is contagious and people want to be around her.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think sometimes we get so caught up in the day-to-day activities, we forget to let our "surrogate family", aka expat friends, know just how much they mean to us. It is tough to be in a country where the language is not familiar and the alphabet looks like kindergarten line drawings. These people who share the same language and customs are cherished. For all rights and purposes, they are our family. Megan is part of my family now. Although it's hard to think of this chapter of our fun escapades in Pohang ending, it is exciting to know she gets to see her family and will return to Korea in a month for another year of memory making events.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So long, my friend. Safe travels and I'll see you soon!</span>LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-26219996180769931092011-06-30T15:53:00.000-07:002011-06-30T15:53:22.284-07:0012 Weeks left...This time last year I had just begun what has proven to be one of the biggest adventures of my life so far. It all started with an email inviting me to work in Abu Dhabi that got me to start thinking seriously about teaching overseas. I mean, I had always wanted to travel and teach, but never thought it was possible. But it was!! Who thought I'd ever end up in Korea?? Wow.<br />
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So, here I am with 12 weeks left on my one year contract. The debate now is "Should I stay or should I go?" At the time of this writing, the answer is to stay in Korea. I have applied for positions back home, but the economy is still rough and it is difficult to even get an interview, not to mention an actual job. However, I have had numerous interviews for new jobs in Korea. Just yesterday I received an official contract offer from a private school and I have also been approved for a position with the public school system (EPIK). Decisions are tough, but must be made.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_1aitSLQI1K2rdb-biNeGrWS57FS6PuUzVWYCdJ-MLG0dzqtroGoogHIaOgMFyOXMV7bCCiGc1SN0ivumOGaX-gNEpfNWcRW-Jb-Uc-9CqKR_MGOYyXD4OQ3uiAcGkeOrjKornp54io/s1600/154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_1aitSLQI1K2rdb-biNeGrWS57FS6PuUzVWYCdJ-MLG0dzqtroGoogHIaOgMFyOXMV7bCCiGc1SN0ivumOGaX-gNEpfNWcRW-Jb-Uc-9CqKR_MGOYyXD4OQ3uiAcGkeOrjKornp54io/s320/154.JPG" width="320" /></a>A lot has happened these past 10 months, including the much anticipated arrival of my youngest son, Bryan, in Korea. I'm thrilled at his adventurous spirit and his willingness to hop on my hot pink bicycle and pedal all around Uljin, exploring new places and seeing new things. He is frustrated at not being able to read Hangul, but is polite and the shopkeepers are kind to him. He has visited my school and talked with my students, been fishing in the ocean, rode on the back of my scooter, been to parties and noraebang (Korean karaoke), and experienced some night life in Seoul. Not bad for 10 days in a foreign country as a 16 year old American teenager! Of course, this is a SMALL town and there are no hot, juicy hamburgers or thick, juicy steaks to be enjoyed here. Nor are there any other western English speaking teens. We're taking a short trip this weekend and I plan to surprise him with a hot, delicious, all-beef hamburger. He'll be in heaven!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHdCi3YGTTp_5wSHZyr8Yh4bHjYR801mEkzQkxxHisenwnsgrUqzwSGUdai_G8RWIPqG_tl-QG40ko66f8fRV60DWL2M9vceaMAduwkG8yubBza5wGkzFIRnpYRy3fpeMvvQc3xqAXvM/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHdCi3YGTTp_5wSHZyr8Yh4bHjYR801mEkzQkxxHisenwnsgrUqzwSGUdai_G8RWIPqG_tl-QG40ko66f8fRV60DWL2M9vceaMAduwkG8yubBza5wGkzFIRnpYRy3fpeMvvQc3xqAXvM/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
I'm looking forward to the next 12 weeks and the adventures we'll have. Mud Festival is just around the corner...<br />
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Until next time...LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-75619645225413339582011-06-30T15:22:00.000-07:002011-06-30T15:22:09.437-07:00Friends...From my Korean co-workers and boss, I am always hearing about how I have "many friends". Well, yes, I suppose I do, though only a handful of really close friends. I like to be around people. Because of my travels and networking, I have friends all over the world! I like that!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Recently, one of my friends from "back home" came to Korea for ten days to check up on me...ahem..."visit" (so she says). It was so nice to have someone from home come to Korea and experience my life here. Though we did some touristy things, she really got a sense of what life is really like for me here and how I manage from day to day. What was interesting for me was discovering exactly how much I have learned since arriving here last September, as well as how much more I could possibly learn.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBljdMoCX37Jg3UaOEJ25dPdwXVZmx9UuBHyjlHv6tEcydHYyOp-2hbv92uSs2zgeVEsqif2qnnbyDpAHJskgbpA_fuQFpMEw6HWwKx9GFt0AIP2k7gcpAVfrylgL_zOw7BpbiJUgwyg/s1600/295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBljdMoCX37Jg3UaOEJ25dPdwXVZmx9UuBHyjlHv6tEcydHYyOp-2hbv92uSs2zgeVEsqif2qnnbyDpAHJskgbpA_fuQFpMEw6HWwKx9GFt0AIP2k7gcpAVfrylgL_zOw7BpbiJUgwyg/s320/295.JPG" width="320" /></a>During her stay here, Jen and I visited Gyeongju where we saw the great burial mounds, played in a field of flowers, watched a music concert outdoors, visited the Grotto, and, of course, temples and palaces. Gyeongju was the capital of Korea at one time, so it is a very traditional city with many national treasures and historical things to see.<br />
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We spent a good deal of time in Uljin just living life day to day. We were able to go to a party with all of my ex-pat friends, enjoyed dinner with my boss and a Korean couple from town, experienced "Korean Karaoke" aka noraebang, ate street food at the market, and tried Korean barbeque. She visited my school several times, where she has become affectionately known as "Jennifer Teacher". She brought the game Memory, which has become a HUGE hit with the kids of all ages at my school.<br />
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We also took a day trip to Pohang and ate delicious crab, visited the shopping street, as well as our favorite tailor, Tailor Joe. He can make anything! Of course, Jen got a one-of-a-kind garment to take back home with her. What a treat for her!<br />
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Our final weekend was spend in Seoul. There we visited a Palace and were priveleged to be there over Buddha's birthday and got to see the Lantern Festival. It was a great treat for her and for me!<br />
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Sadly, she had to return to the States, but with new memories and a new prospective on Korean culture. It was a privedge and a joy for me to be able to share some of Korea with her. Now, when people comment about how many friends she has, she can share with them about her visit to Korea and maybe convince someone else to try this beautiful land.LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-87688215919907793452011-04-26T09:36:00.000-07:002011-04-26T17:15:51.801-07:00Easter 2011-My Adventure at an African Pentecostal Church<div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Happy Easter! Being in Korea means I get to learn a lot about Korean culture. What's even better is that I have made friends from all over the world and have had the advantage of being in Korea yet also learning about my Canadian, South African, Australian, and English friends' cultures. I've tried all kinds of food and visited many places. However, it has been difficult to find a place to worship where the service is not entirely in Korean, especially since I live in such a tiny, small town. </div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqT9qZvHqsDRE_mblU7_CFDsXwQuaVDe5c4T7flLa9W9Az87asPp0hCFE3I5_RTyNWNCby4F1NIKTR0zLf9ujZBdx1QkcaYmtpb48Id7olwy9Rrw1lPvJZMXofJJB7fuA1q7F_3qx600A/s1600/DSCN2666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqT9qZvHqsDRE_mblU7_CFDsXwQuaVDe5c4T7flLa9W9Az87asPp0hCFE3I5_RTyNWNCby4F1NIKTR0zLf9ujZBdx1QkcaYmtpb48Id7olwy9Rrw1lPvJZMXofJJB7fuA1q7F_3qx600A/s320/DSCN2666.JPG" width="320" /></a>I recently met an American soldier stationed in Seoul who invited me to attend church with him on Easter Sunday. I was ecstatic! FINALLY!! Church in ENGLISH!! With no sight of chocolate bunnies in Uljin and no hope of my little Korean church suddenly accommodating me with an English sermon, I was thrilled to accept the invitation and make the four hour trek to Seoul to celebrate Easter with people who shared my language.</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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<div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Upon arriving at the church, I immediately noticed there were not many women in the midst. Happily, they did come in a bit later, though I was still the only Caucasian person accompanied by one Filipino and one Korean woman. The service began with praises in English, French, and a native African tongue.There were no words on a screen to follow and no hymnals to read. Even though the band, containing a keyboard player, drums, African drums, bass guitar, and trumpet had not practiced, they made beautiful, rhythmic music together.</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbydh4JvbsMWIzxOUgJ2R_qOYQ9gApjIIe6cOOUXOhHOSdiFPioksBl-KZACdUTKhNSpRKE5Wi01-yYmyb4U2YQHNHeD78l8sQslQxiglYH9_Ous_zH9lbiSO2oDk1j0fsJr1eM1qiR20/s1600/DSCN2649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbydh4JvbsMWIzxOUgJ2R_qOYQ9gApjIIe6cOOUXOhHOSdiFPioksBl-KZACdUTKhNSpRKE5Wi01-yYmyb4U2YQHNHeD78l8sQslQxiglYH9_Ous_zH9lbiSO2oDk1j0fsJr1eM1qiR20/s320/DSCN2649.JPG" width="315" /></a>As the music continued, the men all seemed to move forward into the front area of the room. They danced together in a circle praising God with song and dance. After the men left the area, the women all began to move forward. A beautiful woman in traditional African attire grabbed my arm and insisted I join them in dancing and praises, so (with a bit of protest) I did! It was amazing! I mean, here I am in the middle of Itaewon (Seoul), South Korea, in a basement church with a group of people of African descent, dancing and singing praises to God on Easter Sunday! This ain't your Grandma's church! Words cannot describe the feeling of knowing these people were praising the same God I was praising every year prior in a far different fashion, and now I was a part of their worship and being accepted as a sister in Christ. Amazing!</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The praises and worship went on for quite some time. There was time for individual testimonies and people went forward one by one to give God praise for something in their lives and some even sang short songs. Just prior to the sermon, the pastor introduced me and asked me to come sing. I led the church in a popular chorus I was sure they knew, "Our God is an Awesome God". I was right...they knew it, the band chimed in and we all sang about our Awesome God!</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfTqG2t7ZKdKo3FPMWnUvXM5TRb_8J5gJ9uP1ZU-BBjIeo-jQpKzM1rio3gvk4d46wj33zdSzajawpNL4eNGldWSd67Fpy29hNGrWTlcSnS9JQrNnCvtL_sh62O9SYdicx3rDwuElUB8/s1600/DSCN2651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfTqG2t7ZKdKo3FPMWnUvXM5TRb_8J5gJ9uP1ZU-BBjIeo-jQpKzM1rio3gvk4d46wj33zdSzajawpNL4eNGldWSd67Fpy29hNGrWTlcSnS9JQrNnCvtL_sh62O9SYdicx3rDwuElUB8/s320/DSCN2651.JPG" width="320" /></a>The service continued with a short sermon being delivered in an unfamiliar African tongue and was immediately translated into English by an interpreter standing next to the Elder who delivered the message. Throughout the sermon, people were called upon to read passages from the Bible. They were read in English, French, and an African tongue so everyone could understand.