Errands

In the morning I worked on my plans. Then I went to 2 of my 5th grade classes. I liked them a lot. I also feel like this coteacher and I have similar teaching styles and thought process. I wish I was working with the 5th graders twice a week... Anyway, we went to lunch after and also sat with my other coteacher. Then we had a meeting, the 3 of us to discuss plans and such. Again, it was soo frustrating to try and communicate to the one teacher. She is very bossy (probably because she has a lot of seniority and is in her 50's while the other one is late 20's maybe early 30's) and likes to talk a lot even though she doesn't know what she's saying. She just repeats herself and talks about things not related to what I asked or what we were discussing. In our 50 minute meeting, the other teacher probably only spoke a total of 1 minute; me maybe 5-10... It didn't help much--it's quite confusing the system and all that, but really only 6th grade, go figure. The 5th grade teacher was just like, next week you teach this. The following week this. Okay? The other one is going on and on about the schedule and this and that--so confusing. Just talking with her makes me want to burst into tears.

After our meeting I spent some time fixing/adjusting the plans per their ideas from our meeting and then it was time to go to the bank! We picked Woori Bank to be my bank and spent the next 1 1/4 hrs waiting/filling out forms. Then back to my place to get my internet set up! It's only going to be about 13,000W a month (around $13) WITH wireless included! It's pretty awesome. And apparently as a special promotion they will give me 50,000W! So cool! That made me happy. Anyway, the setup took awhile. When they were finished my coteacher and I talked about planning a little bit. She then suggested we go to dinner. I tried declining because I just wanted to relax and get some stuff done, but when she asked again, I knew I had to agree. So we set off and picked a noodle restaurant very close to my place. It ended up being pleasant. We ordered japchae (noodles with vegetables in a soy sauce) and meat-kimchi cheon (cheon is like a fried pancake). For the FIRST time EVER, the shopkeeper asked if I wanted to take the leftovers home...WHAT?! OF COURSE! So I got it boxed up and brought it home.

I've spent the last few hours now catching up on my blog. I wanted to do my dishes, run to emart and do a little bit of cleaning, but I'm getting tired. We'll see how much of that list gets checked off, but the blog was the biggie.

Tomorrow in the evening I'll be going to Bohye's and spending the night. Saturday I'm going to Daejeon to help my friend Ginger. We don't know if I will spend the night or not, so have a great weekend. Prayers are always welcomed as I continue to adjust to this. Some moments I'm not feeling that great and second guess this decisions. Some moments I find peace and happiness but I can always use a positive thought or prayer to help me get through the long work days and difficult relationship with my coteacher.

Pictures of my place coming soon!

Rough Day

Today was probably one of the roughest days I've had in Korea. Again I worked on lesson plans in the morning and went to observe another 6th grade class. They were better than the previous class I saw. After class, I went to lunch. I talked with one of the coteachers about my lesson plan ideas. I said I wanted the students to make nametags to have on their desks to help me learn their names. She continued to argue with me saying my idea wouldn't work and it was a bad idea. She had made a seating chart with their names written in it and told me I would use that. I know it was just a little itty bitty miniscule thing, but I think I just needed to have something in control and to me just a little thing like having nametags didn't seem like such a big deal. Anyway, I had tears start to well up in my eyes and I wanted to wipe it away discreetly, but lo and behold, that small movement made the flood gates open and there I was, sitting at the lunch table with my 2 teachers bawling my eyes out. She asked me what was wrong and I tried to explain that it's just a little overwhelming and a lot to take in. That this system is so different it's a lot to get used to. She immediately criticized me and told me I must be a sad person all the time. I tried to defend myself, again explaining it's a big change to move 6,000 miles away from everything I know and even though I've been to Korea 8 times it's completely a different experience working there. She was adamant that I'm a sad person. My other coteacher said that she felt I am a very positive person and also suggested I just need time. I wanted to hug her. She had to run off to her class so I had to sit with this teacher another 10 minutes with her lecturing me about how I need to tell her everything on my mind and if I have a disagreement to tell her and when I feel sad or upset to tell her. Over and over.

The saving grace is that today was the day my F4 Visa was ready to pick up. (Since I lost my old card and the one being reissued was ready) The visa is very important so I was given permission to leave school on "official leave" to get the visa. I left around 3:30 and was supposed to take a bus near the school to the immigration office. Me being the stubborn one, wanted to take the subway and find the other subway line near the school. Well, me also being the not very directionally minded when reading a map...got a bit lost and ended up taking a very long route to end up at the subway station near my apartment. I actually passed it, probably 15 minutes after when I would have been by it... So I hopped on the subway and got to the office. It was like a breath of fresh air to be back in "Seoul" and know where I was and how I was going there...

I entered the office and...wow, there were sooooo many people there! I looked at the ticket machine and saw that they were not taking any more numbers! I was worried and didn't know what to do, but I figured I didn't need a number to pick up my card--the only problem is that I needed to update my address. When I applied for the reissued card 2 weeks ago I didn't know where I would be living so I used the address of KoRoot. I needed to change my address and I was worried about how to manage that (my coteacher didn't come with me--if you didn't already guess by me not taking the bus AND getting lost trying to find the subway...) alone with no Korean. Anyway, I picked up my card by showing my receipt and then asked to change my address. The lady told me "7" meaning the 7th booth for F4 Visas. I walked that way and heard my name. A few other EPIK teachers I knew were there. The one said she had arrived shortly before me and talked to another teacher who arrived there around 10:30 and already they had the sign that they were not taking any more numbers! She and I chatted a little and she left because there was no point in her hanging around there. I was watching booth 7 and no one was really going there so I decided I would just go talk to the person. The lady gave me a form to fill out; while I was filling it out a few people talked with her so I had to wait for them. Then I returned it and waited about 5 minutes for the address to be printed on the back of my card and I was done.

