Okay so things have gotten a bit better at my middle school.
I complained about the way things were going and people listened. Although I think they missed the mark on where the issue truly lies... The end result was that I no longer have to teach 3 classes on Mondays at my middle school. Which is great more time to watch dramas online. *ahem* I mean lesson plan. hahaha
I have to admit I'm developing a love/hate relationship with my third grade students at my middle school. They don't pay attention, talk in class, and most of the time just sleep... but there are some that work hard and participate that make the class worth while.
Some students even come into my office and talk. They don't have all the vocab to say what they want which makes for interesting conversations. One student for about the past month has been coming into my office and asking me about kpop. "Do you know T-ara?" "Do you know Kara?" etc... On one occasion he started to do the dance from the "Mister" music video. So its been a weekly event having him come into my office to dance for me. The dancing isn't all that great but I think he just wants to make me laugh. Dancerboi really makes my day.
Today in class I was doing a lesson on "What do you want?" and they were to practice saying things they want. Well Dancerboi says to me "I want you" . I have to admit I was caught off guard there since the way it was said didn't seem like a joke. I suppose if I spoke Korean, wasn't his teacher, and, was ten years younger something could possibly happen but in this reality... no dice!
For a few weeks now the head teacher has been coming into my office and telling me classes are canceled so I can "take a rest" so I do nothing but twiddle my thumbs waiting to go home. I have been tempted on several occasions to play ninja a leave early.. maybe one day I will... sssshhhhh
Friday, December 18, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
I'M ALIIIIIVEEEEEEEE
Okay guys... sorry for not keeping up on the blogging. I have several posts I want to make but for some reason whenever I got ready to write something I got distracted.
Anyway this is just a quick little update.
Teaching has been going fine. Life has been a little hectic because I have been going out a lot lately. Most people here just want to hit a bar or club... but I prefer to roam the streets of Seoul. Insadong is AMAZING~
I have been meeting a lot of great new people and reconnecting with old friends so I haven't been feeling that lonely.
Well I'll end this here... I hope to post up some new entries in a few days~
Anyway this is just a quick little update.
Teaching has been going fine. Life has been a little hectic because I have been going out a lot lately. Most people here just want to hit a bar or club... but I prefer to roam the streets of Seoul. Insadong is AMAZING~
I have been meeting a lot of great new people and reconnecting with old friends so I haven't been feeling that lonely.
Well I'll end this here... I hope to post up some new entries in a few days~
Sunday, November 8, 2009
[10 Random Things] #1
okay I haven't had time to post in a while so when I'm short on time I'll post "10 random things"
10. Most of the department store/supermarkets are referred to as “marts”. Example “E-Mart, Lotte Mart, Grand Mart….etc” . Actually found a place called “BS Mart” … that’s an unfortunate name >_>… Unless they market themselves like; “BS Mart… good food low prices and NO BS!”
9. Middle school and High school girls don’t fear the cold. These girls are hardcore wearing their uniform pencil skirts to school every morning. Personally if it was me I would wear pants to school then change later. I really don’t know how they do it.
8. Middle and High school students always seem to have their uniform on. It’s like they never take the thing off. When I was in High school my uniform was the first thing to go once the bell rang. Even 11pm at night you can see kids still in uniform.
7. Middle and High school students are always in some sort of a school. Most of them don’t finish classes until 11:30pm at night. I don’t know how they survive especially when have to wake up early the next day.
6. Samsung, LG and Lotte seem to rule the country. I’m pretty sure these companies employ more than half the populous. I’m pretty sure I work for Samsung but don’t even know it.
5. 42% of Koreans admit to never making contact with a foreigner before.
4. Traffic signals are mere suggestions and are to be taken lightly.
3. Most of the coffee shops here are nothing like Tim Horton’s or Coffee Time. Coffee shops here are cafés. These places are more akin to Starbucks. Prices can be pretty steep the cheapest thing on the menu are between 3,800 ~ 4,000won ($4~ish CDN) and that just for the small size.
2. Koreans like their skin care products. There are several store chains that supply skin care products. My favourites so far are Skin Food, The Face Shop, and, Tony Moly,
1. When they say don’t feed the bears.. man, you’d better not feed the bears!. LOL No one gets my Simpsons references here… There are other native English teachers that I know but some don’t watch the show or if they do they may not know exactly what I’m talking about. TT_TT I miss you Kik!
