Doood! That's so awesome! Such a great shot. Tee hee! Darmit I wish I saw/took it!
Update to follow:
Monday, September 11, 2006
Sticker on a garbage can
Monday, September 04, 2006
Worried sick...literally! :S
Yep, I got sick somehow. Probably cuz I really need to eat more veggies. Here I'm a vegetarian and I never seem to eat veggies. Bad girl.
It was a flu-like sickness...and now I've got a cold. Thank goodness I seem to have slept most of it off on Sunday. It's the worst. The sicknesses I have had here all seem to be the same idea. A sore sore throat, that evolves into flu like ACHES and head cold. The runny nose is RUNNY..as in all of a sudden you'd better have something there to catch it or else! Sorry for the descriptions..but hey..the point was to document all of my stay here in Korea..so this is part of it! And if you're thinking of coming here, it helps to know what u might be in for if u do get sick!
I also highly reccommend if its possible to bring all the meds you're used to from home cuz the meds here dont seem to work as strongly as Canadian or 'American' ones do. ANyway..that's it for that blurb. SItting here in a super smoky PC bang doesnt help too much. THing is you go home and u reek like smoke. Man, I feel like I complain too much.
Anyhoo, heard from my friend who just moved to Moscow to teach English. You GO, Obi Radski! Proud o ya. Now TELL ME THE STORY OF NYC!!! Darmit! I'd like to compare the differences of teaching there and here. Hmmmmm. Interesting thought. I wonder if I could get a job in Egypt teaching, and as a woman would I like it there? Hmmmm.... Or Turkey? Oooh the possibilities!
So, lately I think i've worried myself sick because I've been fretting a lot about going back to Canada, and the issues that will be waiting for me when I get back. UGH...NOT looking forward to it. I'm SUPER looking forward to seeing my friends and family and someone who has my heart on the shores of English Bay. Can't help it. It's gonna be sooo wierd. I've loved the lifestyle here, and I've been sooo spoiled. I've not saved nearly as much as I thought ..but I have paid some things that I wouldnt have been able to in Canada...that's for sure.
I've been able to buy cool clothes, and go places in Korea, and I've taken a trip to Japan, short as it was I've got the stamp and the experience! I was fully expecting and planning to go somewhere 'BIG' on the holiday in October, but it turns out I'll be doing that in November when my contract is over. I have then been thinking...what if I could go to China?!!! Oooh! I really would love to go to see Beijing and Xian where the Terracotta warriors are...and do some shopping that's cheaper than Korea so I hear! How can that be?!!! Man, maybe that's a good reason not to go! But I'm in ASIA darmit! I gotta go places while I can!
Hmmm...save vs experience like i've dreamed of...
So that's the thing, I've got 10 days off, and I will be spending money one way or another. And if China is cheaper...but if I stay in Korea then I'd like to go see Kyongju, the place that is raved about for historical architecture etc..in Korea. A must see...and maybe the DMZ in Seoul. I could cruize Seoul and see more of it...cuz I have only been able to experience rushed weekends there. That's a possibility. But I could be spending the same amount there as going to China. What to do...Someone make up my mind for me!
And the next issue..is saving to go to Egypt! I dont really even feel that it is real! That I'm planning to go..really! TO EGYPT! Strangie! Oh man, but the things I'm gonna see and do! And share! And experience! And yep, I'm going with an insider that knows where he's going! And that's so fantastic, cuz I wouldnt be able to do it myself that's for sure!
So I could actually count the weeks now. I'm feeling anxious about leaving in general. Korea has become normal to me, and now I'm feeling as anxious as I was about leaving Canada...but I know as soon as I get up in the plane to Egypt that will be another adventure fulfilled. But going back to Canada and the the 'known' I'm not sure. It's like I want to live up to the meaning in my name...Wendy means 'wanderer' apparently.
Well, I suppose it's cuz I'm floating after this, and I'm not clear on which direction to go after this. I do know that I'll pursue teaching in Vancouver and see how I feel about that. I do love teaching, but part of me really wants to design still... I'm a bit worried because of the time lapse, and I wonder how I'll be able to cope with that. I'm sure I can just stick my foot back in there again.
Visions of spaces have been popping up in my brain, and I need that creativity hands on stuff.
Regarding Korea, I could certainly see myself staying or coming back here...but that is yet to be seen. I know that it's for me to go back to Canada to get a reality check, to see how I feel with the coming home, and the situations there. And time will tell. Not having any feeling of how that will go, or no way to control it is really frustrating...but what can I do?
Well that's that. Exposure complete...almost.
I'd better git myself to bed soon. Dont wanna get sicker...later gator!
It was a flu-like sickness...and now I've got a cold. Thank goodness I seem to have slept most of it off on Sunday. It's the worst. The sicknesses I have had here all seem to be the same idea. A sore sore throat, that evolves into flu like ACHES and head cold. The runny nose is RUNNY..as in all of a sudden you'd better have something there to catch it or else! Sorry for the descriptions..but hey..the point was to document all of my stay here in Korea..so this is part of it! And if you're thinking of coming here, it helps to know what u might be in for if u do get sick!
I also highly reccommend if its possible to bring all the meds you're used to from home cuz the meds here dont seem to work as strongly as Canadian or 'American' ones do. ANyway..that's it for that blurb. SItting here in a super smoky PC bang doesnt help too much. THing is you go home and u reek like smoke. Man, I feel like I complain too much.
Anyhoo, heard from my friend who just moved to Moscow to teach English. You GO, Obi Radski! Proud o ya. Now TELL ME THE STORY OF NYC!!! Darmit! I'd like to compare the differences of teaching there and here. Hmmmmm. Interesting thought. I wonder if I could get a job in Egypt teaching, and as a woman would I like it there? Hmmmm.... Or Turkey? Oooh the possibilities!
So, lately I think i've worried myself sick because I've been fretting a lot about going back to Canada, and the issues that will be waiting for me when I get back. UGH...NOT looking forward to it. I'm SUPER looking forward to seeing my friends and family and someone who has my heart on the shores of English Bay. Can't help it. It's gonna be sooo wierd. I've loved the lifestyle here, and I've been sooo spoiled. I've not saved nearly as much as I thought ..but I have paid some things that I wouldnt have been able to in Canada...that's for sure.
I've been able to buy cool clothes, and go places in Korea, and I've taken a trip to Japan, short as it was I've got the stamp and the experience! I was fully expecting and planning to go somewhere 'BIG' on the holiday in October, but it turns out I'll be doing that in November when my contract is over. I have then been thinking...what if I could go to China?!!! Oooh! I really would love to go to see Beijing and Xian where the Terracotta warriors are...and do some shopping that's cheaper than Korea so I hear! How can that be?!!! Man, maybe that's a good reason not to go! But I'm in ASIA darmit! I gotta go places while I can!
Hmmm...save vs experience like i've dreamed of...
So that's the thing, I've got 10 days off, and I will be spending money one way or another. And if China is cheaper...but if I stay in Korea then I'd like to go see Kyongju, the place that is raved about for historical architecture etc..in Korea. A must see...and maybe the DMZ in Seoul. I could cruize Seoul and see more of it...cuz I have only been able to experience rushed weekends there. That's a possibility. But I could be spending the same amount there as going to China. What to do...Someone make up my mind for me!
And the next issue..is saving to go to Egypt! I dont really even feel that it is real! That I'm planning to go..really! TO EGYPT! Strangie! Oh man, but the things I'm gonna see and do! And share! And experience! And yep, I'm going with an insider that knows where he's going! And that's so fantastic, cuz I wouldnt be able to do it myself that's for sure!
So I could actually count the weeks now. I'm feeling anxious about leaving in general. Korea has become normal to me, and now I'm feeling as anxious as I was about leaving Canada...but I know as soon as I get up in the plane to Egypt that will be another adventure fulfilled. But going back to Canada and the the 'known' I'm not sure. It's like I want to live up to the meaning in my name...Wendy means 'wanderer' apparently.
Well, I suppose it's cuz I'm floating after this, and I'm not clear on which direction to go after this. I do know that I'll pursue teaching in Vancouver and see how I feel about that. I do love teaching, but part of me really wants to design still... I'm a bit worried because of the time lapse, and I wonder how I'll be able to cope with that. I'm sure I can just stick my foot back in there again.
Visions of spaces have been popping up in my brain, and I need that creativity hands on stuff.
Regarding Korea, I could certainly see myself staying or coming back here...but that is yet to be seen. I know that it's for me to go back to Canada to get a reality check, to see how I feel with the coming home, and the situations there. And time will tell. Not having any feeling of how that will go, or no way to control it is really frustrating...but what can I do?
Well that's that. Exposure complete...almost.
I'd better git myself to bed soon. Dont wanna get sicker...later gator!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
The perfect class
Wow, I just had the best class, in terms of teaching success and I want to write it down before I forget it. I hope some other teachers might perhaps benefit.