I went shopping--retail therapy... But actually the original goal was to find a birthday present for Bohye. I just got a little side tracked and found a nice pair of heels and a dress/shirt for myself. Along with nail polish and a shirt for Bohye. I wanted some comfort food and knew there was a Pita Pit (sandwiches on pita bread--I get this when I visit Joe in Kalamazoo) in the area. Unfortunately I took the looong way there but I guess I got extra walking it. I ordered my food and then went to Cheonggyecheon to sit and eat. Then I went to meet Giovanni. I figured I was close to where he is staying at KoRoot we could meet. I picked a place near the subway entrance because he had a stroke last year and walks with a little limp; I wanted it to be easy for him to get around and not walk too much. We went to Paris Baguette and had some bread and coffee. We chatted for about 2 hours. He told me that he has a pastor friend that might be able to help try to get more information about my birthmom and maybe even something about my birthfather. After coffee, he was hungry-I was still full, but I helped him find a restaurant to have dinner at since he doesn't speak Korean. I took the subway back but got off a stop too early and transferred lines so that I had to go an extra few stops. Not a big deal but when I was feeling so tired and ready to be 'home' I had to be on the subway for another 10 minutes.

First Big Day at School

While I walked to school, I actually ran into a student that recognized me and bowed to me. I had more free time in the morning so I planned a little. Then at 11:30 I went to observe in a 6th grade class. I think it's funny that whenever the students answer a question, they must stand up. This class was quite chatty, so I know I will have to set some ground rules with them. However, it's difficult because I'm actually coming into the 2nd semester with them. After that, I went to lunch with that coteacher, JinYoung and met some of the other teachers there as well.

In the afternoon I spent more time working on plans. I have to stay til 4:40. My schedule is different every day; I have 8 different 6th grade classes that I meet twice a week and 7 5th grade classes that I meet only once a week. Friday is my heaviest day, with 6 classes, most of them are only 4 classes. The school system is very different from ours. They have 40 minute periods for each subject--from 9-2:30. (So a subject teacher like myself at most would teach 6 classes and be done teaching by 2:30, but has to stay til 4:40 working or planning). Homeroom teachers have to be at school by 8:30 I believe--I'm supposed to arrive at 8:40. I think that covers the school information/schedule stuff.

After school I walked to the Daiso (dollar store) and got some things for my room, including a shower curtain. My grandpa and dad would be so proud of my engineering ideas. I got hooks to hang on the wall and door in the bathroom to put the curtain up. When I returned to my place, I see the directions for the hooks is to use a lighter to melt the sticky stuff (it wasn't just like a sticker to peel off). Since I don't smoke I started to feel very disappointed thinking I wouldn't be able to hang up my curtain. Then I realized I have my burner I can use! So I did that and voila! Shower curtain up. Iwas supposed to meet my new adoptee friend Giovanni. He's from Italy and I met him at a few things during IKAA Gathering. However, I was just feeling a bit down and didn't think I could go out and be with people. I stayed in; actually I went to the E-Mart and wandered around scoping out different items before heading back to finish unpacking and organizing my things.

Welcome to Nokbon Elementary

I wanted to sleep in a bit but my roommate set her alarm early and I woke up when she did not able to fall back asleep. Just hung around waiting in our room to be called down to return our blankets. Then, it was waiting to be called for our buses to send us each off to our general locations. Our neighbor friend Debbie headed out before us, going to a more southern province. A few of us waited in the hall and talked until they called us down. We loaded up the buses and were given sandwiches and it we were on the road to Seoul. We arrived at the NIIED (partners in sponsoring our jobs) office and saw all our coteachers/school representatives waiting for us.

One of the two vice principals from my school came to pick me up. She drove me to the school and I met the principal and other vice principal and we went for lunch at the school cafeteria. I met my main coteacher Eun Suk. She is basically my "life helper" but we don't actually teach any classes together. She is in her 40's I think. She showed me desk and my textbooks so I paged through them to get some lesson planning ideas. A few of the classes had students that wanted to meet me so they came into our teachers' office and said hello. They were nervous and scared of me. I even heard a few say that they hate English... After my coteacher finished teaching her classes for the day, we left a little early so I could go to my officetel. My principal actually drove us there when he saw we were going to walk. The doorman is very kind and helpful. My bed already had bedding and the school also got a table, chairs, microwave, toaster, clothes drying rack and some dishes for me. The doorman told us all the important stuff about the room and how to set my code for the door (electronic; keyless entry). Then we walked to e-mart (like a Meijer or Walmart) which is about 2 minutes away. We got a few more kitchen tools (school supported--but I think it's from my $300 resettlement fee, which is a bit...disappointing to me because I wanted to use it exactly how I wanted to and from where--instead they got bedding that I didn't pick and got things I might not need-ie toaster...) I also bought some groceries. We unpacked my things and then we ordered delivery food. We ate and then my coteacher left.