10. Most of the department store/supermarkets are referred to as “marts”. Example “E-Mart, Lotte Mart, Grand Mart….etc” . Actually found a place called “BS Mart” … that’s an unfortunate name >_>… Unless they market themselves like; “BS Mart… good food low prices and NO BS!”
9. Middle school and High school girls don’t fear the cold. These girls are hardcore wearing their uniform pencil skirts to school every morning. Personally if it was me I would wear pants to school then change later. I really don’t know how they do it.
8. Middle and High school students always seem to have their uniform on. It’s like they never take the thing off. When I was in High school my uniform was the first thing to go once the bell rang. Even 11pm at night you can see kids still in uniform.
7. Middle and High school students are always in some sort of a school. Most of them don’t finish classes until 11:30pm at night. I don’t know how they survive especially when have to wake up early the next day.
6. Samsung, LG and Lotte seem to rule the country. I’m pretty sure these companies employ more than half the populous. I’m pretty sure I work for Samsung but don’t even know it.
5. 42% of Koreans admit to never making contact with a foreigner before.
4. Traffic signals are mere suggestions and are to be taken lightly.
3. Most of the coffee shops here are nothing like Tim Horton’s or Coffee Time. Coffee shops here are cafés. These places are more akin to Starbucks. Prices can be pretty steep the cheapest thing on the menu are between 3,800 ~ 4,000won ($4~ish CDN) and that just for the small size.
2. Koreans like their skin care products. There are several store chains that supply skin care products. My favourites so far are Skin Food, The Face Shop, and, Tony Moly,
1. When they say don’t feed the bears.. man, you’d better not feed the bears!. LOL No one gets my Simpsons references here… There are other native English teachers that I know but some don’t watch the show or if they do they may not know exactly what I’m talking about. TT_TT I miss you Kik!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
[Korean Music] G Dragon
Okay I have to admit I was a little put of by G Dragon in the beginning. When I first heard the song "Heartbreaker" I thought it was the Korean remix of Flo Rida "Right Round". There are a lot of people that are calling plagiarism on GD but there isn't anything official saying that he did. In any case Flo Rida sampled that song from someone else.
Anyway, as I have been listening to more tracks on GD's album I'm really liking the sound. The really play well off each other and seem to tell a story. I think GD put A LOT of thought into the production of the album.
When I get the chance I think I'm going to get the album. Have a listen to these tracks. :) Lemme know what you think.
Anyway, as I have been listening to more tracks on GD's album I'm really liking the sound. The really play well off each other and seem to tell a story. I think GD put A LOT of thought into the production of the album.
When I get the chance I think I'm going to get the album. Have a listen to these tracks. :) Lemme know what you think.
Put Food In Me
Within the first few days of being in S.Korea I knew Koreans were crazy about food. On just about every street corner there are restaurants that serve just about every kind of food in the Korean cuisine repertoire. There is Kimbap (sushi), fried & bbq chicken, kalbi (ribs), etc etc
Most of the food places serve meals that are for at least two people. Back home I could wonder into just about any restaurant and be able to order something small for myself. But in this country food is an experience that you share with other people.
Today at school I didn't eat lunch. The Main Co-teacher was so up in arms about it I thought she was going to call in National Security or something. The music teacher also asked me why I didn't eat at lunch. I gave them both the same answer. "I wasn't hungry". No matter how many times I said it, The Main Co-teacher kept trying to feed me. Even when I do eat she STILL tries to feed me. "You didn't eat much at lunch, eat more.." "Oh you are getting skinny, eat this.."
I find people try to feed me a lot here. My co-workers, students, people at church etc.. They don't even ask if I will like it or not. They just give me the food and expect that I will eat it. In the time that I have been here I have eaten things that I wouldn't even touch with a 10 ft clown pole. I suppose its a humbling experience that I can learn from but... a part of me just wants to say "EEEEWWWW YUCKY!" :P
Getting back to the reason why I didn't eat lunch. Today I took one look at the lunch and decided I wasn't going to eat it. It didn't look appealing at all. I really want to opt out of eating the lunch provided by the school. I have to pay 50, 000 won/month ($48 CDN) for lunch for 4 days. Lately I haven't eaten much of what they provide so I was thinking of bringing my own food. Apparently if I do that people will lose face and all heck will break loose. Until I figure something I will just pretend to eat.