I started the class by writing down a conversation on the board that wasnt in order and got them to read it first. I asked them if it was right or not. They said no. Then I got them to order it correctly and I wrote the corresponding number in front of the sentence. Then got them to read it correctly. I also put in a sentence that didnt fit to see if they got it. They actually did somewhat!
I want to go to Paris.
What did you do there?
I played tennis in Paris.
How long were you there?
I was there for eight days.
I want to go to Tokyo.
That was what I wrote on the board. Not in that order. A few words were different I think, but that was the idea.
Then I got a piece of blank paper and wrote "I want to go to Egypt" and folded the paper down to cover just the sentence. I explained quickly that it was a secret. Then I wrote another sentence like "Tyler laughs funny", and a few other ones to get the hint that it wasnt quite supposed to make sense in conversation terms.
I got 3 pieces of paper circulating and after a few tries and arguements over who wrote on which piece of paper and which way it was going after I told them and they didnt listen...I started to count down from 10 or 15. They had to finish writing the sentence in that time. I was suprised at how it got going, and they actually wrote sentences! Or close to that idea.
Then after it was all finished writing and the paper was full and all folded up, I numbered them randomly. They remembered their number and i called out numbers randomly from 1-8. There are 8 kids in the class. If their number was called they got to unfold and read the paper. They understood it and got laughing at things like "Jenny is babo" (Which means stupid in Korean). I used it to explain that it wasnt nice to call someone that. They know that...but its good to explain the concept of not nice. There were even a few "Jennifer is cute" and "Joanne likes Tom"! Ha ha! REmember that stuff when u were 10-12?! Wow...was it really that young an age?
Gotta run...but the gist is that it worked great. And I got them to make up their own sentence for a kooney at the end of class by getting them all to say one word to make up the sentence. It was great and they remembered it really easily and quickly! Woohooo! There is hope!
I started the class by writing down a conversation on the board that wasnt in order and got them to read it first. I asked them if it was right or not. They said no. Then I got them to order it correctly and I wrote the corresponding number in front of the sentence. Then got them to read it correctly. I also put in a sentence that didnt fit to see if they got it. They actually did somewhat!
I want to go to Paris.
What did you do there?
I played tennis in Paris.
How long were you there?
I was there for eight days.
I want to go to Tokyo.
That was what I wrote on the board. Not in that order. A few words were different I think, but that was the idea.
Then I got a piece of blank paper and wrote "I want to go to Egypt" and folded the paper down to cover just the sentence. I explained quickly that it was a secret. Then I wrote another sentence like "Tyler laughs funny", and a few other ones to get the hint that it wasnt quite supposed to make sense in conversation terms.
I got 3 pieces of paper circulating and after a few tries and arguements over who wrote on which piece of paper and which way it was going after I told them and they didnt listen...I started to count down from 10 or 15. They had to finish writing the sentence in that time. I was suprised at how it got going, and they actually wrote sentences! Or close to that idea.
Then after it was all finished writing and the paper was full and all folded up, I numbered them randomly. They remembered their number and i called out numbers randomly from 1-8. There are 8 kids in the class. If their number was called they got to unfold and read the paper. They understood it and got laughing at things like "Jenny is babo" (Which means stupid in Korean). I used it to explain that it wasnt nice to call someone that. They know that...but its good to explain the concept of not nice. There were even a few "Jennifer is cute" and "Joanne likes Tom"! Ha ha! REmember that stuff when u were 10-12?! Wow...was it really that young an age?
Gotta run...but the gist is that it worked great. And I got them to make up their own sentence for a kooney at the end of class by getting them all to say one word to make up the sentence. It was great and they remembered it really easily and quickly! Woohooo! There is hope!
Aida
I went to see Aida on Friday! Oooh it was soooo incredibly awesome to see. It's an opera I've been wanting to see for a long time...and I finally did it---in Korea! The vocalists were right up to par, and especially the woman who sang the part of Aida. Wow... The sets were quite large, the larger ones having about 200 people on stage.
There was one song where they had a big Egyptian courtroom ceremony for the warriors coming back from the war victorious, and Aida sang above them all! It was incredible. But the best part of her performance wasnt the loudest part. It was in one of her solos and then duets where her voice dramatically de-crecendoed (geez I forget all my music terminology..so I made that up) to almost a pin-drop, but you could still hear her like she was sitting beside you. I was gasping and the Koreans next to me wondered what I was doing! Ha ha...if you know me that's not unusual! She has definitely mastered the art of throwing her voice and having the utmost control over it. It was obviously a highlight for me.
The costumes were fantastic as well. They seemed quite authentic, but the colors also told a story. Aida was in all red, the warrior and her love was in all blue, the queen was in all gold, as well as the pharoah. There were dancers that had a nude body suit on, with a sheer white Egyptian skirt. Perfect. The woman singers were in all white long dresses, and the men were in dark blue.
The backdrops were very simple but powerful. Sometimes just a lounging bed in the middle and benches on the sides, or even just a picture of the tombs in Egypt, or columns. The best one was either the solo part where there was what I think is the fallen head of a pharoah, so it was a monster-sized head in half on the stage. That sounds a bit grotesque, but it was fabulous. One super large piece on the stage that spoke so much. The other one was the closing act, where on both sides of the stage were triangle shapes in black with an entrance in the middle. At the end of the act, the triangle shapes became three dimentional and started moving together to eclipse Aida and her lover inside them as they sang the most powerful and moving song. Then the pyramid closed, and the queen came around to sing her last lament about not being able to get Aida's lover that she wanted. Such is life...and so is opera. Can u tell I love opera?
And the lighting. Now that was super awesome. Lighting is almost overdone here in Korea, and I'm LOVING it.
Anyhoo...about life in Korea. Its cloudy and humid and rainy again. I'm feeling a bit depressed and feel that I'm missing summer altogether. Thank goodness for the 4 days on Jeju Island...or I woulndt feel like I've had a summer much at all. I hear Vancouver has had one of the best summers....it figures that I've missed it.
I cant believe it will be finished in a few weeks...about 12 of them, or is it 11 now? That's just crazy. I'm feeling quite anxious about leaving here, and the certain comforts it has had, like not paying rent for example!
There is Chosuk that is the Korean thanksgiving holiday that I have to figgure out where to go. I was planning on possibly going to Egypt, but it looks like I will try to do that after my contract is over. So I think I will go to China. I'd LOVE to see the terracotta warriors and Beijing and the big palace there. Crap, I cant remember what it's called right now! But its cheap to travel in China, so I might be well off to do that...and acchieve seeing another country and its treasures! I cant believe I am able to do that! FINALLY! Woohooo!
Gotta run to class....later!
There was one song where they had a big Egyptian courtroom ceremony for the warriors coming back from the war victorious, and Aida sang above them all! It was incredible. But the best part of her performance wasnt the loudest part. It was in one of her solos and then duets where her voice dramatically de-crecendoed (geez I forget all my music terminology..so I made that up) to almost a pin-drop, but you could still hear her like she was sitting beside you. I was gasping and the Koreans next to me wondered what I was doing! Ha ha...if you know me that's not unusual! She has definitely mastered the art of throwing her voice and having the utmost control over it. It was obviously a highlight for me.
The costumes were fantastic as well. They seemed quite authentic, but the colors also told a story. Aida was in all red, the warrior and her love was in all blue, the queen was in all gold, as well as the pharoah. There were dancers that had a nude body suit on, with a sheer white Egyptian skirt. Perfect. The woman singers were in all white long dresses, and the men were in dark blue.
The backdrops were very simple but powerful. Sometimes just a lounging bed in the middle and benches on the sides, or even just a picture of the tombs in Egypt, or columns. The best one was either the solo part where there was what I think is the fallen head of a pharoah, so it was a monster-sized head in half on the stage. That sounds a bit grotesque, but it was fabulous. One super large piece on the stage that spoke so much. The other one was the closing act, where on both sides of the stage were triangle shapes in black with an entrance in the middle. At the end of the act, the triangle shapes became three dimentional and started moving together to eclipse Aida and her lover inside them as they sang the most powerful and moving song. Then the pyramid closed, and the queen came around to sing her last lament about not being able to get Aida's lover that she wanted. Such is life...and so is opera. Can u tell I love opera?
And the lighting. Now that was super awesome. Lighting is almost overdone here in Korea, and I'm LOVING it.
Anyhoo...about life in Korea. Its cloudy and humid and rainy again. I'm feeling a bit depressed and feel that I'm missing summer altogether. Thank goodness for the 4 days on Jeju Island...or I woulndt feel like I've had a summer much at all. I hear Vancouver has had one of the best summers....it figures that I've missed it.
I cant believe it will be finished in a few weeks...about 12 of them, or is it 11 now? That's just crazy. I'm feeling quite anxious about leaving here, and the certain comforts it has had, like not paying rent for example!