 Around 7:30 Bohye and her family came with my bags. It's so hard to believe I came with that much stuff! Haha. But I keep reminding myself I'll be here for a year, not a short stay... We went out for patbingsoo (shaved ice with red beans) and I ordered a lemonade. I treated Bohye's family for being so generous. They left around 9:15 and I set about to unpack. I figured the best way was to just dive in so I dumped everything out of my suitcases and went from there. I worked for about 2 hours and went to bed.

Lesson Planning Presentation and Announcement of Placements

Today was the big day for most everyone. I being the lucky 10% already knew my location. However, I was still a little nervous to hear placements because I wanted to know where all of my friends were going--hoping they'd all end up near me...

We started around 9 and my group was the first to go. I'm glad we were able to get it out of the way. We did pretty well--at the end of the lessons we got feedback and everyone really enjoyed our activities. We finished all 10 lessons by around 4 and then we went to the closing ceremony. That was pretty entertaining. The group of most advanced Korean speakers learned a song and sang it. There were speeches from our class leaders as well. When the ceremony was done, it was off to hear about placements. It turns out a lot of my friends were placed more centrally and I'm a bit further west and north. After this, we had dinner at the cafeteria and it was time to pack and bring luggage downstairs.

Long Day

Today was another long lecture filled day. I'm actually writing this 8/29 trying to remember what happened a few days ago. The last few days really have been a big blur to me.

I know I spent some time with my lesson planning team practicing our lesson. Beyond that, there wasn't anything too exciting.

Finally Friday...

Even though today is Friday, it still feels like we're just trudging through. Tomorrow is yet another full day of lectures and Sunday is the big presentation day plus meeting with our school representatives. Monday is departure day.

In the morning chunk we had lesson planning preparation. We were guided by the woman who is going to be assessing us and it was quite helpful to have her input and have her talk with us as we were creating our objectives and building our lesson. After lunch, back to lectures. Both speakers were very entertaining and gave a lot of really great suggestions and ideas. One was a Korean co-teacher and one teacher in our class is actually her co-teacher! It must have been cool for him to meet his co-teacher early. The second lecture was about classroom management and was also quite entertaining. The teacher was really great. When the first lecture began, I saw a call coming through on my phone--it was my co-teacher! I didn't know what to do, but figured it was more important to sit through the lecture so I declined the call. She called back again! Again I had to decline the call and because I didn't know what else to do, I sent her a text message and told her I was in class.


After dinner, I just relaxed before Korean class--the final one. Eun Suk, my co-teacher called me and I got to talk to her for a few minutes. It turns out our principal is going to be picking me up on Monday because she is working and can't come! It's a little nerve wracking to know I will have 2 hours in the car with the principal--plus I don't know how much English he knows! I asked a question about my 'apartment' as a general term and she responded that it's not an apartment, but an "officetel" which is kind of like a studio and is only 4 stories.

Korean class was fun--we had Hee Su, the Head Team Leader teach our class. He came in and talked about manners and showed us Busan dialect and the difference between it and Seoul. He singled me and a Korean-Canadian and said our school community will expect us to know all the manners because we are "Korean". We had a small party with snacks and OJ to celebrate our last meeting. After class, I walked back with the girl and she asked me what kind of last name I had--she said typically Korean last names are all one syllable: Kim, Park, Lee, Jung, Kwon.... I jokingly asked "you've never heard Anselmino before?" And she answered, "no!" Then I explained that I'm adopted. But it was kind of funny. While walking back we also ran across a big toad on the sidewalk. It reminded me when Emily, Jung Yoon (Jenny) and I were walking around Inje University campus and saw the big toad.

Last Korean Class Party

Field Trip to Seoul

Another early morning-though I suppose I'll need to be getting used to this anyway! We met in front of the main building to load the buses early this morning and were on the way to Seoul. Almost 2 hours later, we arrived at Korea House. I have been to Korea House twice with the Korean Ties Program and with Erin once. It is a performance of traditional Korean dance and music. The dances were very good. Afterwards, we went to Namsan Hanok Village (it was right around the corner from Korea House) which is an example/model of a  traditional Korean village. I had been here 3 times before and it was so hot, my friend Patricia (Korean Canadian) and I decided we would go to a coffee shop and sit in the AC until the time was up. When we went inside we saw two EPIK team leaders also buying coffee and sat and chatted with them a little.

After the village, we went back to Korea House where we had bibimbap (rice and vegetables mixed with a spicy sauce). It was very yummy. From there, we took our bus to Gyeongbok Palace. Another place I've been many times before. Our team leader asked Patricia to translate for her and became our tour guide. After Gyeongbok, we went to the Contemporary History Museum (where I went a few weeks ago). We were all so relieved to be back in AC. Then it was time to load the buses and head back to campus. Patricia and I said we were going to pass out and sleep the 2 hour ride back but the ended up talking the whole way. I'm really glad I happened to overhear her speaking about her F4 visa a few days ago and said something because I'm really starting to become good friends with her. I like her a lot. She was so surprised to find out I am 26 and thought I was 22, the same age as her.