Most of the food places serve meals that are for at least two people. Back home I could wonder into just about any restaurant and be able to order something small for myself. But in this country food is an experience that you share with other people.
Today at school I didn't eat lunch. The Main Co-teacher was so up in arms about it I thought she was going to call in National Security or something. The music teacher also asked me why I didn't eat at lunch. I gave them both the same answer. "I wasn't hungry". No matter how many times I said it, The Main Co-teacher kept trying to feed me. Even when I do eat she STILL tries to feed me. "You didn't eat much at lunch, eat more.." "Oh you are getting skinny, eat this.."
I find people try to feed me a lot here. My co-workers, students, people at church etc.. They don't even ask if I will like it or not. They just give me the food and expect that I will eat it. In the time that I have been here I have eaten things that I wouldn't even touch with a 10 ft clown pole. I suppose its a humbling experience that I can learn from but... a part of me just wants to say "EEEEWWWW YUCKY!" :P
Getting back to the reason why I didn't eat lunch. Today I took one look at the lunch and decided I wasn't going to eat it. It didn't look appealing at all. I really want to opt out of eating the lunch provided by the school. I have to pay 50, 000 won/month ($48 CDN) for lunch for 4 days. Lately I haven't eaten much of what they provide so I was thinking of bringing my own food. Apparently if I do that people will lose face and all heck will break loose. Until I figure something I will just pretend to eat.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Middle School Mayhem
The entire week she has been dreading Friday. For most people Friday is a day of joy because they become emancipated from the onerous duties of work and can enjoy time off. Not for this English teacher. This English teacher doesn’t get filled with the same feelings of joy and optimism rather she is filled with dread and despondency.
Why do you ask? Three simple words. Middle school Classes. Yes, middle school. This English teacher has to teach in two separate schools. Teaching a two schools isn’t so bad for most English teachers just means more running around and more names to remember. For this English teacher it’s a little bit of suffering twice a week for several hours.
Office space: a small corner desk. (Where she might consider pitching a tent in order to avoid the tidal wave of children that come in only talk to the other teachers.) A computer that constantly looses the internet connection and doesn’t hook up to the giant printer beside her. On special days she gets locked outside her office.
1-1, 1-2, & 1-3: not so bad this English teacher thinks. They are still fresh faced and still innocent from elementary school therefore haven’t been fully corrupted as of yet.
2-1, 2-2, & 2-3: There are good days and bad days. Mostly there are frustrating days because the co-teacher for this class is an absentee co-teacher. Pretty much nowhere to be found outside or inside of class. Co-teacher of Grade 2 provides no materials very little support. This English teacher thinks the co teacher is avoiding her.
3-1 & 3-2: here any class that the English teacher can walk away from is considered a good class. These classes have bullies, fist fights and all that other stuff teachers cry about at night.
So anyway to explain what happened today….
The English teacher woke up extra early to finish up a lesson on “Hobbies” she thought the students might like. In class 2-1 students didn’t take to the group work as well as they could. They just kept talking, talking, and talking when it was time to listen to the other groups. No matter how times she said to BE QUIET. The students did their own thing. Girls fussed with their bangs and stared at themselves in their mirrors. The boys punched and stabbed each other with pens. The co-teacher half paid attention to the lesson, the other half was spent beating the students and offering some English -> Korean translation. This continued until the English teacher couldn’t take anymore. “YO!!” The English teacher yelled. The students and co-teacher jumped and all were surprised. For you see this is the first time the English teacher had ever raised her voice. Class continued and finished without incident
Class 2-3, The English teacher had sometime to calm down a bit. She arrived to class early and set up her laptop (there are no computers in any of the classrooms). She began her lesson. The students go into groups and she presented the day’s topic. Again the students did everything but the actual task set before them. One student constantly just talking and goofing off since the beginning of the class was driving the English teacher crazy. The English teacher basically said to the student “If you don’t like English class then leave. I don’t care that you don’t understand what I’m saying. Just leave” and of course she has no clue what the English teacher just said. The English teacher tried to continue on with the lesson. The students continued on doing their own thing. So the English teacher lost it. “YOOOO!! WHAT THE HELL MAN?!... I can’t take this anymore week after week it’s the same crap! I’m sick of it! I’m DONE!... I don’t care if you can’t understand me I’m pissed!” The English teacher used every bit of her remaining self-control to stop herself from storming out of the class and out of the school entirely. The English teacher composed herself and handed out an article then told her students to read quietly. The class worked on the assignment and was completely silent.