There is Chosuk that is the Korean thanksgiving holiday that I have to figgure out where to go. I was planning on possibly going to Egypt, but it looks like I will try to do that after my contract is over. So I think I will go to China. I'd LOVE to see the terracotta warriors and Beijing and the big palace there. Crap, I cant remember what it's called right now! But its cheap to travel in China, so I might be well off to do that...and acchieve seeing another country and its treasures! I cant believe I am able to do that! FINALLY! Woohooo!
Gotta run to class....later!
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Blue alley again
Was looking at my pics and found this one again. Man I LOVE this shot. The colors and everything. Reminds me of a certain painting...that a certain person and I share. And the COLORS!
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
The things kids do...I should have been making a list a loong time ago! Like the words they say that are supposed to be #English! And the grabbing of body parts, and they're alllwayys unexpected and just about shock the...pants offa ya. Then there's the kid things they do like making all those annoying noizes. But not as much as I remember doing! That's a bit emabarrassing! Or not. And nthen the other day some boys were rubbing my legs cuz I hadnt shaved in a few days. Um..yah. Interesting that they noticed.. The boys here are just naturally more in tune with feminine things I swear.
Today I went to a hairdresser to look at color, and this guy ran up to me and was very interested in what i was looking at...(the color chart), and then by the time I was done, I left with an updo for 'service'! It was quite fun to watch him do it...he was just dying to get his fingers in my hair. Blonde and Russian and all...he was pretty happy. But beyond the hitting on me, I could tell he was good...cuz when he was doing my hair he had that look of sheer excitement like I get when I get something really unusual to do or work on. I left with a bow of hair in th back and he teased it all up, and I must say I'm impressed. Not sure about the bigness in the front but it was fun. Highlights, or just a few are called 'color point'. I kinda like that!
And also...about kids...last night I went to jimjilbang with John. We decided to play pool and 2 seconds later we had 6 kids running around and shrieking when we got a ball down..so they could watch it go down! Ha ha. And they were all speacking Korean to us and expecting us to reply. John did...but I was just speechless. Ugh...he's learning conversation way better and faster than I am. I must admit I get lazy tho....I listen well and understand most things in general...but stilll...I should make more of an effort to speak though. In the saunas there are stones that you lay on. Its really great but this time thanks to the kids following us around, the just jumped in and covered us with rocks. It was really awesome. They're so unselfish and have to sense of personal space or getting into yours. It's quite nice in a way. Imagine a stranger coming up to you and hugging you out of the blue almost.
gotta sleep.
Today I went to a hairdresser to look at color, and this guy ran up to me and was very interested in what i was looking at...(the color chart), and then by the time I was done, I left with an updo for 'service'! It was quite fun to watch him do it...he was just dying to get his fingers in my hair. Blonde and Russian and all...he was pretty happy. But beyond the hitting on me, I could tell he was good...cuz when he was doing my hair he had that look of sheer excitement like I get when I get something really unusual to do or work on. I left with a bow of hair in th back and he teased it all up, and I must say I'm impressed. Not sure about the bigness in the front but it was fun. Highlights, or just a few are called 'color point'. I kinda like that!
And also...about kids...last night I went to jimjilbang with John. We decided to play pool and 2 seconds later we had 6 kids running around and shrieking when we got a ball down..so they could watch it go down! Ha ha. And they were all speacking Korean to us and expecting us to reply. John did...but I was just speechless. Ugh...he's learning conversation way better and faster than I am. I must admit I get lazy tho....I listen well and understand most things in general...but stilll...I should make more of an effort to speak though. In the saunas there are stones that you lay on. Its really great but this time thanks to the kids following us around, the just jumped in and covered us with rocks. It was really awesome. They're so unselfish and have to sense of personal space or getting into yours. It's quite nice in a way. Imagine a stranger coming up to you and hugging you out of the blue almost.
gotta sleep.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Today is just another day
Hey everyone,
Man, it's been a while. So many things run thru my head that I have to write, but then...I try to collect them...we'll see what I can do this time. Might have to be a few entries.
Well, this weekend was a doozey..as in good and bad. I stayed up till 430 am in the noribang with a buncha ppl. Was sooo much fun. Liz and I were dueting fabulously, and Mel gave the best solo action to a Korean song she didnt even know...adn blew us away! Julian and Mel had 5 years together today, and he was being the most romantic guy, including bringing a dozen roses and keepign them for a special moment.... Serenades and everything. So awesome to see a couple like that. I'm envious!
School/work is going just fine. I've really come to a plateau of sorts in a good way I feel lately. Everyday is a challenge, but everytime I come out of it I feel good about it. And everyday there are little surprises.
I've been keeping a sticker chart, and every 25 stickers I give them a little present. One little guy, Percy, is not 'normal' as in he is a bit slow or something strangie. But lately he's been all excited about getting stickers so he can get his present. Today he got it! And he started speaking things in English on his own to me that really shocked me actually! I was wearing a tshirt that said "peanuts 10c" and he wrote it on a piece of paper and gave it to me! What a cutie. Melted my heart. I'm such a softie...
OH! and in another class...I've been changed to "wonder teacher"! (it evolved from wendy teacher) lmao! I've never had such a compliment in my life! haha. So now I come in the class "wonder teacher' style...complete with 'cape' and 'super powers'! It's grreat! I've also slowed down a lot in that class, and have been getting better results by doing it, and I'm learning alot with that one too. Like practice on ONE thing makes perrrfect. Not just "doing' the page. Obvious, but that's what it's like being a teacher. Not a dull moment.
Last week we had a holiday. Independance day from the Japanese war in 19something. So all of us whities went up to a temple/museum/hiking site and chilled out by the stream like a lot of other Koreans. Pictures on my flickr site. Got some nice ones too. And of pple! I felt quite inspired like I havent in a while. I needed that.
I need to paint soon! Cant quite do it here too much in Kroea. Doesnt feel like I can take it with me, or that it will last. Which is a bit silly, but I guess that's how it is. I think I need to be less possessive of my paintings...but there's sooo much of me in there.
I cant believe the countdown is somewhat starting for me. At least the realization that life here in Korea is winding down, and before I know it, I'll be moving back to Canada. Im really feeling nervous, and not looking forward to the lifestyle financially...like having to pay rent and stuff. And the general cost of living. And dealing with things as they always were. Nehhhh. But I need to do it too. I need a 'reality check'. I need to see how I feel in an English speaking country again. To see my family and friends and Very Important people in my life.
Its funny how much I feel that I absollutely LOVE living in a country with another culture and language etc. I just absolutely love it..even after all this time. That says something to me. It explains a lot too...about my past and how I forsee living my future too. It helps me to identify with so many people at home. People who arent native of Canada. It makes me realize how we are as Canadians, and how we are not, and how we should be. It makes me realize the stark contrast of how greedy Western society is...and how it doesnt seem like that at all here. A society that lives and has values of family first is wonderful to live in. Sure the priority of money is there, but it doenst rule their lives as relationships and famly do. There's a lot to learn about that stuff for us Westerners I think. But that's my opinion. And I have to own up to the fact that I tend to think in romantic terms. What can I say. IT's who I am and how I look at life. It's really a beautiful thing.
Anyhoo..I gotta run. Time and money runnng out.
Man, it's been a while. So many things run thru my head that I have to write, but then...I try to collect them...we'll see what I can do this time. Might have to be a few entries.
Well, this weekend was a doozey..as in good and bad. I stayed up till 430 am in the noribang with a buncha ppl. Was sooo much fun. Liz and I were dueting fabulously, and Mel gave the best solo action to a Korean song she didnt even know...adn blew us away! Julian and Mel had 5 years together today, and he was being the most romantic guy, including bringing a dozen roses and keepign them for a special moment.... Serenades and everything. So awesome to see a couple like that. I'm envious!
School/work is going just fine. I've really come to a plateau of sorts in a good way I feel lately. Everyday is a challenge, but everytime I come out of it I feel good about it. And everyday there are little surprises.
I've been keeping a sticker chart, and every 25 stickers I give them a little present. One little guy, Percy, is not 'normal' as in he is a bit slow or something strangie. But lately he's been all excited about getting stickers so he can get his present. Today he got it! And he started speaking things in English on his own to me that really shocked me actually! I was wearing a tshirt that said "peanuts 10c" and he wrote it on a piece of paper and gave it to me! What a cutie. Melted my heart. I'm such a softie...
OH! and in another class...I've been changed to "wonder teacher"! (it evolved from wendy teacher) lmao! I've never had such a compliment in my life! haha. So now I come in the class "wonder teacher' style...complete with 'cape' and 'super powers'! It's grreat! I've also slowed down a lot in that class, and have been getting better results by doing it, and I'm learning alot with that one too. Like practice on ONE thing makes perrrfect. Not just "doing' the page. Obvious, but that's what it's like being a teacher. Not a dull moment.