We had dinner in the cafeteria and then my group for lesson planning presentation, Krystal (who has also become a friend) and Sabeena met in my room with me. We did a quick little discussion and worked through some stuff to be better prepared for our planning time tomorrow in class.

It's only 8:30 but I am so ready for bed!!

Drum Performance at Korea House

Bibimbap and other side dishes

Inside Gyeongbok Palace

Patricia being tour guide

8th (but actually 9th or 10th time here!)

Patricia, me and Myrna--if you look closely, you can notice the shadow at the tops of our heads--that is the ceiling. We are sooo tall!

Packed Wednesday

We had a lecture intensive day. At least all of the material was quite helpful and really great information to hear. Most of the speakers also had experience as English Teachers as well, so they were in our places at one point.

In the evening I had my Korean class and it went much better than the previous evening. The 2 gentlemen refrained from correcting the teacher but went so far as to not bring any materials and basically sat with their arms crossed the entire time. Towards the end of class, the main team leader came in and taught us some slang terms (the a fore mentioned young men did not even write these phrases down!). It was much more fun.

After class, I went to Debbie and Gabby's room (our neighbors) and chatted with them for a bit. I skyped with one of my Korean friends and practiced my new slang terms.

All in all it was a pretty tiring day.

Medical Check Day

We had to get up early for our medical checkup today. My class (Seoul group) was the first one to go, which was good because we had to fast/no drinking from 10pm on and we were hungry. My roommate and our neighbor Gabby went to the checkup a little early. We stood by a table in the lobby of the gym building. As it turns out we were waiting in the right spot--we were the first in line. We had to do a urine test, vision test, blood test, blood pressure, weight and height checked, and checked for color blindness. Then we got a muffin and water and went outside to the x-ray vans. They were just to check for TB I think? I remember doing it at Inje University.

I came back to my room and had a long break (9:30-11:30) til lunch was served. After lunch we had another slight break until our first class started at 2. We had 2 classes and found out what level Korean class we would be in. The classes were all very informative and relative to what we need to know. Then we had another break for dinner and it was off to Korean class.

My Korean class was okay. Everyone placed in the class definitely had varying degrees of Korean knowledge--it was not assessed properly. Our quiz was hardly a quiz. Anyway, there were 2 young gents (one from UK and one from US) that were know-it-all's and were quite rude and overtook the class. At one point the guy from the UK took the marker and got up in front of class and basically corrected our native Korean Korean teacher. He's been studying Korean for 2 years by himself. It was so rude and uncalled for. I was talking to a girl next to me--she was very lost in the class because she really only knew a few words at all. So as the 2 guys were directing class and ordering what content was being covered, I helped the other new friend with basic skills.

When class was over, I met the roommates just down the hall with Kim. One is from Wales and I don't remember where the other one is from--she didn't really talk with us. Then Debbie and Gabby (next door) came and talked with Kim and me for a really long time.

Big News Day! A week early!

Instead of building up anticipation and going through the entire day's events to get to the big news... I'll just skip to the good stuff......

After dinner I checked my email and I had an email from my co-teacher! Before even thoroughly reading through the note, I spotted the name of the school and nervously put it into google maps. It is a bit further north and west than I was hoping, but by subway only about 35 minutes from church. So, the name of my school is Nokbun Elementary and I will be teaching 5th and 6th graders. If you search Eunpyeong-gu in google maps it will give you the general location--I haven't been given specific details of the school or where I am living yet.

It's pretty exciting to find out my school because apparently only 10% of teachers are contacted by their schools ahead of time. It takes a lot of the nervous anticipation for the end of orientation. I'm glad I know where I will be, but am a little sad I'm so far away from all of my friends.

In other news of the day, we had a campus tour that did not last very long. Lunch. A opening ceremony that consisted of some important people speaking, a taekwondo performance, and a cultural lecture by a very entertaining and amusing professor (Canadian) from Korea University. Then we split into our "classes" which is divided by city/region. Seoul is the largest with about 60, so we are further divided into A and B (but will meet together for most things). We then had our class meeting which gave some general information. Afterwards we had a short break before dinner.

Now, I'm working on an introduction email to my co-teacher and getting hydrated for our medical test tomorrow. After midnight we can't drink any more water so I'm trying to fill up. 

So amazing he could not only jump that high but also break two boards!!!

Welcoming Ceremony--President of NIIED

All our Team Leaders

Start of Orientation

I left the guesthouse this morning and got a cab to Seoul Station. It was a lot cheaper than I was expecting so that was nice. I arrived at the station and had to find the express rail to Incheon Airport. I was pretty lucky because I didn't realize it had a light schedule of trains and only waited 10 minutes; if I had been 11 minutes late, I wouldn't have departed Seoul until 10:30. (My goal was to arrive at the airport at 11--and I was at the EPIK desk at 11:05) Anyway, the express rail was nice--if I don't have anyone to take me to/from the airport ever, I would use that I think. It was around 5,000W maybe so a lot less expensive than a limousine bus.

I found the EPIK desk--alllll the way at the other end of the airport. I 'checked in' and waited for a bus to arrive; about 20 teachers got on the bus and it was about 1 1/2 hours to ride to the university we're staying at (Daejin University), north of Seoul. We arrived and did registration. We got our name tags that we are required to wear 24/7, a room key/dormitory assignment, a goodie bag (with a regular sized towel!, two hand towels, a tshirt, water bottle, adapter, soap, toilet paper, and our 'textbook') and a map of our dormitory. Then back on the bus to get dropped off at our dorms. The male students are in one dormitory and the females are all together in another.