</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">More singing and dancing ensued after the sermon and things finally wrapped up two and a half hours after beginning! To make things even better, the service was followed by a potluck lunch full of new and exciting foods I had never seen or tried! Though we had plans to return to the military base for a traditional American Easter brunch of ham and prime rib, we opted to stay and savor the delicious offerings of this potluck gathering. Oh! I am so glad we did! I had two kinds of rice with various seasonings on it, carrots that were both sweet and intensely spicy, along with spicy hen. It was absolutely delicious!</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Somewhere along the way, I managed to make friends with this little miniature man who really took a liking to me. It was nice to see and interact with a child smaller than five who understood English!</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It was a wonderful Easter Sunday. Though there were no Bunny Big Ears, jelly beans, or Peeps, this was a time filled with true praise and worship for the Risen Lord, which is exactly what Easter is all about. </div>LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-90887569058506274282011-04-01T09:04:00.000-07:002011-04-01T09:16:19.042-07:00The Happiness Factor<div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkvALE0gOPL86Lhg9h_cRV7hyphenhyphengqdVEW0pg1d42bPuZELlNalpQEucjUX86862HrYrqSWKhBNx55StHFdj24NzxP9_YZ2wsqnoms-RveuxZqEmtCAC4upYWbsBQLrNIMiwzOKtUYycfVk/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkvALE0gOPL86Lhg9h_cRV7hyphenhyphengqdVEW0pg1d42bPuZELlNalpQEucjUX86862HrYrqSWKhBNx55StHFdj24NzxP9_YZ2wsqnoms-RveuxZqEmtCAC4upYWbsBQLrNIMiwzOKtUYycfVk/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting the ocean near my apartment</td></tr>
</tbody></table><i>"I have never seen you looking so happy."</i><br />
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</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i>"It's been a long time since I've seen that smile!" </i><br />
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</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i>"I think you should stay another year!"</i><br />
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</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i>"You seem so happy there. Are you?"</i><br />
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</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">These are just a few quotes I have heard in just the past 24 hours. This comes at a good time for me as I enter the seven month point in my contract and must start contemplating my next move. EPIK (the public school system in Korea) started accepting applications today for Fall 2011. Schools back home that have openings are in the midst of the hiring season now for Fall 2011, however, there are less jobs posted this year than in previous years.</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What is it about Korea that puts that smile on my face? Is it Korea at all? Is it me discovering more about myself? Is it the students at my school? What is it about this strange land full of people who don't look like me or speak like me? How can I be happy in a land of which I knew nothing of until a few short months ago?</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I think the answer lies within myself. Before I came to Korea, I did not know one single word of Korean. I had no idea what those symbols<i> (called Hangul) </i>meant that they could read. I was illiterate. I had done some basic research on the culture so I would not embarrass myself, but still did not know everything, and still don't. I think my attitude has made the difference for me in what I would like to call the "happiness factor". </div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Some people come here with an attitude that Koreans are ready for change and want to be "westernized" and they were sent to westernize this ancient culture AND will succeed in doing so in one short year. That is so not going to happen! Others come to party, get a Korean girlfriend, and work as little as possible. Partying can happen, however, the rest is variable. Some come here to Korea to teach ESL to escape something back home. This is a viable option, but must be approached with the right attitude. </div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ12XeRsDl_17SNTQRIOSJh9qKj7u3wtBZMMqExwMJnzWqR2p2MmkNOPqceNzVUj5D0FSfDuJWEpeEES53jcgLcyU47Ka4fR2CsWxrKaoGp_ZrWbQpy1Dx8v_CTzBIty0BzA2zPpMpBN4/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ12XeRsDl_17SNTQRIOSJh9qKj7u3wtBZMMqExwMJnzWqR2p2MmkNOPqceNzVUj5D0FSfDuJWEpeEES53jcgLcyU47Ka4fR2CsWxrKaoGp_ZrWbQpy1Dx8v_CTzBIty0BzA2zPpMpBN4/s320/048.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying traditional Korean BBQ </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>You see, I came to Korea because I have a love for teaching, a love for travel, and needed a break from my so-called "real life". I had no fantastic notion of changing the world, but did want to learn about it. I am fascinated every time I take a cultural trip and learn more about the Korean people. I am fascinated every time I go out with a large group of Koreans and witness hierarchy of the social structure and how each member of the party behaves. I try to speak the language and have found myself understanding quite a bit, though I am not always successful at answering. I respect the culture even though I don't always understand it. </div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is why I am happy here. I have embraced a culture I knew virtually nothing about. I have tasted food I never would have tried back home. I have visited places I have only heard about or seen pictures of. I have found an inner strength and peace within myself that allows me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things, visit new places, and make new friends despite not knowing the language and being moderately illiterate. </div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The question I keep getting asked the most by friends and family is, <i>"What are you going to do in September?" </i>The answer is, I don't know yet. I do know I have a job here that I can continue or I can extend my Visa and move to a different part of the country for a different position. I have a comfortable place to live and I make enough money to pay my bills and travel. I could pack up and head home to a crummy economy with no job, no home, no car, and no certainty of what I'd find once I got there. I have heard, <i>"Come home and struggle like the rest of us."</i> Why? Why would anyone choose to struggle if they did not have to? Isn't the American dream to be successful and happy? To have "enough" is what everyone wants.</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Maybe that is why I smile. Maybe that is why I seem happy. Maybe I actually have "enough". Funny thing is, I have so little material possessions, it would only take me about two hours to pack my whole place. Friends, I seem happy because I am happy. The only thing that would make me happier is to have all of my friends, family and my two boys here with me.</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Will I stay abroad for another year? Perhaps. Right now I am happy and keep praying for guidance. I have applied to jobs here as well as jobs back home and in other countries. I am leaving it in God's hands to guide me to where I should be in September, and I have to trust that He will show me the way.</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Until next time...</span>LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-73765239206032641262011-03-20T01:16:00.000-07:002011-03-20T01:16:09.384-07:00Deal or No Deal?Yesterday I took a day trip to Pohang to visit friends and do some shopping. I did get one INCREDIBLE deal I simply must tell you about! I bought new glasses. Now, I know back home it would cost around $50 (at least) for an eye exam and I know some stores have cheap frames starting at around $39 or so, however, the average cost (based on an unofficial poll of my friends who buy glasses) is anywhere from $200-$300 for an exam, frames, and lenses. Well, dear friends, I left the eye doctor yesterday with an eye exam, frames, and lenses with a scratch resistant coating and easy-cleaning for 30,000 won (appx $27 USD). Yes, I am serious! Jealous? Read on...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_2dHVWytq3yFPnv7RPDUSLk1uVDp-9ZE3iDF5bX7gCmMftTiFngLekkSBDiQZish7tK5xwNm8O5ZSj5uoVj506IyxDUd_iQo6NH9F8VdgyCaPK_JG-rS0Ted8LhIDLKddGzNDbA2rrk/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_2dHVWytq3yFPnv7RPDUSLk1uVDp-9ZE3iDF5bX7gCmMftTiFngLekkSBDiQZish7tK5xwNm8O5ZSj5uoVj506IyxDUd_iQo6NH9F8VdgyCaPK_JG-rS0Ted8LhIDLKddGzNDbA2rrk/s320/026.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbz76VsFqrdzsS0mfTLaHBnbgzgdCxKuSZ3zHVrWieYSTGU4kZGbrHKgKh9-khgxpBnxzGrveqGWlFnjuehRG57qOdkI8p6XGccI26zKLGM9xx2BJVYCfUFdeSo-xAoAZyE7x7EzfFVCs/s1600/027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbz76VsFqrdzsS0mfTLaHBnbgzgdCxKuSZ3zHVrWieYSTGU4kZGbrHKgKh9-khgxpBnxzGrveqGWlFnjuehRG57qOdkI8p6XGccI26zKLGM9xx2BJVYCfUFdeSo-xAoAZyE7x7EzfFVCs/s320/027.jpg" width="320" /></a>I also found myself to be a bit hungry while trolling around Jukdo Market. As I made my way down the alley with all the fish and seafood, I happened upon some mighty tasty looking crabs. Now, I know back home you can find a decent crableg dinner for around $20 or so depending on the time of year and the restaurant. Well, how about 1 kilogram (appx 2.2 pounds) of delicious FRESH crab for only 15,000 won? (appx $13 USD) Yes, my friends, see my delicious meal that came with all of these delectable side dishes for a mere 3,000 won more. Yes, you see two oysters, mussels, shrimp, and a host of other Korean side dishes. I have yet to find a deal like this back home!<br />