Last week we had a holiday. Independance day from the Japanese war in 19something. So all of us whities went up to a temple/museum/hiking site and chilled out by the stream like a lot of other Koreans. Pictures on my flickr site. Got some nice ones too. And of pple! I felt quite inspired like I havent in a while. I needed that.
I need to paint soon! Cant quite do it here too much in Kroea. Doesnt feel like I can take it with me, or that it will last. Which is a bit silly, but I guess that's how it is. I think I need to be less possessive of my paintings...but there's sooo much of me in there.
I cant believe the countdown is somewhat starting for me. At least the realization that life here in Korea is winding down, and before I know it, I'll be moving back to Canada. Im really feeling nervous, and not looking forward to the lifestyle financially...like having to pay rent and stuff. And the general cost of living. And dealing with things as they always were. Nehhhh. But I need to do it too. I need a 'reality check'. I need to see how I feel in an English speaking country again. To see my family and friends and Very Important people in my life.
Its funny how much I feel that I absollutely LOVE living in a country with another culture and language etc. I just absolutely love it..even after all this time. That says something to me. It explains a lot too...about my past and how I forsee living my future too. It helps me to identify with so many people at home. People who arent native of Canada. It makes me realize how we are as Canadians, and how we are not, and how we should be. It makes me realize the stark contrast of how greedy Western society is...and how it doesnt seem like that at all here. A society that lives and has values of family first is wonderful to live in. Sure the priority of money is there, but it doenst rule their lives as relationships and famly do. There's a lot to learn about that stuff for us Westerners I think. But that's my opinion. And I have to own up to the fact that I tend to think in romantic terms. What can I say. IT's who I am and how I look at life. It's really a beautiful thing.
Anyhoo..I gotta run. Time and money runnng out.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Japanese train card
Man, this is an awesome card! I wish we had one like that in Korea, but mine is pretty much just as cool. I have it on my keychain and it's roses! I guess I'm gonna haveta take a shot of that too!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Jeju-do to today
Well, i didnt exactly finish my blog on Jeju-do. Dont remember where I left off..but I ended up staying up all night almost because i was paranoid about missing the ferry back in the am, and ended up meeting some Koreans to go dancing with, and then hung out at the 'causeway' like everyone else in the 'cool' of the night, and then sleeping on a 'platform' that was for eating from the fish restaraunts across the street...and waking up to all the people exercising at 5:30 am...and the sunset.
Then I went to a jimjilbang for a shower, and then walked around in the morning sun. What an interesting feeling..especially since its super rare that I'm actually up that early! It was great lighting for pictures!
Then got a taxi to the ferry terminal, and went to get my ticket. THen up on the ferry was interesting. A man escorted me right past some people to my 'room'. It was a 'second class room' but that just meant i was in a room with about 15-20 people. There are no seats on the ferry, but just carpeted floors. A family brought some newspaper to lay on, and they gave some to me which i thought was sweet of them. Where in Canada would u see that? Strangie. I was hoping to stay awake to see the ferry off..but I couldnt stay awake. I just passed out on the floor and sllept pretty much the whole way through. 3.5 hours or 4 to get across. At one point I got up and walked around the ferry. The color of the water was amazing, and it was nice to experience the difference of Canadian ferries to Korean ones! The water seemed clear in spots...wow. For an ocean I find that impressive.
Then we docked in Mokpo, and I went to try to get into the museum of culture and arts, but it looks like it's 'obssoyo' which is 'not there' in Korean. Darnit. But I did wander in the basement that was open to find an exhibit or something that wasnt up yet of architecture! That was awesome. And then on upper floors some paintings, and calligraphy. Awesome stuff...
Then I wandered around downtown, and got something to eat. Namely bibimbap. Sooo yummy. Cant get enuff of it! Then down to the bus terminal to go home to Gwangju.
The week was low key, and I only worked for 2 days, and got Friday off because of the kindergarten kids that werent there, and so I decided last minute to go to Seoul for the weekend. I left on Friday afternoon, go tto Suwon around 11. Went to Candice's. Good to see here, and to be in Suwon. Slept in. Went for the BBQ with Shawn and Jane and Nathan and a few others..was fun. We just hung around all day. Then went to Seoul and had an adventure in Hyundae district. Took bunch of pictures, but my camera's memory was pretty full...imagine that. 1G of memory full...haha...can u tell i love taking pictures?
Oh man, I'm going to have to finish this later. I"m sooo tired and i gotta sleep soon!
As in NOW!
Then I went to a jimjilbang for a shower, and then walked around in the morning sun. What an interesting feeling..especially since its super rare that I'm actually up that early! It was great lighting for pictures!
Then got a taxi to the ferry terminal, and went to get my ticket. THen up on the ferry was interesting. A man escorted me right past some people to my 'room'. It was a 'second class room' but that just meant i was in a room with about 15-20 people. There are no seats on the ferry, but just carpeted floors. A family brought some newspaper to lay on, and they gave some to me which i thought was sweet of them. Where in Canada would u see that? Strangie. I was hoping to stay awake to see the ferry off..but I couldnt stay awake. I just passed out on the floor and sllept pretty much the whole way through. 3.5 hours or 4 to get across. At one point I got up and walked around the ferry. The color of the water was amazing, and it was nice to experience the difference of Canadian ferries to Korean ones! The water seemed clear in spots...wow. For an ocean I find that impressive.
Then we docked in Mokpo, and I went to try to get into the museum of culture and arts, but it looks like it's 'obssoyo' which is 'not there' in Korean. Darnit. But I did wander in the basement that was open to find an exhibit or something that wasnt up yet of architecture! That was awesome. And then on upper floors some paintings, and calligraphy. Awesome stuff...
Then I wandered around downtown, and got something to eat. Namely bibimbap. Sooo yummy. Cant get enuff of it! Then down to the bus terminal to go home to Gwangju.
The week was low key, and I only worked for 2 days, and got Friday off because of the kindergarten kids that werent there, and so I decided last minute to go to Seoul for the weekend. I left on Friday afternoon, go tto Suwon around 11. Went to Candice's. Good to see here, and to be in Suwon. Slept in. Went for the BBQ with Shawn and Jane and Nathan and a few others..was fun. We just hung around all day. Then went to Seoul and had an adventure in Hyundae district. Took bunch of pictures, but my camera's memory was pretty full...imagine that. 1G of memory full...haha...can u tell i love taking pictures?
Oh man, I'm going to have to finish this later. I"m sooo tired and i gotta sleep soon!
As in NOW!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Vacation Destination -- JEJU-DO ROCKS!
Wow...I'm on a real vacation! Is it vacation or holiday? Good question. Apparently it's where u come from that depends on the terminology. Hmmm. Anyway, I'm here on this volcanic island, and I feel like I'm on Asia's Hawaii, and that it is. It's honeymoon location for Asia too, that's for sure. Vacation destination that's for sure.
I got here on Friday night, and had no accommodations booked, no idea of exactly where or what I wanted to do besides some ideas from friends who had come here before. Some of those things I havent been able to do, but most of them I have, and I'm happy with what I've done here. Even if it's been alone. I mostly like travelling alone cuz I get to completely absorb everything...but I've decided I would prefer to travel with someone. But that someone would hopefully be that special 'other', or someone who doesnt mind my stopping and gushing over everything enthusiastically, or taking pictures of everything, or likes to go by the seat-o-yer-pants (ie. no solid plans, just ideas...) and the idea of "I can DO it"!
Love it. BUT, I also discovered that it's good to have a bit more of an agenda/plan. Not having one is okay too, but it keeps you going a bit more when u have an idea of what you want to do, or what you'd like to do. Ya ya, I can hear all you people who wouldnt DREAM of going anywhere without doing this, or you're saying 'ya wendy, DUH'!! Well hey...that's how it is in my world. And I've learned a few things. Also that I can do it! And I can be a woman and travel alone in Korea no problem.
Tonight I made it to the miniature land park thinger, and after was waiting on the sideof the road for the bus right outside the entrance, and a family in their rented white shiny car pulled over, and asked me where I was going. To Jeju city I replied, and they said we'll give you a ride! So there I was, in a nice car with a nice Korean family. THey said what they could in English/Yongo, and I said what I could in Korean/Hangul. It was fun. It made me miss the days where I travelled and moved across the country (Canada) with my family. I miss my sister!! There were 2 sisters/girls in the car, and they were cute.
So we got to Jeju, and I got out and looked for a PC room/bang to download ALL my pictures in. I'm Hungry though..and I'm craving pizza, or maybe I should be healthy and find some bibimbap. Hmmm...
I gotta download all these pics first though. i LOVE Flickr!
So lets see...what did I do this weekend.
Arrive Jeju City 8 pm Friday night
Looked at a tourist online site to find out what I wanted to do and what there was to do
Walked around Jeju City after taking a bus downtown somehow
Got a pair of pretty Korean shoes! only 15! I wish I got the other ones that were shiny gold and jewels on them too...