My roommate was the young woman standing in line behind me-her name is Kim and she's from Vancouver. We settled in a little and unpacked. Someone knocked on our door--it was a few other of the girls and they wanted to go find the convenience store on campus. I remembered seeing one close to our dorm so we went there, but it was closed. There was also one under the men's dorm so we walked waaay over there and grabbed some food to have for the week that we're here.

Dinner was at 6:30. My roommate and I went down a little before 6:30 with the girls next door-Debbie and Gabriella. We got our food and sat down. All of a sudden there was a huuuge line--the guys had all arrived all at once (the coordinators/workers walked them over to the cafeteria). So we lucked out in beating the gigantic rush. There was salad, kimchi, some acorn jelly salad, fish sticks (but not in sticks, but that kind of fish), pork bulgogi, rice, fish soup, watermelon and black tea. If you know me well, you can probably guess what I ate. We stayed in the dining hall for awhile, chatting with people around us. Then we came up and showed each other pictures of our families and doggies.

Just going to be hanging out until I feel tired. Tomorrow breakfast is served between 7:30-8:40. But we don't have anything until 10. So I've decided if I wake up in time for breakfast I'll go, otherwise I will just have a yogurt drink and be ready for the campus tour at 10.

Last pit stop before I get my apartment!

Last day of "Vacation"

I called it my last day of vacation because tomorrow is the start of the 8 day orientation and right after that I will start teaching. It's such a strange feeling knowing that I'll be working here and having more responsibilities than showing up for a class with homework done.

I had a slow start to my morning; showering, messaging people and trying to decide what I wanted to do. I figured since I went shopping yesterday I didn't need to go again. I've seen many museums already (as proven the day I met Hyunha and Seonhye) but even though it was hot, I decided I would go to a park.

The park I chose was in Jamsil, which is in a rather wealthy area, near the Olympic Campus/Park area. It was also near Lotte World--which is a hotel, shopping center and amusement park. Actually, the park I chose went around a lake that was an island that had part of Lotte World amusement park. Then I walked around Lotte World a bit. I decided I was so close to the Olympic Park I would go there too. Amanda and I visited there last year, but I figured I've seen many places more than once and since I'm down there might as well. When I was leaving to find the subway, I passed one area that was called "Rose Plaza" or something, but it was a beautiful rose garden.

Back at the guesthouse I packed and chatted with my friend Tae Yang from Denmark. He was traveling to Busan to visit his mother in the morning and leaving Korea next Sunday; since I won't be back to Seoul until Monday, I won't see him again.

Lotte World!

Ducks around the pond

Lotte World Amusement Park

The other side of the pond-was shaped like an 8

Inside Lotte world--top floor more amusement park rides; middle floor restaurants and shopping; bottom-ice skating rink and more restaurants

Olympic Park

Peace Flame--located in the middle of the structure in the above photo

I had to include this one--just a little kid driving his car

Interesting sculpture

In the rose garden

Rose

Shopping Day

I skyped with my Mom and Grandpa in the morning. I also did my laundry. The best part about doing laundry at KoRoot--the dryer! They actually have a real dryer! AMAZING! I of course splurged and spent the extra 2,000W to dry my clothes!! I'm actually wondering if I can come and do laundry here all the time....

We had lunch, which was chicken bulgogi. Then I went out to wander a bit. I was supposed to meet Mina, the student from Inje I met with Ginger and Tommy during the Gathering, but she had to cancel so I was wondering what I would do in the evening. I contacted my friend Min Kyung, So thinking she probably wouldn't be able to meet because she would go home and spend time with her husband, but she said she had no plans after work! First I went back to Insadong because when I was there on Monday I didn't feel well I didn't look much at the things. I found a new wallet to replace the one that was stolen when I left Korea in December. Then I walked to Jongak Station where they have underground shopping. I looked a lot but didn't buy anything. I met up with Min Kyung and we walked to a restaurant that was tofu stew--where I went with a few adoptees during the Gathering, but unfortunately it was closed! (For the holiday season) So we picked a restaurant next to it and had a cold noodle soup. After dinner Min Kyung asked me if I liked "bing soo". Typically bing soo is served with "pat" which is red beans, but Min Kyung doesn't like pat either. She heard of a place that had chocolate bing soo in Myeongdong, so we went there. It was so delicious! There was chocolate ice cream and it was chocolate shaved ice with chunks of chocolate type cake and walnuts. When we finished eating we walked around and shopped a little. I finally found a pair of shoes-they are comfortable and dressy. I also bought a dress and nail polish.

Unfortunately I forgot my camera's card so I wasn't able to take any pictures today. I was so disappointed, but there wasn't anything I could do about it.

East Sea Bros

Today's plan was to meet my friend Han Su (Hansy) for lunch. My other friend from Inje, Jeong Kwan came up from Busan to meet everyone today too. It is a national holiday; the day Korea gained independence from Japan in 1945. Anyway, I thought I was running late but arrived right on time. I came up out of the subway and there was Jeong Kwan! I didn't know he was coming to lunch so I was very surprised to see him there! We waited for Hansy who arrived a few minutes later--from listening to him tell the story later a few times in Korean, I gathered that he was looking for Jeong Kwan and went upstairs and downstairs of the Burger King and Mc Donald's trying to find him. It was drizzling a bit when we started walking to the restaurant for lunch, but after a 5 minute walk, it had stopped and the sun was shining.