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Now, on to the not so good deals. Every now and then one just NEEDS some ingredient from home to make life a bit more manageable abroad. Here are some our prices we have to pay (and are sometimes willing to pay) to enjoy the comforts of certain foods. (Prices courtesy of HomePlus in Pohang by the bus terminal)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdgfUpGLNkIt8rqQYLVze7qgZIB3BofDAjpWc6nL4zSkt3B1_RVmBkCK5QkOTqpROy28oyuh2z8NkH5f3zUX2xyW10Gjcb5ywK3ssSDoKlOdhqYZURjMfbXbfGbSYkGXkln7W5Vi4j8I/s1600/038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdgfUpGLNkIt8rqQYLVze7qgZIB3BofDAjpWc6nL4zSkt3B1_RVmBkCK5QkOTqpROy28oyuh2z8NkH5f3zUX2xyW10Gjcb5ywK3ssSDoKlOdhqYZURjMfbXbfGbSYkGXkln7W5Vi4j8I/s320/038.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my personal faves, Zesta Crackers...$5.00</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYuG_ZLHoOd8QZzABoLfM4kH8mKDeS3pddGczYEK4Mx36EaUW2VORt1uXszp6kKYlAf0TAy2khZckMC9v7kHHX2UnI0LOqR7T2aV1gs3LYOimotincEawLWrqGIhe9UMk0vGOuj-bcBA/s1600/029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYuG_ZLHoOd8QZzABoLfM4kH8mKDeS3pddGczYEK4Mx36EaUW2VORt1uXszp6kKYlAf0TAy2khZckMC9v7kHHX2UnI0LOqR7T2aV1gs3LYOimotincEawLWrqGIhe9UMk0vGOuj-bcBA/s320/029.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How about some chocolate chips for about $6.00?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08PeVmYjHKTx6vOppFBnQLeNq0Oe_7N4j04rb4TaPjR7q2UXHyA2R1Whm8nCB49OCSeR3_QPpmnd3GdZkyp-STJbDmCG8SfoH9wUnq-jvyQI5jd10yRTR5vmwEWWjqOJzi-0BUaRf2K4/s1600/030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08PeVmYjHKTx6vOppFBnQLeNq0Oe_7N4j04rb4TaPjR7q2UXHyA2R1Whm8nCB49OCSeR3_QPpmnd3GdZkyp-STJbDmCG8SfoH9wUnq-jvyQI5jd10yRTR5vmwEWWjqOJzi-0BUaRf2K4/s320/030.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hershey's Syrup for only $5.00 and real Maple Syrup from Canada for about $12.00?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsitdqp_AH7UpWzsGiOYJB7V1QFPMc-UACCzMPbHhksVNE96B0gjPKicPL6MRPe6PGAY6d_Ct_rttafBnAD2ZBpQb_DLxG92pg04oQEBwkMO9vJe5OIk1TiqtHK7MbnaPD7t99XhHFWA0/s1600/032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsitdqp_AH7UpWzsGiOYJB7V1QFPMc-UACCzMPbHhksVNE96B0gjPKicPL6MRPe6PGAY6d_Ct_rttafBnAD2ZBpQb_DLxG92pg04oQEBwkMO9vJe5OIk1TiqtHK7MbnaPD7t99XhHFWA0/s320/032.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To enjoy that expensive Australian steak you had to have, you can add your favorite A1 for just under $5.00 or marinate those pork chops in some Kikoman Teriyaki for about $6.00!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8vOlfdt6ofeU7Ic8RgHMF-_6YnvWgrANgBbpZn6FLxJ6S6tvuC6TFL-sWM1ZL5CzBzDE4KrSEz_wDK4IPA_B63jMGHURJkTKjUGU203it0-DQwO58xL7vVWNAX33jPp2vMzk9ggNL1Q/s1600/040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8vOlfdt6ofeU7Ic8RgHMF-_6YnvWgrANgBbpZn6FLxJ6S6tvuC6TFL-sWM1ZL5CzBzDE4KrSEz_wDK4IPA_B63jMGHURJkTKjUGU203it0-DQwO58xL7vVWNAX33jPp2vMzk9ggNL1Q/s320/040.jpg" width="240" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For a mere $6.00 you can enjoy your Special K and not pinch more than an inch! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eyyyhiMYF60RQxHt_9C_LDBXOO7viRVnicvROc-_pXyeWuukfk7ztvcyJBkGsmJRENShuZ8yqZXfSQWw8J6IoiIM4JVcEDO32h2a8akTEgk4fWO5sU9DkNiy50Aw-mTQVRLGviG3iPo/s1600/035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eyyyhiMYF60RQxHt_9C_LDBXOO7viRVnicvROc-_pXyeWuukfk7ztvcyJBkGsmJRENShuZ8yqZXfSQWw8J6IoiIM4JVcEDO32h2a8akTEgk4fWO5sU9DkNiy50Aw-mTQVRLGviG3iPo/s320/035.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One must enjoy some Prego for about $4.50 per jar! While this is my preferred sauce, I won't pay that much.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So, there you have it folks. Deal or No Deal? What would you be willing to pay for these tastes of home? Funny thing is, the longer I am over here, the less I am willing to play for imports. I'm learning to do with what's available and am finding some American processed foods to be to much for my system to handle. I'm also becoming a better cook! :-) Of course, nothing beats a good, old-fashioned American burger with all the toppings! Yeah....I'd pay for that!LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-43667184515614443742011-03-14T18:11:00.001-07:002011-03-14T18:35:35.672-07:00Being Grateful<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCzLAeHJgjIivVrQ3_sGfWp3PqzxWUorX54ybpuxNm8hw4eU2nOja_PF5F2jvirMQXf4J8CeXnLJEyzfzPlYRFotba-D7iufya4hzPh-fSF0xSHOj3iIc3EFfCOJ3ayWIYZ9HNgIsMLk/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCzLAeHJgjIivVrQ3_sGfWp3PqzxWUorX54ybpuxNm8hw4eU2nOja_PF5F2jvirMQXf4J8CeXnLJEyzfzPlYRFotba-D7iufya4hzPh-fSF0xSHOj3iIc3EFfCOJ3ayWIYZ9HNgIsMLk/s320/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584113807315741778" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">I was talking to my son, Bryan, this morning and he was telling me how he is thankful to have the things he has in his life. The road has been a bumpy one (especially over the last couple of years), but he is one tough kid. He was telling me about being at a birthday party where the birthday child did not express (in his opinion) enough gratitude for the gifts received. He said he always says, "Thank you" even for the smallest things. He is right. He does. Bryan has experienced a loss of some material things recently, but tells me he is thankful for what he has and tries not to focus on what he does not have.<br /><br />He then spoke of the people in Japan and how much they have lost and how he cannot imagine losing everything like that. "Mom, they have lost everything...pictures, their homes, everything..." The devastation in Japan is almost too much to even comprehend.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">I have been glued to CNN for the past three days or so watching the stories unfold about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The images and stories are frightening, sad, inspirational, and surreal. It really makes one evaluate life and things we have and how quickly it can all be taken away.<br /><br />The one thing that really stands out is how orderly and graceful these people are in the wake of disaster. People are helping people. It's not "every man for himself". It's like they completely understand they must work together for the greater good. No looting, no stealing, no meanness or malice. They are just a group of people crushed by great loss who are trying to put some sort of order back into their lives.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br />So, one has to wonder how things will turn out after this is all over. Will the Japanese people triumph over this great catastrophe? Will they become bitter and hateful? Will they remain proud and poised? Japan has done many horrible, horrible things to other countries in the past. I have even heard some Koreans say they are not upset about this atrocity at all because of the pain Japan has caused Korea over the years. Understandable but hard for me as an American to comprehend. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">All I can do in the wake of this disaster in Japan is pray for the people and, in the words of a very intelligent 15 year-old, "be grateful for what I do have and try not to focus on the things I don't". At this point, I think that is all that our Japanese friends can do.</span>LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-38963947064295292812011-03-10T06:35:00.000-08:002011-03-10T07:22:49.410-08:00My Birthday in Korea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYx6eWXj7fTOFVpQIQTjAwW3ZRr_FmnfuqSgkFUf3gezydGQgT43jBZUCSzvhdARDm6faH-76l6xyQUhRpdFYZhil5m3lVGf7bOebmS5y5ee8AGK8ZjuJS3w8CZZeQOIiJYsxCCIkN88/s1600/015.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYx6eWXj7fTOFVpQIQTjAwW3ZRr_FmnfuqSgkFUf3gezydGQgT43jBZUCSzvhdARDm6faH-76l6xyQUhRpdFYZhil5m3lVGf7bOebmS5y5ee8AGK8ZjuJS3w8CZZeQOIiJYsxCCIkN88/s320/015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582467273750974226" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-family: georgia;">I have so many things to be thankful for; a great family, incredible friends, a good job, and one more long, trying year on the planet. Yes, I have survived long enough to have a birthday in Korea. I must admit, I was not sure what to expect, so I expected nothing and got EVERYTHING!!!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-family: georgia;">Upon arriving to work, I was greeted by the Korean teachers with a Korean version of cheesecake, which is more like a light spongecake with some sort of "danish-style" cheese stuff in the middle. They were soooo happy to do this for me; excited even! The first picture is Jennifer and Ellie putting on the "Happy Birthday" candles and getting quite a kick out of doing so.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-family: georgia;">After the lighting of the candles, I received an odd rendition of "The Birthday Song" (second pic) where they all sang and clapped off-beat. It was truly awesome! :-) These women are incredible and I am so blessed to have such great people to work with!</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYhCczMYfB2YWGjoeMhvJQZtTlGfalEr2ibg6jaBgkkGeEIqaR3DE3qy0MUMohjcM4po_ifvQQ-8XmdE0NJ7U94sXVOenc1Au-lLWEsIoM-R7ymAHFm-Kr_jdvL6KbLyCT8Kc1YgR5s4/s1600/017.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYhCczMYfB2YWGjoeMhvJQZtTlGfalEr2ibg6jaBgkkGeEIqaR3DE3qy0MUMohjcM4po_ifvQQ-8XmdE0NJ7U94sXVOenc1Au-lLWEsIoM-R7ymAHFm-Kr_jdvL6KbLyCT8Kc1YgR5s4/s320/017.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582467012299241426" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-family: georgia;">They all enjoyed eating their pieces of cake with chopsticks out of paper cups while I just bit right into mine! I mean, I do manage macaroni and cheese with chopsticks, but cake?? Nah...I'll pass. It was very sweet of them to do this for me. Three of the teachers gave me gift</span><a style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCidF0eLlEjk4eq95Wmxr01p3hKRFpVx6GhjL-NpVX9-yme0YDAjBqHgdZkCJXsv5YBZ8a5KhXbw5rEL6TFuEK28OUxh6pgS9Q-IIUfYvIkkhT-r3_d5jXKBiiopAClr3eTEYCXoLynw/s1600/025.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCidF0eLlEjk4eq95Wmxr01p3hKRFpVx6GhjL-NpVX9-yme0YDAjBqHgdZkCJXsv5YBZ8a5KhXbw5rEL6TFuEK28OUxh6pgS9Q-IIUfYvIkkhT-r3_d5jXKBiiopAClr3eTEYCXoLynw/s320/025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582465013048254930" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-family: georgia;">s "in secret" as not to offend the other teachers who may have not given me a gift. I received very pink lipstick, some pink cosmetic that appears to be eyeshadow, and some hand cream. Their thoughtfulness is overwhelming at times. :-) (As I write this, I am having some trouble with a tendon in my ankle and one of the teachers is meeting me in the morning to go to the "Asian Medicine Clinic", aka acupuncture, to translate for me.)</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-family: georgia;">Several of my students brought me gifts, including chocolate candy, a lollipop, triangle kimbap (I got three of those!), rice cakes, and a piece of coffee chewing gum! One class decorated the whiteboard with all kinds of sweet messages and sang to me, in addition to a couple of hand-written notes.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-family: georgia;">After school, I met with a local Korean teacher who bought me a chocolate ganache cake! Let me just say, as far as Korean cake goes, this one was INCREDIBLE!!! :-) I met up with a couple of friends later and we shared a pizza and the cake (videos on Facebook). On top of everything else, because of the time difference, I got two whole days of birthday wishes on my Facebook page. How cool is that? The best thing is, this was just ON my birthday and not even my birthday party!!! My party is not until Saturday! Wow!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-family: georgia;">So goes another year of my life. If someone would have told me I was going to spend this birthday in Korea, I would have n</span><a style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLMSe3DuG0FAFrrZ3WXCC6HlNJufDde_xGH1ohwNEmuCQuhyphenhyphene148RNbyBkhrN8pzVdMmNt3D-AxB54imtePTHtFhl7YaVsyl1cHqLHac8lDzCsuCLPPcwtQOvT0kMOVuucd6NpCTLEIk/s1600/019.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLMSe3DuG0FAFrrZ3WXCC6HlNJufDde_xGH1ohwNEmuCQuhyphenhyphene148RNbyBkhrN8pzVdMmNt3D-AxB54imtePTHtFhl7YaVsyl1cHqLHac8lDzCsuCLPPcwtQOvT0kMOVuucd6NpCTLEIk/s320/019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582471198438023458" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-family: georgia;">ever believed it. Now, I'm not even sure where I will be next year on my birthday. Regardless, I know I will be amongst friends, maybe new, maybe old, and will know I am enjoying my life and trying to make every moment count. I have a few plans for this next year, but, of course, am open to all the adventures and possibilities that may come my way. God has a plan for me and I have to believe and trust.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-family: georgia;">Until next time, keep living your own adventure....</span>LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-27863585106971370872011-03-03T06:04:00.000-08:002011-03-03T07:13:13.080-08:00Six Month Check-up...<a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBocNPg_DNIxV5w5WtWk1BWEB53eiAvvSNVpORmawJ_4WWYJRhkpEdHNPKWDlW-X1It9Q9aFY4N8HiAEJ4iC8sfHLUAX6TCOGw0jGlQ4IxFF7DNIxi2yiOwkyw3F9gv0bGiSEXqc1n9M/s1600/182053_1806243032492_1132387507_2101199_7374808_n.