Found a Jimjilbang
Sat:
Wandered around Jeju City
Found the Love Park...is this appropriate?!
Wanted to find the Mysterious road...time was ticking and my feet were hurting
Went to the Hella Arbetoreum
Petted a DONKEY! Was going to ride him, but didnt. I've never seen a donkey to ride before! ha ha
Taxi to the bus terminal.
To Seogwipo on the other side of the island where apparently everythign is (how cool is that name..Seogwipo?!)
This island is beautiful!
Went to eat at a really cool down-n-out family restaraunt. Yum..black sauce and noodles are yummy. ONe of the guys there did a show off sexy dance for me! It was hilarious!
Went to find a way to the beach/falls
Got there finally, and it was getting dusk...found the falls...WOW. Sat there and looked up at the stars..yes! there were stars to be seen here! Felt a bit lonely with all the honeymooners or couples around.
Amazed at all the volcanic paving stones. This river is fantastically perfect as well as the falls
Did a drawring
Went to find a taxi-he took me to a jimjilbang in the WOrldcup stadium! Interesting. And very very nice. THe most authentic one i've seen yet. Was a bit too hot to sleep in comfortably though. No worries.
Sunday
Woke up, amazingly enough. Got ready
Went out...look! There's a balloon! Went traipsing through some mandarin field to find amusement park! The guy there spoke pretty good English. I came in through the back side!
It cost 22000 won to ride and admission. You have to go through the maze first. Ok. That was more fun than I thought.
Just in time for the balloon ride. Up up and ...wow this is smooth! See movie clip for experience. Wow, theres the ocean horizon with nothing out there!
Down down down.
Instructed to go on trampoline/bungy ride. Wasnt sure if i wanted to but I thought..heck...I'd better do it! It's "free" Wow that was too much fun!
off to the next location....Emart. Could I just stop shopping?! Ha ha. Got some salad..no bikini though as planned. They'er too expensive! 75 for a 3 or 4 piece. Hmmm..
Took bus to the Jongnam resort. Wow.
Teddy bear museum first....Yes, teddy bear museum. And the building was amazing..and the teddy bears intersting enough. Largest teddy bear museum in the world.
Dumb camera and these AA batteries keep dying on me. UGH. NEVER will get a camera without a lithium battery...but at least I can go and buy the AA's at the store anywhere....
Pictures pictures
I'm officially becoming an expert in taking pictures of myself. How embarrassing...well not necessarily in Korea. Love it. I dont have to feel self-conscious here about taking my own pic in public. EVeryone does it. And why not?
I WAS HERE! And I can prove it!
To get batteries...WOOO! Pitstop in Cinnabon/Seattle's best! WOW was that ever GOOD!
Stop to take picture of Hooters Hof sign!
Back to teddy bear museum to finish off..
Went wandering to Lotte Hotel.
WOW
WOW
WOW
WOW
WOW
I got all teary eyed, and I feel like I've finally had my own honeymoon! HA ha..well not quite...but hey..the thought ran through my mind. I'm missing someone! Darmit! U know who u are...;)
Wandered down to the beach
Met a girl Kelli, and James, and Stew
Ended up hanging out...got dark, looking at the STARS and horizon at night is awesome. I miss Vancouver for that...deja vu
Walked up to the Hyatt...met an Indian guy who was a magician. Took picture
Went into the Hyatt looking for a toilet
Wandered the halls!
Went to taxi to town.
Got a pizza and ate it standing around a street toy machine...YUM Hoping the tonnes of birds above us dont give us a white shower! Ewww!
Went to noribang with Koreans we met on the street!
Wow that was fun
Found a jimjilbang...sleep...
Woke up just before sunrise. Glad I did. That was cool...
Monday:
Woke up again ..found a mat somehow during the night...yay..and a pillow!
got out the door by 11
went to find bus
and mandarines...did i saw how AMAZING they taste here? NOTHIGN like it!
Bus to bus terminal
Taxi took me to a bus terminal...dont remember that mis-connection
He was amazing...came in to communicate for me! My Korean to him was pretty good! I"m impressed with myself
ON the bus...thought i was going in the wrong direction..who cares...its an island!
Hour later, I get off at the side of a road that points to the Caves I want to see. Hoping to find a taxi..no luck...I start walking. Too impatient.
The sign says 3.8 kms. SUre..here we go! I can do it!
After 2 kms or so a car decides to ask me wher I'm going..and they end up giving me a ride right to the door! Wow. only in Korea
Walked around....went to see the caves
Went to leave, to go see Mini Land...and find out that I"m too late. They close in 2 hrs and no bus goes directly there, and I"m on the other side of the island. BUT there's another one close...and it costs 20 000 in a taxi. Whew...well sure why not. Eeeks that's expensive. But ...
So I do it, and get to 'Mini mini land' in luxury. Through the middle of the island and a lot of horses. I want to ride them too...but no time. See a folk villiage, drive by the crater...
Arrive at mini mini land.
Annoyed cuz they guy that was helping me to get a taxi at the 'cave' place was there!?!! What the?/??? I said hi just like that...as IF. HE could ahve given me a ride or something. But maybe I'm glad he didnt. Still!
Pictures pitures of Mini everything. Yay! I can say i was 'There'!
left
Got picked up by Korean family in White Shiny car.
Arrive in Jeju
Find PC bang..
here i am
gotta go find the ocean concert hall
gotta find something to eat
gotta find jimjilbang to sleep
WHEW!
A bit of a run on ramble..but hey..it was fun
Tomorrow am bright n early...4 or 5 hr ferry ride to Mokpo
Bus home (1 hr or so)
Relax a bit....who'm i kidding? I'll prolly be bored and lonely again
But i had a GREAT vacation!
Miss u all...;)
Who wants to come with me next time?
I got here on Friday night, and had no accommodations booked, no idea of exactly where or what I wanted to do besides some ideas from friends who had come here before. Some of those things I havent been able to do, but most of them I have, and I'm happy with what I've done here. Even if it's been alone. I mostly like travelling alone cuz I get to completely absorb everything...but I've decided I would prefer to travel with someone. But that someone would hopefully be that special 'other', or someone who doesnt mind my stopping and gushing over everything enthusiastically, or taking pictures of everything, or likes to go by the seat-o-yer-pants (ie. no solid plans, just ideas...) and the idea of "I can DO it"!
Love it. BUT, I also discovered that it's good to have a bit more of an agenda/plan. Not having one is okay too, but it keeps you going a bit more when u have an idea of what you want to do, or what you'd like to do. Ya ya, I can hear all you people who wouldnt DREAM of going anywhere without doing this, or you're saying 'ya wendy, DUH'!! Well hey...that's how it is in my world. And I've learned a few things. Also that I can do it! And I can be a woman and travel alone in Korea no problem.
Tonight I made it to the miniature land park thinger, and after was waiting on the sideof the road for the bus right outside the entrance, and a family in their rented white shiny car pulled over, and asked me where I was going. To Jeju city I replied, and they said we'll give you a ride! So there I was, in a nice car with a nice Korean family. THey said what they could in English/Yongo, and I said what I could in Korean/Hangul. It was fun. It made me miss the days where I travelled and moved across the country (Canada) with my family. I miss my sister!! There were 2 sisters/girls in the car, and they were cute.
So we got to Jeju, and I got out and looked for a PC room/bang to download ALL my pictures in. I'm Hungry though..and I'm craving pizza, or maybe I should be healthy and find some bibimbap. Hmmm...
I gotta download all these pics first though. i LOVE Flickr!
So lets see...what did I do this weekend.
Arrive Jeju City 8 pm Friday night
Looked at a tourist online site to find out what I wanted to do and what there was to do
Walked around Jeju City after taking a bus downtown somehow
Got a pair of pretty Korean shoes! only 15! I wish I got the other ones that were shiny gold and jewels on them too...
Found a Jimjilbang
Sat:
Wandered around Jeju City
Found the Love Park...is this appropriate?!
Wanted to find the Mysterious road...time was ticking and my feet were hurting
Went to the Hella Arbetoreum
Petted a DONKEY! Was going to ride him, but didnt. I've never seen a donkey to ride before! ha ha
Taxi to the bus terminal.
To Seogwipo on the other side of the island where apparently everythign is (how cool is that name..Seogwipo?!)
This island is beautiful!
Went to eat at a really cool down-n-out family restaraunt. Yum..black sauce and noodles are yummy. ONe of the guys there did a show off sexy dance for me! It was hilarious!
Went to find a way to the beach/falls
Got there finally, and it was getting dusk...found the falls...WOW. Sat there and looked up at the stars..yes! there were stars to be seen here! Felt a bit lonely with all the honeymooners or couples around.