Hansy had asked me what I wanted to eat and I picked dak galbi (which is like a spicy chicken stir fry you cook in front of you). We went and ate a lot! Then we took a taxi to meet the leader of the "East Sea" group, Seok Hyun. He has started a non-profit organization to learn about other countries/cultures and have an exchange and discussion with people from other places--with a small emphasis on the East Sea issue. Friday, he leaves with another group for 2 months to work on this project, SAYUL (Share all Your Universal Links); they are traveling in Eastern Europe. We went to their office and helped pack/organize and hangout. I also proof-read some things for them. Around 5 Sungmin came and joined us--Sungmin, Han Su, and Jeong Kwan did the "original East Sea" tour with Seok Hyun last year. Their 5th memeber, Young Tae is studying in New Zealand so he wasn't able to make it--but we did call him a few times and talk to him. We went for BBQ for dinner and ate so, so, so much food! The guys all wanted ice cream after but I had to say no. We chatted a little more and then everyone had to go their separate ways. I was surprised how calm Seok Hyun was--the big suitcases were still not packed and it was 9pm and they leave the next day...I would be stressing majorly. Jeong Kwan left with Hansy so he could get a train back to Busan. Sungmin drove me to Gangnam where I met up with Seon and his cousin.

When Seon and his cousin arrived, Seon told me that I could practice my Korean--his cousin started speaking in Korean and I had to tell him to slow down. So for about 5 minutes they pretended that he couldn't speak English and then finally let me in on their little prank. We decided to go bowling and walked to the place. It was a lot of fun--we played 3 games in all. Then we got our bill and it was almost $100! The prices listed were written like this-- 1.5 for a drink. We thought 1.5 = W1,500 but it actually meant W15,000! Ouch. Seon was very nice and paid the largest chunk-he apologized and said he didn't realize it was going to be so expensive. We went to get coffee and then went our separate ways. Seon leaves Korea on Friday too.

At lunch with Han Su and Jeong Kwan

Seok Hyun and Hansu

Jeong Kwan hard at work

Two new members preparing/practicing music

Seok Hyun, Sungmin, Jeong Kwan, Hansu and me

Seon and his cousin at the bowling alley

Immigration and Ji

My task for today was to go to get my F4 Visa card remade since my wallet was stolen in December and I needed a new card. I had contacted my friend Sungmin (aka Ji) and asked if he could come along as my interpreter. He agreed, even though he works and I was so thankful! I was running a little late so I ran almost the whole way there. I was wearing a dress and sandals (at least not heels!) but I did manage to rub the skin of 2 toes. Anyway, I made it there and got a number and Sungmin arrived a few minutes later. There were around 100 people waiting in the "residency" line. The F4 visa only had 4 people ahead of me. We waited maybe 15 minutes before we talked to an officer. I had to take a new picture because the one I wanted to use had a grey background and they wanted it to be a white background. I used the photobooth in the waiting room and poof- I had 6 passport sized photos. Sungmin and I returned to the officer and got everything all settled. In 2 weeks I can return and pick up my new card. It was rather painless, but I'm very glad Sungmin went along with me. He helped explain that my card was lost/stolen and my situation of being in Korea and why I don't have an address yet.

We left the office and he asked what I wanted for lunch. I suggested a few things and he decided we'd just go drive somewhere. He is working as a salesman for a medical company so he goes and sells medicine and stuff to pharmacies and businesses. Sungmin has a company car that he can use any and all the time. We went across town and went to a mall complex to a food court and got fried rice. After we finished eating, he had to go meet a colleague because he needed to drop some stuff off to him...except Sungmin forgot the things he needed. So we drove to the company warehouse and got the medicine stuff and then went to go meet the colleague. It was at another mall complex called "Star City" and Sungmin said very rich people shop there and there's a lot more personalized services offered to shoppers there. First we went to the E-Mart and looked at their petshop area and saw the little dogs for sale. Then we went to Krispy Kreme and got "coffee" (I use this term loosely for anytime I go to a coffee shop with friends-they usually get coffee and I get juice or tea) and received a free donut because Sungmin ordered an Americano. Sungmin kept getting phone calls (he was very disappointed because Thurs is a holiday and he had expected to take a rest in the afternoon, but his appointments kept changing) and he realized he'd have to go do more work so he drove us to the complex we at lunch at and walked me to the subway there.