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 187px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBocNPg_DNIxV5w5WtWk1BWEB53eiAvvSNVpORmawJ_4WWYJRhkpEdHNPKWDlW-X1It9Q9aFY4N8HiAEJ4iC8sfHLUAX6TCOGw0jGlQ4IxFF7DNIxi2yiOwkyw3F9gv0bGiSEXqc1n9M/s320/182053_1806243032492_1132387507_2101199_7374808_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579870734117128754" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Wow. I am halfway through this one year contract and, my, how time flies!! If someone would have looked at me this time last year and told me this is where I would be, I would have totally laughed them out of the room. I mean, really? Korea?? C'mon! Who goes there?? Well, apparently I go there! :-)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">These past six months have been exhilarating, happy, and fulfilling, yet at the same time been frustrating, annoying, and depressing. Living abroad is like living on a roller coaster. Up and down, up and down, up and down. Find a food you like--find a food you hate. Make new friends--miss the ones back home who know you best. See an incredible, breathtaking site--feel lonely because you know someone who would love to see this but he/she is on the other side of the planet. Communicate accurately to a taxi driver--end up paying too much for something because you cannot communicate effectively enough in the shopkeeper's language. Feel proud for taking this risk--wonder if everyone thinks you have totally cracked up. Yep, it's a roller coaster ride.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Here are a few observations I have made in these first six months about myself and living abroad:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">1.</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Toilet Paper:</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> It's not just for the bathroom and you should carry some with you at all times. Just because you go into the toilet does not guarantee there will be anything other than a place to *ahem* "do your bizness". It's also a good idea to carry hand sanitizer because there is never a guarantee of soap. :-) Additionally, TP can also be used to blow your nose, clean up messes, wipe a table, dry your hands, or as a napkin. Yes, this is an essential travel item here.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">2.</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Korean English on T-shirts is a really bad idea. </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Misspellings, double </span><a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFiOQfdD8Dyf4ce9J_H6D4e5WJqHCRAYt524ix6LwWQNE8yIiD1bysqaqXV4VrkfaoJr9wO4ZNwz716OkhcbgGx_MPMpFWxo_FTVl6ICfK7c3wFW-uLaEg4vILvQc_QZBHoXQBMyuEwE/s1600/057.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFiOQfdD8Dyf4ce9J_H6D4e5WJqHCRAYt524ix6LwWQNE8yIiD1bysqaqXV4VrkfaoJr9wO4ZNwz716OkhcbgGx_MPMpFWxo_FTVl6ICfK7c3wFW-uLaEg4vILvQc_QZBHoXQBMyuEwE/s320/057.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579859163993358258" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">meanings, and things that just don't make sense end up on these shirts. WHYYYYY??? I took this pic of my adorable student to demonstrate a right and wrong way to spell "beautiful". It was a spelling word that week and this is the shirt she just happened to wear. Additionally, how is it "smile" is correct in one place and not the other?? This is a huge pet peeve for a teacher of English!! Yep, this one annoys me and, people, this is just the tip of the iceberg of these kinds of shirts!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">3.</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">I am not Korean.</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> Yes, I know this may come as a shock to many, but I am a tried and true, red, white, and blue, All-American girl-next-door. I like hamburgers, steak and potatoes, backyard barbecues, swimming outside in a </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">(gasp)</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> swimsuit, and, yes, I even like an occasional country song. I don't like kimchi or pickled radishes. I cannot bring myself to eat the fish from the market after it sits in the sun all day and I have yet to figure out why rice cakes and red bean paste are so darned popular! Though I do occasionally get a hankering for some decent Korean barbecue or even some noodles, I'm American. No changing that!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">4. I am comfortable with people who are different than me</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">. Here is the funny thing...I am more comfortable around a group of Koreans I don't know than I would be going to a party where everyone speaks English. I have not figured out why that is, but it is. The strange thing I have noticed is that there is a definite pattern in my life of me integrating myself into cultures and groups of people I have nothing or very little in common with. I find people fascinating! I enjoy getting to know them and learn about their cultures and how we are the same or different. Sometimes, I can get "sucked in" to a culture or group without even realizing it. This can be both good and bad, I suppose. I would like to think it is always good, but we all know getting sucked in to the wrong group can have major issues.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">5. I have an internal GPS.</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> I know my father will read this one and fall onto the floor laughing because I ALWAYS call him for directions. However, since being in Korea, I have been honing my navigational skills and can get just about anywhere without getting too terribly lost. I even carry a map with me along with phone numbers of trusted people...just in case. I have also discovered that if I get lost in a big city, just look for a McDonald's or KFC and I will find at least one westerner there who can direct me! :-)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">6. I'm Independent and Strong.</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> I don't know how I do it sometimes, but if I was not independent and strong, I would not survive. I would have already been on a plane back to what was comfortable and cozy. Instead, I made the decision to liquidate my life and move halfway around the globe for a year of unknown challenges and successes. It's been a roller coaster, but I'm still on the ride and holding on!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">7. Family is Everything. </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">My father and step-mother have been so very supportive of this adventure. Dad has made calls, ran errands, paid bills, secured a passport for Bryan (in the works), and just made sure my affairs back home stayed in order. I don't know what I would do without him. Hazel has obliged my cravings and picked up foods at the store she thought I'd enjoy and sent them to me. Ahhh...just a little taste of home goes a long way. My boys have also been supportive. I talk to them several times a week and stay actively involved in their lives. This is probably the toughest challenge I face here...being away from my boys.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">8. Everyone Needs Friends</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">. My friends back home send me messages on Facebook or funny emails. They keep me up to date on what's happening back home and tell me how lucky I am to not be paying $3.50 per gallon for gas! I know as I type this, I have a package on the way that contains some American goodies and surprises from a dear friend back home. I mean, you know you are loved when your girlfriend sends you new bras because you're shrinking and Fudge Rounds because you are craving them! My friends in Korea...well, we form a tight, tight network. Being in a small town keeps our little group pretty tight-knit and we look out for one another. We have regular get-togethers and exchange chats online or via text often. We are all here alone (aside from the two married couples) and we cherish our friendships. I only hope they know how much I cherish them! I honestly don't know what I would do without my friends.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">9. I want Andol heating.</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> No carpet to vaccuum and the floor is warm on a cold morning. Yep. I need this.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">10. I miss my bathtub.</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> Korean style bathrooms don't typically have a tub. Usually it is just a shower handle connected to the sink. The whole bathroom is truly a "bath" "room" complete with the drain hole in the middle of the floor. I intend to take the longest bubble bath in history when I return to the USA.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">So, there you have it... my six month check-up. I've made it this far, so I think I can finish the race. Stay tuned...</span>LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-12252625654090255552011-02-20T07:11:00.000-08:002011-02-20T07:33:56.410-08:00Winds of Change...Something that is both difficult and wonderful about being teacher in a foreign country is all the interesting people you meet. Not only do you meet people from your host country, you make friends with others who share the same language. I have have made English speaking friends from not only America, but Australia, Canada, England, South Africa, and New Zealand. While making new friends is wonderful, it is difficult when one comes to the end of that teaching contract and is faced with the decision to stay or go.<br /><br />This past weekend I spent with one of the first English-speaking friends I made here in Korea. I had been in Korea for about t<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OCFpl12PFPwJdLXDkTk5BB_AnUnQ1uxevTUV4At23Dg5nInuwWfPKS52sWFIU_-V1W7RQYSwU8-GMyxWqivlJOf26ZsCPu8ymhwzkyeawGPhRt4lx_idxlMS1tGcZ_jXtM32Y_58Ni0/s1600/Ang+Bron+Meg+pic.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OCFpl12PFPwJdLXDkTk5BB_AnUnQ1uxevTUV4At23Dg5nInuwWfPKS52sWFIU_-V1W7RQYSwU8-GMyxWqivlJOf26ZsCPu8ymhwzkyeawGPhRt4lx_idxlMS1tGcZ_jXtM32Y_58Ni0/s320/Ang+Bron+Meg+pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575795089185453762" border="0" /></a>wo weeks when I ventured to Pohang in search of some good shopping. I happened upon two westerners sitting outside a Starbucks. They invited me to join them and I did. This photo was taken that evening before I hopped on the bus back to Uljin. This was the beginning of a great friendship. We have laughed until we cried and cried until we laughed. We have made fun of each others accents and have various misunderstandings over rules of games (pool, Uno), meanings of words (now, just now, now now), proper pronunciation (bill vs bull, milk vs mulk, etc...), and names of things (bandage vs plaster, stroller vs "pram", etc.) Through this all, however, I know I have made a friend who I will always think of fondly and have great memories of. From our late night talks to early morning (well, crack of noon) breakfasts, to launching "boats" into a rice paddy, to silly sleepovers where we talked for hours on end solving all the problems of the world, we made this friendship work on the basis of trust and honesty.<br /><br />Until I met her, I had never had a friend from South Africa. I had never been to China or tasted Peking Duck. I never knew there could be so many different names for silly things like q-tips and band-aids. I never knew such a deep friendship could develop in such a short time and it would be this difficult to say farewell.<br /><br />To my friend, Bronwen, I will say "Farewell", but not "Goodbye". Even if we never see each other face to face again, I know she will always be a part of my great Korean Adventure and I am blessed to have known her.LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-13714818234147199792011-02-15T21:49:00.000-08:002011-02-16T08:14:26.792-08:00Record Snowfall in Uljin!