Amazed at all the volcanic paving stones. This river is fantastically perfect as well as the falls
Did a drawring
Went to find a taxi-he took me to a jimjilbang in the WOrldcup stadium! Interesting. And very very nice. THe most authentic one i've seen yet. Was a bit too hot to sleep in comfortably though. No worries.
Sunday
Woke up, amazingly enough. Got ready
Went out...look! There's a balloon! Went traipsing through some mandarin field to find amusement park! The guy there spoke pretty good English. I came in through the back side!
It cost 22000 won to ride and admission. You have to go through the maze first. Ok. That was more fun than I thought.
Just in time for the balloon ride. Up up and ...wow this is smooth! See movie clip for experience. Wow, theres the ocean horizon with nothing out there!
Down down down.
Instructed to go on trampoline/bungy ride. Wasnt sure if i wanted to but I thought..heck...I'd better do it! It's "free" Wow that was too much fun!
off to the next location....Emart. Could I just stop shopping?! Ha ha. Got some salad..no bikini though as planned. They'er too expensive! 75 for a 3 or 4 piece. Hmmm..
Took bus to the Jongnam resort. Wow.
Teddy bear museum first....Yes, teddy bear museum. And the building was amazing..and the teddy bears intersting enough. Largest teddy bear museum in the world.
Dumb camera and these AA batteries keep dying on me. UGH. NEVER will get a camera without a lithium battery...but at least I can go and buy the AA's at the store anywhere....
Pictures pictures
I'm officially becoming an expert in taking pictures of myself. How embarrassing...well not necessarily in Korea. Love it. I dont have to feel self-conscious here about taking my own pic in public. EVeryone does it. And why not?
I WAS HERE! And I can prove it!
To get batteries...WOOO! Pitstop in Cinnabon/Seattle's best! WOW was that ever GOOD!
Stop to take picture of Hooters Hof sign!
Back to teddy bear museum to finish off..
Went wandering to Lotte Hotel.
WOW
WOW
WOW
WOW
WOW
I got all teary eyed, and I feel like I've finally had my own honeymoon! HA ha..well not quite...but hey..the thought ran through my mind. I'm missing someone! Darmit! U know who u are...;)
Wandered down to the beach
Met a girl Kelli, and James, and Stew
Ended up hanging out...got dark, looking at the STARS and horizon at night is awesome. I miss Vancouver for that...deja vu
Walked up to the Hyatt...met an Indian guy who was a magician. Took picture
Went into the Hyatt looking for a toilet
Wandered the halls!
Went to taxi to town.
Got a pizza and ate it standing around a street toy machine...YUM Hoping the tonnes of birds above us dont give us a white shower! Ewww!
Went to noribang with Koreans we met on the street!
Wow that was fun
Found a jimjilbang...sleep...
Woke up just before sunrise. Glad I did. That was cool...
Monday:
Woke up again ..found a mat somehow during the night...yay..and a pillow!
got out the door by 11
went to find bus
and mandarines...did i saw how AMAZING they taste here? NOTHIGN like it!
Bus to bus terminal
Taxi took me to a bus terminal...dont remember that mis-connection
He was amazing...came in to communicate for me! My Korean to him was pretty good! I"m impressed with myself
ON the bus...thought i was going in the wrong direction..who cares...its an island!
Hour later, I get off at the side of a road that points to the Caves I want to see. Hoping to find a taxi..no luck...I start walking. Too impatient.
The sign says 3.8 kms. SUre..here we go! I can do it!
After 2 kms or so a car decides to ask me wher I'm going..and they end up giving me a ride right to the door! Wow. only in Korea
Walked around....went to see the caves
Went to leave, to go see Mini Land...and find out that I"m too late. They close in 2 hrs and no bus goes directly there, and I"m on the other side of the island. BUT there's another one close...and it costs 20 000 in a taxi. Whew...well sure why not. Eeeks that's expensive. But ...
So I do it, and get to 'Mini mini land' in luxury. Through the middle of the island and a lot of horses. I want to ride them too...but no time. See a folk villiage, drive by the crater...
Arrive at mini mini land.
Annoyed cuz they guy that was helping me to get a taxi at the 'cave' place was there!?!! What the?/??? I said hi just like that...as IF. HE could ahve given me a ride or something. But maybe I'm glad he didnt. Still!
Pictures pitures of Mini everything. Yay! I can say i was 'There'!
left
Got picked up by Korean family in White Shiny car.
Arrive in Jeju
Find PC bang..
here i am
gotta go find the ocean concert hall
gotta find something to eat
gotta find jimjilbang to sleep
WHEW!
A bit of a run on ramble..but hey..it was fun
Tomorrow am bright n early...4 or 5 hr ferry ride to Mokpo
Bus home (1 hr or so)
Relax a bit....who'm i kidding? I'll prolly be bored and lonely again
But i had a GREAT vacation!
Miss u all...;)
Who wants to come with me next time?
Thursday, July 27, 2006
JeJu-Do Island Tomorrow!
Yep, its holiday time. All 2 days of it. :S Neh. Thank goodness its a weekend too. Or I'd go nuts.
Anyway, I'm off to the island of Jeju. IT's the Hawaii of Korea. It takes 4 hrs on a ferry or about 40 mins or so on an airplane, and I'm doing Both! Flying there, and ferry back. So we'll see how that is. I get to take the ferry back to Mokpo, which is a town that I visited in January. Wow..that was a while ago! Went fast! I'd love to go back there quickly, and so I shall!
It's goign to be a true adventure for sure. I dont have an official place to stay, but I'm planning on staying in Jimjilbangs. Cheapest way to do it. But it's first come-first serve idea. I say that because pretty much everyone that can goes to Jeju right now. So it might be too busy. In that case, Korea is known for being able to sleep ANYWHERE...and I plan on going Korean style! Ha. Or I can camp out in the fresh air or something crazy like that. Why not?
I plan on visiting the volcano that made the island, the waterfalls, the tunnels/caves, the beaches, and possibly even the Teddy Bear Museum...yep..u heard right! Everyone raves about Jeju in Korea, so I hope it's worth it ;)
I was planning on going back to Canada or making another major trip on this holiday, but I cant get anymore days off right now...so what can u do? :S People work here like mad! And since I'm here I do too...well somewhat.
I was also hoping to go to China this weekend, but it looks like it's too much for me right now too. SO maybe another time.
Japan I'd like to go back to, and I would love to go to Vietnam, and Thailand..just cuz. Too many things to do and to see! I guess u cant do them all...but I'm too optimistic. Imagine that!
eesh...I'm feeling quite grumpy today. A lot of drama...mostly in my head but real.! Ha ha..that sounds dangerously psycho! Ha ha.. Don't worry..I'm not going nuts...yet. THings you cant control can do taht to u.
It's funny though....we're having a 'festival' in November. I'm assuminng its then because John and I will be leaving. So they asked John to teach a Taekwondo number, and for me to do a belly dancing number! HA! How the heck do you teach kids belly dancing of all things! Specially a 'sexy' dance?! But...I was to be surprised.
One day I just got them to do some very simple moves, and it was a blast! One kid, Sam is pretty good at 'snake arms' too! It's fun to break up the monotony of trying to get them to sit and listen...which is nearly impossible...from what my standards are from what i remember we were expected to do in school..or ELSE. Not so much here....especially when kids think they can get away with much much more because I dont understand or speak Korean. Little do they know!
Hehhh ehhhhhhh....evil laugh. I understand WAY more than they think I do! It's fun to answer them in Korean once in a while. THen they go around to everyone in the class and yell...Wendy teacher Hangul mal! Or close to that idea. And then they all want me to say it again! ha ha. It's cute.
Man, I'm gonna miss these kids. I really love them. Specially when they've been bad and i gotta put them in the Baby chair...or punish them in some way, and then after I try to remember to give them a hug and say 'I love you' or something like that...and then they either get all teary eyed, or get all happy an dit's all forgotten. I wonder how many times I got teary as much as they have. Little boys seem to be my favorite..with their constant mischief and things in their pockets, and trying to see how high they can fly their paper airplanes, or Danny begging me to play bingo! Or Sam screaming like a girl and then laughing histerically. Or Maria shocking me with the English that she knows when I least expect it. That kid is quite the piece of work!
..And then there's orange class. My nightmare...they always seem to be the kids that are the ahrdest to work with. THey're just between everything. And they need CONSTANT change and energy and ..... but they're cute too. And they beg me for bingo as well! I'm not playing bingo much tho, because the parents have wondered if that's all they know how to do in English is say Bingo! SO it's backfired a little..but they have learned a lot through Bingo...so Im finding ways of changing the method of approach!
Wow...so much for a little blurb and then off to bed! But I gotta do that now. I've been worrying so much its showing, and I cant do that...specially to myself. It's amazing what isolation can do to your brain! It goes off tha hook! But I still love living in another culture and language. It's constantly fascinating...and I think I must thrive on it.
Okay...seriusly...off to bed!