Why do you ask? Three simple words. Middle school Classes. Yes, middle school. This English teacher has to teach in two separate schools. Teaching a two schools isn’t so bad for most English teachers just means more running around and more names to remember. For this English teacher it’s a little bit of suffering twice a week for several hours.
Office space: a small corner desk. (Where she might consider pitching a tent in order to avoid the tidal wave of children that come in only talk to the other teachers.) A computer that constantly looses the internet connection and doesn’t hook up to the giant printer beside her. On special days she gets locked outside her office.
1-1, 1-2, & 1-3: not so bad this English teacher thinks. They are still fresh faced and still innocent from elementary school therefore haven’t been fully corrupted as of yet.
2-1, 2-2, & 2-3: There are good days and bad days. Mostly there are frustrating days because the co-teacher for this class is an absentee co-teacher. Pretty much nowhere to be found outside or inside of class. Co-teacher of Grade 2 provides no materials very little support. This English teacher thinks the co teacher is avoiding her.
3-1 & 3-2: here any class that the English teacher can walk away from is considered a good class. These classes have bullies, fist fights and all that other stuff teachers cry about at night.
So anyway to explain what happened today….
The English teacher woke up extra early to finish up a lesson on “Hobbies” she thought the students might like. In class 2-1 students didn’t take to the group work as well as they could. They just kept talking, talking, and talking when it was time to listen to the other groups. No matter how times she said to BE QUIET. The students did their own thing. Girls fussed with their bangs and stared at themselves in their mirrors. The boys punched and stabbed each other with pens. The co-teacher half paid attention to the lesson, the other half was spent beating the students and offering some English -> Korean translation. This continued until the English teacher couldn’t take anymore. “YO!!” The English teacher yelled. The students and co-teacher jumped and all were surprised. For you see this is the first time the English teacher had ever raised her voice. Class continued and finished without incident
Class 2-3, The English teacher had sometime to calm down a bit. She arrived to class early and set up her laptop (there are no computers in any of the classrooms). She began her lesson. The students go into groups and she presented the day’s topic. Again the students did everything but the actual task set before them. One student constantly just talking and goofing off since the beginning of the class was driving the English teacher crazy. The English teacher basically said to the student “If you don’t like English class then leave. I don’t care that you don’t understand what I’m saying. Just leave” and of course she has no clue what the English teacher just said. The English teacher tried to continue on with the lesson. The students continued on doing their own thing. So the English teacher lost it. “YOOOO!! WHAT THE HELL MAN?!... I can’t take this anymore week after week it’s the same crap! I’m sick of it! I’m DONE!... I don’t care if you can’t understand me I’m pissed!” The English teacher used every bit of her remaining self-control to stop herself from storming out of the class and out of the school entirely. The English teacher composed herself and handed out an article then told her students to read quietly. The class worked on the assignment and was completely silent.
Hi-Mart Boi
The laptop I have which I affectionately refer to as “Lappy” is about 5 years old. Coming to Korea I was worried that my Lappy would fail me in its old age. Some people think that 5 years old isn’t that old for a laptop. But for an Acer it’s practically ancient in my opinion. I was half expecting Indiana Jones to kick down my door and swipe it from me.
I went to E-Mart to check out their selection (E-Mart is a kind of like Walmart) . I couldn’t find anything in my price range (Free ~ 1.1 million won/*$1000CND) that I liked. Also most of the laptops at E-Mart ran on XP which only had Korean as the language option. I was told that with Vista I could change the Korean to English. Finding that out was great but then I realized I would have to do it all on my own. I know a lot about computers but I lack the confidence in completing a task like that. Then I thought about all work I would have to do loading all the drivers needed. Suddenly I wished that my bro was there to figure it all out for me.