While on the subway, I contemplated what to do. Originally I thought I would just go back to the guesthouse and rest because I had dinner plans with someone there and then plans with our soccer team, but I realized that I didn't have the energy to walk the 15 minutes to the guesthouse to be there for a little and then go back out again. So I took the subway to Ewha Women's University area to do some shopping. While on the way, one of the adoptees I had talked with last night, Seon, messaged me and asked me what I was up to. I told him I was going shopping and he said he would join because he needed headphones. I arrived about 20 minutes before him so I was able to do a little bit of looking before he came, but didn't buy anything. We walked around the area but I felt funny doing any kind of 'serious' shopping with a guy in tow. Then we walked to Sincheon area (one subway stop away) because that's where I was meeting Tae yang, another adoptee for dinner. Seon and I waited in the Mc Donald's, or "Mackies" as Seon calls it--he's from Australia. He ordered some snacks and we talked while we waited for Tae yang. When Tae yang arrived, he said some other guys were getting together for dinner too--and I realized it was the same group I was meeting! Since that group was meeting for dinner, we decided not to eat...much. Seon really wanted to try Taco Bell (they don't have them in Australia--and they don't have them in Denmark where Tae yang lives) so...we went to Taco Bell. And they ordered a party pack with 9 tacos. I had 2 and that was plenty; the guys split the rest. We talked in Taco Bell and waited until it was time to meet the other group.

We arrived first and waited for everyone else to show up. Apparently there was yet another group of adoptees meeting in that location to go for dinner too. After everyone arrived, we had about 17-20 people. The main reason we met was because our team player, Katie, is returning to the US on Friday. So most of the group was our soccer team plus significant others and friends. Off we went to a BBQ place, but I didn't eat because I was still quite full from our taco run. It was a lot of fun hanging out with everyone. After we ate, Stefano, one of our Italian friends wanted to go to Noraebang (karaoke) so he went to go find a place that could accommodate our large group. We sang for probably 3 hours or so. It was also fun, but very loud. When it was time to go, we had to take a taxi, but there were 2 others going to the guesthouse with me so we could split the fare. I guess I knew the most Korean and had to sit in front. The taxi driver was very chatty and again I was forced to test my knowledge and try and make conversation.

Sungmin busy on the phone figuring out his schedule

Seon and Tae yang excited for the Taco Bell experience

From here all the way to the back-our group for dinner

Saying goodbye to Katie

Hwa Sun and Jaebin

I hung around the guesthouse long enough to get lunch. We had bibimbap and my eyes were bigger than my stomach. I was so excited to see all the vegetables that I really loaded up and then couldn't finish everything. (I put lots of mushroom, onion, carrots and cucumber/zucchini in my dish.)

After lunch I went to Gwanghwamun Plaza again to take pictures of all the Korean flower-trees. While I was taking a picture, an older Korean man (ajushi) spoke to me in Korean, saying, "aren't they pretty?" and I agreed. Then he talked about the weather too. He was dressed in traditional royal clothes and was carrying a Korean flag, a fancy hat, a sign and a bag of other traditional clothing items. It looked like he had come from Gyeongbok Palace (which is right behind the plaza) but I don't think he was with them. Anyway, he put his hat on me and took a picture of me. I always love these random meetings that give me an opportunity to practice my Korean.

I walked on to Myeongdong to do a little shopping, but didn't see anything. Then it was time to head to Hwa Sun's house! I arrived at her apartment and as usual, I lucked out and someone was leaving as I was arriving so I was able to get into her building. When she opened the door a small white ball of fur came flying out and yapped at me. They are dogsitting her parent's dog, Hanuel (sky, heaven) for a few days. She is so tiny, Toby could eat her for breakfast! We visited a little and I gave Jaebin his Ninjago lego present. Right away he started putting it together--he was also very excited because apparently there are 5 characters and this was the last one he needed to complete the 'set' and have all 5! After he finished putting the lego thing together, we went for "patbingsu" which is shaved ice with red beans. Well Jaebin doesn't like red beans (and I'm actually not crazy about them either) so we all basically had shaved ice. :) Hwa Sun also ordered a cheesecake as well. We returned to their house and visited a little. Her husband came home from work; he's had some stomach pain so he didn't visit long and didn't come to dinner with us. We had jjimdak (which is the chicken stew Bohye's mom made for me) and it was soo good!

When I got back to the guesthouse, there were many of the adoptees hanging out and talking in the lounge. I decided I would join them and stayed up very late talking with everyone. It was such a unique experience; I really enjoyed it. 

Gyeongbok Palace

National flower of Korea as far as you can see

Mugunghwa (name of the flower)

My new friend

Wearing the hat

Tree trimmed in the shape of Korea!

Statue of Admiral Yi and kids playing in the water fountain

Jaebin and me

Hwa Sun with our dinner

Not a case of the Mondays

I did not sleep very well, but it could be due to the fact this is the 6th bed in 11 days that I have slept in. I skyped with my Mom and then later my Grandpa. It was so good to see both of them. :)

I just hung out in the guesthouse until 12:30 when the free lunch was served. Everyone in the house gathered for the meal. The cook made curry and a pickle soup and also had some vegetable side dishes. After lunch I went walking even though it was pretty hot. I went to Insadong (which is the traditional artsy area--lots of pottery, fans and then also souvenirs) and then took the subway to meet my friend Katie. I started to not feel very well and at one point on the subway I must have looked so in pain that a grandfather asked/told me that I looked like I was very sick/in pain. He then went to someone sitting down and told them to get up because I was hurting. I met Katie and she helped me find some medicine. We went to a cafe to sit down. Then I felt better. We went into a few stores and then went to her gym.

At her gym, we dinked around a little bit, waiting for a workout class to begin. I had my muscle/fat measured and according to their machine and the results, I'm below the average muscle mass--so I'd better start pumping some iron! The trainer also told me I should eat more protein. The class was pretty intense--the hardest were the ab exercises that we did. After class, Katie walked me to the station and I made my way back to the guesthouse.