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKflyUWTvM7ExwLyK-2Z7Fm00F8P7f0LBarhY6qr7FQrjNAwBdS7pfLzTiINFtqlX46PW9vMaTt2k-a2QSOAunH3C50ESoza1Al6tCYJ_UhpylLVhLOgUuQtjQIEywNXj9JNFz-Is0ns4/s1600/078.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKflyUWTvM7ExwLyK-2Z7Fm00F8P7f0LBarhY6qr7FQrjNAwBdS7pfLzTiINFtqlX46PW9vMaTt2k-a2QSOAunH3C50ESoza1Al6tCYJ_UhpylLVhLOgUuQtjQIEywNXj9JNFz-Is0ns4/s320/078.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574312359171695090" border="0" /></a><br />As a midwest American girl, I can handle some snow. I even enjoy an occasional storm where we get five or six inches or more. I mean, it's kind of fun to get out and have a good snowball fight or build a snowman. This week, however, I saw more snow than I have EVER seen in one storm! This quaint, little, seaside town got almost a meter of snow in less that 24 hours! (That is about 3 feet for us American folk) The newspapers report this is the largest snowfall since 1911!! Yes! One hundred years ago was the last time they had snow like this! Global warming?? HA! So nice of them to include me in this historic event! By the way, that is a car under all that snow and it's not a snowdrift...<br /><br />The inte<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jwvDRhcAQwCkGUUQfvqEPjRXDCCkS5gBLW_6jyNUGzyTV94oqtpJ-a1mzWnYUQrAMuWi1KeBe7Cu9EldKv-f_M__RlOIz9NK81xPyPLGuK9-w1WstfOnNPWind_FuXn6SMFPgREruSI/s1600/076.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jwvDRhcAQwCkGUUQfvqEPjRXDCCkS5gBLW_6jyNUGzyTV94oqtpJ-a1mzWnYUQrAMuWi1KeBe7Cu9EldKv-f_M__RlOIz9NK81xPyPLGuK9-w1WstfOnNPWind_FuXn6SMFPgREruSI/s320/076.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574313013490354962" border="0" /></a>resting thing was how the Korean people of this little town handled all this snow. At approximately 9 a.m. Saturday morning, after we had accumulated about a meter of snow, the ladies of the apartment building knocked on the door and went on and on in Korean and pointed outside. This was translated by us English folk as, "Hey, there is lots of snow. Come shovel with us. Now!" For the next two hours or so the shoveling took place clearing a narrow path so people could get from the road to the building. Now, shoveling in Korea does not neccesarily mean with shovels. People used brooms, dust pans, plastic bowls, and even sleds. Yes, if it could move the snow, it could be used! Cars were completely buried with no hope of moving and there was no hope of me returning to the other side of town to my own place. The sidewalks and roads were not passable and, guess what? It was starting to snow...again!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmqYybTfLIYdg6l6swtWRAc1kkeWpTxFlYcTVCxinQzWRXIzrLEdbElgzGsGO3YHnlMiqF904VoB1ugVVgujQb3yYWyrthHvV1_lTS8VuWwMzKoqWr4w2UEV_G0-q8JShxndH1jT2Cxw/s1600/120.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmqYybTfLIYdg6l6swtWRAc1kkeWpTxFlYcTVCxinQzWRXIzrLEdbElgzGsGO3YHnlMiqF904VoB1ugVVgujQb3yYWyrthHvV1_lTS8VuWwMzKoqWr4w2UEV_G0-q8JShxndH1jT2Cxw/s320/120.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574315657423329282" border="0" /></a><br />The snow went on and off all day Saturday while our little group of foreign teachers gathered at one apartment for movies, pizza, card games, and chess. There was little else we could do! Sunday came bright and sunny, so move shoveling ensued. The Korean Army was even deployed to Uljin to help people dig out and remove the snow. We did finally uncover the mystery of where all the snow goes. They load it on to giant trucks and dump it in the river! What a great idea! Of course, where else could they possibly put it?<br /><br />Monday morning came with, you guessed it, more snow! My boss apparently did not realize just how bad the snow was, so he actually opened school. I walked there in a blizzard ready to pull my hair out the whole way, only to find a mere five students had bothered to show up for class. He finally gave in to Mother Nature after two hours of no students and sent us home. I had to walk. In the snow. Uphill. Barefoot. (ok, so my boot developed a slight hole...) At least I discovered umbrellas have more than just one use and was able to keep the snow from blowing onto my face ;-)<br /><br />Finally, Tuesday came with promises of sunshine and clear skies. The walk was much better today, though it seemed as though I was sloshing through mashed potatoes most of the time! At least it had stopped snowing...finally!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cw2wPM0VDhLQK7llsj-QrxBthVVHzd4GLU3eCL3FLGcT6ph66SJ60RM02Hni1z8J93mAicDg6cvq4D_EQ4nK6bbN5EagN4_xDYEy2rwTF4hLQEGEwUFvlWUKOoEJ7KXmPydh6CwfSWI/s1600/130.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cw2wPM0VDhLQK7llsj-QrxBthVVHzd4GLU3eCL3FLGcT6ph66SJ60RM02Hni1z8J93mAicDg6cvq4D_EQ4nK6bbN5EagN4_xDYEy2rwTF4hLQEGEwUFvlWUKOoEJ7KXmPydh6CwfSWI/s320/130.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574317041414219986" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Today is Wednesday and we were blessed with another day of sunshine! I managed to dig out my scooter and move it into the sun for the ice to melt. I could not believe it started right up after being buried like this!! Ahhh,...love my hunk o' junk! Hey, it gets me where I want to go! Rumor has it we are getting rain on Thursday. I'm sure that will be just lovely.<br /><br />I'd like to thank Korea for allowing me to be a part of an historic winter with record low temps (lowest in 96 years) and record snowfall (most in 100 years). Now, can we just get on with the Spring thaw already?!?!?LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-80368163969096793302011-02-07T07:39:00.000-08:002011-02-16T08:09:42.962-08:00The Heart of Seoul<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26vCY0UAXMgAonVJ4Huozd-nuRSIfnX6M-DJNdET2pwIVtS7XNQ5afegy0qCIJebNd36DrH9cDfZ_hxhBa9h4HNg_aSVZQuEEUE7Vk12SVEhVWOtpmWeTvx98N6AN2sog4GiC4PfQFYk/s1600/687.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26vCY0UAXMgAonVJ4Huozd-nuRSIfnX6M-DJNdET2pwIVtS7XNQ5afegy0qCIJebNd36DrH9cDfZ_hxhBa9h4HNg_aSVZQuEEUE7Vk12SVEhVWOtpmWeTvx98N6AN2sog4GiC4PfQFYk/s320/687.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572108999446551058" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I spent the last five days with a few friends visiting Seoul. It is a far, far cry from the little town of Uljin I currently call "home". In my opinion, Seoul, like many cities, its good points and bad. Of course, everyone does not agree on all things, however, I will take this entry to give you a few of my thoughts on the Heart of Seoul.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Seoul is a huge, bustling, crowded, lively city. If ever there was a city that never sleeps, I would think of Seoul. It seems like no matter what time, day or night, there is always something to do. I spent time shopping, sightseeing, soul-searching, eating and, of course, one cannot go to Seoul without checking out the nightlife. Our accommodations were simple and clean at Hong Guesthouse near Hongik University subway stop and we had easy access to everything we needed and/or wanted. Seoul is a place where you can find just about any type of thing you are looking for whether it is a great band to check out, an awesome dance club, traditional Korean fare, or a taste of home (</span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >like Taco Bell or Quiznos!</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;">). Seoul truly can be defined as an international city.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Let's break it down a bit.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >SUBWAY:</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> I found the subway to be quite easy to navigate and definitely the easiest, cheapest way to travel around the city. Everything is clearly marked in Korean and English and maps are available everywhere. I have a "T-Money" card that is reloadable, so all I had to do was swipe that puppy on the reader and trot on through to my train. The trains run quite frequently and we were able to get just about anywhere in less than 30 minutes. Try doing that in rush hour back home! As far as safety is concerned, there was only one place where there were quite few homeless people sleeping in their little cardboard shelters. Other than that, I really had no worries.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >PEOPLE:</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> Hmmm...this is a tough subject. On one hand, people were generally friendly and helpful when I asked for assistance. I do take issue with the taxi drivers who did not seem to want to take you someplace that may only be a short ride. I mean, money is money, right? Guess not.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The restaurant staff are second to none! This seems to be true in most of Korea. Yes, even in Taco Bell! This is one thing I cannot seem to get used to in Korea. Wait staff are INCREDIBLE!!! I mean, I N C R E D I B L E!!! They hustle to your table to fill your glass and make you feel like the most important guest they have had all year. They don't meander around or act like they are too busy for you. These servers are there for you! They WANT to serve you. To top it all off, there is no tipping! I mean, I want to tip these people, but it is not customary. I feel a bit spoiled after dining out in Korea. I'm not sure I will be able to tolerate some of the lower standards some restaurants have back home.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The last thing I can say about people in Seoul is that there are LOTS and LOTS of them!! Seoul is crowded...very crowded. If you don't like crowds, Seoul is definitely not the place for you. People push and shove and move quickly, but if they stood and waited patiently, they would never get anything accomplished. That's just the way it is in Seoul. Deal with it, or go home.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >SHOPPING:</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> Markets, markets and more markets!! Of course there are department stores, specialty shops, food shops, foreign markets, and much, much more! We had great fun visiting Dongdaemun Market and Namdaemun Markets as well as Yongsan Electronics Market. We found great deals on hats, socks, souvenirs, clothes, electronics, and more. In my opinion, if you cannot find what you are looking for in Seoul, you probably don't need it! Additionally, it seems to me that everything can be bought in Seoul...for a price, of course.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >EATING:</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> Mexican, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Thai...you name it, you can find it. Itaewon seems to be the place for most western food finds as well as foreign markets where you can find blue cheese dressing, pop-tarts and even baked beans! Itaewon lured us with it's promise of Taco Bell, Quiznos, Cold Stone Creamery, Outback, Mr. Kebab, and many other fine eateries! ;-) Although not the safest place to be after dark, one can find food to satisfy the most refined palates as well as those of us who are ready to hurt someone for cheese fries and ranch! Head there during the day for lunch and shopping. You will not be disappointed!</span><br /><br /></span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >SIGHTSEEING:</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> There are so many things to see and do in Seoul, it is almost impossible to do it all in one trip. We managed a bit of culture by visiting the N. Seoul Tower and the Korean War Memorial. Both were well worth the time, though it was a bit foggy to see much from the Tower. There was, however, plenty of entertainment on the plaza level as well as many photo ops. The War Memorial was even more fascinating than I could even imagine.