I wasn’t sure where I should go to find a laptop so; I decided to ask the Main Co-teacher (Main Co). The Main Co said to try Hi-Mart(Hi-Mart is kinda like a Best Buy or Future Shop). That afternoon I went to Hi-Mart determined to find a laptop I could call my own.
Upon arriving at the store I was greeted by several employees they all beckoned for the one person in the store that could speak the best English. I was quickly ushered into the laptop display area. I busied myself with studying the selection.
Suddenly there he was Hi-Mart Boi. “Do you speak Korean?” He asked with a smile.
“A little” I say nervously avoiding eye-contact. Gees why was I so nervous all of a sudden. I’m just buying a laptop. I look at Hi-Mart Boi. He has pierced ears, wearing glasses, short spiky hair, approximately 5’8” and a muscular/athletic build.
We talked about laptops for a while. But we got sidetracked as the usual questions about me got asked.
How long have you been here? Why Korea? Where do you live? Where do you teach? Do have any Korean friends? Etc etc.
After I told him I wasn’t going to get anything at that moment. I needed to think about it for a while and all that. What I really wanted to do was check it out on the internet and see what other people have said about the laptop before I get it.
I went home researched the product and decided if I couldn’t stop thinking about the laptop then I would get it. It was on sale and the price was the lowest I had ever seen so knew I needed to make up my mind soon if I wanted to get it.
Later that evening I went to the store Hi-Mart Boi was there ready to close the deal. I was keen on buying it but I had a few more questions about the computer. I told him that can’t read Korean and needed the operation system to be in English. He assured me that it could be done. Then I asked about Microsoft office. I needed to have an English version of that program for my school work.
“Oh sure, I can get that for you” Hi-Mart Boi said “I can set everything up for you.”
I was happy to hear that. Customer service in this country really goes above and beyond. Later I was seated at a table and all the information was written up for the purchase. Hi-Mart Boi brought me something to drink. Looking down more at the paper than at me he said “How old are you?”. At this point he had my ARC (Alien Register Card) so I thought that is was a dumb question when my information was clearly on there. I told my age. Then he said “Oh I’m 28”. He pulled out a business card then wrote on it quickly. “If you need anything or have any problems you can call me.” He looked so shy completely avoiding my gaze. I gave him my number too.
About 2 days later my new lappy was ready. We didn’t have much time to talk in the store since it was busy. When I got home I discovered that Hi-mart Boi fully updated my computer, changed all he could into English, install Microsoft Office, and as an added bonus put a whole bunch of Korean music on my computer.
So for the next week we text messaged each other like mad. At one point Hi-Mart Boi came over to see me at my place with Starbucks coffee. Unfortunately for him I wasn’t at home at the time. That same night he called me and made plans to meet up on the weekend for dinner and a movie.
Later in the week I text him to confirm the details about the upcoming outing. Nothing. I sent a few more texts thinking that my phone was acting up again and nothing was going through. Still nothing. I’m not sure what happened but I think I’m being ignored. I’m curious to know why he isn’t talking to me anymore. Jokingly I keep telling O-Mocha that he real girlfriend must have found him out. Or that another ebony goddess walked into Hi-Mart. But whatever the reason he isn’t talking to me anymore.
So one last thing… The Main Co-teacher told me that I should pick up some last few things for my apartment. She said to go to Hi-Mart to get the prices of the items and the school will give me a gift card so I can pick them up.
Go to Hi-Mart?
I was in a slight panic. The last thing I needed was to see Hi-Mart Boi and have a super awkward moment.
Later that week I went to Hi-Mart. I kept praying the entire time that I wouldn’t see or be seen by Hi-Mart Boi. I managed to get in and out of the store in record time. The only thing that sidetracked me was an awesome poster of TOP from Big Bang. I figured if I was spotted I might get a text or call from Hi-Mart Boi, but nothing happened. So I’m safe until I go back into the store.
I went to E-Mart to check out their selection (E-Mart is a kind of like Walmart) . I couldn’t find anything in my price range (Free ~ 1.1 million won/*$1000CND) that I liked. Also most of the laptops at E-Mart ran on XP which only had Korean as the language option. I was told that with Vista I could change the Korean to English. Finding that out was great but then I realized I would have to do it all on my own. I know a lot about computers but I lack the confidence in completing a task like that. Then I thought about all work I would have to do loading all the drivers needed. Suddenly I wished that my bro was there to figure it all out for me.