Anyway, I'm off to the island of Jeju. IT's the Hawaii of Korea. It takes 4 hrs on a ferry or about 40 mins or so on an airplane, and I'm doing Both! Flying there, and ferry back. So we'll see how that is. I get to take the ferry back to Mokpo, which is a town that I visited in January. Wow..that was a while ago! Went fast! I'd love to go back there quickly, and so I shall!
It's goign to be a true adventure for sure. I dont have an official place to stay, but I'm planning on staying in Jimjilbangs. Cheapest way to do it. But it's first come-first serve idea. I say that because pretty much everyone that can goes to Jeju right now. So it might be too busy. In that case, Korea is known for being able to sleep ANYWHERE...and I plan on going Korean style! Ha. Or I can camp out in the fresh air or something crazy like that. Why not?
I plan on visiting the volcano that made the island, the waterfalls, the tunnels/caves, the beaches, and possibly even the Teddy Bear Museum...yep..u heard right! Everyone raves about Jeju in Korea, so I hope it's worth it ;)
I was planning on going back to Canada or making another major trip on this holiday, but I cant get anymore days off right now...so what can u do? :S People work here like mad! And since I'm here I do too...well somewhat.
I was also hoping to go to China this weekend, but it looks like it's too much for me right now too. SO maybe another time.
Japan I'd like to go back to, and I would love to go to Vietnam, and Thailand..just cuz. Too many things to do and to see! I guess u cant do them all...but I'm too optimistic. Imagine that!
eesh...I'm feeling quite grumpy today. A lot of drama...mostly in my head but real.! Ha ha..that sounds dangerously psycho! Ha ha.. Don't worry..I'm not going nuts...yet. THings you cant control can do taht to u.
It's funny though....we're having a 'festival' in November. I'm assuminng its then because John and I will be leaving. So they asked John to teach a Taekwondo number, and for me to do a belly dancing number! HA! How the heck do you teach kids belly dancing of all things! Specially a 'sexy' dance?! But...I was to be surprised.
One day I just got them to do some very simple moves, and it was a blast! One kid, Sam is pretty good at 'snake arms' too! It's fun to break up the monotony of trying to get them to sit and listen...which is nearly impossible...from what my standards are from what i remember we were expected to do in school..or ELSE. Not so much here....especially when kids think they can get away with much much more because I dont understand or speak Korean. Little do they know!
Hehhh ehhhhhhh....evil laugh. I understand WAY more than they think I do! It's fun to answer them in Korean once in a while. THen they go around to everyone in the class and yell...Wendy teacher Hangul mal! Or close to that idea. And then they all want me to say it again! ha ha. It's cute.
Man, I'm gonna miss these kids. I really love them. Specially when they've been bad and i gotta put them in the Baby chair...or punish them in some way, and then after I try to remember to give them a hug and say 'I love you' or something like that...and then they either get all teary eyed, or get all happy an dit's all forgotten. I wonder how many times I got teary as much as they have. Little boys seem to be my favorite..with their constant mischief and things in their pockets, and trying to see how high they can fly their paper airplanes, or Danny begging me to play bingo! Or Sam screaming like a girl and then laughing histerically. Or Maria shocking me with the English that she knows when I least expect it. That kid is quite the piece of work!
..And then there's orange class. My nightmare...they always seem to be the kids that are the ahrdest to work with. THey're just between everything. And they need CONSTANT change and energy and ..... but they're cute too. And they beg me for bingo as well! I'm not playing bingo much tho, because the parents have wondered if that's all they know how to do in English is say Bingo! SO it's backfired a little..but they have learned a lot through Bingo...so Im finding ways of changing the method of approach!
Wow...so much for a little blurb and then off to bed! But I gotta do that now. I've been worrying so much its showing, and I cant do that...specially to myself. It's amazing what isolation can do to your brain! It goes off tha hook! But I still love living in another culture and language. It's constantly fascinating...and I think I must thrive on it.
Okay...seriusly...off to bed!
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Soccer Day
Yep, we've been playing soccer on Sundays now. It's so nice to do that. I havent been going to taekwondo for a month or two...and I've really been feeling the difference. I want to go back and get my next belt! So its been good to get some running in. Its fun with friends too.
Lets see, nothing really exciting this weekend. Nothing to report. I didnt leave the house until 9pm yeserday. I think I needed it. Then I stay up too late though, and end up having to recover. Takes sooo much longer when you get older. Did i really just say that?
We had a roof party on Friday which was a lot of fun. Got to meet some new people. I'm one of the old ones now! Imagine that! Time's running away on me! Only 3 months to go. Wow. My boss has asked me to stay for another 3 months, and financially I would love to. But I do have some things back home that I need to attend to. But some of those things involve money that is needed....so in that case, and because I really want to go to Turkey in October, I might need to stay. But the one most important thing/person is the issue. I could always come back if things don't work out... Scary thought.
I really do like it here in Korea. The people are nice and friendly, the hours I work are good. The people I work with are fun. The fashion here is fun, and Cheap. Travelling is awesome cheap. I've made some friends with people here that I hope will last a lifetime. I'm gonna miss those kids somethign terrible I'm sure..but at the same time I think I'll be a bit relieved. But I feel like I've grown so close to them. Hmmm...part of life. Hellos and goodbyes. Ugh...why can't life be fair.
The other issue is what on earth do I do when I get back home? I might just pursue teaching, because I really quite enjoy it. But there's design too. At this point, however, it's all about the money, because those stupid loans are a plague! Darnit!
Okay, I really haveta get to sleep...I'll regret it if I dont. It's 1 30 am here now.
Luv ya all. And Bealaboy...where the heck have u dissapeared to? Into girlfriend land? :P he heh.
Lets see, nothing really exciting this weekend. Nothing to report. I didnt leave the house until 9pm yeserday. I think I needed it. Then I stay up too late though, and end up having to recover. Takes sooo much longer when you get older. Did i really just say that?
We had a roof party on Friday which was a lot of fun. Got to meet some new people. I'm one of the old ones now! Imagine that! Time's running away on me! Only 3 months to go. Wow. My boss has asked me to stay for another 3 months, and financially I would love to. But I do have some things back home that I need to attend to. But some of those things involve money that is needed....so in that case, and because I really want to go to Turkey in October, I might need to stay. But the one most important thing/person is the issue. I could always come back if things don't work out... Scary thought.
I really do like it here in Korea. The people are nice and friendly, the hours I work are good. The people I work with are fun. The fashion here is fun, and Cheap. Travelling is awesome cheap. I've made some friends with people here that I hope will last a lifetime. I'm gonna miss those kids somethign terrible I'm sure..but at the same time I think I'll be a bit relieved. But I feel like I've grown so close to them. Hmmm...part of life. Hellos and goodbyes. Ugh...why can't life be fair.
The other issue is what on earth do I do when I get back home? I might just pursue teaching, because I really quite enjoy it. But there's design too. At this point, however, it's all about the money, because those stupid loans are a plague! Darnit!
Okay, I really haveta get to sleep...I'll regret it if I dont. It's 1 30 am here now.
Luv ya all. And Bealaboy...where the heck have u dissapeared to? Into girlfriend land? :P he heh.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Lowered Expectations
Typhoon Weather and Birthdays
It was my birthday on Tuesday, and it was the day that the typhoon decided to dump the most. It's been interesting for me because I've always been kinda proud of the fact that I always have nice weather on my birthday and have come to have expectations about it...funny how that is. And silly too. But it turned out okay...and the kids at school in Red class (my fave class) sang Happy Birthday to me..which was sooper awesome. I love those kids. And that was thanks to Rachel teacher. :P Then John Teacher and I went to Baskin Robbins for an icecream cake. Now, you might not know, but in Korea that's a pretty cute cake. They have this thing for cute and little cakes here...its kinda funny. I got one that was white and pink with pink flowers on it, and it was yogurt. It had little red heart sprinkles on it to! I wish i could remember the 'name of it'. Something like 'Sweet Garden' or something. The pink flowers remind me of my favorite birthday when i turned 7 I think. I ate that cake and had a big party (the fairy tale kind of party that every girl dreams about with her friends), and then I promptly got super sick that night and threw it all up! Ha ha..but I still have happy memories of that cake. So Pink and White was in the order!
So I have a video of the whole birthday thing...and I'll link it up to here I hope.
So I havent written much..been thinking of it...but just no real energy to do it. I'm in the place of processing a lot of stuff. My birthday was a bit depressing because it's just the realization that I'm 33 now, an dmy life hasn't necessarily come to what I had hoped and tried to have it be. But what do you do about that kind of thing? It's a lot about choices and things like that. And I always wanted to not have regrets, and to make the right choices. It looks like I havent always made the right choices...but I do have a lot of intentions to keep trying to make the right ones.