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >NIGHTLIFE:</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> Suffice it to say the night club streets are as jam packed as the actual clubs. The really good dance clubs charge a pretty hefty cover charge (around 15,000-30,000 won) but you do get 'one free drink'. Yeah, free...riiiight... If it is "Ladies Night", one can expect some freebies and plenty of hip beats to keep you dancing until the wee hours of the morning. I'm not certain what time many of the clubs actually close, but I do know many in our hostel rolled in between 5 and 6 a.m. and had been dancing all night! There are many street vendors offering wares and food for those who can party hard, and we even saw a man peddling cute little puppies (yes, for pets) in a heated enclosure. Yep, this city does not sleep!</span><br /><br /></span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >OVERALL</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;">: My overall take of Seoul was simply this. It was a great place to visit. I'll definitely go back, but I would not want to live there. It's big, there are thousands and thousands of people, the subways are excellent, and the food is the best I've found in Korea. It is, however, just a bit too overwhelming for me. For now, I'll stay in my little seaside town of Uljin and enjoy the green grass, friendly people, fresh air, and salty sea!</span></span>LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-23447491482312405192011-01-07T21:32:00.000-08:002011-01-07T21:51:23.048-08:00Four Months In and Still Happy!<div>I get many emails and posts on my FB regarding how I like Korea and if I am still happy to be here. The answere is, "Yes, I am still happy to be here and I like Korea very much". Are there things that annoy me aobut living abroad? Sure! I mean, I desperately miss my boys and my friends and family back home, I have to go to Seoul to get decent Mexican food, and I don't know the language all that well, but I manage. I truly believe the good outweighs the bad. Everyday is new adventure. I see new things, meet new people from all over the world and try foods I would have never tried back home. I am more tolerant of people and their cultural differences and I am more open to learning about new things. I love the USA, but also realize we are not the be all, end all to everything and we do not have all the answers. It is interesting to see and hear what people think of Americans and at times frustrating because they view us as arrogant and condescending as a whole. Being away from America enables me to see why they feel this way and understand a little as to why they feel this way. I try to make a good impression of Americans and behave in a way that would make my country proud and bring honor to those I love. Sometimes it is hard because of what the rest of the world sees on the news everyday. All I can do is do my best and hope it is good enough.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The weather is cold here now. Winter is in full swing and you all know how I hate cold weather. I still ride my scooter to work, but look like an <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyr3CpFyJNJs9tpfwXPdgYegEwVYhvBn5gScw5wugc4hksCT1Og-u6r27ShTc-u6ShYWHnBCm5YR3WFVLphn2yP8CpkswWRoOYB7v7AwnnL82jjANd6VVCRAmsTikgzoPfZOEiEnghWQ/s1600/060.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559688335740389762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyr3CpFyJNJs9tpfwXPdgYegEwVYhvBn5gScw5wugc4hksCT1Og-u6r27ShTc-u6ShYWHnBCm5YR3WFVLphn2yP8CpkswWRoOYB7v7AwnnL82jjANd6VVCRAmsTikgzoPfZOEiEnghWQ/s320/060.jpg" /></a>eskimo! lol I am finding myself eating rice quite often, but have not yet developed a tast for kimchi and highly doubt I will. I have managed to get a small grasp on the language and understand much more than I can speak. I do, however, manage to get my point across and usually get what I need.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am becoming accustomed to cooking for one, but don't like doing it. I have made many friends and we get together often. For Christmas, there were 11 of us who gathered for dinner and had a representation of six countries. It was truly an international Christmas complete with turkey, chicken, stuffing, potatoes, squash, etc. Delicious!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For Thanksgiving, I was feeling quite homesick and my Korean co-teachers noticed. They took me out for a meal after work to make me feel welcome and a little less homesick. It was very sweet of them and was much appreciated. They were blown away when I took Christmas presents to work on Christmas Eve. They had no idea that I would get them anything. Granted, it was only homemade goodies, but they loved it all.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Korean people are very kind. I am treated well here and can usually get the help I need. I have managed to figure out the bus system and am able to travel often. I even bought some ski pants so I can go skiing...something I have never done.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, my friends, yes, I am still happy in Korea. Though I have my days of sadness and homesickness and long for a delicious, hot, cheezy, yummy burrito, I know I only have eight short months left before I must decide where I will spend my next year. Until then, I will keep looking for new adventures around every corner and living life to the fullest.</div>LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-67619324423205932962010-12-31T23:26:00.000-08:002011-01-01T00:01:59.163-08:00Happy New Year from BEIJING, CHINA!!<span class="Apple-style-span" >Hello, Everyone!!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >It's been a while since I have updated my blog as many of you have been following my Korean Adventure on Facebook. I have been on winter break and spent the last few days in Beijing, China and today had the pleasure of visiting The Great Wall of China! More on that later...</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >It is hard to believe 2010 has come to a close and it is surreal for me to reflect back over the last year and discover where I was this time last year and where I am just one year later. I must say that for as much as I miss my family and friends back home, I do believe that making the move to Korea was a good one. I'm completely enjoying my time in Korea and would have never imagined I would spend New Years Eve in CHINA and New Years Day hiking the Great Wall!! Really?? Who does that? Oh yeah..I do! ;-)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >As far as my travels during my first four months in Korea, I have been to Gyeongju and taken a weekend with the Silla Culture Center to see the Tombs of Kings and Queens as well as learn about the great Silla Dynasty and the history of Korea and Japan. I have participated in a Tea Ceremony, wore traditional clothing, flew a kite, walked a famous pond at night with a lantern, and learned more about Korean culture than I ever even imagined possible. I have seen the mountains of the eastern side of Korea, visited the Grotto and seen the largest Buddha ever, visited several temples and shrines, and even went to a festival at a Buddist temple. I have enjoyed the Hot Springs in Deokgu and jimjibangs in Pohang. I have shopped the markets of Seoul, Deagu, Pohang, and (of course) Uljin. I have made friends from Korea, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, and England and discovered English is NOT the same everywhere! :-) I shared Thanksgiving with thoughtful Korean co-workers who realized I was homesick and took me out for a special traditional Korean meal, and spent Christmas with great friends of six countries all in one place enjoying excellent food. I have ridden my scooter north and south two hours each way from Uljin and even got to attend a Korean wedding as the only foreign guest. I have tasted all sorts of food from Korea and many tasty treats from my eclectic international friendship network. I take a belly dancing class twice a week and am <i>trying</i> to do yoga. I have taken a trip to China, seen Harbin preparing for the Ice Festival, shopped and bargained at the Silk Market in Beijing, eaten real Peking Duck (yummy) and tobogganed down the Great Wall of China. Now, on New Years Day 2011, I am sitting in the Happy Dragon Hostel in Beijing, China, tired, my legs are sore, it's colder than I can even imagine, and I'm happy. I'm content, cold, and happy...and I like it. :-)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >So, in this New Year, I have a challenge for all of you reading this. <i><b>T</b></i><b><i>ry Something New!!</i></b> Get out of your comfort zone and just do it! Take that trip you always wanted to take! Go see that famous wonder you have always wanted to see! Taste that food that you are afraid of, but have heard was wonderful. Friends, life is too short to live with regrets. Unfortunately, we all have our regrets, but there is nothing we can do about them. Live for today. Enjoy each moment you have been given on this earth and make the most of your life. Life is too short to be unhappy or stuck in a rut. Some people may think I have totally gone off the reservation by moving to Korea for a year. Maybe I have, but I would not want to change anything about these last four months other than maybe having my boys here to share this experience with me. I have made a lifetime of memories in the last four months and am looking forward to the next eight. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Blessings to you and yours in the New Year! Happy 2011!!!</span></div></div>LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-91395321760608678182010-10-18T05:26:00.000-07:002010-10-18T06:03:11.033-07:00Surrounded by...Haesindang Park<span style="color:#000099;">Well, I have been in Korea for a little over six weeks and it's finally starting to feel like </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jbpFN2Wjt5D7eXZFN1pkNiOiMpjFWSnJlWhCRO4C-Uw0zPDuk9-5jfzI_0BiiVVApJ8AJDCT6X08S6lgljdXrJ28HOAf6JzQSYVlnJGrPSu1YDMBtBppQ55CLZTSvz7AlJyCsBzsSao/s1600/052.JPG"><span style="color:#000099;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 149px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 189px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529367213490876882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jbpFN2Wjt5D7eXZFN1pkNiOiMpjFWSnJlWhCRO4C-Uw0zPDuk9-5jfzI_0BiiVVApJ8AJDCT6X08S6lgljdXrJ28HOAf6JzQSYVlnJGrPSu1YDMBtBppQ55CLZTSvz7AlJyCsBzsSao/s320/052.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#000099;">I sort of live here. I am settling into a routine during the week of chatting with family and friends in the morning via Skype, going to work in the afternoon and then relaxing in the evening. Sometimes I take myself out to dinner or meet up with some other expats for the infamous fried chicken and beer. On the weekends, I try to find at least one interesting place to visit or thing to do that is totally Korean. I sometimes just choose a direction and GO! I may have a loose plan, but that usually just involves a general direction. :-) My pink bicycle is great for stuff in town, but my scooter is wonderful for short, little trips just outside of Uljin and even as far as Pohang.<br /><br />This weekend I am hoping to go to one of the many festivals offered. Last weekend, my friend and I visited Haesindang Park near Samcheok on the East Coast of South Korea, about 30 minutes or so north of Uljin. What is Haesindang Park? Funny you should ask!