I wasn’t sure where I should go to find a laptop so; I decided to ask the Main Co-teacher (Main Co). The Main Co said to try Hi-Mart(Hi-Mart is kinda like a Best Buy or Future Shop). That afternoon I went to Hi-Mart determined to find a laptop I could call my own.
Upon arriving at the store I was greeted by several employees they all beckoned for the one person in the store that could speak the best English. I was quickly ushered into the laptop display area. I busied myself with studying the selection.
Suddenly there he was Hi-Mart Boi. “Do you speak Korean?” He asked with a smile.
“A little” I say nervously avoiding eye-contact. Gees why was I so nervous all of a sudden. I’m just buying a laptop. I look at Hi-Mart Boi. He has pierced ears, wearing glasses, short spiky hair, approximately 5’8” and a muscular/athletic build.
We talked about laptops for a while. But we got sidetracked as the usual questions about me got asked.
How long have you been here? Why Korea? Where do you live? Where do you teach? Do have any Korean friends? Etc etc.
After I told him I wasn’t going to get anything at that moment. I needed to think about it for a while and all that. What I really wanted to do was check it out on the internet and see what other people have said about the laptop before I get it.
I went home researched the product and decided if I couldn’t stop thinking about the laptop then I would get it. It was on sale and the price was the lowest I had ever seen so knew I needed to make up my mind soon if I wanted to get it.
Later that evening I went to the store Hi-Mart Boi was there ready to close the deal. I was keen on buying it but I had a few more questions about the computer. I told him that can’t read Korean and needed the operation system to be in English. He assured me that it could be done. Then I asked about Microsoft office. I needed to have an English version of that program for my school work.
“Oh sure, I can get that for you” Hi-Mart Boi said “I can set everything up for you.”
I was happy to hear that. Customer service in this country really goes above and beyond. Later I was seated at a table and all the information was written up for the purchase. Hi-Mart Boi brought me something to drink. Looking down more at the paper than at me he said “How old are you?”. At this point he had my ARC (Alien Register Card) so I thought that is was a dumb question when my information was clearly on there. I told my age. Then he said “Oh I’m 28”. He pulled out a business card then wrote on it quickly. “If you need anything or have any problems you can call me.” He looked so shy completely avoiding my gaze. I gave him my number too.
About 2 days later my new lappy was ready. We didn’t have much time to talk in the store since it was busy. When I got home I discovered that Hi-mart Boi fully updated my computer, changed all he could into English, install Microsoft Office, and as an added bonus put a whole bunch of Korean music on my computer.
So for the next week we text messaged each other like mad. At one point Hi-Mart Boi came over to see me at my place with Starbucks coffee. Unfortunately for him I wasn’t at home at the time. That same night he called me and made plans to meet up on the weekend for dinner and a movie.
Later in the week I text him to confirm the details about the upcoming outing. Nothing. I sent a few more texts thinking that my phone was acting up again and nothing was going through. Still nothing. I’m not sure what happened but I think I’m being ignored. I’m curious to know why he isn’t talking to me anymore. Jokingly I keep telling O-Mocha that he real girlfriend must have found him out. Or that another ebony goddess walked into Hi-Mart. But whatever the reason he isn’t talking to me anymore.
So one last thing… The Main Co-teacher told me that I should pick up some last few things for my apartment. She said to go to Hi-Mart to get the prices of the items and the school will give me a gift card so I can pick them up.
Go to Hi-Mart?
I was in a slight panic. The last thing I needed was to see Hi-Mart Boi and have a super awkward moment.
Later that week I went to Hi-Mart. I kept praying the entire time that I wouldn’t see or be seen by Hi-Mart Boi. I managed to get in and out of the store in record time. The only thing that sidetracked me was an awesome poster of TOP from Big Bang. I figured if I was spotted I might get a text or call from Hi-Mart Boi, but nothing happened. So I’m safe until I go back into the store.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Questions, privacy, and stuff
Okay... ever since I came to this country random people have been stopping me on the street and asking me question. Where are you from? Are you American? Where do you live? What are you doing in Korea? It’s like everyone wants to know my business. I know, I know they are curious and interested in me since I stick out like a white guy competing in the 100m dash. But seriously the game of 20 questions is starting to get to me, especially when I just want to roam the streets in peace.