Back to Seoul Sunday

I slept really well last night. When I got up, Jungyoon and I had bread. Then we just hung out and watched tv. Her parents drove me to the bus station and her dad gave me an envelope of money. They also gave me a lot of advice about teaching in the car. ^.^ It was sad to say goodbye, but I’m sure I will see them all again.

The bus ride was not very eventful. I didn’t sleep except for the last maybe 30 minutes of the ride. I arrived in Seoul and I was struck by how busy and how many people there are mashing about. I forgot how rude and pushy people in Seoul are. The southern part of Korea is much more laid back and people are friendlier and I think a little more kind. They are not so busy and ‘go-go-go’. 

I hopped on the subway to get to the station near the guesthouse. My friend suggested I not walk to the guesthouse but either take a bus or get a taxi; and Jungyoon’s dad told me to take a taxi with the money from him because it is too hot to be walking so much with my heavy bags. I got a taxi and called the office to tell the taxi driver how to get here. When I arrived, Mrs. Jung, the ‘house ajuma’ was waiting in the alley for me. She helped me with my bags, but funnily enough, it was my lightest one. Anyway, I was shown how to enter through all the doors and everything and given a tour of the guesthouse. 

I decided it wouldn’t be too bad to walk back to the subway to get to church because I wasn’t carrying much with me. I went to church and after, I met with my soccer team for dinner. One of the players is returning to Italy at the end of the week and he wanted everyone to get together. The group played today, but with church and my toe, I decided I would pass and wait a few more weeks (next week is the start of my orientation and the following week I’ll still be at orientation).  While I was at Jungyoon’s house, she had me put on some medicine (some kind of iodine?) that is supposed to help with the discoloration from the bruising and maybe it helps some other way too. I’m not really sure, but her dad also strongly recommended to me that I use it, so I did. The team and I went to an all you can eat grill your own meat buffet. I didn't eat much because I sat with the Italian (Soo Bok) and his wife and they are vegetarian. I had to use a grill on a different table and it was a little awkward reaching around the guy sitting next to me.

View outside Bentley's room

View from the living room--the big roundish building on the right is a soccer stadium

Bentley's room

Jenny's mom, me, Jenny, and her dad

Family Day

Originally we planned to leave to see Bentley around 10:30 or so, but Jungyoon’s Grandmother wanted to meet me and her mom had to stop over at her Grandma’s, so we went there earlier instead. Her grandmother was so sweet and cute when she greeted me. She gave me a big hug and said she recognized me from pictures. Jungyoon’s aunt was there too. She had made some dolls out of character socks and let me pick one to have. We left and her Grandma waved to us from out the window—she called down to us getting in the car. Jungyoon said ever since she was little, her Grandma always made a big deal of saying goodbye. 

We went to McDonald’s to get Bentley a hamburger, but it was so early they only had the breakfast menu, so we got breakfast sandwiches instead. We arrived at his military base and Jungyoon signed in for us. Then the office calls to Bentley and he has to take a shuttle bus to the meeting place. He arrived finally and looked much older with his short military haircut and because he lost some weight. Jungyoon’s mom could only stay a little while because she had to go back and help prepare for the Grandma’s birthday. Jungyoon and I visited with Bentley for almost 4 hours. We also ordered fried chicken to have for lunch. 

Around 3:15 we said our goodbyes and headed to the hair salon. I got my hair cut and permed and Jungyoon got her hair trimmed. I think it turned out pretty well. It took a really long time at the hair salon and when we were finished Jungyoon and I walked to her house. We had enough time to cool off and then we went to pick up her cousin and aunt to take to the restaurant for Grandma’s birthday. 

When we arrived at the restaurant, there were extended family members there—wives and sons/daughters/children in laws of her grandfather. Her grandfather and grandmother arrived and then her grandfather’s brother as well. We grilled samgypsal (pork) and then also had galbi (another kind of meat). There was so much food! After Koreans finish grilling, they will usually get a stew and rice (and in the summer neygmyeon—which is noodle soup, cold with ice in it); Jungyoon and I both passed because we were so full. Towards the end of the meal and before the after stew/soups came, some of the older relatives started singing and dancing a little. They made me stand up and I had to pick a Korean song to sing. The only one I really knew was a song I learned at Inje University. It was pretty ugly. Then it was time to leave and we sent off all the older relatives; Jungyoon, her cousin and I walked back home. We stopped at Baskin Robbins for ice cream to go. When Jungyoon and I got home, we watched some tv. There is a popular show right now with celebrity dad’s and their child(ren). They go on little trips/adventures with little competitions or tasks to complete. One actor is from a drama my mom and I watched together.

Grandma waving goodbye!

Inside the meeting room--the only place the guys can meet friends or family members on base

Bentley!

Jenny, Bentley and me

Bentley reunited with his sock from America!

Jenny, Bentley, me and "Mom"

Saying bye to Bentley

Family

Jenny's family--the man on the left is Jenny's dad

Grandfather singing

 

Jenny and me--new hair do's!

Jenny's Aunt

Jenny's Great Uncle and her Grandpa

Jenny's Grandma, me and her Aunt

Jenny, her Grandpa and me