Future goals:
1. Stop worrying so much!
2. Focus on the future while staying in the now not to be over frivolous and more productive in life
3. Work on my belief in God to be confident with what He wants for me and trust him.
4. Travel as much as I can while I can
5. I would love a future with a family- a husband and kids, but we'll see. Maybe I'm not meant to have that.
6. Learn to save and not spend as much!
7...we'll see don't worry be happy.....
So...there was the mud festival...and here's the link so you'll get what this is all about a bit more. http://www.mudfestival.or.kr/english/festival/festival1.php
Pics are on the flickr website as always.
Okay, well that was my birthday. Oh yah, John came out to hang out after...it was too rainy and everyone didnt want to do anything. :( It's okay, this time I didnt mind being low key. I must be getting older! Eeesh!
Kay that's it for now....except what do I do for the holiday of 4 days at the end of this month? Hmmmm...
It was my birthday on Tuesday, and it was the day that the typhoon decided to dump the most. It's been interesting for me because I've always been kinda proud of the fact that I always have nice weather on my birthday and have come to have expectations about it...funny how that is. And silly too. But it turned out okay...and the kids at school in Red class (my fave class) sang Happy Birthday to me..which was sooper awesome. I love those kids. And that was thanks to Rachel teacher. :P Then John Teacher and I went to Baskin Robbins for an icecream cake. Now, you might not know, but in Korea that's a pretty cute cake. They have this thing for cute and little cakes here...its kinda funny. I got one that was white and pink with pink flowers on it, and it was yogurt. It had little red heart sprinkles on it to! I wish i could remember the 'name of it'. Something like 'Sweet Garden' or something. The pink flowers remind me of my favorite birthday when i turned 7 I think. I ate that cake and had a big party (the fairy tale kind of party that every girl dreams about with her friends), and then I promptly got super sick that night and threw it all up! Ha ha..but I still have happy memories of that cake. So Pink and White was in the order!
So I have a video of the whole birthday thing...and I'll link it up to here I hope.
So I havent written much..been thinking of it...but just no real energy to do it. I'm in the place of processing a lot of stuff. My birthday was a bit depressing because it's just the realization that I'm 33 now, an dmy life hasn't necessarily come to what I had hoped and tried to have it be. But what do you do about that kind of thing? It's a lot about choices and things like that. And I always wanted to not have regrets, and to make the right choices. It looks like I havent always made the right choices...but I do have a lot of intentions to keep trying to make the right ones.
Future goals:
1. Stop worrying so much!
2. Focus on the future while staying in the now not to be over frivolous and more productive in life
3. Work on my belief in God to be confident with what He wants for me and trust him.
4. Travel as much as I can while I can
5. I would love a future with a family- a husband and kids, but we'll see. Maybe I'm not meant to have that.
6. Learn to save and not spend as much!
7...we'll see don't worry be happy.....
So...there was the mud festival...and here's the link so you'll get what this is all about a bit more. http://www.mudfestival.or.kr/english/festival/festival1.php
Pics are on the flickr website as always.
Okay, well that was my birthday. Oh yah, John came out to hang out after...it was too rainy and everyone didnt want to do anything. :( It's okay, this time I didnt mind being low key. I must be getting older! Eeesh!
Kay that's it for now....except what do I do for the holiday of 4 days at the end of this month? Hmmmm...
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Oh the Drama
Well, yesterday I had an interesting incident in school/work. A girl in one of the classes who is always quite quiet came up to me quite quietly. (ha hows that for English 'Q' words?!) I didnt know what was happening but then I noticed that she had her hand over her face, and then there was blood everywhere. Then I realized that she was having a nosebleed. Man, I forgot about that kind of stuff. It was fully gushing. I've never seen such a gushing nosebleed in my life! So I sat her down and got her head back...I couldnt remember if it was forward or back, but back seemed to be the thing to do...and it helped. All the kids started to help me clean up the mess....on the floor and on her dress. It's amazing how bratty kids can be, and then if someone needs something like some attention of some sort, they all drop everything and help. Almost all of them. Ha.
I got one of the kids to call another teacher, and when she got there, she pretty much just took her to wash up and tossed it off. One of the other girls, Bonny, in the class was very attentive and wanted to sit beside the girl (Crystal is her name), and she made sure that she had a big wad of toilet paper up her nose to stop it. At one point Crystal took it out...and Bonny promptly grabbed more toilet paper and stuffed it up her nose! It was quite funny actually for me...or I should say amusing. Kids are human after all! Haha.
Something else happened but I dont happen to remember what at the moment. Will add it later..
Oh, so I've been appointed to teach the kids belly dancing for our school play in November. That's going to be interesting!!
Today I decided to get the kids folding paper today. I wish I could remember the word for it in Korean. It's NOT origami! I've really started to learn some of the differences and similarities in cultures. It's interesting. And other Asian cultures too. Stuff I never thought about until I've come here.
Ha ha....and I"m watching a TV show about jewelry making, and ribbon roses. Yep, you gotta have pretty stuff. What I love about it is that the men are attentive to this stuff too..and have an appreciation of it...and aren't afraid of wearing it themselves. For example, if a guy is with his girlfriend, or even a friend, its not uncommon for him to carry her purse. And that doenst mean by any means that he isn't a manly man. I just LOVE it. They ALL wear pink, and combine really awesome colors, and have fashion sense. Yes, there's the ones who don't quite have it all together, but its rare. The women all wear pretty things, dresses and heels ALL the time. And pretty ones with bows and flowers and a beaded necklace. Short sweaters or 'Boleros' are all the thing. Sometimes I feel I've stepped back into 1950 or something combined with 1980s. Oh yah, and the 80's are alive, leggings under everything. Long 'shirt dresses' with leggings under. I love how they layer things. I've learned a lot that way. Funny...I wonder how it will be for me to come back to Canada. I'm gonna be dressing waaaayyyy to pretty or something. But who cares. I love it. Something else to incorporate into my style. Oh yah, guys wear suits ALL the time too. Boy heaven for that reason. Ha haa...
Wow, that was a run on paragraph...can't help it. What else do you do.
Okay, that's all I can think of for now...
Gnite.
I got one of the kids to call another teacher, and when she got there, she pretty much just took her to wash up and tossed it off. One of the other girls, Bonny, in the class was very attentive and wanted to sit beside the girl (Crystal is her name), and she made sure that she had a big wad of toilet paper up her nose to stop it. At one point Crystal took it out...and Bonny promptly grabbed more toilet paper and stuffed it up her nose! It was quite funny actually for me...or I should say amusing. Kids are human after all! Haha.
Something else happened but I dont happen to remember what at the moment. Will add it later..
Oh, so I've been appointed to teach the kids belly dancing for our school play in November. That's going to be interesting!!
Today I decided to get the kids folding paper today. I wish I could remember the word for it in Korean. It's NOT origami! I've really started to learn some of the differences and similarities in cultures. It's interesting. And other Asian cultures too. Stuff I never thought about until I've come here.
Ha ha....and I"m watching a TV show about jewelry making, and ribbon roses. Yep, you gotta have pretty stuff. What I love about it is that the men are attentive to this stuff too..and have an appreciation of it...and aren't afraid of wearing it themselves. For example, if a guy is with his girlfriend, or even a friend, its not uncommon for him to carry her purse. And that doenst mean by any means that he isn't a manly man. I just LOVE it. They ALL wear pink, and combine really awesome colors, and have fashion sense. Yes, there's the ones who don't quite have it all together, but its rare. The women all wear pretty things, dresses and heels ALL the time. And pretty ones with bows and flowers and a beaded necklace. Short sweaters or 'Boleros' are all the thing. Sometimes I feel I've stepped back into 1950 or something combined with 1980s. Oh yah, and the 80's are alive, leggings under everything. Long 'shirt dresses' with leggings under. I love how they layer things. I've learned a lot that way. Funny...I wonder how it will be for me to come back to Canada. I'm gonna be dressing waaaayyyy to pretty or something. But who cares. I love it. Something else to incorporate into my style. Oh yah, guys wear suits ALL the time too. Boy heaven for that reason. Ha haa...
Wow, that was a run on paragraph...can't help it. What else do you do.
Okay, that's all I can think of for now...
Gnite.
Monday, July 03, 2006
soccer and heels
How BRILLIANT is this window display?!!! Man, I want to walk into my house with a wall to the side of this. Or how about your headboard on your bed? SHoes and bars with FLoozball doods on it! Man, I need to get to design again sometime someday! Wooo! I'm inspired and my brain iz buzzin! While yer at it...I've signed on to Flickr. WHY haven't I done this yet? So everybuddy...all my photos, all million of them will be appearing on Flickr from now on for your perusal at any time of the day or night. No invites or sent emails from Kodak for now. But Kodak is still good stuff.
Ooooh I love shoes. And I love being in Korea for pretty shoes like this. You can see shoes like this anyday. And cheap too! Oh help me! Save me from the shoes! Tee hee (never!!!)
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