I teach at two different schools, one Elementary and one Middle school. The elementary school is my main school. The people have been very welcoming and very supportive of me. They have made me feel as though I am truly a member of staff. But with that comes a whole bunch of things I can't seem to comprehend. Here are a two:
Monthly meetings - These meetings are held once a month with the entire staff present. The principal makes a long winded speech about something maybe it’s about education maybe it’s about what happened on Glee last night. Either way I don’t know since it’s all in Korean. My co-teacher assumed that I don’t have to be there but the head teacher insisted I be there. For what reason? I have no clue. Honestly speaking these meeting are a complete waste of my time. I can’t understand what’s going on, I can’t contribute, and, I’m not really a member of staff. I have been to the staff dinners which aren’t so bad since it’s mostly about enjoying the company of the other staff members rather than official school business.
My business is public domain – I’m pretty sure all the teachers in my school know where I live, my phone number, and my email. They know about the times that I have been sick and that I had to go to the hospital for a special exam. I took a sick day for that exam. Upon my return to school I was told by my co-teacher that I had to report back to both the vice principal and principal how the exam went. I was confused by this since I didn’t really think my medical information was any of their business. If it was the case that I had to take off more time or something then I would have felt compelled to say something to them. I suppose if I was in Canada and this happened I would have just gone into work as usual and not say anything unless I asked. Later in the day I found out that the rest of the female staff knew about my hospital visit. It’s hard trying to get used to this because I like my privacy.
Well that is all for now… Next entry: Hi-Mart Boi
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Korean Music
Long before I came to Korea I was listening to Korean music regularly. Thanks to my friend O-mocha I was introduced to H.O.T, 1tym, Jinusean, Wheesung, Lexy, Se7en, and many more artists. Eventually I ventured out on my own and discovered a lot different musical talents myself. But I found with Korean music it was either "pop" or "ballad", I like both types but not all the time yanno?
In any case before I came out to Korea I was listening to DBSK, Rain, Wondergirls, Big Bang, 2ne1, and lots of older stuff, I still love 1tym! 1tym will always have a special place in my heart, I loved the flow of their rap and when they switch it up on an R&B track its still awesome. I think I kept listening to them because I didn't know of any other Korean rap artists.
Problem solved! Hi-Mart Boi (which will be discussed in another entry) Loaded up my new laptop with nice selection of music. Some tracks that have been tormenting me for weeks. I'd hear the songs in stores and other places but didn't know the titles nor artists.
Long story short there are a few K-rap tracks Hi-Mart Boi put on for me. So now I've got a lot of Drunken Tiger, Tasha, and, Outsider. I really like Outsider.
Here is a commercial that Outsider did some time ago. He lists like 40 countries... "England.. America... etc"
In any case before I came out to Korea I was listening to DBSK, Rain, Wondergirls, Big Bang, 2ne1, and lots of older stuff, I still love 1tym! 1tym will always have a special place in my heart, I loved the flow of their rap and when they switch it up on an R&B track its still awesome. I think I kept listening to them because I didn't know of any other Korean rap artists.
Problem solved! Hi-Mart Boi (which will be discussed in another entry) Loaded up my new laptop with nice selection of music. Some tracks that have been tormenting me for weeks. I'd hear the songs in stores and other places but didn't know the titles nor artists.
Long story short there are a few K-rap tracks Hi-Mart Boi put on for me. So now I've got a lot of Drunken Tiger, Tasha, and, Outsider. I really like Outsider.
Here is a commercial that Outsider did some time ago. He lists like 40 countries... "England.. America... etc"
Thursday, October 8, 2009
[Subway Capers] #1
I was on the subway going home. I wasn't expecting much to happen. The usual stares maybe some pointing but that was pretty much all I was expecting. Boy was I wrong.
Toward the end of my trip there was this lady that kept starting at me. We made eye contact... big mistake... she moves in ToT.