<br /><br />Haesindang Park is a fa</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFX7rk7QGxt1EPX31aScDiAMnrbT6yZfeZvzbMeEudzw6dPBnCPrBwO042UulfiSuxRPaeX5AuRUBQQr8ODuQfh5f3KMczMWaeD2BbnzUqLLR7TEJuZBACHlDB1ifaWZ2Kv1s3cPnul94/s1600/053.JPG"><span style="color:#000099;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 275px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 185px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529367734500977458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFX7rk7QGxt1EPX31aScDiAMnrbT6yZfeZvzbMeEudzw6dPBnCPrBwO042UulfiSuxRPaeX5AuRUBQQr8ODuQfh5f3KMczMWaeD2BbnzUqLLR7TEJuZBACHlDB1ifaWZ2Kv1s3cPnul94/s320/053.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#000099;">mous park noted by locals and rumored by foreigners. See, when a foreigner tells someone from his or her home country what this park is famous for, no one believes us. (I actually sent my parents and a couple of friends to Google before my visit) It's just the way it is. Why? So glad you asked!! It is because the park is full of giant phallic shaped sculptures and statues. Yes, really. If you are on my facebook, you have already been privy to some pics. If not, I will share a few here so you may get the idea.<br /><br />Why these sculptures, carvings and such? Another good question. According to </span><a href="http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/"><span style="color:#000099;">http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/</span></a><span style="color:#000099;">, the legend is as follows:<br /><br /><em><strong>Legend of Aebawi and Haesindang</strong> – There once lived a young maid who was engaged. One day, the maid took her husband’s boat out to sea to harvest seaweed. Her husband dropped her off at a rock that was at a distance from the beach. After promising to pick her up later, he returned to the beach to do his work. Later, the weather changed, and brought with it strong winds and pummeling waves. The man couldn’t rescue his wife and she ultimately drowned. Since then, the village people caught no fish and some said that it was because of the dead maid. To soothe the spirit of the dead maid, the village people made several wooden carvings and held religious ceremonies on her behalf. After a while, the fish slowly returned and the villagers were able to live comfortably again. The place where the maid died was named Aebawi Rock and the building where the religious ceremony is held twice a year was named Haesindang. The ceremony is still honored today as a traditional folk event. </em></span><br /><p><em><span style="color:#000099;"></span></em></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMd-ZuIVnGOmdS6ywD-B4lh_cieI4oX8Q7W8SCIC-3CvgqbQJ9oJNUA2r6pYNre96KSsAV99e1j4vhEeMzeON97_jpmKx-K0quTblMX1aJHc6NtLRqMXmSv3rAVVNj9TT-pryT17WCoEA/s1600/159.JPG"><span style="color:#000099;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 126px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 171px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529368554524839922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMd-ZuIVnGOmdS6ywD-B4lh_cieI4oX8Q7W8SCIC-3CvgqbQJ9oJNUA2r6pYNre96KSsAV99e1j4vhEeMzeON97_jpmKx-K0quTblMX1aJHc6NtLRqMXmSv3rAVVNj9TT-pryT17WCoEA/s320/159.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#000099;"><br /></span><p><span style="color:#000099;">There is also a version of the legend that speaks of a man relieving himself into the sea and the fish slowly begin to come back after that. There is a statue at the park depicting that act. So, as it goes, it is a legend and though there may be several versions, the main idea is the same. </span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#000099;">In addition to the park, there is a museum of folk art and there are many captions in English. It is nice to be able to read about the things in the museum, even if I don't quite understand the logic behind it. :-)<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#000099;"><br />Regardless of how tasteless we as westerners may find this, this place <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMDCNZfIIk6r6j6EsAtmV9nd96L_ANBgDjVrnGBc2_LyKUyadTonRzzaOKRuiT3rZuk7ZngGsqYHcs9mVsWVKvxJOo2oUyZpelEMgCMblBXC5JbJMM6qy1nBEjb06P3w9iYo2EnaZjWs/s1600/175.JPG"><span style="color:#000099;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 141px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529368985574598306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMDCNZfIIk6r6j6EsAtmV9nd96L_ANBgDjVrnGBc2_LyKUyadTonRzzaOKRuiT3rZuk7ZngGsqYHcs9mVsWVKvxJOo2oUyZpelEMgCMblBXC5JbJMM6qy1nBEjb06P3w9iYo2EnaZjWs/s320/175.JPG" /></span></a>was built to honor and appease the young virgin as the village would not have survived if the fish had not returned. Of course, Asians as well as westerners do find humor in many of the statues and everyone does seem to take a few tasteless pictures (as you can see by the next picture of a group of Asian tourist posing for a group picture), but it is all done in good fun and humor. </span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#000099;">Perhaps we could learn something from this. Am I suggesting building a "Penis Park" anywhere in the United States? Uhmm, no. However, I do find it important that we honor and please The One in whom we place our trust no matter what others may think...</span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#000099;">Until my next adventure... </span></p>LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-81822605797212749622010-10-11T19:07:00.000-07:002010-10-11T20:53:19.394-07:00My First Month in Korea<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">Wow! I cannot</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwlUvc7nwBBBH7LbIcTpuNuXSlMv1Pq4RAqu3eZiXPUFHohEFKzPA6wL-ci-n9x5ezTJz8s-oy8959nBmEmgbp-2MqUHmFPFsOpQFs3oRORQ8-Yaqrv_fJMxY1sjs9wKAEbTCD4nhAZM/s1600/006.jpg"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 234px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 185px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526991693251261570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwlUvc7nwBBBH7LbIcTpuNuXSlMv1Pq4RAqu3eZiXPUFHohEFKzPA6wL-ci-n9x5ezTJz8s-oy8959nBmEmgbp-2MqUHmFPFsOpQFs3oRORQ8-Yaqrv_fJMxY1sjs9wKAEbTCD4nhAZM/s320/006.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;"> believe I have been here a month already! I am finally starting to settle into a bit of a routine and am enjoying my new surroundings. Even in the short time I have been here, I have seen so much and tried so many new things. Some of them good...some of them not so good. I completely enjoy my job and look forward to going to work every day. I have made lots of friends, both Korean and Westerners, and have been invited many places. I have learned new words, phrases, and customs. I have been stared at, smiled at, laughed at, and laughed with. I am having the experience of a lifetime here in Korea and for as much as I miss my friends and family in the States, I am completely and fully enjoying my time here. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;"></span></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">FOOD</span></strong></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">Well, one thing I can tell you is that it is SPICY!! Red pepper chili paste seems to be the main ingredient in every dish. While I'm sure it is not, it sure seems that way! I am starting to get a bit more used to it, but </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpK4MUd_NRo980gA6a4j5dv1KzPpbSwo8rGu5vZp6ODXyCoBK-kXF3AHQDc1m8Wg3CmFHNmmyPg6KwnCNr7cC2vNX3yaGRkS60MicdJy254WXWTd4RUiNeuUswyDiIxOFTLahqFmFPK4/s1600/052.jpg"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 201px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 158px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526988525663612754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpK4MUd_NRo980gA6a4j5dv1KzPpbSwo8rGu5vZp6ODXyCoBK-kXF3AHQDc1m8Wg3CmFHNmmyPg6KwnCNr7cC2vNX3yaGRkS60MicdJy254WXWTd4RUiNeuUswyDiIxOFTLahqFmFPK4/s320/052.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">when my lips are burning, I just cannot seem to enjoy the taste of whatever it is I am eating! I did venture a bit and try these little fried fish with a touch of chili past, then wrapped in a lettuce leaf. Not bad. I'm not sure I could eat a whole plate full, but I managed a sample. I also ate a whole crab fresh from the sea last weekend. Well, he was cooked, of course, but I chose him from all the others to be may tasty treat! I did receive a little American treat from one of my co-teachers yesterday. She went to Seoul over the weekend and brought me back Krispy Kreme donuts!! MMMMMmmmm!!!! YUMMY!<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span></span></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">PEOPLE</span></strong></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">The people here are very kind. I try to speak to them in as much Korean as I know. They are happy to help me say words correctly and will sometimes test their English out on me. I am always quick to compliment an English phrase, especially in my little town. This is a fishing community and most adults do not speak any English at all, especially in the market or in stores. It is much easier to find a Korean that can speak some English in the bigger cities I frequent, like Pohang.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">I have also found two universal languages. Food and Music. The Korean people are al</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhUqrFXTkeePBe_QWP7SiuhtIRSkt1sn0K4nwIOTzJDBmrA4tmuBM8ata8aHiFAmm9__Jp2Iiia-3px1SLaPxJ3dQf98vQv0Or1C244rX4AS3aA6eiLWbPx0MAo5uu7Skkn7ufWHhx54/s1600/026.jpg"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 169px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 135px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526989121469003378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhUqrFXTkeePBe_QWP7SiuhtIRSkt1sn0K4nwIOTzJDBmrA4tmuBM8ata8aHiFAmm9__Jp2Iiia-3px1SLaPxJ3dQf98vQv0Or1C244rX4AS3aA6eiLWbPx0MAo5uu7Skkn7ufWHhx54/s320/026.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">ways eager to share a new dish with me. I have been invited to dinner in tradional restaurants and been given little samples of Korean food from the teachers at my school. I still have not figured out the fascination with little rice cakes, but they are thrilled to share this treat with me. I always graciously accept. The picture here is Purple Sweet Potato Cake. It is sweet and has the consistency of a sponge cake. It was so good! I must say, I was surprised, but quite delighted when I tasted it. I love that my teachers share things with me! :-)<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">I mentioned that I like to sing, so this has gotten me several invitations to "norebang" which is karaoke. It's kind of fun to sing a song that I know I can do well, then one of my Korean friends will ask me if I know a certain song or artist. When I say that I do, they choose the songs for me to sing. In turn, I ask them to sing a Korean song, which is always lovely. It's funny how music can bring people together even without a common language.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color:#000066;"></span></span></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">PLACES</span></strong></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">Well, I am more mobile these days. Not only did I get my hot pink bike to ride around town, I managed to se</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdSTUdfgR782oAzOUxNR16pgHgKwyg0TvIVO-enfGGGNkW440mjCSQKnfPQwzpYwT-F8LycM8tN_Fh3lq-_mcG6jkb5Dl1AFL8s9Kg3DG9Xc3yXW5BfLJU8EKWMLzaDk-4cAJfTNPyhk/s1600/014.jpg"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 225px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 164px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527000177112223042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdSTUdfgR782oAzOUxNR16pgHgKwyg0TvIVO-enfGGGNkW440mjCSQKnfPQwzpYwT-F8LycM8tN_Fh3lq-_mcG6jkb5Dl1AFL8s9Kg3DG9Xc3yXW5BfLJU8EKWMLzaDk-4cAJfTNPyhk/s320/014.