The lady started to grab my hands then say something in Korean about Africa.. and something about love.. then more stuff about Africa. I think I got the word "beautiful" in there once or twice. But she keeps speaking in a quiet voice so I have to lean in a bit. She keeps touching my hands... squeezing my fingers tighter and tighter... from the things she's saying in Korean I can gather that she wants me to go some where with her.. and one point the finger squeezing stops... it becomes forearm and wrist squeeze... the out of nowhere chest pats that slowly descend a little to close to "the girls"
I shift uncomfortably looking for help but everyone is avoiding my gaze... blast you people! The lady says some more stuff about "Ye-su Ku-ris-to". Then I realize that she's trying to get me to come to some church with her. I try to tell her I'm Catholic and won't be going with her to some "alleluia" church. But she doesn't understand. She reaches into her wallet and hands me 10,000 won ($10~ish CDN). I try to refuse. SEVERAL times. But then take it not wanting her to lose face by causing a bigger scene. (I suppose that was payment for the fondling)
My stop comes and I want to get the heck outta there! It so happens its her stop as well... dang! So the entire walk up the stairs she holds my hand (and also patting and rubbing my back). I suppose I could have tried to leave her. But she was an older lady she'd prolly tumble down the stairs.
We swipe our passes to get out of the subway. She insists that I come with her. I say no.
I bolt outta there checking over my shoulder the entire walk home...
I think I will call her Crazy Train Lady, until I come up with a better nickname...
Toward the end of my trip there was this lady that kept starting at me. We made eye contact... big mistake... she moves in ToT.
The lady started to grab my hands then say something in Korean about Africa.. and something about love.. then more stuff about Africa. I think I got the word "beautiful" in there once or twice. But she keeps speaking in a quiet voice so I have to lean in a bit. She keeps touching my hands... squeezing my fingers tighter and tighter... from the things she's saying in Korean I can gather that she wants me to go some where with her.. and one point the finger squeezing stops... it becomes forearm and wrist squeeze... the out of nowhere chest pats that slowly descend a little to close to "the girls"
I shift uncomfortably looking for help but everyone is avoiding my gaze... blast you people! The lady says some more stuff about "Ye-su Ku-ris-to". Then I realize that she's trying to get me to come to some church with her. I try to tell her I'm Catholic and won't be going with her to some "alleluia" church. But she doesn't understand. She reaches into her wallet and hands me 10,000 won ($10~ish CDN). I try to refuse. SEVERAL times. But then take it not wanting her to lose face by causing a bigger scene. (I suppose that was payment for the fondling)
My stop comes and I want to get the heck outta there! It so happens its her stop as well... dang! So the entire walk up the stairs she holds my hand (and also patting and rubbing my back). I suppose I could have tried to leave her. But she was an older lady she'd prolly tumble down the stairs.
We swipe our passes to get out of the subway. She insists that I come with her. I say no.
I bolt outta there checking over my shoulder the entire walk home...
I think I will call her Crazy Train Lady, until I come up with a better nickname...
First Blog~! w00t
Hello people!
Thank you so much for stopping by! This blog is going to be dedicated to the documentation of my time in South Korea.
Here is a little information about me. I'm female, I come from Toronto, Canada (GO Raptors, lol ), and my background is West African. So you can imagine the attention that I get living day to day in S.Korea. Several times in a day I can be stared at, gawked at, pointed at, whispered about, have my braids pulled and examined, have my skin touched, and still much much more...
But don't worry it isn't all bad.
I'm going to try to do my best to keep this update. Also anything I post with [Insert Title Here] is a part of a series whether it be tips or on going musings.
And lastly, anyone that knows me in real life is strongly urged to use my online names when you comment on my page. Please don't use my real name because I won't be using yours when I post mmmm 'kay :P
Thank you so much for stopping by! This blog is going to be dedicated to the documentation of my time in South Korea.
Here is a little information about me. I'm female, I come from Toronto, Canada (GO Raptors, lol ), and my background is West African. So you can imagine the attention that I get living day to day in S.Korea. Several times in a day I can be stared at, gawked at, pointed at, whispered about, have my braids pulled and examined, have my skin touched, and still much much more...
But don't worry it isn't all bad.
I'm going to try to do my best to keep this update. Also anything I post with [Insert Title Here] is a part of a series whether it be tips or on going musings.
And lastly, anyone that knows me in real life is strongly urged to use my online names when you comment on my page. Please don't use my real name because I won't be using yours when I post mmmm 'kay :P
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