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">cure a scooter to venture further past the boundaries that exsist here in Uljin. I love living near the ocean. The smell of the salty air, the cool ocean breeze, and the soothing sound of the waves crashing to the shore is surreal. I spend quite a bit of time just sitting by the water or riding my bike or scooter up and down the coast. By doing so, I manage to find quaint little places to explore and discover things unexpectedly. Saturday I happened upon a squid operation where they were washing, weighing, packaging, and shipping squid. If you are on Facebook, there is a video there. It was fascinating to watch. They moved like a well rehearsed dance in perfect rhythm with the other workers. No one even noticed the presence of an alien lurking nearby with camera and video recorder in hand!</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">After my squid sighting, I ventured to Deokgu Spa up in the mountains. It was WONDERFUL!! Natural hot<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6zzPRBCnI3xIIXr_3Kqp7s_rPIqOotxFKgQy7oMrPkbWTcaaRONS8hCCnKMNb90aQ-ILCcR_dnaoDS4LwXhMYeusnXC1fTKDz77JrPuuGUnHKg6T8EMG7d1Z3hNG7mYyAFyUeBfghSQ/s1600/Inside+spa.jpg"></a>sping soaking tubs, Korean bathhouse, and therapeautic whirlpools were all mine for the taking as long as I wanted for only 9000 won. I soaked in lemon bath and a pool infused with jasmine while looking out over the mountains. I massaged my tired feet and shoulders in a pool with jets strategically placed for maximum effect on targeted areas. After I was sufficently clean and massaged, I sat in a massage chair for 1000 won and drank a mango slushy. I will be going back to this place. It was incredible!<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">I have also visited the city of Yeongcheon for a delightful weeke</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlgasQeWYc-qWpCMk00HTaaxpWRxzBBYF4ACPDGm7bLeO0wp3NlkUsPIsjxUFGduz_3W8TVuL1i2PlOZaL3JbR4dYI178gp0PZJecoqKk6MS0gOtXNyoksogxhWNk1gxBkOlOwefrWNw/s1600/119.jpg"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 239px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526998676387019394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlgasQeWYc-qWpCMk00HTaaxpWRxzBBYF4ACPDGm7bLeO0wp3NlkUsPIsjxUFGduz_3W8TVuL1i2PlOZaL3JbR4dYI178gp0PZJecoqKk6MS0gOtXNyoksogxhWNk1gxBkOlOwefrWNw/s320/119.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">nd visiting an Herb Festival and an astronomical observatory, going horseback riding and ATVing, visiting a vineyard and making my own wine, visiting a traditional Korean cooking school and being served a traditional meal (see pic on right), seeing an historic temple, and camping in a beautiful cabin in the middle of the mountains...Korean style, of course. Yes, that means this delightful cabin was sans furniture and we got to sleep on the floor. It did have a GREAT shower, so that was a huge plus! The not-so-huge-plus was having traditional Korean breakfast presented to us on Sunday morning. I'm not sure about you, but I just don't think my stomach can handle kimchi, squid, and crunchy dried fish at 8:00 a.m. Give me a bowl of cereal and some juice! I had a piece of bread and four grapes. mmmm... :-(</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;"></span></div><div><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">SCHOOL</span></strong></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">What can I say about teaching English to non-English speakers? Hmmm....honestly, I love it. I enjoy the challenge each day brings. I enjoy the look of pure joy on my student's face when he finally masters the word "werewolf" or "baseball" or "doll". Any words containing an "r" or "l" is difficult for them. It is also challenging to differentiate between a "b", "p", and "v". Another consonant that is difficult is "f". We work very hard on these sounds and I have found my training in vocal production (thank you CCU and Brenda Lang) to be priceless when trying to teach these concepts. They laugh at me when I have them make a "fish face" by poking in their cheeks to force the mouth to only use the tongue to say "doll". Hey, it works! Finally, I can use my expertise in proper vowels and consonants for something other than singing!</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">My boss is great and very accomodating. He also does not micro-manage me and trusts my teaching ability. I have been able to identify inconsistencies and errors in the textbooks and he makes changes based on my knowledge of the English language. It is really nice to teach in a place where education is so highly valued and teachers are treated with the respect they so desire in the States. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><span style="color:#000066;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">Overall, my experience thus far in Korea has been very, very positive. I am so glad I am not in Seoul or Busan or other big city. Being out in the "country" allows me to bre</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnyego4KYIOOZ8Tg-GfiRSnml2_48RcthYEsBwKhqVKG9ATEdSdtQ21FpegugSggOKwnOA_5qX0QpeFeh0BG782wQzVxCnVlktNI8Hof408xW3rZQcqmn6JMwGylQK4k15PPZriMqkmY/s1600/014.jpg"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 253px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 158px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527000673946068738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnyego4KYIOOZ8Tg-GfiRSnml2_48RcthYEsBwKhqVKG9ATEdSdtQ21FpegugSggOKwnOA_5qX0QpeFeh0BG782wQzVxCnVlktNI8Hof408xW3rZQcqmn6JMwGylQK4k15PPZriMqkmY/s320/014.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000066;">ath fresh air, relax, take in the culture and become as much a part of my new community as I can without the distractions of Western niceties. Of course, if I get really restless, there is a bus terminal at the edge of town that will gladly take my won, give me a ticket, and send me anywhere I want to go in this beautiful country. I'm looking forward to many more adventures along the way, including a trip to the DMZ, many more temples, a temple stay, and much, much more. Thanks for joining me on this adventure! Enjoy the ride!</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457664622052892772.post-77009446032982941602010-09-28T17:19:00.000-07:002010-09-28T18:04:40.459-07:00My Korean Doctor's Office ExperienceToday was a very strange day, indeed. This is but one story of my strange day.<br /><br /><br />In order to get my Alien Registration Card this Friday, I am required to have a simple drug test to make sure I am not taking any illegal drugs and also an HIV test. Simple, right?? Uhm...not if you are an American who speaks no Korean! So, my Director instructs me on where to go and assures me that it will be fine for me to go alone as the doctor speaks English. I hop on Pinky (aka my Hot Pink Bicycle) and pedal off to the clinic. I find it easily enough and lock up my bike and head to the door...it is locked. I'm sure the sign on the door says to use the other entrance, but since I am illiterate, I cannot read it. lol...I venture around the building and manage to find the correct door and proceed upstairs to the clinic. At the desk I am met by a wide-eyed male receptionist who smiles and gives me a little paper about the size of an index card with nothing but Korean writing and blank spaces to be filled. It apparently is a registration form asking for my name, birthdate, etc., but, alas, I am illiterate. A kind nurse or medical assistant or whatever she is in her little white jacket, tries to assist me with the help of my handy dandy translation book! (Best $7.00 I have ever spent on a book) I manage to write my name, age, and birthday, then she escorts me to a seat.<br /><br /><br />After a bit, Nurse Lady motions for me to come over to the blood pressure machine. Yes, like the ones they have in Walgreens. It is in the middle of the waiting room. She takes my blood pressure which is through the roof because of the stress I am feeling and motions me to go sit back where she planted me previously. I take out a book and pretend to ignore the stares of all the Korean people, especially the little old lady next to me who makes it obvious she is staring. She mumbles something several times to me in Korean. I smile, nod, and go back to my book.<br /><br /><br />A few minutes later I am escorted into the doctor's "office" by Nurse Lady. Doctor "I-don't-even-know-his-name" is sitting behind his desk, motions me to sit on the stool in front of his desk, and proceeds to ask me, "What can I do for you today?" Hurray!!! He does speak English!! After a bit of exchange, I am finally able to get across what I need. I think he understands and I just want to get the heck out of there! He calls Nurse Lady on the phone and she appears instantaneously! He instructs her to take my "samples" for the "study" and she escorts me back to my perch. I sit like a good little girl waiting for my next instructions. Old Lady is still staring at me.<br /><br /><br />Nurse Lady comes to me with a PAPER CUP with a line drawn on the side and points to the "toilet" sign (I can read that one). I understand. Fill to line and bring back. Got it. I go into the restroom. I open the door to the "stall", and there it is...Squat Toilet. I say out loud to myself, "You have got to be kidding me!" For those of you who have no idea what a squat toilet is, I have included a picture. Yes, it is on the floor, I am wearing capris and have to give a sample in a paper cup. Really??? <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522129672622832386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFbrIMgQumJhTCfzxG2UMIOlwtSkTeon-1IXXQRnSc0hews7GGwtA7ZgLeOv1g4iScHkcxp933Hf8bX5y2qnZLZ-GwwFR8LqwneyrO3hI-W1B-zgLd7bSJxKhLQdZ5pLA1RcZGvqV6FA/s320/squat+toilet.jpg" /><br />Somehow I manage to fill to the line without a major catastrophe, but then I am unsure what to do next. Well, I put some tissue around the paper cup and trot back through the waiting room (yes, the waiting room) and hand it to Nurse Lady who takes it from me with no gloves and sets it on the counter. Yes, you get it! No gloves, no lid, no sterile container, no "clean catch"...I am beside myself. But wait!! There's more!!<br /><br /><br />Now it is time to give my blood. "Sit," she says. I sit. On a stool. In a doorway. In front of the entire waiting room to watch as she takes my arm and ties the touniquet and proceeds to "slap, slap, slap" to get a vein to appear. Again, no gloves! I did at least witness a clean, sterile needle that she was going to use. She proceeds to take my blood into the container, then inject it into one of those tubes. Odd, just odd. She puts a cotton pad thing on my puncture then a bandage. All no gloves, sample still on counter uncovered, and the whole waiting room watching the Alien give blood. I really just want to run away at this point.<br /><br /><br />She manages to tell me I am finished and directs me to the receptionist. I need to pay 40,000 Won. Hmmm...would have been nice to know up front, as I only have 10,000 Won on me. I play the sign language game indicating I need to make a call. I call Teacher Jennifer (LOVE HER) and explain my dilemma. Graciously, she comes to rescue me, pays my bill, and whisks me away from this dreadful place. I am traumatized. Jennifer laughs and we both wonder why Mr. Cho (my Director) did not send one of the Korean teachers with me. We, Jennifer and I, cannot come up with a good reason, so we head over to her paint studio and have afternoon tea with her Art Teacher. My traumatization of the Korean health clinic is over. Now, I just hope I get that Alien Registration Card on Friday!<br /><br />Stay tuned....LovinLife1902http://www.blogger.com/profile/14901841145522379261noreply@blogger.com5